COVID

NAACP’s ‘COVID. KNOW MORE’ initiative continues as Black America’s best defense and resource

This month, the nation marked a foreboding, record death toll: More than 5,230,000 deaths worldwide as a result of COVID-19. It’s a sad, painful and tragic milestone that signals the obvious: The coronavirus pandemic—here in the U.S. as well as around the globe—is far from over, and simply isn’t going away anytime soon. As Americans begin to ponder once again the safety of gathering with friends, families and loved ones for the holidays, infections once more are on the rise in multiple states. Although the Delta and Lambda variants are showing signs of a steady decline, the new and highly transmissible Omicron variant is emerging across the Atlantic as a cause for concern, and has now arrived in the U.S. Misinformation about the virus and the efficacy of the vaccines, coming from professional athletes and entertainment celebrities alike continues to be recklessly spread, and health professionals are issuing dire warnings about more spikes in cases looming this winter as people will likely choose to socialize indoors, with fewer following mask guidance in confined spaces. For African Americans, who place a high value on their traditional seasonal gatherings, the potential threat of contracting COVID-19 is even greater. Though the majority of eligible Black adults have been fully vaccinated (62 percent) and the numbers of children now being vaccinated also continues a consistent rise, reliable, credible information is still the primary battleground. Deep in the trenches still fighting this fight is the NAACP, which through its ‘COVID.KNOW MORE’ national initiative has been tirelessly working to deliver resources, timely research and data specific to the Black community that can be found nowhere else. “The specter of the COVID-19 pandemic has plagued our nation and the world for 20 long months now, but all of its devastating effects, whether health wise or economic, disproportionately impact our Black community,” states Derrick Johnson, NAACP president & CEO. “Trust the science, and trust the data. As we’ve worked hard to move African Americans toward a phase of recovery, our research shows that the concerns of experts are justified about the coming winter months. “Worries about the Delta […]

NAACP’s ‘COVID. KNOW MORE’ initiative continues as Black America’s best defense and resource Read More »

Lone Star College-North Harris receives 2021 Star Award for response to COVID-19

HOUSTON  – The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board recognized    Lone Star College-North Harris as a recipient of the 2021 Star Award on Thursday, Dec. 2, at this year’s Leadership Conference. LSC-North Harris is one of 10 higher education institutions across the state selected for the Star Award because of its outstanding response to COVID-19. The criteria for the award were based on a clear demonstration of implementing strategies to ensure the health, safety, and success of our community through partnership and innovative and creative strategies. “This award validates that the return to building plans developed by the Chief Operating Officer and implemented by LSC-North Harris was effective in doing its part in training and certifying essential personnel, and getting them into the workforce, even in the midst of the pandemic,” said Dr. Archie L. Blanson, president, LSC-North Harris. The college’s response to COVID-19 began by shifting nearly 75% of classes online while still making traditional resources available through online access. Each building on campus displayed signage to ensure social distancing and the latest CDC guidelines, along with a thorough check-in process, including temperature checks and online sign-in for contact tracing. To help students adapt to the changes on campus, the college created a web page providing updates to campus protocols, important contact information, and links to resources about mental health and ways to stay connected. Campus leadership also participated in a series of videos offering reassurance and helpful tips for taking online classes to students through videos shared on the college’s social media platforms. Throughout the pandemic, partnerships provided the opportunity to offer COVID-19 testing onsite when needed through the Harris County Health Department, along with two vaccination clinics with the help of HEB. “We’re honored that this recognition highlights our commitment to student success and the well-being of our community,” said Dr. Blanson. Lone Star College offers high-quality, low-cost academic transfer and career training education to 93,000+ students each semester. LSC is training tomorrow’s workforce today and redefining the community college experience to support student success. Stephen C. Head, Ph.D., serves as chancellor of LSC, the largest institution of

Lone Star College-North Harris receives 2021 Star Award for response to COVID-19 Read More »

Study shows how medical community neglected African Americans with Covid

By: Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent It’s well-documented that the Covid-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc in communities everywhere, but African Americans mainly have borne the brunt of the disease’s impact. Now, a new study published by the University of Michigan delves further into yet another systemic problem. Findings from the study show that Black patients experienced the lowest physician follow-up post-discharge and the most protracted delays (35.5 days) in returning to work. More than half of hospital readmissions within the 60 days following discharge were among non-White patients (55%), and the majority of post-discharge deaths were among White patients (21.5%). “The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected Black and Latinx communities in the United States compared with White communities in both morbidity and mortality,” the study authors wrote. The report noted that hospitalization rates for Black and Latinx patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 are approximately three times higher than those of similar White patients. “It is therefore unsurprising that of the 216,635 COVID-19–related deaths in the United States to date for which we have race and ethnicity data available, 29.3% have been Black (34,374) or Latinx (29,063), which correlate with US population norms,” the authors continued. White persons in the United States account for approximately 76% of the population and 61.1% of deaths (132,315). Notably, Black and Latinx adults have an increased prevalence of comorbid conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease, associated with an increased risk of severe illness due to COVID-19. Further, significant numbers of Black and Latinx adults have occupations considered essential, requiring close contact with others, thereby hindering the ability to effectively socially distance, self-isolate, or work from home, the study revealed. “Health disparities, or preventable differences in health outcomes, are known to be driven by a variety of economic, environmental, and social factors, including institutional or structural racism and bias in health treatment,” the authors conceded. For example, researchers cited a recent study that evaluated patients with COVID-19 among five US emergency departments. That study found that Black patients accounted for the majority (56.7%) of readmissions within 72 hours, whereas White

Study shows how medical community neglected African Americans with Covid Read More »

EXCLUSIVE: Rev. Jesse Jackson Speaks About His and Wife’s Covid Diagnosis

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia NNPA NEWSWIRE — In an exclusive telephone conversation from his hospital bed on Sunday, August 22, the renowned civil rights leader expressed his ongoing support for vaccinations while explaining why his wife, Jacqueline, had not received the vaccine. “I have had both my shots,” Rev. Jackson said in the telephone call from Northwestern Memorial Hospital. “My wife did not receive the vaccine because she has pre-existing conditions that were of concern.” Jackson maintained the importance of vaccination, noting that there are more stringent variants of the coronavirus. While he and his wife remain hospitalized in a Chicago hospital after positive Covid tests, the Rev. Jesse Jackson told the Black Press that he remains vigilant in fighting for freedom, justice, and equality. In an exclusive telephone conversation from his hospital bed on Sunday, August 22, the renowned civil rights leader expressed his ongoing support for vaccinations while explaining why his wife, Jacqueline, had not received the vaccine. “I have had both my shots,” Rev. Jackson said in the telephone call from Northwestern Memorial Hospital. “My wife did not receive the vaccine because she has pre-existing conditions that were of concern.” Jackson maintained the importance of vaccination, noting that there are more stringent variants of the coronavirus. He said he and Jacqueline are receiving the “best of care.” The telephone call came just one day after his organization, the Rainbow Push Coalition, revealed the positive tests and hospitalization. The call included National Newspaper Publishers Association President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., a longtime friend and comrade in the fight for civil rights. Both disciples of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rev. Jackson, and Dr. Chavis expressed concern that some media members would exploit Jackson’s positive tests. Jackson issued a reassurance of his strength. “I’m doing fine,” Rev. Jackson insisted. “My wife is here, and she’s being cared for.” Though he’s battling Parkinson’s disease and now diagnosed with Covid, Rev. Jackson’s voice appeared strong. He said his battle for freedom, justice, and equality would continue. “He’s a fighter, a warrior,” Dr.

EXCLUSIVE: Rev. Jesse Jackson Speaks About His and Wife’s Covid Diagnosis Read More »

Fact check! Dan Patrick blames African Americans for COVID spread

By: Roy Douglas Malonson Now, I have heard some racist junk in my time and, unfortunately, it just doesn’t get any better – or easier – to listen to politicians say the damndest things against our Black people. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick is blaming unvaccinated Black people for the COVID-19 surge in Texas and across the nation. His sources for this claim? An incorrect Facebook post. Patrick made the remarks recently on a Fox News segment when questioned about the latest COVID-19 surge. “The COVID is spreading particularly, most of the numbers are with the unvaccinated and the Democrats like to blame Republicans on that. Well, the biggest group in most states are African Americans who have not been vaccinated.” Say what? Patrick really went there on national television, blatantly stating that Black people are spreading the virus, when the Republican party members have been the most vocal in anti-mask, anti-vaccination rallies and political meetings. Numerous statistics and analyses disprove Patrick’s statement. Let’s look at the facts. Black people make up almost 13% of the United States population and are not the “biggest group” of unvaccinated people in Texas or the nation. An analysis by the KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation) found that white people held the largest amount of unvaccinated people across the country. Another analysis by the KFF found that Black people accounted for more than 50% of positive COVID-19 cases in only two out of 35 analyzed states. In Texas, Black people only account for 15% of positive COVID-19 cases compared to 52% of Hispanic people and 32% of whites. Self-reported data from KFF stated that 65% of African American people said they received at least one dose of the vaccine compared to 70% of whites and 61% of Hispanic people. Another analysis found that across 40 states, 40% of Black people are vaccinated compared to 50% of whites. While Black and Hispanic communities are less likely to have received a vaccine, Black people’s vaccination rates are steadily increasing as white people’s rates are declining. While the effectiveness of current vaccines is declining against new COVID-19 variants, the vaccines are

Fact check! Dan Patrick blames African Americans for COVID spread Read More »

In Memoriam: Craig Sebastian Adams, aka “BUD”

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

In Memoriam: Craig Sebastian Adams, aka “BUD” Read More »

The deal will make a critical down payment on helping the more than 25 million children and thousands of bus drivers who breathe polluted air on their rides to and from school. (Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA)

Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal: Advancing economic and public health opportunities for communities of color

A little over a month ago, the President announced the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework – a bipartisan agreement to make largest long-term investment in our infrastructure and competitiveness in nearly a century.

Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal: Advancing economic and public health opportunities for communities of color Read More »

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.

Scroll to Top
Search