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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.