October 9th, 2024

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‘The Measure of a Man’: Legendary actor, Sidney Poitier, dead at 94

#NNPA BlackPress, Black History, Celebrities, Entertainment, Film, In Memoriam, National, News, NNPA, Stacy Brown /

By: Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Legendary actor Sidney Poitier, who broke barriers and stood for justice and Black lives during the most tumultuous times of the civil rights movement, has died. Poitier, whose iconic 71-year career, included starring roles in “A Raisin in the Sun,” “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” and “Uptown Saturday Night,” was 94. His cause of death has yet to be confirmed. In an exclusive phone call with the Black Press of America, Bill Cosby said he will miss his long-time friend and co-star. “He was honored by AFI. And, along with many stars of the stage, screen, politics and higher education who came out to speak, I brought with me the paperback of his autobiography and I said of all groundbreaking movies that Sidney starred in this book is the real story of this man and his journey,” Cosby remarked. “I am honored to have been close enough to him and work and work on serious matters. According to PBS, Poitier moved to New York City at age 16 after living in the Bahamas for several years with his family. In the Big Apple, he found work as a janitor at the American Negro Theater in exchange for acting lessons. From there, he took up acting roles in plays for the next several years until his film debut in the racially charged, “No Way Out.” Race and social justice would become central themes in much of his work throughout the ‘50s and ‘60s. A Broadway play focused on the life of the Bahamian born star, who earned his first Academy Award nomination in 1959 for his work in “The Defiant Ones,” is in the works. As noted in the New York Post, the nomination was significant to America as he was the first African American to be nominated for Best Actor. That role also earned him a Golden Globe win and a BAFTA Award. Poitier broke even more barriers in 1963 with his hit film “Lilies of the Field.” The following year, Poitier became the first African American to ever win the Best Actor at the […]

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Former Houston Oiler Curley Culp dies at 75

Featured, In Memoriam, National, News, Sports /

We are paying our respects to former Houston Oilers great Curley Culp, who died Nov. 27 from Stage IV pancreatic cancer at the age of 75. Culp was a former NFL player who was an offensive and defensive lineman. He played college football at Arizona State University, where he was also an NCAA heavyweight wrestling champion. He played football professionally in the American Football League (AFL) for the Kansas City Chiefs in 1968 and 1969, and in the National Football League (NFL) for the Chiefs, Houston Oilers, and Detroit Lions. He was an AFL All-Star in 1969 and a six-time AFC–NFC Pro Bowler. Culp grew up in Yuma, Arizona, the youngest of 13 children including a twin sister, Shirley. At Yuma Union High School he was a standout first in football and then in wrestling, winning state high school titles as a heavyweight in 1963 and 1964. He was recruited to Arizona State University to play both sports. At Arizona State, Culp amassed a 84-11-1 record, three Western Athletic Conference championships, and was the 1967 NCAA heavyweight champion, winning the Gorriaran Award for scoring the most falls at the Division I championships. Under legendary Arizona State football coach Frank Kush, Culp played nose guard, including on the 1967 team that allowed opponents an average of only 79.8 yards per game. He won All-America honors in football as well as wrestling. The Denver Broncos drafted Culp in the second round of the 1968 NFL Draft, but considered v. him too small for the defensive line at 6’1″ and 265 lbs. After trying him at guard, they dealt him during training camp to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick (Mike Schnitker). He played for Kansas City for seven seasons, appearing in 82 games, achieving nine sacks in 1973 with nine QB takedowns, and also recovering five fumbles during his career with the team. Culp’s role as a nose tackle in the pros actually took root in Super Bowl IV, where he was a starting defensive tackle. Chiefs coach Hank Stram, in an attempt to nullify the Minnesota

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In Memoriam: Craig Sebastian Adams, aka “BUD”

Community, Featured, In Memoriam, Local, News /

Our beloved brother Craig Sebastian Adams, aka “BUD,” was called home to be with the Lord on Wednesday August 11, 2021 at 5:01 a.m., at the age of 63.  He succumbed with a little over a two-week battle with COVID-19 and sadly, had not been vaccinated.  Craig was the healthiest one of us all, but the Delta variant overwhelmed him, and God saw fit to make him the voice for this pandemic that has ravaged our nation for well over a year or so now. Craig was born at St. Elizabeth Hospital on November 9,1957 to Earl Felix and Mary Electa (Skipper) Adams, who preceded him in death, as well as his brothers, Louis Everett (2012), Michael Elliott (1980), Christopher Robert (2010) and Kenneth Bernard (1974), as well as our dear sister-in-law Alice Potts Adams (2020). He was baptized and raised as a faithful servant to the Lord for 60 years at St. Monica Catholic Church in Acreage Home (44), where he served as an Altar Server, Eucharistic Minister, lecturer, usher, a member of the Altar Society, St. Vincent de Paul, Knights of Peter Claver (151), chairman of the Bazaar Committee, CCE (Sunday School) teacher and many others. He leaves to celebrate and remember his life 13 siblings; Earl II (Ebonny), Frederick, Patrick, Adrian (Athena), Timothy (Jewell), Clifford (Marilyn), Leah, Phillippa (Rodney), Clement (Sonia), Gerald, (Briggitte), Regina, Magdalena (Dena), Lillia (Kimm) and sister- in-law Joyce (Louis deceased). Craig ‘s life of education began when he attended A.B. Anderson Elementary, until he was placed in 5th grade at St. Rose of Lima in an “Empty Seat Program,” along with six of his other siblings, with the younger ones to follow. He then attended Northwest Jr. High (aka Seton/Assumption) and went on to graduate at St. Pius X High School “Class of 76” with Honors, alongside his brother Clifford. Craig was humble, kind, knowledgeable and full of talent. As a teenager, he worked at McDonalds aka “Mickey D’s,” alongside at least one of the many siblings that followed him and brought home his paycheck to the “Bank of MESA (Mary Electa Skipper

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RIP Suzzanne Douglas

Entertainment, National, News /

Suzzanne Douglas, Broadway and screen actress, died at the age of 64 on Wednesday, according to her spokesperson. While the cause of death is still unknown to the public, the spokesperson revealed Douglas had “a battle with a long illness.” She is most well known for her role as the matriarch on “The Parent ‘Hood” and for co-starting in dance production “Tap,” alongside Sammy Davis Jr. Douglas, born in Chicago, has been featured in so many classic films including “Whitney,” “How Stella Got Her Groove Back,” “School of Rock,” and “The Inkwell.” Many Houstonians my remember that she starred as the mother in the movie “Jason’s Lyric,” which was shot right here in Houston.  The film also starred Jada Pinkett Smith, Bokeem Woodbine, Allen Payne and Forest Whitaker. She also made appearances in other TV series like “Bones,” “The Good Wife,” and “NYPD Blue.” Douglas has truly made such a large impact in the movie and entertainment industry. She is remembered as “a regal bright light” and “a quiet, elegant force” by several co-stars and celebrities who knew her. Angela Bassett paid tribute to Douglas saying, “Suzzanne was my brave, beautiful and brilliant sister. An incandescent light among us. I adored her essence, her energy, her intelligence, her grace, her faith and her fight. Suzzanne’s spirit was contagious. She saw the best in everyone, and God’s hand in every challenge. Even the most difficult. Rest, sweet angel.”  

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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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