By Alana M. Williams

There have been many African American performers throughout the years; some more notable than others, but still great, nonetheless. These female performers deserve more recognition than they are given for their outstanding work on the many daunting roles they have to play. From touchy historical roles to sassy old ladies to tiring Broadway performances, black women have to play a lot of slightly to completely insulting roles. Even though many of them have received said recognition, there are also many others that need to be noticed for the complete raw talent. One notable actress who deserves to be more acknowledged is the charismatic, bewitching Loretta Devine.

Loretta was born on August 21, 1949, in Houston, Texas. Her mother, Eunice O’ Neal was a beautician while her father, James Devine worked as a laborer. She grew up in the Acres Homes area of Houston, where her mother was a single mother to six children. There was no further recorded information about her siblings. Her and her spouse, Glen Marshall, also had one child together, James Lawrence Tyler. Loretta, now sixty-nine years old, has a jaw-dropping net worth amount over eight million dollars with her thirty years of performances on stage. Loretta had started this stream of an acting career with her performances in talent shows at her high school.

Loretta was a very active teenager on the pep squad and performed a lot in talent shows at her high school, George Washington Carver High School. She graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Arts in Speech and Drama in 1971. In 1976, she earned a Master of Fine Arts in Theater from Brandeis University. Loretta was even initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha, the Epsilon Lambda Chapter.

Loretta has a very deep history with working on Broadway. Her first ever show on Broadway was called Comin’ Uptown and featured Gregory Hines. The actress and singer is mostly recognized for her recurring role as Adele Webber on the Shonda Rhimes’ Grey’s Anatomy, for which she won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series in 2100. The talented actress has also had a role in the series Everybody Hates Chris as Rochelle’s mother. She has also played Cynthia Carmichael Show.

At the end of the day, we should be thankful for women like Loretta Devine in Hollywood for forever expanding the level of diversity in mainstream media. We, as a forever evolving nation, deserve to have all the various groups our country homes represented as we tip-toe further into a more racially diverse America. Women like Loretta need to be represented more heavily and respectfully throughout our media. I, as an African-American or any other minority, women should always be and more often be represented better in our movies, shows, news, cartoons, and social media. Women like Loretta Devine are prime examples of how we should be represented in the media. Women and girls like me deserve a more respectful role model in mainstream media.

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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