“Women, if the soul of our nation is to be saved, I believe that you must become its soul.”
– Coretta Scott King
Jack Yates High School has a long history of competition excellence, so it was no surprise when their drama ensemble emerged to beat 241 schools to be in the top ten percent of UIL competing schools to earn a spot at the UIL Regional One Act Play Competition. Dr. Margo Hickman, Jack Yates Award Winning Theater Educator and Director, was the guiding force to instruct, train, and empower her small but powerful cast and crew of eight students to achieve this amazing accomplishment. Dr. Hickman chose A Song for Coretta by World Renowned Playwright Pearl Cleage.
A Song for Coretta is set on February 6, 2006, when people began lining up at dawn outside of Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist Church to pay their respects to the late Mrs. Coretta Scott King, widow of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It was an extraordinary experience for her students to travel back in time through this play to truly embody the spirit of our ancestors in such a way that touched everyone’s hearts, who saw their performance and reminded us of the importance of preserving and celebrating our cultural history.
Dr. Margo Hickman is a dynamic, dedicated, and exceptional advocate for arts education and uses her platform to fight for art programs in public schools across Texas. She is a Texas Educational Theatre Association member, the chair for equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility, the Black Educators Theatre Caucus, the American Alliance of Theater and Education, and Theatre for Young Audiences. She had a young cast and crew of five freshmen, one sophomore, one junior, and one senior. When asked what was the best part of this experience? She responded, “The relationships that students made with other students from other schools. My Fellow Yates staff became a part of our production crew, especially Nurse Terri Collins, a true Assistant Director. The dedicated team members are Quanda Thomas-Guillory and Alecia Richmond.”
In a time where Republican political leaders are trying to erase and devalue African American History, this accomplishment by Jack Yates drama program should be celebrated and supported. 1881 HBCU Blue Legacy was excited to connect their mentor school, Jack Yates’s drama department with world renowned playwright Pearl Cleage, so their award-winning students could ask the playwright questions about her play. The students were excited and so grateful to Pearl Cleage for being willing to speak with Jack Yates students via Zoom.
Congratulations Jack Yates Lions Drama Ensemble and Dr. Margo Hickman on a job well done. They didn’t advance to the U.I.L. One Act Play State Competition, but they left everything they had on stage and made Coretta Scott King and all our ancestors smile from Heaven with great pride. Many times, shows with special effects and fluff overshadow the true purpose of the UIL One Act Play Competition, which is to showcase the High-Level Acting Ability, Technical Theater Excellence, and depth of storytelling. That is what Dr. Margo Hickman and Jack Yates Drama Ensemble captured in their performance of A Song for Coretta. If you would like to support the Jack Yates Drama department, please contact their amazing Principal, Tiffany Guillory. Our students deserve to have the best resources to continue to do amazing work. I hope you will donate to help these students continue to be extraordinary.
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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.
