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Vol. 47 No. 24 Phone: 512-476-0082 Email: [email protected] January 3, 2020 LeBron James is is INSIDE AP’s Male AP’s Female Athlete of Decade Athlete of Decade By Tim Reynolds | AP Basketball Writer By Howard Fendrich | AP Tennis Writer Explore John’s RAPPIN’ Holiday wishlist. Tommy Wyatt See SPORTS Page 3 HAPPY NEW YEAR!! Here’s wishing each and every one of you a Happy New Year and best wishes for 20/20. As we enter into Recalling influential another year, we are iconcs, pioneers. often asked about the See GOODBYE future of Black Owned Page 4 Newspapers. That is a question that I cannot answer. Because from my prospective, our industry is as strong as ever. However, noth- ing is guaranteed. The Devin D. Delivers landscape is rapidly This Oct. 28, 2012, file photo shows Serena Williams of the U.S. holding her See DESTROY changing as we get Page 6 further into the elect- trophy after her tennis victory against ronic age,. Maria Sharapova of Russia on the final of ‘The Slaves I have to admit that I the WTA Championships in Istanbul, am a slow learner for Turkey. Williams has been voted the AP Dread New keeping up with the Female Athlete of the Decade for 2010 to Year’s Day the times and the changes in 2019. (AP Photo/File) our digital new world. (AP) - Serena Williams dominated the decade, Worst’: The I am among the group on the court and in conversation. Grim History that is still trying to get There were, to begin with, the dozen Grand st used to the internet and Slam single titles — no other woman had more than of January 1 the cell phone. It is not three over the past 10 seasons — and the three- that I do not want to keep forward LeBron James and-a-half years in a row at No. 1 in the WTA up, it appears that the dunks against the Denver Nuggets during the rankings. harder I try, the further I first quarter an NBA basketball game Dec. 3, And then there was the celebrity status that get behind. But I am 2019, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey) transcended tennis, making everything she did and constantly trying to keep (AP) - He left Cleveland for Miami, finally be- said newsworthy, whether it was the triumphs and BY OLIVIA B. WAXMAN up as I get further came a champion, went back to his beloved north- trophies and fashion statements or the disputes Courtesy TIME behind. east Ohio, delivered on another title promise, then with tournament officials, the magazine covers or I was shocked the left for the Los Angeles Lakers and the next chal- the Super Bowl ad with a message about women’s (TIME) - Americans other day when I lenge. He played in eight straight finals. No NBA power, the birth of her daughter or the health scare are likely to think of New received the news that player won more games or more MVP awards over that followed. Year’s Eve and New one of the largest the last 10 years than he did. He started a school. Still winning matches and reaching Grand Slam Year’s Day as a time to newspapers on the West He married his high school sweetheart. finals into her late 30s, still mattering as much as celebrate the fresh start Coast is closing its doors “That’s all?” LeBron James asked, feigning dis- ever, Williams was selected by The that a new year repre- for good. And we have belief. as the Female Athlete of the Decade on Dec. 28 af- sents, but there is also a watched the changes that No, that’s not all. Those were just some high- ter a vote by AP member sports editors and AP beat troubling side to the are taking place in the lights of the last 10 years. There were many more, writers. holiday’s history. In the news papers in Texas. as the man called “King” spent the last decade reign- The AP Male Athlete of the Decade will be an- years before the Civil But, our continued ing over all others — with no signs of slowing down. nounced Dec. 29. War, the first day of the survival depends on the James is The Associated Press male athlete of “When the history books are written, it could new year was often a support of our customers the decade, adding his name to a list that includes be that the great Serena Williams is the greatest heartbreaking one for and advertisers in our , Wayne Gretzky and . He athlete of all time. … I like to call it the ‘Serena Su- enslaved people in the community. We pledge to was a runaway winner in a vote of AP member perpowers’ — that champion’s mindset. Irrespec- United States. continue working hard in sports editors and AP beat writers, easily outpac- tive of the adversity and the odds that are facing In the African- order to receive your ing runner-up of the New England Patri- her, she always believes in herself,” said Stacey American community, support. ots. Allaster, CEO of the WTA from 2009-15 and now New Year’s Day used to We will continue to “You add another 10 years of learning and ad- chief executive for professional tennis at the U.S. be widely known as “Hir- report the positive news of versity, pitfalls, good, great, bad, and any smart Tennis Association, which runs the U.S. Open. ing Day” — or “Heart- our comunity that you person who wants to grow will learn from all those “Whether it was health issues; coming back; break Day,” as the Afri- cannot get from any other experiences,” James, who turns 35 Monday, told the having a child; almost dying from that — she has can-American abolition- source. AP. “A decade ago, I just turned 25. I’m about to be endured it all and she is still in championship form,” ist journalist William We all must work 35 and I’m just in a better (place) in my life and have Allaster said. “Her records speak for themselves.” Cooper Nell described it together to insure that a better understanding of what I want to get out of Gymnast Simone Biles, the 2019 AP Female — because enslaved America will continue to life.” Athlete of the Year, finished second to Williams in people spent New Year’s be the most desired place Usain Bolt of Jamaica was third for dominat- voting for the decade honor, followed by swimmer Eve waiting, wondering on the planet to live and ing the sprints at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, soc- Katie Ledecky. Two ski racers were next, with if their owners were go- work. We can take the cer superstar Lionel Messi was fourth and Michael Lindsey Vonn finishing fourth and Mikaela Shiffrin ing to rent them out to first step by making sure Phelps — the U.S. swimmer who retired as history’s fifth. someone else, thus po- that we are registered to most decorated Olympian with 28 medals, 23 gold Three of Williams’ five AP Female Athlete of tentially splitting up vote. — was fifth. the Year awards came during the last decade, in their families. The rent- In order to maintain our James was revealed as the winner Dec. 29, one 2013, 2015 and 2018. She also won in 2002 and ing out of slave labor place in the world, we day after Serena Williams was announced as the 2009. was a relatively common must first make sure that AP’s female athlete of the decade. In his 17th sea- “She’s been my idol growing up,” Biles said. practice in the antebel- we have the right elected son, he’s on pace to lead the league in assists for “She’s remained humble. She’s stayed true to lum South, and a profit- officials leading the way able practice for white at all levels of our See THE DECISION, page 2 See ACCOMPLISHMENTS, page 2 See SAYIN’, page 5 government. Page 2 ~ THE VILLAGER/January 3, 2020 THE COMMUNIQUÉ www.theaustinvillager.com The 2010s for James started with “The Decision” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 killing of unarmed the first time while Florida teenager Trayvon remaining among the Martin and campaigning NBA’s scoring leaders. for Hillary Clinton. He “When LeBron supported Colin James is involved,” Den- Kaepernick’s methods of ver coach Michael protesting police brutal- Malone said, “I’m never ity and racial injustice. surprised.” Most recently, he was Including , criticized by many — in- no one in the NBA cluding top U.S. lawmak- scored more points than ers — for his remarks af- James in the last 10 ter Houston general years. He started the de- manager Daryl Morey cade 124th on the sparked a massive rift league’s all-time scoring between the NBA and list. He’s now about to China by sending out a pass Kobe Bryant for No. tweet supporting pro- 3. No. 2 Karl Malone and democracy protests in No. 1 Kareem Abdul- Hong Kong. Jabbar are within reach. “I don’t live in re- Is Abdul-Jabbar in gret,” James said. his sights? Is catching “There’s no moment in him the new decade’s this last decade that I ? Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBron James answers questions as he holds his daughter Zhuri wish I could have back. “I would be lying if during a post-game press conference after Game 7 of the NBA Finals on Sunday, June 19, If a situation was bad or I said I don’t see it,” 2016, in Oakland, Calif. Cleveland won 93-89. you feel like you could James said. “Obviously have done better, then I I’m not trying to say, ‘OK, day of shooting the re- NBA Finals all four times turned home in 2014, endorsement deals. learned from it.” well if I play this amount make of “Space Jam” with and took Cleveland to four “There’s a lot of He doesn’t know of time, if I average this’ that he has been plan- Chris Bosh, finally won consecutive finals, then moments from this de- how much longer he’ll … I’m not doing that be- ning for years by 7 a.m. the title in 2012 — “it’s led the Cavaliers to the cade that would be up play. He laments missing cause I’ve never done “That’s who he is,” about damn time,” he 2016 title and came up there, winning the two time with his children. that with my career. I’ve said Mike Mancias, one said at the trophy cel- with one of the biggest Miami championships, His “I Promise” school always just kind of let it of the longest-tenured ebration — and led the plays of his life by pull- winning a championship that opened in 2018 in happen. Whatever hap- and most trusted mem- way in a Game 7 win ing off a chase-down in Cleveland, the chase- his hometown of Akron, pens, happens. But I see bers of James’ inner over San Antonio to go block of Golden State’s down block,” James said. Ohio, has been an imme- it. I do see it.” circle, tasked for more back-to-back the follow- Andre Iguodala in the fi- “But the best moment? diate success story, and His work ethic, than 15 years with keep- ing year. nal seconds of Game 7 of Definitely marrying Sa- he wants to see that en- even now, makes even ing James fit. “He does “He grew im- that series. vannah. That would be terprise continue grow- those closest to him whatever it takes when mensely here as a And in 2018, he No. 1.” ing. marvel. it comes to fulfilling his leader,” Miami coach was off to LA. James and long- Some love him. Here’s a typical day commitments to every- Erik Spoelstra said. “He Going Hollywood time partner Savannah Some don’t. He doesn’t this past summer for thing — especially his impacted winning as made so much sense — Brinson got married six mind. James, who remains ob- game and his craft.” much as with his leader- he’s making movies, has years ago. They already “When you believe sessed with working The 2010s for ship as he did with his a production company, had two sons — both are in your calling or you even though fame and James started with “The talent. I think that was has a program called very good basketball believe in yourself, then fortune found him long Decision,” the widely the most important “The Shop” as part of his players already — and it doesn’t matter what ago: He’d wake up at 3 criticized televised an- thing he learned with us. ‘Uninterrupted’ plat- added a daughter in other people say or how a.m. and be at the nouncement of his And he’s been able to form featuring an array 2014. other people feel,” Warner Bros. lot by 3:45 choice to leave Cleve- take that to different of guests from Drake to James also spent James said. “And if you — where a weight room land for Miami. (Lost in franchises and continue California Gov. Gavin most of the last decade allow that to stop you or and court, built just for the hubbub: The show using that as a tem- Newsom, who signed a as a lightning rod for crit- deter you from your mis- him, were waiting. He’d raised more than $2.5 plate.” bill on the show that will ics. sion, then you don’t get be lifting by 4 a.m., get- million for charity.) He Cleveland was dev- allow college athletes to He used his voice anywhere.” ting shots up by 5:30 and was with the Heat for astated when he left. It get paid for the use of often on social matters, And in the 2010s, be ready to start another four years, went to the forgave him. James re- their likeness and sign speaking out after the nothing deterred James. Marriage and Motherhood among Accomplishments CONTINUED FROM three apiece at the U.S. Olympics; PAGE 1 Open and Australian — becoming the herself and her Open, two at the French oldest woman to win a character and I think Open. That includes a Grand Slam singles tro- that’s really neat about run of four in a row from phy in the professional an athlete,” Biles said. the U.S. Open in 2014 era; “Once you start winning, through Wimbledon in — becoming the some get cocky, but 2015, her second self- oldest No. 1 in WTA his- she’s stayed true to her- styled “Serena Slam.” tory and equaling Steffi self, win or lose.” Williams also was Graf’s record for most It’s the defeats that the runner-up another consecutive weeks atop seem to drive Williams, seven times at major the rankings; helping propel her to tournaments over the — leading the tour heights rarely reached past decade, including with 37 singles titles, 11 by any athlete in any four of the seven she’s more than anyone else sport. entered since returning in the decade. “Whenever I lose, I to the tour after having The day she won get more determined, a baby in 2017. Wimbledon in 2016, and it gives me some- In all, she made the Williams discussed the thing more to work to- final at 19 of the 33 ma- way she constantly mea- ward,” Williams said in a jors she entered during sures herself. 2013 interview with the the decade, a nearly 58 “I definitely feel like AP. “I don’t get compla- percent rate. when I lose, I don’t feel cent, and I realize I need The decade began as good about myself,” to work harder and I inauspiciously in 2010, she said. need to do better and I when Williams cut her “But then I have to, Serena Williams holds her baby, Olympia, on the cover of Vogue magazine. want to do better — or I feet on broken glass at a like, remind myself that: wouldn’t be playing the restaurant and was hos- ‘You are Serena Will- game.” pitalized with blood clots iams!’ You know? Like, With a best-in-the- in her lungs. ‘Are you kidding me?’” game serve, powerful Among her many Williams continued with groundstrokes and re- accomplishments, a laugh. “And it’s those lentless court coverage, though: moments that I have to she has won 23 Grand — reaching at least just, like, come off and Slam singles titles, more one Slam final every be like, ‘Serena, do you than anyone else in her year, a streak that dates know what you’ve sport’s professional era, to 2007; done? Who you are? which began in 1968. — winning gold What you continue to More than half medals in singles and do, not only in tennis came from 2010-19: doubles (with her sister, (but also) off the court? four at Wimbledon, Venus) at the 2012 Like, you’re awesome.’” www.theaustinvillager.com THE BULLETIN THE VILLAGER/January 2020 ~ Page 3 NAMIC NAMES TV ONE AS A TOP We Want YOU! COMPANY FOR PEOPLE OF COLOR Advertise With The VILLAGER Country Boyz Fixin’s 4140 E. 12th Street, Austin, TX 78721 Featuring Fish, Poboys, Hot Wings, Pork Chops, Homemade Gumbo, Shrimp and Alligator DINE IN OR ORDER TO GO Submitted by Mon - Fri: 11 am - 8 p.m. Saturday: 12 noon - 5 p.m. Naomi Richard Closed Sunday FOR VILLAGER NEWS Call (512) 928-5555 (VILLAGER) - TV One was recently named one TV One General Manager Michelle Rice. 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The findings were offering a broad range of cessful diversity and in- dynamics - hires, promo- gleaned from the 2019 real-life and entertain- clusion strategies that tions, and exits - of NAMIC AIM Report ment-focused original ensure we embrace dif- people of color in the which ranked the top programming, classic se- ferences and more accu- industry. Data is being five operators and top ries, movies and music rately reflect the repre- used to determine the five programmers. designed to entertain sentation of our industry steps the industry needs “It is an honor for TV and inform a diverse au- stakeholders as well as to take over the next five Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church One to be recognized by dience of adult black today’s workforce.” years to recruit and re- 8500 Cameron Road - Austin, Texas 78754 (512) 451-0808 (512) 302-4575 Fax NAMIC as a leading com- viewers. The network Funded by the tain diverse talent. Web Site - www.themount.net WORSHIP SERVICES Sunday Worship - 7:45 a.m. & 11 a.m. My Sports Wish List For 2020 Church School - 9:45 a.m. Bible Studies - Mon, 6:30 p.m. & Wed., 12 noon Wednesday Night Worship - 7 p.m. have a come to Jesus boys state soccer cham- “Ministries For Mankind” Luke 4:18 moment and learn to pionship in 2018, returns A.W.. Anthony Mays, Senior Pastor enjoy sharing the bas- to the state champion- ketball with each other. ship Final Four for the WEBBERVILLE Manor’s boys bas- third year in a row. EBENEZER MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH ketball team led by Del Valle’s Big 1314 Weber St, Three featuring running coach Anthony Swain Webberville, Tx 78653 and star guard Jamal back Tavierre Dunlap, By John Harris Jr. (512) 276-7917 Shead make it back to wide receiver Caleb Bur- Villager Sports Give thanks to the Lord for he the state championship ton and quarterback is good. -Psalms 136:1 Columnist Sunday Morning Worship Final Four for the second Jace Wilson combine to Pastor W. B. Routt, Jr. 11 AM (VILLAGER) - My straight year. make the Cardinals a vi- Cell # (512) 694-1877 Andrew Jones Sunday School 10 AM biggest sports wish for Texas Longhorns able threat in the UIL 2020: guard Andrew Jones football playoffs next A Ministry That Ministers Baltimore’s Lamar continues his heart- . Jackson and Seattle’s warming comeback on Texas Longhorns Russell Wilson meet in the basketball court af- quarterback signee the first head-to-head ter being diagnosed with Ja’Quinden Jackson from Super Bowl matchup be- leukemia two years ago. Duncanville fully recov- Globalizing the Gospel tween black quarter- ers from a torn ACL so he 1179 San Bernard Street, Alief Elsik’s Edward M. Fleming, backs. can show folks in Austin Austin, TX 78702, 512-478-7023 Vincenzo Cox, who be- Sunday Morning Bible Study, 9:00 A.M. Sr. Pastor Russell Westbrook came the first black what all the fuss over Sunday Morning Worship, 10:15 A.M. OLIVET BAPTIST and James Harden both coach to win a Texas Ja’Quinden Jackson him is about. Visit our website @ www.obcaus.org CHURCH DAVID CHAPEL Missionary Baptist Church Do you have church news? SUNDAY Christian Education 9:15a.m. | Worship 10:30 a.m. Would you like to purchase Nursery Available WEDNESDAY | a monthly ad for your Worship 1st Wed. monthly 7:00p.m. | Bible Study 7:30p.m.

church? 2211 East Martin Luther King Jr., Blvd. Austin, TX 78702 Office: 512-472-9748 Fax: 512-472-5399 Inquire TODAY! Website: www.davidchapel.org Email: [email protected] Send your information to [email protected] Dr. Joseph C. “A Church with a Heart or call 512-476-0082 Parker, Jr. Senior Pastor for The Community” New Lincoln Missionary Baptist Church Olive Branch Fellowship of Austin / All Faith Chapel 4110 Guadalupe St. Bldg #639 Austin, TX 78751 Imani Community Church 2215 E. 8th St., Davis Elementray Auditorium Sunday Morning “This life, therefore, is not Austin, TX 78702 Worship @ 11: am righteousness, but growth in righteousness; 5214 West Duval Road Going to Higher Heights, not health, but healing; not being, but Sunday School - 9:00 A.M. Trusting God along the way. becoming; not rest, but exercise. We are not yet what we shall be, but we are growing Worship Service - 10:00 A.M. Sunday School 9:00am toward it. The process is not yet finished, Power Hour Bible Life Group - 6:00 P.M. BTU: 10:00am but it is going on. This is not the end, but it Morning Worship - 11:00 am is the road. All does not yet gleam in glory, Imani Complex & Office, 11800 Mustang at Duval Church Phone (512) 477-2714 but all is being purified.” --- Martin Luther Austin, Texas 78727 Cell Phont (512) 585-0744 Romans 5:1 Therefore, having been Rev. Darron E. Patterson Kenneth Hill, Email: [email protected] justified by faith, we have peace Rev. Dr. Jacquelyn Visit:imanichurch.com Pastor www.newlincolnmbc.org Pastor with God through our Lord Jesus Christ Donald-Mims Office: 512-343-9300

GRACEWAY CHRISTIAN CHURCH Hopewell Primitive Baptist Church BETHEL-ST. PAUL UNITED BAPTIST CHURCH Felix Bamirin, Pastor 690 TX-21 West, Cedar Creek, TX 78612 877 W. Hempstead, Giddings, Texas 78942 JOIN US This SUNDAY / THURSDAY @ 12424 Scofield Farms Drive, Austin, TX 78758 Sunday School Weekly Schedule 9:30 a.m. Sunday School 9:00 a.m. (By Parmer Lane Baptist Church building, Morning Worship behind Wells Fargo) Sunday Worship 10:45 a.m. 10:30 a.m. Wednesday Night Bible SUNDAYS 10:30 A.M., THURSDAYS 7:30 P.M. Hope thou in God -Psalm 42:11 Study 6:00p.m. Experience Grace For Life Pastor J. R. Roberson Call: 682.472.9073 l Email: [email protected] l Elder Carl E Shelton & First lady (979) 542-2784 Church Visit: www.gracewaycca.org Pastor Ph: (512) 626-3660 Lillian Robertson (979) 540-6352 Home Page 4 ~ THE VILLAGER/January 3, 2020 DIASPORA www.theaustinvillager.com The Braid House Seeks Togolese Texas Expansion Community Celebrate Highlights of 2019

by Tsoke (Chuch) Adjavon VILLAGER Columnist

VILLAGER NEWS - On December 28, 2019, the Togolese American community held their annual end of year event. Over the years, the Togolese The Braid House: Solange and Gaby. American community Photo by Tsoke (Chuch) Adjavon has grown tremen- dously. As a result, by Tsoke (Chuch) Adjavon | VILLAGER Columnist they sought to orga- nize themselves, start- Togolese End of year event: Mr. and Mrs. VILLAGER NEWS - With many braiding shops opening in the Houston, ing an association. Ac- Foadey. Photo by Tsoke (Chuch) Adjavon Texas area, the Braid House has grown in clientele and business. They have cording to the com- overgrown their Humble Texas area and seeking to expand in Austin and sur- munity leaders, "hav- to increase member- the community. rounding cities. According to Mrs. Kone, owner, "Although there are many ing a legally estab- ship. Over the years, During the event, other braiding locations in our market, it is our good customer service and lished association will Togolese Americans numerous candidates quality of work that has caused us to outgrow the marketed area." help our outreach." have moved to Central came out to enjoy the Mrs. Kone expressed, "our vision for 2020 is to launch new locations Their outreach will in- Texas due to numer- festivities, Kennon throughout the State of Texas because there is an opportunity to expand be- clude events seeking ous magnets such as Wooten for the 53rd yond Houston." Furthermore, Mrs. Kone mentioned, "even if we go to cities to educate the greater jobs and education. District Court, Tonya like Austin or Pflugerville, the quality of the work will remain the same." Central Texas commu- Currently, the local Nixon for the Travis In addition, Mrs. Kone stated, "I immigrated from the Ivory Coast because nity about Togo. universities draw Af- County Constable Pre- I wanted to improve my life and the life of my family. I chose Texas because it The Togolese ricans and Togolese to cinct 1, and Jessica is a business-friendly state with a large Black population. I have managed to American community, the Central Texas re- Mangrum for the build a company in the Houston area but my dream is to have a shop in major want to showcase the gion, believing it's 200th District court. cities throughout Texas." culture and continue time to really organize According to Kennon. Final Goodbye: Recalling Influential The African Diaspora Vote Black People Who Passed In 2019 Host Community Mixer

James Ingram Kristoff St. John Nipsey Hussle

African Diaspora Community Party: Pictured left to right are Jessica Mangrum, Tonya Nixon, Eli Dogbe, Kennon Wooten, and Judge Jeffers. Photo by Tsoke (Chuch) Adjavon

by Tsoke ship has grown simply learn of his agenda. (Chuch) Adjavon because the African The African John Singleton Leah Chase Elijah Green VILLAGER community under- Diaspora community Columnist stands the need to get in Central Texas has their concerns heard by doubled in the past VILLAGER local elected officials. eight years. Like the NEWS - As we ap- Attendees came rest of the population, proached 2020, the Af- from various parts of this association will be rican Diaspora Vote Africa, such as the relocating to the Aus- (ADV) held their end Ivory Coast, Togo, tin area due to the year event in Benin, Burkina Faso, good economic condi- Pflugerville, Texas. The Gambia, and Nigeria. tions. According to African Diaspora The event also pro- ADV, "this collection group has seen its vided an opportunity can no longer be over- membership increase for the community to looked by people run- John Witherspoon Diahann Carroll Elijah E. Cummings to nearly twenty-five meet candidate ning for office or by people. The member- Dominic Selvera and local businesses." , John Dingell, Damon J. Keith, Andrea Levy, Jackie Shane, Ken Gibson, Binyavanga Wainaina, Patricia Bath, U.S. House committees first black woman to re- the untimely deaths of Frank Lucas, Dr. John, Dave Bartholomew, Pernell Whitaker, that led an impeach- ceive the Nobel litera- two young rappers, leav- Edith Irby Jones, Johnny Clegg, Art Neville, Toni Morrison, ment inquiry of Presi- ture prize for “Beloved” ing a feeling of accom- Cedric Benson, Baxter Leach, Robert Mugabe, Jessye Norman, dent Donald Trump and and was awarded the plishments unfulfilled. James Stern, John Conyers, John Walker, Ernest J. Gaines, was a formidable advo- Presidential Medal of Grammy-nominated Charles Rogers, Irving Burgie, and Juice WRLD cate for the poor in his Freedom in 2012. Nipsey Hussle was killed Maryland district. In April, Hollywood in a shooting in Los An- The death of Toni lost director John Single- geles in March. Juice By Bernard McGhee, and social activist whose cal world lost a giant in Morrison in August left ton, whose 1991 film WRLD, who launched his The Associated Press promise was cut short by U.S. Rep. Elijah E. a chasm in the publish- “Boyz N the Hood” was career on SoundCloud A lauded writer violence. Cummings. He was born ing world, where she praised as a realistic and before becoming a who brought to light sto- This year saw the the son of a sharecrop- was a “literary mother” compassionate take on streaming juggernaut, ries overshadowed by deaths of people who per, became a lawyer, to countless writers. She race, class, peer pres- died in December after prejudice. A pioneering shifted culture through then an influential con- helped elevate sure and family. He be- being treated for opioid executive who broke the prose, pragmatism and gressman and champion multiculturalism to the came the first Black di- use during a police glass ceiling in Major persistence. It also wit- of civil rights. world stage and un- rector to receive an Os- search. League . An Af- nessed tragedy, in talent Cummings, who earthed the lives of the car nomination and the Here is a roll call of rican “savior” turned struck down in its prime. died in October, was unknown and un- youngest at 24. some influential [Black] dictator. An urban lyricist In 2019, the politi- chairman of one of the wanted. She became the The year also saw figures who died in 2019 www.theaustinvillager.com CLASSIFIEDS THE VILLAGER/January 3, 2020 ~ Page 5 EMPLOYMENT | PROPOSALS | PUBLIC INFORMATION FOR SALE | FOR RENT | BIDS | MISCELLANEOUS Former Slave: “That’s where that sayin’ comes from that what you do on New Year’s Day you’ll be doin’ all the rest of the year”

A circa 1830 illustration of a slave auction in America. Rischgitz/Hulton Archive—Getty Images This is an authentic ad for slaves during CONTINUED FROM come from records left to go to their new mas- ters were whipped and the 19th Century in America. The ad PAGE 1 by those who secured ters,” she wrote. She ob- thrown in jail until they states, “The Slaves Listed Below Were All slave owners and their freedom, who de- served slave owners and relented and promised Raised on the CARTER PLANTATION AT hirers. scribed spending the day farmers renting out their not to run away during QUICK’S RUN, Lewis County, Kentucky.” “‘Hiring Day’ was before January 1 hoping human chattel for extra the new arrangement. part of the larger eco- and praying that their income during the pe- Older slaves were also nomic cycle in which hirers would be humane riod between the cotton particularly vulnerable, most debts were col- and that their families and corn harvests and as Jacobs describes one lected and settled on could stay together. the next planting sea- owner trying to hire out New Year’s Day,” says “Of all days in the son. From Christmas to a frail roughly 70-year- Alexis McCrossen, an year, the slaves dread New Year’s Eve, many old woman because he expert on the history of New Year’s Day the families would “wait was moving away. New Year’s Eve and New worst of any,” a slave anxiously” to find out But the history of Year’s Day and a profes- named Lewis Clarke said whether they would be New Year’s Day and sor of history at South- in an 1842 account. rented out, and to American slavery is not ern Methodist Univer- “On New Year’s whom. On New Year’s all horror. The holiday sity, who writes about Day, we went to the Day, “At the appointed was also associated with Hiring Day in her forth- auctioneer’s block, to be hour the grounds are freedom. coming book Time’s hired to the highest bid- thronged with men, The federal ban on Touchstone: The New der for one year,” Israel women, and children, the transatlantic slave Year in American Life. Campbell wrote in a waiting, like criminals to trade went into effect on Some enslaved memoir published in hear their doom pro- New Year’s Day in 1808, people were put up for 1861 in Philadelphia, in nounced,” Jacobs wrote. and African-American auction that day, or held which he describes be- On one of these communities did cel- under contracts that ing hired out three fateful days Jacobs saw ebrate, but the festivities started in January. times. “a mother lead seven were short-lived. (These transactions also “That’s where that children to the auction- “Different slave- took place all year long sayin’ comes from that block. She knew that trade abolition com- and contracts could last what you do on New some of them would be memorations took place for different amounts of Year’s Day you’ll be doin’ taken from her; but they between 1808 and 1831, time.) These deals were all the rest of the year,” took all.” The slave but they died out be- conducted privately a former slave known as trader who took the chil- cause the domestic slave among families, friends Sister Harrison said in an dren wouldn’t tell her trade was so vigorous,” and business contacts, interview in 1937. where he was taking says McCrossen. The risk and slaves were handed Harriet Jacobs them because it de- of violence was also too great. For example, on over in town squares, on wrote a particularly de- pended on where he INTERMOUNTAIN SLURRY SEAL INC IS SEEKING courthouse steps and tailed account in “The could get the “highest New Year’s Eve in 1827, MBE/WBE PARTICIPATION sometimes simply on Slaves’ New Year’s Day” price.” Jacobs said she in New York City, a white We are seeking MBE/WBE participation for the City of Austin mob attacked African- 2020 Street Slurry Seal and Fog Seal IDIQ Project. Subcontracting the side of the road, ac- chapter of her 1861 au- would never forget the opportunities include: Thermoplastic Striping and Pavement cording to Divided Mas- tobiography Incidents in mother crying out, American congregants Markers, Fog Seal, Aggregate Hauling, Crack Sealing, Street tery: Slave Hiring in the the Life of a Slave Girl. “Gone! All gone! Why and vandalized their Sweeping, Loader Rental, Traffic Control, Public Notifications, church. Dumpster Service, Portable Toilets, and Door-to-Door American South by “Hiring-day at the south don’t God kill me?” Notifications. Plans and Specifications are available at: https:// Jonathan D. Martin. takes place on the 1st of Enslaved people The holiday be- www.austintexas.gov/financeonline/account_services/ Accounts of the January. On the 2[n]d, who attempted to resist came more associated solicitation/solicitation_details.cfm?sid=132618 with freedom than sla- Project bids January 16, 2020 at 10:30 am. Please contact Nate cruelty of Hiring Day the slaves are expected going to their new mas- Niemann at (469)416-0242 or [email protected] with very when Abraham Lin- further questions. Bids are due by January 13, 2020. coln signed the Emanci- pation Proclamation, freeing slaves in Confed- erate states on New Year’s Day in 1863. Slaves went to church to pray and sing on Dec. 31, Are you interested in doing 1862, and that’s why there are still New Year’s business with the City of Austin? Eve prayer services at We are here for you! African-American City of Austin churches nationwide. At Purchasing Office such “Watch Night” ser- vices, congregants con- Vendor Registration tinue to pray for more 512-974-2018 widespread racial equal- [email protected] ity 157 years later. www.austintexas.gov/department/purchasing We Want For information on the City of Austin’s Minority/ Women-Owned Procurement Program please contact the YOU! Small & Minority Business Resources at 512-974-7600 Advertise or visit www.austintexas.gov/smbr. With The VILLAGER Page 6 ~ THE VILLAGER/January 3, 2020 THE DISPATCH www.theaustinvillager.com Texas Destroys Ranked #11 Utah, 38-10 in Alamo Bowl by Sam Cooper and Nick Bromberg | Yahoo! Sports

Texas wide receiver Devin Duvernay (6) makes a catch next to Utah defensive back Javelin Guidry (28) during the first half of the Alamo Bowl NCAA college football game in San Antonio, Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019. (AP Photo/Eric Gay) (SAN ANTONIO, TX) - No, Texas isn’t back. But yards and four total touchdowns in the win. But So what does it mean? Well, probably not a it finished a disappointing 2019 season with a bang, the Texas defense was the story of the evening. whole lot. Texas finishes the year with an 8-5 record, demolishing No. 11 Utah 38-10 in the Alamo Bowl The Longhorns limited the Utes — the same team falling far below preseason expectations. The Long- on New Year’s Eve in San Antonio. that likely would have been the No. 4 seed in the horns dealt with a lot of injuries over the course of Expectations were sky high for the Longhorns College Football Playoff had they beaten Oregon the season, and many of those players were healthy entering the season, and they failed to live up to in the Pac-12 title game — to just 254 yards of in this one. There is plenty of talent returning for them in every single way. But they showed just how offense. Sophomore linebacker Joseph Ossai was 2020, so more preseason hype is inevitable, just much talent is on their roster, albeit against a mostly especially dominant, finishing the night with nine maybe not to the extreme level we saw over the uninterested Utah team. tackles, six tackles for loss and three sacks. summer. There wasn’t a whole lot of offense on ei- Utah quarterback Tyler Huntley had a rough On the Utah side, it’s a disappointing turn ther side in the first half as the Longhorns went outing, finishing with just 126 passing yards and 33 of events for an accomplished senior class who into halftime with a 10-0 lead. But the second half rushing yards in his final collegiate game. Fellow se- fell just short of the playoff. But this one won’t was a different story. Texas opened up a 24-3 lead nior Zack Moss was limited to just 57 yards on 16 carry anywhere near the level of sting that the by the time the third quarter ended before pour- carries. The Utes were especially miserable on third Oregon loss did. With the loss — just the ing it on with two more scores in the fourth. down, converting just 4-of-14 attempts. They were program’s third defeat in 14 bowl games un- Junior quarterback Sam Ehlinger led the way also 0-for-2 on fourth down, continuing the same der Kyle Whittingham — the Utes finish the offensively with 201 passing yards, 73 rushing struggles that doomed them against Oregon. year 11-3. Simone Biles named 2019 AP Female Athlete of the Year By WILL GRAVES | The AP (AP) - They’re called “Simone Things,” a catchall phrase for the casual ease with which Simone Biles seems to soar through her sport and her life. what they’ve witnessed The irony, of into 280 characters or course, is that there’s fewer, with whatever nothing casual or easy they settle on typically about it. Any of it. The followed by multiple ex- greatest gymnast of all clamation points and a time and 2019 Associ- goat emoji, a nod to ated Press Female Ath- Biles being considered lete of the Year only the Greatest Of All Time. makes it seem that way. Her triple-twisting Those jaw-drop- double-flip (the “triple ping routines that are re- double”) at the end of writing her sport’s code her first tumbling pass of points and redefining on floor exercise is a what can be done on the wondrous blur. Her competition floor? Born double-twisting double- from a mix of natural tal- flip beam dismount (the ent, hard work and a “double double”) is so splash of ego. tough the International The 25 world Gymnastics Federation championship medals, made the unusual deci- the most by any gymnast With a unique blend of strength and grace, Simone Biles performs her floor routine at the US Gymastics sion to downplay its ever? The result of a Championship, which she won en route to her fifth senior women’s title Sunday night at TD Garden. MATTHEW value in an effort to de- promise the 22-year-old J. LEE/GLOBE STAFF ter other gymnasts from made to herself when even trying it. she returned to compe- of the Larry Nassar and speak for what I be- sion — combined with named AP Female Ath- “I feel like this is the tition in 2017 after tak- sexual abuse scandal lieve in,” Biles told The her otherworldly skill lete of the Year twice beginning of my life and ing time off following that’s shaken USA Gym- Associated Press. “It’s an and boundless charisma and the first to do it in a I don’t want gymnastics her golden run at the nastics to its core? The honor to speak for those — that’s enabled Biles to non-Olympic year. to be my whole entire 2016 Olympics. byproduct of a conscious that are less fortunate. keep gymnastics in the Check social media life,” she said. “I’m defi- The stoicism and decision to embrace the So if I can be a voice for spotlight, a rarity for a following one of her rou- nitely going to soak in grace she has shown in immense clout she car- them in a positive man- sport that typically re- tines and you’ll find the moment and enjoy it becoming an advocate ries. ner, then of course I’m treats into the back- people -- from LeBron so 10 years from now I for survivors — herself “I realize now with going to do whatever I ground once the Olym- James to Michelle can look back and say ‘I included — and an agent the platform I have it will can.” pic flame goes out. She Obama to Chrissy Teigen had the time of my life for change in the wake be powerful if I speak up And it’s that mis- is the first gymnast to be -- struggling to distill out there.’”