The city's West Community Redevelopment Agency took the Ali Building through eminent domain but is negotiating a lease with Eta Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi -- a black fraternity. Featured here are Harry Harrell (center), Wayne Comer (left) and Willie Jones (right). The group plans to turn it into a community center.

Painted like a playing card, the 1930s landmark on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard lures people to its boarded up doors. The homeless break in and sleep in it. Deputies patrol it. Passers-by gawk at it.

Despite its tattered condition, the Ali Building remains a historic presence in the Northwest area's black community. Its original owners, the late Frank and Florence Ali, were among the first black merchants to own their building — a rare accomplishment during a time of legalized segregation.   more »

For 33 years, the Fort Hood-based chapter of Omega Psi Phi has been giving scholarships to graduating high school seniors.

Last year, the chapter gave 13 $1,000 scholarships, and this year they hope to do more. In order to achieve their goal, they've planned their first Scholarship Rodeo Friday through Sunday at the Killeen Rodeo Grounds.

"We're just trying to give more," said Malcolm Dickenson, event organizer. "We hope everyone comes out to support our cause."

For three nights, the rodeo will spotlight eight events with a variety of riders, including mutton busting for the kids, barrel racing, bareback and saddle wild horse riding, steer wrestling, and more.   more »

Charles Williams is a popular businessman on the East Side, and a few years ago, the barber found a way to do something nice for kids in his community.

Williams and the students at his school, Williams Barber College, gave free haircuts on Friday to kids going back to school.

"A lot of these single parents, not much help, so we feel the least we can do is give haircuts for the children," Williams said.

Members of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity have partnered with the businessman.   more »

Purvis Hunt was a career criminal until he turned his life around. Now he helps kids avoid the mistakes he made and find jobs. Former gang member Purvis Hunt helps kids land jobs so they don’t make the bad choices he made earlier in his life. But he could lose his city job because of budget cuts.

Purvis Hunt is not a man most would peg as a role model. First arrested at age 12 for robbery and assault, he began drinking and using drugs around the same time. During his teenage years, he helped rob a motel, fired off wild shots at a party and once faced 15 years in prison before getting off on a technicality.   more »