November 23rd, 2024

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NAACP ACT-SO Competition

By: Crystal Toussant

As a long-time NAACP Act-So Ambassador and Recruiter, I am always excited to sing the praises of the extraordinarily talented youth who participate in this cornerstone program that has existed for 44 years.  At the end of each school year, NAACP youth members compete in NAACP’s Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO). This program gives Black high school students — over 300,000 to date — a platform to bring their ideas to life, compete, and begin their journey to becoming leaders in STEM, humanities, business, and the arts.  In more recent years, the NAACP has included other people of diverse ethnic backgrounds in NAACP ACT-SO competitions, because black youth were not taking advantage of this amazing opportunity.

High school-aged students from all over the nation participate in the NAACP ACT-SO competitions in their local city.  If a student wins a Gold Medal, their local NAACP chapter pays for the student to attend the national NAACP ACT-SO competition.  On Sunday, May 22, our Houston Chapter of the NAACP ACT-SO Competition awarded several students gold medals which will earn each student the right to compete at the National ACT-SO Competition in.  In the Business Competition for Entrepreneurship, the winners are as follows: a Gold medal was awarded to an 11th grader from King Park High School, Alexander Curtis. In the Original Essay Competition, a gold medal was awarded to Ava Winn, a 10th grader from The Kinkaid High School. In the Playwriting Competition, a Gold medal was awarded to Kemi Alade, a 12th grader from Dobie High School.  In Original Poetry Written Competition, a Gold medal was awarded to Kaitlin Johnson, a 12th grader from Ridge Point High School.  In Drawing & Sculpture Competitions, a Gold medal was awarded to Anaya Brown,  a 12th grader from Kinder High School of the Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA).  In Filmmaking Competition, a Gold Medal was awarded to Kemi Alade , a 12th grader from J. Frank Dobie High School. In Painting Competition, a Gold medal was awarded to Azana Mims, a 10th grader from Jack Yates High School. In Dance Competition for Ballet and Contemporary, a Gold medal was awarded to Kendall Moshay, a 9th grader – Kinder High School for Performing & Visual Arts.  In Music Vocal Contemporary, a Gold medal was awarded to Gabrielle North, a 12th grader from The Elevated Places.

The NAACP ACT-SO Competition Silver medalists are Zion Alexander, a 12th grader from Ridge Point High School,  Alexander Curtis, an 11th grader from King Park High School for Poetry – Written, Joseph Emerson, a 12th grader from Spring Woods High School for Sculpture,  Naari Kemebrew, a 12th grader from Newton High School for Music Vocal Contemporary,  Kerrigan Gaston,  a 9th grader from Cypress Ranch School for Poetry Performance.

The NAACP ACT-SO Competition Bronze Medalists are Michele Martinez, a 10th grader from Spring Woods High School for Drawing, Anaya Brown, a 12th grader from Kinder High School of the Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA) for Drawing, Hayleigh Franco,  a 12th grader from Spring Woods High School in Sculpture, Sydnei Cross, a 10th grader from Glen Dawson High School in Contemporary Dance, Marcus Harris II,  a 10th grader–Strake Jesus College Preparatory for Music Instrumental Classical, Karrington Adams, a 10th grader from Klein Oak Senior High for Music Instrumental Contemporary, Cameron Marshall, a 10th grader from Glen Dawson High School for Music Vocal Classical, Kemi Alade, a 12th grader from J. Frank Dobie High School for Music Vocal Contemporary, Kyla Caraway, and a 12th grader from Young Women’s College Preparatory Academy for Poetry Performance.

The NAACP ACT-SO Competition has offered amazing opportunities for thousands of students nationwide to showcase their talents and earn scholarship money for being active participants in the NAACP initiatives that work to better the lives of people of color all over our nation.  We hope sharing these students’ great accomplishments will encourage parents as well as other students to get involved with the NAACP and the ACT-SO program.  Thank you, Houston NAACP Chapter, National NAACP Headquarters, NAACP ACT-SO participants, and parents for your dedication, service, and support in making our talent in the Houston community prepared to enter the world with great skill and a commitment to excellence.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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.

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