Blog
Councilmember Johnson makes proclamation presentation to Regina Kelly and Tim Disney at City Hall
4/22/20092:31:45 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment
On Tuesday, April 21, Councilman Johnson presented Ms. Regina Kelly and Mr. Tim Disney with an official City of Houston Proclamation to declare American Violet Day in the city. Both expressed their deep appreciation for the acknowledgement and asked that everyone support the movie. For more information on the movie please visit:www.americanviolet.com See photo highlights below.
Photo Highlights of Screening of AMERICAN VIOLET hosted by Councilmember Johnson
4/22/20092:29:32 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment
Council Member Johnson to host screening of the film 'American Violet' to address a serious issue
4/15/20098:52:44 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment
For Immediate ReleaseApril 15, 2008Contact(s):Iris Williams832.393.3009districtb@cityofhouston.netJesse Muhammad832.978.0939jesse.muhammad@gmail.comCouncilman Jarvis Johnson joins Statewide
& Local Community Organizations to address a "Real Concern"
AMERICAN VIOLET, TELLS THE STORY HOW THE DRUG WAR HAVE BECOME THE NEW JIM CROW
Houston, Texas--AMERICAN VIOLET, a Samuel Goldwyn film is scheduled to be released April 17, 2009; in certain parts of the country, however, it will be viewed in Houston, Texas on Monday April 20, 2009 at Regal Edward Greenway 24 Theater located at 3839 Weslayan St., Houston, TX 77027, beginning at 7:00 p.m. No admission.
Councilman Jarvis Johnson is joined by Black United Fund of Texas, COTER, Gift of Life Drug-Free, Black Women for a Changing Society, and the Multi Cultural Film Festival in hosting a very informative thought provoking passionate film about the pain of what can kill a family, destroy trust, terminate faith, unravel a community and create pandemonium in a city, when the law wears blinders with ear muffs and law and order, is out of order. Councilman Johnson states, we must be ever vigilant in making sure there is fair justice, not just us.
If we do not openly address these circumstances and tragedies we will forever be plagued with what most of us believe to be relevant, but isolated, not true. This sort of thing happens more times than we want to admit as to why the system in Texas must be fixed, must be corrected, must be fair. To often the Black community operates in a vacuum and stand along waiting on others to come to our defense, we must change our circumstances if this is ever going to stop, we must take a position and execute a plan of action, never again to be defenseless. This film's release presents an exceptional opportunity to explore how the drug war has become the new Jim Crow and why the community must get involved. The young woman that this film is based on proves that God is on our side when we trust and stand up and fight.
This film points out 95% of criminal convictions in this country are the result of plea-bargains, not jury trials, which so many times happens to Blacks, states Councilman Johnson. We must stand on the premise that the system not just in Texas needs to change but procedures need revamping all over this country; justice needs to be fair for all people regardless of race or economic background.
American Violet is based on real events and set in a small Texas town in the midst of the 2000 Bush/Gore Presidential election. AMERICAN VIOLET tells the astonishing story of Regina Kelly (played by newcomer Nicole Beharie), a 24 year old African-American single mother of four who is wrongfully swept up in a drug raid. Despite the urgings of her mother (Academy Award® nominee Alfre Woodard), and with her freedom and the custody of her children at stake, she chooses to fight the powerful district attorney (Academy Award® nominee Michael O'Keefe) and the unyielding criminal justice system he represents.
Joined in an alliance with an ACLU attorney (Tim Blake Nelson) and former local narcotics officer (Will Patton), Regina risks everything in a battle that forever changes her life, and the Texas justice system. AMERICAN VIOLET also stars Emmy Award® winner Charles Dutton and Xzibit.
Talent from the film will be on hand for a Q&A to inspire feedback from the audience and lead the discussion. Please be there early showing begins at 7:00 p.m. There will be no admission as to why it is imperative to RSVP; seating is limited.
Regal Edward Greenway 24
3839 Weslayan St., Houston, TX 77027
MONDAY, APRIL 20TH @ 7:00PM
RSVP to avhouston@bazanpr.com or 1.888.246.7164-ext.709
TUESDAY, APRIL 21ST @ 7:00PM
RSVP to AVHOUSTON2@BAZANPR.COM or 1.888.246.7164-ext.710“The State of Our School Address and Breakfast”. Will You Be There?
4/9/20091:50:06 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment
Greeting Constituents, I have been invited to represent you at the Annual “The State of Our School Address and Breakfast” on April 15th, 2009 at Wheatley High School. The theme is C.H.A.N.G.E.: Making The Transition Through Acceptance and the school is experiencing change at this time. As we forge into the 21st Century, and Wheatley being one of our Historical Black Institutions, their asking for the assistance of Alumni, Concerned Citizens, Friends, Parents, City –State and Local Officials with this change.
I will be there!
Their expectations for the future is high and they need our assistance with our children in areas of dress code, attendance and more over TAKS testing. As they said to me "great minds are at stake here as well as this Black Historical Institute". We must come together and accept this change. Our harvest needs to be harvested.
Please mark your calendar and please make plans to attend. This is our History – This is Our Change.
What: Annual Community BreakfastWhen: April 15th, 2009Where: Phillis Wheatley High School 4801 Providence Street Houston, Texas 77020 (School Rotunda)Time: 9:30 AMFor more information call Frances Yarbrough at (713)408–4360Councilmember Jarvis Johnson partners with Sure Thing, Inc and DARE Plus for SPRING BLAST 2009!!!
4/9/20091:20:01 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment
TIDWELL PARK9720 Spaulding, Houston, TX 77016At Tidwell & Homestead Behind McDonald’s Good Friday, April 10, 20099:00AM – until – 2:00PMHosted By: Sure Thing Inc. and DARE Plus Featuring: Councilmember Jarvis Johnson of District B and Councilmember at Large Peter Brown FREE FOOD!EASTER EGG HUNT! FREE DRINKS!ENTERTAINMENT! GAMES!