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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.
In the spirit of Prince Malcolm and Queen Betty Shabazz
Monday, February 21, 2022, will be the 57th anniversary of the assassination of our shining prince, Malcolm X. Gunned down by Black men in 1965 in the presence of his family and children, Malcolm changed the narrative and bent history towards justice and freedom.
Much of the present-day militancy of younger generations can be traced directly to Malcolm X and his speeches. We have been flooded with his phrase “by any means necessary,” but most don’t recall that he also said, “as long as it is intelligently designed.”
We know the story of Moses, raised among the Egyptians but he never became an Egyptian. Moses was like Malcolm, a deliverer for the Hebrew Jews.” Joseph was sold into slavery into Egypt and became almost powerful as Pharaoh, but he never forgot that he was a Hebrew and not an Egyptian. Joseph and Moses were dedicated to Hebrew futures and well-being.
Bob Moses, SNCC Chair, and the Black Panther Party, Big Jim Forman, Sammy Young Jr. (first college student killed during Civil Rights movement) were heirs of the gigantic contributions of the forerunners. These gifted and talented icons never forgot that they were Black, and their assignment was to create and build Black futures.
Ernest McMillan, SNCC veteran and founder of the Houston based Fifth Ward Enrichment Program-currently Urban Enrichment Program were all spiritual descendants of Malcolm. The Freedom Tour that is conducted by Deloyd Parker and SHAPE Community Center can count dozens of inner-city youths that have found their calling as community builders for Black futures. SNCC carried the fight into the face of terror in the Deep South by founding Freedom Schools during Freedom Summer 64. Chairman Bob Moses and the SNCC freedom fighters had to go into Lowndes County and set captives free through Freedom Summer 64.
Malcolm’s family was injured and suffered massive trauma at his death but so did the entire community. One of Malcolm’s daughters said that one of the lessons that we should learn from Malcolm’s life is that he did not wear his religion on his pockets, and neither should we. We don’t catch hell based on religion, but we do catch hell based on race.
If we could work like Bob Moses and Ernest McMillan, If we could dedicate our lives to live for meaningful Black futures like Malcolm and Betty, a brighter sun would awaken us to a brighter future and promising tomorrow. This can happen if we don’t awfulize and procrastinate. History has seized us now we must seize history in the spirit of Malcolm and Betty.
Malcolm was never nominated or received a Nobel or a Spingarn Medal. If Spingarn awardee Maya Angelou is correct about courage being the indispensable virtue that opens the way to practice the other virtues, his award must be posthumous. Why not a posthumous award for Betty and the other fearless trailblazers. – AANI
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