Your Thought Matters Newspaper -- 2013 Leadership Series 1 of 6

NEWSPAPERYOUR THOUGHT MATTERS

2013 LEADERSHIP SERIES -- TITLE SPONSOR

2013 Leadership Series:FEATURED LEADERSHIP SPONSOR: “As your next Mayor, I will fight for you. I will fight to make government more efficient. I will work to do morewith less; providing the services you so richly deserve, but collecting lessfrom you. I look forward to meeting you on the campaign trail and will work hard to earn your vote.” -- Ben Hall, Candidate for Mayor

PART - ONE

Connect: 832.212.8735 I www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com

Mayor Annise Parker is paying attentionto the details -- so the best city in Americacan get even better. -- P.34

MASTER LEADERSHIP: “True leadership is when others follow you even when they don’t have to.” -- EDWIN HAYNES

FEATURED LEADERSHIP SPONSOR

MAYOR OWEN

PLEASE SEE 30A TRUE LEADER: Mayor Allen

Owen, of Missouri City was the firstleader to find value in our “2013Leadership Series”. We would liketo publicly thank Mayor Owen; andask you to consider him in 2014.

A THOUGHT ON LEADERSHIP

COHEN

PLEASE SEE 12POLITICAL LEADER: HoustonCity Council Member Ellen Cohen

takes a moment to share how shegoes about selecting the best can-didate in an election; and a fewqualities she looks for in a leader..


BURKS, JR.

PLEASE SEE 12POLITICAL LEADER: HoustonCity Council Member Andrew C.

Burks, Jr. shares how he goesabout selecting the best candidatein an election; and a few qualitieshe looks for in a leader

Mayor Annise Parker will be seeking voter approval in her bid for re-election on Tuesday, November 5,2013 in the Mayoral Election. She is currently serving her second term as mayor of Houston.

FEATURED LEADERSHIP SUPPORTER

You Have Permission to Succeed!

“I feel unequivocally blessed and honored to be involved in a partnership and friendship with Edwin. As a speaker, he

has a genuine spirit that allows him to positively impact the lives of others in a way that forces them to reassess

their lives and begin to make a change. Through his message, Edwin evokes an awakening deep inside that has

been forgotten or lost. Edwin’s book has truly been a blessing. Edwin has the ability to shape his ideas and trans-

late them into real life principles that people can actually use to improve their lives.” -- Mr. Danny Glover, Actor

DANNY GLOVER: “Edwin’s book has truly been a blessing”

As a motivational speaker, successful businessman, award winning au-thor, and “TITLE SPONSOR” of the “2013 Leadership Se-

ries” Edwin Haynes continues to dominate his industryas a multi-million dollar earner while empowering indi-viduals worldwide to advance on both personal andprofessional levels. As a Trainer and International Busi-ness Consultant, he continues to make an indelible im-pression on those who he encounters daily. In an effort

to satisfy an overwhelming demand for his knowledgeand plan for success, Haynes has penned the first in-

stallment of a series of motivational publicationsentitled: “You Have Permission to Succeed.”

Learn How to Navigate Your Road to Success! -- www.edwinhaynes.com

Edwin HaynesAWARD WINNING AUTHOR

PLEASE SEE 04


BRADFORD

PLEASE SEE 10POLITICAL LEADER: HoustonCity Council Member C.O. “Brad”

Bradford shares how he goesabout selecting the best candidatein an election; and a few of the char-acteristics he looks for in a leader.

Yolanda Adams Mary AddisonCarline AlexanderCaleen AllenStacy M. AllenRicky Anderson, Esq.Deborah AndersonPastor Terry AndersonSheila ArtisCynthia BaileyNina BaileyGeorge BarbosaJoseph BattlesTonja BattlesTom BazanKimberley BennettHon. Levi Benton Doreen BhattMabale BochanagraWillie Belle BooneOlan J. BoudreauxRevered John W. BowieDrunette BozemanMax BozemanTonya BozemanCouncil Member C. O. BradfordSylvia BrooksHon. Lee P. BrownJ. Anthony Brown Phara BuffalosSharon BurneyQuincy CaldwellKevin CalvinRoy CambergJesse CantuJanaeya Carmouche�eresa CarmoucheWilvin CarterMartina E. CartwrightSergeant Grady CastleberryRosie CedilloDebbie ChenDr. M. Annette CluffMakeba CollinsMark CollmerRev. Dr. Marcus CosbyLeslie CowardClaude CummingsEarl M. CummingsChrista CurryMarida CurryDavetta DanielsLucinda DanielsBrandi DavisConstable Reuben DavisDannette DavisKeith DavisJ. David DicksonGeorgette DixonKimberly DixonRev. Timothy DixonBishop James Dixon, IIJames W. E. Dixon, Sr.Trina DotsonAndrea Downey

Felicia DrakeClyde DrexlerCheryl Elliott �orntonAhmad El-NaggarMarva El-NaggarJackie FaganJohn FieldsTammy FieldsKim FloydTaft FoleyErica FowlerMichael GallagherDeborah GallowayHon. Carol GallowayVirginia GarciaAnnette GarzaBill GibsonRev. S. J. Gilbert, Jr.Dr. S. J. Gilbert, Sr.Joseph GourrierCongressman Al GreenWillie GreenCharles GricharJohn GriffinKathryn Griffin-GrinanEloy GuerraSaundra HallCarolyn Hall SmithJacqueline Hall WilliamsBenjamin L. Hall, IVQwennetta HamrickDavid HarrisMichael HarrisDr. Carlos HeathAlan HelfmanPastor Kieon HendersonJunior HigginsPauline HigginsHubert HinesFred HoyerAvery HunterCharles HurwitzShawn HurwitzCharlene JacksonCrystal JacksonKenneth JacksonPat JacksonWillard JacksonLaShun JasperKendralyn JasperHoward JeffersonZona JeffersonBert Jennings, IIIJodie JilesCharlene JohnsonCurry JohnsonDr. Ronald JohnsonHon. Jarvis JohnsonIrene Oakley-JohnsonPastor Terrence JohnsonPatrick JohnsonCleo Glenn Johnson-McLaughlinPastor Darryl C. Jones, Sr.Funky Larry JonesLinda JonesBarbara Josephson

Richard L. JosephsonYong KwonMichael KuboshPaul KuboshJulius J. Larry, IIIOsama LatifAudrey LawsonRev. Dr. William A. LawsonJoseph LeDe'Alan F. LevinColette LewisAlane LillieTiffany J. LillieByron LundyDarcy MackeyPatrick MahoneyDr. Terrence MaloneJanelle T. MarshallRev. Lee MaxeyDr. �omas MayorDrayton McClaneKayla McCrayDr. Carol McCreeJewell L. McGowenGary McGuirePreston MiddletonPastor Max MillerMarilyn MimsRobert MooreDwayne MorganDaphne MossDave MossWanda MottErica A. MurrayDikembe MutomboStephanie D. Nellons-PaigeCheryl Nelson-ButlerWaverly NolleyJohn NoukasJohn OlgetreeHon. Chris OliverAdesuwa OmoruyiGary N. OradatDr. Rod PaigeDeloyd ParkerLarry PayneTony PetkasMichael PhillipsGoodwille PierreDr. Anthony PinnZeb F. PoindexterEdward PollardDonald QueenMary RamosDr. Doris Gardner RatliffDr. Joe RatliffRicky Raven Esq.Chief Rey ReyesReginald RhodesMichael RoaLaurie RobinsonRoy RodneySteve RogersMarcus RolandConstable Alan Rosen

We support Ben Hallfor mayor of Houston 2013

www.benhallformayor.com

pd pol ad. All for Hall Committee | Alvin Zimmerman and Bill Lawson, Treasurers | P.O. Box 34545, Houston, Texas 77006

Sonia RuizMichelle RuleDalita L. SavageMilton ScottRay ShacklefordE. Kay ShepardJustin SingerRhonda Skillern JonesYolanda SmithPaul SomervillePat StrongMargaret StroudShakeb SyedAli TaghiEraj TaghiFaribi TaghiQiyamah TaylorSheneil TaylorYvonne TaylorJackie TerrellBeau �eriotAndrea �omasTiffany D. �omasWendy R. TilfordSignora TinsleyPeter TranTammy TranWilliam TraylorDebbie Tyler DillardReggie Van LeeStevie VaughnConstable May WalkerJerome WaltonHon. Craig WashingtonDr. Richard WatkinsSamuel Wesley Hon. David WestLaura WestMichael WestMichael J. WestergrenEmelian WhiteDamon WilliamsDr. Michael P. WilliamsKelli WilliamsMark WilliamsPriscilla WilliamsRaven WilliamsSkip WilliamsChris K. WilmotLeslie WilsonDarryl WischnewshyBishop Bob WoodardRobert WoodsBrian ZimmermanHon. Alvin ZimmermanNephele ZimmermanSusie Zimmerman...and more

“[Ben Hall] was one of the fine public servants in my team...In addition to his superior academic accomplish-ments, Ben possessed a sensitivity and humanity about the application of law that well-served this City and its citizens...Ben was committed to affirmative competition and business opportunities for all Houstonians-a principal dear to my own heart. Such commitment is a desired quality in a public servant.”

-Former Houston Mayor Robert “Bob” Lanier

“Ben Hall is a strong leader who will confidently guide the City of Houston and increase its economic and fiscal success for many decades to come. He possesses the tempera-ment and demeanor not to prejudge any idea and is patient enough to work with others to move the City forward. He is exactly what Houston needs at this time.”

-Former Houston Mayor Lee P. Brown

Testimonials from formerHouston Mayors

www.benhallformayor.com

LEADERSHIP WITH VISION

pd pol ad. All for Hall CommitteeAlvin Zimmerman and Bill Lawson, Treasurers

P.O. Box 34545, Houston, Texas 77006

“As your next Mayor, I will fight for you. I will fight to make government more efficient. I will work to do more with less; providing the services you so richly deserve, but collecting less from you. I look forward to meeting you on

the campaign trail and will work hard to earn your vote.”-Ben Hall

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richly deserve, but collecting less from you. I loofi more ef fficient. I will work to do more with less; p

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Hall CommitteeAll for r Hall Committeed pol ad.

“THIS BOOK IS A GREAT TOOL TO EMPOWER EACH OF US. ” -- AUBREY R. TAYLOR

06 - THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD LEADER SERIES -- PART ONE“Your Thought Matters Newspaper Blog is the Spot Where Your Thought Matters!” -- www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com

YOUR THOUGHT MATTERS NEWSPAPER -832.212.8735

YOUHAVE

PERMISSIONTO

Succeed!True leadership is when others follow you even when they don't have to. There is a distinctdifference between being a leader and being a dictator. Dictators are followed out of fear,but true leaders are followed out of respect. A leader’s job is to steer or influence others towork toward obtaining a desired goal. It takes an extraordinary person to convince and in-spire others to take action or to follow your lead.

I mentor thousands of people therefore, being a leader means being a leader in every aspect of my life, not just in a pro-fessional world. My prerequisite for leadership has everything to do with the maintenance of my personal, professionaland spiritual life. Without that my organization would never be able to trust me in any aspect of life, including business.

As a child, I loved watching my father work to build his business. I was always right by his side trying to learn how to bejust like him. It seemed that he did everything with determined effort that consistently produced winning results. I pos-sessed an enduring yearning to be like my father. This yearning could only be nourished by his powerful example of lead-ership. Good leaders do just that: they possess the ability to take people forward.

The best leaders are those who can relate to a wide variety of personalities with a positive attitude. Keeping an openmind and educating myself on various cultural, community and regional business practices is very important to me. I in-vest in relationship building, books, videos, DVD’s and CD’s to aid continuous education on how to respect various per-sonalities as well as humbly communicate with others.

Leadership is never solely about me—how far I’ve come, nor how far I’m going. I desire to empower and to create theconditions that allow others to develop and prosper. Strong leaders are dedicated to the economic, emotional, and spiri-tual advancement of others.

Several years ago, my business partners and I developed an operating philosophy that includes taking a look at our per-sonal goals once a year. This allows us to finalize our personal goals prior to entering a new year. More importantly, thispractice allows us to focus on the goals of the thousands of individuals we serve. It’s all about service. Our motto: We be-lieve that as you advance and acquire a leadership role, you should continue to serve others.

Edwin Haynes Best Selling Author, International Business Consultant, Motivational Speaker and Coach “You Have Permission to Succeed” www.EdwinHaynes.com

LEARN HOW TO NAVIGATE YOUR ROAD TO SUCCESS - WWW.EDWINHAYNES.COM - 07“Your Thought Matters Newspaper Blog is the Spot Where Your Thought Matters!” -- www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com


Edwin Haynes pictured here with his wife Andrea is a motivational speaker, successful businessman, and an award winning author.

6 - EXERCISING YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE IS IMPORTANT“YOUR THOUGHT MATTERS NEWSPAPER BLOG IS THE BLOG FOR OPEN-MINDED PEOPLE!” -- www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com

YOUR THOUGHT MATTERS NEWSPAPER - 832.212.8735

Mayor Annise Parker Shares AFew Thoughts On How She GoesAbout Identifying the best Candidate In An ElectionAUBREY R. TAYLOR: “As a voter, how do you go about selecting the person who is the best candidate in any given elec-tion? And what are a few of the characteristics you look for in a leader?”

MAYOR ANNISE PARKER: “It is wrong to run for office just to be in politics; elected officeholders should want to work towardchange that will improve the lives of those they represent. I have often said that my job is the best job available because Ihave the opportunity everyday to truly impact our great city and its residents for the better. When I am personally decidingwhich candidates to support in an election, obviously, I look for someone who shares my views and positions on the issues. Ialso look for someone who is passionate, exhibits leadership qualities and is motivated to serve.

Leadership is not simply taking the reigns and getting the job done. A leader also has to be willing to listen to different pointsof view, flexible enough to change course when the original path proves unworkable or will create an undesirable outcome.And a leader must be willing to compromise. They need to be genuinely concerned about their constituents, and about im-proving the area they will represent. Ultimately, however, a leader needs to be able to generate consensus through a cooper-ative approach and stand strong even when the final decision may not be politically popular.”

Annise ParkerAnnise ParkerThe 61st Mayor of Houston, Texas



Mayor Annise Parker is currently serving her second term as the mayor of Houston. She will be running for re-election on the November 2013 ballot.

DON’T TAKE YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE FOR GRANTED - 7“YOUR THOUGHT MATTERS NEWSPAPER BLOG IS THE BLOG FOR OPEN-MINDED PEOPLE!” -- www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com

YOUR THOUGHT MATTERS NEWSPAPER - 832.212.8735LEARN HOW TO NAVIGATE YOUR ROAD TO SUCCESS - WWW.EDWINHAYNES.COM - 09“Your Thought Matters Newspaper Blog is the Spot Where Your Thought Matters!” -- www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com



YOUR THOUGHT MATTERS NEWSPAPER - 832.212.8735

Vice Mayor Pro-Tem BradfordShares A Few Thoughts On How heGoes About Identifying the bestCandidate In An ElectionAUBREY R. TAYLOR: “As a voter, how do you go about selecting the person who is the best candidate in any given election?”

VICE MAYOR PRO-TEM BRADFORD: “Who is the best candidate will surely, and properly so, vary from voter to voter. As avoter, I am concerned with someone who brings experience, training and education to the arena. Many of the issues facing ourcity, state and nation today are complex and multifaceted. The demand for services constantly increases and public resourcesseem to dwindle. Our population is more and more diverse with high, varied expectations. Therefore, it is my belief that manag-ing the financial and human resources, along with capital assets entrusted to public officials today requires in-depth knowledgeand skills.”

AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “What are a few of the characteristics you look for in a leader?”

VICE MAYOR PRO-TEM BRADFORD: “Leaders need to be able to inspire! Transforming a vision into a plan and subsequentimplementation is no easy task. Leaders understand that reward is attached to performance and that anything worth having isn’teasy to get. Leaders demonstrate that it is nice to be important, but more important to be nice. And, at the end of the day, whenit is all said and done, it is not going to matter how many degrees we have, what titles or what positions we’ve held. The ques-tion is going to be, ‘what have you done to help others?’ Leaders have a love for humanity and a passion to make a differencefor the greater good of all.”

Annise ParkerC.O. “Brad” Bradford Vice Mayor Pro-TemHouston City Council, At Large Position 4

10 - THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD LEADER SERIES --PART ONE“Your Thought Matters Newspaper Blog is the Spot Where Your Thought Matters!” -- www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com


Vice Mayor Pro-Tem C.O. Brad Bradford is currently serving his second term as the At-Large Position #4 Council Member for the City of Houston. He will be running for re-election on theNovember 2013 ballot. Bradford is also openly endorsing former Houston City Attorney Ben Hall in the 2013 Mayoral Election taking place on Tuesday, November 5, 2013.

DON’T TAKE YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE FOR GRANTED - 9“YOUR THOUGHT MATTERS NEWSPAPER BLOG IS THE BLOG FOR OPEN-MINDED PEOPLE!” -- www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com

YOUR THOUGHT MATTERS NEWSPAPER - 832.212.8735LEARN HOW TO NAVIGATE YOUR ROAD TO SUCCESS - WWW.EDWINHAYNES.COM - 11“Your Thought Matters Newspaper Blog is the Spot Where Your Thought Matters!” -- www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com


Houston City Council Member Andrew C. Burks is currently serving hisfirst term as the Houston City Council At-Large Position 2 representative andwill be up for re-election on the November 2013 Election ballot.

Houston City Council Member Ellen Cohen is currently serving her firstterm as the Houston City Council District C representative and will be runningfor re-election on the November 2013 ballot.


YOUR THOUGHT MATTERS NEWSPAPER - 832.212.8735At-Large City of Houston Council Member Andrew C.Burks, Jr. Shares A Few Thoughts On How he Goes AboutIdentifying the best Candidate In An ElectionAUBREY R. TAYLOR: “As a voter, how do you go about selecting the personwho is the best candidate in any given election? And what are a few of thecharacteristics you look for in a leader?”

COUNCIL MEMBER BURKS: “Our leaders should share our goals and val-ues. When I am personally deciding who to vote for, I look for the candidatewho best understands my needs and the aspirations of the community. Strongleaders listen to the people they represent, understand their concerns and as-pirations and form a plan to deliver a solution. Successful candidates shouldbe able to empathize with their voters and proactively work to solve the prob-lems brought to their attention. Our neighbors who are hands-on and involvedin the community make the best leaders.

Leadership is about more than just making decisions and giving speeches – itis about listening. Selecting a candidate who takes time out of their scheduleto visit with you or an organization you are a part of goes a long way. I look forcandidates who can roll up their sleeves and accomplish their goals. Thistakes hard work, perseverance and a willingness to find common ground. OnElection Day, the candidate who understands the needs of the communitywith a plan to improve the lives of all he or she represents earns my vote.”

Andrew C. BurksAndrew C. Burks Jr.Houston City Council At-Large Position 2

Houston City Council Member Ellen Cohen Shares A FewThoughts On How she Identifies the best Candidate AUBREY R. TAYLOR: “As a voter, how do you go about selecting the personwho is the best candidate in any given election? And what are a few of thecharacteristics you look for in a leader?”

COUNCIL MEMBER COHEN: “As both an elected official and a long-timevoter, I have become familiar with both sides of the coin when it comes tochoosing between political candidates. The question of who will represent youat the local, state, and federal level of government could not be more critical, soit is important to be well-informed about the candidates and the issues.

I believe all politics is local, so when selecting a representative, my first stepis to research the issues the elected official will actually be voting on, andfind out what each candidate’s views are on those specific issues. I amdrawn to leaders that are passionate about these local issues and pragmaticabout problem-solving. Grandstanding about challenges is no substitute for asolid plan of action, so the ability to think critically is also imperative to me.

As a Council Member and a former State Representative, I have found thatanother trait essential to good governance is the ability to work with thosewhose opinions differ from your own. Without the ability to build a consensus,a lawmaker will come to a stalemate in office.

Ultimately, I vote for candidates who share my viewpoint, are passionateabout local issues, and are able to implement effective solutions for betteringtheir community.”

Ellen CohenEllen CohenHouston City Council District C



Dear Citizens-District D:

I am Georgia Provost, a candidate for CityCouncil District D. I am a mother, a proud graduateof historic “TSU” Texas Southern University and abusiness owner in the City of Houston. I want to beyour “SERVANT” at City Hall. I will prayerfully listento your concerns and issues, and together, we willfind solutions and move forward with a “YES WECAN ATTITUDE”.

I believe the citizens in District D are produc-tive, resourceful and responsible. Therefore:

We will tackle crime together.We will improve the growth of small

business and create avenues for future busi-ness and employment.

We will improve the quality of life in ourneighboroods by reducing blight and substandardliving conditions.

We will improve the relationship with law en-forcement and Citizens of District D.

We will make sure our Civic Clubs andneighborhood associations continue to have avoice at City Hall.

I pledge to be accessible to constituentsthrough an open-door policy and community out-reach meetings throughout the district. I am mak-ing only one promise. “TO WORK FOR YOU ANDWITH YOU!”

I am Georgia D. Provost, a candidate andservant for City Council District D and I am ask-

ing for your VOTE on Tuesday, November 5,2013. Love You!

Sincerely,

GeorgiaGeorgia D. Provost3821 N. MacGregor WayHouston, Texas 77004(713)942-7374 I (281)704-6655Email: [email protected]

PAID POL. AD. BY THE GEORGIA D. PROVOST FOR HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT D CAMPAIGN, ALAN HELFMAN, TREASURER

Letter from Georgia D. Provost, Candidate for Houston City Council District DElection Day for the 2013 Mayoral Election is Tuesday, Nov.,5th

GEORGIA

Dear 18th Congressional District Voters,

During our 2012 campaign, you helped us achieve his-

tory on many levels. Because of your efforts, we received

more votes than anyone ever has against Sheila Jackson

Lee. Additionally, your donations and efforts had our cam-

paign named to the Republican National Congressional

Committees’ “Young Gun Program”, another first for the

18thDistrict. Out of the 264 precincts in the district, we

received votes in all but 20 of them, and in 84 of those,

we were less than 200 votes behind.

I want to thank those of you that became Neighborhood

Leaders. Your efforts ensured we dominated those precincts,

with average vote count above 60%. In addition we won 8 of

the 11 precincts we block walked.

I will be entering the race for the 2014 election as a Re-

publican Candidate for District 18. For the past six months, I

have been working on building relationships in many com-

munities and building our winning team for the 2014 Cam-

paign. Now I need your help in recruiting Neighborhood

Leaders, area leaders, spreading the word of our campaign,

and fundraising. Please email [email protected]

to begin your support for Sean Seibert today! We appreciate

and need your support to win.

Thank you in advance for all of your support and look-

ing forward to a great and successful election run for 2014.

Your Humble Servant,

Sean SeibertSean Seibert

www.seanseibert.com

http://www.youtube.com/seibertforcongress/

https://www.facebook.com/#!/sean.seibert.for.congress

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/sean-seibert/9/70b/2ba

Federal election law requires political committees to use best efforts to report the

name, mailing address, occupation, and name of employer of individuals whose contri-

butions exceed $200 during an election cycle. An individual may not contribute more

than a total of $2500 per election to the committee. Federal law prohibits contribu-

tions to the committee from the general treasury funds of a corporation, labor organi-

zations or national banks (including corporate or other business entity credit cards),

from any person contributing another’s funds, from a Federal government contractor,

or from a foreign national who lacks permanent resident status. Contributions are not

deductible for Federal income tax purposes.

Pd. Pol. Ad by Sean Seibert for Congress: P.O. Box 31758, Houston, Texas 77231



YOUR HUMBLE SERVANTSean Seibert -- Republican for United States Congress -- District 18



VISIT US AT: www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com for more highlights...

ANNOUNCEMENTS ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS RECOGNITIONS

A "2013 LEADERSHIP SERIES SALUTE"

Goes out to all the 2013 HISD High

School Seniors Recently Recognized

by the Texas Board of Education as

Outstanding Young Men and Women

Each year the Board of Education recognizes dis-tinguished seniors from HISD high schools in recogni-tion of their total accomplishments exemplified by theircharacter, academic achievement, leadership, andservice. Selection is made by a school committee ap-pointed by the principal and the award is presented bythe board trustee during commencement exercises. Anoutstanding young man and young woman are se-lected as well as up to five honorable mention studentsfrom each high school. If you would like to see thecomplee list visit: www.aubreyrtaylor.blogpot.com


Goes out to TSU President Dr. John M.

Rudley for Being named Chair of

the SWAC Council of Presidents

and ChancellorsTSU President named Chair of the SWAC Council of

Presidents and Chancellors

NEW ORLEANS – Texas Southern UniversityPresident Dr. John M. Rudley has been named Chair

of the Southwestern Athletic Conference Council ofPresidents and Chancellors for 2013-2015.

As the new Chair of the Southwestern AthleticConference Council (SWAC) of Presidents and Chan-cellors, President Rudley has shared his vision for theconference during his term. Branding of the SWAC andassuring that student athletes graduate on time headthe top of his list of priorities.

"We must do a better job of telling the many storiesof our successes," Rudley says. "Our student athleteshave made significant accomplishments both on thefields of play and in the classrooms and have achievedin various arena's post graduation including: entrepre-

Board of Education Award recipient Sara Jamison, right, gets a hug from Booker T. Washington magnet coordi-nator Kathleen Moreland, left, after commencement.

Sean Seibert -- Republican for United States Congress -- District 18

DR. JOHN M. RUDLEY





neurship, the music and entertainment industry, re-search, science and technology, politics, and fromclassrooms to boardrooms. Highlighting these accom-plishments will serve to further the mission of each in-dividual institution."

In addition to his appointment as Chair, Dr. Rudleyis leading the NCAA's Advisory Group that is assistingwith academic challenges that impact Limited Re-source Institutions (LRI). The formation of this advisorygroup represents a collaborative and proactive effortbetween HBCU institutions and the NCAA to serve asa conduit to communicate issues and concerns thatmay impact LRIs collectively within the Academic Per-formance Program (APP).

Prior to joining Texas Southern University, Dr.Rudley served as interim chancellor of the Universityof Houston System and interim president of the Uni-versity Of Houston. He also served six years at thatinstitution as vice chancellor/vice president for ad-ministration and finance.


Goes out to the Bauer College of

Business at the University of Houston

for being named one of the "10 Most

Popular B-Schools" in America

U.S. News Short List Puts Bauer College Among B-

Schools Most Popular with Students

U.S. News recently released a list of the 10 MostPopular B-Schools, including the C. T. Bauer Collegeof Business among the graduate business schoolsacross the country with the highest yield rates, or per-cent of students who choose to enroll in an institutionafter being offered admission.

The ranking is part of the U.S. News Short List,which has previously included Bauer as one of the

country’s “10 Least Expensive Public B-Schools forOut-of-State Students.” The most recent mention on thelist analyzes nearly 500 business schools across theUnited States and notes the 10 schools with the highestyield of accepted students for the Fall 2012 semester.

U.S. News notes that Bauer’s yield rate of 72.8percent is part of a large surge in popularity amongpublic business schools, which make up six places inthe top 10 list.

“This acknowledgment from U.S. News signi-fies not only the growth that we are seeing in ourconversion rate at Bauer but also stands to showthat the college is becoming a destination of firstchoice for students,” said Dean Latha Ramchand.-- By Jessica Navarro


Goes out to Dr. Miron P. Billingsley for

being honored as a "2013 Stellar

Communicator" by the Tavis Smiley

School of Communications at TSU

Dr. Miron P. Billingsley named a 2013 Stellar

Communicator

Dr. Miron Billingsley Honored by the Tavis SmileySchool of Communications at Texas Southern Univer-sity as a 2013 Stellar Communicator

Dr. Miron P. Billingsley, associate vice president forStudent Affairs at Prairie View A&M University, was re-cently awarded a Stellar Communicator Honor by the

Tavis Smiley School of Communications at TexasSouthern University.

The award honors those individuals who have as-sisted the School in achieving its goals in educating thenext generation of communications professionals.Billingsley previously served as adjunct professor ofcommunications in the School. He has also taught com-munications classes in the Department of Languagesand Communications in the PVAMU Marvin D. and JuneSamuel Brailsford College of Arts and Sciences.


Goes out to Bush High School's

Juan Vasquez for being named

a 2013 Dell Scholar

Bush High School’s Juan Vasquez named a 2013 Dell

Scholar, earns a $20,000 Scholarship

FORT BEND ISD - Bush High School senior, JuanVasquez, was named a 2013 Dell Scholar earning a$20,000 scholarship from the Michael and Susan DellFoundation. He is among more than 300 students na-tionwide honored among the Dell Scholars ProgramClass of 2013.

Juan is the second person in his family to be nameda Dell Scholar. His sister, Raisa, was a 2007 DellScholar and participant of the AVID (Advancement ViaIndividual Determination) program. Like his sister, Juanis also a participant of the AVID program, which has pre-pared him for college readiness and success in a globalsociety. Many AVID students are first-generation college

Bauer College’s high yield rate puts it in a recent top10 list from U.S. News.

DR. MIRON P. BILLINGSLEY

JUAN VASQUEZ





goers. Although Juan is among that group of students,his parents still stressed the importance of educationand made sure that he and his siblings completed theirschool assignments, homework and became actively in-volved in school activities.

During his high school career, Juan participated inDECA, serving as the 2012-2013 vice president and the2011-2012 alumni president. He was also a member ofthe Technology Student Association, Youth in Philan-thropy (YIP) and played for the Bush Broncos’ JuniorVarsity Football team as an offensive tackle for twoyears. In his spare time, he volunteered for such organi-zations as Habitat for Humanity and the Houston Hu-mane Society.

Juan will attend Stephen F. Austin University in thefall, where he will major in International Business andminor in Mathematics.

The Dell Scholars Program is an initiative of theMichael and Susan Dell Foundation and provides itsstudents with resources and mentoring beyond initial fi-nancial assistance to ensure they have the support theyneed to obtain a college degree. The program looks be-yond academic performance and grades and rewardsstudents for their individuality, unique experiences inand outside of the classroom, need for financial assis-tance, willingness to work hard, and determination tosucceed through higher education.


Goes out to Fort Bend ISD's Junior

Leadership Program for Producing

Our Future Leaders

Year-End Activities Mark another Successful Year for

FBISD’s Junior Student Leadership Program

FORT BEND ISD - Participants of Fort Bend ISD’sJunior Student Leadership Program concluded theseven-month program that helped build their aware-ness, understanding and appreciation of leadership

roles in our community. Through the FBISD Board-sponsored program, 24 high school juniors were giventhe opportunity to explore leadership roles of profes-sionals who work in the volunteerism, judicial, medical,government and business industries.

The 2012-2013 Junior Student Leadership Co-hort included: Mary Abella (Austin), Erin Breaux(Hightower), Reina Chang (Dulles), Anthony Espinal(Hightower), Danielle Fournier (Kempner), KatherineGoss (Ridge Point), Ashley Gough (Kempner), Jus-tine Hall (Travis), Prema Kamnani (Elkins), Helen Li(Travis), Hilario Lumbreras(Austin), Jasmine Medina(Willowridge), Jonathan Mohammad (Hightower),Carolyn Nguyen (Bush), Emmanuel Nnali (Bush),Caleb Pete (Marshall), Natasha Pirani(Marshall),Cody Price (Bush), Christi Reynolds (Austin), RuhikaRoy (Elkins), Conner Smith (Dulles), SanjanaSrikanth (Clements), Kaylan Whitaker (Willowridge)andNatalie Wolf (Clements).

The students devoted a full day each month to at-tending leadership sessions that included completingStrengthsFinder lessons, led by Yolanda Young, Coor-dinator in the Department of Organizational Develop-ment, to help determine their personal strengths. Thesessions also included monthly field trips where thestudents met with various community leaders, includ-ing Carolyn Tarver, Founder of Project SMILE; Judge

Pictured at the reception are Jim Rice, Board Presi-dent; students Prema Kamnani of Elkins, SanjanaSrikanth of Clements and Jasmine Medina of Wil-lowridge; Susan Hohnbaum, Board Member; and Dr.Javier Villarreal, Assistant Superintendent.

Charles Dupre, Superintendent of Schools, commended students for their involvement in the program.

Shown on the ROPES course is Cody Price of BushHigh School.





Ruby Shaw, Fort Bend County Truancy Court; Dr.Kulvinder Bajwa, Greg Haralson, CEO of MemorialHermann Hospital-Sugar Land; Mayor Allen Owen,City of Missouri City; and Keri Schmidt, CEO andPresident of the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce.

“Being in the Leadership Program has helped meunderstand how the world is such a busy place,” saidKaylan Whitaker of Willowridge High School. “I havegrown significantly over the past few months by beingin this program and have gained a greater outlook onmy community.”

The students’ final session involved participating in aROPES course that tested their strength and ability towork as a team. Leading the group were program facilita-tors Lynda Ruther, Mike Madden and ROPES FacilitatorJim Harton. Susan Hohnbaum, FBISD Board Member,joined the students in the final session, volunteering totake the first climb on the ROPES course. Charles Dupre,Superintendent of Schools, also stopped by to commendthe students on their involvement in the program andhear about their experiences.

“During our session on volunteering, Becky Torrestold us about her role in founding Bethel Ministries,which serves underprivileged children in our commu-nity,” said Katherine Goss of Ridge Point High School.“I was so inspired by her that I went to my DestinationImagination group and expressed how much I wantedto help with the ministry. Since then, we have volun-teered multiple times at the facility.”

During their senior year of the Leadership Program,the juniors will have more “hands-on” experiences incommunity service. During the spring leadership ses-sions this year, the students developed and presentedideas for community service projects (such as healthfairs and other community awareness events) that theycan help sponsor.

To help mark the conclusion of this year’s JuniorStudent Leadership Program, the FBISD Board ofTrustees held a reception in honor of the students, andrecognized them and the program facilitators at theirMay 20 Regular Meeting.

Board Member, Susan Hohnbaum, is shown climbing the ROPES ladder as the “spotters” guard her every move.

Program Facilitator Lynda Ruther (left) is picturedwith leadership student Hilario Lumbreras (right)and his mother.





The Houston Astrodome Could Have A New Life on the Horizon

Aubrey R. TaylorYour Thought Matters Newspaper

In 1965 the Harris County Domed Stadium (todayknown as the Reliant Astrodome) was nicknamed the“Eight Wonder of the World”. But the structure oncecalled “a wonder” by some, is being called “an eye-sore” and even an ugly old building whose days arenumber by others. But for me, I can remember visitingthe massive structure known as the Houston As-trodome and marveling at its awesomeness and splen-dor as a child. I didn’t go there much — as we couldn’tafford too. But I think that was why the times I was ableto go were so special to me. There’s a part of me that

somehow just doesn’t seem to want to let go; so I’mpulling for the dome to live on and I’m hoping you’redoing the same.

THE FIRST OF ITS KIND

The world’s first multipurpose domed sports sta-dium has brought us both good times and bad; memo-ries we would like to hold on to forever, and a few wewould like to perhaps forget as it relates to sports.

READY FOR A NEW DOME EXPERIENCE?

The Harris County Sports & Convention Corpplans to honor the dome’s legacy through a $194 mil-lion project dubbed “The New Dome Experience”. Areyou ready for a new dome experience?

A “2013 LEADERSHIP SERIESSALUTE” Goes out to all theExhibitors and Vendors whoSupported the 2013 TexasBlack Expo

By Aubrey R. TaylorYour Thought Matters Newspaper

On Sunday, June 23, 2013 I went to church atLakewood and on the way home decided to stop bythe Texas Black Expo. Nope, Aubrey R. Taylor Com-munications the publisher of Your Thought MattersNewspaper wasn’t a sponsor. But I thought it would bereally nice to give my readers an inside look at expo.

Perhaps the highlight of my visit was getting theopportunity to meet Ms.Black Texas USA Cover girland PreTeen Black Beauty for 2012-2013 (Freje MissCover girl Randall) whom you will see picturebelow.Freje Randall is ten years old and attendsFBISD Goodman Elementary. She is a member of theKids in Dance Studio and Houston Ballet. Freje at-

The Houston Astrodome was the first of its kind domed stadium.

THE MISSION: The Texas Black Expo is a non-profit organization created in 2007. It operates with a mission to fos-ter business growth and development, educate and expose youths to the world of entrepreneurship, and provideevents designed to inform, economically empower and establish the local community.





tends Southwest Baptist Churchthe Bridge and her platform isDancing for Diabetes.She is alsothe two-time pre-teen talent win-ner, and the recipient of the Com-munity Service Award.

While at the 2013 Texas BlackExpo, I also had the opportunity tovisit several booths. Here are a fewI visited: The ABC Health Connec-tion Inc booth; The AdvocareMother and Daughter Team Hous-ton booth; The ASG Security booth;The Bleek Technologies booth; TheCongresswoman Sheila Lee booth;The Council Member Green booth;The Tattoff Booth; The GreaterHouston Black Chamber Booth;The Green Mountain Energy booth;The H2H Salon booth; The HEB Di-versity booth; The Houston Associ-ation of Black Psychologists booth;The Houston Chronicle Booth; TheHouston Fire Department booth;The Houston Public Library; The In-sphere Insurance Solutions booth;The Just Poppin booth; TheKenyan Kandy booth; The KingdomSchool of Ministry booth; TheKTSU Radio booth; The Mizanibooth; The NAACP booth; The Na-tionwide Insurance booth; TheNightLight Pediatric Urgent Carebooth; The NouriTress Perfect HairProducts booth; The Personal Vir-gin Indian Hair Supplier booth; ThePlanned Parenthood booth; TheSpinning to Win a Vacation booth;The Amazing Rubber Broom booth;The Velocity booth; and The Veri-zon booth.

Unfortunately I wasn’t able tovisit every booth. But you maywant to consider attending or sup-port The Texas Black Expo nextyear. The Texas Black Expo is de-signed to highlight African-Ameri-can culture.

HERE’S THE HISTORY OF THE

TEXAS BLACK EXPO PER

THEIR WEBSITE

The Texas Black Expo is a non-profit organization created in 2007.It operates with a mission to fosterbusiness growth and development,educate and expose youths to theworld of entrepreneurship, and pro-vide events designed to inform,economically empower and estab-lish the local community.

The producers of the HoustonBlack Expo, President Jerome

Love and Vice President ShannonCormier, Ph.D., formed the TexasBlack Expo with a desire to brandthe organization as more than aonce-per-year tradeshow organi-zation. Rather, the focus will be ondelivering year-round communitydevelopment events, connectingTexas businesses to the communi-ties it serves, and developing thenext generation of entrepreneurs.

The Texas Black Expo estab-lishes affiliate chapters throughoutthe state of Texas that are commit-ted to fostering the same organiza-tional initiatives as theheadquarters organization locatedin Houston, Texas, allowing theTexas Black Expo to expand itsreach more extensively.

Prior to founding the Texas BlackExpo, Jerome Love and Dr. Cormierproduced the Houston Black Expofor four years first at the Reliant Cen-ter and later at the George R. BrownConvention Center.

Operated by the Black Expo ofHouston, LLC, the Houston BlackExpo has served the Houston com-munity since 2004 with its signatureevent, the “Summer Celebration.”This event has grown to becomethe largest African-American mar-keting tradeshow in the state ofTexas, now drawing close to 20,000attendees, more than 250 vendors,and numerous attractions over thecourse of the nationally recognizedtwo-day weekend.

The “Summer Celebration”unites hundreds of small businessvendors, corporate exhibitors,seminars, activities for children,health screenings, hair and fash-ion shows, and national entertain-ment such as Angie Stone, IndiaArie, Will Downing, Shirley Caesar,Deitrick Haddon, and Karen Clark& Kiki Sheard. The event is highlyanticipated and locals view it as anintegrated part of Houston’s com-munity fabric.

The founders of the TexasBlack Expo look forward to servingAfrican-American Texas businesscommunities. For more informationon how to establish a local chapterin a city located within the state ofTexas, please contact the organi-zation’s headquarters office inHouston, Texas.

Joanie Haley, AlisonMeador, MelissaPardue, and BrendaSwinney have beenappointed to OneS-tar Foundation

AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry has ap-pointed four members to the On-eStar Foundation. The foundationfurthers volunteerism and commu-nity service in Texas.

Joanie Haley of Houston isexecutive director of the Robertand Janice McNair Foundation.She is a member of Women in Phi-lanthropy and the Neuhaus Educa-tion Center Advisory Board,membership committee chair ofthe University of Texas College ofEducation Advisory Council, and avolunteer with the Houston Ameri-can Cancer Society. She is also apast board member of the TexasBusiness and Education Coalitionand Texas Association of Partnersin Education. Haley received abachelor’s degree from the Univer-sity of Texas at Austin. She isreappointed for a term to expireMarch 15, 2016.

Alison Meador of Austin is aprivate special events coordinatorand fundraiser. She is a memberof the Texas Conference forWomen Advisory Board and Help-ing Hand Home for Children. Sheis also a past board member ofHospice Austin, the Elizabeth AnnSeton Board and the Capital ofTexas Chapter of the Alzheimer’sAssociation, and past president ofthe Good Shepherd EpiscopalSchool Board of Trustees. Meadorreceived a bachelor’s degree fromthe University of Alabama. She isappointed for a term to expireMarch 15, 2014.

Melissa Pardue of Austin is apart-time private public policy con-sultant, former deputy assistantsecretary at the U.S. Department ofHealth and Human Services andformer associate director of theWhite House Domestic PolicyCouncil. She is a member of theKappa Alpha Theta Alumnae Groupof Austin, and a past member of theNational Association of Christiansin Social Work and National Coun-cil on Family Relations. Pardue re-

ABC Health Connection Inc Booth

HEB Supplier Diversity Booth

Council Member Larry V. Green Booth

2013 Texas Black Expo Ms.Black Texas USA Covergirl and PreTeen Black Beauty for 2012-2013 (FrejeMiss Cover girl Randall) visits Congresswoman SheilaJackson Lee’s booth





ceived a bachelor’s degree from theUniversity of Oklahoma and a mas-ter’s degree in social work and pub-lic policy from Columbia University.She is reappointed for a term to ex-pire March 15, 2016.

Brenda Swinney of Paige isowner and trustee of the Son DauTrust in Bastrop County. She is amember of and volunteer for TexasAlliance for Life, and a past mem-ber of Altrusa International Inc. Sheis appointed for a term to expireMarch 15, 2016.

Brigadier GeneralWilliam “Len” Smithhas been named As-sistant AdjutantGeneral for Army

AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry hasnamed Brigadier General

William “Len” Smith of Austin asthe Assistant Adjutant General forArmy effective June 16, 2013, fora term to expire at the pleasure ofthe governor.

Smith is director of joint staffand commander of domestic oper-ation for the Texas Military Forces.He is commander of the JointCounterdrug Task Force and theHomeland Response Force, amember of the United States andTexas National Guard associationsand the United States and LoneStar Chapter of the Armor Associa-tion, and a distinguished knight ofthe Order of Saint George. He pre-viously served in the 36th InfantryDivision G3 and as deputy com-mander of Kosovo Forces 7, aschief of staff of the Texas Army Na-tional Guard, and as deputy com-manding general-maneuver of the36th Infantry Division and theUnited States Division in Iraq. Hehas received a Bronze Star Medal,Legion of Merit award, MeritoriousService Medal, the Army Commen-dation Medal, Army AchievementMedal, National Defense ServiceMedal, Kosovo and Iraq Campaignmedals, the Global War on Terror-ism Service Medal, Armed ForcesReserve Medal, Army and Over-seas Service ribbons, the NATOMedal, Adjutant General’s Individ-ual Achievement Award, and the

Texas Faithful Services Award.Smith received a bachelor’s

degree from Southwest TexasState University, now Texas StateUniversity, a Master of BusinessAdministration from Touro Univer-sity, and a master’s degree instrategic studies from the UnitedStates Army War College.

Steven J. Austin,Kirby Bunel Jr., Tim O’Hare, LouisPalermo, and LewisWhite have been appointed to TexasBoard of Dental Examiners

AUSTIN - Gov. Rick Perry has ap-pointed five members to the TexasState Board of Dental Examinersfor terms to expire Feb. 1, 2019.The board oversees licensing andregulation of dental care providersin Texas, and enforces Texas lawsregulating the practice of dentistry.

Steven J. Austin of Amarillo isa dentist in private practice andpast adjunct faculty member at theTexas A&M University Baylor Col-lege of Dentistry. He is a memberof the American and Texas Dentalassociations, Panhandle DistrictDental Society and Western Re-gional Examination Board, and amember and past president of thePanhandle Academy of GeneralDentistry. Austin received a bache-lor’s degree from West Texas StateUniversity, a master’s degree intheology from the Dallas Theologi-cal Institute, and a Doctor of DentalSurgery from the Texas A&M Uni-versity Baylor College of Dentistry.He is reappointed to the board.

Kirby Bunel Jr. of Texarkana ispresident of Oral and MaxillofacialSurgeons of Northeast Texas. He isa member of the American DentalAssociation, American Association ofOral and Maxillofacial Surgeons andAmerican Dental Society of Anesthe-sia, and a diplomat of the AmericanBoard of Oral and Maxillofacial Sur-geons. He is also a member andpast president of the Texas DentalAssociation and Texas Dental Soci-ety of Anesthesia, and a board mem-

ber and past president of the TexasSociety of Oral and Maxillofacial Sur-geons. He is a volunteer dentist forTexas Mission of Mercy in Texarkanaand Atlanta, and a member of theTexarkana Chamber of Commerce.Bunel received a bachelor’s degreefrom Baylor University and a Doctorof Dental Surgery from the BaylorCollege of Dentistry, and completedhis oral and maxillofacial surgeryresidency at the University of TexasHealth Science Center at Houston.

Tim O’Hare of Farmers Branchis an attorney in private practiceand owner of O’Hare Real Estate.He is former mayor and former citycouncilman for the City of FarmersBranch. He is a member of theState Bar of Texas, Dallas Bar As-sociation and Alliance DefenseFund Honor Corps, and presidentof the Christian Legal Society ofDallas. He is also a member of theFarmers Branch Chamber of Com-merce, a founding board memberof Reclaiming Texas for Christ, andpast president of the Rotary Club ofFarmers Branch. O’Hare received abachelor’s degree from the Univer-sity of Texas and a law degree fromthe Southern Methodist UniversitySchool of Law.

Lois Palermo of League City isa dental hygienist at Castille andCastille PC. She is chair of the Den-tal Hygiene Advisory Board, an ex-aminer for the Western RegionalExamination Board, board memberand past president of the TexasDental Hygienists Association, anda member and past board memberof the Bay Area Dental HygienistsSociety. She is also a past boardmember of the Space City AquaticTeam and a volunteer for the BayWind Village Convalescent Center.Palermo received an associate de-gree in dental hygiene from Del MarCollege and a bachelor’s degreefrom the University of Houston.

Lewis White of Humble is anattorney and corporate counsel forInnovative Paradigm Solutions. Heis a member of the State Bar ofTexas, past president of the FortBend and Ector County TexasYoung Lawyers associations, and apast member of Safer Dallas BetterDallas. White received a bachelor’sdegree from McMurry Universityand a law degree from the TexasSouthern University Thurgood Mar-shall School of Law. He is reap-pointed to the board.

Leticia Gutierrez Ablaza and Andrew C. Burks, Jr., At-Large Position 2 Houston City Council Member. Wecaught up with the pair talking at The Museum DistrictBistro event honoring Stephanie Boutte-Phillips.

Joe Ablaza (left) and his wife Leticia Gutierrez Ablaza(far right) with Trebor and Melissa Gordon. We caughtup with them at The Museum District Bistro event honor-ing Stephanie Boutte-Phillips.

Joe Ablaza (left) and his wife Leticia Gutierrez Ablaza(middle) talking with Sean Seibert, a 2014 Candidate forU.S. Congress for the 18th Congressional District ofTexas. We caught up with them at The Museum DistrictBistro event honoring Stephanie Boutte-Phillips.

Sean Seibert and Brian Taef, a 2013 Candidate forHouston City Council for District G. We caught up withthem at The Museum District Bistro event honoringStephanie Boutte-Phillips.





2013 LEADERSHIP SERIES: Stephanie

Boutte-Phillips was recognized as

the 2013 Community Person of the

Year by The Museum District Bistro

By Aubrey R. TaylorPublisher of Your Thought Matters Newspaper

Stephanie Boutte-Phillips, the founder of (HTEC) Hous-ton’s Training & Education Centers knows a thing or twoabout what it means to fight battles. She’s been fighting tobeat the odds all her life. You see, Boutte-Phillips was bornand raised in a little town called Opelousas, Louisiana to ateenage mother and father who pretty much left the responsi-bility of raising her on the shoulders of her elderly grand-mother and grandfather. “As a child growing up I canremember starving at the end of the month because of a lackof food. But not having enough was a normal thing, becausemost of the kids I went to school with either lived alone withtheir grandparents or with (their parents) who were also livingwith their grandparents,” Boutte-Phillips explains.

“But one of the things I remember the most aboutgrowing up with my grandparents was that they werehonorable people. My grandfather, would say, “It does-n’t matter who much money you have, if your nameand word doesn’t mean anything, then you’re nothing,”says Boutte-Phillips.

Here’s A Little About

Stephanie Boutte-Phillips &

HTEC -- Houston’s Training &

Education Center

Stephanie Boutte-Phillips, the founder of (H-TEC)Houston’s Training and Education Center, Inc., is aprime example of what it means to be caring. Hermission is to create a coherent system of training toincrease academic achievement where participantswill have the ability to handle the minimal demandsof daily living competently, and compete in a complexand technologically oriented society. H-TEC not onlyequips individuals with training that meets and ex-ceeds the standards set by the business community,but they also teach students how to make their per-sonal and professional lives work together, by main-taining balanced lives. Call HTEC today at(281)219-3305.

Computerized Accounting Specialist

The Computerized Accounting Specialist program isdesigned to provide the student with the skills neededto perform a variety of accounting applications with em-phasis on computer technology. This program is de-signed to prepare graduates for entry-level employmentand advancement in accounting positions. Upon com-pletion of the program, the graduate will have basic ac-counting skills in journalizing and posting, and a basicworking knowledge of accounting systems, as well asother general business skills. The graduate will alsohave practical skills in computer spreadsheet applica-

tions and word processing. These skills will allow thegraduate to find employment in businesses, which havean accounting department or position.

Our graduates will possess the skills and competen-cies that place them at the top of the entry-level marketfor career employment. Students will be prepared foremployment positions such as full-charge bookkeeper,bookkeeper assistant, accounting clerk, automatedrecords clerk, accounts payable clerk, accounts receiv-able clerk, payroll clerk, auditing clerk, data entry clerk,customer service representative, office manager, gen-eral office clerk, accounting receptionist, and other re-lated office assignments. Employment opportunities can

Houston Businesswoman Stephanie Boutte-Phillips, the founder of Houston's Training and Education Center, Inc,was recognized for her commitment to Houston-area veterans and others seeking to better themselves.Boutte-Phillips is pictured above with Businessman Larry Crisswell the vice president of the Musueum District Bistro.Criss-well honored Boutte-Phillps as the “2013 Leadersship Series” Community Person of the Year.

Boutte-Phillips Recognition Reception

held at the Museum District Bistro & Lounge





be found in both public and private industries and largeand small alike i.e. Accounting firms, business offices,medical facilities, and etc.

The overall program will require 11 months, ap-proximately (45 ½ weeks) to complete for the fulltime student (depending on Holidays, in betweenterm breaks and in-service days, etc.) The individualcompleting this program will receive a certificateupon completion.

Computer Support Specialist

This course of instruction prepares individuals forentry-level jobs as a computer repair and help-desksupport. Graduates may find suitable employmentwith computer manufacturing, computer sales, andcompanies with IT departments on the help desk.Students will learn to troubleshoot and repair per-sonal computers and network devices as well as con-duct computer diagnostics to investigate and resolveproblems and/or provide technical assistance andsupport.. Upon completion of this program, studentswill be able to install, upgrade, and support personalcomputers and associated peripheral devices in anetwork environment.

Medical Assistant

The Medical Assistant program is designed to pro-vide the graduate with the key skills essential to suc-cess in the medical office world of today. The MedicalAssistant performs routine administrative and clinicaltasks to keep the medical office running smoothly inboth the front and back office. The Medical Assistantprogram also prepares the student for the basics ofclinical care of patients in a long- term care facility.(They should not be confused with Physician Assis-tant.) Since medical assistants are trained in both ad-ministrative and clinical procedures, they are capableof filing a variety of entry-level positions, includingclinical or administrative assistant, medical reception-ist, medical secretary and medical insurance biller.

The Medical Assistant performs many adminis-trative duties as well as clinical duties. The medicalassistant performs such duties as: scheduling pa-tient appointments, processing insurance claims,weighing patients, taking vital signs, giving shots,taking blood, assisting the physician, etc. The pro-gram assures that all students will develop andpossess the hands-on experience in both the clini-cal and automated office environment.

Our graduates will possess the skills and compe-tencies that place them at the top of the entry-levelmarket for career employment. They will be preparedto work in various types of medical environmentssuch as hospitals, nursing homes, private doctor’s of-fices, clinics, medical billing and collection compa-nies, and insurance companies. The overall programwill require 10 months, approximately (40 weeks) tocomplete for the full time student (depending on Holi-days, In between term breaks and in-service days,etc.) The individual completing this program will re-ceive a certificate upon completion.

Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning/Refrigeration

Allen Grundy, M.Ed, Stephanie Boutte-Phillips, and RalphenaDodson at The Museum District Bistro & Lounge.

Bro. Gary Smith (left), his wife Karen (far right) and StephanieBoutte-Phillips (center). Brother Gary and Karen Smith arefrom the Fifth Ward Church of Christ.

Passion (The Museum District Bistro Manager) and HoustonCity Councilman Andrew C. Burks, Jr.

Travis McGee and Stephanie Boutte-Phillips.

Jacq Mayberry talking about Boutte-Phillips.

Charlotte H. Grimes and Arbolina L. Jenningsinside The Museum District Bistro.

Stephanie Johnson, a graduate of HTEC talk-ing about how Stephanie Boutte-Phillips im-pacted her life for the better.





(HVAC/R) Program at HTEC

Program Description:

Houston’s Training and Education Center’s(H-TEC) Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning/Refrigeration program is a comprehensivecourse designed to train women and men regard-less of previous training in Heating, Ventilation,Air Conditioning / Refrigeration. The objective ofthe program is to provide the student with techni-cal skills based on HVAC/R systems repair, oper-ation diagnosis, and troubleshooting so he/shecan obtain job entry or advancement within theHeating, Cooling and Refrigeration industries.The graduate may have opportunities in manyfacets of the Heating, Cooling, or Refrigerationindustries such as Heating/Cooling Technician,Refrigeration Technician, Industrial MaintenanceTechnician, Counter sales or sales representativetypically listed for these industries.

Our HVAC/R environment will be task oriented,so every student will undergo written and perform-ance-based learning. This hands-on approach willsuccessfully prepare our students for employment invarious HVAC/R positions in the field. Our instruc-tors, under NCCER standards, will be Craft certifiedin the HVAC/R field and our facility is designed withtechnology including overhead projectors, anHVAC/R lab containing various HVAC/R equipmentand components, a student-assisted tool crib andweb-based learning and research work stations forstudents. H-TEC will utilize the ContrenConnect™curriculum developed by NCCER (www.contrencon-nect.com). ContrenConnect is an interactive web-based tool that partners textbooks and internetdriven materials to give the student a multi-dimen-sional learning experience.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Get Enrolled Today

Houston’s Training and Education Center, Inc., is

located at 5335 Aldine Bender, Houston, Texas

77032. Call (281)219-3305 today for more infor-

mation on classes offered at Houston’s Training

and Education Center, Inc.

Diva White, Andre Carron, Jr. (son of Stephanie Boutte-Phillips), and Stephanie Boutte-Phillips.

Ashley Carron (daughter of Stephanie Boutte-Phillips delivering remarks about Stephanie Boutte-Phillips.Stephanie Boutte-Phillips and Lecresha Brown.





At-Large Position 2 Houston City Council Member Andrew C. Burks, Jr. delivering remarks.

Herlinda Garcia, HCC Trustee came out to support Businesswoman Stephanie-Boutte.

Assata Richards and Stephanie Boutte-Phillips

Leticia Gutierrez Ablaza, her husband Joe, talkingwith Stephanie Boutte-Phillips.

Tammi Durden and Stephanie Boutte-Phillips at TheMuseum District Bistro & Lounge.

Stephanie Boutte-Phillips (center), with Troy and KatieHarris on the patio of The Museum District Bistro.





A Special ‘Thank You’ to Ben Hall a 2013Candidate for Mayor of Houston for findingvalue in our “2013 LEADERSHIP SERIES”

We salute Ben Hall for rising above

the challenges He’s Faced

HERE'S A LITTLE ABOUT BEN HALL

Born into a family of meager financial means, Ben-jamin Hall, III has experienced firsthand the strugglethat accompanies difficult economic times. Ben alsoencountered challenges in the academic world, whereteachers doubted his ability to rise above his humblebeginnings and achieve higher education; however, heknew he had the potential to succeed and refused tocompromise his goals. In 1975, Ben enrolled at theUniversity of South Carolina, where he received aBachelor of Arts degree in 1977, with honors. His thirstfor knowledge and desire to help others led him to con-tinue his education at Duke University; obtaining aMaster of Divinity degree in 1979 and a Ph.D. in 1985.Others might have stopped at that point, but Ben sawa real opportunity to help underrepresented communi-ties as an attorney. In 1986, Ben earned a law degreefrom Harvard Law School and began working at theVinson & Elkins law firm in Houston, Texas. He wenton to serve as the City Attorney for the City of Houstonin Mayor Bob Lanier’s administration.

Through his legal practice, Ben has applied theprinciples of courage, tenacity and justice that helearned as a young man; speaking out on behalf ofthose who need a strong voice to champion theircauses. In 2000, Ben founded the nationally recog-nized Hall Law Firm. Additionally, Ben has served theHouston community through his numerous pro bonoefforts on behalf of groups, corporations and individu-als in need of representation.

Ben is grateful for his professional successes,but also recognizes his personal blessings. He de-scribes his family as his greatest treasure. Benand Saundra, his wife of 31 years, have two sons.The entire Hall family remains committed to serv-ing the Houston community.

Leadership with Vision

Houston is a great city – rich in diversity, talent and po-tential. Our collective future can be brighter than our past.

Houston needs a mayor who is more than a man-ager; it needs a world-class leader with vision. We also

need a leader with the energetic ability to tackle broadissues and implement meaningful change. Rome wasnot built in a day, but it also was not built by tinkeringwith food carts and small matters. We have a choice tomake in November between mere management andleadership with vision.

Houstonians believe in fair play for all. This is oneof our great strengths. We also believe in the power offresh ideas and forward-looking policies. We believethat government should not act as a barrier to success,

but as a catalyst to achieve it. Government must bebusiness-friendly, while still protecting our prized indi-vidual liberties. Through the application of new tech-nologies, entrepreneurial governance, and innovativeleadership, Houston can expand its position as aglobal business capital.

Ben Hall on Crime

Criminal conduct will not be tolerated in Houston!

LEADERSHIP WITH VISION: “As your next Mayor, I will fight for you. I will fight to make gov-ernment more efficient. I will work to do more with less; providing the services you so richly de-serve, but collecting less from you. I look forward to meeting you on the campaign trail and willwork hard to earn your vote.” -- Ben Hall





Criminals will be arrested and punished to the fullestextent of the law. For those offenders convicted of non-violent crimes, I will seek to have them give back to ourcommunity by mowing overgrown lots and cleaning il-legally dumped trash from streets and waterways.Those non-violent criminals should actively pay theirdebt to society, rather than sit idly in jail, watching tele-vision at the additional expense of taxpayers.

Ben Hall on Education

Our future as a world-class city depends on a su-perb educational system and no one – especially not amayor – can remain silent on this pressing issue. Asmayor, I will use my office to set a tone of excellence ineducation and will work to achieve that goal throughcollaborative efforts with area school districts. We havethe teachers, staff and civic leaders to turn around anyreal or perceived issues with educating the next gener-ation of Houstonians. I believe city government has aresponsibility to assist school districts in increasing thenumber of educational opportunities for students. Asmayor, I will work with Houston’s school districts tohelp them create the best educational experience forour students, advancing pragmatic city/school districtinitiatives to integrate education with real world busi-ness experiences. This will be a top priority item for myadministration.

Ben Hall on Transportation

Houston’s transportation issues can only be fully ad-dressed through a combination of planning and transitoptions. Automotive travel is here to stay, but we mustalso promote shared transit ridership through ex-panded high-occupancy vehicle lanes, better bus ac-cess, smart rail options, and other transit innovations.Additionally, Houston’s city government must plan andwork with TXDOT to coordinate travel patterns throughand around the city. Better transportation practices andpolicies do more than reduce congestion on the high-ways; they also assist with air quality issues, makingHouston safer and even more enjoyable.

Ben Hall on Downtown

Our downtown is a vibrant business district with animpressive array of world-class companies, restau-rants, and hotels. I envision an active downtown wheremore people will want to live, work and play. At thesame time, I hope to channel the energy of thatbustling city center to attract a greater number of inter-national conventions and increase the level of down-town tourism. My administration will actively encouragethe development of a thriving downtown shopping andentertainment center by fostering innovative public-pri-vate partnerships. In that way, we will work to encour-age the development of a larger retail businessfootprint downtown.

Ben Hall on Infrastructure/Road Repairs

Houston’s roads must be repaired and upgradedimmediately! A Hall administration will implement thelatest technologies available to allow citizens to self-re-

port road problems and track the city’s response andrepairs in real-time on your computers or cell phones.We will also explore new technologies to fortify road-way repairs and end the costly practice of repeatedlyrefilling the same potholes. Repairing city roads will bejob-one-on-day-one of the Hall administration.

Ben Hall on Drainage

As a city that has always stood at the forefront ofengineering and science, Houston has the capacity todevelop a cutting-edge drainage system that can han-dle surface water. Flooding should not be a recurring

problem in this world-class city. By challenging the cur-rent approach and employing innovative drainage solu-tions, we will dramatically improve the way we handlestorm water and flooding in our city.

Ben Hall on Diversity

In Houston, we find people from every continent, eth-nicity and belief system. We applaud our respectiveheritages and are all made better by the great span ofour cultures and diversity. As Mayor, I will continue theproud tradition of showcasing the impressive intercul-tural acceptance that has made Houston strong.

LEADERSHIP WITH VISION: Through his legal prac-tice, Ben has applied the principles of courage, tenacityand justice that he learned as a young man; speakingout on behalf of those who need a strong voice tochampion their causes. In 2000, Ben founded the na-tionally recognized Hall Law Firm. Additionally, Ben hasserved the Houston community through his numerouspro bono efforts on behalf of groups, corporations andindividuals in need of representation.



VISIT US AT: www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com for more salutes...


A Special ‘Thank You’ to Trebor Gordon,and Amy Peck, both candidates for HoustonCity Council in the 2013 Mayoral Election

We salute Trebor Gordon for

answering the call to public service

Meet Trebor Gordon a candidate for Houston City Coun-

cil for At-Large Posi, #2 in the 2013 Mayoral Election

Dear Houstonians,

I am a husband, father, minister, soldier, organizer,businessman, teacher, student and Houstonian. I amgrateful to have called Houston my hometown for over25 years and I possess an undying passion to seeHouston become THE greatest city in the entire UnitedStates. This drives me to seek your vote on November5th. As your representative, my diverse life experienceswill uniquely enable me to make the often difficult deci-sions which are in the best interest of all Houstonians.

I’m prepared to be your “Voice” in City Hall and I’mpersonally requesting your vote for the Houston CityCouncil At-large Position 2. Below you will see a briefsynopsis of my life and understand why my qualifica-tions along with my passion positions me to be YOURVOICE for Houston City Council.

Military service in the United States Army

My service consists of seven (7) years in the U.S.Army Medical Corps from 1979 to 1986 and three (3)years in the U.S. Army Military Intelligence Corps from1988 to1990. During this time I traveled the globewhile fulfilling various roles including Combat Medic,Acting Sergeant, Sergeant E-5 (P), Intelligence Analystand, Sr. intelligence Analyst.

I quickly learned the importance of teamwork,structure, and how to utilize systems, processes, andresources to accomplish my objectives. Each station Iheld assisted me in honing the qualities of discipline,planning, execution, communication, and critical think-ing. I consistently performed under extreme stress andpressure. For example, in my role as a Sr. IntelligenceAnalyst, I briefed the Commanding General daily dur-ing Operation Desert Storm. Based on the vital intelli-gence my team provided, the Commanding Generalwould make high-risk decisions affecting thousands ofsoldier’s lives. These experiences provided me with aclear sense of responsibility, the ability to remainabove reproach, a unique understanding of the impor-

tance of following protocol, and a clear focus to pro-vide key solutions for Houstonians. I will act during mytime in service to my city with the same gravity, con-centration, and discernment that I utilized during mytime in service to my country.

The Importance of Family

Born in Louisville, KY in 1962, I grew up in a multi-cultural family raised by my single mother that workedup to three jobs in order to provide for us. She taughtus, at an early age, the meaning of sacrifice, strong fam-ily values, and the concept that “actions have conse-quences” for which everyone must take responsibility.Because of her teachings I consider all angles of a situ-ation to arrive at the best scenario for everyone in-volved. Due to my mother’s chronic illness, I was placedinto a position of responsibility at the young age of 11,performing tasks such as balancing the family check-book, grocery shopping, helping with maintenancearound the house as well as being responsible for pre-serving order & peace among my siblings. While grow-ing up, my family considered me the primary cohesiveelement, possessing the ability to empathize with every-one’s difficulties and position simultaneously. Beingraised in an Anglo/African American household exposedme to perspectives and cultures true to form, preparingme thoroughly for the difficulties I would face in the realworld while teaching me to embrace cultural diversity.

Now I have a family of my own. I have been hap-pily married for 8 years to my wonderful wife, Melissa.

Between us we have 7 beautiful children. Just as I en-sure my family’s well being, education, safety and, de-velopment, I want all families in Houston to have thesame sense of safety in their neighborhood, access toeducation and healthcare, and an avenue for futuregrowth and opportunity.

My Church Life

I’ve been an active Christian for over 35 years.Currently I attend Central Canaan Christian Church.Formally, my duties in ministry began at Life ChristianCenter. There, I worked as the Worship ServiceAudio/Visual Supervisor (2005-2008). Currently, I at-tend Central Canaan Christian Church and I work asthe Associate Pastor and Co-Administrator from 2008-2010, and the Sr. High & Young Adult Instructor since2010. I am privileged to work in an advisory capacity tothe Pastor and sit on the Board of Elders, aiding in ex-ecution of business negotiations on behalf of thechurch. I also appreciate the church as an outlet forcommunity outreach, one of my greatest passions.

I strongly believe that HOUSTON is, in a sense,“One Big Family” and that it is critical for our city lead-ership to stand up for those who have no voice and tohelp those who are in need, I will be there for you and Iwill be your voice!

Sincerely,

Trebor GordonTrebor Gordon2013 Candidate for Houston City Council

We salute Amy Peck for answering

the call to public service

Meet Amy Peck a candidate for Houston City Council

for District A in the 2013 Mayoral Election

Dear Houstonians,

Thank you for taking the time to read about the cam-paign. My name is Amy Peck, and I’m running forHouston City Council District A. I would be honored to

TREBOR GORDON

LEARN HOW TO NAVIGATE YOUR ROAD TO SUCCESS - WWW.EDWINHAYNES.COM -29“Your Thought Matters Newspaper Blog is the Spot Where Your Thought Matters!” -- www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com


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represent you, share my platform, and tell you a littlebit more about myself.

With nearly a decade of government experience, Iknow what it takes to find solutions, navigate the com-plicated governmental agencies, and get things done.As the District Director for Senator Dan Patrick for thepast six years, I have assisted thousands of Houstoni-ans. I have been working with Senator Dan Patricksince the day he took office, so I know what it meansto see a job through. This has been wonderfully re-warding work, and I look forward to taking this experi-ence to the city level.

Before my time in Senator Dan Patrick’s office, Iworked for Senator Jon Lindsay in both his Austin andHouston offices. I have volunteered my time for theHarris County Republican Party and the countyprecinct chairs as well as many republican groups. I

have also dedicated myself to working on the cam-paign of numerous elected officials, as well as withTexas Children’s Hospital as an activity room volun-teer. I also counseled at the VA Hospital in Houstonwhere I assisted returning veterans who suffered fromPost-Traumatic Stress Disorder, helping them receivethe resources, benefits, and psychological support

they so badly needed.I hold Bachelor of Arts degrees in both Psychology

and Government from the University of Texas-Austin,and I earned my Master’s degree in Counseling Psy-chology from the University of Houston. As a life-longHoustonian dedicated to serving those around me, Ihave the educational background and hands-on expe-rience to help our community.

I live in Spring Branch with my husband, Jayson,and our two dogs, Charlie and Lucy.

Thank you for this opportunity,

Amy PeckAmy PeckCandidate for Houston City Council for District A

Amy Peck (right), and her husband Jayson



By BARBARA FULENWIDER

Fort Bend Independent

Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen told his audience of

more than 300 guests that giving his annual state of the city

address this year was a “milestone” because the event was

being held in Missouri City for the first time at the recently

completed City Centre in Quail Valley.

He then went on to say that Rice University recently

named Missouri City as one of the most diverse cities in the

region. “Diversity has become a very important part of our

community,” he said, and added that the strategic proximity

and a highly educated workforce continually attract new

businesses.

Because the city’s goal has been to attract businesses

and lower homeowner property taxes, Owen said that over

the past five years Missouri City has had a double digit in-

crease in commercial growth and that development is taking

place city wide, not just in certain areas.

“Companies choosing to break new business ground

here,” Owen said, include Niagara Bottling, Southwest

Electronic Energy, Warren Alloy, Bimbo Bakeries, CNC

Manufacturing and they have all located in Lakeview Busi-

ness Park.

“Niagara Bottling,” Owen said, “is the nation’s second

largest water bottling firm. It has started production in its

356,000 square-foot plant and will soon install a second line,

with a third to be added in 2014.”

Warren Alloy is a major supplier of stainless steel pipe,

fittings and flanges and is operating out of its 156,00-square-

foot building. In 2014 its parent company, Allied Fittings

Group, plans to build a 250,000-square-foot distribution fa-

cility in Lakeview.

Southwest Electronic Energy designs and manufactures

lithium-ion battery packs in its 62,500-square-foot facility in

Lakeview Business Park, and Bimbo Bakeries, owner of

Mrs. Baird Bread and other bakery brands, is building a

20,000-square-foot facility and will distribute products

throughout the Houston area.

CNC Manufacturing is to start construction on its

72,000-square-foot high automated computerized machine

shop late in the second quarter of this year and plans to oc-

cupy the space by the first quarter of 2014. Owen also said

that the Missouri City staff is currently working with a food

manufacturer about buying 20 acres in Lakeview to build a

250,000-square-foot facility.

While the Lakeview Business Park continues to fill up

with businesses so does the South Gessner Road business

corridor. In the Beltway Crossing Complex, Owen said, Ben

E. Keith Foods is close to completing its 450,000-square-

foot facility that will be the company’s base for Gulf Coast

distributions of hot and cold food products to restaurants,

convenience stores and companies that prepare food.

Ben E. Keith will open in June with its current 250 em-

ployees and will grow that. “They are and will be the city’s

largest employer.” The mayor noted that “Ben E. Keith trucks

say ‘Missouri City, Texas’ on the bottom, so thank you.”

Then he talked about Twin Star Packaging, the company

that packages trays of Frito-Lay products. They have built

two more buildings, and American Tire is leasing space also.

Fort Bend Brewing Co. is the first craft brewery to open

in Missouri City. Their product is sold in grocery stores,

restaurants and around town. You can also take a tour of the

brewery on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month.

The mayor also noted that Twin Star Bakery is cooking

up sweet treats in its 276,000-square-foot bakery and distri-

bution center. Stream Realty Group, which originally built

two buildings in the complex and leased them to Charming

Charlie’s and Professional Packaging, recently built two

more. American Tire Distributors leased one and Frank’s

Supply, an automotive parts distributor leased the other.

Stream Realty is looking at buying another 15 acres on

which to build two more buildings, Owen said.

Bearden Development, which built the office/warehouse

buildings on Stafford Road at Pike Road, has announced they

will build two new warehouses of about 25,000 square feet

each. Trammel Crow, the developer of Lakeview Business

Park, also plans to build two new warehouses. One would be

about 95,000 square feet and the other 150,000.

Owen said Missouri City now has a second Wal-Mart

near Fort Bend Parkway and a Dunkin Donuts at Sienna

Parkway and Hwy. 6. There is also a new Raising Cane’s at

Murphy Road and Hwy. 6 and a second hotel, Hampton Inn,

is to open at Colonial Lake Drive and Hwy. 6.

“What all of this means for Missouri City is over $500

million worth of new business to the city and over 1,500

new jobs. Companies like Ben E. Keith and Niagara have

held employment workshops and seminars here where

they’ve hired local people.

“We will have a daily workforce that will actually work

in the city. When we talk to restaurants about coming into

our city they want people all day long, so with a workforce

of some 1,500 people we can now talk about how many peo-

ple we have who are going somewhere else to eat,” the

mayor said.

Owen also said there will be an ongoing dialogue with

the city’s business people every second Thursday of each

month. On June 13th he said the group will tour the Port of

Houston and on June 28th Houston Community College per-

sonnel will give a presentation and on Aug. 15, the new Fort

Bend ISD Superintendent Charles Dupre will talk about his

“first three months on the job.”

The mayor also noted that next year the city will “have

a significant bond issue on the ballot for necessary im-

provements throughout the city.” He said the bond ex-

ploratory committee made up of residents from all over the

community is deciding what the bonds will pay for.

“There are now $27 million authorized in bonds that

will be used for drainage projects citywide. The bond

issue next year will build on previous referendums and

benefit the city over the next decade,” he said.

He then thanked Bob Graf, the economic development

director of Missouri City who got the ball rolling and who is

retiring at the end of June. “You’ve worked with half of the

people in this room and the school district, the water district,

the county. It was your leadership that has directed us and

guided us through all that growth,” Owen told Graf.

The mayor noted that the city’s $50 million wastewater

and fresh water treatment plant is up and running. “This pro-

gram started 12 years ago and we now have it in place and it

holds 100 million gallons of water. There were 40 different

partners in this.

“We have so many MUDS (municipal utility districts)

that I jokingly call Missouri City the MUD capital of the

world but it took all the MUDs, the county and FBISD

working together” to make the plan a reality.

He then went on to talk about mobility and how he will

continue to work to get a commuter rail line to his town,

how the esplanades along Hwy. 6 may not be liked by mo-

torists but are necessary for safety, how much the public

likes the blinking yellow lights that are turn signals and

noted that Missouri City and Stafford now share a new and

larger animal shelter.

“Our main priority are our citizens and our community

partnership,” Owen said.

Missouri City has double digit commercial

growth, says Mayor

Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen will be up for re-election in May of 2014.



Niagara Bottling Company, the second

largest private label bottling company in the

United States and officials with the City of Mis-

souri City hosted an invitation-only Grand Open-

ing and Open House at the 356,000 square foot

manufacturing and distribution center in Missouri

City, located at 14810 Fairway Pines in Lakeview

Business Park. The event was held on Friday,

July 12, as Niagara officially “opened for busi-

ness” in the “Show Me City.”

The high-stepping Mighty Eagle Band from

Willowridge High School performed at the Grand

Opening, followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony

in front of the new facility by area dignitaries and

Niagara Bottling Company representatives.

About 125 people attended the Grand Open-

ing and Open House, held under large tents out-

side the facility and were served a delicious lunch

of steak wrapped in bacon, chicken, sausage, rice,

mashed potatoes and dessert.

Attendees were invited to tour the plant and

see the latest technology inside its walls. Accord-

ing to Niagara officials, the plant has a capacity to

make 1350 water bottles a minute, 81,000 bottles

an hour and 2.3 to 2.5 million bottles each day.

The company makes its own water bot-

tles, which are distributed nationwide under

several brand names and Niagara’s private

label bottled water.

Mayor Allen Owen stated that Missouri City

is proud to be chosen as the location for the new

state-of-the art bottling company that has been in

operation for 50 years, with Missouri City as the

location for the company’s 12th plant.

Mayor Owen also praised members of Mis-

souri City’s team responsible for bringing the

plant to the “Show Me City,” including City

Manager Ed Broussard, Assistant City Manager

Scott Elmer and Economic Development Coordi-

nator Bob Graf.

“We’re behind you 100 percent,” said Owen,

“We had to compete against different states and

cities to get you here and we wanted to show you

what the “Show Me City” can do. For many years

Missouri City was a bedroom community. Your

business is something we’ve wanted for a long

time, and provides a workplace and jobs for our

residents.” He continued, “I love seeing Missouri

City on your water bottles. When Costco opens

its new store in Sugar Land, it will be selling Ni-

agara water, so the people in Sugar Land can

drink Missouri City water.”

Niagara Bottling Company President An-

drew Peykoff the Second spoke about his father,

who founded the company. “My father, Andy

Peykoff, Senior, came to the United States from

Macedonia in 1963 when he was 25 years old and

settled in California. He began his career as a

milkman and later became a water man. After the

business got off the ground, one of his sons went

door-to-door selling water, and the company has

grown from those humble beginnings.”

Andrew Peykoff, Sr., started bottling high

quality, low cost water in five-gallon glass con-

tainers for home and office delivery.

In the early 1990’s, Niagara expanded into

offering single-serve private label bottled water

for grocery and convenience stores, as well as

wholesale customers with a focus on offering an

unmatched combination of quality, price, and

service.

Throughout the following decade, Niagara’s

significant developments in vertical integration,

innovative bottle design, and high speed manu-

facturing positioned the company as the industry

leading private label bottled water supplier in the

Western United States.

The Niagara family owns and operates the

company, with Andrew Peykoff II becoming

President and CEO in 2002. Since then, Niagara

has established itself as a national leader in en-

ergy saving techniques at its geographically di-

versified production facilities throughout the

United States.

According to Andrew Peykoff, Senior, “We

produce the lightest bottles in the world with the

least carbon footprint. We are proud that Niagara

leads the way in every green initiative including

lightweight bottles, lightweight bottle caps and

with bottles that weigh one-third of what they did

just a few years ago. We are also the most energy

efficient. We developed “nested packaging” that

does not include cardboard which saves 900,000

trees a year. Our bottles are also 100 percent re-

cyclable.” He concluded, “It’s amazing that less

than a year ago this was a field. The new plant is

good for us and good for this community.”

Many other dignitaries were in attendance

including Mayor Pro Tem Jerry Wyatt, and Coun-

cil Members Don Smith, Floyd Emery, and

Yolanda Ford, Former City Council Member

Buddy Jimerson, Meadows Place Mayor Charles

Jessup, Rosenberg Mayor Vincent Morales, a rep-

resentative from Fort Bend ISD, County Com-

missioners Grady Prestage and James Patterson,

and representatives from the offices of Governor

Rick Perry and State Senator Rodney Ellis,

among others.

Congressman Al Green lauded Niagara Bot-

tling Company’s 50th anniversary celebration.

“America is the greatest country to live in and we

are proud to have Niagara Bottling Company lo-

cate in Missouri City.”

State Representative Ron Reynolds said,

“You have chosen the greatest city in the greatest

state in the greatest country to locate in. It’s also

the best County and this is just the beginning. We

know Niagara will eventually double their pro-

duction, making it necessary to build more

houses for future employees.”

Fort Bend County Commissioner Grady

Prestage also welcomed Niagara Bottling Com-

pany to Missouri City. “I want Niagara to know

that Missouri City is the best city in the State to

locate in,” proclaimed Prestage.

Currently 88 people are employed at the fac-

tory with a target of 94. The plant features laser

guided vehicles that are the latest technology in

the world. They assist with loading bottles onto

trucks and other duties throughout the facility.

For its efforts in attracting Niagara Bottling

Company to Missouri City and the City’s com-

mitment to private-public partnerships, the

“Show Me City” was recognized with the presti-

gious 2012 Community Economic Development

Award from the Texas Economic Development

Council.

Niagara Bottling Company Holds Grand Openingand Open House at New Plant in Missouri City

Missouri City Mayor Allen Owen, (pictured center), along with other area dignitaries and Niagara Bottling Co. officials cut the ribbon at thecompany's new plant in Missouri City.

Willowridge High School Marching Band provided entertainment forthe grand opening at Niagara Bottling Co.



Travis McGee Service Highlights:

*Doing Some Good In the Hood *Mobile Food Pantry (Feed over 1200 individuals monthly) *Summer Lunch Programs *Donation of clothes and shoes to the homeless *Back to School Drives *Toy Drives *Annual Turkey Drives (Feed over 300 families a year) *3M scholarship (awarded thousands to high school seniors) *Mentorship program *Ike victim, but post Ike delivered food, gas,

and water to seniors and others. Contributed to RedCross, Search, and various flood victims.

Travis McGee, a native Houstonian, was born andraised in historic Sunnyside. He attended B.H. Grimes Ele-mentary School, Attucks Middle School and Evan E. Wor-thing High School, respectively. While a Worthing Colt, heparticipated in track and field and was also a member of the1992 Region III Basketball Championship team that ad-vanced to state during his senior year.

Determined to become a positive, productive citizen,Travis briefly attended Texas Southern University, but due tofinancial aid ineligibility had to withdraw. Undeterred, Travistransitioned into the work force, and later enrolled in TexasBarber College. After fulfilling the coursework necessary tobecome a licensed barber, he began working at Player’s Bar-bershop located in Southpark area of Southeast Houston. Ayear and a half later, he became owner and sole proprietor ofMcGee’s Hall of Famers Barbershop. McGee’s Hall ofFamers Barbershop, which is located in the Sunnyside Gar-den neighborhood, opened for business in October, 2005.

Travis is a dedicated family man who has been married to

his wife, Nikea Bradford-McGee, for more than ten years. Heis father to four beautiful children, Tra’Vecia, Nia, and twins,Leana and Travis, Jr. He and his family are residents, busi-ness owners, and property owners in the Sunnyside/SouthPark area as well as members of Mount Moriah MissionaryBaptist where he serves on the Board of Trustees.

Travis is diligent in his improvement efforts and participa-tion within our community. In 2006, Travis became the presi-dent of the Sunnyside Garden/Bayou Estates Civic Club. Heis also the Vice President of the Sunnyside/South Park superneighborhood. He is a member of TOP, Texas OrganizationProject and CEO of the Jireh Community Life Center, which isa 501(c)3 non profit organization. He is President of a 3MScholarship Fund as well as a member of the Advisory Boardof Evan E. Worthing High School. More importantly, Travisserves as a mentor and basketball coach to several at-riskyouth within the Sunnyside/South Park areas.

Determined, dedicated, and diligent, Travis lives by thescripture, "if God be for us, who can be against us!" He hascontinually fought for better schools, better neighborhoodsand an overall better quality of life for District D residents. Hecontinues to do so by spearheading various projects whichlead to much needed improvements in our sidewalks, speedbumps, police presence, street lights and community assis-tance programs such as monthly mobile food pantries. Yet,there is still more work to be done! His favorite motto is, “ifeveryone does something, then everything will get done.” Ashis motto suggests, Travis is committed to getting more workdone and improving Houston's District D! With our help, itcan be achieved!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Don't forget that the 2013 Mayoral Election

featuring Travis McGee will be held on Tues-

day, November 5, 2013 in Houston, Texas.

POLITICAL AD PAID FOR BY THE TRAVIS MCGEE FOR DISTRICT D CAMPAIGN

“Community Servant” TravisMcGee is Running For Houston

City Council for District D

TRAVIS MCGEE -- 2013 CANDIDATE

Travis McGee is diligent in his improvement efforts and participation within our community. In 2006, Travis became the president of the Sunnyside Garden/Bayou Estates Civic Club. He isalso the Vice President of the Sunnyside/South Park super neighborhood. He is a member of TOP, Texas Organization Project and CEO of the Jireh Community Life Center, which is a 501(c)3non profit organization. He is President of a 3M Scholarship Fund as well as a member of the Advisory Board of Evan E. Worthing High School. More importantly, Travis serves as a mentor andbasketball coach to several at-risk youth within the Sunnyside/South Park areas.

McGeeTravis

for District D

Houston City CouncilA voice for “We the People”, 100% for “We The People”

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about

things the matter.” -- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

“STANDING UP FOR DISTRICT D”



Mayor Annise Parker has alwaysknown that Houston is the best placein America to live, work and raise afamily. And now America is catching onin a big way.

We’re leading the nation in job cre-ation. We’re “America’s Coolest City”(Forbes) and the 7th best place in theworld to visit in 2013 (New York Times).We’re the #1 city in America to further acareer (Monster.com). And those arejust a few examples in just the last year.

But Annise knows that we can doeven better.

That’s why, under her leadership,Houston’s city government is borrowingless and doing more on a pay-as-you-go basis. We’ve created a dedicatedfund for street repairs and flood preven-tion. We’ve secured funding for new li-braries and laid the foundation for aparks and trails system that most citiescan only dream of. Crime is down.We’re demolishing crack houses anddangerous abandoned apartment com-plexes – and we’re modernizing our po-lice and fire stations.

Decisive, ResponsibleLeadership

Annise hit the ground running asHouston’s mayor in the midst of theworst recession in generations. Sheworked quickly with a bi-partisan coali-tion to save 5,000 jobs at the JohnsonSpace Center, put a new reform team inplace at METRO that acted aggressivelyto preserve millions of dollars in threat-ened federal funds, and led the rescueof our financially troubled water systemto ensure a safe and stable supply ofdrinking water for generations.

With a laser focus on jobs and theeconomy, Annise pioneered the Hire

Houston First program to encourage theuse of local companies and workers on

taxpayer-funded projects. In the firstyear of the program, more than $139million of city business had beenawarded to certified Hire Houston Firstfirms, sustaining more than 6,000 jobs.

“I am proud of our progress, but Iknow there is much more work to bedone if we want to make sure Houstonlives up to our full promise and poten-tial,” says Annise. Annise, who pio-neered the regular use of performanceaudits as city controller, knows that abusiness approach to managing our taxdollars will help us afford vital prioritieslike public safety, after-school programsand senior centers, a cleaner environ-ment and economic growth that sustainsour quality of life.

A Mayor Who Gets It – andGets the Job Done

Like many Houstonians, Annise un-derstands what it feels like to suddenlynot know how you’re going to makeends meet. “When I was growing up, myfather invested all his savings to start afishing camp on the Gulf Coast,” Annisesays. “It was his dream, and it was asuccess – until one day a bargeknocked down the only bridge to thepeninsula where we were located. Itwasn’t his fault, but my dad went broke.I can still see the worry in his eyes. Ittook a long time for our family to getback on its feet. And I know there are alot of families like that in Houston today.”

That’s why Annise is working sohard to make sure that economic oppor-tunity and a high quality of life are avail-able to every Houston family. She led thefight to create Rebuild Houston, a pay-as-you-go comprehensive street anddrainage improvement program that willprovide jobs for Houstonians for years tocome, and won voter approval last yearof a public improvement bond program

and a transportation measure that willprovide the infrastructure Houston needsto support its growing economy.

In addition to her duties as mayor,Parker is an active member of the U.S.

Conference of Mayors and serves as amember of the U.S. Department ofHomeland Security Secretary’s AdvisoryCouncil and on the boards of the TexasEnvironmental Research Consortiumand Houston Galveston Area Council.

A Businesswoman andNeighborhood Leader

Annise spent 20 years in Houston’soil and gas industry after graduatingfrom Rice University. She has servedthe people of Houston for six years as acity councilmember, six years as citycontroller – and is completing her sec-ond term as mayor.

Annise’s advocacy for quality of lifeissues earned her Scenic Houston’s2010 Scenic Visionary Award and theDistinguished Local Elected OfficialAward from the Texas Recreation and

Park Society. The Holocaust Museum ofHouston honored Annise with its 2010Guardian of the Human Spirit Award forher lifetime of working to enhance thelives of others and to better humankind.

Time Magazine named Annise in 2010one of the 100 people who most affectour world.

Annise and her life partner, KathyHubbard, are strong advocates foradoption. Their family includes twoadopted daughters and a son. “A cul-ture of community and public service isone of the greatest assets of our city. Isee my job as mayor as a call to civicengagement,” Annise says.

“It takes all of us to make Houstonthe best,” says the mayor. “And I amhonored to work with Houstonians everysingle day to keep making it better.”

Accomplishments andLeadership

Mayor Annise Parker has ledHouston through the worst recession ingenerations and helped put our city on

Mayor Annise Parker: Working to Makethe Best City in America Even Better.

Political Ad Paid for by the Annise Parker Campaign

36 - THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD LEADER SERIES -- SPECIAL EDITION“Your Thought Matters Newspaper Blog is the Spot Where Your Thought Matters!” -- www.aubreyrtaylor.blogspot.com


the path to a brighter and moresustainable future.

Annise’s relentless focus oncreating jobs, fighting crime andbuilding a more livable city hashelped energize the spirit of hardwork, innovation and optimismshared by all Houstonians.

“It takes all of us to make Houston the bestcity in America,” says Annise, “and we all share the credit for Houston’s success.”

On Annise Parker’swatch, Houston has…

Become the job-producingcapital of the nation

Become the relocation capi-tal of the nation

Created Hire Houston

First – in its first year, more than$139 million of city business wasawarded to designated HireHouston First firms, sustainingmore than 6,000 jobs

Expanded assistance forsmall, minority, women-ownedbusinesses

Unveiled an innovative jobsapp – Tweet My Jobs, Hous-

ton – to help match employerswith local residents

Unlike other major U.S.cities, balanced every budgetduring the recession without rais-ing taxes and without laying offpolice and fire fighters

Experienced the lowest mur-der rate in decades and an over-all crime rate that is down 8percent compared to the threeyears prior to 2010

Demolished 2,000 danger-ous structures that had become

havens for crime and drugs, in-cluding six apartment complexesdubbed our original dirty half-dozen – the worst of the worst

Implemented a long-over-due plan to eliminate its rape-kitbacklog

Launched the creation ofan independent crime lab tohelp solve cases more quickly,make sure innocent people arenot locked up and criminals areheld responsible for their crimes

Opened an innovativesobering center that allows policeto focus on more serious crimes

Produced the Run, Hide,

Fight video that teaches peoplewhat to do in an active shooterincident and has been viewedmore than 2.3 million times.

Created a first-ever, pay-as-you-go dedicated fund for streetconstruction and flood preventionimprovements that will transformour city over time – with $180 mil-lion in infrastructure improve-ments made so far

United a super-majority ofHouston voters to pass public im-provement bonds that will fundnew libraries, police and fire sta-tions and a parks and trails sys-tem unparalleled in America.

Secured $900 million in fund-ing for METRO rail expansion

Helped pass a METRO bal-lot measure that protected fund-ing for vital road projects andadded more funds for buses –with 79 percent voter approval

Stabilized our financially ail-ing city water and sewer systems

Restored the 311 informa-tion line to 24/7 service andlaunched new smart phone app

Organized a downtown retailtask force to continue our down-town’s transformation as a placeto live, work and play

Won the return of theSuper Bowl in 2017

Secured developer for asecond convention center hotelthat will bring more business andvisitors to Houston

Secured a $100 million ex-pansion of Hobby Airport for in-ternational service at no capitalcost to taxpayers

Completed the Terminal Brenovation at Bush Intercontinen-tal Airport

Secured the first non-stopflight to China from Houston inmore than 30 years

Restored library hours cutduring tough economic times

Launched a high-profile anti-texting while driving campaign

Launched Make Safe Satur-

days neighborhood cleanup ini-tiative

Strengthened protections forhistoric districts

Housed more than 1,000homeless vets

Developed aninnovative One Bin for All pro-posal that was a Bloomberg Phi-lanthropies Mayor’s Challengewinner and will revolutionize re-cycling in our city

Named Houston’s first PoetLaureate

Raised the percentage of re-newable energy used by city gov-ernment to 50 percent andbecome the largest municipalpurchaser of renewable power inthe nation

Created Houston B-

Cycle bike sharing program withmore than 200 bicycles so far

And we’re not done yet!

Campaign Co-Chairs

DeeDee & Gilbert GarciaBobbie & John NauAngelique & Hon. Garnet Coleman

Organizations

American Council of Engineering Companies – HoustonAnnie’s ListBay Area New DemocratsChristians For Better GovernmentEMILY’s ListGay & Lesbian Victory FundGreater Harris County DemocratsGreater Houston Home Builders’ AssociationHarris County AFL-CIOHarris County Council of OrganizationsHouston Apartment AssociationHouston Association of RealtorsHouston Building Owners and Managers

Association (BOMA)Houston Contractors AssociationHouston Educational Support Personnel

(HESP) Union, Local 6315Houston Police Officers UnionHouston Stonewall Young DemocratsHuman Rights CampaignIronworkers Local 84LPACMontrose Area DemocratsPlanned Parenthood Gulf Coast Action FundReinforcing Iron Workers Local 847Small Independent Motel Owners AssociationUNITE HERE! Local 23Women’s Campaign FundElected and Appointed OfficialsFormer Congressman Chris BellState Rep. Garnet ColemanState Rep. Jessica FarrarState Rep. Borris MilesFormer State Rep. Debra DanburgFormer State Rep. Scott HochbergFormer State Rep. Glen MaxeyFormer State Rep. Kristi ThibautFormer State District Judge Dwight JeffersonFt. Bend County Commissioner Richard MorrisonHarris County Attorney Vince RyanCouncilmember Ellen CohenCouncilmember Stephen CostelloCouncilmember Ed GonzalezCouncilmember Al HoangFormer Councilmember Peter BrownFormer Councilmember Ada EdwardsFormer Councilmember Graciela SaenzHCDE Trustee Debby KernerHCDE Trustee Erica LeeHCDE Trustee Diane TrautmanHISD Trustee Anna EastmanHISD Trustee Juliet StipecheHISD Trustee Paula HarrisFormer HCC Trustee Jay K. AiyerMissouri City Councilmember Danny NguyenAmbassador Arthur Schechter

Election Day is Tues., November 5th!

Visit websiteto endorse Mayor Parker!


THE EARLY VOTING PERIOD IS FROM MONDAY, OCTOBER 21ST THROUGH FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1ST, 2013!

www.anniseparker.com



Martin AaronMohammed AbbasMoiz AbbasRaza AbbasCindy AbelLaura AbelHeather AbleSarith G. AbramowitzPhilip AcquaroBetty C. AdamEric AdamcikRick AdameJack AdamsJason AdamsMichael AdeeNelvin Joseph J. AdriaticoNelvin Joseph AdriaticoMartin AgueroJennifer AguilarTito X. AguilarJackie AguileraSami AhmadJanis AhrensWayne G. AhrensJuuhi AhujaMarco AietaJanice AikmanMary E. AinslieJay K. AiyerChris AkbariIke AkbariBarbara S. AksamitDavid AlamiaNick AlanisJohn AlbertErica G. AldereteAndrew M. AlexanderJ Britt AlexanderJoan AlexanderMitchell AlexanderStanford J. AlexanderJay AllenMary D. AllenNancy C. AllenScarlett AlleyStephen AllisonJack S. AllynTammy Allyn

Roxanne AlmarazAnna AlonzoAkeem H. AlsadunMaria D. AlsadunJesse AlstonAnibal A. AlvaradoDenise AlvarezStacy AmronAaron AmsburyEric S. AndersonDonna AndersonChristian AndreasonJay AndrewPavel AnnenkovStephen AnthisKimberly M. AntleyMadeline G. AppelMichael F. AppelKaren AptekarLuis AragonElora AranaAlice F. ArbourPaul ArcizoAnnie ArdellCharli ArdoinDoanie ArdoinStacey ArdoinArun ArjunanStephanie ArmstrongCarrie ArnettLinda ArnoldPaula S. ArnoldSharon E. ArnoldShellye ArnoldScott ArnoldDon AronSandy AronJuan C. ArreolaRosell ArriolaRaymond ArroyoDeirdre ArthurSusan S. AskanaseAlex AslamJamil A. AslamMaida AsofskyJeffrey AspiazuAlan AtkinsonTom Aubry

Sam M. AustinMeredith AustinCharlotte L. AveryGregorio Ayala GuerraElizabeth AyersTerry BaberTim BaconHira BaigErin BaileyJenny M. BaileyRobert BaileyOceanious D. BainesPhilamena BairdRichard K. BairdJennifer L. BajorekGary W. BakerBruce BakerAmy BakkenElaine D. BalagiaDel BalbinGrace Sky BalboaBrooks L. BallardJoyce M. BallengerJoe BandaKristopher A. BanksDonald W. BankstonGrayson BannisterSanjay BapatDiane K. BarberFrances J. BarbiniLarry M. BarfieldCathy BarnesGeorge A. BarnstoneMarcus BarnumMelody BarrElma BarreraImelda BarreraPhillip BarreraSylvia BarreraJim E. BartleyLary D. BartonTom BartonJohn BartosScott F. BasingerJames BattsKevin BaucomGary P. BaumannRobin Baxter

Monica L. Bazile-TurknettDaniel J. BeagenSuzanne BeatyTom D. BeauchampMax BeauregardMichael BeckerLeonard A. BedellTheresa D. BednarHeath BeemanVicki L. BehlingRosemary BehrensCharles T. BehrmanFlorence BellSgt Michael BellLaura D. BellowsLisa R. BenitezSaid BenmensourBritnee B. BennettTanna BennettClayton BenoitLancer BensonThomas BensonLauren BenthalRhonda BentleyKathryn P. BergRebecca BergeronJason P. BergmanAndrew E. BerkmanKathy BerkmanArmando BermudezSandra BernhardMarsha G. BerrymanAlice M. BerthelsenJoe A. BerwickMarc BettersCharles BeyerYogesh L. BhakaMichael I. BiddingerMaria BiemerRoberta E. BilskyGary E. BinderimJames B. BinkleyLeeshan C. BirneyDan BlackburnStanisse K. Blackburn-KingLaura J. BlackstockScott BlainCarl Blair

Julia Bellaflores BlakeSheila BlakeOliver E. BlancoMatthew BlanscetMarialourdes BlassanLisa S. BlinnRobert E. BlissMichael F. BloomPriscilla T. BloomquistDena BlueJerry M. BlumLaura M. BodenheimerRichard BoeningMinnette BoeselPeter BoeselLea BogleArlane BoingRobert J. BoisMaria T. BolanosRichard A. BolesJonti W. BollesAnastasia BolshakovRobert N. BoltwoodAllison BondRoger BonneyNana L. BookerSam BookerPeggy J. BoorseDana BoothArmando BorjaGiorgio BorlenghiKurian BoseKristina L. BoshernitzanNatalia BoshernitzanJacqueline E. BosticBrian BottorffTammy J. BoudreauxBrandon BourqueMurry BowdenJana BowenWilliam BowenDavid W. BowersDarryl L. BowlesJoseph V. BoydKathleen A. BoydHeather BoyetteKatrina BraboMarco Bracamontes

Katherine BradarichAnn BradfordDeborah K. BradfordSally L. BradfordJasmine BradleyMichael J. BradyCindy BradyTheldon Branch, IIILouis K. BrandtMarilyn BrannEd BranstetterElizabeth BrayNeil M. BremnerDolly H. BrennemanKerry J. BriggsNicolas BrinesJonathan H. BrinsdenAlan BrionesBilly BriscoePaula BrizgysTom L. BroadNancy E. BroadwayLinda L. BroocksStewart BrookerChristy D. BrookoverDean C. BroughtonDavid I. BrownDerek K. BrownJonathan J. BrownShaan PatelMelody PatelisJerry W. PatrickAmelia I. Patrick, P.E.Tony PatronellaRobert L. PattenAdrian P. PattersonBill M. PattersonParke B. PattersonJoann PavletichCarlos PazKatherine PeacockJohn W. PeavyDavid PeavyJohnny PedenKathryn E. PeekWilliam L. PeelRichard L. PeltierMelissa Pena

...And many more working with our mayor tomake the best city in America even better!

Visit www.anniseparker.com for more endorsements!




“Each of our lives can be viewed

like a series of stages through which

we must pass and stransform. Each

of us is a work in progress and

every stage has a purpose. Every

stage, whether exultant or arduous,

plays a major role in building

our character and delivering

us to our destiny. Seeking suc-

cess can be an overwhelming

experience. You may be tempted

to give up. If you hit a roadblock,

simply find another route around

what prohibits your success.”

EDWIN HAYNESAward Winning Authorwww.edwinhanes.com

Thoughts from President Obama on Trayvon Martin

“You know, when Trayvon Martin

was first shot I said that this could

have been my son. Another way of

saying that is Trayvon Martin

could have been me 35 years ago.

And when you think about why,

in the African American commu-

nity at least, there’s a lot of pain

around what happened here, I

think it’s important to recognize

that the African American com-

munity is looking at this issue

through a set of experiences and

a history that doesn’t go away.

There are very few African

American men in this country

who haven't had the experience

of being followed when they

were shopping in a department

store. That includes me. There

are very few African American men who

haven't had the experience of walking across the street and hearing the locks click

on the doors of cars. That happens to me -- at least before I was a senator. There are

very few African Americans who haven't had the experience of getting on an eleva-

tor and a woman clutching her purse nervously and holding her breath until she had

a chance to get off. That happens often.

And I don't want to exaggerate this, but those sets of experiences inform how

the African American community interprets what happened one night in Florida.

And it’s inescapable for people to bring those experiences to bear. The African

American community is also knowledgeable that there is a history of racial dispari-

ties in the application of our criminal laws -- everything from the death penalty

to enforcement of our drug laws. And that ends up having an impact in

terms of how people interpret the case.

Now, this isn't to say that the African American community is

naïve about the fact that African American young men are

disproportionately involved in the criminal justice sys-

tem; that they’re disproportionately both victims and

perpetrators of violence. It’s not to make excuses for

that fact -- although black folks do interpret the

reasons for that in a historical context. They un-

derstand that some of the violence that takes

place in poor black neighborhoods around the

country is born out of a very violent past in this

country, and that the poverty and dysfunction

that we see in those communities can be traced

to a very difficult history.

And so the fact that sometimes that’s unac-

knowledged adds to the frustration. And the

fact that a lot of African American boys are

painted with a broad brush and the excuse is

given, well, there are these statistics out there

that show that African American boys are more

violent -- using that as an excuse to then see sons

treated differently causes pain.

I think the African American community is

also not naïve in understanding that, statisti-

cally, somebody like Trayvon Martin was sta-

tistically more likely to be shot by a peer than

he was by somebody else. So folks understand

the challenges that exist for African American

boys. But they get frustrated, I think, if they feel

that there’s no context for it and that context is

being denied. And that all contributes I think

to a sense that if a white male teen was in-

volved in the same kind of scenario, that,

from top to bottom, both the outcome and

the aftermath might have been different.

Now, the question for me at least,

and I think for a lot of folks, is where do

we take this? How do we learn some

lessons from this and move in a posi-

tive direction? I think it’s understand-

able that there have been

demonstrations and vigils and

protests, and some of that stuff is

just going to have to work its way

through, as long as it remains nonvi-

olent. If I see any violence, then I

will remind folks that that dishonors

what happened to Trayvon Martin

and his family. But beyond protests

or vigils, the question is, are there

some concrete things that we might be

able to do.

I know that Eric Holder is review-

THOUGHTS


YOUR THOUGHT MATTERS NEWSPAPER -832.212.8735ing what happened down there, but I think it’s important for people

to have some clear expectations here. Traditionally, these are issues

of state and local government, the criminal code. And law enforce-

ment is traditionally done at the state and local levels, not at the

federal levels.

That doesn’t mean, though, that as a nation we can’t do some

things that I think would be productive. So let me just give a couple

of specifics that I’m still bouncing around with my staff, so we’re

not rolling out some five-point plan, but some areas where I think

all of us could potentially focus.

Number one, precisely because law enforcement is often

determined at the state and local level, I think it would be pro-

ductive for the Justice Department, governors, mayors to work

with law enforcement about training at the state and local lev-

els in order to reduce the kind of mistrust in the system that

sometimes currently exists.

When I was in Illinois, I passed racial profiling legislation,

and it actually did just two simple things. One, it collected data on

traffic stops and the race of the person who was stopped. But the

other thing was it resourced us training police departments across

the state on how to think about potential racial bias and ways to

further professionalize what they were doing.

And initially, the police departments across the state were re-

sistant, but actually they came to recognize that if it was done in a

fair, straightforward way that it would allow them to do their jobs

better and communities would have more confidence in them and,

in turn, be more helpful in applying the law. And obviously, law

enforcement has got a very tough job.

So that’s one area where I think there are a lot of resources and

best practices that could be brought to bear if state and local govern-

ments are receptive. And I think a lot of them would be. And let's

figure out are there ways for us to push out that kind of training.

Along the same lines, I think it would be useful for us to ex-

amine some state and local laws to see if it -- if they are designed

in such a way that they may encourage the kinds of altercations and

confrontations and tragedies that we saw in the Florida case, rather

than diffuse potential altercations.

I know that there's been commentary about the fact that the

"stand your ground" laws in Florida were not used as a defense in

the case. On the other hand, if we're sending a message as a society

in our communities that someone who is armed potentially has the

right to use those firearms even if there's a way for them to exit

from a situation, is that really going to be contributing to the kind

of peace and security and order that we'd like to see?

And for those who resist that idea that we should think about

something like these "stand your ground" laws, I'd just ask people

to consider, if Trayvon Martin was of age and armed, could he have

stood his ground on that sidewalk? And do we actually think that

he would have been justified in shooting Mr. Zimmerman who had

followed him in a car because he felt threatened? And if the answer

to that question is at least ambiguous, then it seems to me that we

might want to examine those kinds of laws.

Number three -- and this is a long-term project -- we need to

spend some time in thinking about how do we bolster and reinforce

our African American boys. And this is something that Michelle

and I talk a lot about. There are a lot of kids out there who need

help who are getting a lot of negative reinforcement. And is there

more that we can do to give them the sense that their country cares

about them and values them and is willing to invest in them?

I'm not naïve about the prospects of some grand, new federal

program. I'm not sure that that’s what we're talking about here. But

I do recognize that as President, I've got some convening power,

and there are a lot of good programs that are being done across the

country on this front. And for us to be able to gather together busi-

ness leaders and local elected officials and clergy and celebrities

and athletes, and figure out how are we doing a better job helping

young African American men feel that they're a full part of this so-

ciety and that they've got pathways and avenues to succeed -- I

think that would be a pretty good outcome from what was obvi-

ously a tragic situation. And we're going to spend some time work-

ing on that and thinking about that.

And then, finally, I think it's going to be important for all of us

to do some soul-searching. There has been talk about should we

convene a conversation on race. I haven't seen that be particularly

productive when politicians try to organize conversations. They

end up being stilted and politicized, and folks are locked into the

positions they already have. On the other hand, in families and

churches and workplaces, there's the possibility that people are a

little bit more honest, and at least you ask yourself your own ques-

tions about, am I wringing as much bias out of myself as I can? Am

I judging people as much as I can, based on not the color of their

skin, but the content of their character? That would, I think, be an

appropriate exercise in the wake of this tragedy.

And let me just leave you with a final thought that, as difficult

and challenging as this whole episode has been for a lot of people, I

don’t want us to lose sight that things are getting better. Each suc-

cessive generation seems to be making progress in changing atti-

tudes when it comes to race. It doesn’t mean we’re in a post-racial

society. It doesn’t mean that racism is eliminated. But when I talk to

Malia and Sasha, and I listen to their friends and I seem them inter-

act, they’re better than we are -- they’re better than we were -- on

these issues. And that’s true in every community that I’ve visited all

across the country.

And so we have to be vigilant and we have to work on these

issues. And those of us in authority should be doing everything we

can to encourage the better angels of our nature, as opposed to

using these episodes to heighten divisions. But we should also have

confidence that kids these days, I think, have more sense than we

did back then, and certainly more than our parents did or our

grandparents did; and that along this long, difficult journey, we’re

becoming a more perfect union -- not a perfect union, but a more

perfect union.”

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee

(19th Congressional District of

Texas) in Response to Verdict in

Trayvon Martin Murder Trial

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a senior member of the House

Judiciary and Homeland Security Committee, released the follow-

ing statement today:

“Today was a questionable day as it relates to the life of a

young child. America’s justice system is often viewed as coddling

and protecting our children, the most vulnerable members of our

society. As someone who has devoted much of my public life to ad-

vocating for the protection of children, whether from gun violence,

bullying at school and in cyberspace, drugs, and unhealthy food-

stuffs, I am dismayed that the Florida judicial system did not recog-

nize and value the life of young Trayvon Martin. Trayvon’s family

and friends missed him on the day he was killed and they still miss

him today. They are right to wonder why others seemed to attach so

little value to his life.

“The federal government stands to serve justice in cases where

there is much doubt as to whether justice was done by the local au-

thorities. I expect to join with others in discussions with the U.S.

Department of Justice regarding the killing of Trayvon Martin, who

was but 16 years and 21 days old when he was shot to death. I am

also calling for the Congress to hold oversight hearings regarding

the treatment of the killing of a juvenile in the circumstances that

occurred in Sanford, Florida as well as the manner in which the

criminal justice system treats victims of gun violence, especially

young black male victims like Trayvon Martin.

“Many mothers tonight are praying, as I am, hopeful that

things remain calm but also hoping that justice for young Trayvon

Martin will be pursued.

“To the the young people who have grown to see Trayvon

Martin as themselves, we encourage you to continue to invest in

improving your nation, working with people of all backgrounds

who feel as you do – disappointed – but will join with you in the

fight for justice.

“We are all Trayvon.”

State Rep. Sylvester Turner (HD-139 in

Texas) on the George

Zimmerman "NOT

GUILTY" verdict

"The parents of Trayvon

Martin have every right to ques-

tion why their son who was not

doing anything wrong while

walking home was shot and

killed. When approached by an

armed man whom he did not

know, did Trayvon have the responsibility of running away or

did this teenager have the right to defend himself against this

adult aggressor? How did the victim (Trayvon) become the vil-

lain in the eyes of the law? Does an adult, contrary to the advice

of law enforcement, have the right to confront a child, find him-

self in a battle, now fearing he may be in danger, have a right to

pull his gun and shoot the child and claim self defense? This

jury said "Yes", but my common sense says "No"."

Congresswoman Corrine Brown

(5th Congressional District of

Florida) expresses how she's

Extremely Disappointed by

Verdict in Trayvon Martin Case

(Washington, DC) With regard to the verdict in the Trayvon

Martin case, Congresswoman Corrine Brown made the fol-

lowing statement:

"I am heartbroken and angered by the verdict in this decision.

My prayers go out to the Martin family in their grief as they are

faced to live with a justice system that has failed them, a system

that did not exact even minimal punishment on the man who killed

their 17 year old son.

This is a blatant example of our justice system being entirely

broken. Along with the NAACP and other civil rights groups, I

pledge to fight for the removal of Stand Your Ground laws here in

Florida and across the nation, and do everything within my power

as a Member of Congress to put an end to racial profiling. Last

year, an innocent young man was killed in Sanford, Florida while

returning from a 7-11 grocery store, and the perpetrator was not

even convicted of a crime...clearly, there is something very wrong

with a system of justice that legally sanctions such a heinous act.

Two cases involving Stand Your Ground laws in my congres-

sional district highlight the hypocrisy and disparities in this law's

interpretation. In this case, in Sanford, a white man shot a black

teenager, Trayvon Martin, and the justice system ruled it was an act

of self defense under Stand Your Ground. In Jacksonville, Marissa

Alexander, a young black mother fired a warning shot because she

feared another possible attack by her abusive husband, yet she was

not allowed a stand your ground defense during her trial. If ever

there were a case where Stand Your Ground should apply, it would

have been that of Marissa Alexander.

As Martin Luther King said, ‘The Arc of the moral universe is

long, but it bends toward justice.’ However, it is not going to bend

until everyone gets involved and becomes active in the fight for

equality and equal protection under the law. We have made

progress, but still have a long way to go.”

Statement from State Rep. Garnet F. Cole-

man (HD-147 in Texas) on the jury finding

George Zimmerman “not guilty”:

“Only two people know exactly

what happened that night, and one

of them can no longer speak. What

we do know is that Trayvon Mar-

tin’s parents had to bury their son

because George Zimmerman saw an

unarmed, black teenager and viewed

him as a threat. We also know that

Zimmerman’s actions – the killing

arising out of suspicion, unjustified

fear, and stalking of an unarmed

teenager – are apparently protected by Florida’s “self-defense” laws,

including the infamous “Stand Your Ground” provision.“



THOUGHTSA study conducted by Texas A&M University found that en-

acting Stand Your Ground laws result in more homicides. A further

study conducted by the Urban Institute and PBS show a racial bias

in Stand Your Ground laws: whites who kill blacks in Stand Your

Ground states are 354% more likely to be found justified in their

killing than those who killed another white person.

Rep. Coleman continued:

“Unfortunately, as of 2007, Texas is also a Stand Your Ground

state. I was one of only 14 Representatives to vote against the law,

and it was because I understand how it makes a target out of people

of color, particularly young males like Trayvon Martin. His death

was tragic but unfortunately quite predictable.

That is why I am fighting to change the law back to the more

reasonable standard we had prior to 2007. My bill filed this past

session, House Bill 3773, would reinstate the “duty to retreat” in

most situations while preserving the right to defend oneself and

one’s family. There would be no requirement to retreat if an indi-

vidual is in his or her own home or if the deadly force were used to

stop the commission of a serious crime. The 2007 law just went too

far. My bill would balance the right to self-defense with public

safety. We can have reasonable self-defense laws that do not also

authorize armed and untrained individuals to seek out conflicts and

then fire their gun when the situation deteriorates. We have a

trained police force for a reason; we do not need people “playing

cop.” As long as these laws are on the books, I’m afraid there will

be more Trayvon Martins.”

Former Houston City Attorney and

2013 Candidate for Mayor of Houston

Ben Hall on the George Zimmerman

"NOT GUILTY" verdict

"I am disappointed with the

Trayvon Martin verdict. There can

be no satisfaction or celebration in

that case. A 17 year old life has

been taken. How could an innocent

trip to buy candy turn into death?

Parents and communities are left

with q...uestions on all sides. We

have a verdict indeed, but there re-

main nagging uncertainties about the

story upon which that verdict is based. Death has robbed us of

Trayvon's account of events -- silenced by a lone bullet to his heart.

I am also disappointed that the fatal events on that rainy night

in Florida began simply by the way Trayvon looked. In a diverse

world, we must insist that people be judged by what they do rather

than how they look.

This case renews my commitment to the principles of accept-

ance, tolerance and diversity in our world. If elected Houston's next

mayor, I will remain steadfast in ensuring that our law enforcement

and forensic personnel continue to receive the necessary training,

equipment and resources to protect the rights not only of the living

but also the dead who can speak no more.

My prayers are with the families, communities, and this

great country."

Businessman and 2013 Candidate for

Houston City Council for District D Travis

McGee on the George Zimmerman "NOT

GUILTY" verdict

"As a father I was very dis-

turbed about the Trayvon Martin

murder, but wasn't surprised by the

verdict. I think anytime a grown

man in his right mind stalks and

kills a child commonsense should

outweigh nonsense. In many ways

history does repeat itself, because

in 1955 a young man by the name

of Emmett Till was not just mur-

dered, he was also mutilated beyond

recognition for merely admiring a white woman. Even though this

particular event mobilized the civil rights movement 58 years later

race is still playing a major role in our judicial system and society. I

know Mr. Till didn't have a jury of his peers and neither did

Trayvon Martin. Trayvon was actually murdered twice once by

Zimmerman and then again in the Florida court room. I pray that

this world we live in wouldn't see color, but instead just good and

bad people. I can't began to imagine what the parents are going

through on either side, but I pray for them."

Businesswoman Jill Honeck on the George

Zimmerman "NOT GUILTY" verdict

"This is just not a race

issue. It is a personal safety

issue. I am sure Zimmerman

never wanted to kill some-

body. He really just did not

have a choice and from

everything I heard during the

trial I would have done the

same thing...I also am upset

that people who disagree

with the verdict believe they

can go brake the law them-

selves to express that. I don't know how destroying your own com-

munity helps getting your opinion respected."

Statement from Dena Francois on the

George Zimmerman

"NOT GUILTY" verdict

in case of Florida vs.

Zimmerman

"In my opinion there was

another alternative, does anyone

stop to ponder what would have

happened if "GZ" George Zim-

merman would have offered

"TM" Trayvon Martin a ride home out of the rain or offered to

call his parents or simply identified himself or ask TM for Id that

is what neighborhood watch is suppose to do I also know damn

well the DOJ would not give this issue the time of day had it not

been for the peaceful protest of people calling for more actions

also this case is bigger than race to me it is about a grown man

that killed a teenager regardless of what he was doing grown ups

should not kill kids I don't give a damn if they purple!"

businesswoman Tammi Durden on the

George Zimmerman "NOT GUILTY" verdict

"Today in 2013, in The United States Of America with all of

the advances in technology, a plethora of opportunities, and with

all of the money that is being made -- living better than we ever

have before; what kind of people have we become? Have we re-

ally become a nation

where human life is de-

valued and overlooked?

A man can be impris-

oned for killing a dog,

but not for murdering a

human being? A young

man has lost his life at

no fault of his own. A

mother is without her

child. A father no longer

has his son. The world

has been cheated of the

unique and special gifts

that only Trayvon Mar-

tin was born with to

give to the world. What

a tragedy and a shame.

Who have we become?"

Businessman Derrick Thomas

McKinney on the George

Zimmerman "NOT GUILTY" verdict

“As I lay here & try to go to sleep I can’t help but feel really pissed

off at the Not Guilty verdict.

I think the lack of effort from the head of the DA’s office An-

gela Colley (I believe) was piss poor!!! Somehow she decided not

to be the lead prosecutor in this case with an all women jury. But

she sentenced an African American woman to 20 years in prison

for firing a warning shot at an abusive husband. She was forced to

press charges in the Zimmerman case & went after the maximum

when there apparently wasn’t enough evidence or facts for that

charge. Why did they not push the issue on manslaughter?

Why didn’t the prosecution attack!!! They were so scared of

the racial tone of the trial. How can the prosecution say in closing

arguments it’s not about race??? THAT’S WHY HE WAS PRO-

FILED!!! How could she stand there and give a victory speech?!!!

I like to think we live in a world that we have a fair shot in the

justice system. But again I’ve been shown otherwise. How can this

country convict, & persecute a man for killing dogs, but not a man

who killed a 17 year old unarmed child.

Smh I’m at a loss. How do I explain to my son that the system

is not designed to protect us? I can’t let him walk to the store, to

the gym, to a friend’s house without the fear of him getting killed.

We already have to walk on egg shells for overzealous police

officers, now we have to worry about civilians who are cowards &

armed with guns.

I’m not blind to the fact that there’s so many black on black

crimes that mirror the Zimmerman case & we must address that as

well. We have to stand firm & commit 100% to prosecuting all crimes.

We must stop praising celebrities and hiphop

artist for going to jail & committing crimes. There has

to be an end to the #FREE my favorite rapper campaign.

We have to show our kids that we stand for more than

what they see in videos & movies.

I can go on & on but I just had to get that off

my chest. It won’t stop here. I promise I will find a way

to contribute.

Statement from Mychal Massie a

Hard Hitting Black Conservative on

the Ugly Truth About Trayvon Martin

There is one reason and one reason alone that

Trayvon Martin is dead today and that reason is he at-

tacked a man with a licensed firearm who used it. It’s

not pretty – it’s not pleasant – but it’s true.



George Zimmerman did not jump (read attack) Martin. Just the

opposite. Martin attacked him. All else notwithstanding, Martin

jumped Zimmerman for no defendable reason, and he paid the ul-

timate price for his ill-conceived decision.

George Zimmerman did not kill Martin because of the color

of his skin, and it is a damnable lie to claim otherwise. George

Zimmerman shot and killed Martin because Martin was attacking

and beating him. The ugly truth is just that simple. To raise the

specter of skin color and to clothe the event in vestiges of racial-

ization and a zeitgeist of rampant racism is nothing more than an

attempt to obfuscate that single, salient truth.

George Zimmerman was a member of his neighborhood

watch. The function of a neighborhood watch is to watch and re-

port suspicious and/or unlawful activities taking place in a particu-

lar neighborhood. It was dark, it was raining, and Martin appeared

to be acting suspiciously. A neighborhood watch volunteer follow-

ing for purposes of observation and giving the police accurate in-

formation is not an assault on color. I submit it is inculcated denial

to not recognize this.

The jury might have been prevented from hearing certain

facts about Martin, but those of us in the public weren’t. Space

doesn’t permit me to detail all in print as I will in on-air inter-

views, but suffice it to say the figurative exhumation of Martin in

the image of Emmett Till is an affront to even the most ignorant of

racialists and morally opprobrious in the truest definition, but it’s

obviously not out of character for those eager to do same.

Emmett Till was the 14-year-old young man who was brutally

murdered and mutilated specifically because of his skin color after

he allegedly engaged flirtatiously with a 21-year-old white woman

who owned a store in Money, Mississippi.

For Obama’s Attorney General Eric Holder to now announce

the Department of Justice (DOJ) is opening an investigation to see

if Martin’s civil rights were violated by George Zimmerman is

cruel irony. Holder refused to have the DOJ investigate much less

prosecute one of the most undeniably grievous incidents of civil

rights violations since the end of Jim Crow. I’m speaking of the

New Black Panthers voter intimidation in Philadelphia, PA in 2008.

I returned home to Florida Saturday after spending some

three weeks on the road. About two hours after the jury in the

George Zimmerman trial handed down the “not guilty” verdict, as

I was exiting my local pharmacy, I overheard a man say, with a de-

gree of sarcasm, to the man with him “They feel if we don’t care

about killing ourselves why should they?”

The man, who happened to be an American of color, was

wrong. We (read Americans) do care that blacks are killing them-

selves in record numbers. It’s those they extol as so-called leaders

who do not care.

Holder isn’t having the DOJ look into the civil rights of the

more than 200 people killed in Chicago so far this year. Jesse

Jackson lives in Chicago, but he isn’t leading any marches or

protests against the black-on-black murders there. And perhaps it’s

out of respect for territory, but Al Sharpton isn’t leading any there

either. Sarcasm intended.

A report released by the Bureau of Justice Statistics shows

8,000-9,000 blacks are murdered in the United States each year,

and 93 percent of those murders are committed by other blacks.

How many of those families have Obama, Holder, Jackson,

Sharpton, or the same media trollops who are fanning the flames

of “It’s because Martin was black,” spoken out regarding those

ugly statistics?

Those who emphasize that Martin was unarmed should be

asked “what if he had been?” If Martin was violent enough to at-

tack and beat George Zimmerman when Martin didn’t have a

weapon – what would he have done were he to have had one?

No parents should outlive their children. To do so creates a

vacuum of inconsolable loss. And certainly the Martin family is

suffering from the loss of their son. But specific to that point, it is

a transpicuous and vulgar display of race-mongering by mobocrats

who use race as currency to validate their own existence.

Like it or not, agree or not, Martin made a decision to behave

like a common street thug and gangsta when he attacked George

Zimmerman. That decision speaks volumes about his character,

(or lack thereof). There is an attempt to portray Martin as worthy

of deification, but I submit that he chose to attack another person

for what amounts to no reason at all and that speaks volumes pur-

suant to his real character.

How many reading this have children who would physically

attack someone for the reasons Martin did? I know, without hesita-

tion, that my son wouldn’t. The ugly truth is that Martin was given

to the violent mentality of thinking he could bully a white person,

and it cost him his life.

Bishop KJ Brown on the George

Zimmerman “not guilty” verdict

“I was shocked, confused

and grieved by the verdict

handed down by the jury in the

George Zimmerman case. I

simply did not understand how

our system of justice could

free one individual where a life

was taken and incarcerate an-

other where a young black

mother in an abusive relation-

ship fired warning shots…pray,

community, and change were

my next thoughts.

How can we as Americans

repel and prevent laws that steal lives? I am praying that we in-

crease our involvement at the national, state, city, and community

level going forward. We need involvement from the White House

to the Church House. We need to be engaging in productive dis-

cussion and activity to prevent, repel, and review any and all laws

that steals the lives of Americans on our own soil. Our laws should

protect, preserve, and defend the freedoms that we enjoy as Amer-

icans no matter what our ethnicity happens to be. We have much

prayer and work to do as we plan to move America forward. We

live in the best country in the world – and our criminal justice sys-

tem needs to reflect that. God Bless America! And remember, that

God wants you to win!

‘Irresponsible Responsibility’Businessman Regina Baker on

the George Zimmerman "NOT

GUILTY" verdict

“When Aubrey asked me to share my thoughts on the

Trayvon Martin guilty verdict, the exact inner emotions resumed

to what I felt the night I heard the verdict. Uncontrollable sobbing.

My immediate thought was how can a person who is no longer on

this earth be tried in a court room? In other words, I didn’t feel as

though the trial as stated was for George Zimmerman, somehow,

somewhere, something went wrong…it turned into a trial for

Trayvon Martin.

I’m an Internet Marketing Consultant so I’m online every sin-

gle day. Social media exploded into its own “virtual rally.” I was

appalled at how some people could turn this tragedy into a radical

profile of how someone looks, what they did in their past and how

in an instant decision to walk to the store to pick up some tea and

skittles, turned into a weed smoking, bad grades, wearing a hoodie

to protect himself from the rain individual, in the twinkle of an

eye, responsible for his own death from a man who in spite of in-

structions, decided upon himself to pull a trigger and kill this

young man because “he judged” Trayvon was in the wrong place

at the wrong time because of "the way he appeared." I digress,

"things are not always as they appear."

How can we be angry when we constantly argue, “it’s not a

jury of our peers?” if we don’t represent ourselves in court as a

juror? We need to stop excusing our way out of jury duty and we

need to vote!

Tragedies like these should compel us (business owners,

community leaders, citizens, parents, teachers, and all with the

right to vote), to become and remain involved with who we place

in elected positions and educate ourselves to the erred judicial sys-

tem and work together for positive solutions. If not, we are just as

irresponsible as the people we point the finger at.

We, the people, have been given much. “And to whom much is

given, much is required.”

The Nation Bar Association is Demanding

Justice for Trayvon Martin, says George

Zimmerman Verdict Highlights Continued

Injustices in Legal System

“We are extremely disappointed by the verdict in the case of State

of Florida v. George Zimmerman. As lawyers we respect the rule

of law, but in this instance the Zimmerman verdict sadly high-

lights the continued injustices Black Americans face in the U.S.

legal system.

"The verdict," stated NBA President John E. Page "says an

unarmed college-bound Black teen can be profiled, stalked, con-

fronted and killed by an armed neighborhood watchman with hol-

low tip point bullets. We express our heartfelt condolences to

Trayvon Martin's family on this tragic verdict. We also say

'Enough is Enough - It is NOT OK to kill our youth'."

The fact is the jury delivered a not guilty verdict. The

TRUTH is justice has not been served. In these most challenging

of times, we are called upon to act. We must move from outrage to

action. It starts today with the NBA and YOU!

"Injustice anywhere," as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said "is a

threat to justice everywhere." We have work to do to achieve jus-

tice for Trayvon Martin. As social agitators, the members of the

NBA are continuing the struggle for "equal justice under the law"

for Trayvon Martin. At the forefront of this struggle are NBA

members Daryl Parks (Past NBA President) and Ben Crump, of

the Tallahassee, Florida law firm Parks & Crump, LLC, that are

representing Trayvon's family in advocating for "equal justice

under the law." We proudly stand with them.

We urge the Department of Justice to act. The Department

can still address the violation of Trayvon's most fundamental

civil right - the right to life. Upon a thorough investigation of

the matter, we expect the Department to vigorously pursue all

appropriate claims.

We urge all lawyers to act. Join us in Miami, Florida on Sat-

urday, July 27 and Monday, July 29 in a CALL TO ACTION to

collectively address the affront to and devaluing of civil rights of

all men and women regardless of race who have been unfairly

served by the justice system. We must not allow anyone to suc-

cumb to violence at the hands of vigilantes who ferment the de-

valuing of human life. It is now time to stand up.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ABOUT THE NBA: The National Bar Association was founded

in 1925 and is the nation's oldest and largest national network of

predominantly African American attorneys and judges. It repre-

sents approximately 44,000 lawyers, judges, law professors and

law students and has over 80 affiliate chapters throughout the

United States and around the world. For additional information

about the National Bar Association, visitwww.nationalbar.org

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Your Thought Matters Newspaper -- 2013 Leadership Series 1 of 6