November 21st, 2024

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PRESS ROOM: NNPA President Moderates Forum on Systemic Racism

Part three of The HeroZona Foundation’s Bridge Forum ‘Time for Change’ series,  kicked off on Tuesday, August 11 at the Sheraton Mesa Hotel in Mesa, Arizona.

The event is an addition to the Foundation’s initial two-part series discussing systemic racism in America and what actions can be taken to achieve equality. The invitation-only event is a collaborative effort between law enforcement, Arizona government, businesses and community leaders with support from City of Mesa, Mesa Chamber of Commerce, the Mesa Police Department and Sheraton Mesa Hotel at Wrigleyville West.

“Over the past two months, we have successfully had two productive and synergistic discussions with change-makers in various Arizona communities who came together in light of the death of George Floyd,” says HeroZona Foundation Founder and U.S. Army Desert Storm Veteran, Alan “AP” Powell. “The addition of a third part was a no-brainer because we want to bring as many different perspectives to the table to ensure that we are breaking these issues down from all angles.”

The Bridge Forum: Time for Change forum part one occurred on Tuesday, June 23 at the Travis L. Williams American Legion Post 65 and focused on current events within the Black community and law enforcement to examine how communities can work together with police to create equality in the nation. The series’ second segment took place on Tuesday, July 14 at the W Scottsdale, focusing on similar topics in a different community.

National Newspaper Publishers Association President & CEO, Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., moderated each of the forums. Dr. Chavis first received international recognition in 1971 as the leader of the Wilmington Ten, he was wrongfully convicted of committing arson and received the longest sentence before winning his appeal in 1980.

The event includes a mix of panelists from prominent community members to policy and policing experts, including National Forum for Black Public Administrators Central Arizona Chapter President Travis L. Cutright, Anti-Defamation League Assistant Regional Director Keisha McKinnor, Progressive Baptist Church Pastor Dr. Juan M. Brown Sr., and Mesa Community College Interim President Dr. Lori M. Berquam.

Also included are, Mesa Unified School District Assistant Superintendent Dr. James Driscoll, Arizona Youth & College NAACP President Armonee D. Jackson, Arizona State Representative for District 25 and Speaker of the House Russell “Rusty” Bowers, Arizona Senator for District 18 Sean Bowie, City of Mesa Police Chief Ken Cost, Arizona Police Association Executive Director Joe Cluer, Mesa Municipal Court Judge Valerye Boyer-Wells, and Arizona Association of Chiefs of Police President Terry Young.

The forum is supported by City of Mesa Mayor John Giles, Maricopa Country District 1 Supervisor Jack Sellers, and Mesa Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Sally Harrison.

The Bridge Forum ‘Time for Change’ parts one and two included panelists such as Superintendent for the Roosevelt School District No. 66 Quintin Boyce, Arizona State Representative from District 27, Reginald Bolding, Founder of Lo-Lo’s Chicken & Waffles Larry White, Police Chief of the City of Scottsdale Alan G. Rodbell, Chief Special Agent of Attorney General Arizona Reggie Grigsby, President of East Valley NAACP Roy M. Tatem Jr., President and CEO of the Phoenix Suns Jason Rowley, and many other notable leaders.

The ‘Time for Change’ Bridge Forum will be the 11th edition by the HeroZona Foundation. Previous forums have included both high school and college-aged participants in 2017 from South Mountain High School, and in November 2018 included participation from law enforcement and community leaders who discussed ways to better support veterans with recruitment, hiring, opportunities in service, veterans in crisis and support systems.

In January 2018, the Scottsdale Police Department implemented 29 new initiatives from the Scottsdale Bridge Forum 2017, which included establishing sufficient resources for police personnel dealing with trauma, establishing dialogue opportunities with under-served communities, enhancing engagement with the community’s youth and identifying ways to address the needs of the community related to behavioral health.

For more information about the Bridge Forum and to stream its upcoming event on Tuesday, August 11, visit thebridgeforum.com.

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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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