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By: Shelley McKinley Omar Sesay, Program Director for  e Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD, currently leads three outreach programs that target the homeless of Harris County with the intent of reducing the number of people living on the streets. The programs are: PATH which stands for Projects for Assistance in Transition from...

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Entertainment

[Photo: Twitter] Beneath the surface of the music industry’s glamour lies a darker narrative, one that Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones Jr. brings into sharp focus with his recent legal action against Sean “Diddy” Combs. This lawsuit, stemming from Jones’s allegations of sexual assault, harassment, and unpaid work, marks a significant departure from his musical...

Local News

Black NEWSPAPERS tell our story AND OUR HISTORY!!! I am privileged to be featured in this week’s African American News (https://aframnews.com/ online and hard copies available at all HEBs, Randalls, JoeV, Frenchy’s, Foodtown, and around town!) If we don’t intentionally support our institutions they do go AWAY!  ere are openings for more writers in...

Politics

By: David Ellison (Media Information Offi cer for Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Pct 1) Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis has received the NAACP’s George “Mickey” Leland Humanitarian Award, which is given annually by the civil rights organization to a person who displays outstanding service to the Houston minority community by assisting with a significant minority...

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MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS

By Jazz Paz It is no coincidence that the month of new year’s resolutions is the month of mental health awareness, especially for Black and brown people. Sixty-seven percent of Texans declared themselves to be African American or brown in the 2020 national census. In these communities self-care is often seen as self-indulgence rather than urgently necessary. When expressions of emotional distress are taboo, they become difficult to recognize and admit to. Too many individuals experience a mental health diagnosis as a label that implies a weakness. Being a “strong person” encourages victory in athletics and other physical successes, but not in activities that promote emotional or mental growth, especially for men.   According to the National Institute of Health, Black and brown people are twice as prone to depression. anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder than whites, and that racism, discrimination, and poverty all contribute to psychological disorders.  These burdens foster the temptation to unwisely hide our mental struggles to defend against further bigotry, especially since the media (like, Silence of  the Lambs or  the Joker),  flaunt mental impairment through characters that are dangerous, crazy, murderers.   An exacerbating contributor to mental stress is that helpful resources can be difficult to obtain when people lack health insurance, work irregular schedules, or are without reliable transportation, but relief exists for those who su er.  The Hope Line (832-831-7337) at the Hope and Healing Center offers free 30-minute peer counseling over the phone as well as free support for adults (https://hopeandhealingcenter.org/).  e Harris Center for Mental Health (24/7 crisis line 713- 970-7000; toll-free 866-970-4770) serves those with or without legal status, in English and in Spanish, and can provide transportation (https:// www.theharriscenter. org/). If you need immediate suicide or mental health support or are worried about someone else, call or text 988.   If you are called upon to assist a friend or family member besieged by distress, recommend that they get or continue seeing a professional advocate as well as: • Listen to them. Empathize. Avoid judgment, just be a safe understanding hearer Remind the person of their inherent worth and...

By: SH-FBISD News Knights of Peter Claver-Council and Court 151 engaged St. Monica parish in some exciting activities in celebration of Black History Month.  The 2024 theme was, “We’ve Come  is Far by Faith.”  There is a longstanding tradition of recognizing outstanding individuals or historical events during Black History Month; however, we wanted to highlight one of the most cherished locations in the Acres Homes community, our parish-St. Monica Catholic Church. During the Masses on February 3rd and 4th, the committee presented a brief history of St. Monica parish followed by the entire congregation’s singing the theme song in celebration of all parishionerspast and present.   On February 18th, we presented awards to several members for their outstanding personal achievements and their dedicated service to the organization.

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[Photo: Netflix trailer] In an unexpected twist that has sent ripples through the sports and entertainment worlds, Mike Tyson, the legendary former heavyweight boxing champion, is reportedly stepping back into the ring to face YouTube star-turned-boxer Jake Paul. This bout is anticipated not just as a sporting event but as a cultural phenomenon, blending the lines between traditional boxing and the new age of celebrity fights.   Mike Tyson, known for his ferocious fighting style and tumultuous career, had retired from professional boxing in 2005. However, Tyson, now in his mid-50s, has shown that age is but a number for him. After making a stunning return to the ring in an exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr. in November 2020, which ended in a draw, Tyson has hinted at wanting more fights. His remarkable physical condition and enduring popularity make him a formidable opponent, even years after his prime.   On the other side of the ring stands Jake Paul, a figure who has become synonymous with the term “influencer-turned-boxer.” Paul, who first gained fame through his videos on Vine and later YouTube, has carved out a niche in professional boxing with a record that, while controversial, remains undefeated. His fights against former athletes and MMA fighters have garnered attention not just for their spectacle but for Paul’s surprising prowess as a boxer.   The Tyson-Paul fight is not just a clash of fists but of eras and personas. Tyson, the epitome of boxing royalty, represents the sport’s rich history and tradition. Paul, on the other hand, symbolizes the modern era of entertainment, where social media influence and celebrity status can open doors to arenas previously reserved for seasoned athletes.   This bout is expected to draw significant attention, not only from hardcore boxing fans but also from a broader audience intrigued by the spectacle and the personalities involved. The pay-per-view numbers are projected to be astronomical, given the massive followings both fighters boast on social media and beyond.   Financially, the fight is a goldmine. Both fighters stand to earn substantial purses, with pay-per-view shares, sponsorships, and merchandise sales...

Robert LeDay was born on December 3, 1952, in Lafayette, Louisiana. He was the   h child born to the union of the late Alcide LeDay and Orelia Jean LeDay. Robert grew up in a traditional Catholic family. He was baptized at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Washington, LA, where he served as an altar boy for 11 years. Robert attended Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School in St. Landry Parish and graduated as a valedictorian. He went on to further his education at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He graduated with the class of 1974 and obtained a Bachelor Degree in Accounting. While at Southern University, Robert was married to Mary Davis, and their oldest child, Na Tasha, was born in Baton Rouge, LA in 1973.  They then moved to Houston, Texas and became members of St. Monica’s Catholic Church. Two daughters followed: LaChrisha was born in 1977, and the youngest daughter, LaToya, was born in 1981.   After moving to Houston, TX, Robert worked as an accountant for Arthur Andersen. Three years later, he worked for Ernest and Whitney. Robert eventually moved on to work for Shell Oil Company for eight years and then HL&P, where he worked for five years. Robert was always a leader and had an entrepreneurial spirit. While he continued working, he began his RL Tax & Accounting Services. He was laid o from HL&P and continued working his accounting business full-time for 30 years until he retired in 2023.   He and his sister, Rita Songs, also opened L&S Small World Academy, a daycare center, which stayed in operation for 35 years. In 1990, Robert was married to Dorothy Jefferson. Dorothy had one daughter, Angela, from a previous marriage.  They were married for 34 years.   Besides being a leader and entrepreneur, Robert will be remembered as a person that cared for everyone, and always made people laugh and smile. He was an active community member, and was involved in the Acres Home Chamber of Commerce for  ve years, in addition to other community organizations. He continued his work in the Catholic Church […]

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[Photo: Twitter] Beneath the surface of the music industry’s glamour lies a darker narrative, one that Rodney “Lil Rod” Jones Jr. brings into sharp focus with his recent legal action against Sean “Diddy” Combs. This lawsuit, stemming from Jones’s allegations of sexual assault, harassment, and unpaid work, marks a significant departure from his musical accomplishments, spotlighting serious concerns within the industry.   Jones, a producer, claims his professional engagement with Diddy on “The Love Album: Off the Grid” was marred by a series of disturbing experiences. According to Jones, his tenure at Diddy’s residences in Los Angeles, New York, and Florida was not just about music production. It involved witnessing and enduring illegal activities, along with personal encounters of sexual harassment and assault.   The lawsuit paints a grim picture of a work environment fraught with misconduct. Jones alleges that Diddy, a towering figure in the music industry, engaged in behaviors that crossed professional boundaries and personal decency. From being forced to witness illegal acts to experiencing unwanted advances, Jones’s narrative sheds light on a troubling power dynamic.   Jones’s allegations are not isolated. They echo past stories from the entertainment industry, where the imbalance of power often silences voices. Yet, Jones seeks to break this cycle. Through his lawsuit, he not only demands justice for the wrongs he claims to have suffered but also challenges the industry’s status quo, calling for accountability among its most influential figures.   Diddy’s response to the lawsuit, through his legal team, is a vehement denial. Dismissing Jones’s claims as fabrications aimed at financial gain, Diddy’s defense portrays the lawsuit as a baseless attack on his character and career. This clash of narratives adds a layer of complexity to an already complicated issue, raising questions about truth, accountability, and the mechanisms in place to protect individuals in the workplace.   As the case progresses, it will undoubtedly attract attention from within and beyond the music industry. Observers will watch closely, not just for its outcome but for its implications on how the industry addresses allegations of misconduct. Will it lead to a greater scrutiny...

[Photo: dallasartsdistrict.org] Dallas, TX – Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) and Broadway Dallas (BD) are continuing their annual arts education accessibility partnership with the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) for a fourth year. Originally started to bridge the gap in arts access during the pandemic, the partnership has grown into a yearly district-wide program each February that to date has served over 59,000 students. Between February 5-16, 2024, Dallas Black Dance Theatre will present their Cultural Awareness virtual matinee to every student and grade level in the Dallas Independent School District during Black History Month 2024, which includes performances of the works in•ter•pret choreographed by Hope Boykin, For Etta, choreographed by Carmen Cage, a tap lecture and demonstration led by Sean J. Smith and Like Water, choreographed by Darrell Grand Moultrie. The virtual matinee is made possible at no charge by Broadway Dallas in partnership with Dallas Black Dance Theatre and Dallas Independent School District. “This program advances the importance of cultural literacy for every student in Dallas ISD. We are fortunate to have partners like Dallas Black Dance Theatre and Broadway Dallas who are committed to making this happen and to invest in the education and lives of our students,” said Dr. Scott Rudes, Executive Director of Academic Enrichment and Support for Dallas Independent School District. Designed to increase cultural literacy by providing access to all Dallas ISD students across grade levels and disciplines, this arts education initiative is in keeping with the mission of the National Endowment for the Arts, to support arts learning, affirm and celebrate America’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, and extend its work to promote equal access to the arts in every community across America. Hope Boykin is a dancer and choreographer who created in•ter•pret for Dallas Black Dance Theatre in 2005 with funds by the Arts District Foundation. The work was reinterpreted in 2015 and was described by The Dallas Morning News as “one of the best pieces in the Dallas Black Dance Theatre repertory.” Boykin describes the piece as lighthearted, quick and whimsical with expansive full movement. A former dancer with the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater for over 20 years, Boykin now serves as Artistic Advisor for Dance Education at the Kennedy Center and Artistic Lead for the Kennedy Center Dance Lab. Carmen Cage is a current Dallas...

Opinion

By Travis McGee Depending on who you ask crime is up and crime may be down at the same exact time. Most crime isn’t reported, but often time even when it is reported it’s not investigated depending on the demographic and the zip codes. There are over 260,000 incidents that could be cases and...

Education

Fort Bend ISD (March 25, 2024) – Members of Fort Bend ISD’s communications team won 19 awards, including two “Best of Category,” at the 2024 Texas School Public Relations Association Star Awards Program for projects completed during the 2022-23 school year. The team received 10 gold star and nine silver star awards. Judges awarded...

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Business

Biden is urging Congress to enact legislation facilitating more Americans’ access to homes, acknowledging the pivotal role of homeownership in family well-being and economic prosperity. By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia In a move to tackle the escalating housing crisis, President Biden has revealed a comprehensive plan to build and...

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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