Inside this issue:

East Texas News

Editors View 2

People and Places 3

Commentary 4

Sports 5

Business World 6

Advertisement 7

Hollywood’s News 8

“A Public Trust”

Founded January 2010

“A Double Standard by Any Other Name...” See First Things First

Page 2

VOL. 3 - NO. 13 JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2012 groves.standard@yahoo.com 50 CENTS

Groves Standard

Is the GOP the New Face of Segregation?

By Billy “Hollywood” Groves, CEO As a keen observer of political trends, I can’t help but notice the gerrymandering done by Republicans in America over the years. The dictionary defines the word gerrymander as, “arrangement of the political divisions of a state, county, etc., made to give one politi-cal party an unfair advantage in elec-tions”. Former Texas U.S. Congress-man Tom “the Hammer” Delay, a Re-publican, and his GOP buddies did a controversial gerrymandering job on Texas voting precincts a few years back. That Texas gerrymandering initiative, which many minorities are calling illegal, is currently being chal-lenged in the courts. While gerryman-dering has been part of American pol-itics for a long time, the way the Re-publican Party has aggressively uti-lized it these days evokes thoughts of past racial segregation and voter dis-enfranchisement. For starters, the way the GOP has drawn their Republican voting maps clearly not only strengthens the GOP district, but isolates and puts African Americans and other minori-

Carver Museum Celebrates Black Women Achievers

ties in large

precincts with less representation.

In other words, they weaken minority precincts by consolidat-

ing residents of these neighborhoods into fewer voter precincts. The end result of this GOP gerrymandering, in the mind of this seasoned journalist, is a modern day map of how to bring back old time segregation. The prob-lems that America went through dur-ing the era of Jim Crow Laws and more recent segregation practices are well documented. It was a dark peri-od in our history for African Ameri-cans, especially when it came to hu-man rights, civil rights and voting rights. When you look at the modern day Republican Party, except for a few individuals of color, the GOP is mostly made up of one race of people. One doesn’t have to be a rocket scientist to understand that when you deliberately separate one group of Americans from another group of Americans, usually it’s for a distinct purpose. The purpose in all of this recent (last few years) GOP gerry-mandering in my mind, is to divide America along racial lines. I truly be-lieve the leadership of the Republican Party is not happy with Americans of all races, ethnicities, colors, religions, and diverse backgrounds living, coop-erating and interacting with each oth-er as one cohesive nation. This strategy is nothing new—divide and conquer is a timeworn ma-neuver. If you divide a nation, you can conquer that nation. Modern day GOP members know that Americans these days are more united as a peo-ple than they have ever been in the past. They also know that Americans come to admire and respect other Americans when they have the oppor-tunity to live, work, socialize and See GOP New Face page 6

RAISED RAISED RREPEP BULICANBULICAN

I CAN HELP MYSELF, THANKSI CAN HELP MYSELF, THANKS Does this apply to

“gerrymandering”, too?

By Dr. Ianthia Fisher, Managing Editor Recently, I, along with several members of the Groves Standard family and staff travelled to Austin where we had the pleasure of visiting the George Washington Carver Mu-seum and Cultural Center, an integral part of the Austin Parks and Recrea-tion Division. The occasion was a salute to Black Women in American Culture and History. Keynote speaker for the occasion Dr. Laurie Fluker, Associate Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication and an As-sociate Professor of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Texas State University, shared an inspiring message based primarily on the lives of three historical women with Austin ties—Azie Taylor Morton, Onie B. Conley, Myra McDaniel. Along with the recognition of other African American historical women of achievement, numerous outstanding local black women leaders were also honored. We had the pleasure of meeting and offering our personal congratulations to several of the hon-orees. Some of the honorees in at-tendance we met included: The Hon-orable Dawnna Dukes, Texas House of Representatives, State Senator Wilhelmina Delco, Asst. Director Small & Minority Business Resource Dept., City of Austin, Debra Dibble, and Deputy Purchasing Officer, City of Austin, Yolanda D. Miller. Other par-ticipants we met included Loretta

Edelen, Community Outreach Direc-tor, Austin Community College and Treandrea Grundy, an Austin native, who performed the Black National Anthem. Videographer for the event Anthony Abrahm, with whom we visit-ed, was a truly outstanding chronicler of African American History, a living repository of all things cultural, as well as a community activist with a spiritually-inspired passion for people. He shared a few of his remarkable life experiences with us in the course of documenting the event and conduct-ing interviews with various attendees. He briefly interviewed Mrs. Earlie Groves and spoke very highly of her accomplish-ments and those of the Groves Family. The Carver Museum and Cultural Center is truly emerging as a powerful See Black Women Achievers page 2

The Honorable Dawnna Dukes, Texas House of Representatives, poses for a picture with Groves Standard Staff. Standing: L-R Dr. Fisher, Dr. King, Dr.

Atchison, Rep. Dukes, Dr. Watson. Front: Mrs. Victoria Essien and Mrs. Earlie Groves

Keynote Speaker Dr. Laurie Fluker, Texas State U Assoc. Dean of Fine Arts & Communi-cation has an emotional moment as she pays homage to Black Women Achievers.

PAGE 2 Groves Standard JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2012

Opinion / Outlook

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Let Us Host Your Next Event! Victoria Groves Essien, Owner

First Things First A Double Standard by Any Other Name...

Former GOP Presidential hopeful Herman Cain and struggling GOP Presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich

Crockett Public Housing Authority

“We’re Here To Serve The Public”

Bill Holcomb, Executive Director Mandy Nash, Deputy Director

186 East Fannin Ave. Crockett, Texas 75835

Words of Love

by Ester (Mimi) Dolphus, Guest Contributor

God’s Word tells us about love. In I John 3:18 the Bible says, “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth”. My grandson, Devonte de-scribes his love for me, Grandmother Mimi and his sister in the words of a child. He says, “When I love Mimi, I give her hugs and I try to be nice to her. I am quiet for her and I do what she says. I know she loves me be-cause she takes me swimming, lets me watch TV and helps me with my homework. She also takes me to church. Sometimes it is hard to love my five year old sister, Kiyanna. When we were playing “Teenage Mutant Turtles” she got mad because she kept losing. Then she yanked the cord and made the game fall.” While children sometime express love in the context of their personal experiences, as an adult, I have found that love is an action word. Just as God put love into action when He gave His only begotten son, just as Jesus continued on His mission to the cross even though He knew the outcome, so we are called to love. We don’t think twice about loving our families. We understand that we will do whatever is necessary to protect them. However, in this world, we will be challenged to love those who hate us. We are to love our enemies, pray for them and do good toward them. It is a lesson learned one blow at a time.

By Dr. Ianthia Fisher, Managing Editor

Adultery by any other name is still adultery…right? Despite the euphe-misms society currently uses to de-scribe the act of adultery–love affairs, love triangles, discovering one’s true soul mate—and even considering some of the less-than-savory terms used to describe adultery, the true definition of adultery does not change. As described from a spiritual or moral perspective it is considered an act of infidelity, deceitfulness, be-trayal, where one partner or the other violates the marriage covenant. In a non-spiritual context, it simply implies that a legal covenant has been violat-ed. So whether viewed from a spiritual or legal perspective, it’s still an unde-sirable and unacceptable affront to a legitimate agreement. So from this lengthy discussion of adultery one should glean that regard-less of our spiritual or moral persuasions we should be appalled by the very act of adultery…right? The particular per-son or the perpetrator (of adultery) should not matter in light of the seri-ousness of the offense… agreed? I would like to think the same way, but unfortunately, I was able to witness a remarkable contradictory response to adultery during the ongo-ing bids for the GOP nomination. Two of the candidates gave new meaning to the modified expression “adultery by any name is still adul-

tery”. This perspective was acquired when I witnessed the fallout of the political battle between two hopeful GOP nominees—Herman Cain and Newt Gingrich. It became obvious when Cain, the long-ago extin-guished, hopeful who openly declared that he had never been the target of, or witnessed discriminatory practices, was given “first hand” knowledge of the practice when his numerous indis-cretions with non-African American wom-en were disclosed. Perhaps the affront with which his numerous alleged infidelities were met by members of the GOP, served as a wake-up call for Cain in regard to racial discrimination. As an African American observer, it was fairly ap-parent to me that White America did-n’t take too kindly to white women being accosted by a black man, even if he was one of “the good ole boys”. It was evident that as each of Cain’s accusers came to light in the person of non-African American faces, the climate of public opinion began to chill sharply. Cain went from above-it-all arrogance to playing-the-race-card in record time (as in the time-honored tradition of “genteel Uncle Toms”) exemplified by the Honorable Su-preme Court Justice Judge Clarence Thomas. Thomas, a nominee for the Supreme Court who had staunchly maintained his opposition to affirma-tive action and maintained that Ameri-ca was post-racial, ironically flip flopped and accused his detractors of trying to politically “lynch” him as a black man when it appeared his nom-ination would be blocked. I will concede that maybe it was-n’t the affairs but the fact that Cain was accused of “sexually harassing” the women in the process. Maybe this was the reason Newt Gingrich was treated so differently when his numerous affairs were brought to the forefront. Or, maybe it was the fact that Newt didn’t just “love’em and See A Double Standard page 3

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 representation of African American History with a developing strand on African American Texas History. It is also the host site of the Texas Deseg-regation Historical Marker which pays tribute to all of the African American High Schools that were closed due to integration. Dr. Lynn Ellison, former commissioner of Texas City Texas, chaired the historical marker effort with media support from Groves Standard CEO Billy “Hollywood” Groves. Dr. Helen King, Groves Standard Editor, also assisted in the unveiling of this historical marker. There is also an open exhibit covering this subject and the African American Schools that closed due to integration. Texans are encouraged to contribute to the exhibit.

MEVIST Cultural Center Director Victoria Essien and African American Historian Anthony Abrahm exchange humorous museum insights.

Black Women Achievers

People & Places

PAGE 3 Groves Standard JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2012

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Class of 1972 Honors Departed Classmates

Community Icon Lillian Marshall, owner of Uptown Beauty Salon, cheerfully joined the “ 50’s” Club at a B-Day Cele-bration given by family and friends.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2 leave’em”, he divorced the old and married the new, keeping the fires going with a little seven-year-flame-on-the-side-dalliance until the new marriage was “legally consummated”. While I can only speculate as to why Newt and Herman were treated so differently. I am still inclined to believe that race played a major part in the public’s reaction. Regardless, no rationalization can eradicate the fact that both committed adulterous acts but received different responses from the Republican Party. This was apparent when with pure insolence Newt declined to be accountable for his personal indiscretions and the GOP applauded and rewarded him a primary win. So what’s really important, the act or the actor? By now you have probably figured out that I’m not a representative of the Republican Par-ty and rightly so, but I consider that a moot point. On this issue I was more confronted by my faith than by my political party. I’m not naive enough to believe that all politicians are who they say they are, but I am observant enough to know that if there is not acknowledgement of what is right and what is wrong, then we are in a spir-itual dilemma. As an American Chris-tian, the Christian part of me has to take note that our moral and spiritual acceptance of “unacceptable” behav-ior has to take precedence over the way that we are handling the adultery issue among our leaders. We are quick to point out that America is built around God and the family; but what are we willing to “overlook” in ex-change for our political leanings? It’s apparent that our vote is speaking louder than our spiritual convictions. As a word of caution as we seek to select our next political candidates, as Christians we must not sacrifice our spiritual values for the sake of a “win.” No one can declare victory when spiritual integrity has been compromised. In the words of the scriptures, “What does it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?”

A DOUBLE STANDARD

A-I Discount Owner Sue Bennett, shares family pictures. Above, her mother, Pak Park; brother, Cho Park and son Wi Ryeng.

Mrs. Fadine David, longtime Crockett native and retired business owner cele-brated another “Blessed Birthday” in February amid family and friends.

Despite the many sorrows and separations the Class of 72 has suffered, their faith has not weakened. “Weeping may endure for a night but joy comes in the morning. ” So in unity they stand, smiling, ready to embrace the morning!

Trumpet player Tray’von Robinson, son of Velmita and Tony Robinson, showed great promise as he preformed a special selection at Crockett’s Fall Band Concert..

Wishing Each of You Many, Many More!!!

Sis. Earlie Groves, the Groves family matriarch and Groves Standard religion writer and editor, recently celebrated another “Blessed Year”. A family gather-ing was held in her honor with lots of gifts and well wishes. Sis. Groves continues to give God the glory, honor and praise

for the great things that He is doing!

Mrs. Legora White is all smiles as she celebrated her 99th Birthday. She was serenaded by family and friends at an elaborate birthday bash given by her family. The Birthday cakes says it All. “Happy 99th Birthday Big Moma”.

Missionary Wilma Lee Page of Grapeland, Texas, cousin and church member joined in the B-Day celebration for Sis. White. Her daughter Linnie Harrington Parker was also present at the celebration.

Bernadette Phifer, Director of the Carver Museum and Cultural Center, Austin, Texas. The museum is dedicated to the collection, preservation, research and exhibition of African-American historical and cultural material.

Commentary PAGE 4 Groves Standard JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2012

Magazine For the latest

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LaShunda Long: Publisher and Editor-in Chief

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Discovering the Power of Historical

Perspective and Preservation

By Dr. Ianthia Fisher, Managing Editor During this time of year beginning with January and focusing on Febru-ary, many African Americans are forced to reflect on their historical roots interwoven in American history. This reflection includes the im-portance of the trials, tribulation and struggles encountered along the way. With the fairly recent creation of legis-lation mandating Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday as a national holiday and the former establishment of Feb-ruary as Black History Month, all of America usually gets an in-depth, of-ten starkly intense, look at African American history. As an American and particularly an African American, I am always shocked each time I see clips taken from the era of desegregation and throughout the Civil Rights movement even today. The many atrocities that others went through to ensure equal opportunities for all never fails to elicit a disturbing emotional response in my mind. Incidentally, I have noticed that each year, someone manages to release more appalling and shocking video clips of details of the struggle for equality, than were revealed the previous year. Each year African Americans and the world realize that (in the words of an old saying) “the half has never been told”. Subse-quently, we learn more about the peo-ple, places and reasoning behind many of the events that took place in the context of that era. It is with mixed emotions that we often see many of our heroes emerging in the light of history, “not as knights in shin-ing armor”, but as ordinary people

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caught between a rock and a hard place; people who were forced to make a decision, not based solely on their own plight but in the interest of preserving the integrity of America as a Nation under the microscope of in-ternational scrutiny. They knew the world was watching and that America had more at stake than the equal rights of blacks. The scrutiny of the world held America’s feet to the proverbial fire of its ideals of freedom, justice, and equality for all. In retrospect, the “land of the free and the home of the brave” was being examined in an even more fundamental way than ever before; America was being ex-posed to the world as seemingly hyp-ocritical and ambiguous aspects of our national character were emerging. See Perspective and.. . Page 8

By Billy “Hollywood” Groves, CEO

Buddha Hosts New “Internet Show” Philip Buddha Ali” Shaw of Hope, Arkansas one of the founders of the East Texas (Crockett) Rap Group mad Kat, is currently working on a new internet television show. Buddha was very excited when he recently filled me in on the details of the show which he says should be on air in the next few weeks. In addition to the television show, Buddha is still host-ing his popular internet radio music/talk and information show. For more information on Buddha’s “Let’s Talk About It” television show, you can call him on Thursday’s at 5:30 P.M. at 323-410-0101 at the radio station or, 870-729-6086. UPDATES Dallas rapper, businessman Con-fetti Da Rella Soulja told me that he is trying to get cranked up with a major record label. I asked Confetti if he was trying to get a major record deal after operating as a successful inde-pendent rapper for so long. He said he thought it was the right thing to do at this time in his career and he was trying to expand his musical talents. I also asked Confetti about his thoughts on singer Whitney Houston’s death. “She did her thing in her time, we don’t know God’s total plan for her. She lived her life, you can’t take noth-ing from her, I give her the highest

praise.” Crocket D.J./Rapper, Emcee Mike “Heavy Love” Jones, who is currently the house D.J.at the Hy-Top club in Crockett had these comments about the late Whitney Houston. “She was great, she was a heartfelt singer who will be truly missed for her skills.” Multi-talented Rapper, D.J., pro-moter “DJ Warfield” will be hosting a Car show on March 17,2012 ,behind the Crockett State School. “High fives” go out to D.J. Warfield who describes himself as an entrepreneur because he does so many different things in the music profession, and doesn’t want to be labeled in one as-pect of the music business. If you want to read the Groves Standard on the internet and to hear more from the CEO,, go to Billy Holly-wood Groves.com. Special thanks go out to Robert T. Turner of Houston and Marie Thompson of Dallas for their help in establishing the Billy Hol-lywood Groves.com website on the internet where the Groves Standard Newspaper can be accessed.

Contract Possibilities for “Youngest In Charge”

Brandon “Boo” Johnson told me that the Huntsville rap group “Youngest in Charge” have been talk-ing with Warner Brothers Records about possibly signing a contract with them. “Youngest in Charge” mem-bers are Broderick “BP” Purvis, son of former Crockett High graduate Bobby Purvis; Young Mike, the neph-ew of Huntsville sports legend Lloyd Archie ;and Young B, son of re-nowned Rapper Bun B of the Rap group UGK. Elbert Wayne “Bev the Barber” John-son and his brothers Brandon “Boo” and Untwaun Johnson of Huntsville are still promoting rap concerts, pro-ducing rap music, rapping and run-ning their business, the Dead End Barber Shop in Huntsville. East Texas Rappers East Texas Rappers George “GBD” Davis, Tre 57, Hype, Gangster One, Hit Squad Billionaires, C-Dub, YLeeze, Shorty Murray, T-Shep, 7 man mob, Nick Wyatt & Hussle-Hussle, Cam Ward, Chris Collins, T Collins, Jason Creag, Joe “Bird” Street, Kevin “K Wool” Woolbright, Maceo, Joe guns, Lil Dirty Sherman, The Dead End Boys, Freddie “H Town” Rodgers, Stephon “Snag” Har-ris, K.B. Lamb, Michael Reece, Con-crete cowboys, D.J. Warfield, Nimp P, Cyrus Johnson, Tro, Bran-don”Coop” Cooper, Bubba Love and Mad Kat continue to put East Texas Rap on the map.

On the Christian Scene… Dr. Helen King hosts Grace to Help Ministries Dr. Helen King of Huntsville, Senior Editor of the Groves Standard Newspaper, continues to spread the gospel. Dr. King is a very busy lady, who along with her husband, retired See Music Scene page 6

Youth Participant Faith White, gets en-couragement from Community Leader Dela Newman during the Book Review of “The Help” , a fundraiser sponsored by Mary Allen Museum Inc . Crockett, Texas.

Mary Allen Museum of African Am. Art and History Inc., Hosted A Book Review!

Business World

PAGE 6 Groves Standard JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2012

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Gabriel Anderson, daughter of Rev. Shannon and her mother Sandra Harris.

CONTINUTED FROM PAGE 1 vote together. I will end this conver-sation by saying, as a man who be-lieves in God, I don’t hate the Repub-lican Party; I just know that their poli-cies and mindsets are racially, social-ly and economically divisive and self-serving. For a long time the GOP has not shown any proclivity to work with any Americans (other than a few to-ken, racial stereotypes) who are differ-ent from themselves. God Bless America, Africa and the Rest of the World!

PROJECT SUMMARY: Substantial rehabilitation of 70 units plus a completely new club house. A total of 31 buildings to be rehabilitated, plus a new club house. The dwellings are currently occupied so work will be phased.

This project includes work from the following trades (but is not limited to):

Access to the building plans: • We have complete sets of building plans available for review in the Pine Ridge Manor leasing office. • We have plans available for review in our office in Port Arthur. Interested parties can call for directions. • We can also email the plans as a pdf file to anyone interested in having their own set of plans printed.

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Concrete foundation Concrete sidewalks Masonry Framing Roofing

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Landscaping Parking lot stripping Ceramic Tile installation Vinyl flooring installation

General Project Contractor : Icon Builders P.O Box 1363 Nederland, TX 77627

Contacts:

Cisco Abshire, Vice Pres. of Project Management Email: cisco.abshire@iconbuilders.net

Lee Anthony Young, Owner of Our Place Club shares a picture with his Uncle Lawrence Allen of Houston, Texas.

Carolyn McKnight, wife of Earnest McKnight , and daughter Destiny are all smiles.

Dr. Ruth Groves Watson and daughter Destini beautifully beam for the camera.

Dr. I. Fisher , wife of Chief J. Fisher with daughters Margeaux and Crystal.

Be Mine ! Forever ? For Real? Perspectives on Modern Marriage

By Dr. Helen King and Dr. Brenda Atchison

In the low-tech world of yester-year, romantic communication with a sweetheart was simple( especially on Valentine‘s Day) --write a love note, or buy a box of pastel-colored, candy hearts with messages written on each one, or buy the big box of chocolates with the good stuff in them, or for the ultimate step “Put a ring on it”. Then simply give the respective choice to the one you loved. With the arrival of the internet, e-mailing, texting, and or sexting, romantic communication got somewhat more complicated. Addi-tionally the desired outcomes of ro-mantic involvement also changed. “Friends with benefits“, “b- -ty calls”, “hook-ups” and the like became part of the vernacular of love. The notion of “love and marriage” going together like a “horse and carriage” became as old fashioned as the aforementioned mode of transportation. Marriage as a God-sanctioned, exclusive legal and spiritual contract between a male and a female has fallen on hard times. Assaults on the institution of marriage are mounted from every quarter. Detractors range from the entertainment industry to vocal alternative-family lifestyle pro-ponents and their agendas. Whatever the source of these offensives, there are some proven strategies that can help embattled

spouses establish, maintain, defend and even restore healthy marriages. Marriage is honorable and has its foundations in Christian principles. If you accept these two basic premises and if you feel your marriage is em-battled, this series of articles, begin-ning with this first installment, may help. Basically, in order to first estab-lish a marriage, two people need to agree to and follow through on, the initial legal deal; both signing on the respective dotted lines. This action conveys the message to each other and to the community at large that they, themselves, are honorable peo-ple capable of making a commitment in good faith. Despite popular opin-ion, the legal act of marriage far out-classes, out-guns and generally out--distances living together or as it is commonly called “shacking”. Make no mistake, the two arrangements are not of equal status on any level--spiritual, legal, societal, emotional, fi-nancial, or whatever. The list of inequities is long enough to merit its own article. Alternative arrangements aside, once a marriage is established as fact, it become somewhat analogous to a garden requiring proactive atten-tion and work to keep it flourishing and in good order. Some basic ground rules for maintenance of the garden apply. The first of these is that Christ must be invited into the

marriage as its centerpiece and sus-taining fountain of grace--unmerited favor. One person surrendering to Christ can invite him in. This arrange-ment may be sufficient to maintain a marriage providing the other spouse is willing to respect the boundaries of the one professing Christ as the cen-tral resource in the marriage—rather than as an ornamental object. Another of these rules is that the marriage needs to be fenced. This fence is an agreed upon perimeter—the Word of God—in which at least one member (ideally both of them) resides and which may not be breached by interlopers no matter their intent. If outsiders come be-tween the couple (for any other pur-pose than to prevent physical harm, those persons are trespassing and should be removed by whatever civi-lized method necessary. This prohibi-tion includes well-meaning relatives. One caveat regarding the inner fenced area-- it is not Madison Square Garden or any other physical conflict zone. Marriages which in-volve physical abuse are not sustain-able and need to be dissolved unless the abuser can successfully be reha-bilitated by a legitimate intervention.

This article is the first installment of a series of articles on modern marriage that will be featured in future editions of the Groves Standard.

GOP NEW FACE?

Sports

PAGE 5 Groves Standard JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2012

Congratulations Houston County Basketball Teams And Athletes !

By Billy “Hollywood” Groves, CEO

Kudos go out to Crockett High Senior multiple sports performer Anju-wan “AD” Smith who was the consen-sus MVP of his district in football and basketball. AD the son of Darrell “Mookie” and Brenda Lee Burns Smith was also the MVP of his district last year in football. When I talked with AD he told me he had just received a full athletic scholarship to Lamar Univer-sity in Beaumont. High fives go out to all of the Hou-ston County high school basketball teams especially the Grapeland Sandies and the Crockett Bulldogs who advanced far in the State basket-ball playoff’s. On a historical note, I would be remiss as a journalist and a historian, if I didn’t mention the Ralph Bunche High Lions of Crocket who won the 2-A State Basketball Championship in 1968. I’ve noticed a lot of attention be-ing paid to athletes from the past be-ing honored for their accomplish-ments in Houston county.

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Music MastersMusic Masters

Crockett High Dance Team Members and Sponsor show support for Band Members at CISD Fall Concert.

Anjuwan “AD” Smith 2012 District MVP

I hope they remember the 1968 Ralph Bunche High Loins led by all state guards W.C. “Dub” Denman and Earl Wayne “Tick” Jones. Other team mem-bers included, James “Pete” McKnight, John “Shorty” Rhodes, Bennie “Soulman” Brooks, George King, Earl “Buck” McCullough, Flutie Johnson, Dan Boston, Henry Lee Riggings, Jeff Wayne Hopkins and Donald Wooten.

Professional Basketballer Courtney Taylor poses with “budding star” Dillon Denman

Charles Claudis Freeman September 15, 1920 – February 4, 2012

We are saddened to hear of the death of a Crockett icon Charles Claudis Free-dom who passed away on February 4, 2012. Mr. Charles Freeman was a very intelligent, kind, thoughtful, successful, family man who, along with his late wife Frankie Freeman, raised some outstanding children who are reflecting their fami-ly’s legacy. Rest in Peace Charles Freeman you completed your job in life...Well done.

Charles And Frankie Freeman Family

Kreshanna Frierson, Crockett Dance Team Member and 2010 Jr. Miss Juneteenth Queen shares a smile.

CONTINUE FROM PAGE 4

educator George King, have made Huntsville and East Texas a better place for everyone. Dr. King has a new Radio show on Huntsville’s KHVL AM 104.9 the Hits radio station every 1st Sunday from 6:45 to 7:15 AM and every 3rd Sunday morning from 7:00-7:30 A.M. You can listen on line at :www.KSAM1017.com (selefct 104.9 The Hits). Her mailing address is P.O. Box 722, Huntsville, Texas 77342 or you can tune in to her program, I know you will enjoy the Word of God as she teaches it. Con-tact her and let her know what you think about it. A Jimmy Spivey Production Don’t forget the Gigantic Gospel Concert 2012 coming up April 14, 2012 at the Kingdom Builders’ Center, 6011 West Orem in Houston, Texas. The concert is a Jimmy Spivey Production. Jim-my Spivey is a successful entre-preneur, gospel promoter, and philanthropist in Huntsville, Texas. Pastor Shirley Ceasar, the Can-ton Spirituals, Doc McKenzie and the Hi-Lites,Tim Rogers and the Fella’s, Lee Williams and the Spiritual QC’s, Bleast By Four, George Dean and the Gospel Four are scheduled to perform at the concert. For more infor-mation on The Gigantic Gospel Concert 2012 call 877-291-1918.

Christopher Fisher and Proud Papa Chief Jimmy Fisher pose triumphantly, now that it’s finally over! Chris received a Bachelor of Science in Public Safety-U of H Downtown.

PAGE 7 Groves Standard JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2012

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Billy “Hollywood” Groves Founder / Chairman / CEO

Groves Standard Newspaper

Dr. Helen King . . . . . . . . Senior Editor Dr. Ruth Watson . . . . . . President / Editor Dr. Ianthia Fisher . . . . . . Managing Editor Victoria Essien, M Ed.. . . Cultural /Arts Dr. Brenda Atchison. . . . Business Manager Minister Earlie Groves. . . Religion / Writer Rev. Oscar Henderson . . Religion/ Writer

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Hollywood’s News

PAGE 8 Groves Standard JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2012

Around the State and Nation

East Texas

SHOUT OUTS !

. . . When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD shall lift up a standard against him.

Isaiah 59:19 (KJV)

President Barack Obama, Dr. Ruth Watson, Harry Jackson, the Late Whitney Houston, Tony Henry, John McKnight, Vivian Lovelady Grant, Anjuwan “A.D.” Smith, Rev. Dave Dirden, Sis. Earlie Groves, Charles Burney Allen, J.J. Taylor, Walter and Maxine Session, Wade, Larry Robbins, the O’Neal Family, Chester Hou-ston, The McCullough Family, the Warfield Family, Bro. W.L. and Sis. Tillis, Rev. and Sis. Harry Fred Scott, The Ralph Bunche Alumni, Chris Akbari, Terry Cutler, Gerald Barkley, Brent Hicks, James (Palestine) Smith, Phat Pat Terry, Dre Murray, Bob Luce, Confetti, Norman and Linda White, ETMC, Bill Holcomb, the Shepherd Family, the Late Monster Martin, J Dawg, Lee and Toni Williams, Rev. Tom Franklin, Cartier Martin, The Montgomery Family, Rev. Ho-sea and Ester Dolphus, Ethel Pierre, Tre 57, T-Shep, Youngest inCharge, The Dead End Barbershop, John Jenkins , Mandy Nash, Rev. Billy and Jesselyn Reece, LeAnthony Young, Crockett’s McDonalds, Aunt Bea’s Attic, Stephon “Snag” Harris, Freddie and Sharonda Riley, Tyrone “Six” Colter, Philip “Buddha Ali” shaw, Agen 99, Ester Walker, Mac Earl and Reba McCullough, Marie Thompson, Robt T Turner, Caroline Turner, Billy Cook, Slim Thug, Quanell X, Dr. Helen King, George King, Dead End Barbershop, The Johnson Boys, C-Dub, Joe Guns and Maceo, Rev. Delvin Atchison, Dr. Brenda Atchison, Vic-toria Essien, James Berry, Cat Johnson, Nita Mask, the Kitchen Family, Dr. Ianthia Fisher, the Crockett Public Library, Rev. R.C. Emanuel, The Crockett Post Office Crew, Ricky Gilmore, Pha Green, the Crockett High Basketball Team, Raymond Scott, Bishop Detroit McCullough and First Lady Annie, Bobby “Rell” Patton, Lynda Jones, Rev. and Sis. Debbie Littleton, the Lamb Family, Lynn Markham, Mayor George Pierson, Harold Shepherd, Xaiver Wooten, Norris Ervin, Judge Clyde Black, and Rev. and Sis. Jerome Simpson.

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The Honorable Shelia Jackson Lee and Community Leader John Thompson

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 As I continued to watch the his-torical clips, however, I gained a new, fresh perspective and a profound re-spect for the “real” American Christians. I found that true Christianity transcended barriers of race, color, age, gender, and even political per-suasion during the Civil rights move-ment. Courageous people of all eth-nicities and races emerged as true ambassadors of Christ, willing to give all—even die for the love of their fel-low man. To paraphrase what one of the Anglo freedom riders said, “We are not trying to make a name for ourselves; we just want everybody to be treated the same way.” I thought, what a simple way to live life. I’m reminded that Jesus still expects us to fulfill this same command, “Love your neighbor as you love yourself”. While I’m sure more and more historical facts will continue to come to light and, while maybe even more atrocious images and events depict-ing acts of incivility and inhumanity may surface, I still believe that it’s important to take a truthful and com-prehensive look at our national short-comings and to accurately portray and preserve our history. As we are often reminded, “He who does not learn from history is bound to repeat it”. Take time to explore African American history in the context of our American history, it is the only way that we can continue to learn and grow as a nation.

Perspective And Preservation

Not Just Alphabets

A.J. Houston, poet and founder of “Not Just Alphabets”. The nephew of the late Charles Claudis Freedman.

By Dr. Ianthia Fisher, Managing Editor Love of words seems to be a fam-ily legacy found throughout the Free-man clan. As anyone who knew him could attest, the late Charles Claudis Freedman was known for his appreci-ation of the spoken and written word. This love and gift of words continues to be articulated through the person of his nephew A.J. Houston, founder of Not Just Alphabets. A.J. shared one of his spoken-word poems at the home going cele-bration of his Uncle Charles. He is truly a gifted poet. His company, Not Just Alphabets, is a collage of ap-

proaches to understanding words. In the words of A.J. Houston himself, he describes his literary skills as, “using words to bring imagination into FOCUS”. Not Just Alphabets was formed in 1999 to unite the community of artists to the arts; including Poets, Rappers, Painters, Singers and Storytellers, hoping to evoke change in an ever changing society”. Houston is a poet, author, host, and motivational speaker who also conducts creative writing clas-ses. Additionally, his company pro-vides a variety of services including graphic design, specialty cards, framed wood art, videography and basic web design. For more infor-mation about Not Just Alphabets visit his website at: njalphabets.org or call him at (817) 797-8813.

Local Educators Rose Gainous and Linda Colter were among the interac-tive audience at “The Help” book re-view event held recently in Crockett .

Coach Andrew Hopkins Commemorated

Coach Andrew Hopkins recently re-ceived the distinct honor of having a new multimillion dollar Coliseum / Emergency Shelter named after him. The coliseum will be built on the grounds of Crockett High School in Crockett, Texas. The project is the result of a joint effort by the school, city and county. The name recognition was spearheaded by Dr. Douglass Moore , CISD Superintendent..