COCO ELIMINATED
September 7, 2024
By: Shelley McKinley The latest public art installment entitled, ‘From Slavery to Freedom,’ was co-created by Bimbo Adenugba and Victor Ash, and is featured on the side of the building at 1310 Preston St., which was formerly the Cotton Exchange of Houston. Cotton is symbolic of slavery in the United States for most descendants...
Zoë Kravitz has officially made her mark as a director with her debut film Blink Twice, which opened to solid box office numbers over the weekend. The film, which explores themes of masculinity and emotional conflict, earned $2.9 million on its first day, including an estimated $820,000 from Thursday night previews. By the end...
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Freedman’s Town grassroot residents and other Moor American neighborhoods celebrate annually the remembrance and show of love, respect and appreciation to the 3rd Battalion, 24th Infantry soldiers stationed at Camp Logan (Memorial Park today), for standing against Jim Crow Houston police department and racist Caucasians that led to the war on August 23, 1917....
By: Rachel Thompson Th e twists and turns of Texas’s 18th congressional district race, as well as President Biden’s withdrawal from the 2024 presidential election seem to have re-energized voters at the grassroots level. Registered voters are working hard to connect with unregistered eligible voters and prepare them to exercise their civic duty. Assistant...
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...
By: Bill King One of the arguments transit advocates regularly use to justify the billions spent by taxpayers every year on mass transit is that it reduces greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, the data is clear that its actual effect on GHG emissions is negligible. The easiest way to demonstrate this is through a thought experiment that assumes all trips currently made in passenger vehicles could be converted to transit. Of course, it is impossible to convert every passenger trip to transit, but the exercise will give us the outside limit of how much transit could reduce GHG emissions. The EPA has issued a report that estimated the to- tal U.S. GHG emissions as 2022 at 6,343 metric tons and breaks down the sources of those emissions. Transportation makes up 29% of the total. Of the total emissions attributed to transportation, Emissions Cont. the EPA estimates that 57% are due to “light-duty ve- hicles.” It attributes 20% to passenger vehicles and 37% to “light-duty trucks, which include sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks, and minivans.” The EPA lumping all light-duty trucks into the same category creates some difficulty in estimating potential savings from transit. Many families use SUVs, pickups and minivans as passenger vehicles. But many light-duty trucks are also used by busi- nesses for deliveries and service calls. Those trips cannot be converted to transit. But for the purposes of this thought experiment, I am going to assume that all of the light-duty truck use could be converted to transit, which is clearly a gross overestimation. Making that assumption, the total share of GHG emissions from all light-duty vehicles is 16.5% (29% x 57%). However, mass transit is not GHG emission free. So, the next thing we need to know is how much the various modes of mass transit reduce GHG emissions. This is a chart that was prepared by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA), showing the relative emissions for passenger cars compared to various modes of transit, and from which it con- cludes that transit would reduce GHG emissions from personal autos by over half (1-(.45/.96)=53%). There are several...
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...
Zoë Kravitz has officially made her mark as a director with her debut film Blink Twice, which opened to solid box office numbers over the weekend. The film, which explores themes of masculinity and emotional conflict, earned $2.9 million on its first day, including an estimated $820,000 from Thursday night previews. By the end of its opening weekend, Blink Twice had grossed $7.3 million, landing in fourth place at the domestic box office. Box Office Numbers The film’s opening weekend performance places it in a competitive spot for an independent drama, particularly given its focus on character-driven storytelling rather than big-budget spectacle. After its $7.3 million debut, Blink Twice maintained interest into its second weekend, bringing in an additional $4.8 million. These numbers suggest a steady hold, showing that the film continues to attract viewers even after its initial release. Kravitz’s Directorial Journey While Kravitz is best known for her acting roles in films like The Batman and Divergent, Blink Twice represents her first foray into directing. With a background steeped in Hollywood—her parents, Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet, are both established figures in the industry—Zoë Kravitz has long been poised to expand her creative reach. This film marks her official entry into the world of directing, and early box office returns indicate a promising start. Kravitz’s previous experience behind the camera includes co-writing screenplays and involvement in various creative projects, but Blink Twice is her first full-length feature as director. Her ability to balance her acting career while taking on the responsibilities of directing has garnered attention from industry professionals, many of whom are watching to see how she evolves in this new role. Overview of Blink Twice The film’s narrative follows several male characters as they navigate societal pressures and emotional conflicts, exploring how traditional expectations of masculinity affect their behavior and relationships. Kravitz has described the film as an examination of personal struggles and the often unseen consequences of internalized societal norms. While the subject matter is deep, the film does not rely on overt messaging but instead lets the characters’ journeys unfold naturally. Though Blink Twice...
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
...America, ignorance has absolutely no respect for gender, race, or creed. Individuals are not born ignorant. Simply put, individuals acquire ignorance, because they refuse to study to acquire knowledge spiritually through developmental reading, listening to knowledgeable individuals, and logically analyzing information. Avoiding ignorance is a valuable life lesson, because everyone has an opinion (s)....
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.