Press Releases | Texas Legislative Black Caucus

Come Join Award-Winning Comedian, J. Anthony Brown as he hosts the Comedy Showcase during the 2013 African American Legislative Summit on Monday, Feb. 25th from 8:30p to 10:30p

Dear Friends:

Make sure to register now, so that you can join us for the Comedy Showcase hosted by J. Anthony Brown and the cast of four talented comedians on Monday, February 25th from 8:30p to 10:30p during the 2013 African American Legislative Summit.

J. Anthony Brown, famous for his trademark catchphrase “Watch Out Deh Now” hoas been honing comedic craft for over 40 years now. A winner of the prestigious Peabody Award, as well as the NAACP Image Award, J. Anthony Brown has been a writer for the Arsenio Hall Show, Steve Harvey’s Big Time, Me & the Boys, and the Parent ‘Hood, among others. In addition to the awards and TV writing credits you may have seen him as host during two seasons of BET’s Comic View, as well as performing on Def Comedy Jam, It’s Showtime at the Apollo, Evening at the Improv, Martin, Moesha, Livin’ Single, and even Oprah. On the big screen, his movie credits include XXX-State of the Union, Mr. 3000, Drumline & How to Be a Player.

Over the airwaves, you can catch J. Anthony Brown on the Tom Joyner Morning Show as he helps wake up millions of radio listeners in over 195 markets. In addition, you can catch him on the new hit TV One sitcom, “The Rickey Smiley Show”.

While his media pursuits place him second to none, J. Anthony Brown is also an innovative business man. From his own clothing line, “The J Anthony Brown Collection” to his comedy spot, “The J. Anthony Brown Comedy Store ” in Los Angeles; he is truly a man whose talent knows no bounds.

Last but not least, J. Anthony Brown is a man who gives back to the community. After losing both parents to complications from diabetes and then being diagnosed with the condition as well, he made it his crusade to help combat this widespread affliction in the African American community. With the founding of the J. Anthony Brown Foundation, he is doing his part to help educate and assist children aged 6 through 17 who are diagnosed with diabetes in his native South Carolina. Not only this, J. Anthony is keenly aware of when the community at large is in need of help. Following the 1992 riots in Los Angeles, he responded to the crisis by helping to rebuild the community. As recognition for his tireless efforts, he was awarded the prestigious Peabody Award in addition to a NAACP Image Award.

Join us at the 2013 African American Legislative Summit from Feb. 24th thru 26th in Austin

Dear Friends:

The 2013 African American Legislative Summit is almost here! You won’t want to miss next year’s event. The African American Legislative Summit, which is sponsored by HEB, will take place from Sunday evening, Feb. 24th through Tuesday afternoon, February 26th. The theme of the upcoming Conference is “the building of our Community starts with me”. With an expected 4,000 attendees, the 2013 Summit is slated to be better than ever.

Check Out the 2013 Summit Agenda Here!

We are proud to announce that the keynote speaker at the Scholarship Awards Banquet on Monday, February 25th will be none other than the young, bright, innovative and accomplished Mayor of Atlanta, Kasim Reed.

2013 African American Legislative Summit Details

The Conference will kick off on Sunday evening, February 24th with the Black-tie invitation only, Chairman’s Dinner at the Hilton Hotel Downtown in Austin. On Monday morning, the Conference will begin in earnest in the House Chamber at the State Capitol. Following the opening plenary session, we will have a series of riveting panel discussions in the Capitol, then a luncheon on the Capitol Grounds. After the lunch, the Conference will shift to our host site, the beautiful Hilton Hotel in Downtown Austin where we will have dignitaries and noted celebrities to bring you even more stimulating panels and discussions. Later that evening, the TLBC Scholarship Awards Banquet will commence in the Hilton Hotel Ballroom, where we will honor the 2013 TLBC Scholarship Recipients. On Tuesday morning, the well-received Community Awards Banquet takes place at the Hilton Hotel and then the Conference wraps up with our final series of panels at the Hotel. With the roster of noted personalities and events planned, this Summit will be one to remember!

Chairman’s Award Dinner honoring Milton Carroll

The Chairman’s Award Dinner honoring Milton Carroll, underwritten by Blue Cross Blue Shield & CenterPoint Energy, will take place at 7p on Sunday, February 24th at the picturesque Bob Bullock State History Museum a mere 3 blocks away from the State Capitol. This invitation-only black-tie affair, will honor the multitude of achievements of Mr. Milton Carroll. An innovator in the Oil & Gas industry, Mr. Carroll also serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors at CenterPoint Energy, Inc. & Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. A native Texan, the accomplishments of Mr. Carroll’s stellar business career are second to none. He is well deserving of this token of appreciation by the Texas Legislative Black Caucus for his inspirational achievements as an African American business man, who has excelled in a variety of endeavors in the business world. The Texas Legislative Black Caucus proudly salutes a fellow trailblazer at the inaugural Chairman’s Award Dinner.

Host Site- Hilton Hotel Info & Reservations

For your convenience, a very special room rate of $199/night is available for Sunday, February 24th and Monday, February 25th for a limited time only at the Hilton Hotel (a savings of $130), so please take advantage now. Room reservations at the Hilton Hotel Downtown for Sunday, February 24th and/or Monday, Feb. 25th are available now online at: https://resweb.passkey.com/go/TexasLegislativeBlackCaucus. If you are interested in a multi-night stay at the Hilton Hotel, please call 800.445.8667 (make sure to mention Group Code: TLB) and they can handle your reservation.

REGISTER NOW FOR FREE TO ATTEND!

Stay tuned for more updates and we look forward to seeing you there!

For questions, please email: texaslegislativeblackcaucus@gmail.com.

Chairman Turner- School Safety Is Everyone’s Problem

By State Rep. Sylvester Turner

Courtesy of Houston Chronicle

May 9, 2012

Two female students were captured recently on cellphone video fighting in the stairwell of a Fort Bend ISD high school in front of dozens of students who had shown up ahead of time to watch. Just a few hours before, the mother of one of these girls told an assistant principal that her daughter would be beaten. The principal said he would take care of the threat, but did not. One girl put a lock in a sock and beat the other girl, as she had threatened to do, sending her to the hospital for treatment.

From what I observed on the video, no one intervened – not a teacher, not an administrator and not one of the many students who showed up for this entertainment. While this horrific video has captured the community’s and the media’s attention, it is just the latest in a series of violence, bullying and intimidation affecting our children at their schools.

In January of this year, a student fight in the cafeteria at Andy Dekaney High School in Spring ISD escalated into a melee involving dozens of students. Also in January, a North Forest High School student brought a gun onto campus and shot and wounded another student.

Last year, a 6-year-old brought a loaded gun to his class at Ross Elementary. He and two other students were injured when the gun fell out of his pocket and discharged. Just a few days ago, a 14-year-old student was shot by a Pasadena ISD officer when he confronted the student in an apparent burglary.

Two dozen Houston ISD school bus drivers recently called for more discipline of rowdy students. The drivers say the students carry weapons, fight each other and even attack the drivers themselves. This past week a South Houston High School student was accused of filming another student in the bathroom. He planned to post the video on Facebook.

2011 African American Legislative Summit A Resounding Success!

The Texas Legislative Black Caucus is pleased to thank all those in attendance at the recently held African American Legislative Summit, helping the event to become a wonderful success. This year’s Summit held in Austin from Feb. 27th through March 1st, under the direction of Chairman Sylvester Turner had a record 3,000 plus attendees from all over Texas. A great time was had by all in attendance as numerous elected officials, scores of grassroots activists, business professionals, college students, reknowned academics and citizens alike came together for an eventful time of collaboration, networking and an opportunity to exchange ideas. The Summit was highlighted by Ms. Debra Lee, CEO of B.E.T. as the keynote speaker at the Scholarship Banquet where over $120,000 in scholarships were awarded. An overwhelming attendance of successful recipients, all of whom were high school seniors, made the night a special occasion as Debra Lee punctuated the night with her remarks which thrilled all those in attendance.

Those who arrived early on Sunday evening were treated to a musical performance by none other than DJ Biz Markie. The Summit started in earnest early Monday morning at 9am in the House Chamber, as the Summit provided a unique opportunity for attendees to sit at House members desks and hear from TLBC members. Following the opening session, a series of riveting panel discussions in the Capitol on Monday morning rounded out the early morning events. Those there for the panels were treated to a packed house as people listened with picqued interest as a host of topics were covered. Next we followed with a barbeque luncheon on the Capitol Grounds as all those in attendance were treated to a great meal under tents as they all enjoyed the beautiful weather. As the afternoon began, the Summit shifted to the host site, the Sheraton Hotel at the Capitol as we enjoyed more powerful panel discussions. As evening fell, people excitedly awaited the Scholarship Banquet as many gathered for a cocktail reception before the formal events ensued.

Black Community Leaders Troubled by School Incidents

Black Community Leaders Troubled By School Incidents

http://app1.kuhf.org/articles/1336078565-Black-Community-Leaders-Troubled-By-School-Incidents.html

May 3, 2012

by:Bill Stamps

Courtesy of KUHF- Houston Public Radio

In the wake of all the protests over the Trayvon Martin shooting some people have criticized black community leaders and politicians for taking a stand in the Florida case while ignoring issues of violence and unlawful behavior that take place their communities everyday. But with the just released video of a fight at Thurgood Marshall High school in Fort Bend county, some leaders here in Houston say enough is enough and are calling for change at home.

State Representative Sylvester Turner stood before a microphone with at least twenty other politicians, school church and community leaders behind him. He read a long list of disturbing events that have happened locally dating back to last year.

“Twenty five HISD school bus drivers recently called for more discipline of rowdy students. The drivers say the students carry weapons, fight each other and even attack the drivers themselves. This week a south Houston high school student was accused of filming another in the bathroom. He planned to post it on Facebook. And so it’s one incident on and on and on.”

It was Turner who brought these leaders together after seeing the recent fight at Thurgood Marshall High School that was taped by another student. Turner says enough is enough.

“Bringing weapons to school, engaging in disruptive behavior on school buses, bullying and fighting on school campuses, breaking into homes, or cars are not acceptable in our communities.”

TxDOT Information on Proposed HUB Rule Changes

The Texas Department of Transportation – Office of Civil Rights’ DBE/HUB/SBE Program will be conducting several meetings around the state to provide information regarding proposed changes to the DBE/HUB/SBE Rules that will have an impact on the administration of TxDOT’s DBE, SBE, and HUB Programs. TxDOT invites your participation in these meetings to share your position and solicit your input on proposed new rules and how they may impact your opportunities to do business with the department.

The information meetings will be held on the following days and locations to include a DBE/HUB/SBE Rule webinar on April 11, 2012. If interested in the webinar, please registerby April 10, 2012 e-mailing your request to: OCR_OutreachInfo@txdot.gov

SUBJECT LINE: DBE/HUB/SBE Rules Webinar and an e-mail confirmation will be e-mailed back to you to include the webinar call in details.

The dates and locations for the information sessions to be held around the state are:

Date/Time

4/18/12- 2-4 pm Pharr District (District Conference Center Rm 1 &2) – 600 W. Expressway 83, Pharr, TX 78577

4/23/12- 2-4 pm El Paso District ( HQ District Conference Center) – 13301 Gateway West, El Paso, TX 79928-5410

4/26/12- 9-11 am Dallas District (Dallas Room) – 4777 East Highway 80, Mesquite, TX 75150-6643

4/25/12- 2-4 pm Houston District (Auditorium Rm 143)- 7600 Washington Avenue, Houston, TX 77251

In compliance with ADA requirements, participants with special needs can be reasonably accommodated by contacting Christina Calvo by phone at (512) 486-5501, at least five working days prior to the event.

For more information about the meetings, please call (512) 486-5501.

Chairman Turner Applauds Selection of Dr. Davis to UT’s Institute for Urban Policy Research & Analysis

AUSTIN, Texas — In connection with the African and African Diaspora Studies Department, The University of Texas at Austin has appointed King Davis founding director of the Institute for Urban Policy Research and Analysis.

Davis, professor and Robert Lee Sutherland Chair in Mental Health and Social Policy in the School of Social Work and former executive director of the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, served as interim director of the institute in 2010 and 2011, and will begin his new role effective immediately. Davis joined The University of Texas at Austin in 2000 after serving as commissioner of the Virginia Department of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities and Substance Abuse and as a faculty member at Virginia Commonwealth University.

“The investment by The University of Texas in this new institute reflects the personal commitment of President Powers and his administration,” Davis said. “I am delighted to have the opportunity to help shape the mission and vision of the institute and its initial research projects.” The institute’s initial focus will be on the state of Texas.

“Despite our iconic rural image, more than 80 percent of Texans live in cities. Texas needs better urban policy, and we can’t improve that without good data on the populations that make up our cities, especially populations of color,” said President Bill Powers. “King Davis is the perfect leader for this important new effort. His academic and professional background — and the enormous respect he commands from his colleagues — bodes well for the institute’s future.”

Developed in 2010 through collaborative efforts of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, the African and African Diaspora Studies Department and the College of Liberal Arts, the institute’s mission is to conduct and promote the production of policy-relevant research with the aim of enhancing the lives of African-Americans and other communities of color.

“I applaud the selection of Dr. Davis to lead this vitally important institute,” said Rep. Sylvester Turner, chair of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus. “His expertise and dedication will bring the institute to the forefront of positive change in the African American community in Texas.”

Join us at the 2011 TLBC Golf Classic!

Texas Legislative Black Caucus

REGISTER NOW (click here)

Chairman Sylvester Turner

& Members of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus invite you to participate…

2011 TLBC Golf Classic

November 7, 2011 Grey Rock Golf Club in Austin
11:30 a.m. Registration
1 p.m. Shotgun Start
6:00 p.m. Awards Dinner

Sponsorship Levels: Diamond $20,000 Sapphire $15,000 Platinum $10,000 Gold $5,000 Silver $3,000 Bronze $1,500 Single $500* *Not a corporate sponsorship level.

Additional sponsorship opportunities: Bars, beverages, hole signs and title banner; shirts, hats, goody bags, boxed lunches, bev carts, contests and prizes.
REGISTER NOW!

Call Christine Garrison at (512) 292-3000 or email christine@scgtexas.com . TLBC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Corporate contributions are permitted by State law.

Not distributed at State expense.

Chairman Sylvester Turner Issues a Report Card on the 82nd Legislature with a Special Emphasis on Public Education

Check out Rep. Sylvester Turner’s Report Card on Public Education Here!

As the 82nd Legislature and Special Session draws to a close, Chairman Turner, Chairwoman Senfronia Thompson, and Rep. Helen Giddings were joined by concerned parents, teachers, and fellow Texas Legislators as they issued a Report Card for the 82nd Session. The special emphasis of the Report Card was on an issue near and dear to everyone’s heart and conscience, an issue whose importance is both long lasting and the true barometer of how we has a society view our future generations – Public Education. This Legislative Session has seen historic cuts and changes to the Public Education system in Texas which will harm our school children for years to come, and the time is here for those who made such shortsighted decisions face accountability.

Rep. Sylvester Turner Issues Report Card on 82nd Session

Chairman Deshotel Requests Disaster Declaration from President Obama

State Representative Joe Deshotel of Port Arthur, who currently serves as Chair of the House Business and Industry Committee and is also a TLBC member, has sent a request to President Obama seeking a federal disaster declaration in response to the persistent wildfires in Texas.

Since the fire season began in Texas, local and state responders, including many volunteers, have battled more than 10,500 fires, which have burned more than 2.7 million acres and destroyed more than 400 homes. Over the past three years, farmers, ranchers and residents across Texas have been heavily impacted by wildfires. The most recent bout of fires, which have been occurring since December 21, 2010, are consideredby many to be the worst in Texas history.

Please find the formal request to President Obama here.

For more information, please contact the office of State Representative Joe Deshotel at 512.463.0662.

Texas Senate & House Maps Present Serious Concern for Texas Minority Communities

The maps presented to the Texas House and Senate pose serious concern for minority communities in Texas for the next 10 years. As each decade’s U.S. Census count requires a redrawing of both House & Senate state maps, Texas is currently undergoing the effort which will make legislative districts more reflective of their population growth over the past 10 years.

With the high degree of minority population growth recently in Texas, minority communities deserve more elected official representation.

When debate commenced on the House floor recently for consideration on the Texas House of Representatives map, the Black Caucus presented alternative plans which amplified the voice of African Americans statewide as well as the Hispanic community. The TLBC maps were reflective of the necessary hard work and attention to the needs of minority communities which is required since any Texas maps must be reviewed by the U.S. Department of Justice due to historical discrimination in our State. The TLBC believes the map passed by the Texas House is a significant step backwards for minorities in this State, and which is why the TLBC map provides a much better alternative which does not dilute African American communities and also keeps together communities of interest.

Chairman Sylvester Turner Makes Closing Remarks on House Budget

Check Out the Texas Tribune Conversation with Rep. Senfronia Thompson on March 31st

To Register or For more information on this wonderful event, please click here:

http://www.texastribune.org/events/2011/mar/31/a-conversation-with-senfronia-thompson-state-representative/

Democratic Members of the Appropriations Committee Vote Against False Illusion of Use of Rainy Day Fund

AUSTIN– On March 15th, the House Appropriations Committee approved HB 275, legislation to use the Economic Stabilization Fund (Rainy Day Fund) to cover the shortfall in the 2011 budget, and HB 4, a “supplemental” budget bill to make cuts and new appropriations for the current budget. Democratic members unanimously voted for HB 275 and against HB 4. The vote was delayed until the Governor released a statement accepting use of the Rainy Day Fund for the current budget but vowing to veto the 2012-2013 budget if it uses the Rainy Day Fund.

In the next biennium, state aid to public schools is reduced by $9 billion or more than $800 per student, forcing districts to increase class sizes, eliminate pre-kindergarten, terminate up to 100,000 teachers and school personnel, and consolidate and close schools. There will be 800 fewer caseworkers within child protective services to keep children safe from abuse and neglect and already inadequate provider rates within the Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Programs will be further reduced leaving children no access to primary, specialty or preventative health care. Seventy-thousand senior citizens will be left with no home or essential medical and attendant care with the proposed $1.6 billion cuts to nursing facilities, skilled nursing facilities and hospices.

“Although I support paying the state’s bills in the current fiscal year, I cannot encourage false illusions that Texans will be protected in the future by the use of a small portion of the $9.4 billion rainy day fund,” said Vice- Chairman Sylvester Turner (D-Houston). “There has not been any genuine effort to find solutions to the $27 billion deficit we face in 2012 and 2013.”

“In many cases, the cuts in Health and Human Services are making life and death decisions. Texas children, senior citizens and disabled Texans deserve better,” said Representative Dawnna Dukes (D-Austin). ” The legislature should look at all options, from the Economic Stabilization Fund to new revenue sources, in order to do what our constituencies have sent us to do: to protect our citizens, to care for those who no longer can care for themselves, to provide services to those who have nowhere else to turn.”

“At a time when families in Texas are struggling and using up their savings, this budget cuts funding for community colleges they depend on,” said Representative Scott Hochberg (D-Houston).

The Texas House, as a whole, will vote on HB 4 and HB 275 on Thursday, March 31st.

TLBC Members Take Key Committee Positions

As the current 82nd Session begins to heat up in earnest, Texas Legislative Black Caucus members hold key committee assignments with the ability to influence key decisions on legislative matters.

WHO NEEDS THE PRESS FOR A PRESS CONFERENCE?

A Call to Action By: Tammie Lang Campbell

February 28, 2011, the last day of Black History Month and the first day of the Texas State Black Caucus’ Summit will remain embedded in my mind. This was the date that I ignored conventional wisdom that says a press conference can’t be held without the press and preceded with my press conference on the steps of the Texas State Capital. I had planned to announce to the world that the n-word is not in dark skinned people’s DNA or Newsouth Books’ revised edition of Mark Twain’s Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn; however, I was thrown a curve ball when the press didn’t show. Apparently, a proactive black denouncing the n-word and promoting school literature sensitive to all children’s cultural needs didn’t interest the media. The media’s no show would’ve devastated most, but I remembered that God: Called me to petition Merriam Webster and Random House dictionaries to remove or redefine the n-word in 1991(view petition. Chose me to hold a symbolic n-word burial that was featured nationally on CNN (view story), in Manhattan City Council News and all local/state media outlets including the Houston Chronicle’s front page Moved to get my anti-n-word campaign op. ed. featured in the Houston Chronicle on 10/31/10 called, “N-word Remains far too Pervasive”. Urged Dr. Gribben to take a stand for humanity and appeal to Newsouth Books to replace the n-word with slave appealed to Rep. Dr. Alma Allen and had her to enlist the support of Texas Black Caucus Chairman, Rep. Sylvester Turner, for Newsouth Books’ revised edition of Mark Twain’s Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. Inspired Friends of Humanity to help sponsor 100 of Newsouth Books’ revised edition of Mark Twain’s Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn to be donated to schools and youth organizations with these aforementioned blessings in mind, I proceeded with my anti-n-word declaration on the steps of the Texas State Capitol. <Excerpts from Speech> (View Event Video) “Good afternoon, to God goes all the glory and praise in His precious Son’s name Jesus Christ. I’m pleased to join you with Rep. Dr. Alma Allen; my husband, Dennis Campbell, Sr. and our children; Shar-day and Dennis Jr. I thank all of you for being here today in support of Dr. Gribben and Newsouth Books’ revised edition of Mark Twain’s Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn, which replaces the n-word with slave. To the curious who may be wondering why we are here, well an event like this one that has a profound effect upon the lives of people doesn’t just happen. It is an accumulation of events. For 20 years, I have been working to reclaim blacks’ good name. During this journey, I have heard the cries of my foreparents urging me to let everyone know who we are and who we are not. I have been encouraged by the words of Solomon in Proverb 21:1 that states, “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches…” Therefore, it is not by accident that God has led me to the steps of the Texas State Capitol. It is in fact by God’s divine plan that we, the people, are here to: Reclaim blacks’ good name Declare that when God created dark skinned people, He didn’t create the n-word Announce to the world that the n-word is not in any dark skinned person’s DNA or Newsouth Books’ revised edition of Mark Twain’s Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn And inform those who have erroneously defined dark skinned people as the n-word in reference books like: Webster, Random House and Oxford, that their erroneous definitions have caused great harm among humanity Furthermore, we, the people, want the nation and the world to know that we support Dr. Gribben and New South Books for being sensitive and respectful of others. In addition, we commend him for: Replacing the n-word with slave while citing the story of Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer to his students Recognizing and embracing his daughter’s best friend, a black girl, as a person worthy of giving and receiving friendship Promoting mutual respect among his students And being proactive in healing our nation” Now it was a four year old little Mexican American girl, Abby, who set this historic press conference without the press aside. During Rep. Dr. Alma Allen’s presentation of HR 587 to honor and acknowledge my service to the community (View Resolution), Abby told her grandmother that she wanted to stay for the presentation. As I proceeded to get on the elevator, her grandmother, Yvonne, stopped me so that Abby could take a picture with me and get a copy of the revised edition of Mark Twain’s Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn. At that moment, God reminded me that this event was about sharing the anti-n-word message with the people. In closing, history tells us that people of different ethnicities and backgrounds have been subjected to slavery, but it didn’t make them any less as a people. In Galatians 3:28 Paul wrote, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus,” which means God created every person equally. Having a black president of the United States is a reminder of America’s progress in race relations. However, being defined by reference books in our educational system as the n-word demonstrates how blacks are still disrespected. When I think of the great contributions blacks have made to our nation, I am personally saddened that our schoolchildren know more about the n-word than blacks’ contributions to America. For example, only a few are familiar with Thomas Greene Wiggins, a blind 10 year old slave who was the first African American to perform at the White House in 1859. The epidemic of offensive, sexist and racial language runs rapid in our society, which can’t be blamed on black rappers. They didn’t create the n-word and are not selling their n-word CD’s to our schools. If our educational system was using our tax dollars to purchase racially laced CD’s, I would denounce it. President Thomas Jefferson said, “A nation can never be ignorant and free.” This racial slur fosters a climate of ignorance and oppression in our nation, which we, the people, must move beyond to fully celebrate our diversity, freedom and independence. We must never accept racism, sexism and terrorism as a cultural norm. Although the media didn’t show, I will remain steadfast in my divine appointment to eradicate racism by promoting racial healing. Will you please join me in this campaign? ABOUT ACTIVIST TAMMIE LANG CAMPBELL: Believing that liberty is God’s gift to humanity and that everyone should be equally valued, Campbell petitioned Merriam Webster and Random House dictionaries to remove or redefine the n-word in 1991. In 2007, Campbell held a symbolic n-word burial that was featured nationally on CNN (view story), in Manhattan City Council News and all local/state media outlets including the Houston Chronicle’s front page. To advance this effort, she created an anti-n-word campaign and wrote an op. ed. in the Houston Chronicle on 10/ 31/10 called, “N-word Remains far too Pervasive.” Her anti-n-word initiative has gained national support from New York City Councilman Leroy Cormier and Hawaii State Rep. John Mizuno. For additional information about Tammie Lang Campbell’s work, please visit the Foundation’s website at: www.honeybrownhope.org. ABOUT NEWSOUTH PUBLISHER’S REVISION: Suzanne La Rosa, publisher of NewSouth Books, says the idea for this project originated with Dr. Alan Gribben. “Gribben wanted to give readers an opportunity to experience the literature he so loved and had spent a lifetime championing. He pitched the idea for an edition of Twain’s boy books with the hurtful epithets swapped out. An educator and Twain scholar, Gribben perceived that teachers were increasingly avoiding the texts because it was difficult to hold discussions about the novels for reasons of the N-word.”

DJ Biz Markie Will Kick Off TLBC’s African American Legislative Summit on Sunday, Feb. 27th!

Free Admission to Biz Markie with Summit Registration. Click Here to Register For Free!

Time for the kickoff of the 2011 African American Legislative Summit hosted by the Texas Legislative Black Caucus. The kickoff event featuring the one and only, the legendary Biz Markie on the turntables will start on Sunday evening, Feb. 27th at the Sheraton Hotel at the Capitol in Austin. After the Sunday night performance make sure to enjoy the rest of the African American Legislative Summit which will take place at the State Capitol and our host site, The Sheraton Hotel at the Capitol. Admission is guaranteed only with free online registration at:

Click Here to Register Now!

Only Registered Summit Attendees will be allowed to enjoy this free event!

You are invited to attend the 12th Annual African American Community Heritage Festival in Austin, TX on Feb. 26th!

Representative Dukes invites you to the 12th Annual African American Heritage Festival

Event Name: 12th Annual African American Community Heritage Festival
Date: Saturday, February 26, 2011
Time: 1 pm to 5 pm
Location: Huston-Tillotson University Campus at 900 East Chicon – Austin, Texas

TLBC pleased announce special guest for Summit, Actress Loretta Devine

The Texas Legislative Black Caucus is pleased to announce a special guest for the African American Legislative Summit, acclaimed and reknowned actress Loretta Devine. Ms. Devine, a Houston-native, has appeared in over 93 films and television shows in a superb career that has spanned almost 30 years. She currently appears in the hit-TV show, Grey’s Anatomy and the all-time favorite Waiting to Exhale. Her roles have touched the lives of many and inspired countless others to pursue a craft that through her hard work she has made look very easy. At the Summit, the TLBC will name a scholarship in her honor to a worthy high school student who will attend college in the fall.

Tre Magazine Talks to Representative Turner