Presorted StandardU.S. Postage Paid

Austin, TexasPermit No. 01949

INSIDE Vol. 44 No. 33 Phone: 512-476-0082 Email: vil3202@aol.com January 6, 2017

www.TheAustinVillager.com

This paper canbe recycled

RAPPIN’RAPPIN’RAPPIN’RAPPIN’RAPPIN’Tommy WyattTommy WyattTommy WyattTommy WyattTommy Wyatt

TPATPATPATPATPATEXASPUBLISHERSASSOCIATION

Globalization Took Hits in 2016;Will 2017 Lead to More?

CanStock Photoby: Pan Pylas | Associated Press

LONDON (AP) —Globalization, the paththat the world economyhas largely followed fordecades, took some heftyblows in 2016.

The election ofDonald Trump as U.S.president and Britain’sdecision to leave the Eu-

ropean Union have raisedquestions over the futureof tariff-free trade andcompanies’ freedom tomove production to lower-cost countries.

Borders are back invogue. Economic national-ism is paying political divi-dends.

“We want our coun-try back” was the rallyingcry of those backing Brexit,a sound bite that had ech-oes in Trump’s “MakeAmerica great again.”

The rise of Trump andthe triumph of Brexit hadtheir roots in the global fi-nancial crisis of 2008. Eight

years later, the worldeconomy has still not yetfully gotten past thatshock to its confidence —people are nervous, someare angry, and many areseeking novel solutions totheir problems. Next year,

See TRUMP CARD, pg 2

“From good words, today weprogress to good deeds.”

Rep. Lloyd Doggett on transfer of historicAustin Federal Courthouse to Travis County

Rep. Lloyd Doggett

Austin, Texas — To-day, the historic AustinFederal Courthouse, com-pleted in 1936, was for-mally transferred by deedfrom the federal govern-ment to Travis County.This success was the re-sult of several levels offederal and county gov-ernment working to-gether to ensure thebuilding would remain aplace where justice, andits historic architecture,are preserved. At a pressconference this morning,several local leadersmarked the transition:

Travis County JudgeSarah Eckhardt said: “Anhistoric courtroom, publiclobbies, stairs, elevators,restrooms, and exteriorstonework and Art Decofeatures will be main-tained and complementthe future use of thiscourthouse for the TravisCounty Probate Court andthe County Clerk’s Pro-bate Division.

Travis County hasrecommended $28 mil-lion for design, construc-tion, and contingencies toprepare the building forcounty occupancy in2020. Although this prop-erty transfer from our fed-eral partners does notsolve our overall court ca-pacity issues long term, itis a great reliever of our

current overcrowding atanother historic publicbuilding, the nearbyHeman Marion SweattCourthouse.

We remain commit-ted to the judicial, cultural,and architectural heritageof Austin and Central Texasand the stewardship ofthose resources.”

Sylvia Hernandez,Regional Administrator forthe General Services Ad-ministration or GSA, whopresented the deed for theproperty to JudgeEckhardt and Congress-man Doggett: “One ofGSA’s top priorities is to

See PRESERVED, pg 2

The King of 2016: LeBron JamesNamed AP Male Athlete of Yearby: Tom Withers | AP Sports Writer

FILE – In this June 19, 2016 file photo, Cleveland Cavaliers’ LeBronJames answers questions as he holds his daughter Zhuri during a post-game press conference after Game 7 of basketball’s NBA Finals Sunday,June 19, 2016, in Oakland, Calif. On Tuesday, Dec. 27, James, who ended 52years of sports heartache by bringing Cleveland a championship and usedhis superstar platform to address social causes, was chosen as The Associ-ated Press 2016 Male Athlete of the Year. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg, File, Pool)

CLEVELAND (AP) —LeBron James, whoended 52 years of sportsheartache by bringingCleveland a champion-ship and used his super-star platform to addresssocial causes, was chosenas The Associated Press2016 Male Athlete of theYear, an award he wonpreviously in 2013.

James collected 24first-place votes, beatingout a pair of Olympic leg-ends: Michael Phelps (16)

and Usain Bolt (9), the fast-est men in water and onland who are not accus-tomed to finishing behindanyone.

James joined MichaelJordan as the only NBAplayers to win twice. Jor-dan won it three straightyears from 1991-94.

A rabid sports fan,James was flattered to bein the same class withPhelps. “To be that domi-nant in your respectivesport, to see what he’s

been able to do over theyears, what he does in thatwater, man, it’s tremen-dous and very inspiring,”James said.

That James receivedthe honor in an Olympicyear underscores theweight of his accomplish-ments.

His third NBA crownwas for Cleveland, deliver-ing on a promise Jamesmade to a city that hadn’tcelebrated a major cham-pionship since 1964.

Effort continuesto save Rosewood

Courts The Austin community isaware that there has been aneffort by the HousingAuthority of the City ofAustin (HACA) to gainapproval for the redevelop-ment of a Historical Sight inthe Central East AustinCommunity. The RosewoodCourts Public Housingcommunity would be demo-lished and redeveloped into anexpensive housing program inthe area. The planners areproposing to tear down mostof the units, saving only a fewin the area as a symbolicgesture. They are proposing tosave a few of the units and putup a Historical Marker in thecommunity. In a communitythat is void of “affordablehousing,” this has to be theworse idea ever. Everyone knows that Landin East Austin is some of themost expensive in the city.That means that none of thecurrent residents of thecommunity could afford tostay there, in the few units thatwould be left. Also the areahas been declared an AfricanAmerican Historic District.However, there are not manyhistoric sites in the area beingpreserved. Public Housing communitiesare being destroyed all over thecountry. However, none ofthem has the historicalsignificance as Rosewood. Inall of that history, The TexasHistorical Commission doesnot seem to be able to declarethe site historic. However,whenever there seems to be athreat to destroy any thingconnected to the Confederacy,they become outraged overthe suggestion. The Lions Municipal GolfCourse is also rated overBooker T. That golf course islocated in West Austin and hasbeen the source of a majorfight between Austin nativesand The University of Texasfor many years. So far, theresidents are winning. Councilperson Ora Houstonis continuing to fight for thepreservation of RosewoodCourts, but needs the supportof the entire council andAfrican Americans in the city.Rosewood was the home formany minorities as they foughttheir way out of poverty. Thereis still a need for Rosewood.Everyone believes that the unitsshould be improved andmodernized, but not torn down.If you agree, show your supportby sending a letter of supportto Council Member Houston,the Mayor and other councilmembers.

Tea Party pushes formore conservative

social policies.See LEGISLATURE

Page 6

Alabama’s oldestHBCU will perform

at inaugural parade.See TALLADEGA

Page 3

Hollywood honorsViola Davis withthe 2,597th star.

See FAMEPage 2

Page 2 ~ THE VILLAGER/January 6, 2017 THE COMMUNIQUÉ www.theaustinvillager.com

TRUMP CARD: Eradicatethe FTA, Punish China, and

Elevate America to21st Century Standards

Donald Trump speaking to supporters at animmigration policy speech at the PhoenixConvention Center in Phoenix, Arizona.Photo courtesy of Gage Skidmore (Flickr)

there’s scope for more uncertainty with electionsin France and Germany.

Here’s a look at the year’s top business stories for2016:

BREXIT SHOCKIn what was a sign of things to come, Britain voted

to leave the EU in a referendum in June. The decisioncame as a surprise — certainly to bookmakers and manypollsters who had consistently given the “remain” sidethe edge — and means Britain has to redefine itselfafter 43 years of EU membership. David Cameron re-signed as prime minister after the vote and the newConservative government led by Theresa May is plan-ning to trigger the formal process by which Britain ex-its the EU early next year. There are many shades ofpotential Brexit, from an outright divorce that could putup tariffs on goods and services, to a more amicableparting that sees many of the current trading arrange-ments kept in place. The pound’s fall to a 31-year lowbelow $1.20 at one point is testament to that uncer-tainty.

TRUMP CARDPollsters and bookmakers got it wrong again a few

months later when Trump defeated Hillary Clinton inthe U.S. presidential election. Whether he translateshis “America First” platform into action following hisinauguration in January will help shape the globaleconomy for the next four years at least. Trump hasrailed against long-standing trading agreements, includ-ing the North American Free Trade Agreement, andvowed to punish China for the way it devalues its cur-rency against the dollar and to tax U.S. firms that movejobs overseas. He has also laid out plans to bringAmerica’s creaking infrastructure up to 21st-centurystandards, a new spending pitch that has the potentialto boost jobs — but which could also lay the seeds ofhigher inflation.

MARKETS MARCH ONTrump’s victory did not cause the bottom to fall

out of the stock market rally that’s been largely in placesince 2009, when the world economy started to firstclaw out of its deepest recession since World War II. Infact, both the Dow and the S&P 500 rallied to hit a se-ries of record highs. Stocks have also benefited from araft of big corporate deals this year — executives areseeing takeovers as a fast way to generate growth in alow-growth global economy disrupted by non-stop tech-nological innovations. Notable deals in 2016 includedthe $85 billion merger of Time Warner and AT&T and

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

See FED DELIVERS INTEREST HIKE, page 8

pursue opportunitiesfor reducing the amount ofunneeded properties inthe federal real estate in-ventory,” said GSA Re-gional Administrator SylviaHernandez. “In 2016, GSAdetermined the HistoricAustin courthouse excessto the needs of the federalgovernment. Today, weare pleased to announcethe transfer of ownershipof this historic gem toTravis County through theHistoric Monument Pro-gram. Through this pro-gram, the historic nature ofthis facility will be main-

tained in perpetuity.”Congressman Doggett

added: “From good words,today we progress to gooddeeds. This deed ensuresthat the historic features ofthis landmark, inside andout, are preserved, and thatit continues in the role origi-nally envisioned as a homefor justice—an old home forjustice is now becoming anew home of justice. Thisbuilding is more than itscream-colored limestone;it is built on more than itsTexas gray granite base. Itembodies the fundamen-tal American belief that

we are a nation of laws.Through the cooperationof many, today we ensurethat the important work ofjustice continues here.Whether through propertytransfers or direct dollars,the investments we makein our justice system areinvestments we make inour democracy. I saluteJudge Sarah Eckhardt forher leadership, Judge LeeYeakel for his insight, andGSA Administrator SylviaHernandez for the helpthat she and her staff haveprovided to make todaypossible.”

Deed ensures historic featuresof landmark are preserved

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

ACTRESS VIOLA DAVIS TO BE HONORED WITHFIRST WALK OF FAME STAR OF THE NEW YEAR

by Naomi Richard | The Austin Villager Newspaper

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce isproud to announce that award-winning actressViola Davis will be honored with the 2,597th staron the Hollywood Walk of Fame on January 5, 2017at 11:30 a.m. PST. The star in the category of Mo-tion Pictures will be dedicated at 7013 HollywoodBoulevard in front of Marshalls Department Storeacross the street from the historic HollywoodRoosevelt Hotel.

Helping Emcee and Hollywood ChamberPresident/CEO Leron Gubler to unveil the starwill be actress and Walk of Famer Meryl Streep.

The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce whichadministers the popular star ceremonies encour-ages people who are unable to attend and fansaround the world to watch the event live exclu-sively on www.walkoffame.com.

Davis is a native of Central Falls, Rhode Is-land. She began her acting career in theater aftergraduating from Juilliard.

Davis is currently starring on the drama “Howto Get Away with Murder,” from ABC Studios andShondaland. In 2015, Davis received the ScreenActors Guild Award for “Outstanding Performanceby a Female Actor in a Drama Series,” in additionto becoming the first African American to receivethe Primetime Emmy Award for “Outstanding LeadActress in a Drama Series.” This year, she receivedher second Screen Actors Guild Award and her sec-

ond Emmy nomination for portraying AnnaliseKeating. Season 3 premiered in September.

Davis can currently be seen in “Fences” forParamount Pictures which opened in select citieson December 16th and nationwide on ChristmasDay. The film is starring, directed and producedby Denzel Washington and is adapted from Au-gust Wilson’s play. Davis also starred with Wash-ington in the 2010 revival of the play on Broad-way. Her portrayal of Rose Maxson earned her aTony Award, as well as the Drama Critics’ CircleAward, Outer Critics Circle Award and Drama DeskAward. “Fences” was also honored with the TonyAward for “Best Play Revival” and was the mostprofitable theater production of the year.

In Spring of 2017, Davis will begin produc-tion on “Widows,” directed by Steve McQueenand written by Gillian Flynn. Most recently, Daviswas seen in the highly anticipated “Suicide Squad”with Will Smith, Margot Robbie and Jared Leto. In2015, Davis starred opposite Jennifer Lopez in“Lila & Eve,” Davis also took the reins as a pro-ducer on this film, along with her husband, JuliusTennon, for their company, JuVee Productions.

A graduate of The Julliard School, Davis re-ceived an Honorary Doctorate during its 109thCommencement Ceremony. She also holds anHonorary Doctorate of Fine Arts degree from heralma mater, Rhode Island College.

Viola Davis and husband Julius Tennon on SAG Awards red carpet arrivals. Photo by Richard Nichols.

Report: 3 Miami Officers Fired over BlackNeighborhood Target Practice ‘Jokes’

by: Adriana Gomez Licon |Associated Press

MIAMI (AP) — Threenew police officers werefired for making commentson a group chat about us-ing Miami ’s primarilyBlack neighborhoods fortarget practice, a newspa-per reported last month.

Officers KevinBergnes, Miguel Valdes

and Bruce Alcin were letgo on Dec. 23, after an in-ternal affairs investigationconcluded that they vio-lated department policies,said the Miami Herald, cit-ing documents it obtained.

The remarks angeredlocal civil rights activistskeeping tabs on a depart-

ment that is currentlyscrutinized by the U.S. De-partment of Justice for apattern of excessive force.

“It’s indicative of thecasual conversations andcomments that young andeven more seasoned po-lice officers are used tomaking without a lot of re-

percussions,” said JuliaDawson, an activist whohas been part of law en-forcement oversight pan-els in Miami.

The Miami police de-partment confirmed thatSeeMAKE AN EXAMPLEpage 7

St. Peter’s United Methodist Church 4509 Springdale Road Austin, Tx 78723Office 512- 926-1686 Fax 512-929-7281

Christian Web Site-stpetersaustintx.ning.com

stpetersaustintx@att.netTHE PLACE WHERE WE STEP OUT ON FAITH.

COME AND STEP OUT ON FAITH WITH USSunday School 8:45 a.m.

Praise and Worship 10:15 a.m.Wednesday Bible Study 12:00 p.m.

and Praise /Bible Study 6:30 p.m.(to include Children’s Choir Rehersaland

Bible Study with age appropiate Activities)Rev. Jack C. Gause Pastor

Agape Baptist ChurchIn “The Centre” Bldg. F-15 7801 N. Lamar Blvd. (SE Corner of N Lamar and 183)

AGAPE is a chuch for all people. “Where Jesus Christ is Magnified and the love Heexhibited is Exemplified.” Come, receive God’s unconditional lovefor you.

For there is no greater love!

Church ServicesSunday School 9:30 AMSunday Worship 11:00 AM

Mid-Week Service Thursday: Praise,Prayer and Bible Study 7:00 PMCall 454-1547 for Transporation

Website www.agapebcaustintx.comRev. H. Ed Calahan

Pastor

Imani Community ChurchDavis Elementray Auditorium 5214 West Duval Road

Sunday School 9:00 A.M.Worship Service 10:00 A.M.•Power Hour Bible Life Group 6:00 P.M.

Imani Complex & Office,11800 Mustang at Duval Austin, Texas 78727

Visit:imanichurch.comOffice: 512-343-9300Rev. Dr. Jacquelyn Donald-Mims

7801 N. Lamar Blvd,Suite D 102,

Austin, Texas 78752

Worship: Sunday--10:00 am - 12:30 pm

Tuesday Bible Studies--7:30pm - 9:00 pmFriday Prayers--7:30 pm - 9:30 pm

The Church of Pentecost, USA Inc,Austin offers a wide variety of opportuni-ties for children, youth, adults, and olderadults to be involved in worship, spiritualgrowth, education, community outreach,and making a tangible difference to thosein need in our community. You too, canmake a positive difference in our commu-nity through your prayers, your presence,your gifts, your service, and your witness.Tel: 512 302-1270

Leading People to Experience God’s Love, Know Jesus Christ & Grow in His ImageThe Church of Pentecost

Olive Branch Fellowship of Austin / All Faith Chapel4110 Guadalupe St Bldg #639 Austin, TX 78751

Sunday MorningWorship @ 11: am

Romans 5:1 Therefore,having beenjustified by faith, we have peace

with God through our Lord Jesus Christ

This life, therefore, is not righteous-ness, but growth in righteousness; not health,but healing; not being, but becoming; not rest,but exercise. We are not yet what we shall be,but we are growing toward it. The process isnot yet finished, but it is going on. This is notthe end, but it is the road. All does not yetgleam in glory, but all is being purified.

--- Martin Luther

Kenneth Hill, Pastor

1179 San Bernard Street,Austin, TX 78702, 512-478-7023

Sunday Morning Bible Study, 9:00 A.M.Sunday Morning Worship, 10:15 A.M.Visit our website @ www.obcaus.org

Globalizing the Gospel

A Ministry That Ministers

Edward M. Fleming,Sr. Pastor

OLIVET BAPTISTCHURCH

Felix Bamirin, PastorGRACEWAY CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Experience Grace For Life

(By Parmer Lane Baptist Church building, behind Wells Fargo)

Call: 682.472.9073 l Email: gracewayaustin@aol.com lVisit: www.gracewaycca.org

JOIN US This SUNDAY / THURSDAY@ 12424 Scofield Farms Drive, Austin, TX 78758

SUNDAYS 10:30 A.M., THURSDAYS 7:30 P.M.

Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church 5900 Cameron Road Austin, Texas 78723-1843

(512) 451-0808 (512) 302-4575 Fax Web Site - www.themount.net

WORSHIP SERVICESSunday Worship - 7:45 a.m. & 11 a.m.Church School - 9:45 a.m.Bible Studies - Mon, 6:30 p.m. & Wed., 12 noonWednesday Night Worship - 7 p.m.

“Ministries For Mankind” Luke 4:18 A.W.. Anthony Mays, Senior Pastor

Ebenezer Baptist Church1010 East 10th Street 512-478-1875 Fax 512-478-1892

WednesdayMidweek Prayer Service 7:00 P.M.Child Development CenterAges 0-5 years (Daily) 512-478-6709

Bus Ministry Call 512-478-1875

Worship Service 8:00 A.M.Sunday School 9:00 A.M.Discipleship Training 10:00 A.M.Worship Service 11:00 A.M.

Dr. Ricky Freeman,Pastor

Sunday Services

Do you have church news? Would you like topurchase a monthly ad for your church?

Inquire TODAY!Send your information to vil3202@aol.com

or call 512-476-0082

Villager Youth Brigade will be taking sponsorshipsstarting summer of 2017.Your support has beenmuch appreciated over the years. Please continueto invest in Austin’s youth. We look forward toanother successful year with some promisingstudents. FMI Call 512-476-0082

DAVID CHAPEL Missionary Baptist ChurchSUNDAY | Christian Education 9:15a.m.Worship 10:30 a.m. (MLK)Nursery AvailableTUESDAY | TNT Bible Study(Pflugerville) 6:45p.m.WEDNESDAY | Prayer & Praise 7:00p.m.Bible Study 7:30p.m.

Dr. Joseph C. Parker, Jr.Senior Pastor

512-472-9748 www.davidchapel.org2211 E.MLK @ Chestnut St. Austin, TX 78702

DOUBLE

GROCERY“R”

450l East Martin Luther King Blvd.*We cash ALL Tax Refund*Checks *Check Out

Country Boyz Fixin’s4140 E. 12th Street, Austin, TX 78721

Featuring Fish, Poboys, Hot Wings, Pork Chops,Homemade Gumbo, Shrimp and Alligator

DINE IN OR ORDER TO GOMon - Friday 11 am - 8 p.m.Saturday - 12 noon - 8 p.m.

Closed SundayCall (512) 928-5555

*Mention this ad and get a FREE 20 oz. Drink*

www.theaustinvillager.com THE BULLETIN THE VILLAGER/January 6, 2017 ~ Page 3

We Want YOU!Advertise With

TheVILLAGER

More African-Ameri-can students were ac-cepted to Harvard duringits early admission pro-cess, the MassachusettsIvy League is reporting.

School officials saidapplying for early action isbecoming the “new nor-mal” for many aspiringstudents. Early applica-tions rose 5 percent thisyear to 6,473. Of that num-ber, 14.5 percent, or 938students, were admitted.

Among the almost1,000 early action appli-cants who were accepted,12.6 percent were African-American—an increasefrom 9.5 percent last year.Black students make up11.3 percent of the cur-rent freshman class atHarvard.

Officials said courseofferings and its financialaid programs may haveplayed a role in increasingapplications to the institu-tion.

The Harvard Finan-cial Aid Initiative hasawarded nearly $1.6 bil-lion in financial aid to un-dergraduates since its cre-ation in 2005. Among thisyear’s early action group,more students have highfinancial need and arefirst-generation college-goers, Harvard staff has es-timated.

“Financial aid re-mained critically impor-tant to prospectiveHarvard students,” saidSarah C. Donahue, GriffinDirector of Financial Aid.“It is still too early to knowexactly how many of theadmitted students willneed financial aid, asmany students’ financialinformation is incomplete.Ultimately, we expect thatthe majority of studentswill be awarded need-based aid.”

More BlackStudentsAcceptedthrough

Harvard’sEarly

Admissionby: Zenitha Prince

Senior AFROCorrespondent

CensusBureau:Higher

Percentageof BlackChildrenLive with

SingleMothers

A disproportionatenumber of Black childrenunder 18 live in single-par-ent homes, according tonew data from the U.S.Census Bureau.

In its annual“America’s Families andLiving Arrangements” datacollection, the Bureau ex-amined marriage and fam-ily, the living arrange-ments of older adults andother household charac-teristics.

It found that a major-ity of the 73.7 million

Only 38.7 Percent of African-American MinorsLive with Both Parents (CanStock Photo)

American children underage 18 live in families withtwo parents (69 per-cent)—a decrease from 88percent in 1960. Of those50.7 million children livingin families with two par-ents, 47.7 million live withtwo married parents and 3million live with two un-married parents.

Broken down by race,however, the statisticsshow stark differences.The percentage of Whitechildren under 18 who livewith both parents almostdoubles that of Black chil-dren, according to thedata. While 74.3 percentof all White children belowthe age of 18 live withboth parents, only 38.7percent of African-Ameri-can minors can say the

same.Instead, more than

one-third of all Black chil-dren in the United Statesunder the age of 18 livewith unmarried moth-ers—compared to 6.5 per-cent of White children.The figures reflect a gen-eral trend: During the1960-2016 period, thepercentage of children liv-ing with only their mothernearly tripled from 8 to 23percent and the percent-age of children living withonly their father increasedfrom 1 to 4 percent.

Social scientists havelong espoused the ben-efits for children who livein two-parent homes, in-cluding economic, educa-tional, health and otheradvantages.

Talladega College Band toMarch at Trump InaugurationAlabama’s Oldest Private HBCU Accepts Invitation

by: Jeff Martin|Associated Press

Organizers of Presi-dent-elect Donald Trump’sinaugural parade say themarching band ofTalladega College,Alabama’s oldest private,historically Black liberalarts college has acceptedan invitation to perform.

The move comes ashistorically black schoolslike Howard University,which marched in Presi-

dent Barack Obama’s firstinaugural parade, saidthey didn’t apply to marchat Trump’s inauguration.

The move has lit upTalladega College’s socialmedia sites with a sharpdebate about the band’sdecision to participate.Some people voicedstrong opposition, whileothers support the band’sparticipation.

The Presidential In-augural Committee an-nounced Friday that theTalladega College March-ing Tornadoes was among40 groups, including highschool bands and militaryorganizations, scheduledto perform in the parade.

Talladega College of-ficials haven’t returnedphone calls and emailsseeking comment.

Talladega College Marching Band

New Lincoln Missionary Baptist Church2215 E. 8th St., Austin, TX 78702

Going to Higher Heights, TrustingGod along the way.

Morning Worship - 11:00 amSunday School 9:00am

BTU: 10:00amChurch Phone (512) 477-2714

Cell Phont (512) 585-0744Email:

newlincolnmbc@austin.rr.comwww.newlincolnmbc.org

Rev. Damon E. Patterson Pastor

Youth of TodayHope of Tomorrow

Kappa Alpha PsiFraternity, Inc

Page 4 ~ THE VILLAGER/January 6, 2017 YOUTH BRIGADE www.theaustinvillager.com

Alyssa James WinnManor High School

How I Passed The TSI Test

A few saturdays agoI went to Manor HighSchool to take my TSI test.I was nerves but my momtold me not to think toomuch into the test. WhenI take test I usually thinknegative and get nerves. Iam a student who has test

anxiety so my mom taughtme techniques to getthrough the test a weekbefore. So one techniqueshe taught me was tobreath through everyquestion.

Then she told me toreread each question tomake sure I get the answerthe author is asking me.But one thing that workedfor me was, do not do teststrategies because when Ido test strategies I getnerves and overthink aquestion. So I didn't do mystrategies. Then I camefrom a pastor family andmy grandparents and momhas always taught me topray or say a scripturewhen I am nerves. So Iprayed, sung gospel, andsaid scriptures. And at theend of doing all of this Ipassed my test.

New Year, New Me

Ira “T.J.” WilliamsCedar Ridge H. S.

A new year is uponus. This is the time wherepeople celebrate andreminisce about eventsthat had happened lastyear. People reciting thecliche phrase, “New year,new me,” to each other.However, this is also whenpeople make long lists ofresolutions for the newyear that usually never getaccomplished.

Some may say theywant to exercise every

day, or eat less junk food,or finally accomplish agoal that they set the yearprior. But within the firstmonth of the new year,those goals and resolu-tions often fade away andthe person ends up beingjust the same as they werelast year. The problem isn’tthe resolutions made, it’sthe person’s willingness tocommit to them. Everyonehas great plans for the newyear, but not a lot of themwant to take the timeneeded to make thingshappen.

I personally don’thave any new year’s reso-lutions for 2017. However,I do have some things thatI can improve on from lastyear. I believe that’s whatpeople should be doinginstead of trying tochange parts of them-selves every year. Theyshould try to make im-provements on their lives’every year.

Pre-Christmas Break Traditions

Kayla WinnManor New Technology

During the week be-fore Christmas breakvarious events occur atManor New Tech HighSchool (MNTHS). The sec-ond event that has be-come a tradition is thestudent versus staff bas-ketball game and alumnipanel. On the Friday be-fore break the alumnifrom the previous gradu-ating class come toMNTHS to speak abouttheir first few months asa college student. Thestudents are giving the

opportunity to ask thealumni any questionsthey have regarding lifeafter high school. Mosthave both good and badexperiences that highschool students can learnfrom in the future. Afterthe panel alumni thatchoose to play in the stu-dent versus staff basket-ball game do their lastminute workouts andpreparations before thegame.

Freshman, sopho-mores, jouniors, seniors,and staff are allowed toparticipate in or watch thegame. During half timethe MNTHS Lunitechs,roller derby team showedoff their skills in a shortdemonstration. The girlsall introduced themselvesthen roller skated aroundthe gym as the schoolcheered them on. By theend of the game studentsmanaged to pull aheadand win the game onceagain.

Kevin ParishPark Crest M.S.

New Year’s Eve

On the day beforeNew Year’s Eve I asked mymom can I go to this kick-back that my friend washaving at her house. Theparty started at 9 andended at 1:30. During thattime her parents started afire so we can make

s’mores and to warm usup because it was kind ofcold outside. They also hadfood and drinks for us toeat like pizza, sandwiches,soda and water. When ev-erybody was outside wewere listening to musicand a police officer askedcan we keep our music alittle bit lower and we did.It was getting close to 12o’clock and we got readyto say Happy New Year bygetting on our phones andabout to record a ten sec-ond video for social media.Even one of my friendsmade us do a toast for theNew Year. I had a greatNew Year’s eve and I hopeyou y’all did too.

MLK Oratory Competition

The MLK Oratory Competition will take placeon Thursday, January 12, 2017 at 6:00pm at St.James Episcopal Church, 1941 Webberville Rd.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was a minister, hu-manitarian, activist and non-violence civil rightsleader who believed in equality for all individu-als. He articulated very clearly in his message,“There is but One Race, and that is The HumanRace.” The annual program designed by the Aus-tin Area Heritage Council recognizes and encour-ages the writing and speaking skills of fourththrough sixth-grade students by celebrating cul-tural diversity. The competition is presented in thespirit of learning and as a celebration of Dr. King’slegacy.

Oratory Finalists will compete in a five-minute speech based on the theme, “As we con-tinue with the legacy of Dr. King and if he werealive today, what would you personally discusswith him to demonstrate to the people of the

world that change begins with self and with thepossibilities of positive change, these differencesthat make us uniquely gifted and strong, can dis-play greatness?”

These inspiring young speakers will compete bydelivering personally written speeches commemo-rating Dr. King’s ideals and principles by continuingto encourage his legacy of peace and unity.

PHOTOS FROM 2016 MLK ORATORY COMPETITION, COURTESY OF THE AUSTIN HERITAGE COUNCIL.

MLK YouthLegacy Awards

The MLK Youth Schol-arship Awards were cre-ated to recognize youth inthe Austin community fortheir outstanding commit-ment and achievement, aswell as inspire the nextgeneration.

The award recipientsof Applied Materials Foun-dation Awards will receivea $1000 scholarship cour-tesy of the Applied Mate-rials Foundation. Awardrecipients of SetonHealthcare Family Awardswill receive a $2000 schol-arship courtesy of the Se-ton Healthcare Family.

The awards will bepresented at the MLKYouth Scholarship AwardsProgram scheduled for3pm-5pm, Saturday, Janu-ary 14, 2017, Austin Com-munity College, EastviewCampus, Building 8000,Multipurpose Room, FirstFloor, 3401 WebbervilleRoad.

All of the nomineesare invited to lead the MLKCommunity March 9amMonday, January 16, 2017starting at the MLK statueon the University of Texascampus, 23rd Street &Speedway.

www.theaustinvillager.com THE COURIER THE VILLAGER/January 6, 2017~ Page 5

2017 Austin MLK Events

Monday, January 16, 2017Citywide March, Rally & Cultural Festival

Sponsored by the City of Austin, H.E.B., Randall’sGrocery, McDonald’s, Austin Community College,

Greater Mt. Zion Church, andAmeriprise Financial Services

Beginning at the University of Texas, 21st and Speedway (near MLK Statue)and continuing on to the south steps of the State Capitol for a short program. Fromthere, marchers will continue on to the historic Huston-Tillotson University. Partici-pants can meet at 9:00 a.m. at UT (near the MLK Statue). Marchers are encouragedto bring can goods or non-perishable food items to the March to be donated to theCapital Area Food Bank

Cultural Festival begins immediately following the March at Huston TillotsonUniversity on 8th and Chalmers, featuring local musical artists and a variety of pri-vate/public sector & community-based of vendors. Festival begins at 11:00 a.m.and will run to 3:00 p.m. Open to the public.

For a detail list of events see Pg. 8

Saturday, January 14, 2017MLK Day of Service

In partnership with United Way for Greater AustinUnited Way for Greater Austin and Keep Austin Beautiful are recruiting volun-

teers for this year’s MLK Day of Service. We hope you’ll consider honoring Dr. King’slegacy of service by volunteering for the MLK Boulevard Clean Up.

The MLK Boulevard clean up is open to volunteers of all ages. Additionally,Little Helping Hands will host a family friendly volunteer fair immediately followingthe kick off for families with young children. Sign up is required for that event.

The MLK Day of Service will begin with a kick-off breakfast at United Way forGreater Austin (2000 E MLK Blvd.) at 9 am. Volunteers will then disperse from thekick-off breakfast to

www.handsaoncentraltexas.org

TreySongzKickedOut ofMGM

NationalHarbor

December seems likea terrible month for TreySongz after being kickedout a casino resort inMaryland and arrested inDetroit.

The end of 2016,spelled nothing buttrouble for R&B singerTrey Songz.

On Dec. 23, the Vir-ginia native was kicked outof the MGM National Har-bor Casino in Oxon Hill,Md.

According to a videoposted on theentertainer’s Snapchat ac-count on Dec. 23, the 32-year-old, whose real nameis Tremaine Neverson, saidhe was playing cards at atable when a man at an-other table started “talk-ing crazy.” After his secu-rity approached the manto settle the disturbance,the artist said he and hiscrew were ejected fromthe casino for being “un-ruly.”

In his Snapchat video,Songz decried, with pro-fanities, the PrinceGeorge’s County police,the MGM casino in bothPrince George’s Countyand Las Vegas and its em-ployees. The video has ap-peared on several socialmedia sites includingInstagram and You Tubewith more than 3,000

by: Chelsea BurwellSpecial to the AFRO

views combined.“F*** the

MGM…once more,” Songzsaid in a post on Twitter onDec. 25. The post was likedby more than 1,000people and retweetedmore than 300 times.

Neither, MGM orSongz’ label commentedon the incident. However,in the video, the artist saida MGM staff member of-fered to accommodatehim if his social mediaposts relating to the inci-dent were deleted.

Even though, thesinger vocalizes his dis-pleasure with law enforce-ment in the video postedto social media, the{Washington Post} re-ported that JenniferDonelan, spokeswoman

for the Prince George’sCounty Police Depart-ment, said that her depart-ment was not involved inSongz’ ejection from theresort.

In a separate inci-dent, on Dec. 28, Songzwas taken into custody inDetroit, Mich. for unrulybehavior.

He was charged Dec.29 with aggravated assaultand assaulting a police of-ficer after he threw micro-phones and speakers froma stage, following his per-formance at Detroit’s JoeLouis Arena.

Songz was releasedfrom jail Dec. 29 after post-ing the $25,000 bail, accord-ing to {People Magazine}.He is scheduled to appearin court on Jan. 5.

(AUSTIN, Texas) - Huston-Tillotson University, in partnership withnine other Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in thesoutheast region, will commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. MartinLuther King Jr. through community service.

The colleges and universities will collaboratively engage in one of thenation’s largest day of civic engagement, reflecting King’s legacy to buildcapacity, invest in community solutions, create collaborations that valuediversity, and improve the wellbeing and empowerment of our commu-nity.

This is the second year Huston-Tillotson students will participate inthe national HBCU service initiative that will engage more than 60,000students, faculty, staff, volunteers, stakeholders, and community membersin service activities across the nation. With funding from the Corporationfor National and Community Service, Huston-Tillotson University haspartnered with Kealing Middle School, Blackshear Elementary, the AustinArea Heritage Council, ICUSP, Peace Through PIE, Blackshear Bridge, SixSquare, Austin African-American Book Festival, and Keep Austin Beauti-ful to coordinate service activities that will positively impact our commu-nity.

The MLK service activities will take place during January 14-21, 2017.Huston-Tillotson students will not only serve, but create and lead projectsthat change their lives and the lives of others. The events include: collect-ing and donating canned food, cultivating community-school gardens atBlackshear and HT, landscaping at Kealing Middle School and Six Square,community clean-up, and a book drive /MLK Read-a-thon donation.

Last year, the students received honorable recognition for their partici-pation in the service projects, and this year, they are dreaming bigger. Thiswe are very excited to partner with Austin’s African-American Book Festi-val and donate African-American children’s books to Blackshear Elemen-tary. Each time a HT student reads a book to the students, the book isdonated to their library. If you would like to donate books, please stop byour Campus Life Office located in the Davage-Durden Student Union.The Huston-Tillotson University 2017 MLK Spread the Service activitiesinclude:Jan. 14. 10 a.m.: Community Gardening at Blackshear Elem with Blackshear BridgeJan. 16. 6 a.m.: MLK festival set-up at Huston-Tillotson UniversityJan. 16. 9 a.m.: MLK March, festival, and canned food drive with the Austin Area Heritage CouncilJan. 16, 10 a.m.: Peace through PIE Social at Blackshear Elementary.Jan.17, 10 a.m.: MLK Dream BIG Read-a-thon at Blackshear Elementary.Jan. 21, 12 p.m.: Peace through Pie Social at Kealing Middle School,Community Gardening at Huston-Tillotson, Landscaping at Kealing MiddleSchool, Landscaping at Six Square. and Blackshear/Kealing NeighborhoodClean-UpThe HBCUs participating in the MLK Spread the Service Campaign include:

· Albany State University – Albany, GA· American Baptist College – Nashville, TN

· Benedict College – Columbia, SC· Clinton College – Rock Hill, SC

· Dillard University – New Orleans, LA· Huston-Tillotson University – Austin, TX· Jackson State University – Jackson, MS

· Morehouse College – Atlanta, GA· Southern University and A&M College – Baton Rouge, LA

· Talladega College – Talladega, ALIf you are interested in learning more about the service projects and

would like participate, donate books, and/or canned foods, please checkout our Huston-Tillotson University Facebook Events page and follow usat tag #HBCUSPREADTHESERVICE.

HT TO COMMEMORATETHE LEGACY OF DR.

MARTIN LUTHER KING JR.

Huston-Tillotson University Alumni Austin Chapterto Host Inaugural MLK Unity Breakfast

AUSTIN, Texas —(1.3.17) The Huston-Tillotson UniversityAlumni Austin Chapterwill host its InauguralMLK Unity Breakfast“Keeping the DreamAlive”, on Saturday,January 14, 2017.

The speaker is thehonorable Mayor of SanAntonio, Ivy Taylor.

Registration begins at 8a.m., with breakfast at8:30 a.m. The breakfastwill be held in theDavage-Durden Stu-dent Union.

Tickets are $50. Topurchase tickets, pleasevisit www.htu.edu, andclick DONATE in thetop right corner of thewebsite, and type in

“MLK Breakfast” in thecomment/memo sec-tion. Please call MaryAshford at 512.914.5902for more information.

Page 6 ~ THE VILLAGER/January 6, 2017 DIASPORA www.theaustinvillager.com

AustinBlackStarsHoldsEnd ofYearParty

Pictured left to right: James, Wisdom, and Sampson - Austin Black StarsFootball Club leadership members. Photo courtesy of Tsoke (Chuch) Adjavon

On December 30th,the Austin Black Star Soc-cer Club of Austin (ABS)hosted their End of YearParty in the heart of Aus-tin. It was an opportunityfor the members of theABS to come togetherwith the rest of the com-munity. According toSampson, one of the orga-nizers, “This year we pur-posely looked for a biggervenue to attract morepeople to the event and to

by Tsoke(Chuch) Adjavon |Villager Columnist

show that we can put agood program together,”

The ABS is an orga-nization that brings theAfrican community to-gether over the love ofsoccer. ABS meets twice aweek on Tuesdays and Fri-days. According toSampson, “It allows forgood exercise which inturn helps them to stayhealthy. Not only does itallow them to stay healthy,but it also serves as a way

to bring the family to-gether. The ABS is rootedin family values. Ourevents are a way for fami-lies to come together andto even enjoy each other.“

Moreover, the ABSend of year party was amemorable night in theAfrican community ofCentral Texas for the factit was very well attendedby those in the commu-nity. For instance, there

were Africans from vari-ous backgrounds fromGhana, Togo, Nigeria,Cameroon, DemocraticRepublic of Congo, andLiberia. According to theorganizers, about 200people attended thisevent. Finally the ABSused this night to recog-nize its members andother individuals who aremaking a difference inthe African community ofCentral Texas.

Texas LegislatureIs In Session

For the next 150 days, the Texas Legislature willbe in session. The members of the Texas Legislature whocome from various parts of the state will meet in Aus-tin to discuss and vote on issues that affect all Texans.Moreover, the Texas Legislature that is controlled bythe Tea Party Republicans will push for more conserva-tive social policies. Some of the issues that this legisla-ture will try to push are for more “Police friendly bills.”In other words, they will seek to reserve some of thegains made by various civil rights group.

Although Senator Whitmire is a Democrat fromHarris County, he has authored Senate Bill 273. More-over, SB 273 calls for, “The various school districts toteach 9th graders on how to respect police officers.”According to Texas Senator Whitmire Democrat of Har-ris County, “The recent friction between officers andpeople of color is caused by the lack of respect comingfrom the community. However, according to DiasporaVote, “The SB 273 seeks to be an escape goat to com-munities of color for the uptick in police brutality.”

SB 273 which is designed to please “urban Repub-lican voters, will further divide Texans. Moreover, theimplementation of SB 273 poses more questions thananswers. For instance, “Why is a Democratic Party Sena-tor like Whitmire is trying to overload teachers with thisnew course? How will the School district pay for theextra hours to teach this class?” According to DiasporaVote, “This bill plays with racial politics which will breakthe Democratic Party turnout of African Americans. Infact, no Democrat can explain to African Americansabout how the bill will stop police brutality.

Texas SenatorJohn Whitmire

by Tsoke (Chuch) Adjavon | Villager Columnist

African Businesses Booming in Pflugerville

Mark Nwakamina,Owner of FABACEA African Cuisine.

by Tsoke(Chuch) Adjavon |Villager Columnist

Over the years, busi-ness owners from the Af-rican Diaspora havemade Pflugerville theirbusiness headquarters.In other words,Pflugerville has become adestination for numerousAfrican Diaspora commu-nities to do business.Pflugerville has become apopular destination dueto its demographics andits good business climate.For instance, MarkNwakamina from the Af-rican Diaspora decided toopen up the Fabeacci Af-rican Restaurant due tothe demographics andthe good business cli-mate of Pflugerville. Ac-cording to Mark, “Thelarge African Americanpopulation and the grow-ing African Diaspora inPflugerville has provideda good clientele base forhis business.”

Fabaceae is an Afri-

can restaurant which hasbeen in business for aboutexperiencing tremendousgrowth due to their

“healthy menu and its va-riety of food choices.” Ac-cording to the owner,“Most of the food that is

prepared does not includecooking oil instead; thereare a lot fresh vegetableproduces.” In addition,they serve a variety offoods that come fromthroughout West Africaalong with some “Ameri-can dishes.” For instance,some of the dishes thatthey have include Fufuwith Egusi Soup; friedplantain; scotched eggsserved with pancakes andmaple syrup.

According to theowner who has been inbusiness for over 20years, “There is a need tohave an authentic Africanrestaurant in CentralTexas.” He also mentionedthat one can drive and see“Italian American restau-rants or Tex-Mex restau-rants, so why not have Af-rican restaurants too?”Moreover, Fabaceae willbe a location in which theAfrican community andother communities can ex-perience some good Afri-can food.

MLK Day FilmScreenings

MLK Day Film Screenings at the Boyd Vance The-atre on Friday, January 13th 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

• 11:00 a.m. “King – Go Beyond the Dream toDiscover the Man

• 12:40 p.m. “Eyes on the Prize: Vol. 5, Power!(1966-1968) The Promised Land (1967-1968) America’sCivil Rights Movement

• 2:45p.m. “Selma”

San Antonio MLK Jr. CommemorativeLecture feat Dr. Marc Lamont Hill

Trinity Universitywill honor the late Mar-tin Luther King Jr. with apublic lecture and par-ticipation in a San Anto-nio march commemorat-ing the slain civil rightsleader. The Universityand the City of San Anto-nio MLK Jr. Commission’sannual MLK Jr. Com-memorative Lecture willfeature Dr. Marc LamontHill as the keynote speakerat 7:30 p.m. Thursday,January 12 in Laurie Audi-torium on the Trinity Uni-versity campus.

Dr. Marc LamontHill’s speech is titled“From Segregation to So-cial Justice: What WouldMartin Say?” Dr. MarcLamont Hill is one of the

leading intellectualvoices in the country. Heis currently the host ofBET News and VH1 Live,as well as a political con-tributor for CNN. Anaward-winning journal-ist, Dr. Hill has receivednumerous prestigious

awards from the NationalAssociation of Black Jour-nalists, GLAAD, and theInternational Academy ofDigital Arts and Sciences.Dr. Hill is DistinguishedProfessor of AfricanAmerican Studies atMorehouse College. Prior

to that, he held positionsat Columbia Universityand Temple University.

The lecture is FREEand open to the public. Formore information on thislecture, please contactStudent Involvement at210-999-7547.

Dr. M

arc Lamont H

ill

BizAid BusinessOrientation

January 10th 9:00 am | 10:30 amEntrepreneur Center of Austin

Training Room 14029 South Capital of Texas Highway #110

BizAid Business Orientation provides ageneral overview of opening a small businessor re-evaluating an existing business duringits growth. In this session, you will be in-formed of key questions to consider when de-veloping your business and resources to takeyou to the next level.

EMPLOYMENT | PROPOSALS | PUBLIC INFORMATIONFOR SALE | FOR RENT | BIDS | MISCELLANEOUS

www.theaustinvillager.com CLASSIFIEDS THE VILLAGER/January 6, 2017 ~ Page 7

Are you interested in doing businesswith the City of Austin?

We are here for you!City of Austin

Purchasing OfficeVendor Registration

512-974-2018VendorReg@austintexas.gov

www.austintexas.gov/department/purchasing

For information on the City of Austin’s Minority/Women-Owned Procurement Program please contact theSmall & Minority Business Resources at 512-974-7600 orvisit www.austintexas.gov/smbr.

Steel BuildingsOld price steel available forquick reduction of inventory.Limited inventory availabledirect from factory.Call forAvailability 800.964.8335EX:4441

• Applications and Resumes• Interview Coaching• Other Community Resources

1. Learn How Government Works

2. Invest in Your Community

3. Have Access to Great Benefits andWellness Programs

4. Learn to Navigate Obstacles throughInnovation

5. Be a Part of a Great Team

5 Reasons to Work for the City of Austin

Visit www.austincityjobs.org to search andapply for City of Austin jobs.

Visit one of our five Employment Assistancelocations to get help with:

For more information on City jobs orEmployment Assistance locations:

Call: 512-974-3210 or TDD 1-800-526-9159Email: employment.services@austintexas.govVisit: austintexas.gov/employmentassistance

The City of Austin is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Follow us on:

Discover-Austin-Jobs

AustinCityJobs

BUILDING MATERIALSSteel Buildings

$5,000 to $1,000,000Utility, Garages, Warehouses,

Manufactured buildings or otherOld inventory discounted

Erection availableTroy: 800-964-8335 x 4710

www.sunwardsteel.com

officers Bergnes,Valdes and Alcin werefired, but did not explainthe reasons behind thedismissals.

In a statement Friday,Chief Rodolfo Llanes saidan internal affairs investi-gation found the officers’actions “inconsistent withthe mission and values ofour department.”

Attorney StephanLopez, who represents thethree officers, told TheAssociated Press that hisclients were joking andthat the comments weretaken out of context. Hepointed out that Alcin isAfrican-American andValdes has a Black grand-father.

“They wanted tomake an example out ofthis. But they made an ex-ample of the wrongpeople,” Lopez said.“These guys didn’t shootanybody. They wereclearly joking around.They are kids. You don’tterminate them the daybefore Christmas Eve.”

The incident hap-pened June 30, when thethree officers respondedto other rookie colleagues’questions about shootingranges in a WhatsApp chatthey often used to com-municate, the paper said.According to documentsobtained by the Herald,the officers-in-trainingshared department infor-mation on that thread.

It said the documentsshow Bergnes sarcasticallysuggested the friend look-ing for a shooting range trya Bank of America, adding“they’ll even give yousome cash.” He then sug-gested Model City — thepolice district that includesLiberty City and handlesthe bulk of the city’sshootings — as anotherlocation.

Valdes suggested aparticular intersection inthe Overtown community,according to the paper. Itadded that Alcin followedup, saying Valdes“wouldn’t understand”until he’s worked there.

The next day, an of-ficer warned them thattheir words were offensiveeven though she didn’tthink they were racist.“Your words can comeback to bite you,” she al-legedly wrote.

A sergeant learned ofthe conversation and or-

Cops’ Lawyer Says: “They wanted to makean example out of this. But they made an

example of the wrong people”CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

dered one officer to apolo-gize. He also wrote amemo to a lieutenantabout the matter, accord-ing to the Herald. Internalaffairs began an investiga-tion and concluded onDec. 19 that they brokesocial media, courtesy andresponsibility rules, thepaper said.

Lopez, the attorney,said it’s too early to saywhether he will file a law-suit for wrongful termina-tion or negotiate to gettheir jobs back. The offic-ers were still on probationafter being sworn in ear-lier this year.

Javier Ortiz, presi-dent of the police union,

said he didn’t agree withthe “joking texts” but thatit wasn’t enough for dis-missal. He said the citymanager would “ratherfocus on text messagesthan the senseless killingsand violent crime.”

The incident camemonths after the city ofMiami agreed to go undersupervision of the U.S. Jus-tice Department to reformits policing after a series ofpolice shootings from2008 to 2011. The agree-ment followed a reportthat questioned 33 policeshootings, including sevenBlack men and teenagerswho were killed in a shorttime.

NOTICE OF APPLICATION AND PRELIMINARY DECISIONFOR TPDES PERMIT RENEWAL FORA

MUNICIPAL SEPARATE STORM SEWER SYSTEM

TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY

PROPOSED PERMIT NO. WQ0004705000APPLICATION AND PRELIMINARY DECISION. The City of Austin, Water-

shed Protec tion Department, P.O. Box 1088, Austin, Texas 78767-1088 which operates theCity of Austin Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) has applied to the Texas Com-mission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for a renewal of Texas Pollutant Discharge Elimi-nation System (TPDES) Permit No. WQ0004705000 to authorize stormwater point sourcedischarges to surface water in the state from the City of Austin MS4. TCEQ received thisapplication on January 20,2016.

The MS4 is located within the corporate boundary (except agricultural lands) of theCity of Austin located in Travis, Hays, and Williamson Counties, Texas, 78610, 78612, 78613,7 8 6 1 7 , 7 8 6 4 0 , 7 8 6 4 1 , 7 8 6 4 5 , 7 8 6 5 2 , 7 8 6 5 3 , 7 8 6 6 0 , 7 8 6 6 4 , 7 8 6 8 1 , 7 8 7 0 1 -78705,78712,78717,78719, 78721 - 78739,78741,78742,78744 - 78754, and 78756 - 78759.Discharge is via the MS4 to various ditches and tributaries that eventually reach Lake Austin,Lake Travis, Onion Creek, Colorado River Below Town Lake, Town Lake (Lady Bird Lake),Barton Creek, Colorado River above La Grange, Segment Nos. 1403, 1404, 1427, 1428,1429, 1430, 1434 of the Colorado River Basin, and Brushy Creek in Segment No. 1244 of theBrazos River Basin. The unclassified receiving waters have a presumed aquatic life use ofhigh for perennial streams, limited for intermittent streams with perennial pools, and no sig-nificant life use for intermittent streams. The designated uses for Segment No. 1403 and 1429are contact recreation, public water supply, and high aquatic life; Segment Nos. 1427 and1244 are contact recreation, public water supply, high aquatic life, and aquifer protection;Segment Nos. 1404, 1428, and 1434 are contact recreation, exceptional aquatic life, andpublic water supply; and Segment No. 1430 is contact recreation, high aquatic life, and aqui-fer protection. No significant degradation of high quality receiving waters is anticipated.

The TCEQ Executive Director has completed the technical review of the applicationand prepared a draft permit. The draft permit, if approved, would establish the conditionsunder which the facility must operate. The Executive Director has made a preliminary deci-sion that this permit, if issued, meets all statutory and regulatory requirements. The permitapplication, Executive Director’s preliminary decision, and draft permit are available for view-ing and copying at One Texas Center Watershed Protection Department, 505 Barton SpringsRoad, 12th Floor, Austin, Texas 78704.

CHANGE IN LAW: The Texas Legislature enacted Senate Bill 709, effective Septem-ber 1, 2015, amending the requirements for comments and contested case hearings. Thisapplication is subject to those changes in law.

PUBLIC COMMENT / PUBLIC MEETING. You may submit public comments orrequest a public meeting about this application. The purpose of a public meeting is toprovide the opportunity to submit comments or to ask questions about the application. TCEQholds a public meeting if the Executive Director determines that there is a significant degreeof public interest in the application or if requested by a local legislator. A public meeting isnot a contested case hearing.

OPPORTUNITY FORA CONTESTED CASE HEARING. After the deadline for sub-mitting public comments, the Executive Director will consider all timely comments and pre-pare a response to all relevant and material, or significant public comments. Unless the ap-plication is directly referred for a contested case hearing, the response to comments willbe mailed to everyone who submitted public comments and to those persons who are onthe mailing list for this application. If comments are received, the mailing will also pro-vide instructions for requesting a contested case hearing or reconsideration of the Ex-ecutive Director’s decision. A contested case hearing is a legal proceeding similar to a civiltrial in a state district court.

TO REQUEST A CONTESTED CASE HEARING, YOU MUST INCLUDE THEFOLLOWING ITEMS IN YOUR REQUEST: your name; address, phone num-

ber; applicant’s name and permit number; the location and distance of your property/activities relative to the facility; a specific description of how you would be adverselyaffected by the facility in a way not common to the general public; a list of all disputedissues of fact that you submit during the comment period and, the statement “[I/we]request a contested case hearing.” If the request for contested case hearing is filed onbehalf of a group or association, the request must designate the group’s representativefor receiving future correspondence; identify by name and physical address an indi-vidual member of the group who would be adversely affected by the proposed facility oractivity; provide the information discussed above regarding the affected member’s lo-cation and distance from the facility or activity; explain how and why the member wouldbe affected; and explain how the interests the group seeks to protect are germane to thegroup’s purpose.

Following the close of all applicable comment and request periods, the Executive Di-rector will forward the application and any requests for reconsideration or for a contestedcase hearing to the TCEQ Commissioners for their consideration at a scheduled Commissionmeeting. The Commission may only grant a request for a contested case hearing on issues therequest or submitted in their timely comments that were not subsequently withdrawn. If ahearing is granted, the subject of a hearing will be limited to disputed issues of fact ormixed questions of fact and law relating to relevant and material water quality concernssubmitted during the comment period. TCEQ may act on an application to renew apermit for discharge of wastewater without providing an opportunity for a contestedcase hearing if certain criteria are met.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ACTION. The Executive Director may issue final approvalof the application unless a timely contested case hearing request or request for reconsidera-tion is filed. If a timely hearing request or request for reconsideration is filed, the ExecutiveDirector will not issue final approval of the permit and will forward the application andrequest to the TCEQ Commissioners for their consideration at a scheduled Commission meet-ing.

MAILING LIST. If you submit public comments, a request for a contested case hear-ing or a reconsideration of the Executive Director’s decision, you will be added to the mail-ing list for this specific application to receive future public notices mailed by the Office ofthe Chief Clerk. In addition, you may request to be placed on: (1) the permanent mailing listfor a specific applicant name and permit number; (2) the mailing list for a specific county; oror (3) the permanent mailing list for a specific applicant name and permit number and themailing list for a specific county. If you wish to be placed on the permanent or the countymailing list, clearly specify which list(s) and send your request to TCEQ Office of the ChiefClerk at the address below.

All written public comments and public meeting requests must be submitted tothe Office of the Chief Clerk, MC 105, TCEQ, P.O. Box 13087, Austin, TX 78711-3087 orelectronically at www.tceg.texas.gov/aboutlcomments.html within 30 days from the dateof newspaper publication of this notice.

AGENCY CONTACTS AND INFORMATION. If you need more information aboutthis permit application or the permitting process, please call the TCEQ Public EducationProgram, Toll Free, at 1-800-687-4040. Si desea informacion en espanol, puede llamar aI1-800-687- 4040. General information about the TCEQ can be found at our web site at https:l/www.tceg.texas.gov/ Further information may also be obtained from City of Austin at theaddress stated above or by calling Lee C. Lawson at 512-974-3348. Issuance Date: Decem-ber 01, 2016

Page 8 ~ THE VILLAGER/January 6, 2017 THE DISPATCH www.theaustinvillager.com

the $57 billion takeover of Monsanto by Germanymedicine and farm-chemical maker Bayer. The $100billion takeover of SABMiller by Budweiser makerAnheuser-Busch InBev was also completed.

FED FINALLY DELIVERSDuring his campaign, Trump said Federal Reserve

Chair Janet Yellen should be “ashamed” of the way she’srun policy since taking the helm in 2014. A year ago,the Fed appeared set to follow up its first interest ratehike in nearly a decade with three or four more in 2016.But there was no move until Dec. 14, when the U.S.central bank raised its main interest rate to a rangebetween 0.5 percent and 0.75 percent. Many factorsexplained its hesitation to raise rates, including uneaseover the global impact of China’s economic slowdownand uncertainty surrounding the U.S. election. But withthe U.S. economy continuing to do better than mostdeveloped countries — with unemployment below 5percent and inflation edging up — the Fed finally deliv-ered another hike. The markets are predicting anotherthree or four increases next year. Those expectationshave helped the dollar rally, especially as other majorcentral banks persevere with super-loose monetarypolicies to breathe life into their economies.

Janet Yellenhttps://www.flickr.com/photos/thespeakernews/16165619661

FED FINALLY DELIVERRATE HIKE,

LOOKING FOR MOREIN 2017

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

CHINA’S KEY ROLEAs the world’s second-largest economy, China is

playing a bigger role in the functioning of the globaleconomy. Nowhere was that more evident than in theearly months of 2016, when jitters over the scale of theslowdown in China caused wild swings in financial mar-kets. Stocks took a pounding while commodities tanked,with oil skidding to 13-year lows, as traders factored inlower demand from resource-hungry China. The slumpin commodities weighed heavily on economies like Aus-tralia that are big exporters of raw materials. China’seconomy is ending the year in relatively good health asauthorities try to pivot the economy’s focus from manu-facturing to more consumer spending. But Trump’spromises to take a tough stance in trade will be of con-cern to Beijing.

OPEC TAKES A STANDFor the first time since December 2008, at the

height of the financial crisis, the Organization of Petro-leum Exporting Countries cut its production levels in2016. November’s cut, soon followed by more cuts bynon-OPEC countries like Russia, helped push oil pricessharply higher. At over $50 a barrel, benchmark NewYork crude is now well above the near-13-year lowsaround $30 recorded at the start of 2016, when inves-tors focused on high supply and concerns over an eco-nomic slowdown. The oil slump helped put severalcrude-producing countries into severe recessions, in-cluding Brazil and Venezuela, and even saw wealthySaudi Arabia cut back on spending. The question for2017 is whether OPEC — and non-OPEC — countriescan deliver on their production promises. If they do andhigher oil prices stick, that will push up inflation in theglobal economy.

IT JUST GRATESOne of the major reasons why popular sentiment

has turned against governments has been a growingdistrust of elites. Perhaps nothing illustrated the issuemore than the “Panama Papers,” a leaked trove of dataon thousands of offshore accounts that helped thewealthy, the powerful and celebrities shelter their cashfrom the taxman, often without breaking the law. Crit-ics say these tax schemes are the core of a system thatgives an unfair advantage to big corporations and thewealthy. Outrage grew in the U.S. when it was revealedthat Wells Fargo employees opened up to 2 million bankand credit card accounts fraudulently to meet salesgoals. Bank employees also allegedly moved moneybetween those accounts and created fake email ad-dresses to sign customers up for online banking.

AUSTIN, Texas (January 2, 2017) – The Aus-tin Area Heritage Council encourages all Austinitesto realize Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream of unityand equality by participating in the 24th AnnualMLK Celebration. This year’s activities include:The MLK Oratory Competition, the Youth Schol-arship Awards, the Day of Service and theCitywide March, Rally and Community Festival.

The festivities begin on Thursday, January 12,2017 with the 12th Annual MLK Children’s Ora-tory Competition, which will be held at 6:00 p.m.at St. James’ Episcopal Church, located at 1941Webberville Road. Finalists from Barbara JordanEarly College Prep, Blackshear Elementary FineArts Academy, Maplewood Elementary, VolmaOverton Early College Prep and, Texas Empower-ment Academy will compete in a five-minutespeech based on the theme, “As we continue withthe legacy of Dr. King and if he were alive today,what would you personally discuss with him todemonstrate to the people of the world that changebegins with self and with the possibilities of posi-tive change, these differences that make usuniquely gifted and strong, can display greatness?”These inspiring young speakers will compete bydelivering personally written speeches commemo-rating Dr. King’s legacy of peace and unity. The1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners will each receive acash award.

On Saturday, January 14, 2017, the AustinArea Heritage Council will partner with UnitedWay for Greater Austin on several MLK Day ofService initiatives. Hands on Central Texas isAustin’s largest volunteer network. You canchange the course of Austin’s future, and it startswith service. In January of 2016, more than 600volunteers came together to complete over 20 com-munity improvement projects throughout Austin.We hope you’ll join us by bringing your friends,family and co-workers to participate in service inhonor of Dr. King. We can change the course ofAustin’s future, and it starts with service. The MLKHoliday is not only for celebration and remem-brance, education and tribute, but above all, a dayof service supporting your community. It is a dayof volunteering to feed the hungry, beautifyingparks, and much more. This year, we need yourhelp more than ever. Hands on Central Texas willbe hosting projects that center around MLK Blvd.between Hwy 183 and Chicon Streets includinglocal churches, parks and community centers aswell as the boulevard clean-up. Please checkUnited Way for Greater Austin’s website for spe-cific activities: www.handsoncentraltexas.org

Also, on Saturday, January 14, 2017 from 3:00p.m. to 5:00 p.m., the 2017 MLK Youth Scholar-ship Awards will be presented at the MLK YouthScholarship Awards Program at the Austin Com-

munity College’s Eastview Campus, which is lo-cated at 3401 Webberville Road, Building 8000in the Multipurpose Room. This program willrecognize high school nominees and award eightscholarship winners. The MLK Youth Scholar-ships was created to recognize youth in the Aus-tin community for their outstanding accomplish-ments. Five award recipients will receive a$1,000.00 scholarship courtesy of the AppliedMaterials Foundation for Academic Excellence/Education, Arts, Community Service, Fred“Mitchie” Mitchell Beating the Odds, Mathemat-ics and Science, and three award recipients willreceive a $2,000.00 scholarship courtesy of theSeton Family of Hospitals for the Seton MedicalCenter at the University of Texas Health SciencesAward, Daughters of Charity Humanitarian andSpirit Award and, Dell Children’s Medical Cen-ter Youth Leadership Award.

The 2016 MLK Celebration ends with the 24thAnnual MLK Community March, Rally and Cul-tural Festival to commemorate the national MLKDay Holiday and celebrate Dr. King’s legacy whileuplifting diversity and multi-culturalism in ourcity. The program will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Mon-day, January 16, 2017 at the University of Texas,on 21st and Speedway at the MLK Statue. TheMarch will continue on to the south steps of theState Capitol for a short program and marchers willcontinue on to the historic Huston-Tillotson Uni-versity, where exciting activities are planned until3:00 p.m. Individuals representing businesses, non-profit & community based organizations are in-vited to march and celebrate Dr. King’s legacy.

For the sixth consecutive year, we are askingmarchers to donate can goods or non-perishablefood items, which will be donated to the CentralTexas Food Bank. Assist us by helping fill the FoodBanks shelves with non-perishable food items.“True compassion is more than flinging a coin to abeggar; it is not haphazard and superficial. It comesto see that an edifice which produces beggars needsrestructuring.” — Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Donation receptacles will be available at TheUniversity of Texas and the Capitol, while themarch is in those locations. Receptacles will alsobe available at the festival at Huston-TillotsonUniversity.

Parking for the March is available at UT’sDisch Faulk Field (1300 E. MLK Blvd.), State Visi-tors Garage (Corner of 12th & San Jacinto St. –downtown Austin), Kealing Middle School (1607Pennsylvania Avenue), Holy Cross CatholicChurch (1610 E. 11th), Blackshear Elementary(1712 E. 11th), Greater Mount Zion BaptistChurch (1801 Pennsylvania Avenue), Our Ladyof Guadalupe Catholic Church (1206 E. 9th) andMt. Olive Baptist Church (1800 E. 11th).

2017 Theme:“LOVE = UNITY = POWER”

Austin Area Heritage CouncilPresents Series of Events to Honor

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

2017 MLKCelebration

of Events

MONTGOMERY, Ala.(AP) — Several NAACPmembers, led by their na-tional president, staged asit-in Tuesday at the Ala-bama office of U.S. Sen.Jeff Sessions to protest hisnomination to be thenation’s next attorneygeneral.

Nearly a dozen mem-bers of the civil rights or-ganization sat in Sessions’office in Mobile, Alabama— the city the Republicansenator calls home.NAACP President CornellWilliam Brooks said theyintended to remain thereuntil they were able tospeak with Sessions — orwere removed.

The group raised con-

cerns about multiple as-pects of Sessions’ recordincluding his prosecutionof African-American activ-ists for alleged voting fraudwhen he was a U.S. attor-ney. Brooks said Sessions“can’t be trusted to be thechief law enforcement of-ficer for voting rights.”

“We have an attorneygeneral nominee who doesnot acknowledge the realityof voter suppression whilemouthing faith in the mythof voter fraud,” Brooks saidby phone during the sit-in.

The group also raisedconcerns about the futureof the Voting Rights Act un-der Sessions and allegations— raised in Sessions unsuc-cessful confirmation hear-

ing for a federal judgeship— that Sessions made ra-cially insensitive remarkswhen he was a U.S. attor-ney.

Sessions has said hisremarks weremischaracterized during thehearing.

Sarah Isgur Flores, aspokeswoman for Sessions,said in a statement that thenominee has dedicated hiscareer to upholding the ruleof law, ensuring publicsafety and prosecuting gov-ernment corruption.

“Many African-American leaders who’veknown him for decadesattest to this and havewelcomed his nominationto be the next Attorney

General. These false por-trayals of Senator Sessionswill fail as tired, recycled,hyperbolic charges thathave been thoroughly re-buked and discredited,”the statement added.

The sit-in protestcame after the NAACPheld news conferencesoutside Sessions’ variousAlabama offices.

The demonstrationmarked the latest criticismof President-elect DonaldTrump’s pick for attorneygeneral. Sessions’ confir-mation hearings are ex-pected to begin nextweek, highlighted by a vig-orous push both by thosefavoring the nominationand those opposed to it.

NAACP Sit-in at Alabama Office of Attorney General Nomineeby: Kim Chandler |Associated Press