313 Day: Detroit Black History
March 13, 2025
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[Photo: Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images] The Black Lives Matter Plaza is a two block long pedestrian section of 16th Street NW in downtown Washington, D.C. it was constructed in June 2020 during the George Floyd and Breonna Taylor protest. The Department of Public Works painted “Black Lives Matter” 35 feet tall in yellow, along with...
Amber Desiree “AD” Smith and Ollie Sutherland, both known for their past appearances on Netflix’s “Love Is Blind” franchise, have officially announced their engagement. The couple, who met after their respective seasons on the show, revealed their relationship status to the public, marking a new chapter in their love story. AD Smith first gained...
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View memorial service program for The Honorable Sylvester Turner taking place tomorrow as he will be lying in honor in the House Chamber. The service will be live streamed starting at Noon. VIEW PROGRAM
...Robert G. Clark Jr. was a history-making leader in Mississippi. Born on October 3, 1928, in Ebenezer, Mississippi, he grew up in the segregated South, where Black people had few rights and almost no political power. His family owned land, a rare thing for Black families at the time, giving him a strong sense...
Recent studies show that synthetic braid hair has harmful chemicals which have been linked to cancer. For many Black people, synthetic hair is a go-to option for most braided hairstyles. It’s affordable, easy to style, and widely available. Some researchers and health experts are raising concerns about the chemicals used in synthetic hair and whether they could be harmful, even increasing the risk of cancer over time. Unlike natural human hair, synthetic hair is made from plastic-based fibers like acrylic, polyester, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). To make these fibers look and feel more like real hair, manufacturers add chemical treatments to improve texture, shine, and heat resistance. While this makes the hair look great, it also means that you’re wearing materials that contain potentially toxic substances. One major concern is formaldehyde, a chemical sometimes used in synthetic hair to prevent bacteria and mold from growing. Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, which means it has been linked to causing cancer. Another ingredient found in some synthetic hair is phthalates, a type of chemical used to make plastics more flexible. Phthalates have been studied for their potential to disrupt hormones and increase the risk of certain cancers over long-term exposure. Most braided hairstyles are dipped in boiling water once the style is complete, when synthetic fibers are exposed to high temperatures, they can give off chemicals like benzene and toluene, both of which have been linked to serious health issues, including cancer. Even without heat, synthetic hair can still be risky. Some people have reported allergic reactions or scalp irritation from wearing braiding hair, which could be a sign that the chemicals in the hair are affecting their skin. The scalp is especially sensitive because it has a lot of blood vessels close to the surface, meaning harmful chemicals could enter the body more easily. If you wear synthetic hair every once in a while, the risk is probably low. However, if you wear synthetic hair more frequently, you might be exposing yourself to these chemicals for long periods of time. People who work in salons or frequently style synthetic hair could...
Every year on March 13th, Detroiters come together to celebrate 313 Day, a day dedicated to honoring the city, its people, and its rich culture. The name comes from Detroit’s area code, 313, but it’s more than just a number, its a symbol of pride, resilience, and the deep-rooted history of Black excellence in the city. Detroit has long been a powerhouse of Black culture and history. During the Great Migration, thousands of Black families moved from the South to Detroit in search of better opportunities, and the city became a hub for Black workers, artists, and activists. It was in Detroit that Berry Gordy founded Motown Records, introducing the world to legends like Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, The Temptations, and Marvin Gaye. Motown wasn’t just about music, it was about representation, giving Black artists a platform at a time when the music industry was heavily segregated. Detroit also played a major role in the Civil Rights Movement, with figures like Malcolm X and Rosa Parks calling the city home. Black autoworkers in Detroit were instrumental in labor movements, pushing for fair wages and equal rights in the workplace. On 313 Day, Detroiters celebrate in a variety of ways, all centered around community, culture, and city pride. Supporting Black-owned businesses is a big part of the day, with many residents making it a point to shop locally and keep money circulating within their communities. Music is another major element of the celebration whether it’s Motown classics or modern rap and hip-hop from Detroit artists like Big Sean, Tee Grizzley, and Eminem, the city’s musical legacy is always front and center. Many organizations also take this opportunity to give back, hosting community events, free meals, and charity drives to support those in need. People proudly wear Detroit-themed clothing, like Detroit vs. Everybody gear, and social media is flooded with posts celebrating the city’s impact. Detroit has produced some of the most influential Black figures across music, sports, and activism. Aretha Franklin, the “Queen of Soul,” grew up in Detroit and used her voice to support the Civil Rights Movement. Berry Gordy...
[Photo: Mike Segar/Reuters] Houston native Jalen Hurts, quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles made history last night in Superbowl LIX with an amazing performance against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. Hurts became the first Eagles quarterback to make multiple Super Bowl appearances and joined three others as the fourth Black quarterback to win a Super Bowl. He also became the third Black quarterback to earn the Super Bowl MVP award. He led the Eagles to a 40-22 win over the Chiefs, completing 17 of 22 passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns, he also rushed for 72 yards and a touchdown. The Eagles previously lost to the Chiefs in Superbowl LVII in 2023, with a final score of 38-35. Before last night’s game, only three Black quarterbacks had ever won a Super Bowl. Doug Williams was the first, leading Washington Redskins (now called the Commanders) to a 42-10 win over the Denver Broncos in 1988. It took 26 more years before another Black quarterback won Russell Wilson, who led the Seattle Seahawks in beating the Broncos 43-8 in 2014. Patrick Mahomes has won multiple Super Bowls, leading the Kansas City Chiefs to victory in 2020 (Super Bowl LIV), 2023 (Super Bowl LVII), and 2024 (Super Bowl LVIII). One of those wins was against Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles. Mahomes also played in the 2021 Super Bowl (Super Bowl LV) but lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Steve McNair led the Tennessee Titans in Super Bowl XXXIV (2000), but they lost to the St. Louis Rams 23-16. Donovan McNabb took the Philadelphia Eagles to Super Bowl XXXIX (2005), but they fell just short against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, losing 24-21. In 2013, Colin Kaepernick and the San Francisco 49ers played in Super Bowl XLVII but lost 34-31 to the Baltimore Ravens. Cam Newton led the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 (2016) but was defeated by Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos 24-10. Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles made it to Super Bowl LVII (2023), but Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs...
NNPA extends condolences to the family and friends of Al Thomas, distinguished publisher of the South Jersey Journal and Bridgeton Journal. The story was published by the Front Runner New Jersey.com. Publisher Al Thomas passed on Friday, March 7, 2025. Al Thomas was a veteran advertising executive with the Philadelphia Tribune for many years before starting his own newspaper. Al also assisted the national office in securing sponsorships with Compassion and Choices, Comcast, and American Cancer Society. Al spent his career building on his efforts to keep the Black Press relevant until his health challenges got in the way. He had many friends in the media industry in New Jersey with whom he privately shared his health challenges. NNPA member publisher Penda Howell and Al were close friends. Mr. Howell referred to Al as a “dedicated Black Press member publisher and community leader.” He was a member of the coalition in Philadelphia that helped to get the U.S. Postal Service to establish a Forever Stamp for Wilt Chamberlain, with the Philadelphia Tribune leading the charge. Another friend, Cassandra Etienne, Associate Director, Center for Cooperative Media, worked with Al “specifically through initiatives supporting the local news ecosystem in South Jersey and the growing Black Press across the state.” Al is another loss for the Black Press of America who we wish to rest in peace and power forever more. [Photo: uptownstandard]
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By: Travis McGee All across our city we often hear the term “Affordable Housing” and you also see so- called affordable hous- ing projects thrown up overnight. Affordable means a lot of different things to a lot of differ- ent people. To the Haves it means that they could afford to build, invest in, and even pay the mortgage, if need be, but to the HAVE NOTS it means it has been the largest part of the budget which includes mortgage/rent, taxes, insurance(s), groceries, transportation, a family, and overall cost of living. This irresponsible construction is called Gentrification, but it’s the kind that’s on steroids due to very bad ordinance written by our City Council. All underserved, under developed, poor communities that set below the poverty level are all experiencing the same thing. ThThe passage of Chapter 42 Ordinance in 2013 by a vote of 14-3 on Houston City Council made this type of Unaffordable development legal. What is Chapter 42, you may ask? Well, it basically decreases the minimum lot size to build on and allows developers to replat one residential lots into multiple sections /lots to build multiple structures on that one lot. NOTE: If they combine two or more of the said lots that property can become another whole subdivision within an already pre-existing subdivision. This ordinance was said to be used to increase the density here in the city of Houston (basically to fit more people) here by any means necessary. Even if that means putting $2,000,000.00 worth of property up to 75 ft high next to traditional single family 1 story dwellings on top of a prehistoric $2.00 infrastructure system. The ordinance only benefits the city through tax revenue and fees as well as the developers through unaffordable housing and landgrabs. You would think the ordinances would protect the residents / taxpayers, but it doesn’t. It really doesn’t matter if you have deed restrictions or not if the city is issuing the permits and approving the construction. You are extremely lucky if you get a variance/ notice of construction these days. Once the city writes...
We are inviting the public and diverse leaders and organizations to protest. The protest will be held at Houston City Hall, 901 Bagby on Sunday, March 2nd at 3 P.M. This will be a demonstration of commitment to protecting, preserving, and promoting justice for all victims of the dehumanizing, insulting, and undemocratic policies of the present administration. Houston United for Justice Rally, Sunday, March 2, 3PM
...They tell us to “get over” slavery. That it’s in the past. That we’re using it as a crutch. But here’s the truth: slavery is a crutch, just not for us. It’s a crutch for the very systems that still benefit from our oppression. A crutch for the people who refuse to ac- knowledge...
March 10, 2025 (Houston) – The internationally-renowned Texas Southern University (TSU) Debate Team won the 35th Annual International Forensics Association’s Speech and Debate Tournament held March 7-9 in Incheon, South Korea. “Our team has worked tirelessly honing their skills as debaters while representing Texas Southern on the grandest of stages,” said head debate coach...
By Taalib Saber, attorney and owner of The Saber Firm As Black History Month reminds us of our legacy of resilience and economic power, recent federal rollbacks of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs have sent shockwaves through corporate America. While these policy changes may feel like a setback, they present a unique...
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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.