Marcus Freeman Makes History in College Football
January 15, 2025
One year later, and minority Texas college students are experiencing the effects of SB17. In December 2024, the National Assessment of Collegiate Campus Climates reported how college campuses have ra- cially changed after the implementation of SB17, the report shows that minority students are being greatly affected by the changes at their schools. Here...
Sunny Hostin, co-host of The View, has publicly defended her husband, Dr. Emmanuel Hostin, following a lawsuit that accuses him of insurance fraud. The case, filed by American Transit Insurance Company, alleges that Dr. Hostin engaged in fraudulent medical billing practices, including submitting claims for unnecessary procedures and receiving kickbacks. In response, Sunny Hostin...
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By: Phyllis Bailey The Edison Cultural Arts Center invites community members, local leaders, and stakeholders to commemorate a major milestone in its development with a Beam Signing Ceremony on Friday, January 3, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. The event will be held at the center’s construction site, 7100 W. Fuqua. Scheduled for completion by September...
On January 14th, 2025, Rep. Lauren Simmons was officially sworn in for her first term in the Texas House of Representatives. She represents House District 146 (HD146.) The district elects one representative to the Texas Legislature to advocate for the district at the state level. HD146 covers historic and underrepresented neighborhoods like Third Ward...
Mental health is important for everyone, but young Black men and women between 18 and 25 face unique challenges that make it even harder to stay mentally healthy. This stage of life comes with big changes, starting is stage of life comes with big changes, starting college, new jobs, relationships, or trying to figure out what is next. For many young Black adults, these pressures are made worse by racism, financial struggles, or feeling like they must be perfect to succeed. The numbers are concerning. Studies show that suicide rates among young Black adults have been rising faster than for any other racial group. Black men in this age group are at a high risk because they often do not feel comfortable talking about their feelings or asking for help. Society teaches them to “man up” or stay tough, which leads many to bottle up their emotions until it feels unbearable. Black women aged 18 to 25 also face unique struggles. Many feel pressure to “have it all together” balancing school, work, family, and relationships while looking perfect and staying strong. This “strong Black woman” stereotype can make them feel like they have no room to be vulnerable or ask for help when they need it. Another factor is social media, which affects both young Black men and women. It is easy to feel like you are not good enough when you see other people posting about their successes or perfect lives. This can lead to depression, anxiety, or feelings of failure, even when you are doing your best. The good news is that more young Black adults are starting to break these cycles. Many are choosing therapy, talking to friends and family about their feelings, and finding ways to take care of themselves. Therapy is not just for when something is “wrong,” it is a way to grow, heal, and take control of your life. If you are a young adult struggling, you are not alone. Start by finding someone you trust, like a mentor, pastor, teacher, or counselor. Look into mental health resources...
In 2024, the U.S. Navy exonerated 50 African American sailors who had been wrongfully charged with a crime during World War II. The sailors were accused of mutiny in July of 1944, (mutiny means refusing to obey orders in the military.) after refusing to return to work at the Port Chicago naval base in California. During WWII the United States was desperate for ammunition, and Port Chicago became an essential supply location. Black sailors were exclusively responsible for loading the ammunition, they expressed concerns about the danger and safety of their jobs, but they were ignored. 80 years later the Navy has official acknowledged their mistake in charging those 50 men with mutiny. During World War II, the U.S. Navy, like majority of the branches of the military were segregated. Black sailors were given the most dangerous jobs, expected to produce the same hard work as White sailors without the proper training or compensation. There were two deadly explosions on July 17th, 1944, 320 people were killed and 202 of those people were Black sailors; 390 more were injured. The explosion destroyed two naval ships and left the area unsafe and unworkable for the sailors. This explosion is considered the worst state side disaster in World War II. The white sailors were given a leave of absence and the Black sailors immediately had to return to doing the same dangerous job at another port. Initially 258, sailors refused to return but after threats of jail time most agreed to return. However, there were 50 men who would not budge, they started being called “the Port Chicago 50.” They were convicted of mutiny, sentenced to hard labor, and dishonorably discharged. The daughter of one of the sailors of the Port Chicago 50, spoke with CBS News about her father. Cyril Oscar Shepherd Jr. was a third-class gunner’s mate, he was 20 years old when the explosions happened, and he was sentenced to a little shy of two years in prison for his mutiny charge. Shepherd’s daughter Carol Cherry never knew about the story from her father but found...
Marcus Freeman, the head coach of the University of Notre Dame football team, is set to make history as the first Black head coach to lead a team in the College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship. This milestone not only cements his place in the history books but also represents a significant step forward in the ongoing diversification of leadership roles in college sports. A Trailblazing Journey to the Top Freeman’s rise to prominence in college football has been marked by perseverance, leadership, and a deep understanding of the game. Born on January 10, 1986, in Huber Heights, Ohio, he was a standout linebacker at Wayne High School before committing to play college football at Ohio State University. As a Buckeye, he was a key player on defense, earning All-Big Ten honors and serving as a team captain during his senior year. Although his professional playing career was cut short due to a medical condition, Freeman quickly transitioned into coaching. His early coaching stints included roles at Kent State, Purdue, and Cincinnati, where he gained recognition as one of the brightest young defensive minds in the country. His success at Cincinnati as the defensive coordinator helped catapult him into the national spotlight, making him a sought-after candidate for higher-profile coaching positions. Taking the Helm at Notre Dame In 2021, Freeman was hired as the defensive coordinator at Notre Dame under then-head coach Brian Kelly. His energy, intelligence, and ability to connect with players made an immediate impact on the team. When Kelly departed for LSU at the end of the 2021 season, Notre Dame made the bold decision to promote Freeman to head coach, making him the second Black head coach in the school’s storied football history. Freeman’s first season as head coach in 2022 had its challenges, as all first-year head coaches experience, but his leadership and strategic mindset helped Notre Dame remain a competitive force in college football. Over the next few seasons, he refined his coaching approach, recruited top talent, and built a program capable of competing for a national championship. Breaking Barriers in the College Football...
Grammy award nominee Eddie Levert loss his 22-year-old daughter to a lifelong battle with lupus on Christmas Eve. Ryan Levert was the third child the singer has had to bury. His son Gerald died in 2006, and another son Sean, died in 2008. All of his children passed away from health issue complications. Ryan’s death has brought attention to lupus, a disease that affects many people, especially in the Black community. Lupus is a disease that makes the body’s immune system attack itself. Instead of protecting the body from illness, the immune system harms healthy parts like the skin, joints, and organs. This can cause pain, swelling, and damage to important parts of the body like the kidneys and heart. Lupus can be very unpredictable. Some days, people with lupus feel fine. Other days, they have flare-ups, where the disease gets worse and causes more pain and problems. Lupus is more common in Black people than in other groups, and Black women are especially at risk. In fact, Black women are two to three times more likely to have lupus than white women. Lupus begins at a young age, usually between 15 and 44 years old, affecting Black women during some of the most important years of their lives. After decades of research scientists are not sure why this happens. They say it could be because of genes, the environment, or differences in healthcare. One big problem with lupus is that it can take years for someone to find out they have it. This is because lupus has many symptoms that look like other illnesses. For example, it can cause joint pain, tiredness, rashes, and fevers. Many people don’t realize these problems are caused by lupus until the disease has already done a lot of damage. For Black women, the delay in finding out can be worse because of healthcare inequalities and a lack of awareness. Unfortunately, there is no cure for lupus, but there are medicines that can help the symptoms. The treatments can lower swelling, reduce pain, and protect the body from more damage....
A recent study by Rice University found that people in Houston, about 2 out of every 3 are having a difficult time funding their basic needs such as food, gas, and housing expenses. This is called financial insecurity, meaning that people do not feel like they have enough money to live comfortably. For Black people the problem is even worse due to historical inequalities. Studies show that 20% of Black people consider their financial situation “poor”, the average value of assets for Black households is around $140,000 which falls far behind white households whose average is a little over $950,000. According to Rice, home, car, and debt expenses are the main reasons Houston residents are unable to save money. Unfortunately, for many owning a home is a tough goal to reach because of previous unfair practices like redlining and discriminatory lending practices. Redlining is when banks refused to give loans to people in certain neighborhoods based on the race of people living there. It is called redlining because the areas that were denied car loans were marked red on maps. Discriminatory lending practices are when banks and other lenders treated people unfairly because of their race. Sometimes including higher interest rates or not offering loans at all, even if the person is qualified. Even after some Black people bought homes, the interest rate was too high for them to build their savings. Cars can also be another financial strain, because similar to owning a home Black people are also given higher interest rates also making it harder to save. The rising cost of living in Houston also adds to the struggle, gentrification in some historic neighborhoods have pushed many families out of their homes causing them to pay much higher rent or mortgages elsewhere. Annual incomes also does not keep up with inflation, the Black population is overpopulated in the retail and food service industries, these jobs usually pay minimum wage, which is $7.25 per hour in Houston, this often causes workers to be unable to make ends meet. Without enough money to save or invest, financial insecurity...
Houston, TX-The Ensemble Theatre is known for putting on a great holiday production, complete with dazzling spectacle, deeper meanings, and lots of soulful sounds! This holiday Season, The Ensemble Theatre is taking a break from ‘Motown’ and giving the community ‘The Twelve Ways of Christmas’ by Chika Kaba Ma’Atunde. ‘The Twelve Ways of Christmas’ is written (book, music, and lyrics) by Chika Kaba Ma’Atunde and directed, with choreography by Aisha Ussery. ‘The Twelve Ways of Christmas’ is a delightful musical review that explores the various ways that Christmas is celebrated; with family, with friends, the importance of the religious significance of the holiday to some, the wonder of being a child receiving gifts, the longing of a soldier away at war, and even explores the reality of those experiencing grief during the holiday season. ‘The Twelve Ways of Christmas’ is sure to be a sight to see, with Aisha Ussery at the helm of the production. Aisha has an extensive resume as a director, choreographer, musician, playwright, and performing arts educator, and is known for her dynamic performances; whether she herself is performing or directing/choreographing others. “It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The holiday season is chockfull of different celebratory traditions grounded in when, where and how one grew up, what one’s life has become and the ideas one holds most precious. At its core, Christmas holds space for everyone, wherein we reflect on joys and losses, show gratitude for abundance, bless those in need, and honor the birth of a Savior. ‘The Twelve Ways of Christmas’ takes us on a journey into the many ways people observe this special day. With fiery and luscious jazzy tunes, Chika Kaba Ma’atunde’s book and score incite laughter, tears, praise, and a soul-stirring desire to snap your fingers and sing along.” Aisha Ussery, Director and Choreographer ‘The Twelve Ways of Christmas’ “‘The Twelve Ways of Christmas’ is a show that acknowledges the different ways people experience Christmas through song. Regardless of one’s feelings about Christmas, there is something in ‘The Twelve Ways of Christmas’ that will touch the hearts of […]
...When President Reagan declared the third Monday of each January Martin Luther King Day, he could not have foreseen in 2025 it would coincide with the second inauguration of Donald Trump, but he would have been exhilarated if he knew. Reagan was hideously opposed to honoring MLK, telling then- Governor Thomson, Jr. of New...
Houston ISD’s (HISD) superintendent Mike Miles said that all HISD high schools will have weapon detectors due to an increase of weapons on the campuses, HISD has a total of 49 high schools. During the Fall 2024 semester Bellaire High School had two incidents where firearms had to be confiscated within a 3 day...
By: Sharon C. Jenkins Are you ready to catapult your small business into the future? As we approach 2025, the marketing landscape is evolving at breakneck speed. But fear not, entrepreneur superstar! We’ve got you covered with cutting-edge strategies that will set your business apart and drive phenomenal growth. Harness the Power of AI-Driven...
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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.
