The Austin Villager
Transcription
The Austin Villager
Presorted Standard U.S. Postage Paid Austin, Texas Permit No. 01949 TPA TEXAS www.TheAustinVillager.com PUBLISHERS ASSOCIATION This paper can be recycled Vol. 43 No. 34 Phone: 512-476-0082 Email: [email protected] January 8, 2016 REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT ON INSIDE RECOMMENDATIONS ON GUN SAFETY by: Special to the AFRO RAPPIN’ Tommy Wyatt Fasten Your Seat Belts! For the African American community, we are facing the most active part of the year. It is a time when we focus on celebrating the life and times of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the Civil Rights movement. MLK Day will be observed January 18, 2016. There will be a number of events that are being sponsored by a number of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), including our local Huston Tillotson University in Austin (See complete list of activities in the article posted in this week’s issue). There will also be the traditional March and Celebration. We will then move into February where we will celebrate Black History Month. Some ask why we celebrate for one month out of the year, rather than every day? That is like asking Why don’t we celebrate Christmas all year long or any other holiday that is observed. The reason is that we do celebrate all year long, but it is in February that we give special attention to our history. If we elemininated this celebration, or any other annual celebration, it would eventually make the whole thing meaningless as we forget small parts of our history daily. It is up to each of us to teach our family history to our family. However, it is important to show how that history is a part of the overall history of the race and the community. Everyone on this planet plays a part in the overall history of the community. However, it is not done in a vacuum. We have to work together to move the community forward. While everyone is not famous, the role that each of us play is important. We would like to know the role your family played in improving the community. We will be dedicating the entire month of February to Black History. We invite you to send us information on your family members who have made a valuable contribution to this community. Our first issue will be published on Friday, February 5 and each Friday in February. When possible, please send photos. THE PRESIDENT: Happy New Year, everybody. Before the New Year, I mentioned that I had given the charge to my Attorney General, FBI Director, Deputy Director at the ATF, and personnel at my White House to work together to see what more we could do to prevent a scourge of gun violence in this country. I think everybody here is all too familiar with the statistics. We have tens of thousands of people every single year who are killed by guns. We have suicides that are committed by firearms at a rate that far exceeds other countries. We have a frequency of mass shootings that far exceeds other countries in frequency. And although it is my strong belief that for us to get our complete CUTTING DEEP - During a press conference, Tuesday, January 5, 2016, at the White House, President Obama displayed rare raw emotion when talking about the countless lives lossed, including a class full of 1st graders at Sandy Hook Elementary School of Newtown, Connecticut in 2012, to gun violence throughout the United States of America. arm around the problem Congress needs to act, what I asked my team to do is to see what more we could do to strengthen our enforcement and prevent guns from falling into the wrong hands to make sure that criminals, people who are mentally unstable, those who could pose a danger to themselves or others are less likely to get them. And I’ve just received back a report from Attorney General Lynch, Director Comey, as well as Deputy Director Brandon about some of the ideas and initiatives that they think can make a difference. And the good news is, is that these are not only recommendations that are well within my legal authority and the exSee RECOMMENDATIONS, page 6 Prestigious social club honors Rep. Dawnna Dukes. See YEARS Page 2 Medical premiums to surge by 6.5 percent in 2016. See SPECIAL Page 5 Texas activists outraged by Grand Jury’s ruling. See RICE Page 6 The Masked Saint Film Releases January 8 Naomi Richard | The Austin Villager Masked Saint revolves around the life of Chris Samuels (Brett Granstaff, “Set Up”, “Vice”), a professional wrestler and family man who realizes he needs something more. His calling to become a pastor prompts him to retire from wrestling and move with his wife (Lara Jean Chorostecki, “Hannibal”, and “Copper”) and daughter (T.J. McGibbon, “Lucky 7”) to a small town. Yet the battles he faced in the ring are minor compared to the challenges he must overcome at his new church. From an overbearDiahann Carroll as Miss Edna in The Masked Saint. Media Photo See MISS EDNA, page 3 Local Author featured in Book Signing Event AUSTIN, TX - Author Selena Sage spoke at a Book Signing Event featuring her new book, Meditative Questions: Zen + Tao Inspired. The event was held on Dec. 23rd at the Asian American Resource Center of Austin and was attended by over fifty people. Ms. Sage discussed Zen and Taoist philosophies which originated in India, Japan and China. The author addressed the audience about the creative process she used to write the book and noted that the intention of the book is to inspire readers to find answers to life’s questions within. The author began her remarks by describing her experiences as a business executive for several tech companies which allowed her to travel extensively throughout Asia for several years. Selena wrote Meditative Questions during her most recent trip to Asia. She noted, “I have been inspired by Zen and Taoist philosophy for a long time, I began studying it when I was 10 years old.” Selena added, “Meditative Questions was written so that the reader is not guided to a concluSee MEDITATIVE QUESTIONS, page 3 HT to Participate in Historic, National Martin Luther King, Jr. Civic Engagement Effort (AUSTIN, Texas) Huston-Tillotson University, in partnership with nine other Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the southeast region, will commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through community service. The colleges and universities will collaboratively engage in the nation’s largest day of civic engagement, reflecting King’s legacy to build capacity, invest in community solutions, create collaborations that value diSee 60,000, page 8 Selena Sage Page 2 ~ THE VILLAGER/January 8, 2016 THE COMMUNIQUÉ www.theaustinvillager.com Dukes Recognized for 25 Years of Service with The Group THE GROUP’S ALL HERE: Pictured left-to- right: Kenneth Thompson; Sheriff Greg Hamilton; Rep Dawnna Dukes; David Williams; Ron Stewart; Barbara Foreman; Arthur Hargis; Seth Fowler; and Donnie Little. Photo Courtesy of Dr. General Marshall (Austin, TX) – During its 27th annual Holiday Extraordinaire, The Group recognized Representative Dawnna Dukes for her longevity and distinguished service as a member of The Group. During the presentation, Dukes joked that she was only two years of age when she was recruited by charter member founder Barbara Foreman. Don Diego, the popular and versatile band from Dallas, provided live entertainment for the more than 600 guests who attended the holiday event. Local crooners, “Class Act,” sang a medley of hits by the Temptations, and the most popular Christmas songs, including the bass-laden “Silent Night.” It was obvious that all guests had a great time, as the over-sized dance floor barely accommo- dated the huge crowd, which included HustonTillotson University President Dr. Colette Pierce Burnett and husband Dr. Daarel Burnette. The Group is a private social club, and is comprised of individuals from corporate, government and professional backgrounds. For more information about The Group, please e-mail: [email protected]. www.theaustinvillager.com Weight Watchers Stock Soars as Oprah Ad Begins to Air by: The Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) - Weight Watchers is getting another boost from Oprah Winfrey. The weight loss company’s shares soared Wednesday as a TV commercial starring Winfrey began to air. The commercial shows past videos of Winfrey working out and referencing her struggle with weight, a frequent topic of her former talk show. The ad ends with Winfrey asking viewers if they’re ready to join her. “Let’s do this together,” she says. She tweeted the ad to her more than 30 million followers on Tuesday. Weight Watchers stock has more than tripled since October, when Winfrey bought a 10 percent stake in the New York company. Besides the new ads, Weight Watchers has also made changes to its plans to better fit in with Winfrey’s message of living a healthy and happier life, and not just focusing on weight loss. Shares of Weight Watchers International Inc. jumped $3.68, or 19 percent, to close Wednesday at $23.05. Weight Watchers brought in Winfrey at a precarious time for the company. It has been hurt by the popularity of fitness trackers and free food-tracking apps. City of Austin - Economic Development Department Small Business Program Alternative Access to Capital for Small Businesses LiftFund (formerly Accion) will present on the general criteria for microloans and SBA large loans, and how the SBA, banks, and alternative lending institutions work together to provide business owners with the capital they need to launch or grow their businesses. The Small Business Program will present opportunities within the Family Business Loan Program for small business expansion and job creation in Austin. FREE Registration January 20th 10 AM - 11:30 AM http://www.austintexas.gov/event/alternativeaccess-capital-small-businesses Villager Youth Brigade will be taking sponsorships starting summer of 2015.Your support has been much appreciated over the years. Please continue to invest in Austin’s youth. We look forward to another successful year with some promising students. FMI Call 512-476-0082 La Génération des Vainqueurs Ministry Church Prophetess Stephanie N’Cho Associate Pastor Tuesday - Friday: 3pm -10pm Walking and Appointment Wednesday Bible Study | 7:45pm Friday Prayer |7:45pm Sunday Service | 10:00am THE BULLETIN Despite recent gains in the stock, it is still down about 8 percent from a year ago. Winfrey is on the new plan and she said in an October appearance on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” that she lost 15 pounds in a few months. While she slims down, her wallet is getting fatter. Back in October, Winfrey paid about $43.2 million for her 10 percent stake in Weight Watchers. That stake is now worth more than $148 million. Some say, “Meditative Questions provides a pathway to inner peace” continued from page 1 GRACEWAY CHRISTIAN CHURCH The VILLAGER Country Boyz Fixin’s 4140 E. 12th Street, Austin, TX 78721 Featuring Fish, Poboys, Hot Wings, Pork Chops, Homemade Gumbo, Shrimp and Alligator DINE IN OR ORDER TO GO Mon - Friday 11 am - 8 p.m. Saturday - 12 noon - 8 p.m. Closed Sunday Call (512) 928-5555 DOUBLE sion. It is a tool to help the reader interpret profound questions for themselves.” In her presentation, Ms. Sage also read several passages from the book and guided the audience in an exercise that demonstrated how one might use the book in their meditation. “Meditative Questions provides a pathway to inner peace,” said attendee Loretta Edelen. “I have followed Selena’s work on her SelenaSage.com website for several years.” “I use the questions from the book to think about concepts like worry and what is enough,” stated Edelen. “After reading her blog posts, I have a more positive attitude. After thinking about the questions posed in the book, I feel like a more creative problem solver.” She added that it was exciting to hear Selena speak in Austin and that she will continue to use Meditative Questions for introspection. Meditative Questions is available at ZenTaoBooks.com and Amazon.com. “R” GROCERY *We cash ALL Tax Refund*Checks *Check Out 450l East Martin Luther King Blvd. Ebenezer Baptist Church 1010 East 10th Street 512-478-1875 Fax 512-478-1892 Bus Ministry Call 512-478-1875 Sunday Services Worship Service Sunday School Discipleship Training Worship Service 8:00 A.M. 9:00 A.M. 10:00 A.M. 11:00 A.M. Wednesday Midweek Prayer Service 7:00 P.M. Child Development Center Ages 0-5 years (Daily) 512-478-6709 Dr. Ricky Freeman, Pastor Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church Diahann Carroll plays Miss Edna, an elderly woman sharing her wisdom through a book of writings CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 ing congregant (Patrick McKenna, “The Rick Mercer Report”, and “Red Green Show”) and failing attendance to mounting bills for church repairs, Samuels has his hands full. Samuels finds an ally in Miss Edna (Diahann Carroll, “White Collar”, “Dynasty”), an elderly woman who gives him sage advice and shares her wisdom in a book of writings. Unbeknownst to him, she is also a wrestling fan and encourages him to use his talents to take action tricking him into reconnecting with his old colleagues including a shady wrestling promoter (Roddy Piper, “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”, “WWE Smackdown”). Afterwards, when Samuels stumbles onto a fight on the seedy side of town, his wrestling skills take down the assailant and a masked vigilante is born. In order to raise some funds, Samuels returns to the ring professionally, and things begin to seemingly improve for the church. His life as a pastor and wrestler soon take up most of his time though – not to mention Samuels’ shrouded crime fighter is now being sought by the police. His talent, as well as his violent secret identity, begins to overshadow his calling as a Pastor and it takes his faith, family and Miss Edna to remind him about grace, goodness and the truth. The Masked Saint Film is scheduled to open January 8. To learn more, visit www.themaskedsaint.com. 5900 Cameron Road Austin, Texas 78723-1843 (512) 451-0808 (512) 302-4575 Fax Web Site - www.themount.net WORSHIP SERVICES Sunday Worship - 7:45 a.m. & 11 a.m. Church School - 9:45 a.m. Bible Studies - Mon, 6:30 p.m. & Wed., 12 noon Wednesday Night Worship - 7 p.m . “Ministries For Mankind” Luke 4:18 A.W.. Anthony Mays, Senior Pastor Agape Baptist Church In “The Centre” Bldg. F-15 7801 N. Lamar Blvd. (SE Corner of N Lamar and 183) AGAPE is a chuch for all people. “Where Jesus Christ is Magnified and the love He exhibited is Exemplified.” Come, receive God’s unconditional lovefor you. For there is no greater love! Church Services Sunday School Sunday Worship Send your information to [email protected] or call 512-476-0082 Olive Branch Fellowship of Austin / All Faith Chapel 4110 Guadalupe St Bldg #639 Austin, TX 78751 This life, therefore, is not righteousSunday Morning ness, but growth in righteousness; not health, Worship @ 11: am but healing; not being, but becoming; not rest, but exercise. We are not yet what we shall be, but we are growing toward it. The process is not yet finished, but it is going on. This is not the end, but it is the road. All does not yet gleam in glory, but all is being purified. --- Martin Luther Kenneth Hill, Pastor Romans 5:1 Therefore,having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ St. Peter’s United Methodist Church 4509 Springdale Road Austin, Tx 78723 Office 512- 926-1686 Fax 512-929-7281 Christian Web Sitestpetersaustintx.ning.com [email protected] JOIN US This SUNDAY / THURSDAY @ 12424 Scofield Farms Drive, Austin, TX 78758 (By Parmer Lane Baptist Church building, behind Wells Fargo) THE PLACE WHERE WE STEP OUT ON FAITH. COME AND STEP OUT ON FAITH WITH US SUNDAYS 10:30 A.M., THURSDAYS 7:30 P.M. Experience Grace For Life Rev. Jack C. Gause Pastor Sunday School 8:45 a.m. Praise and Worship 10:15 a.m. Wednesday Bible Study 12:00 p.m. and Praise /Bible Study 6:30 p.m. (to include Children’s Choir Rehersaland Bible Study with age appropiate Activities) 9:30 AM 11:00 AM Mid-Week Service Thursday: Praise, Prayer and Bible Study 7:00 PM Call 454-1547 for Transporation Website www.agapebcaustintx.com Rev. H. Ed Calahan Pastor A Ministry That Ministers Globalizing the Gospel Edward M. Fleming, Sr. Pastor OLIVET BAPTIST CHURCH Visit our website @ www.obcaus.org 1179 San Bernard Street, Austin, TX 78702, 512-478-7023 Sunday Morning Bible Study, 9:00 A.M. Sunday Morning Worship, 10:15 A.M. DAVID CHAPEL Missionary Baptist Church SUNDAY | Christian Education 9:15a.m. Worship 10:30 a.m. (MLK) Nursery Available TUESDAY | TNT Bible Study (Pflugerville) 6:45p.m. WEDNESDAY | Prayer & Praise 7:00p.m. Bible Study 7:30p.m. Do you have church news? Would you like to purchase a monthly ad for your church? Inquire TODAY! Felix Bamirin, Pastor Call: 682.472.9073 l Email: [email protected] l Visit: www.gracewaycca.org We Want YOU! Advertise With *Mention this ad and get a FREE 20 oz. Drink* 469-226-4679 | www.vainqueurs.org 805 S. Sherman St. Richardson, TX 75081 THE VILLAGER/January 8, 2016 ~ Page 3 Dr. Joseph C. Parker, Jr. 512-472-9748 www.davidchapel.org Senior Pastor 2211 E.MLK @ Chestnut St. Austin, TX 78702 Imani Community Church Davis Elementray Auditorium 5214 West Duval Road Sunday School Worship Service •Power Hour Bible Life Group 9:00 A.M. 10:00 A.M. 6:00 P.M. Imani Complex & Office, 11800 Mustang at Duval Austin, Texas 78727 Rev. Dr. Jacquelyn Donald-Mims Visit:imanichurch.com Office: 512-343-9300 The Church of Pentecost Leading People to Experience God’s Love, Know Jesus Christ & Grow in His Image The Church of Pentecost, USA Inc, Austin offers a wide variety of opportunities for children, youth, adults, and older adults to be involved in worship, spiritual growth, education, community outreach, and making a tangible difference to those 7801 N. Lamar Blvd, in need in our community. You too, can Suite D 102, make a positive difference in our commuAustin, Texas 78752 nity through your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service, and your witness. Tel: 512 302-1270 Worship: Sunday-10:00 am - 12:30 pm Tuesday Bible Studies-7:30pm - 9:00 pm Friday Prayers-7:30 pm - 9:30 pm Page 4 ~ THE VILLAGER/January 8, 2016 YOUTH BRIGADE www.theaustinvillager.com Youth of Today Hope of Tomorrow New Year's Resolutions Christmas Day! ing better and exercising, to save more money, to volunteer and help others, to get more education, and to travel. People make New Year's resolutions but find it hard to stick with them throughout the year. This year I made my Ava Roberts first New Year's resoluSpring Hill Elementary tions. To help me keep my A New Year's resolu- resolutions, I wrote them tion is a tradition. Some- down on my calendar and one sets a goal and tries plan to look at them every to keep to it throughout day. I hope that you have the year. Some examples made a resolution and will of New Year's resolutions be able to stick with your are to get healthier by eat- goals. I will be sad. Our Christmas was pretty good I got everything that I wanted and I hope that everyone reading this got what they wanted to. After we opened our presents we got dressed for our Christmas dinner it was fantastic! Here are something’s that we had, turkey, ham, yams, potato Kevin Parish salad, macaroni and Park Crest M.S. cheese etc. When everyMy Christmas break body was done eating I put was really fun, my sister in a movie called Avengcame home for the holi- ers: Age of Ultron, that days. I was happy that she movie is really good. I had came home because I an awesome time spendhave not seen her in a ing the day with my family while so when she leaves like always. NNPA Foundation Launches “STEM Reach 2020” with Dr. Thomas Mensah WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation (NNPAF) will harness the genius of scientist, engineer and inventor Dr. Thomas Mensah, to launch STEM Reach 2020. The program seeks to increase the percentage of Blacks and women within science, technology, engineering and math arenas by inspiring the K-12 age group to pursue education and careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. A chemical engineer and fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, Dr. Mensah is an innovator in the areas of nanotechnology and fiber optics. He was awarded seven U.S. and worldwide patents within six years. Ghanaian-born, Dr. Mensah currently serves as president of Georgia Aerospace Systems Manufacturing, Incorporated in Atlanta, Ga. “It is exciting to support and lead the vision of the NNPA Foundation for STEM Reach 2020,” said Dr. Mensah. “This is the only newspaper association in the country that has launched a STEM initiative to reach the K-12 age group who are easily influenced by their environment.” Dr. Mensah currently serves as president of Georgia Aerospace Systems Manufacturing, Incorporated in Atlanta, Ga. (Thomas Mensah) Mensah added: “The program will identify role models and present youth with alternative paths to success rather than what they see on television. We hope to introduce robotics and science to kids in a way that inspires them and prepares them to compete in the 21st Century.” Also, on board as a program sponsor is the American Petroleum Institute (API), a Washington, D.C.-based trade association for the oil and gas industry. “API is an ideal partner for us because they bring Student Council Sarah Robertson Athlos Leadership Acad. After a long two week break for Christmas holidays with the spring semester of school around the corner, my winter va- a wealth of experience and longevity in their industry”, said Kimberly Johnson, the executive director of the NNPA Foundation. “They understand the education and outreach efforts that are needed to achieve the desired outcomes for this program. We are happy to have Dr. Mensah and API on board.” The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) will hold its Mid-Winter Conference in Coconut Grove, Florida on January 27-30, 2016 where the initiative will be launched during a press luncheon. Dr. Mensah will present on STEM and take questions from the media. The launch in Florida will serve as the precursor to Black Press Week, the organization’s conference in Washington, D.C., in March, where Dr. Mensah will return to host students and STEM industry leaders for a STEM exposition and presentation. To support the NNPA Foundation, contact [email protected]. The National Newspaper Publishers Association Foundation’s (NNPAF) mission is to exemplify and advance the highest standards in media by influencing education, technology, health & wellness, business & economic empowerment and cultural & civic engagement. The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) is the trade association for the more than 200 African American-owned community newspapers across the United States, delivering news, information and commentary to more than 20 million people each week. Since its founding 75 years ago, NNPA has consistently been the voice of the black community by reporting news that makes history and impacts our country. STEMed Labs Announces STEMpreneur 2016 High School Students Learn Computer Science and Entrepreneurship AUSTIN, Texas - In February 2015, STEMed Labs partnered with 3 Day Startup (3DS) to launch the first ever STEMpreneur series. The program provided students a unique educational opportunity by combining: 1) A monthlong sequence of weekend classes called Pi Bytes designed to cover computer science and engineering fundamentals using the popular Raspberry Pi platform; 2) A 3 Day Startup weekend focused on developing entrepreneurship skills through an intensive learning-by-doing workshop. The feedback from parents and students of the inaugural series was incredibly positive, and STEMed Labs is excited to announce that the program will be offered again in 2016. Fifty students from high schools across Central Texas will have the opportunity to participate in the STEMpreneur 2016 program at no cost to them. The goal is to provide students who are interested in STEM exposure to computer science and engineering fundamentals through a project-based approach, followed by a hands-on glimpse into how Ripal Nathuji Co-Founder and President Sagi Zisman Co-Founder and VP Sun Connor Marketing Coordinator knowledge of STEM subjects can give them a stronger foundation for building the companies of tomorrow. In addition to serving students, this year we’re excited to incorporate teachers into the learning experience. Through collaboration with the Center for STEM Education at the University of Texas, teachers will be given the oppor- STEMed Labs Students they can carry those skills into the startup world. Simultaneously, through the 3DS component, we strive to attract businessminded students and give them an appreciation for how cation is over. When I get back to Athlos Leadership Academy I’m running for student council. I want to help make changes around my school. Some ideas I have for changes is more clubs, school assemblies, and other academic activities. I’ve been working on my campaign and my slogan so I can be elected to the 7th grade student council. I think it is important to get involved in order to make changes. I hope that I get into student council so I could make a difference at my school. tunity to attend a training workshop preceding Pi Bytes, after which they’ll assist students during the program. KEY DATES Saturdays January 30th - February 20th: Pi Bytes Classes at Connally High School February 28th: Student Startup Pitches at Capital Factory STEMpreneur 2016 is a partnership between STEMed Labs (www.stemedlabs.org), 3 Day Startup (www.3daystartup.org), and Connally High School (Pflugerville ISD) with additional support from Capital Factory. It is funded through the generosity of our sponsors including Cirrus Logic, Walmart, and Encotech Engineering Consultants. For more information or to arrange a visit of the STEMpreneur Pi Bytes classes or 3 Day Startup weekend contact: Sun Connor, 512-906-5036 Ripal Nathuji, 678-4579616 www.theaustinvillager.com COLLECTED PRÉCIS Black Lives Matter Austin January General Body Meeting: January 12, 2016 at 6:30 PM at Carver Library https://www.facebook.com/events/1001522829907973/ January’s General body meeting for Black Lives Matter Austin. Black Lives Matter Austin’s first meeting of the 2016 year will take place at Carver Library, 1161 Angelina Street, Austin, Texas at 6:30 PM. We have seven different working groups focusing on addressing disparities in education, health including environmentalism, criminal justice including prisons and jails, housing, poverty, employment, transportation, etc. Black Lives Matter January Neighborhood Canvassing: January 9, 2016 at 10 AM at Robert Mueller Neighborhood’s Ella Wooten Park https://www.facebook.com/events/416080468601911/ Due to being rained out in December, we will be canvassing the Mueller neighborhood again. Join us on our monthly canvassings of neighborhoods in the Austin area. All Black Lives members, supporters and allies will be canvassing the neighborhood of Mueller off of Airport Blvd and Zach Scott Street. Please meet at Ella Wooten Park inside the neighborhood at 2047 McCloskey Street, Austin Texas 78723, between Pinckney Street and Mendez Street. (Everyone: Black Lives Matter Austin Members, Supporters and Allies). HBCU Mixer: January 23, 2016 at 2:00 PM at Southern Hospitality Restaurant https://www.facebook.com/events/1663066813976925/ Historical Black Colleges and Universities continue to be a beacon of hope for many African-Americans and continue to play a vital role in the future of our Nation. Come join us at Southern Hospitality Restaurant, 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd, Ste 405, Austin, Texas 78752 at 2:00 PM if you have ever attended a HBCU, know someone who has or want to meet other alumni or attendees in Austin. Martin Luther King, Jr. (Morehouse), Sandra Bland (Prairie View), Kwame Nkrumah, Thurgood Marshall and Langston Hughes (Lincoln), Spike Lee and Toni Morrison (Howard), Erykah Badu (Grambling), Nikki Giovanni (Fisk), Bessie Coleman (Langston) The Affordable Care Act’s Special Agents By Janet Trautwein | CEO of the National Association of Health Underwriters The Affordable Care Act’s insurance exchanges are open for business. Millions of uninsured Americans have just a few more weeks to select a policy that will cover them this year. Agents and brokers can help consumers understand the options that are available and get the coverage they need. They’ve been matching consumers with appropriate coverage for decades. They’re our nation’s best hope for getting the millions of uninsured Americans covered. Health insurance is a complex product. Even for industry experts, it can be difficult to find the right plan at the right price. Agents’ and brokers’ ability to do just that is becoming even more valuable as the cost of coverage grows. This year, average premiums for silver plans on the exchanges — the most popular coverage option — are up to 10 percent higher than last year. Premiums for lessgenerous bronze plans, which cover a smaller share of patients’ health costs, have surged by 11 percent. Health insurance is growing more expensive because medical care is growing more expensive. Prescription drug costs shot up 13.6 percent be- Students cheer as they hold up signs supporting the Affordable Care Act (ACA) after the Supreme Court decided that the ACA may provide nationwide tax subsidies, Thursday June 25, 2015, outside of the Supreme Court in Washington. (Photo: Jacquelyn Martin, Associated Press) tween 2014 and 2015. Medical costs increased 6.8 percent in 2015 and are projected to jump 6.5 percent this year. Agents and brokers have been able to shield their clients from some of these trends. According to research from the University of Minnesota, premiums are 13 percent lower in counties with the greatest concentrations of brokers. Agents don’t just save consumers money — they also help patients with claims or reimbursement issues following enrollment. Furthermore, agents are familiar with the details of plan and can help an enrollee find a plan that fits his or her specific health needs. And brokers are legally required to have liability insurance, which protects consumers if there are any errors in the enrollment process. Agents and brokers have already proven es- sential to the exchanges. They’re responsible for about 40 percent of existing sign-ups through the Affordable Care Act’s marketplaces. In Kentucky alone, brokers helped 55,000 people enroll in exchange plans last year. Without brokers and agents, exchange enrollment would plummet. That would be disastrous. The exchanges are counting on high levels of signups, particularly among the young and healthy. Insurers need their premiums to offset the costs of providing care to those who are older and sicker. If enrollment is insufficient, the marketplaces will quickly become insolvent. As the Affordable Care Act matures, the enrollment process is destined to change. Agents and brokers can ensure that declining enrollment and consumer confusion are not among those changes. THE VILLAGER/January 8, 2015 ~ Page 5 Ida Mae East to celebrate 100th Birthday Another of Austin’s citizens will be honored in celebration of her 100th Birthday. The honoree will will be Mrs. Ida Mae East. and the event will be held Saturday, January 9, 2016 from 1-4 pm at Drois Miller Auditorium, 2300 Rosewood Avenue. The “Happy Birthday Golden Girl” will feature proclamations from Mayor Steve Adler, Governor Greg Abbott and Travis County Commissioner Ron Davis, City Council Member Ora Houston, Sherriff Greg Hamilton and Precinct One Constable Danny Thomas. Ida Mae East was born Ida Mae Powell to john Powell and Sabra Venson on January 8, 1916 on a farm near Rutersville, Texas. She moved to LaGrange, Texas as a teenager and married John Falkquay at the age of 18. To this union seven children were born. Later Ida Mae married Cleotha East and moved to Smithville, Texas. She spent many years gardening, canning pre- Ida Mae East serves and working for Green Thumb Housekeeping. Over the years she became involved in her church, New Flower Hill, where she served as Deaconess, Sunday School Superintendant, Sunday School Teacher and choir member. East resided at 127 Valley View Drive, later renamed Ken Blaschke for 40 years until moving to Austin in 2014. The event will feature Food, cake cutting and remarks from the Honoree. Prayer and Thanks will be given by Rev. R. A. Hendricks. “Prescription drug costs shot up 13.6 percent between 2014 and 2015. Medical costs increased 6.8 percent in 2015 and are projected to jump 6.5 percent this year” Page 6 ~ THE VILLAGER/January 8, 2016 www.theaustinvillager.com HEADLINES President Obama: “ I’m confident that the recommendations are entirely consistent with the Second Amendment and people’s lawful right to bear arms.” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 ecutive branch, but they’re also ones that the overwhelming majority of the American people, including gun owners, support and believe. So over the next several days, we’ll be rolling out these initiatives. We’ll be making sure that people have a very clear understanding of what can make a difference and what we can do. And although we have to be very clear that this is not going to solve every violent crime in this country, it’s not going to prevent every mass shooting, it’s not going to keep every gun out of the hands of a criminal, it will potentially save lives and spare families the pain and the extraordinary loss that they’ve suffered as a consequence of a firearm getting in the hands of the wrong people. I’m also confident President Barack Obama meets with top law enforcement officials in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, Monday, Jan. 4, 2016, to discuss executive actions the president can take to curb gun violence. The president is slated to finalize a set of new executive actions tightening U.S. gun laws, kicking off his last year in office with a clear signal that he intends to prioritize one of the country’s most intractable issues. From left are:, Counsel to the President Neil Eggleston, acting ATF Director Thomas Brandon, Attorney General Loretta Lynch, FBI Director James Comey, and White House Senior Adviser Valerie Jarrett. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) that the recommendations that are being made by my team here are ones that are entirely consistent with the Second Amendment and people’s lawful right to bear arms. And we’ve been very careful recognizing that, although we have a strong tradition of gun ownership in this country, that even though it’s who possess firearms for hunting, for self-protection, and for other legitimate reasons, I want to make sure that the wrong people don’t have them for the wrong reasons. So I want to say how much I appreciate the outstanding work that the team has done. Many of you worked over the holidays to get this set of recommendations to me. And I’m looking forward to speaking to the American people over the next several days in more detail about it. Thank you very much, everybody. The Open Carry Activists Met to Remember Tamir Rice Law Is In Full Swing Dominique Alexander addressed the crowd at Activist Night. by Tsoke by Tsoke (Chuch) Adjavon | Villager Columnist (Chuch) Adjavon | Villager Columnist After the grand jury failed to indict the police officer involved in the Tamir Rice case, local activists in the Austin area came together to discuss various strategies on how to fight against police shootings. In other words, it was an “opportunity” to think or brainstorm about the “next step.” However, for there to be a “next step” as an African American community there is a need of more inclusiveness and unity among various leaders. In addition, a need to bring in other groups. At this event, one of the speakers Minister Dominque Alexander spoke of the need of more “unity”. He mentioned that, “Leaders should Michael Cargill, Owner of Central Texas Gun strive to work together in Works is a strong advocate of the Open Carry the face of these various Law. Photo by Tsoke (Chuch) Adjavon injustices.” Moreover, it As of January 1, 2016 there has been a lot of new will take more than a few laws that have become effective. These series of laws organizations or group of were passed by the Tea Party Republican controlled Legislature; therefore, these new laws are very controversial. For instance, the new “Open Carry Law” has taken effect as of January 1, 2016. In other words, licensed gun owners can publicly display their guns without the fear of being arrested. In addition, it is controversial because most of States that do have the “Open Carry Law” tend to have a much smaller and rural populations. Although, individuals can openly carry their guns; there are some few exceptions to the location. The law makes place for businesses to “opt in” or “opt out” of by Tsoke having individuals openly carry on their premises. In (Chuch) Adjavon | Central Texas, numerous businesses have decided to Villager Columnist “opt out” from having individuals openly carry weapons on their businesses premises. Since Central Texas As 2016 began, nutends to be more “liberal” business owners are afraid merous African Diaspora of various boycotts. For instance, numerous restaurants communities organized and groceries have chosen not to let individuals “open New Year events. From the carry.” Congolese American ComThe “Open |Carry” passed by the Legislature show- munity to the Liberian cases that the “vocal voters” of the Republicans tend American Community, Afrito have the ability of pass legislation. Furthermore, the cans living in Central Texas “Open Carry” passage proves that most Texans don’t celebrated the New Year vote. Now that “Open Carry” has been passed, it can 2016. Both the Liberian be used by Republicans to rally more “conservative vot- and Congolese American ers.” On the other hand, Democrats can also use the groups ushered 2016 with “Open Carry” law to motive voters to go out to the polls the customs and traditions. and vote. As they ushered in the Photo by Tsoke (Chuch) Adjavon people to tackle the issues of police abuse and shootings. It will take the “older African American leaders” and the younger African Americans leaders to communicate with each other and supporting each others policies which they bring to the table. 2015 has been a year in which numerous grass root organizations have sprung up to fight against the police shootings and abuse. Although, 2015 has been a deadly year for police shootings in regards to the African American, the climate has been changing. Now, there have been some legislation and also some indictments of officers involved in shootings. According to Diaspora Vote, “In 2016 African Americans should seeks to work with the African Diaspora to get more legislation passed that would affect police issue.” Steve Gyam, member of the Ambassador. Photo by Tsoke (Chuch) Adjavon tral Texas area. Some have resettled in Central Texas due to political unrest and civil war occurring in their native land. In Central Texas, the communities has grown due to a stable “economy”. Secondly, the Liberian America community held an event by the “Ambassadors.” For the time being, the group “Ambassadors” is made up of mostly Liberian Americans. However, the “Ambassadors” plan to include members from other African communities of the Travis County. According to an un-official census there were about 350 or more Liberian Americans living in Central Texas. Moreover, the Liberian Americans have also resettled in Central Texas due to their “bloody civil war”. However, now the nation of Liberia is at peace. Congolese and Liberian Americans’ New Year’s Event New Year of 2016, they hope that the African communities continue to grow in Central Texas. First of all, the Congolese Americans ushered 2016 with some traditional Congolese food and dance. Some of the activities involved Congolese dances that are famous throughout the African continent. According to an unofficial census, there were at least 250 and more people from both the Congo Kinshasa and Congo Brazzaville living in the Cen- www.theaustinvillager.com CLASSIFIEDS THE VILLAGER/January 8, 2016 ~ Page 7 EMPLOYMENT | PROPOSALS | PUBLIC INFORMATION FOR SALE | FOR RENT | BIDS | MISCELLANEOUS Black Women’s Organizations File U.S. Supreme Court Brief in Support of Abortion Rights in Texas (Washington, DC) - Twelve Black women’s Reproductive Justice organizations, led by In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda, filed an amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court case Whole Woman’s Health, et al., v. Kirk Cole, Commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services, et al., highlighting the devastating impact of the clinic closures on Black women in Texas. ”Women’s clinics across the country provide critical health care for women,” said Marcela Howell, executive director of In Our Own Voice: National Black Women’s Reproductive Justice Agenda. “Politicians who pass these types of laws do not care about the health and wellbeing of women. They are only interested in stopping access to abortions.” ”We hope that the U.S. Supreme Court will see right through this sham and uphold our constitutional right to access all reproductive health care services, including abortion care,” she added. The amicus brief further details the devastating health outcomes Black women may experience as a result of the Texas clinic shutdown law. Prior to the enactment of HB2, there were more than 40 clinics providing reproductive health care, including abortion services. Today, only 19 of these clinics remain. Because of these cuts “the reproductive health care of the more than 725,000 reproductive-aged Black women living in Texas” is in jeopardy. Not only has the Texas clinic shutdown law added significant travel and longer waiting periods for women seeking abortion services, but it has also impacted access to other reproductive health services, such as family planning, prenatal care, maternal health care, and breast cancer screenings. “Black women already face systemic barriers to quality, affordable reproductive health care, this law just exacerbates that harm,” added Howell. “The law’s practical effect is barring Black women in Texas from exercising their legal right to an abortion.” Joining In Our Own Voice in the amicus brief are 11 Black Women’s RJ organizations: The Afiya Center (TX), Access Reproductive Care-Southeast (GA), Black Women for Wellness (CA), Black Women’s Health Imperative (national), New Voices for Reproductive Justice (PA), SisterLove, Inc. (GA), SisterReach (TN), SisterSong – National Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective (national), SPARK Reproductive Justice NOW! (GA), URGE – United for Reproductive and Gender Equity (national), and Women With a Vision (LA). Background on the case: The case challenges two provisions of the 2013 Texas law HB2, which threatens to reduce the number of clinics in Texas to fewer than ten, inflicting lasting harm on women in Texas. The first provision requires all abortion providers to obtain local hospital admitting privileges, a medically unnecessary mandate that has already closed more than half of the clinics in the state. The second provision requires every reproductive health care facility offering abortion services to meet hospital-like building standards as an ambulatory surgical center (ASC), which can amount to millions of dollars in medically unnecessary building updates. Case history: Whole Woman’s Health v. Cole (formerly Whole Woman’s Health v. Lakey) Following a lawsuit brought by the Center for Reproductive rights on behalf of Whole Woman’s Health and several other Texas health care providers in April 2014, a federal district court blocked the the ambulatory surgical center requirement and the admitting-privileges requirement. On October 2, 2014, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit stayed that decision and allowed the law to immediately take effect. The majority of the clinics had to shut their doors. However, on October 14, 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court reinstated the federal court injunction, allowing many of the previously closed clinics to reopen their doors while the state’s appeal moved forward. On June 9, 2015, the Fifth Circuit’s final decision once again upheld the state restrictions in substantial part, this time threatening to shutter all but 10 abortion providers in the state. Once again, the U.S. Supreme Court stepped in to block the Fifth Circuit’s decision and allow the clinics to remain open while the legal challenge continued. The case is now before the U.S. Supreme Court. Walgreens joined forces with SisterLove Inc and the national initiative Greater Than AIDS to provide free HIV testing. SPARK Reproductive Justice Now hosted their 2015 end of the year giving campaign. URGE envisions a world where all people have agency over their own bodies and relationships, and the power, knowledge, and tools to exercise that agency. URGE builds this vision by engaging young people in creating and leading the way to sexual and reproductive justice for all by providing training, field mobilization, and national leadership for a youthdriven agenda. NOTICE TO CREDITORS Notice is hereby given that original letters Testamentary for the Estate of Margaret Davis, Deceased, were issued on November 4, 2015, in Cause No. C-1-PB-15001036, pending in the Probate Court No. One, Travis County, Texas to Ora Waters. All persons having claims against this Estate which is currently being administered are required to present them to the undersigned within the time and manner prescribed by law. C/O Donna Hall Keith Attorney at Law 605 W. Oltorf St., Austin, TX 78704-5319 Dated the 6th day of January 2016. SisterSong’s mission is to strengthen and amplify the collective voices of Indigenous women and women of color to achieve reproductive justice by eradicating reproductive oppression and securing human rights. Donna Hall Keith Attorney for Ora Waters State Bar No. 00789335 605 W. Oltorf St., Austin, TX 78704-5319 Telephone: (512) 743-6064 Facsimile: (512) 681-7094 E-mail: [email protected] City of Austin Featured Job Opportunities The City of Austin is currently seeking qualified applicants for the following positions: • Associate Judge • Assistant Director, Public Works Engr and Project Delivery • 911 Call Taker/Dispatch Trainee • Athletic Officials I-IV (30 Part Time Openings) • Dispatcher II (Night Shift: 9:30 p.m. - 5:30 a.m.) • Project Manager • Street & Bridge Operations Technician I • Compensation Consultant (Two Positions) • Dispatcher II (Night Shift: 9:30 p.m. - 5:30 a.m.) • Graduate Engineer A or Graduate Engineer B • Case Manager • Administrative Specialist Please visit the City of Austin employment website at www.austincityjobs.org to view requirements and apply for these and other job opportunities. We encourage you to check the employment website often as new job opportunities are posted daily. If you have any questions or need assistance, please call 512-974-3210 or email us at [email protected]. The City of Austin is an Equal Opportunity Employer Please visit the City of Austin employment website at www.austincityjobs.org to view requirements and apply for these and other job opportunities. We encourage you to check the employment website often as new job opportunities are posted daily. If you have any questions or need assistance, please call 512-974-3210 or email us at [email protected]. The City of Austin is an Equal Opportunity Employer. City of Austin Purchasing Office The City of Austin Purchasing Office invites you to view current bid solicitations at https:// w w w. c i . a u s t i n . t x . u s / f i n a n c e o n l i n e / vendor_connection/solicitation/solicitations.cfm. Vendors are encouraged to register on-line in the City’s Vendor Self Service System. Once your company is registered, you will receive notifications about new bid opportunities. For additional information regarding current bid opportunities or Vendor Registration, please call the Purchasing Office at 512-974-2500. For information on the City of Austin’s Minority Owned and Women-Owned Procurement Program and the certification process, please contact the Small & Minority Business Resources Department at 512-974-7600 or visit their website at http://www.austintexas.gov/smbr. Page 8 ~ January 8, 2016/THE VILLAGER www.theaustinvillager.com THE COURIER Stanford Routs Iowa in 102nd Rose Bowl Game By Dr. Valerie Wardlaw | NNPA News Wire Sports Reporter PASEDENA, CA – The sixth-ranked Stanford Cardinal handily defeated the fifth-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes, 45 – 16 in front of an announced crowd of 94, 268 at the 102nd Rose Bowl, the “Granddaddy” of all bowl games on Friday, January 1, 2016. Stanford finished the season 12-2 overall while Iowa fell to 12-2. As the Stanford machine rolled on to victory with a final 42-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Michael Rector, Cardinal head coach David Shaw said, “We didn’t talk about it too much, but we played so well this year and enjoyed the process so much that we tried not to talk about this being the last game, but the guys wanted to go out with a bang, and they did. All I know is today we’re Rose Bowl champs.” Cardinal player Christian McCaffrey took home the Offensive Player of the Game award after becoming the first player to have more than 100 yards rushing and 100 yards receiving in a Rose Bowl. Stanford Cardinal defensive end Aziz Shittu was honored as the Defensive GET’EM UP! - Stanford Cardinal head coach David Shaw raises the Championship trophy at Player of the Game. He the 102nd Rose Bowl game between the Stanford Cardinal and the Iowa Hawkeyes, January 1, had 10 tackles-3.5 for 2016. (Jevone Moore/FI360 News). Christian McCaffrey (right) was named the Bowl’s offensive losses - with 1.5 sacks. player of the game while teammate Aziz Shittu was named the defensive player of the game. Historic initiative will engage more than 60,000 students, faculty, staff, and more versity, and improve the well-being and empowerment of our community. This historic initiative will engage more than 60,000 students, faculty, staff, volunteers, stakeholders, and community members in service activities across seven states during the 2016 King week of service, January 18-23. With funding from the Corporation for National and Community Service, Huston-Tillotson University has partnered with the Austin Area Heritage Council, Peace Through Pie, Keep Austin Beautiful, the African-American Cultural Heritage District, Hands on Central Texas, Blackshear Elementary, and Kealing Middle School to coordinate service activities that will positively impact our community. It is through events such as this that students are afforded the opportunity to not only serve, but to create and lead projects that change their lives and the lives of others. This event is slated to catapult the com- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 munity based learning component of Education as the Practice of Freedom Project by HT’s First Year Experience students “Ultimately, we not only want to cultivate gardens, but community. In serving others, we bring out the best in ourselves and our students,” said First Year Experience Coordinator Gina Tillis. The Huston-Tillotson University 2016 MLK Spread the Service activities include: January 18 at 8 a.m.—MLK March and Festival, Austin Area Heritage Council Food Drive, and Peace through Pie Social. January 23 from 12 noon to 4 p.m. — Peace through Pie Social at Kealing Middle School, Blackshear/Kealing Neighborhood Clean-Up (meet at the corner of Rosewood/ Navasota/11th intersection), Community Gardening at Huston-Tillotson, Kealing Middle School, and Blackshear Elementary, and landscaping at the African American Cultural Heritage District. Contact Tillis at 512.505.3045 or [email protected] for more information. The colleges and universities participating in the MLK Spread the Service Campaign include: · Albany State University – Albany, GA · American Baptist College – Nashville, TN · Benedict College – Columbia, SC · Clinton College – Rock Hill, SC · Dillard University – New Orleans, LA · Huston-Tillotson University – Austin, TX · Jackson State University – Jackson, MS · Morehouse College – Atlanta, GA · Southern University and A&M College – Baton Rouge, LA · Talladega College – Talladega, AL Visit HT’s htu.edu site or Facebook page to learn more about how to participate in MLK Day of Service activities and tag #HBCUSPREADTHESERVICE. Register with Huston-Tillotson University at GivePulse.com.