By: Natiece Ford In the words of Donald Trump, “I don’t care what she is…” The September 10, 2024 presidential debate between cur-rent Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump did not focus on the race or gender of either candidate. Rather, women’s rights, the Affordable Care Act, immigration, inflation, and foreign...
Phaedra Parks, the multi-talented attorney and reality TV star, has added yet another achievement to her impressive résumé by joining the cast of Dancing with the Stars for its 2024 season. This exciting venture has not only delighted her fans but has also introduced Parks to a whole new audience. Her participation is part...
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By: David Ellison Join the Office of Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, County Engineering Department and Public Health for a groundbreaking ceremony to announce the first construction phase of the estimated $200 million revitalization of the historic Riverside General Hospital facility, which will be the health department’s headquarters. Riverside opened in 1927 as the...
By: USA Today So tenacious conservative Dick Cheney and progressive icon Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are voting for the same presidential candidate. You don’t see that every election. Former President Donald Trump’s bid to regain power is generating all kinds of odd situations, including stalwart opposition from party leaders and members of the Republican political establishment...
Dallas, TX – July 17, 2024 – St. Luke Community UMC is hosting its 9th annual Mental Health Symposium from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. (CST) Saturday, July 20, 2024, virtually on Zoom. The symposium, held in conjunction with National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, addresses the intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system, and advocates for crucial reforms and community-based solutions. The Honorable John Wiley Price, commissioner of Dallas County District 3, is the keynote speaker. The Honorable Lela Lawrence Mays, presiding judge of Dallas County’s 283rd Criminal District Court, leads a panel of six distinguished speakers who will explore pivotal topics such as the impact of mental health crises on 911 calls, decision-making processes for first responders, the role of deflection centers as alternatives to incarceration, mental health services within jails, probation challenges, and future initiatives to improve mental health outcomes. “We are committed to fostering dialogue and action around the urgent need to reform how our justice system addresses mental health,” said Richie Butler, senior pastor of St. Luke Community UMC. “Our symposium serves as a platform to educate, empower, and advocate for equitable mental health care solutions that prioritize compassion and support.” The symposium is free and open to the public. Interested participants can get complete information and register at https://slcumc.org/mentalhealthsymposium-2024. Three Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available for free to mental health professionals through Hickory Trail Hospital in DeSoto, TX. St. Luke Community UMC will also host a special mental health worship celebration at 10 a.m. Sunday July 21, 2024. This service will include the presentation of the Lawana Porter Mental Health Trailblazer Award to Rev. Velda Turnley and Rev. Dr. Paula Dobbs-Wiggins for their exemplary leadership in promoting mental health awareness within faith communities. “We recognize the critical need to destigmatize mental illness and advocate for systemic change,” added Pastor Butler. “Through initiatives such as our Mental Health Ministry Scholarship, we support future mental health professionals who will provide culturally competent care to underserved communities.” About St. Luke Community United Methodist Church: Since 1933, St. Luke Community UMC has served as a...
In celebration of 30 years as the pioneer and the leading, black-led national organization dedicated to the black breast cancer crisis movement, Sisters Network® Inc., will host the 2024 National Black Breast Cancer Summit. The event on October 4-6, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency-Galleria, 2626 Sage Road, Houston, TX. 77056. The Summit is free and open to the public. The two-day Summit features leading breast health medical experts from major medical institutions who will present the latest information on breast health and survivorship. Registration is open now at sistersnetworkinc.org. Black women are 42% more likely to die of breast cancer as compared to white women. Black women under age 35 are diagnosed at 2 times the rate as White women and more likely die at 3 times the rate. Our National Black Breast Cancer Summit” is needed now more than ever,” stated Karen E. Jackson, Founder/CEO, Sisters Network Inc. “Our sisters are facing alarming breast cancer challenges. It’s imperative that we amplify the black breast cancer crisis, educate the community to help save our sisters lives.” Sisters Network is committed to empowering and educating Black women about the importance of early detection, advocating for health equity, eliminating barriers, and increasing access to quality care for all women,” added Jackson. During the summit on Saturday, October 5 at 12:00 p.m., Sisters Network®Inc. will also host the 30th Anniversary Pretty In Pink Luncheon & Style Show featuring fashions presented by Saks Fifth Avenue. Tickets may be purchased for $100.00. A portion of the funds raised support the Karen E. Jackson Breast Cancer Assistance Program (BCAP). “As Sisters Network® Inc. celebrates 30 years of being at the forefront of the black breast cancer movement, I’m inspired by the courage and resilience of the countless Black women our organization has provided emotional support and a sisterhood to during their breast cancer journey, the lives we have saved by educating black women about breast health and the over $1.6 million in financial assistance and mammogram support we have offered to the black community,” added Jackson. The National Black...
By: Brian Lewis This is pretty much all anyone needs to know about defending champion Coco Gauff ’s 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 loss to Emma Navarro in the US Open’s fourth round Sunday: Gauff wound up with more double-faults, 19, than winners, 14. It was the latest in a series of early-for-her exits in recent weeks, including bowing out in the third round at the Paris Olympics, then going 1-2 at hard-court tuneup events before arriving in New York. “I feel like there’s 70 other players in the draw that would love to have the summer that I had, even though it’s [the] least, probably, [I’ve] done well during this time of the year,” said the No. 3-seeded Gauff , who went 18-1 during the North American swing on hard courts 12 months ago, including the run to her first Grand Slam title. “So many people want to be in the fourth round. So many people want to make the Olympics. So many people want to be flag bearer. It’s perspective.” The 20-year-old from Florida did fight her way back into the match with a four-game run in which she claimed 14 of 17 points and grabbed the second set. “Had a little bit of a lull there,” said the 13th-seeded Navarro, an American who was 0-2 at the US Open until this year, “but I was able to regroup.” After each of her previous two contests in New York, Gauff headed back onto the practice courts to work on her serve. That didn’t help much Sunday, when she tied her career high for double-faults; she also had 19 in a loss at the 2020 French Open. Against Navarro, Gauff delivered a trio of double-faults in four different games. Eleven of the double-faults came in the final set alone. Gauff attributed her problems to a mix of is-sues with her mechanics — “I go down on my left side a lot on my serve, and it’s something I’m aware of, but it’s tough in the moment to, I guess, try not to do it,” she explained — and in her mind....
By: AP News Join us as we celebrate the life and legacy of Justin “BeatKing” Riley. Justin’s memorial service will be held August 29, 2024 at Bayou City Event Center. His gathering of family and friends will be a celebration of his humble spirit and fun energy. Admission is by ticket only as capacity is limited. Tickets will not be available at the venue or on the day of his service. Please wear all black clothing or your favorite BeatKing Shirt. We will serve Justin’s favorite foods, provided by Cali Kitchen. Th e Memorial Service for Justin “BeatKing” Riley Event Information We welcome you to join us in celebrating the life and legacy of Justin “BeatKing” Riley at the Bayou City Event Center. As we gather to honor his memory, please take note of the following information designed to ensure a respectful and smooth-running event. Tickets and Donations Admission: Attendance to the memorial service is by ticket only. Tickets are available through beatk-ingkong.com/events, subject to space availability. Donation-Based Tickets: Instead of a fixed price, tickets are available in exchange for a donation of any amount. Guests are encouraged to contribute what they feel appropriate. Non-Refundable Donations: All ticket payments are considered donations and are non-refundable. Your contributions are a cherished gift in memory of BeatKing and will be used to honor his family and legacy. Receipts and Acknowledgements: Donors will receive a receipt for their contribution. However, it’s essential to note that these donations may not be tax-deductible. We recommend consulting with a tax professional. Event Conduct Respect and Decorum: The memorial service is a solemn occasion. Attendees are kindly asked to conduct themselves with dignity and respect for the memory of Justin “BeatKing” Riley, his family, and other guests. Attire: With respect for the occasion, please wear appropriate attire. All black, your favorite BeatKing shirt, business or formal wear is recom-mended. Mobile Devices: Please silence all mobile devices upon entering the venue. We encourage guests to refrain from using phones or other electronic devices during the service. Security and Accessibility Safety Measures: For the safety and security...
Phaedra Parks, the multi-talented attorney and reality TV star, has added yet another achievement to her impressive résumé by joining the cast of Dancing with the Stars for its 2024 season. This exciting venture has not only delighted her fans but has also introduced Parks to a whole new audience. Her participation is part of her broader return to the spotlight, where she continues to captivate viewers with her versatility and ambition. Parks, known for her starring role in The Real Housewives of Atlanta (RHOA), is no stranger to high-stakes challenges. As a cast member of RHOA, she became a fan favorite for her sharp wit, professional success, and personal resilience. After leaving the show in 2017, Parks pursued several ventures, including her law practice and starring roles in other reality series like The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip and Married to Medicine. Her entry into Dancing with the Stars marks her latest bold move, showcasing her willingness to step out of her comfort zone and take on new challenges. Paired with professional dancer Valentin Chmerkovskiy, Parks dazzled during the season premiere with a performance to Whitney Houston’s classic hit, “I’m Every Woman.” The high-energy routine earned her a score of 19 out of 30, a solid start that placed her in a competitive position. Despite the intensity of the competition, Parks remains focused on winning the coveted Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy. Her determination to succeed, combined with her charisma and drive, has made her one of the standout stars of the season. What makes Parks’ participation in Dancing with the Stars even more compelling is her decision to approach the competition independently. Despite having several Housewives colleagues who have previously competed on the show, Parks chose not to seek their advice. Her goal, she explained, was to enter the experience with a fresh perspective, allowing herself to fully embrace the unique challenges of the show. By trusting her instincts and committing fully to the competition, Parks aims to carve out her own path and, hopefully, outshine her fellow reality stars who have previously competed. In addition to her desire...
Congressman Al Green will provide a legislative update and the status of Slavery Remembrance Day. Slavery Remembrance Day ensures the evils of slavery are never forgotten and thus never repeated. His Slavery Remembrance Day resolution passed the U.S. House of Representatives in the 117th Congress and was recognized by President Joe Biden. === More than 400 years ago, twenty enslaved Africans were forcibly brought to the shores of what would become the United States. Millions more were stolen and sold in the centuries that followed, part of a system of slavery that is America’s original sin. Great nations don’t hide from their history. They acknowledge their past, both the triumphs and the tragedies. This is a day to reflect on the terrible toll of slavery, and on our nation’s profound ability to heal and emerge stronger. Despite the horrors they faced, these men and women and their descendants have made countless contributions to the building of this nation and the continuous effort to realize the American ideal. REGISTER HERE
...Texas’s lengthy history of voter disenfranchisement is thoroughly the result of white supremacy. Voting laws here are the most deterring in the country. Voter participation is among the lowest, too. These facts are all related. Last month Governor Abbott bragged about masterminding the elimination of more than one million individuals from the voter rolls...
By: Bill King There was some slow-down during desegregation, as enrollment in private schools surged. However, growth resumed by the early 1980s at a little less than 2% each year. But by the late 1990s, the growth rate began to noticeably slow, eventually falling to under .5% annually. Public school enrollment peaked in 2019...
By: Mike LaFirenza The American dream of homeownership often begins with a starter home—a manageable property that allows young adults and families to establish roots, build equity, and lay the groundwork for fi nancial security. This initial step on the property ladder fuels the housing market and strengthens the economy by creating a generation...
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October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com
As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.
Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.