19th Girlfriends Christmas
Girlfriends Christmas Is Back! Girlfriends Christmas (GC) was established in 2000 and is an annual party with a purpose that partners with charitable organizations to help the underserved in the Houston area. This was the first year back since the pandemic and the room was filled with Black Girl Magic. Every lady put on their favorite brown or gold attire and came out to celebrate the holiday season at the 19th Girlfriends Christmas Party with a Purpose! This amazing party was themed A Chocolate City Christmas: A Celebration of Melanin.
The room was full of beautifully dressed women who brunched and sipped on bubbly as they celebrated their friendships and community for the holiday season. The ladies partied with a purpose to benefit The JCS Project non-profit organization that provides FREE college care packages to HBCU students. The room was electric with positivity, love, and empowerment for Black Women doing extraordinary things. Their special guest speaker was the Honorable Tiffany D. Thomas, Houston City Council member, District F, and their guest emcee was the amazing Alexis “Fly” Jones, TV Personality/Producer.
The mission of GC is to celebrate friendship and sisterhood during the holiday season with the sole purpose of providing resources to Houston area nonprofits that serve the underserved in the Houston community. For 19 years, GF Party has hosted, empowered, and encouraged hundreds of women to give back to the communities where we live and work. GF has provided charitable donations to many Houston area nonprofit organizations and has touched the lives of hundreds of women, men, college students, and children through their giving efforts.
A few of the benefactors of the charitable giving include:
- Change Happens- Provided toiletries for the homeless.
- Houston Area Women’s Center- Provided toiletries for the women and children at the Center.
- The Children’s Assessment Center- Provided toys, basketballs, and journals for the children in the Center.
- SEARCH Homeless Services- House of Tiny Treasures- Provided baby items for homeless infants.
- Big Brothers and Big Sisters Amachi Program for Children of Incarcerated Parents- Provided toys for the children in the Program.
- RARE Pearls, Inc.-Provided college dorm, and school supplies to underserved young women preparing for college.
- Super Girls Shine STEM Program-Provided funding for organization programming.
- Cradle 2 Career- Provided funding to support pre-teen and teenage parents.
- Fort Bend Academy of Dance- Provided funding for organization programming.
According to one of the three founders, Jene’ Guess-Cash who initially conceptualized the idea stated, “Katherine Hill, Dawn Eaden, and I had an idea to bring girlfriends together during the holidays to give us a chance to reconnect after a busy year, celebrate friendships, and make new ones all while having fun! After year one, I said, although we will continue a celebration for us, we must give to those who are underserved. So, with servant’s hearts, we began partying with a purpose, and have been giving back to Houston and surrounding area communities for 19 years.”
When asked how do you pick the organizations that you support? Jene’ explained, “We look for smaller less recognized non-profits. Sometimes they are unsung heroes and don’t get the exposure of some of the larger non-profits. Our strategy is typically not only to fund/support the non-profit but to also raise their profile in the community. More exposure will prayerfully yield support from a broader group of individuals and businesses.”
Jene’ shared the benefits of the 19 years of experiencing this amazing gathering of extraordinary Black women. “Making a positive impact on the Houston and Fort Bend communities, giving is the absolute best part of what and why we do what we do. Knowing that we’re in a small way helping to improve the lives of hundreds of children, women, college students and men is the greatest benefit.”
So it is with great pride, we salute Tifannie Jones, the founder of The JCS Project, and give thanks to the GC team for recognizing her dedication and support for HBCUs with her non-profit organization. Tiffanie’s dedication and love for supporting our scholars are awesome and contagious. A special thank you to the 19th GF Party for always recognizing the best Black women in Houston and spreading an attitude of gratitude during our holiday season.
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.
