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Editors View 2

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VOL. 2 - NO. 10 JULY / AUGUST 2011 groves.standard@yahoo.com 50 CENTS

Groves Standard

. . . 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)

Is Gov. Rick Perry Ready for “Prime Time America”?

By Billy “Hollywood” Groves, CEO When Texas Governor Rick Perry announced recently that he would be running for the office of President of the United States of America, it really didn‘t surprise me. Governor Perry has been a vocal critic of President Obama ever since he became our nation‘s first African American Presi-dent. Although Governor Perry has been credited with being a great lead-er by many on the ―political right‖ side of the table for his ability to bring jobs to people in Texas, and his loud rail-ing about the spending on Capitol Hill; I am not convinced in the least, that this man (Rick Perry) is ready for the pressures and demands that it takes to be the leader of the most powerful Dr. Delvin Atchison Preaches in the UK

Dr. Delvin Atchison, Pastor of the Antioch Baptist Church in Waco, Tex-as recently returned from the United Kingdom where he was invited to par-ticipate in the initial Annual Festival of African American Preaching in Euro-pean Pulpits. He said that it was one of the most remarkable experiences of his preaching career. He preached at the Blackfield Baptist Church in Southampton, UK at an ecumenical service involving Baptist, Methodist and Anglican Fellowships. Southamp-ton is one of the world's most famed ports. It served as the launching point of the Mayflower and the Titanic. To-day, it's one of the busiest passenger ports in the UK. One of the most unique features of the Festival is its pivotal location at the confluence of the River Test and the River Itchen with the River Ham-ble joining to the south of the urban area. The fact that only 2% of the UK

population claims to be Christians, gave added significance to the event. After completing his assigned preach-ing engagement, Pastor Atchison was invited to an unscheduled event to preach to a Fijian fellowship in the

Dr. Delvin Atchison, Pastor of the Antioch Baptist Church, Waco, Texas

nation in the world. In the mind of this seasoned journalist, Perry is a ―loose cannon‖ who has a penchant for saying unbelievably stupid things and not realizing it, until someone calls it to his attention. Of course, Governor Perry often gets a pass when he says outlandish things in Texas, because Texans are used to loudmouth politicians with money, talking crazy. But ―that dog won‘t hunt‖ on the National stage, as in a presidential election where the only thing a lot of Americans know about Perry is that he has a ―cowboy mentality‖ and he shoots from the lip. For example, Perry has been disin-

genuous about the money he has received from the U.S. federal gov-ernment. On one hand he talks about how independent Texas is and, on the other hand, he is accepting and spending ―stimulus money‖. As a person who has lived in Texas most of my life, the only thing that I can credit Governor Perry and former Governor George Bush with is building more prisons and hurting the public schools of Texas. Some of the things that Governor Perry has pro-posed would be really funny, if they weren‘t so ridiculous. Like the time he told a group of reporters that Tex-as would consider seceding from America (with a straight face) if things didn‘t go his way; and, recently when he talked about charging peo-ple in the U.S. Government with Treason for printing U.S. money ( Does that include the federal funds he put in Texas coffers)? President Obama was right when he told Governor Perry that he need-ed to watch his mouth and under-stand that he is not running for Gov-ernor or Senator but for the highest office in the land. I don‘t think any-one can make Governor Perry see the ―Big Picture‖ of what it takes to lead America, because when you give Governor Perry the facts, they only appear to confuse him more. As I see it the GOP field of hope-

England countryside. He continued on to the Oxford University campus to participate in a preaching class with other pastors attending the Festival. In addition to the excitement of the ministry experience was the tim-ing of his visit which happened to co-incide with the London riots. Accord-ing to him, the riots were mostly con-fined to London until the additional police were brought into London to quell the rioting. The rioters then moved their operations to the country-side and Oxford area. The riots result-ed in the closing of some of the area restaurants and precautionary letters from the hotel management. Overall, Pastor Atchison felt that the entire experience was an excellent ministerial and educa-tional opportunity. The trip was jointly sponsored by Regent‘s Park College, Georgetown Col-lege and Joel Gregory Ministries.

ful presidential candidates, is made up of a motley crew—out –of-touch with-reality Tea Party members, con-servative ideologists with outdated ideas, and a few eccentric individuals with flair, but without stability. While I have nothing personally against Gov. Perry, I just know that he is not ready for ―Prime time‖ as it relates to being President of the United States of America. However, I do think that he could be President of Texas A&M University, his alma mater; The Texas A&M Aggies have been trying to secede from the Big 12 Con-ference to the S.E.C. Conference for a while but with no luck. Maybe Gov. Perry, as Texas A&M President, could serve as a yell leader to get the Aggies into the S.E.C., a task which might be more commensurate with his abilities. God Bless America!

Lois Ball of Crockett, wife of Floyd Ball Recently Celebrated her Retirement from Family & Protective Service after 20 years of Service with a Retirement Party at First Bap-tist Church Fellowship Hall. Congratulations !

PAGE 2 Groves Standard JULY / AUGUST 2011

Opinion / Outlook

14710 Hiram Clarke ▪ Houston, TX 77053

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

First Things First By Billy ―Hollywood‖ Groves CEO

The raising of the nation‘s debt ceiling in early August by the U.S. Congress, U.S. Senate and signed by President Obama averted a crisis of cataclysmic proportions in America. While I am not that worried about America‘s financial ratings in the world, I am greatly concerned about elected officials in our U.S. govern-ment who were more than willing to shut ―our government‖ down based on their dislike for President Obama. To cut to the chase, the Tea Party people in the U.S. Congress, who have been compared to ―terrorists‖ by many Americans showed the world what they are all about. In my mind, Tea Party members in our govern-ment, especially the U.S. Congress, displayed a selfish ―my way or the highway‖ mentality which almost caused America to default on its bills for the first time in history. The actions of the Tea Party members in the government did not go unnoticed by ordinary Americans, who have paid into the U.S. system

for most of their lives and don‘t take too kindly to people who try to deny them the money they rightfully de-serve. I truly believe that the Tea Party will pay a price in the 2012 elections for trying to hold America hostage for nefarious political rea-sons. There was an article last year in the Groves Standard Newspaper which asked the question, ―Are the Tea Party members Patriots or Ob-structionists?‖ I said in that article that I thought the Tea Party members were Obstructionists with an extreme hatred of President Obama based on him being a black man, and I still feel that way. I also said in that article that the Tea Party acted like a lynch mob from the past with a racist element to it and I still stand by that assertion. The Tea Party members claim they are outraged and appalled by

A Layman’s View: The Role of The Church CONTINUE FROM PAGE 4

of church leadership consisting of great pastors, deacons, trustees and other members of honor and dignity who led our churches and Sunday schools to great heights of viability and responsibility. They provided their congregations with religious and mor-al sustenance which upheld them in all aspects of their lives. I am begin-ning to internalize a feeling that rein-forcing these expectations has been abdicated in favor of ventures of less important and less redeeming value. I feel part of a church‘s mission is help ameliorate much of the suffering and problems affecting us as a com-munity of people. We are losing many of our bright young minds to drugs, alcohol, and guns. Many have also become fodder for the criminal justice system. We are at the bottom of all

the spending and debt that President Obama and the Democrats have got-ten America into since he became president. However, I beg to differ; President Obama inherited debt from President Bush‘s unpaid for wars and other financial mistakes made by his administration. Just like a mindless, lawless lynch mob of the past, the Tea Party supporters are not interested in the facts and circumstances surrounding America‘s financial situation, they just want to destroy President Obama. What a lot of Tea Party members fail to realize is that, when you really love America, you want America to suc-ceed regardless of what the race or ethnic background of the President is. At the end of the day, America has a strong, competent President who with the help of God has per-formed a ―Harry Houdini‖-like magic to straighten out the ―mess‖ he inherited. I truly believe that history will show that President Obama took a bad situ-ation, didn‘t complain about his plight and did a great job of bringing our nation back from the brink of disaster. It took two terms of President Bush‘s bad decisions to get us in financial stress, let‘s at least give President

socioeconomic viability ratings; the question becomes, where is the church in all this? Do we see this or do we fake blindness? An underlying premise in the above assertion, lies in my belief that many of our institutions with the wherewithal to address many of these abnormalities are failing in their efforts to offer solutions or re-verse their negative effects. I do not believe churches should be granted immunity in these matters as churches are closer to the people of our com-munities than any other social and/or religious entity. If there is a continued failure to adequately address the problems of our young, then the church as well as everyone else bears culpability and becomes unwitting conspirators and/or complicit in their spiritual demise. If we continue to do nothing, the default position becomes a demise of reli-

gious institutions as a moral force in the salvation of our young, abdicating their historical role as a viable entity in our communities. During the civil rights years, Dr. Martin Luther wrote a book entitled ―Where Do We Go from Here―? It was an examination of the pluses and mi-nuses relative to the Civil Rights Movement to see what actions were necessary for success, and to make the necessary course correction which would enhance the possibility for success. One of his major con-cerns was a feeling many of the black churches and ministers were failing in efforts to actively support the Civil Rights Movement and urged them to renew their commitments in these regards. Many did. Still, many did not. To date, questions remain as to what are some of the factors causing our Sunday schools and church at-tendance to drop. Are we seeking the input of all our members in finding ways to keep our young in our Sun-day schools and all other activities? Are we initiating tutorial programs to help our young navigate the de-mands placed on their academic lives? Are we preparing them to con-front and conqueror the many social ills they will encounter on their march toward adulthood? Are we wisely utilizing all the many and varied resources which exist within a church congregation with a goal of enhancing not just their spiritual lives, but other deficient areas as well? These are question leaders must ask themselves on an indi-vidual basis.

A lot needs to be done that will be left undone, unless our spiritual leaders have the insight, foresight and commitment to understand we have problems beyond the walls of our churches which are not necessarily religious in nature and a role exists today for our churches to play in the amelioration of these problems as is noted in histories of our people. The question becomes, does the willpower and commitment still remain? In conclusion, an old proverb states that one is either part of a solu-tion to a problem, or alternatively, oc-cupies a position as part of the prob-lem. Many of our churches view situa-tions as they would prefer them to be and not the reality of the problem. Only when there is a genuine recogni-tion that problems exist, will there be a concerted effort toward their solu-tions. I take the position I do because I see the Black Church as about the only viable institution left to us as a people. If certain issues with which we are faced are not addressed by getting our churches on board; then, I fear for its survival as the vehicle up-on which our spiritual underpinning rests. My only role through this written effort is to help sound the alarm, pos-sessing no other agenda. I feel if one sees an impending train wreck and fails to notify of a possible disaster, then he or she is just as guilty as the one causing the wreck. It becomes a tragedy adding to the many other dys-functional elements already existing in in our communities.

Obama two terms to try to get America securely back on its feet. God Bless America!

Don‘t forget to VOTE.

Memories from Simmons Family Reunion (Above) NBA Player Cartier Martin

and George King of Huntsville (Below) Deshayla Mask (daughter of Shelia Mask) and her daughter Courtlin.

People & Places

PAGE 3 Groves Standard JULY / AUGUST 2011

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Former State Rep. Paul Ragsdale / East Texas Freedom Fighter

Remembered

CONTINUE FROM PAGE 8

in the year 1906; I believe in not be-ing swayed by the mob. I fear God, I believe in being helpful, truthful and clean, I respect people and I seek to give every man a chance.

Former State Rep. Paul Ragsdale Remembered

Kudos go out to Palestine Texas longtime Freedom Fighter James Smith, who has used his television show (Corner Stone) and his other media outlets to inform, enlighten and defend the African American commu-nities in Anderson County. When Confederate Civil War soldier sympa-thizers placed a confederate ―Rebel‖ flag on the top of the Anderson Coun-ty Courthouse in Palestine and de-clared they were going to leave it up there indefinitely, it was Smith who helped to unite the African American communities of Anderson County in their successful efforts to bring down ―that flag‖ which is offensive to Afri-can Americans. Smith gave me some sad news when he told me for-mer Jacksonville State Representa-tive Paul Ragsdale passed away re-cently at age 66. Ragsdale was the first African American to be elected to the Texas House in this part of East Texas since Reconstruction. Rags-

dale was first elected in 1972 and served seven terms, retiring in 1986. Smith described Rep. Ragsdale as a caring, considerate man who had real concerns about the people he was elected to serve. Smith said Rags-dale put pressure on the local and state law officials to find out who killed Civil Rights Worker and Voter Rights Advocate Frank Robinson in the 1970‘s in his driveway. He went on to say, before his untimely death, he was still actively involved in politi-cal and social causes which affected the Black community.

Not the Tea Party’s Fault Joni Clonts of Crockett is the owner of the Moosehead Café in Crockett and founding member of the Houston County Tea Party. I asked Clonts to respond to the recent debt ceiling deal in our U.S. Government which many people are blaming on the Tea Party Republicans. ―The Tea Party didn‘t have anything to do with that decision, they may have called it to the attention of the Nation and the World but they had nothing to do with it.‖ She went on to say, the liberals are trying to make the Tea Party look like scapegoats, when something goes wrong in the government. She continued, ―The spending problem has been going on in Washington for years before the Tea Party was orga-nized. Clonts left me with these com-ments. ―I believe all of these special interest groups who spend money on frivolous things like research on frogs, crickets and other unimportant things are the ones wasting money in our government.‖ I had a great time at Union Prairie Missionary Baptist Church (UPMBC) in Crockett at their Annual Homecom-ing. Special thanks go out to Union Prairie Baptist Church Pastor Rev. Myron Waddle, his guest Pastor Rev. Drayton Garner of Sandhill Baptist Church in Nacogdoches, Texas and the entire congregation of UPMBC.

God Bless America, Africa and the Rest of the World!

Around the State and Nation

At the August meeting of The Christian Women‘s Connection of Crockett, Dr. Ianthia Fisher presented a chronological slideshow of the Holy Land depicting important scenes ac-companied by scriptural text under-scoring the Life of Christ. The Power Point presentation featured the birth-place of Jesus in Bethlehem and con-tinued throughout the Holy Land high-lighting locations essential to Christi-anity. Following the visual presenta-tion Dr. Fisher delivered an inspiration mini- sermon entitled ―Come and See‖ The media and the message were well received. In attendance were guests of the organization including Mrs. Earlie Groves of Crockett, Dr. Fisher‘s mother

Dr. Fisher and Mother, Mrs. Earlie Groves of Crockett.

The Pink Dot Boutique in Grapeland, Owner Debbie Martin hosted a fashion show, at a recent luncheon meeting, using local models that walked the runway in clothing and acces-sories available for purchase at the Boutique. (Continue Pg. 6)

and enthusiastic supporter of all thing community minded.

Commentary PAGE 4 Groves Standard JULY / AUGUST 2011

The Role of The Church: A Layman’s View

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From slavery to the present, the black church has been our backbone. When other avenues for our expres-sions were closed off, they provided us leadership in politics, business, social affairs, and other entities nec-essary to ensure our survival, pro-gress and viability as a people. In our early years, it served sometimes as the only refuge to which we could turn to sustain us when general society basically ignored our needs. The spiritual uplifting we received inside the hallowed walls of our Sun-day schools and churches provided the spiritual stamina needed to sus-tain us during difficult times. Again, we are living in very trying and difficult times and must look to our churches for the spiritual uplifting needed to battle the many negatives affecting us as a people, especially our young people. It is hard to argue against the proposition that our young children and adults need more spiritual under-pinning. They need help from all quar-ters in order to remain solidly an-chored in a society rife with many ills, such as ours. It is here we are com-

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Larry Robbins, Crockett, Texas, a Modern Woodmen of America repre-sentative, has completed a five day educational program at Modern Woodmen‘s home office in Rock Is-land, Illinois. The program focused on helping families with Modern Woodmen life insurance plans, annuities and frater-nal member benefits. Founded in 1883, Modern Wood-men of America touches lives and secures futures. The fraternal benefit society offers financial services and fraternal member benefits to individuals and families throughout the United States.

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pelled to live and work. Even more central to this proposition is the fact we are expected to rear and cultivate young people‘s minds, bodies and souls. Compounding this problem is oftentimes having to compete with overwhelming and corrupting influ-ences with the power to overwhelm and destroy. Among these adverse influences are drugs, violence, guns and many other societal ills too nu-merous to enumerate in this space. This being the case, there are at least three early interventions or influ-ences, which i feel, have life-long im-plications for our children. The first of these are our families. The second and third respectively, are our church-es and schools. Assuming that the church is the second more prevalent influence, it is where I choose to di-rect these few impressions. Exposure to the church occurs during their most impressionable and formative years. This being so, then it follows that drastic measures must be undertaken to engage and/or retain our children in church life. I feel church and school should play as much as or greater role in our children‘s lives as football, basketball, baseball, band and other school-related activities. The church has equal to, or greater value in terms of importance relative to their overall development. In my youth, attend-ance at Sunday school and church was not a decision for a child to make. It was a parental or guardian‗s decision back then, and I still feel it is a parental or guardian's to make-- not the child‘s. In our past, there existed a cadre

See A Layman‘s View... Page 2

Larry Robbins: Modern Woodmen of America Representative Crockett

Kenny Love Has New CD

Jazz singer/musician Kenny Love of Dallas brought me a copy of his new CD titled ―Case Sensitive‖, which he calls his greatest work to date. Kenny grew up in Crockett, Texas, graduated from Crockett High, contin-ued his education at Prairie View A&M University and served his Country in the U.S. Army. I got to speak with Kenny about a range of subjects in-cluding his book ―Millennium Eve‖. ―I enjoyed writing that book awhile back, it was a great achievement; but, I am having more fun with this new CD and where it‘s being played around the world,‖ he said. He explained that his CD is being played on different conti-nents and the CD has been placed on an important list of songs, singers, musicians, rappers and others who hope to become Grammy Award contenders.

Musicians Featured on Love’s CD Joe Trapani, Rob Holbert, Haley Kitts, Candace Lee, Jonathan Musgrove, Mark de Hertzog, Adam Hutcheson, Gaika James and Tyler Mire are the gifted musi-cians who performed on his CD. Kenny

also thanked Pat Dean, CEO of AVE NU Studio, Super D-I Stop, Pod Life.org and the Kel Group of Carrolton, Texas. I listened to the CD and I really enjoyed it. It‘s what I call smooth riding music. For more information on how to get this CD, you can go to KennyLoveJazz.com on the internet. Bev and the Johnson brothers re-cently promoted a back to school rap con-cert at Lizards, a very nice spacious club located near the campus of Sam Houston State University. The star of the concert was rapper ―DJ Chose‖ of Houston, whose hit song ―Don‘t Stop Pop That‖ has be-come a ―club favorite‖ and the rap-pers 1 Brook Gang. Elbert Wayne ―Bev the Barber‘ Johnson of Hunts-ville and his brothers Brandon ―Boo‖ and Untwaun Johnson are rap music promoters, rappers, professional bar-bers and young businessmen. Bev also told me he would be bringing popular rapper ―Beat King‖ to Crockett on September 23rd behind the Crockett State School at Harold Daniels Place. The concert will take place on Crockett High‘s homecoming See Music Masters page 5

Music Scene Masters

Sports

PAGE 5 Groves Standard MAY / JUNE 2011

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NBA Player Plans to Help Community

Cartier Martin, a Crockett Native and Washington Wizards (NBA) Player, is all

smiles as he poses with Wife and Son.

By Billy ―Hollywood‖ Groves, CEO

High fives go out to Cartier Martin of Houston, who played for the Washington Wizards of the NBA last year. Cartier was in Crockett recently for the Sim-mons family reunion, where he got to interact with many of his rela-tives. I asked Cartier, who was ac-companied by his father and his love-ly wife and baby about the current NBA lockout and his future plans. ―I don‘t know what‘s going to happen with the NBA lockout situation, I hope they get things resolved before the season starts‖, he said. The former Kansas State career 3 point shot leader added, ―I might play profes-sional basketball overseas, right now I am leaning that way.‖ Dr. Ianthia Fisher, Managing Edi-tor of the Groves Standard, has known Cartier since he was one of her elementary students during her tenure as Crockett Elementary Princi-pal. She said Cartier told her that he

wanted to be more active in the Crockett community and that he would be working with the Groves Educational Foundation in the near future to make this aspiration a reality. Cartier grew up in Crockett before moving to Houston, where he was a McDonald all American High School basketball player. I had the pleasure of coaching Cartier when I was the Crockett Boys and Girls Club Director and he was one of the original mem-bers of the Crockett Boys and Girls Club.

Lady Cardinal: Jamesha Edwards

We are wishing all of the ―good luck‖ in the world to former Crockett High standout basketball player Jamesha Edwards, who is currently a freshman point guard on the Lamar University Lady Cardinal Basketball Team. From what I‘m hearing from my sources, she has made quite an impression on the Lamar coaching staff and may start as a true freshman.

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Mrs. Dizzie Mae Houston Remembered Lela Wheeler is joined by Classmates and friends during the Homegoing

Celebration of her beloved mother, Mrs. Dizzie Mae Houston. A dedicated housewife and community icon. She will be greatly missed by all.

CONTINUE FROM PAGE 4 football game night. Everyone is invit-ed to attend. Bev also told me about he and his brothers accompanying their cousin B.P. and the Huntsville Rap group ―Youngest in Charge‖ to Beaumont, where they opened for Rapper J Dawg at NBA star Kendrick Perkins rap concert. Youngest in Charge will be per-forming at the Fall Bash Party on No-vember 3rd at the Walker County Fair-grounds in Huntsville, which will fea-ture J Dawg with Young Hood and DJ Youngsta on the show. Crockett Rapper Kevin “K Wool‖ Woolbright, recently told me about his latest endeavors. ―K Wool‖ is working on a mixed tape with Crockett rapper ―Tro‖, and he is working on his new CD titled ―Road Blocks to the Streets‖. We are wishing a speedy recov-ery and much good health to Crockett rapper ―Shorty Murray‖ who was re-cently released from the hospital. Shorty lived in Atlanta, Georgia for a while and he made his mark there with some good music. He was featured in several Atlanta magazines. I spoke with rapper Jerry “Hype” Johnson of Tyler, an original mem-ber of the Crockett Rap Group Mad Kat. Hype is still very much involved in the rap music business and is cur-rently working with young rappers in Tyler and East Texas. East Texas Bluesman Charles ―Chuck‖ Denman of Jacksonville is still singing and still has his Red, White and Blue, blues CD on sale. For more information on Chuck, you can reach

him at 903.586.2388 or 318.523.9022. My good friend, Rob T. Turner of Houston who managed and helped take ―Lil Flip‖ to the top of the rap music charts, has a ―new group‖ with a long history of musical successes under their wings, I‘m talking about the ―Kings of Romantic Songs‖, the legendary R&B group H-Town. Rob T. told me he is looking forward to working with H-Town and we are wishing him all the luck in the world. East Texas singer “Wade‖ is back in Texas after spending the last few years in California. Wade who has been a good friend for years, told me to tell the public that they will be seeing him perform live once again in his home state. Kudos go out to the Hit Squad Billionaires of Billionaire Records of Houston and their CEO Vernon ―Jiggie‖ Mosley of Crockett. We ran into LJ the Prince and K Moe of Huntsville, members of the Hit Squad Billionaires on their way to Houston for a show last month. They have the abilities and techniques to make it in the rap music world and we are looking for good things from them in the future. The Crockett Bulldog Alumni Band, the first of its kind, which will include all former band members of Davy Crockett High School and Ralph J. Bunche High, is currently seeking new band members. The Alumni Band will perform at the Sep-tember 23rd Crockett High Homecom-ing Game. For more information, contact Jerry Garner, 1108 Hope Street, Denton, Texas 76205.

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Is the S&P a True Measure of our Nation’s Worth? By Dr. Brenda Atchison, GSN Business Manager / Writer

In introductions at various speak-ing engagements, I am often referred to as a visionary. Until recently I had not given the reference much thought. However, the current Standard & Poor debacle brought to mind something that I had been pondering for awhile. ―Why is it that this country lives, dies and panics on information contained in matrices reflecting various econom-ic indicators when, in reality, this infor-

mation does not line up with our actu-al feelings about or assessment of the situation? Standard and Poor‘s (S&P) re-cently downgraded America‘s credit rating from triple A (AAA) to Double A plus (AA+). The rating subsequently sent the stock market into a full blown panic and sell off. In an infor-mal survey, people were asked what this meant to them personally. Few could clearly articulate a well-founded response. I believe the an-swer lies in the fact that we don‘t know what the S&P is and what it actually means to our personal fi-nances. Until recently, S& P was just some obscure letters in the financial alphabet soup. So, what is the S&P? S&P is one of three major credit rating agencies (Fitch and Moody are the other two that, by the way, saw fit to keep America‘s credit rating at AAA). The S& P was originally grant-ed its powers by the government. In light of this fact, there are some other things you should know about credit rating agencies. Namely, credit rat-ings are opinions about relative credit risk, they are not absolutes. They are just one factor investors may consid-er in making investment decisions and they cannot guarantee credit quality or future risk. Earlier, these agencies failed to foresee one of the biggest economic disasters in US History—, the subprime housing fail-ure. The rating agencies continued to give top ratings to securities backed by subprime mortgages. Some inves-tors lost billions and the ensuing fi-nancial crisis sent the country into a re-cession. To further illuminate the role of these agencies, let me use an analogy to explain the S&P and what its opinion is like. Think about how you feel about being represented by the big three credit reporting agen-

cies (TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax) as it regards your individual credit record. . Is the picture they portray of you accurate? Does your credit score accurately reflect your values, beliefs and/or aspirations? Or, do they merely reflect a matrix filled with criteria that the agency decided was the best measure of who you are as a person? Does it measure that you are a hard working American trying to make the best life you can after losing your home, job and or car? Does it reflect your deep-est desire to live the American dream? I thought not. So why are we using the opines of the S&P to decide our economic future? I envi-sion that at some point Americans are going to realize that we are more than the matrices used by the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) or Price Index (PI) or S&P. I envision a meas-ure that there will be a need for an economic instrument more indicative of our values, beliefs, ethics... The bottom line is, regardless of what S&P has to say, it is not the last word. Let‘s think and act for our-selves. Every generation has its de-fining moment; every person also has a defining moment. During these times we will either rise to the occa-sion and stand up for our values or we will fold under the weight of the opinions of others. Let‘s be the salt of the earth. Let‘s make an intricate-ly and irrevocably difference. Let‘s not allow an indicator like the S&P to ultimately become a prime example of the tail wagging the dog. The eco-nomic outlook for this Country has always been and will continue to be, tied to the resilience, the ingenuity, and the proven fortitude of its people, not to a dictatorial and subjective instrument of the government‘s devising.

Dr. Brenda Atchison, Crockett Native Founder of Platinum Career Coaching

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(L & C) Fashions byThe Pink Dot Boutiquein Grapeland, Owner Debbie Martin (R) The Crockett Christian Women’s Connection

(StoneCroft Ministry Affiliate) Chairperson Meadows

PAGE 7 Groves Standard JULY / AUGUST 2011

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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 JULY / AUGUST 2011

Around the State and Nation East Texas

SHOUT OUTS !

President Barack Obama, Dr. Ruth Watson, Harry Jackson, Norman and Linda(Long)White, Charles Brown, Ester Walker, Rev. Harry Fred Scott, Cartier Martin, Elbert Wayne ―Bev‖ John-son, Customers Choice, Dr. Helen King and George King, Doc Craft, Adrian Peterson, Graylon Craw-ford Jr. Bun B., Youngest In Charge, Rev. Tom Franklin, Agent 99, Mike ―Heavy Love‖ Jones, Groves Standard, East Texas In-former, Houston County Courier, About Time Magazine, African America News & Issues, Mary Lester, Bishop Detroit McCullough, Coach Ray Ervin, Dr. Ianthia Fisher, Jerry ―Fox‖ and Mary Johnson, Lonnie Lipscomp, Tony Henry, Billy Bannister, Roy and Shirley Molonson, Kenny Love, Jerry ―Hype‖ Johnson, Buddha Ali Shaw, Freddy and Sharonda Rodgers, Beverly Taylor and Rev. Johnny Taylor, Ray Groves Sr. , Marie Thompson, DBG, Mista Kit, Magno, J .Pat, Lil Dirty, Chester Crawford, Mr. and Mrs. Otis Wooten, Michael Newman, The Porter and Byrd Family, Billy and Cynthia Cook, ESG, Tre 57, Les Houston, Alustree Marshall ―Dimples‖ Whitman, Brother Na-than Gardner, Pat Perry, Walter and Maxine Session, Kevin ―K Wool‖ Woolbright, Joseph ―Joe Guns‖ Senegal, Shorty Murray, Mrs. Huffmaster, The Crockett Post Office Crew, Crockett‘s McDonald, ETMC, The Lockhart Family, Eugene Lockhart, Chief Jimmy Fisher, Dorothy Porter , Ronald Mask, Phat Pat‘s Barber Shop, Dre Bacon, Paulette Smith, Reggie Smith, precious Hunter Smith, Sis. Earlie Groves, Rev. Winston and Sis. Mattie Spencer, James and Rose McCullough, Brenda Ervin, Cliff Ervin, Jim Ervin, Big E., Lela Wheeler, Mary Allen College Museum Commit-tee, Earl ―Buck‖ McCullough, J.T. Groves II, Chip Francis, Coryell Cash Flow, Gillie Da Kid, B. Swift, Confetti, The Messenger, The Black Market, Gibbs Magazine, Cat Peterson, Key Abrams, Gray-lon Crawford Sr. , Ja Gared Da-vis, Willie Carter, John Jenkins, Larry Robbins, the Rhodes Fami-ly, Hilliard ―Soup‖ McKnight, John McKnight, James McKnight, T. Shep, Tro, Maceo, Chris Collins, Joe Bird Street, Ken Houston, Joe Houston, the late Dan Houston, the Johnson Boys / Dead End Barbershop, Dr. John garner, Cal-vin Overstreet, Mr. and Mrs. Dar-rell Deckard, Ralph J. Bunche High Alumni, Reece Family, Rev. Joe Ard and the Ard Family, Rev. R.C. Emanuel, Rev. Hosea and Sis. Ester Dolphus, and the Henry Family.

By Billy ―Hollywood‖ Groves, CEO

Taser Torture Deaths Rev. Tom Franklin of Ft. Worth, Texas is a man of the gospel and a true warrior for justice for African Americans in his city. Rev. Franklin is the Pastor of New Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Ft. Worth, where he was called as their pastor in 1974. In addi-tion to delivering many spirited ser-mons over his long career from the pulpit, he has literally ―taken it to the streets‖ with his involvement in issues which affect Black people. Rev. Franklin took on the power-ful Tarrant County Tax authorities when they tried to take his church and property for supposedly back taxes owed. It took nearly 20 years of Rev. Franklin fighting and struggling against ―the system‖ to win that war at a time Rev. Franklin described as not being ―favorable for Black Folks‖. Rev. Franklin is a member of the U.S. One Accord Coalition Against Torture and the organizer of the Taser Torture Death Memorial in Ft. Worth. I asked him about tasers used by Ft. Worth Police and law enforcement in America. He showed me some infor-mation from the Memorial held in hon-or of Michael Jacob Jr., who was a taser torture homicide victim at the hands of Ft. Worth Police. The Me-morial was held at Rev. Franklin‘s Church on the first Anniversary of Ja-cobs death. It remembered all of the people who have been killed and the thousands who are suffering from mental and physical conditions caused by being electrically tortured by police. Study@taser-torture-victims.com, www.taser-torturevictims.com, and frenklinart@aol.com were some web-sites Rev. Franklin gave me for more information on tasers and torture. Rev. Franklin also ran a soup kitchen which fed and looked out for

homeless people in Ft. Worth for over 20 years. I asked Rev. Frank-lin, who said he has traveled to Haiti several times since the earthquake to help the people there, what made him become such a freedom fighter. He said he was born in Northern Louisiana where his father was a share cropper. ―The Ku Klux Klan took our land and ran us out of Loui-siana. I said when I got to Texas, I wasn‘t running anymore!‖ Rev. Franklin took a stand. As a result, Ft. Worth and the State of Texas are better because of this man‘s efforts. When I talked with Rev. Franklin, who worked hard with the Democrat-ic National Convention to help get President Obama elected in 2008, he was getting ready to go to Wash-ington D.C. to an event to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Stay tuned for more news coverage about Rev. Franklins endeavors.

R.B. “Jackey” Jones Day Rev. R.B. ―Jackey‖ Jones of Crockett was honored recently at Jesus Christ Victory Church in Crockett, where Bishop Detroit McCullough is the pastor. Rev. Jones, who is a member of the Crockett City Council and a former standout athlete was recognized and celebrated for his church and com-munity endeavors. He was also pre-sented with a proclamation read by Crockett City Manager Ron Duncan issued by Crockett Mayor Wayne Mask which made August 14, 2011, R.B. ―Jakcey‖ Jones Day. Rev. Jones called it a ―great honor‖. He laughed and said, ―People don‘t usually get a day named after them while they‘re living.‖ Barbara Berry of Crockett, wife of the late Rev. Dr. T.W. Berry was also honored by Jesus Christ Victory Church for her outstanding commu-nity service.

She was a nurse, musician, church leader, mother, and grandmother and 26-year employee of the hospital in Crockett. I had a great time at the Reece Family Reunion and the Byrd Porter family Reunion held recently in Crock-ett where all their kinfolk celebrated the joy of just being with family. Kudos go out to Ester Walker of Tyler, Texas who is writing a book about the Fodice Community of Hou-ston County and the African American Communities of Fodice. Don‘t forget the upcoming Labor Day Myrtis Dightman Rodeo at the Porth Ag Arena in Crockett. I would be remiss if I didn‘t men-tion the upcoming political season. We are getting closer and closer to some serious elections locally and nationally. If you are registered to vote, study the issues and educate yourself about the candidates and what they are all about. If you are not registered to vote, then go get your-self registered! If you don‘t vote and you have the freedom and opportunity to vote, then please don‘t complain about the election results. I‘ve often heard journalism described as the 4 th branch of government and in the spirit of government and Wal-ter Williams, the University of Mis-souri Dean, who wrote the Jour-nalism Creed way back See Around the State… Page 3

Barbara Berry , Community Icon and recent ―Community Honoree‖ at

Jesus Christ Victory Church