INAUGURATION

By: Rachel Thompson

The swearing in of John Whitmire and Christopher Hollins, presided over by the Honorable Victor Trevino III, Harris County JP, marked the passing of the baton between the outgoing administration and this new one. John Whitmire is now the 63rd Mayor of Houston. Optimistically, Mayor Whitmire said, “I am willing to give the next eight years my best. It’s time to go to work.” Shortly a er presiding over the swearing in of City Councilmembers, Mayor Whitmire gave his inaugural address. Topics covered included homelessness, criminal justice, mental health, affordable housing, and infrastructure. “I’ll ask Metro to partner with us since it is their buses that tear up the streets,” exclaimed Whitmire.

 

He also described a ride-along with Chief Troy Finner. “We will increase the number of officers on the streets, and open HPD’s doors to officers from other places,” declared Whitmire while referencing the Houston Police Foundation, Don Sanders, and others. “We also need  firemen. We have to get out of court. You don’t sue  first responders under a Whitmire administration,” referring to the ongoing stalemate between the City of Houston and the Houston Fire Department concerning contracts. Whitmire stated that he would work with Austin, Texas for the benefit of Houston. By referencing Commissioner Dawn Buckingham of the Texas General Land Office, it was implied that his relationship with her and others in Austin will help Houston a er disasters, support energy e orts, ensure that children in Houston will benefit from the Permanent School Fund, and serve Veterans.

 

In addition to his platform, Whitmire explained that another goal of the ceremony was to show the diversity of Houston.  The program featured Khambrel Marshall as the Master of Ceremonies; performances by the Houston Symphony and the Grand Opera; a joint Honor Guard comprised of  first responders from HPD and HFD; soloists Mary Gri n and Shaun Smith; and Eduardo Trevino, Mariachi Nuevo Imperio. “I was told that I can unite this city, and that’s what I intended to do,” stated Mayor Whitmire. In attendance were Mayors Emeriti Sylvester Turner and Annise Parker, as well as former First Ladies, Elyse Lanier and Frances Brown. Councilmembers’ escorts, ranging from spouses to grandchildren, were also seated behind their elected loved one.

 

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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