INSIDE

RAPPIN’Tommy Wyatt

TPATPATPATPATPATEXASPUBLISHERSASSOCIATION

www.TheAustinVillager.com This paper canbe recycled

Vol. 47 No. 12 Phone: 512-476-0082 Email: vil3202@aol.com August 9, 2019

HANNA BARAKAT RELEASES NEW CD, SET TO PERFORM AT RELEASE PARTY!

By Naomi Richard | VILLAGER Entertainment Editor

Naomi Richard

(VILLAGER) - Aus-tin-based, hard rock/al-ternative artist, HannaBarakat, is set to releaseher debut project Sirenon August 16, 2019.Tickets are also on salefor Hanna’s official re-lease party, being heldAugust 30, 2019 at Comeand Take It Live, 2015 ERiverside Drive, Building4 in Austin, TX.

Hanna beautifullydescribes the inspirationbehind the album, “Ichose the title, Siren, formy debut record, afterJohn Moyer and I pro-duced our final song to-gether, which happenedto be Siren. The power ofthe music and the lyricsfilled me with such fire.It motivated me and in-spired me to take thisnext step in my journeywith such confidence.Though the song refer-ences the mythical si-rens of the sea, I lovedthe idea of a doublemeaning: an actual si-ren, warning call, alarm!The songs on this recordwere written over a spanof 10 years. These songshave been my comfortand my therapy, as I’vejourneyed this world andwitnessed injustices.”

,While attendingBerklee College of Mu-sic, Hanna was finallyable to dive into Arabicmusic through themiddle eastern fusionensemble. From there,she performed with dis-tinguished artists such asSimone Shaheen,Bassam Saba, ErkanOgur, and Laço Tayfa’s

Hüsnü Senlendirici.Hanna also performedand worked alongsideartists such as PaulaCole, Don Was, PhilipBailey, Lailah Hathawayand many others. It wasat that pivotal time inHanna’s musical journeythat she realized she hadto find a way to join rockmusic, which she loved

so much, with influencesfrom the Arab world,whether that be throughArab instrumentation,the language, or withornamentation and in-fections in her vocalmelodies.

Barakat’s uniquestyle merges Arab-orien-tal influences, as well ashard rock, for powerful

and genuine connec-tions with her audience.Socially and politicallycharged, her passion-driven compositions andperformances often addeastern ornamentation,as well as other musicalinfluences to transcendlanguage and borders totouch the heart.

Siren is availablenow for pre-order on alldigital outlets. It’s sooth-ing and captivating. It’s anew sound you will wantto keep on your list offavorites.

Follow Hanna onsocial media platformsat hannabarakat and fortickets to her CD ReleaseParty visit https://hannabarakat.com.

Trailer for UpcomingHarriet Tubman MovieSails Over Ten Million

Views in Five Days

(NNPA) - A moviepreview for the upcom-ing biopic featuring thelife of legendary aboli-tionist Harriet Tubman,entitled “Harriet,” wasviewed by over ten mil-lion people in five daysfrom July 21 to July 26 onFacebook. Another so-cial media post of thesame movie trailer onYouTube received overfour million views. Themovie will be releasedon November 1.

The film stars Brit-

By Lauren Victoria Burke,NNPA Newswire Contributor

Cynthia Erivo as Harriet Tubman in “Harriet” (Still Courtesy Focus Features).ish actress Cynthia Erivoas Harriet Tubman andJanelle Monae, JoeAlwyn and Leslie Odom.

“Based on thethrilling and inspira-tional life of an iconicAmerican freedomfighter, “Harriet” tellsthe extraordinary tale ofHarriet Tubman’s escapefrom slavery and trans-formation into one ofAmerica’s greatest he-roes. Her courage, inge-nuity, and tenacity freedhundreds of slaves and

changed the course ofhistory,” a write-up byFocus Features read.

The world pre-miere for “Harriet” willtake place at the TorontoInternational Film Festi-val in September 2019.

Originally ViolaDavis was set to star inand produce a film onTubman but the devel-opment of the currentfilm by Focus began in

May 2016. In February2017, Cynthia Erivo wascast as Harriet Tubmanand Seith Mann, who isAfrican American, wasselected as the directorusing a screenplay byGregory Allen Howard.

Harriet Tubmanwas born Araminta Rossin March 1822 and diedon March 10, 1913. Shewas an abolitionist, ac-tivist and a spy for the

Union Army during theCivil War. Tubman es-caped slavery and trav-eled thirteen missions torescue over 300 en-slaved people, manyfamily and friends.Tubman used a networkof antislavery activistsand safe houses to bringpeople to freedom. Thevast network would be-come known as the Un-derground Railroad.

Getting Readyfor Back To

School! Summer is windingdown and everybody istrying to enjoy the rest ofthe summer while tryingto buy school suppliesfor the upcoming schoolyear. The last days ofsummer have been veryhot with temperaturesbeing some of the hottestin recent memory. It isvery difficult to concen-trate and enjoy these lastsummer days while try-ing to stay out of theheat. While baseball seasonis winding down, foot-ball season seems to begearing up early. I wasshocked to see The Dal-las Cowboys playing infull gear this week attheir summer camp. Itappears that the team isgoing to go a little fartherthis year and try to win aSuper Bowl. It has beena long time since our“Americas Team” hasmade it to the SuperBowl. But, long timeCowboy fans still be-lieve that each year couldbe the year. There is also a lot oftime being spent on try-ing to see how far theUniversity of Texas willgo towards winning aNational Championship.UT fans are looking forCoach Tom Herman tomake this happen. Likethe Cowboys, it has beena long time since theLonghorns have gone allthe way. All eyes are on the BigTwelve conference to beone of the leading con-ferences in the nationthis year. It appears thatTexas has brought backthe days when they willgo after the top playersin Texas, before theystart recruiting from outof state. They seem to behaving a lot of competi-tion from other schoolsin Texas who are alsorecruiting very hard tomake sure the best play-ers stay in Texas, butaway from UT. So, buckle up and getready for a long roughride. From where I sit, itlooks as though we areheaded for a very excit-ing year.

King inducted as10th International

President of WMS.See AUSTINITE

Page 3

Mrs. Hardin retiresfrom Phillips

Upshaw & Richard.See NOTICE

Page 7

Canndidates claimTrump’s language

promotesracial division.

See TRAGEDYPage 5

Page 2 ~ THE VILLAGER/August 9, 2019 THE COMMUNIQUÉ www.theaustinvillager.com

We Want YOU!Advertise With

TheVILLAGER

www.theaustinvillager.com THE BULLETIN THE VILLAGER/August 9, 2019 ~ Page 3

Felix Bamirin, PastorGRACEWAY CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Experience Grace For LifeCall: 682.472.9073 l Email: gracewayaustin@aol.com l

Visit: www.gracewaycca.org

JOIN US This SUNDAY / THURSDAY@ 12424 Scofield Farms Drive, Austin, TX 78758

SUNDAYS 10:30 A.M., THURSDAYS 7:30 P.M.

New Lincoln Missionary Baptist Church2215 E. 8th St.,

Austin, TX 78702Going to Higher Heights,

Trusting God along the way.Sunday School 9:00am

BTU: 10:00amMorning Worship - 11:00 amChurch Phone (512) 477-2714

Cell Phont (512) 585-0744Email: newlincolnmbc@att.net

www.newlincolnmbc.orgRev. Darron E. Patterson

Pastor

(By Parmer Lane Baptist Church building,behind Wells Fargo)

Romans 5:1 Therefore, having beenjustified by faith, we have peace

with God through our Lord Jesus Christ

“This life, therefore, is notrighteousness, but growth in righteousness;not health, but healing; not being, butbecoming; not rest, but exercise. We are notyet what we shall be, but we are growingtoward it. The process is not yet finished,but it is going on. This is not the end, but itis the road. All does not yet gleam in glory,but all is being purified.” --- Martin Luther

Olive Branch Fellowship of Austin / All Faith Chapel4110 Guadalupe St. Bldg #639 Austin, TX 78751

Sunday MorningWorship @ 11: am

Kenneth Hill,Pastor

Agape Baptist ChurchIn “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 loveHe exhibited is Exemplified.” Come, receive God’s unconditional lovefor you.

For there is no greater love!

Church ServicesSunday School 9:30 AMSunday Worship 11:00 AM

Mid-Week Service Thursday: Praise,Prayer and Bible Study 7:00 PMCall 454-1547 for Transporation

Website www.agapebcaustintx.comRev. H. Ed Calahan

Pastor

Imani Community ChurchDavis Elementray Auditorium

5214 West Duval Road

Sunday School - 9:00 A.M.Worship Service - 10:00 A.M.

Power Hour Bible Life Group - 6:00 P.M.

Imani Complex & Office,11800 Mustang at Duval

Austin, Texas 78727

Visit:imanichurch.comOffice: 512-343-9300

Rev. Dr. JacquelynDonald-Mims

Globalizing the Gospel

A Ministry That Ministers

Edward M. Fleming,Sr. Pastor

OLIVET BAPTISTCHURCH

Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church 5900 Cameron Road - Austin, Texas 78723-1843

(512) 451-0808 (512) 302-4575 Fax Web Site - www.themount.net

WORSHIP SERVICESSunday Worship - 7:45 a.m. & 11 a.m.Church School - 9:45 a.m.Bible Studies - Mon, 6:30 p.m. & Wed., 12 noonWednesday Night Worship - 7 p.m.

“Ministries For Mankind” Luke 4:18 A.W.. Anthony Mays, Senior Pastor

DOUBLE

GROCERY“R”

450l East Martin Luther King Blvd.*We cash ALL Tax Refund*Checks *Check Out

Country Boyz Fixin’s4140 E. 12th Street, Austin, TX 78721

Featuring Fish, Poboys, Hot Wings, Pork Chops,Homemade Gumbo, Shrimp and Alligator

DINE IN ORORDER TO GO

Mon - Fri: 11 am - 8 p.m.Saturday: 12 noon - 5 p.m.

Closed SundayCall (512) 928-5555

DAVID CHAPEL Missionary Baptist ChurchSUNDAY

Christian Education 9:15a.m. | Worship 10:30 a.m.Nursery Available

WEDNESDAY |Worship 1st Wed. monthly 7:00p.m. | Bible Study 7:30p.m.

Dr. Joseph C.Parker, Jr.

Senior Pastor

2211 East Martin Luther King Jr., Blvd.Austin, TX 78702

Office: 512-472-9748 Fax: 512-472-5399Website: www.davidchapel.orgEmail: info@davidchapel.org“A Church with a Heart

for The Community”

Pastor J. R. Roberson& First lady

Lillian Robertson

BETHEL-ST. PAUL UNITED BAPTIST CHURCH877 W. Hempstead, Giddings, Texas 78942

Weekly ScheduleSunday School 9:00 a.m.

Sunday Worship 10:45 a.m.Wednesday Night Bible

Study 6:00p.m.(979) 542-2784 Church(979) 540-6352 Home

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.Visit our website @ www.obcaus.org

Hopewell Primitive Baptist Church690 TX-21 West, Cedar Creek, TX 78612

Sunday School9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship10:30 a.m.

Elder Carl E SheltonPastor Ph: (512) 626-3660

Hope thou in God -Psalm 42:11

AUSTINITE DEBORAH TAYLOR KINGBECOMES HEAD OF INTERNATIONAL

MISSIONARY ORGANIZATION(VILLAGER) -

Deborah Taylor King, na-tive Austinite, is the tenthelected InternationalPresident of the Connec-tional Women’s Mission-ary Society (WMS) in theAfrican Methodist Episco-pal Church (AMEC). Sheand other newly electedofficers began their offi-cial roles in an installationservice Thursday morn-ing, August 1, 9 a.m. -12noon in Columbus, Ohio,at the 19th QuadrennialConvention of the WMS-AMEC.

The organizationhas nearly half a millionmembers performingmissionary work in 32countries across 5 conti-nents. More than 3,500people gathered at theconvention to conductbusiness and elect offic-ers to serve for the nextfour years. King ran foroffice unopposed. But,that level of support wasnot surprising to those inthe WMS. King has astrong reputation for al-ways working in serviceto others, being a strongleader in inspiring teamsto success and a womanwho walks in faith.

King grew up at-tending public schools inAustin, graduating fromthe original L.C. Ander-son High School. Sheearned a bachelor’s de-

Deborah Taylor King (center), newly elected International President ofWomen’s Missionary Society of the African Methodist Episcopal Church(AMEC) surrounded by 10th District Leadership. Left to right, frontrow: Bishop Vashti Murphy McKenzie, Presiding Prelate of the 10thEpiscopal District (Texas); King; Presiding Elder (PE) Brenda BeckfordPayne, President, 10th District Presiding Elders Council; PE PamelaRivera, Austin-Capital District. Back row: PE W. Raymond Bryant, SanAntonio District; Episcopal Supervisor of 10th District MissionarySociety, Dr. Stan McKenzie; PE George Johnson, Jr., Paul Quinn District;PE Claytie Davis, Houston. Photo by Rev. Linda Carmen Bryant.

gree in Business from St.Edward’s University. In2018, she received anHonorary Doctor of Hu-manities Degree fromPaul Quinn College inDallas for her service tothe community. King isalso a graduate of Lead-ership Austin and hasreceived numerousawards for her commu-nity involvement.

She has over 30years of management

expertise acquired in herposition as an Area Man-ager at AT&T/SBC in Aus-tin, Corpus Christi andSan Antonio. Throughthis, she learned thepower of teamwork andpurpose. She demon-strated vision and imagi-native insight, while for-mulating plans and strat-egies for success. So sheapplied these skills inleadership roles in thecommunity.

She has served asFirst Vice President (VP)for Professional Womenof Southwestern BellTelephone Companyand as a loaned execu-tive for the United Way,Inc. She was First ViceChair for the Austin AreaUrban League and aboard member for TexasCASA. Currently, she is aboard member and VicePresident of the AustinRosewood CommunityDevelopment Corpora-tion. She is a proudmember of the NationalAssociation for the Ad-vancement of ColoredPeople (NAACP). She isrecipient of numerousawards for her civic,community and religiousservice.

King is a lifelongmember of Grant AMEWorship Center in Aus-tin and became involvedwith the WMS at anearly age as a member ofits Young People Division(YPD). As an adult, shehas served the WMS asLocal President, AreaChairperson, Confer-ence and District 1st VP,District President, Con-nectional Research andStatus of Black Women,Connectional 1st VP andnow President. She isthe proud wife ofCharles E. King, IBM re-tired; mother of Travisand grandmother ofDezmond. In her newrole, her office will be inWashington, D.C.

Every Friday8 AM - 9 AM

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Page 4 ~ THE VILLAGER/August 9, 2019 COLLECTED PRÉCIS www.theaustinvillager.com

FILM REVIEW: Brian BanksBy Dwight Brown | NNPA Newswire Film Critic(NNPA) - In this

#MeToo age, a biofilmabout a wrongfully con-victed high school foot-ball player, who was ac-cused, tried and impris-oned for rape, is timely.

The real BrianBanks, the subject of thismovie, lived through anordeal that was tragic,inspiring and often pro-found, something is lostin this one-dimensionalretelling of his life expe-riences. Somethingturns his extraordinarystory of resilience into adecent but ordinarymade-for-TV-like movie.

In 2002, BrianBanks (Aldis Hodge,Straight Outta Compton,Hidden Figures) is a jun-ior at Polytechnic HighSchool in Long Beach,California and a line-backer football player.He has verbally commit-ted to attending USCbased on his footballprowess. The futurelooks bright for him andhis single mom Leomia(Sherri Shepherd). Oneday at school, Banks runsinto coed Kinnesha Rice(Xosha Roquemore), andthey decide to hook up ina secluded school build-ing where kids go to makeout and get down.

While in their se-cret place, Brian has achange of heart, leavesKinnesha behind andshe is forced to explainto a security guard whyshe is in a notoriousspot. Flustered, the stu-dent fabricates a storyabout being raped. Herlie leads to Banks’ arrest,a too-hasty plea deal,trial, imprisonment, atough parole and a sexoffender label thathaunts him.

Aldis Hodge stars in the Brian Banks biofilm.Banks can’t live,

work or be near placesthat children gather—including schools, parksand malls. He’s lost anyacademic or profes-sional football opportu-nities. Unless his convic-tion is overturned, hisfuture is bleak and he’shit a wall.

That’s a galvanizingsetup. Sympathetic pro-tagonist, wrongly ac-cused, innocent and

determined yet filled withself-doubt. He’s the David.A California judicial sys-tem that rarely—if ever—overturns cases againstconvicts is the Goliath.Audiences like to watch a“good fight” against injus-tice. Bring it on.

Screenwriter DougAtchison (Akeelah andthe Bee) fit all the char-acters and pieces ofBanks jumbled life intoan easy-to-decipherscript. Maybe too easy.Son, mom, accuser,mentors. The CaliforniaInnocence Project (CIP)is also in the mix. It’s anon-profit that helpswrongfully convictedprisoners and is headedby Justin Brooks (Greg

Kinnear). Other support-ing characters (new girl-friend, skeptical pros-ecutor, accuser’s stub-born mom) augment thecast. But the focus is onBanks—his sorrow, in-tegrity, courageousnessand perseverance.

Given a story thatsells itself, and a questthat provides innatemomentum, you’d thinkfilmmaker Tom Shadyac(The Nutty Professor)would have an easy timedirecting a film that’spowered by its ownnatural thrust. Yet, hisplodding direction slowsthings down. The foot-age (Ricardo Diaz, cin-ematographer) is bland,lacks style and eye-

Greg Kinnear co-stars in the Brian Banks biolfilmAldis Hodge and Sherri Shepherd

co-star in the Brian Bankcs biolfilm.

catching composition.Shadyac fails to get

the cast’s emotions torise to a level of despera-tion that piques atten-tion. Everything seemsaverage. Smart, intuitive

directors (e.g. SidneyLumet “Q & A,”) findways to lift urban dra-mas off the page andturn them into compel-ling films that are morethan the sum of theirparts. Not the case here.

Can’t blame theediting (Greg Hayden,Zoolander), art direction(Starlet Jacobs), produc-tion design (TeresaMastropierro) or cos-tumes (Amanda Ford)

for the general malaise.The tech credits are justdecent enough to makethis film semi-engagingfor 99 minutes. The en-semble cast is proficient,but none stand out, ex-

cept the lead.Big question: “Why

is Aldis Hodge in a so-somovie like this?” His deftinterpretation of thecharacter, the raw emo-tion he displays and thesolid screen persona hecreates crown his perfor-mance. He saves thefilm. At this point in hiscareer, Hodges shouldbe starring in far biggerprojects than this. Heshould be one of theAvengers, vying for partsDenzel Washington hasaged out of and up forroles that lead to Oscars.He’s that good.

Brian Banks’ story isa cautionary tale in an erawhen a false accusationcan ruin a career. It showsthat harm that can bedone when well-inten-tioned advocates believean accuser before hearingall the facts. Also, Banks’predicament clearly indi-cates why parents shouldbe in the room when theiroffspring are negotiatingplea deals with public de-fenders. For a multitudeof reasons, Banks’ experi-ence should be shared.

The Brian Banksfilm, within the confinesof its made-for-TV-movie-of-the-week ap-proach, is not as three-dimensional as Banksreal-life story. It lacks theartistry of an indie film,the dramatic chops of acable film (HBO) and therepeat-viewing powernecessary for a stream-ing movie (Netflix).

If this well-meantfilm has a saving grace,besides its message ofresilience, its Hodges’powerful performance.He’s an Oscar-caliber ac-tor in need of an Oscar-caliber film.

SERENA:A GRAPHICBIOGRAPHY

OF THEGREATEST

TENNISCHAMPION

By Mark Hodgkinson

(VILLAGER NEWS) -Serena Williams is themost successful tennisplayer – male or female– of the modern, profes-sional era, with moreGrand Slams than eitherSteffi Graf or RogerFederer. She’s a 23-timesGrand Slam Championand ranked #1 over tenconsecutive years.

Always a fierce com-petitor, her story – whichbegan on the crackedpublic courts of Compton,L.A. – is also one of over-coming challengesthrough sheer determina-tion, drive and talent.

In this innovative il-lustrated biography,Serena’s tennis is ex-plored like never before:stunning graphics ex-plore her serving pat-terns, signature powergroundstrokes, and her

movement – as well asshowcasing her aston-ishing records, spanningover two decades in thetennis elite.

Drawing on conver-sations with Serena overthe course of her career,

and on interviews withthose closest to her, thisis the ultimate celebra-tion of arguably thegreatest tennis player ofall time and, withoutquestion, a true globalicon.

Houstonseeksartist

By Defender News Service(DEFENDER) - The

City of Houston is look-ing for an artist to createa permanent outdoorpiece to commemoratethe late CongresswomanBarbara Jordan.

Director of thecity’s Cultural Affairs Of-fice, Debbie McNulty,says that Jordan waspicked for the project inpart because there arevery few women hon-ored in Houston’s collec-tion of art.

“We had a lot ofgaps in our collection interms of who was beingrecognized,” she said.“So I think when wewere talking about all ofthe potential names thathave come to us in re-sponse to communityconversations… that wasone of the names thatwe got the most publiccomment.”

Houston-nat iveBarbara Jordan was

elected to the Texas Sen-ate in 1966 — the firstAfrican American sena-tor since 1883. Duringher time in the Senateshe passed the state’sfirst minimum wage lawand worked on anti-dis-crimination clauses inbusiness contracts, ac-cording to the U.S.House of Representa-tives’ History, Art andArchives. She then be-came the first southernblack woman to beelected to the U.S.House of Representa-tives in 1972, where shefocused on extendingfederal protection of civilrights.

Artists from acrossthe country can apply forthe project. McNultysays that art is the bestway to honor Jordan’slegacy because it willencourage public en-gagement.

“I’m just very ex-

cited to see all the differ-ent ways artists mightcome up with to paytribute to BarbaraJordan’s life and legacy,”she said. “And also howthe art might be struc-tured to engage peoplewith her and start a con-versation about whatshe did.”

McNulty also de-scribes the Congress-woman as “a series ofimpressive firsts” andhopes that the artistswho apply for thisproject will capture her“inspiring legacy.” Shesays part of the goal ofthe art is to share thishistory with a largerpublic audience.

The artwork will beplaced at the AfricanAmerican Library at theGregory School inFreedmen’s town. Thedeadline for artists toapply for the project isSeptember 23.

For more details, please visithttps://www.houstontx.gov/culturalaffairs/20190802.html

www.theaustinvillager.com THE REVEALER THE VILLAGER/August 9, 2019 ~ Page 5

During Nationwide Tragedy, It’s Politics As UsualBy Associated Press

NO LEADERSHIP!

TOP ROW - Beto O’Rourke (D-Texas), Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.),Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), BOTTOM ROW - Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D-Hawaii), Former Vice PresidentJoe Biden, Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.), and Former Obama housing chief Julián Castro (D).

(The AP) - Demo-cratic presidential candi-dates sought to layblame President DonaldTrump following a pair ofmass shootings in Ohioand Texas, saying his lan-guage against minoritiespromotes racial divisionand violence.

At public eventsand on television, sev-eral candidates pointedto a need for more gunrestrictions, such as uni-versal backgroundchecks. But they di-rected much of theircriticism at Trump, seek-ing to draw a link be-tween the shootings inDayton and El Paso thathave left more than twodozen dead and monthsof presidential rhetoricagainst immigrants andpeople of color.

“There is complic-ity in the president’s ha-tred that undermines

the goodness and thedecency of Americansregardless of whatparty,” New Jersey Sen.Cory Booker said.

Sen. Kamala Harrisof California also foundblame in Trump’s use of

language, which she saidhas “incredible conse-quence.”

“We have a presi-dent of the United Stateswho has chosen to usehis words in a way thathave been about selling

hate and division amongus,” she told reporters.

Sen. Bernie Sand-ers urged Senate Major-ity Leader MitchMcConnell to call sena-tors back to Washington,saying the Senate should

“have a special sessionto address gun violencein America and let us fi-nally have the courageto take on the NRA.”

The call forMcConnell to bringsenators back to deal

with gun violence wasechoed by other candi-dates, including Sen.Elizabeth Warren.

“We should votewithin 48 hours on thetwo background checkbills that have alreadypassed the House,” War-ren said.

Former Texas con-gressman and El Paso na-tive Beto O’Rourke saidthat Trump is a white na-tionalist. O’Rourke said ElPaso “will overcome this,”as he called for universalbackground checks, end-ing the sale of weapons ofwar into communitiesand red flag laws.

Julian Castro, whopreviously served as SanAntonio mayor and U.S.housing secretary, de-scribed “a very toxic brewof white nationalism,”and called on Trump to“to try and unite Ameri-cans instead of fanningthe flames of bigotry.”

Black Real Estate Brokers urgemillennials to become homeowners

Donnell T. Williams, NAREB President

By Defender News Service(DEFENDER) - The new president of the Na-

tional Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB)wants to see Black wealth increase throughhomeownership with a special focus on reachingthe country’s millennials.

During his speech at the conclusion of theNAREB Convention held in Atlantic City, N.J., DonnellT. Williams, outlined a targeted agenda.

The national meeting convened just days afterthe U.S. Census Bureau released its second quarter2019 homeownership rates which listed the Blackhomeownership rate at 40.6 percent the lowest it hasbeen in more than 50 years. In comparison, the non-Hispanic white homeowner rate was 73.1 percent, rep-resenting more than a 30 percent gap.

“Bold, energetic and effective action must betaken to stop this unthinkable slippage in Blackwealth. Homeownership and investment in real es-tate represent the tools Black Americans in general,and millennials in particular can use to build or re-

build their wealth,” said Williams, taking the helmof NAREB, the nation’s oldest minority professionalreal estate organization.

“My plan to reverse the downward slide is toreach the 1.7 million mortgage-ready Blackmillennials who make over $100,000 annually, buthave delayed or not considered homeownership aspart of their wealth building strategy.”

Several initiatives were outlined by Williams.One program in particular drew applause from theaudience when he said, “Our people need to knowthat you’re in violation if you drive a Land Roverand you pay rent to a landlord.”

The initiative, www.housethenacar.com, con-centrates its financial focus on attracting millennialsand Gen-X-ers to homebuying or real estate invest-ment opportunities to build sustainable wealth.

Williams emphasized that NAREB’s memberRealtists must embolden themselves as well as theirpotential customers.

“We must educate, empower, and mobilize

ourselves as well as the Black American public.Wealth building through homeownership is indeedpossible and we need to make that happen,” he said.

Williams established his brokerage DestinyRealty in 2001 in Morristown, N.J with a satelliteoffice in Newark, and it is now one of the largestAfrican-American, independently owned real estatebrokerages in the state.

MentorsNeeded forChildren

ExperiencingParental

Incarceration(VILLAGER) - Seedling, a non-profit organization

serving children with an incarcerated parent, is seek-ing businesses, organizations, and individuals to men-tor 700 children during the 2019-20 school year. Theorganization mentored 652 children last school yearand plans to increase the number of children mentoredin additional school districts.

Seedling’s mission is to support children chal-lenged by parental incarceration with innovative,research-driven, school-based mentoring. Last year,the non-profit organization matched children withmentors in Austin, Del Valle, and Hays ConsolidatedISDs. For the 2019-20 school year, Seedling hasadded Pflugerville ISD and KIPP Public Schools asdistricts where children are matched with a trainedvolunteer mentor.

There are an estimated 8,000 kids that have aparent in jail or prison in the four county area ofTravis, Hays, Bastrop, and Williamson County. No

system, including criminal justice and schools, reli-ably ask the question of whether a child is affectedor is in need, due to parental incarceration. Theorganization began mentoring children of incarcer-ated parents in 2005 due to the request of princi-pals in local school districts.

“Our community needs to be doing all it canto support the children in Central Texas who havean incarcerated parent. It is imperative that we allfind ways to support Seedling’s mentoring programso these kids have the opportunity to reach theirfull potential,” said Austin Mayor Steve Adler.

Based in best practices for mentoring, Seed-ling trains and supports its mentors, specializing inthe challenges surrounding being a child who hasan incarcerated parent. Mentors meet with theirmentee once weekly during lunch at one of the 100

public schools Seedling is working with. The orga-nization pairs the volunteer’s skills and interestswith a child who has similar interests. A majority ofSeedling’s volunteer mentors are introduced to theorganization through an introduction at theemployee’s workplace.

“Mentoring helps employees adopt skills andbehaviors at work that can make a real difference forboth the individual and the employer in today’s so-cially conscious workforce. More importantly, the re-ward for both the mentee and volunteer is life chang-ing,” said Dan Leal, Seedling Executive Director.

Individuals can go to the Seedling websitewww.seedlingmentors.org/mentorto complete theapplication or call Seedling at (512) 323-6371 to in-quire about an information session for a businessor group.

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Page 6 ~ THE VILLAGER/August 9, 2019 DIASPORA www.theaustinvillager.com

Be a reporter from YOUR school!Villager Youth Brigader

For More Information Call 512.476.00824132 East 12th Street, Austin, Texas 78721

Deadline: August 15, 2019

Austin Celebrates“Black Food Week”

Ms. Van, owner of My Granny's Kitchen FoodTruck. (Photo/Tsoke (Chuch) Adjavon)

VILLAGER NEWS -Recently, East Austinhosted "Black FoodWeek". Central Texanswere encouraged toshop and eat at Black-owned restaurants. Oneof the participants was"My Granny's Kitchen."My Granny's Kitchen isbased on the Domainfood quarters, has beenone of the few Soul Foodfood-trucks that hasthrived in the changinglandscape of CentralTexas. According to theowner, "My Granny'sKitchen is Soul food witha twist due to the fact itis a healthier version."

My Granny's Kitchenis dedicated to theowner's mom, who grewand ate fresh vegetables.The owner has incorpo-rated fresh and organicingredients into her cook-ing and everything ismade from scratch, pre-packaged food is neverused. The Restaurantwants to be known as analternative to your aver-age fast food. The pur-pose and goal are to pro-vide the customer with anaffordable and nutritiousmeal.

Finally, the publicwas able to enjoy some ofAustin's staple restaurants.Ms. Van stated, "duringthe ATX Black Food Week,people of all ethnicity andraces came out to supportmy business."

by Tsoke(Chuch) Adjavon

VILLAGERColumnist

Pop Up Market in Pflugerville

Pictured left to right are: Drew, Erica, Lashaw, and Shantell.(Photo/Tsoke (Chuch) Adjavon)

by Tsoke(Chuch) Adjavon

VILLAGERColumnist

VILLAGER NEWS -When one turns ontoFarmer Market 685 thatcuts throughPflugerville, Texas, youcan notice the numberof Black businesses thatcall Pflugerville home.These minority compa-nies have followed themigration from the EastAustin/Austin area. Be-sides the booming Blackpopulation, there is a

growing trend of Black-owned businesses. As aresult, a couple of busi-nesses decided to cometogether for a Pop UpMarket.

The Pop Up Marketwas held at The HairLounge. According tothe owner of the HairLounge, "this event wasmeant to show unityamong black busi-nesses." Some of thecompanies included: KeliAfrican Boutique and Di-vine Silhouette Spa. Ac-cording to Lashawn, the

owner of Divine Silhou-ette Spa, "it is an oppor-tunity to market andshowcase my business."

Although therewasn't a lot of traffic tothe Hair Lounge, the or-ganizer plans to arrangeanother event withhopes of more ownersto take part. The idea ofthe Pop Up Market is togive businesses an op-portunity for visibilityand make sells. Further-more, it was an opportu-nity to network with oth-ers.

Refugee Rally - Pictured left to right: Innocent, Fille, and Ayesha.(Photo/Tsoke (Chuch) Adjavon)

VILLAGER NEWS - Saturday, August 3, 2019, the Refugee Services of Texas(RST) held a rally on the South Step of the Texas capitol, in order, to addressTrump's Administration resettlement policy of refugee into the United States.In 2018, 22,491 people came into the US through the refugee resettlementprogram. However, the Trump administration wants to drastically cut the 22,491to zero for the upcoming years.

The demonstration included dynamic speakers; Ayesha Hassan, InnocentBugingo, Fille Kinyamahanga, Evelyn Apoko, Ketan Kharod, and Sheikh Umer-Esmail. According to Fille, "I came to the US when I was thirteen-years-old,and I had the opportunity to go to school. I was able to accomplish my dreamof running track, and attending college. If the US closes the RST program, manypeople in the refugee camp may lose hope."

Over the decades, refugees dreamed of coming to the United States, inorder, to rebuild their lives. Moreover, the vast majority of refugees are verythankful that the US has kept its door open. According to Innocent, "I am thank-ful that the United States has opened its door to me. Upon coming to thestates, I've been able to work and help my family." However, Trump's recentpolicy change may slam the door on numerous refugees.

Refugee Services of Texas Host Rally

by Tsoke (Chuch) Adjavon | VILLAGER Columnist

100%COMMUNITY

ARTEXHIBITION

AUSTIN, TEXAS- Saturday, July 20,2019 - 10:00am to Sat-urday, August 31,2019 - 4:00pm

100%" is an an-nual community artexhibition hosted bythe Carver. It is de-signed to engage amult igenerat ionalcommunity of artistsin Austin and the sur-rounding areas.

Anyone inter-ested in creating a12x12 inch piece oforiginal artwork forexhibition in the Mu-seum can participate.Submitted artwork islisted for auction andproceeds will be usedto support themuseum's educationalprograms. Stop by andpick up your canvastoday!

"100%" exhibitruns from 6/29-8/24/19. Free and open tothe public.

EMPLOYMENT | PROPOSALS | PUBLIC INFORMATIONFOR SALE | FOR RENT | BIDS | MISCELLANEOUS

www.theaustinvillager.com CLASSIFIEDS THE VILLAGER/August 9, 2019 ~ Page 7

Are you interested in doingbusiness with the City of Austin?

We are here for you!City of Austin

Purchasing OfficeVendor Registration

512-974-2018VendorReg@austintexas.gov

www.austintexas.gov/department/purchasingFor information on the City of Austin’s Minority/

Women-Owned Procurement Program please contact theSmall & Minority Business Resources at 512-974-7600or visit www.austintexas.gov/smbr.

We seek an energetic, enthus-iastic, and well-organizedperson for the position ofOffice Administrator/Clericalpart-time. This is a part-timeposition of 20 to 25 hours perweek at $450, depending onworkload. Need to be detailoriented, possess goodcustomer service skills, somecash & items handling skills.Apply Email: phoebesmith550@gmail.com

HELP WANTED

Apply at HRMiddle Fiskville Rd.

6th Floor, Austin, TX 78752Job Line (512 223-5621hhtp://www./austincc.ed

EEOC/AA/M/F/D/V

New Jobs for theWeek of 08/04/2019

District Police, DispatcherService CenterJob# 1907055

Manager, Learning Lab-OnlineRound Rock Campus

Job# 1907054Engineer, Senior Network

Service CenterJob# 1907050

Officer, Resource DevelopmentHighland Business Center

Job# 1907043

RETIREMENTNOTICE

SERVING 27 YEARS

(VILLAGER) - Mrs. Annie HueRobertson-Hardin, the former MotherAnnie Hue Robertson is announcing her re-tirement from Phillips Upshaw & RichardFuneral Home, 1410 East 12th Street, Aus-tin, TX 78702. She proudly served for 27years with the late Mr. J. M. Richard begin-ning in 1992. Mrs. Annie Hardin was alsoproud to serve under and with Tracy Rich-ard and the other caring professionals ofPhillips Upshaw & Richard Funeral Homeuntil January 2019.

Many in the Austin and surrounding ar-eas know Annie Hardin was blessed withthe ministry opportunity to pray, encour-age and help many families in their time ofbereavement. During her funeral homecareer, Mrs. Annie Hardin was blessed tofellowship with pastors, politicians, com-munity leaders and people in the commu-nity. She strived to comfort and guide fami-lies throughout the grieving process, butshe was blessed to witness the strength offaith of members of the Austin Community.

Special Thanks to the J. M. and VivianRichard Family for allowing me to be a partof the family business. The business thatwas large enough to serve but smallenough to care.

Annie and her husband, Elder VirgilEdger Hardin plans to enjoy retirement bytraveling and visiting with family andfriends.

Mrs. Annie Hue Robertson-Hardin

Black Food Week Satisfies Austin Appetites

By John Harris Jr.VILLAGER Columnist

J. Leonardi’s Barbecue was featured during Black Food Week.(Photo/John Harris Jr.)

(VILLAGER) - YearTwo of Black Food Week2019 was such a rousingsuccess that the AustinJustice Coalition will ex-pand the event to in-clude more unique fea-tures in the future.

“It was definitely asuccess and somethingwe need to continue,”said Austin Justice Coa-lition social media man-ager Ishia Lynette.

Created by the Aus-tin Justice Coalition,Black Food Week wascreated last year to cel-ebrate and help pro-mote black-owned res-taurants in Austin. Thisyear the program wasincreased to two weeks.A total of 18 restaurantsand food trucks werehighlighted.

“Some of the own-ers reported they hadsome of their best daysduring Black FoodWeek,” Lynette said.“The day that Da Slicehad their Black FoodWeek event, they had somuch business theystayed open late anddidn’t shut down untilmidnight.”

Lynette said BlackFood Week not only con-nects Austinites withblack-owned restaurantsit also offers the opportu-

nity to meet the peoplebehind the business.

“Some places Iwasn’t aware of,” Lynettesaid. “ As somebody livingin Austin for nearly 10years, I didn’t know.”

Next year, BlackFood Week will likely in-clude featured restau-rants offering specialdishes and perhaps adiscount to customers.Discussions are also on-

going regarding addi-tional weekly eventshighlighting other black-owned businesses.

“It ’s somethingwe’re looking into,”Lynette said.

Advertise WithThe

VILLAGER

MMP’S North AustinResidency Celebration!

Melanated Market Place has a new North Austin home! Help ussettle in and celebrate our new residency August 17thfrom 4pm-8pm at Hanover’s 2.0. A family friendly oncea month indoor/outdoor market. Great food, drinks,and more of your favorite local black and brown busi-nesses to shop with.

Dj Urban Mello curating sounds and the vibes with Indigo Soul,Reggae, Hip-Hop, Go-Go, RnB, Afrobeats, and the list goes on. Kid’sKorner, Volleyball Court, Domino’s & Spade tables will be set up atevery market. Free to get in. Open to the public.

The City of Austin is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For more information on Employment Assis-tance, get in touch with us and visit one of our fiveSatellite Offices to help you navigate your career!

Be a part of the fastest growing teamserving the community!

Visit www.austincityjobs.org to searchand apply for jobs at the City of Austin

Page 8 ~ THE VILLAGER/August 9, 2019 THE DISPATCH www.theaustinvillager.com

TEXAS COMMISSION ON THE ARTSAND TEXAS CULTURAL TRUST NOW

ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR2020 CLASS OF

TEXAS YOUNG MASTERS

AUSTIN, TEXAS (August 1, 2019) — Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA)and Texas Cultural Trust are now accepting applications for the 2020 class ofTexas Young Masters, a joint initiative that provides exemplary Texas-basedarts students in grades 8-11 with the financial help needed to pursue advancedstudy in the areas of visual arts, literary arts, music, theatre, dance, musicaltheater, folk arts, and media arts.

Texas Young Masters will welcome its tenth class in 2020—a significantmilestone for the biennial program, which first launched in 2002. The state’smost talented young artists will receive the esteemed “Texas Young Master”title and be awarded grants of $5,000 per year for two years to advance theirstudies in the discipline of their respective arts discipline. To date, TCA andTexas Cultural Trust have named 154 Young Masters, awarding nearly $1 mil-lion to exceptionally talented young Texans.

“The Texas Young Masters grant program recognizes and supports someof the state’s finest young artists and helps them further their aspirations ofprogressing as a Texas artist,” said Gary Gibbs, TCA Executive Director. “As webegin accepting applications for our tenth class of Young Masters, we lookforward to recognizing and supporting exceptional young artists across Texasas they advance in their disciplines and flourish in their talents.”

To apply or learn more about the Texas Young Masters program, pleasevisit https://tinyurl.com/youngmaster. Applications and required supportingmaterials must be submitted by November 15, 2019. A citizen panel of ex-perts from across the state selects Young Masters based on artistic excellence,level of commitment, and quality of their proposed plan of study. The 2020Texas Young Masters recipients will be honored at an awards event on April20, 2020, at ZACH Theatre in Austin, Texas.

“For young artists across the state, the Texas Young Masters grant pro-gram provides important funding to help them pursue their goals and pas-sions and enhance their artistic education and abilities,” said Texas CulturalTrust Executive Director Heidi Marquez Smith. “I’m grateful for our partnersand sponsors who make these grants possible. Their investment in these stu-dents strengthens Texas’ rich cultural heritage and cultivates the next genera-tion of Texas luminaries.”

The Texas Young Masters program has been made possible through gen-erous support from Sarah and Ernest Butler Endowed Young Masters Scholar-ship in Music; Texas Women for the Arts, a program of the Texas Cultural Trust;Neiman Marcus; Sermoonjoy Organization; Wayne Fisher; Jeanne and MickeyKlein; Judy and Kirk Robison; Alturas Foundation; Covert Auto Group; LockeLord LLP; Kathleen and Ben Keating; Karen and Charles Matthews; The RWMFoundation; and many others.

Outstanding student artists in Texas encouraged to applyfor the biennial Young Masters grant program

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