By: N.L. Preston HOUSTON – As he has for the last 30 years, Troy Finner continues to “beat the streets” of Houston, and one thing is for certain, the executive assistant chief of the Houston Police Department has not been “beaten by the streets,” and is on a mission to help the city win the war of not only crime, but an unseen enemy that’s crept in. The veteran officer is taking it personal. “What people don’t realize is that I roll around this city by myself at all times of the day and night because I want to get a true picture of what’s out there,” Finner said. The class of ’85 Madison High School graduate was born in Fifth Ward, but grew up in Houston’s Hiram Clarke area. One of six children of Leroy Finner Jr. and Nobia Finner, the father of five is known and respected — not only for his no-nonsense approach to law enforcement, but for his giving spirit and genuine care for the people he meets. In one word – he’s “relatable.” Finner lost his oldest sister to Lupus in 2004, and two of his nephews to gun violence. “I understand the pain of loss. It helps me to understand what families go through,” he said. That’s part of the reason he is on the front line every day trying to ensure that Houstonians don’t experience anymore — potentially preventable — deaths from the pandemic that has the entire world on standstill. “COVID-19 has put everybody on notice. God is trying to get everyone’s attention. No matter what neighborhood you live in, what race you are, what religion you are, it affects us all,” Finner said. Finner applauds the work of our local leaders who have been working around the clock, arm in arm, to keep everyone safe. “Let me commend Mayor Sylvester Turner, he’s been through so much with other crises. He’s not a rookie at this and is doing an outstanding job,” Finner said. “And Sheila Jackson Lee, as she always does, has stood up tremendously getting more testing sites.” But he’s […]
COVID-19. Coronavirus. Those two scary words have been in the headlines of every major and minor media outlet, and have landed nearly a million Americans in the Intensive Care Unit in hospitals across the nation, with sadly, not everyone returning home. What’s even more alarming, is data released showing that Black Americans are dying from the novel Coronavirus at disproportionately high rates.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee in partnership with Trinity United Methodist Church, Sr. Pastor Ed C Jones, III is hosting a FREE Food Distribution Day on Saturday April 18, courtesy of the Houston Food Bank.
“We are all in this together. This pot of gumbo is to feed everybody,” said Eileen Morris, artistic director for Houston’s legendary The Ensemble Theatre.
With the federal government extending social distancing guidelines through the end of April, Houston area schools districts will remain closed, providing online instruction until the beginning of May, officials announced.
here we are. Can you fathom a projection of 150,000 to 250,000 Americans dying from the virus? Polarization, grid lock at a time that requires concerted action. National CEO is calling the Governor of Maine a snake and distancing himself from the governor of Michigan. For weeks during the PANDEMIC it has been every state for itself and God for us all.
With the panic of food shortages and the still questionable race to stock up on toilet paper sweeping the nation, H-E-B’s Scott McClelland wants to reassure Texans that there are enough supplies to help us get through our shelter-in-place and social distancing initiatives as we all safely strive to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Houston Health Department will double its daily COVID-19 testing capacity when it opens its second community drive-thru test site for people with symptoms on Wednesday, April 1.
With the federal government extending social distancing guidelines through the end of April, Houston area schools districts will remain closed, providing online instruction until May 4, officials announced.
The Houston Health Department announced 54 new positive coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases on Sunday, bringing the city’s total to 286. Houston’s COIVD-19 deaths remain at two as no new deaths were reported Sunday.
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.
