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The Southwest Art Fest featured Frank Frazier’s Visual Arts Collection in Killeen

By: Elisabeth Treadwell, Texas Metro News The 2021 Southwest Art Fest (SWAF) hosted by Endeavors Performing Arts & Special Events Venue in Killeen, TX featured the artistic works of internationally renowned visual artist Frank Frazier. Frazier, a retired disabled Vietnam Army Veteran, led a caravan of other amazing artists from all over the U.S. to Killeen Labor Day weekend. Their incredible paintings, sculptures, jewelry and other unique creations were showcased at Endeavors located at 868 S. Fort Hood St. in the 440 Plaza. Prominent sculptors and visual artists including Burl Washington, Cedric Chandler, Fredrick Douglas Moore, Victor Hoover, Jarrad Hamilton, Billy Edmonds and Fanta Celah converged in Killeen at Endeavors. Also, there was Dallas-based Elegant Home Decor artist Dominique Dunbar and African Wear Designer & Clothier Amadou. At Endeavors, these artists merged their prize artwork alongside well-known and respected Killeen artists Reshard Hicks, Roshanda Prior, Rhea Rose and Austin’s Devan Mingo and Lakeem Wilson. Visual Art enthusiasts as well as the general public were also able to chat it up with local nonprofits such as The Innovation Black Chamber of Commerce and shop with local vendors such as J-Sassy Designs and Danielle’s Delicious Deserts. The Southwest Art Fest kicked off on Saturday September 4 with Killeen Mayor Segarra of presenting The SWAF a proclamation declaring September 4 and 5 as the official days of the festival in Killeen. Fest-goers then grooved to the sounds of DJ Rob Flex, enjoyed a performance by Ursula Cimone of Soul Arts Collective and Spoken Word Artist, Shake The Poet. Fest-goers then experienced a fashion show spotlighting music from the up-and coming international singer Hone7, wearing fierce fashions by “Emerging With Beauty” founder Cinderella Fonken. Performances by Violinist Hillary Riley, award-winning international singing sensation from Chicago, Rooby Man and Siva Ori Polynesia Fire Dancers wowed the crowd as the first day of the fest came to a close. On Sunday, several car clubs rolled up just after The Mini Monopoly Youth Dancers performed at the soulful brunch provided by the official SWAF restaurant, Jolly’s. Fest-goers quenched their thirst with ice cold water donated by Riley […]

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These sisters want you to find your “WOMANISH”

Lahoma Scarlette, NNPA Newswire Contributor The new WOMANISH exhibit wants women everywhere to know they are the “ish” and to repeat this mantra to themselves, daily. The new, interactive art experience made its debut in the Wynwood Arts District on June 30, after its 2020 launch in Chicago amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. The 5,000-square-foot traveling exhibit, is the mastermind of Chicago natives and Black female founders and sisters Dionna and Danyelle Gray. The immersive exhibit is made up of 15 photo-friendly, very Instagrammable installation rooms that explore the meaning of womanhood from different perspectives and features the work of women artists from all over the world, highlighting an “ish.” Some messages are provocative, CENSOREDISH, many will educate you, CONSUMERISH, i.e., the Pink Tax, motivate you, or bring out your inner child, CHILDISH. While visiting the different rooms, you will notice how inclusive the art is and see the term womxn used throughout. That’s part of the WOMANISH goal, to include everyone, as the spelling of womxn avoids the suggestion of sexism perceived in the sequences m-a-n and m-e-n and is inclusive of trans and nonbinary women. I was captivated by each room I entered, and it would be hard to pinpoint my favorite ISH. SELFISH stood out because I love the way word is interpreted. Not to give too much away, because if you plan to be in the Miami area, it’s a must visit, but taking care of oneself does not make you SELFISH, many women feel guilty when they put themselves first, in fact, it makes you selfless of yourself. The SELFISH room gives new meaning to the phrase “Do You.” The PAIDISH room also stood out, it highlights the gender pay equity gap and includes a special ode to Harriet Tubman, because, hey, we’re still waiting to see her on the $20 bill. “This experience is a culturally-inclusive safe space that provokes imagination, conversation and change around breaking single-definition stereotypes,” stated co-founder Dionna Gray. “Womanish is more than an exhibit, it’s a pro-womxn empowerment movement. No matter how you identify, you will be able to encounter, contemplate, and connect with

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Award-winning poet, author, and editor Kwame Dawes, PhD

PRESS ROOM: Kwame Dawes and the Poetry Foundation Reintroduce American Life in Poetry

Award-winning poet, author, and editor Kwame Dawes, PhD hopes new readers will connect with American Life in Poetry by finding columns that are approachable and speak to their interests, particularly for new poetry readers. With over 60 different themes that can be combined while searching, users can find a poem that speaks to gardening and unrequited love from the archive which includes more than 800 poems.

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FILM REVIEW: ‘Sometimes Always Never’ is touching film about sustaining within loss

CHICAGO CRUSADER — The Virtual Cinema experience was created to assist temporarily closed independent theaters. By purchasing a “ticket,” you will be directly supporting Music Box Theatre, as all revenue is being shared between distributor and exhibitor just as if you bought your ticket at the theater’s box office.

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OP-ED: Returning to School in the Fall Isn’t Safe Without a Vaccine

CHICAGO DEFENDER — For CPS employees like myself who work with Preschool children ages 3-5, how are we supposed to ensure they maintain 6 feet from us and one another? How are we supposed to explain a pod to them? Preschool children are explorers, exploring everything and everyone around them. It’s how they learn and develop critical thinking and social-emotional skills. Exactly how does one explore inside a pod? Before the pandemic hit handwashing was a skill most struggled with remembering, so how are we supposed to drive the dire importance of it to them now from inside of a pod? I can tell you now that ten preschoolers kept inside a pod will be utter chaos and a COVID-19 Petri dish filled with sneezes, dirty hands, and soiled masks. If the masks even stay on past the first 5 minutes of class.

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IN MEMORIAM: Leaders reflect on the life of Congressman John Lewis

THE CHICAGO CRUSADER — On Sunday, March 7, 1965 in Selma, Alabama, Lewis and fellow activist Hosea Williams led hundreds of marchers across the Edmund Pettus Bridge. They were on their way to the state capitol fighting for the right to vote. On the other side of the bridge were the Alabama State Troopers on horses. After crossing the bridge, the troopers attacked marchers and beat Lewis with a club. He suffered a fractured skull that nearly killed him. The incident became known as “Bloody Sunday.”

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Legendary Singer Deniece Williams Joins Other Big Stars at NNPA Virtual Conference

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Williams, who transformed R&B, pop and gospel music over her extraordinary five-decade career, joined Stephanie Mills, Anthony Hamilton, Carlos Santana, and Salt-N-Pepa in a star-studded lineup of musical talent appearing at the first virtual conference in the 193-year history of the Black Press and the 80th anniversary of the NNPA.

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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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