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National News

[Photo: Paras Griffin/Getty Images; Aaron J. Thornton/WireImage] St. Louis, Missouri rapper Sexyy Red posted on X (Twitter) an AI generated photo of her and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holding hands at a night club on MLK Day; there was no caption attached to the photo. AI generated photos have become popular with this...

Entertainment

[Photo: imdb] Jamie Foxx has returned to the big screen with Back in Action, a highly anticipated action-comedy now available on Netflix. The film marks an exciting reunion between Foxx and his Annie co-star, Cameron Diaz, who makes her return to acting after an eight-year hiatus. Directed by Seth Gordon, Back in Action brings...

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Local News

Recently, a federal court ruled against a North Texas hate group, Patriot Front, and its leader, Thomas Rousseau, ordering them to pay almost $3 million to Charles Murrell III, a Black musician. Murrell was attacked during a march in Boston in July 2022. Murrell was walking near a public library where he was about...

Politics

Former Vice President Kamala Harris has not publicly announced what she will do now that she is no longer Vice President. However, she has created an LLC called Pionner49 in California, her home state. The organization was described as an “entity to assist the former vice president”, it is not confirmed but this organization...

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COPING, CREATING, CONQUERING: MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS

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...

MLK Day History

On this day, 39 years ago, January 19th, 1986, the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday was first observed as a national holiday in the United States. Establishing it as a federal holiday was not an easy task, considering it took almost 20 years after his death on April 4th, 1968. There are only three federal holidays honoring specific individuals. MLK Day, Presidents’ Day’, and Columbus Day.   The idea to honor Dr. King, came immediately after his passing. Former Rep. John Conyers of Michigan proposed a bill to Congress four days after he was killed on April 8th, 1968. However, segregation and racial division were still happening, therefore majority of people did not agree. Many people were against honoring Dr. King with his own holiday saying he was “too radical.”   Connecticut was the first state to create a Dr. King holiday, originally celebrated on the second Sunday of January, it did not become a legal holiday in the state until 1976, his birthday January 15th was recognized as a paid King holiday. Illinois was the first state to legally recognize a MLK holiday in 1973. 15 years after his death President Ronald Reagan signed the bill into law, officially establishing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. By 1986, the first MLK Day celebration was finally held. It was not until the year 2000 that all 50 states, official recognized MLK Day.   Arizona, New Hampshire, and South Carolina chose not initially to celebrate the holiday. In 1986, Gov. Evan Mecham of Arizona canceled the holiday due to legal technicalities. There was a lot of backlash behind this decision, the NFL even decided to move the 1993 Superbowl out of Phoenix. New Hampshire refused to observe the holiday under its correct name, instead they called it “Civil Rights Day”, they officially began calling it MLK Day in 1999. In 2000, South Carolina decided to recognize MLK Day as a paid holiday, becoming the last state to do so. Before 2000, state employees had the option on which holiday they wanted to be paid, MLK Day or three Confederate holidays.  ...

Bryce James Commits to the University of Arizona, Continuing the Family Legacy

Bryce James, the youngest son of NBA superstar LeBron James, has officially committed to playing college basketball at the University of Arizona. This decision is a significant step in Bryce’s basketball journey as he works to carve out his own path in the sport. A Promising Basketball Career Bryce James has steadily risen as a young talent in basketball, drawing attention for his polished shooting ability, court vision, and high basketball IQ. He has demonstrated a natural aptitude for the game, developed through years of dedication and a strong support system. Bryce’s high school basketball career has been marked by stints at several notable programs. He began at Sierra Canyon School in Chatsworth, California, a school renowned for producing elite talent. After a brief transfer to Campbell Hall and a period at Notre Dame High School, Bryce ultimately returned to Sierra Canyon to continue refining his game. Throughout his journey, he has displayed resilience and adaptability, traits that bode well for his future success. Choosing the University of Arizona Bryce’s commitment to the University of Arizona represents a strategic decision that aligns with both his personal goals and athletic aspirations. The Arizona Wildcats have a strong tradition of excellence in college basketball, consistently competing at the highest level and producing NBA-caliber players. The Wildcats’ coaching staff and development program likely played a significant role in Bryce’s choice. Arizona’s emphasis on team-oriented play and individual growth aligns with Bryce’s playing style, which is characterized by his unselfishness and ability to create opportunities for teammates. By joining this storied program, Bryce will have the opportunity to compete against top-tier talent while further developing his skills under expert guidance. Building His Own Legacy Although Bryce James is the son of one of the greatest basketball players in history, he has consistently shown a determination to establish his own identity. Comparisons to his father, LeBron James, and older brother, Bronny James, are inevitable, but Bryce’s commitment to Arizona is a step toward forging his own unique path in the sport. His decision reflects his focus on personal growth and a desire to succeed on...

LUCRETIA ELIZABETH GRANT

LUCRETIA ELIZABETH GRANT AUGUST 6, 1925 – JANUARY 4, 2025 Born on August 6, 1925, in Houston, Texas, Lucretia Elizabeth McGartha was the third of eleven children born to John Preston McGartha and Beatrice Thomas McGartha. A lifelong member of St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church, she was baptized at an early age and carried her faith with her throughout her entire life. Lucretia attended Woodcrest Elementary School, Harper Middle School, and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. On November 3, 1941, Lucretia was united in holy matrimony to James Astor Grant, beginning a beautiful union that spanned over 71 years. Together, they raised 14 children, 9 boys and 5 girls, creating a family foundation built on love, respect, hard work, and devotion. Lucretia was the epitome of the Proverbs 31 Woman- quiet yet strong, patient yet profound. Her nurturing spirit, soft spoken demeanor, and calming presence left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Lucretia’s greatest joy was her family. She was a natural matriarch, creating lasting bonds with every member of her large family.

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Houston Residents Financially Insecure

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...

Celebrate 'The Twelve Ways of Christmas' at The Ensemble Theatre!

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 […]

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Opinion

We’re not like our parents and grandparents, and that’s okay. When we think of success and money, it feels like we’re in a completely differ- ent world than them. They were taught to work hard at a steady job, save up, and plan for the future for them that meant staying at the same...

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Education

HOUSTON (Jan. 24, 2025) – Lone Star College System is an open-enrollment institution geared toward helping students start, continue or complete their educational journey. LSCS began its spring 2025 semester Jan. 13, but there’s still time to enroll in a course through LSC Next Start. “Lone Star College has truly shaped who I am...

Business

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...

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.

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