Steppingstones To Greatness
By: Crystal Toussant
Renee Logan, Dr. Janice Beal, and Dr. Carla Brailey were the masterminds who conceived the idea to partner with the Holocaust Museum Houston to bring grade school Black girls ages 10 – 13 years old from the Greater Houston Metropolitan Area to view the Notorious Ruth Bader Ginsberg (RBG) Exhibit. Renee is one of the sponsors of the RBG Exhibit and was approached by the Chief Executive Officer, Kelly J. Zúñiga, Ed.D. to develop an event to engage Black Girls and Women. These dynamic accomplished women wanted to expose intercity Black girls to RBG’s journey and the legacy of her esteemed law career.
The event Steppingstones to Greatness was conceived out of the desire to make certain that each young lady knows the importance of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s extraordinary career of beating the odds, which served as an inspiration for our first African American Supreme Court Justice, Ketanji Brown Jackson. Each young lady was given a free tour of the Notorious RBG Exhibit where they completed a scavenger hunt to learn about the intricate details of the people, places, and things that influenced her career and life’s work. Notably, Paulie Murray was one of RBG sheroes in law. Paulie was an openly lesbian Black attorney who clerked for Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, whom we all revere as the first Black Supreme Court Justice in the United States of America.
The Holocaust Museum Houston’s exhibit on Ruth Bader Ginsberg is a testament to the perseverance, dedication to justice for all, and indomitable spirit of a woman who knew she was destined to help change the world. Each of the hosts of Steppingstones to Greatness is an amazing woman in her own right. Renee is a philanthropist, and long-standing businesswoman as the President and C.E.O. of Access Data Supply, which is responsible for forecasting and budgeting, strategic partnering, client development, and engagement, along with business development and marketing from a national platform. Dr. Janice Beal is the Clinical Director of Well Being in Color and Primary Therapist where she has served 8,500 students in New York and Houston to be at the forefront of solution-oriented mental health work during the pandemic. Then there is the trailblazer, Dr. Carla Brailey, who is the first Black woman to run for Lieutenant Governor, Senior Fellow of the Barbara Jordan Institute of Policy Analysis, and a Professor at Texas Southern University.
The awesome hosts had the vision to invite some of the greatest legal minds in Harris and Fort Bend Counties to share a little Black Girl Magic from the bench. These well accomplished, caring, and generous Black Women Judges headed the call to action: Judges Latosha McGill Clayton, Ramona Franklin, Tamecia Glover, Jeralynn Manor, Kali Morgan, Fredericka Phillips, Toni Wallace, and Wanda Adams.
From the Notorious RBG, to the Illustrious KBJ (Ketanji Brown Jackson), to the examples of Black Girl Magic on the bench, every young lady’s face in the room lit up with joy as the judges County took time out of their busy schedules to put on their robes and gracefully glided to their rightful places on the stage to share a wealth of insight, knowledge, and encouragement.
It was empowering, inspiring, & motivating to everyone in the room. Every judge had a unique perspective that turned on light bulbs for everyone. During the event, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee called in from a Pro-Choice Rally, which was a testament to her dedication to serving our community on every level. We were then blessed with the insightful and loving support of Councilwoman Dr. Letitia Plummer, who reminded every young lady that you can create your own path.
All the judges stayed longer to answer questions, share information about internships, mock trial opportunities as well as take pictures. The most empowering moment was when one of the judges said that “it is okay to talk too much but learn when to talk and when to listen.” A special thank you to these ladies for pouring into these dynamic young leaders of the future.
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.
