ELIZABETH FRANCIS, OLDEST LIVING PERSON IN US PASSES
October 26, 2024
By: Natiece Ford Life or death. For many, that is what reproductive justice boils down to and for states like Texas where in instances of rape, incest, or life threatening medical emergencies women are not able to receive abortion care making women’s rights a definite a matter of life and death especially for women...
Jay-Z, one of the most influential figures in music and business, has long been a champion of economic empowerment within the Black community. His latest initiative, focused on investing in Black-owned businesses, represents a significant step in his ongoing efforts to uplift marginalized communities and create pathways to success for Black entrepreneurs. This move...
Submit Your Event
By: Sharon C. Jenkins Rodney Ellis, the long-serving Harris County Commissioner, has built a reputation as a tireless advocate for social justice, equity, and community empowerment. In a candid interview, Ellis reflected on his humble beginnings, the values that shaped him, and his contributions to the African American community in Houston. His story is...
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...
Texas homeowners, renters and businesses that experienced property damage or losses after Hurricane Beryl, including those who are insured, have one more week to apply for FEMA disaster assistance and/or a U.S. Small Business Administration disaster loan. The deadline to apply for a grant from FEMA or an SBA disaster loan is Thursday, Oct. 10. To apply with FEMA, visit DisasterAssistance.gov; use the FEMA mobile app; call the Disaster Assistance Helpline at 800-621-3362; or notify FEMA staff at a Disaster Recovery Center. To find the closest center, use the DRC Locator. Insured applicants are also encouraged to file their insurance claims as soon as possible. FEMA funding that duplicates what your insurance settlement covers must be repaid. FEMA assistance is not taxed and will not affect Social Security, Medicaid or other federal benefits. Help is available in most languages. If you use a relay service, such as video relay (VRS), captioned telephone or other service, give FEMA your number for that service. People who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability, may call 711 to access telecommunications relay services. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, private nonprofit organizations, and businesses of any size. Apply for an SBA disaster loan online at SBA.gov/disaster or call 800-659-2955. SBA representatives are available to provide one-on-one assistance to disaster loan applicants at Disaster Recovery Centers and SBA Business Recovery Centers throughout the affected area. Please call the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 for further assistance. For more information about Texas disaster recovery, visit: fema.gov/disaster/4798. Follow FEMA Region 6 on social media at x.com/FEMARegion6 and on Facebook at facebook.com/FEMARegion6
...
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: Shafiq Najib Elizabeth Francis, who was the oldest living person in the United States, has died. She was 115. Her 69-year-old granddaughter and caregiver, Ethel Harrison, told ABC News on Wednesday that Francis died peacefully on Tuesday night while sur- rounded by her family. Speaking to ABC News, Harrison described Francis as “a person who loved people.” “She loved the Lord. Her faith was extremely strong,” Harrison said. “She was always, you know, jolly, you know, ‘how you doing? You’re doing okay?’ That was just her personality,” And she would always say, treat people like you want to be treated.
...
Jay-Z, one of the most influential figures in music and business, has long been a champion of economic empowerment within the Black community. His latest initiative, focused on investing in Black-owned businesses, represents a significant step in his ongoing efforts to uplift marginalized communities and create pathways to success for Black entrepreneurs. This move is not just a business venture—it’s a powerful statement about the importance of building generational wealth within the Black community and closing the racial wealth gap that has persisted for centuries. A Vision for Economic Empowerment Jay-Z’s track record in business is as impressive as his music career. With ventures in fashion, sports, entertainment, and technology, he has built an empire that reaches far beyond the music industry. His latest endeavor to support Black-owned businesses is not surprising, given his consistent advocacy for social and economic justice. By providing funding, mentorship, and resources to Black entrepreneurs, Jay-Z is addressing a critical need in the business world: access to capital and networks. Historically, Black entrepreneurs have faced significant barriers when it comes to securing funding and growing their businesses. These obstacles are often tied to systemic inequalities, including lack of access to credit, limited networks, and bias in investment decisions. Jay-Z’s initiative aims to break down these barriers, providing Black business owners with the tools they need to thrive in competitive industries. This initiative is part of a larger movement to support minority-owned businesses, which have historically been underserved by traditional financial institutions. Building Generational Wealth At the core of Jay-Z’s investment in Black-owned businesses is the concept of generational wealth. For many Black families, the opportunity to accumulate and pass down wealth has been stymied by systemic racism and economic inequality. By investing in Black entrepreneurs, Jay-Z is helping to create sustainable businesses that can generate wealth for future generations. Building generational wealth requires more than just financial success in the short term. It involves creating opportunities for long-term growth, reinvesting in the community, and ensuring that future generations have the resources to thrive. Jay-Z’s initiative is designed with this in mind, providing not only financial...
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 Travis McGee Our taxes are too damn high, but expectations for our tax funded governmental services are too damn low. Our taxing entities have a very bad habit of misappropriating, misusing, not prioritizing, irresponsibly spending, and in some cases stealing our hard-earned tax dollars. Once they misuse our MONEY they come back and...
By: Shelley McKinley The 2024-2025 school year marks Dr. LaTonya Goffney’s seventh year in Aldine ISD. What she knows for sure is that she has students who need her, as well as the very best administrators and teachers available to fit the context of Aldine ISD. Unlike other school districts that are named aft...
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...
African American News & Issues
(713) 692-1892
P.O. Box 41820
Houston, TX 77241
Copyright © 2024. African American News & Issues. All rights reserved. | Private Policy | Terms of Use 
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.