Jimmie Ray Hopson, 52, of Amarillo died Monday, March 22, 2010.

Services were at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, March 27, 2010 in Central Church of Christ with the Rev. Dan Bouchelle, pastor, officiating. Burial in Llano Cemetery by Warford-Walker Mortuary, 509 N. Hughes St.

Jimmie was born April 10, 1957, in Amarillo to Ray and Florida Hood Hopson. He was reared in Amarillo and graduated in 1976 from Palo Duro High School. He was a Christian and enjoyed meeting and socializing with people. He worked for San Jacinto Baptist Church for several years and was most recently employed by Central Church of Christ, where he enjoyed his work.

He was preceded in death by his father, Ray Hopkins; his wife, Gerita Hollings; two sisters, Melba Johnson and Velinda Hood; and two brothers, Lawrence Hopson and Jerry Hopson.

Survivors include a son, Jimmie Ray Hopson Jr. and wife Krystal of Amarillo; a daughter, Thais Hopson of Amarillo; his mother, Florida Hopson of Amarillo; a brother, Perry Hopson of Amarillo; and numerous grandchildren, nephews, nieces and other relatives. He also raised Roshanda Grady, the daughter of a special friend, Demetria Grady.

Zola Mae Harris, 82, of Amarillo died Thursday, March 18, 2010.

Services were at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 27, 2010 in Jenkins Chapel Baptist Church with Darrel D. Fincher, pastor, officiating. Burial in Llano Cemetery by Warford-Walker Mortuary, 509 N. Hughes St.

Zola Mae was born April 10, 1927, in Tatum, Rusk County, to Jessie and Cellie Bell Glaspie. She was the fifth of eight children. She moved to Amarillo in 1946 and was united in marriage to the late Burka Lee Harris Sr.

Zola Mae united with Jenkins Chapel Baptist Church on October 2, 1960, and was a loyal and faithful member until her death. Through the years, she served under the pastorates of four pastors as a longtime member of the church choir and Women’s Missionary Society.

Zola Mae never gave up on attending church services. After suffering infirmities of health, she always managed to acquire a ride to and from church services. She loved the Lord and her church, and she showed a constant spirit of love toward her pastors and fellow church members.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years on June 21, 2003; her parents; three sisters; and three brothers.

Survivors include two sons, Charles Glasper of Houston and Burka Lee Harris Jr. and wife Janis of Austin; a daughter, Shirley Ann Harper and husband Jerry of Dallas; a brother, John Waldron and wife Lou of Houston; 13 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; four brothers-in-law; and three sisters-in-law.

Annie M. White, 66, of Amarillo died Monday, March 22, 2010.

Services were at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 27, 2010 in New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church with Bishop James M. Mims, pastor, and the Rev. Leroy Green, pastor of Seventh-day Adventist Church of Palestine, officiating, and Bishop Leonard Chatham of Full Armor Ministry in Lubbock assisting. Burial in Llano Cemetery by Golden Gate Mortuary, 1416 N. Hughes St.

Annie was born in Lorenzo to Adell Viola White. She enjoyed cooking and sewing. She also enjoyed quiet evenings in front of the television.

She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother and a sister; and a precious granddaughter.

Survivors include five brothers, Robert Lee White of Amarillo and Elder Leroy Green and wife Josie, Sammy Greene and wife Belva, John D. Green and Larry D. Green and wife Mary, all of Lubbock; five sisters, Vera L. Dial and husband Tommy, Willie J. Ume and husband Ejindu, Linda J. Greene, Rebecca A. Green and husband Anthony and Lavonnie Y. High and husband Gary, all of Lubbock; five wonderful children, Mary J. Chiles and husband Robert and Brenda J. Witherspoon and husband Roosevelt, all of Lubbock, and Ruthie N. White-Stephenson and husband Don, Patricia A. Cooks and Robert D. Cooks, all of Amarillo; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and a loving aunt, Della Mae Cooper and husband Marshall of Lubbock.

Viewing was March 26, 2010 at the funeral home.

The family will be at 2110 Clara Lane No. 3.

by Kami Ashley

Don’t know if you heard about this or not.

TOM JOYNER’S MORNING SHOW

Tom Joyner wants this information to reach his listeners.. You have probably heard of ‘NUD’ as a result of the Tom Joyner morning show related to Comp USA . NUD (Non Urban Dictate) is the acronym for a very subtle and little-known marketing term specifically directed toward people of color.

‘Non Urban Dictate’ These three words essentially mean that a company is not interested in the Black consumer. A NUD label means that a company does not want their marketing and advertising materials placed in media that claim an urban audience (black folks) as their main target. There are legitimate reasons for companies not using urban radio. It may be that Blacks don’t index high in certain categories or that a company’s strategy is to market to the Black consumer down the road after they have established a strong position in their primary target. But, NUD usually means that a company is not interested in the Black consumer. Companies evade discrimination liability by embracing it as theory rather than policy. As a service to Black consumers, the Urban Institute will list all companies that have a NUD policy. Armed with this information, we feel that Black consumers will be able to make informed buying decisions.

Here’s a list of Companies with NUD policies:

1. Starbucks
2. Jos. A Bank
3. Comp USA
4. Weight Watchers
5. Keebler
6. Life Savers
7. Continental Airlines
8. Northwest Airlines
9. America West Airlines
10. HBO - Apollo Series
11. Paternal Importers
12 Calico Corners
13. OMScot
14. Pepperidge Farms
15. Ethan Allen
16. Busy Body Fitness
17. Mondovi Wines
18. Builders Square
19. Pottery Barn
20. Lexus
21. Aruba Tourism
22. Ciba Vision
23. Kindercare
24. Grady Restaurant
25. Eddie Bauer
26. Don Pablo

Please spread this information on to any consumer that you consider a friend and advise them to do likewise.

Remember, you CANNOT act wisely unless you are informed wisely.

The Urban Institute
2100 M Street, NW ..
Washington
Companies Not Interested In Black Consumers

Copyright 2010 - Kami Ashley. All rights Reserved. No part of this commentary may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the author.

by Kami Ashley

I recently received this video in a email from one of my cousins and I was originally not intending to open it, but I did anyways. Now I’m glad I did open it because almost everyday at my house and my uncles houses we have this same exact discussion.

Whether or not we want to be called African American and whether or not we have a choice in America. Somehow we always end up joking about this subject because it is a very serious and emotional one, and theres always one of us who says “Call Me What I Look Like”, which isn’t always best. Later on after we make a decision on what race we look like, we realize that no matter what we say, we are and always will be called and classified as African American. I am proud to be a Black American.

The point is America has given all people of the different shades of black and brown the name African American but not all people are descendants from Africa. I for one am a Black American Indian on both sides of my family. We’re even Black Frenchman. But since we all have dark skin we shall forever be called African American. Some days it matters to me and some days it doesn’t. It really matters to me when I fill out applications or register for classes or apply for scholarships because there is no option for Black American Indian.

But take a look at this video.

Copyright 2010 - Kami Ashley. All rights Reserved. No part of this commentary may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the author.

Consumer Beware!! StoresOnline Coming to Amarillo
by L. Arthalia Cravin

Yesterday someone contacted me about an invitation they had received to attend one of two StoresOnline seminars to be held in Amarillo on Friday April 9th at the Fifth Season’s Inn and Suites, and Saturday April 10, 2010. I was asked to make a legal evaluation of what these people were offering a couple of years ago in Colorado Springs. I attended one of their Colorado Springs seminars and was sufficiently concerned to now offer this advice. Whoever is planning to attend the Amarillo seminars should do so with caution. What is StoresOnline?

Stores Online is a type of Internet marketing business with corporate offices in Orem, Utah. In a sentence they provide seminars around the country and world (according to them) to convince people that they can make money from selling on the Internet. The Amarillo invitation uses the same format as that of Colorado Springs. It includes an 800 number to call to make reservations for “limited” seating. Similar to two years ago, there was a promise of a free lunch, free admission, free gifts, (a Free MP3 player) but look out for the asterisk* next to the free gift, and a free Dell computer drawing—also with an asterisk*.

When I attended the seminar in Colorado Springs I took a front row then proceeded to watch the sales pitch unfold. What unfolded on the screen was a video of a big fancy house, fancy cars in the driveway, the “picture perfect” lovely family, and lovely sandy beaches. The video also included lots of testimony from individuals already in the program about “freedom” and wealth, or at least enough to do a pitch suggesting that those in attendance should seriously consider coming aboard. (Hey, you can quit your day job if you really want to.) The entire seminar is carefully scripted with various “top sales” people “working the room.” They are careful to avoid direct questions from the general audience, insisting instead that questions be held until the small group break-outs. Read more »

Book Review: “The Secret of “The Secret” by Karen Kelly
by L. Arthalia Cravin

“The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne was published in 2007 and became an instant best seller. It started out as a documentary by an Australian TV producer who then followed with a book using the same name. “The secret” is about the law of attraction, which is based on the concept that you can reach any goal, acquire anything you want, and attain perfect health by thinking positive thoughts about whatever your heart desires. The sub-text of “the secret” is “like attracts like” and that by thinking negatively you attract negativity to you. The book had the largest single re-print in history—2 million copies. It sold almost 4 million copies, not including the audio and DVD version of the book. Kelly’s book, tries to demystify why so many people bought the book and what was “the secret” people were searching for—or found.

Kelly’s last chapter entitled, “Are We a “Secret” Society?” says this: “Put aside the slick packaging and brilliant marketing, scientific claims and psychological theory—and at the end of the day “The Secret” is about the pursuit of happiness. She says that not only Americans, but that people all over the world from the beginning of time have sought happiness, and they have tried every formula, proscription, affirmation, and ritual to find it. “The Secret” is simply another formula for attaining the things (money, fame, power) that people think will bring them happiness and contentment.

Read more »

Time for Action on Financial Reform for the Economy
by The White House

As a key committee in the Senate takes up reforming the ways of Wall Street, the President lays down a marker: “I urge those in the Senate who support these reforms to remain strong, to resist the pressure from those who would preserve the status quo, to stand up for their constituents and our country. And I promise to use every tool at my disposal to see these reforms enacted: to ensure that the bill I sign into law reflects not the special interests of Wall Street, but the best interests of the American people.”

Watch the address below:

by Fransetta Crow

I’m sure that some people are wondering how I came up with this subject to talk on . Yes I am aware that there are many reasons that could be stated and a thousand opinions given but I want to give my take on the issue.

As I drove around the community the other day I was saddened and grieved from within at the gloom and neglect and complete deterioration of my community for over a period of 40 to 50 years. As I drove up and down street after street and observed the broken down houses and , the trash and unnecessary build up of tires and old vehicles and the total neglect that those of us who still live here are confronted with each and every day . The depressive feeling that all the residents feel, and have lived in and the negative environment day after day, week after week, year after year that most have accepted and have become complacent and lost hope and now accept as normal.

My question is what type of Person, or Community Leader or Organization, or Church, or Government, or Power that could have contributed to this grave , ungodly injustice that has taken place in a City, a Community and to a People that justifies such CONFRUSION and DISORDER , and all seem to be satisfied with this devastation and smile to themselves and say It’s OK, THERE IS NO PROBLEM. Some that are not informed even have the ordasity  to speak against any type of progress or improvement when an opportunity presents it’s self for any positive change. If  someone wanted to point fingers and place blame I guess we could start with the Churches, yes there is a responsibility of the Church in community affairs. WHERE ARE THEY? Then we could look at our Community Leaders, and ask them, “WHAT HAPPENED ?” to whom much is give much is required and is part of the responsibility of being in a position of authority , did they serve God first, and then mankind or serve their own personal agenda ( SELF SERVING) . What Legacy have they left , what  evidence will God and History record of their Vision and dedicated service ? Our Government, National, State and Local Must take a LARGE PART and responsibility of the sad condition of our community because funding has and is in place to work with and in poor and low income poverty targeted communities to improve and make them livable and safe for the resident. Where are the WATCH DOGS that are supposed to be making sure that those in charge are held accountable for  a job that they are paid for from our TAXES  to perform for and to us.

Oh yes What about Each INDIVIDUAL RESIDENT, who are property owners or inherited property that their PARENTS OR GRANDPARENTS worked hard all their lives for and were proud of that has been taken for granted and neglected, and destroyed due to unappreciative family members that will not even make an attempt to pick up  trash or paint or has not done one thing to improve the property or the community. Let us also give the BANKS a part of this responsibility, for refusing to work with residents and approve home improvement loans and opportunities to assist in the positive growth and development of a community yet they brag about how community involved they are as a community service. We must also mention all those that live in other communities that use our neighborhood as the CITY DUMPPING GROUND to avoid taking their trash to and paying a fee at the city dumping grounds to get rid of unwanted trash.  There is one more group that has contributed to the slow death of our community and that is the ABSENTEE LAND OWNERS who purchase property and neglect it year after year and use it as a property write off, and never intend to improve their property.  WHO HAS KILLED NORTH AMARILLO ? DO YOU HAVE A PESPONSIBILITY OR A PART? WILL YOU START TODAY TO TRY TO MAKE A POSITIVE CHANGE AND A DIFFERENCE ? PLEASE HELP AND DO YOUR PART STARTING TODAY. It has taken a group effort to destroy and it is going to take the same unified effort to RESTORE OUR COMMUNITY BACK TO LIFE . This article is not intended for any particular person or organization but if anyone takes offence, I say IF THE SHOE FIT Then this article is for you. EVERY ONE HAS A PART IN THIS SAD DEATH OF A COMMUNITY AND WILL HAVE TO GIVE ACCOUNT FOR IT TO THE REAL PROPERTY OWNER! GOD concerning how we were responsible for what he gave us responsibility to take care of, and we will all have to give in account for our part. This message is in LIVING COLOR!!

I’ll BE BACK SOON!

FRANKLY FRAN

Copyright 2010 - Fransetta Crow. All rights Reserved. No part of this commentary may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the author.

Book Review
by L. Arthalia Cravin

“Good Guys and Bad Guys: Behind the Scenes With the Saints and Scoundrels of American Business (And Everything in Between)” by Joe Nocera

Joe Nocera is a business columnist having written for esteemed publications such as The New York Times, Fortune, and Texas Monthly. He has earned numerous awards for his excellence in business journalism. His first book was entitled, “A Piece of the Action: How the Middle Class Joined the Money Class, published in 1994. “Good Guys and Bad Guys,” published in 2008, is a compilation of Nocera’s columns for various magazines. The first chapter entitled, “It’s Time to Make a Deal,” written in 1982 for Texas Monthly, is about former Amarilloan, T. Boone Pickens. Oddly, the last chapter of the book entitled, “Return of the Raider, written in 2002 for Fortune Magazine, is also about Pickens.

Nocera’s “Good Guys and Bad Guys” is a book worth reading, and rereading. Nocera not only knows the inside of a wide array of businesses, and business deals and debacles, he has gotten sufficiently close to the key players to unravel their personal stories. Nocera has been granted the type of access to the minds of business “movers and shakers” that few journalists have ever gotten. For example, Nocera takes us inside Apple Computers. His interviews with Steve Jobs give us a peek inside Jobs’ head when the idea of a personal computer market was first conceived as a business venture. Nocera then tracks Jobs’ successes and failures as an inventor and a business man—yes, Jobs failed and failed mightily during his early years. It is through Nocera’s early insights into Jobs that we can appreciate Jobs recent comeback after his bout with cancer.

Read more »