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Travis Scott gives back

It’s always good to see when celebrities give back to the community and Houston’s Travis Scott has really been going above and beyond. The rapper’s Astroworld Festival kicked off over the weekend and, while in town for the event, Scott made his way around town doing good deeds. On Wednesday, Scott presented a campus garden to the students at Young Elementary School in the Sunnyside community. He said he was inspired to do this because of the garden his grandmother, Miss Sealie Terrell, grew during his childhood. Terrell proudly joined her grandson for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “We grew up not too far from here on Rosehaven. She used to have a garden in her backyard that looked similar to this,” Scott said. “All she did was make flowers for people around the neighborhood and for family and mostly for anyone that asked, so it’s kinda crazy that we’re able to bring this to the elementary school and allow kids to have that same experience.” The rapper’s nonprofit Cactus Jack Foundation presented the garden in partnership with the Houston Independent School District. According to Scott, Cactus Jack Gardens will give students the opportunity to learn about agriculture, gardening, food and nutrition. “Hopefully, you know, it gives these kids some sort of inspirational thing to do every day, and kind of help them look forward to the future,” Scott said. The principal of the school says the garden will be used as a teaching tool to promote healthy eating, showing students there are more yummy options out there instead of just fast food. The HISD Nutrition Services’ Get Growing Houston program teamed up with Scott’s Cactus Jack Foundation to install gardens at Alcott, Bastian, Rucker and Wesley elementary schools, Attucks and M.C. Williams middle schools and Washington High School. The community garden is one of the many stops Scott made before his two-day concert at NRG Park. His foundation also presented a new basketball court in Sunnyside and on Thursday, Scott held a celebrity softball game at Minute Maid Park. About Travis Scott: “Travis Scott” was born Jacques Bermon Webster II on […]

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Creating generational wealth through entrepreneurship

During a time when more focus needs to be placed on building our communities and creating generational wealth through entrepreneurship, one of Houston’s newest residents is taking a lead in helping students solidify their futures. Business and entertainment mogul Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson and partner Al Kashani, president of Horizon United Group, in partnership with the Houston Independent School District, inducted 75 students from Kashmere, Wheatley, and Worthing high schools into a program that will teach them the business skills that define successful entrepreneurship. The groundbreaking G-Unity Business Lab is helping students acquire critical professional skills. Students in the lab will engage in MBA-level lessons that represent the full lifecycle of a product or concept, from idea creation to market branding, to even running a company. “This is an exciting partnership for the students of HISD. Curtis Jackson moved to Houston and immediately invested in our children, becoming a stakeholder in their future,” said HISD Superintendent Millard House II. “By focusing on underserved youth and providing paid internships, the G-Unity Business Lab will help students from low-income households envision a different reality for themselves and their future. We recognize that HISD alone can’t create the next great entrepreneur. That’s why I am grateful to Curtis Jackson and Horizon United for recognizing the value and potential of our students and bringing this landmark program to our schools.” This initiative represents the first flagship investment of Jackson’s philanthropic arm, the G-Unity Foundation, which is investing $300,000 over two years. HISD is matching the funds for a total of $600,000. “It’s great to be giving back to this community that’s already given me so much,” said Jackson. “It was an honor to meet these 75 students who will take the knowledge they gain and be able to lead businesses and communities. They can do great things if they just have the right skills and tools. This program is going to help get them there.” This program goes to the heart of Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Complete Communities Initiative and he expressed his gratitude that the G-Unity Labs focus on schools and students. “I want

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Miles Ahead Scholars in Action

Miles Ahead Scholars: A Legacy Program Aimed to Help Young Men of Color go to College Every urban city has African-American communities that have been neglected, and opportunities to succeed are scarce. This ongoing trend has reverberated for decades and leaves little hope for many of our kids. Houston is home to several of these neighborhoods. In 2014, President Barack Obama launched My Brother’s Keeper, an initiative to address the persistent achievement gaps boys and young men of color face. Several studies from top research institutions found what we already knew. African-American men are a dying breed on college campuses. I sought to change this upon being elected as a state senator in 2016. We needed a program to help our young men of Color get to college and succeed. I approached the Texas Education Agency (TEA), the Houston Independent School District (HISD) and education advocates with this goal, and they all agreed. So, we got to work and developed a program based on best practices. Then, I was able to secure $22 million during the past two legislative sessions to fund the program. Last week, I joined HISD, the TEA, and hundreds of community leaders and education advocates to unveil the fruits of our labor and welcome the inaugural class of the Miles Ahead Scholars. The Miles Ahead Scholars’ inaugural class consists of sixty 9th and 10th-grade boys who show academic promise from Wheatley, Worthing and Kashmere High Schools. Each of these schools is located in predominantly African American communities. The program will follow these boys and future classes as they become men and graduate from high school. The program has dedicated staff to allow the students to achieve excellence in academics, learn skills for success, and to help them apply and get accepted to top colleges and universities. The program sets very high goals for the scholars. The students will also be mentored by successful men of color, participate in professional internships so that they can receive real-world experience and visit the top universities in the country. We need to show these kids what possibilities lie ahead. At

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Miles Ahead Scholars

Miles Ahead Scholars: A New Solution to an Old Problem Recently, Houston ISD kicked off a new program, the Miles Ahead Scholars Program, to tackle one of the most difficult problems in urban schools, improving academic outcomes for African-American boys. President Obama, when launching the “My Brother’s Keeper” initiative said that improving the lives of young men of color is a moral issue. I worked to secure funding for the program during this year’s legislative session. The Miles Ahead Program will begin with an initial group of 60, 9th and 10th-grade boys who show academic promise from Wheatley, Worthing and Kashmere High Schools. The program will follow these boys and future classes as they become men and complete their 12th grade year. The program has dedicated staff to allow the students to achieve the very high goals and expectations of the program. The program focuses on forming cohorts or “posses” of male students with academic promise, but from high schools underrepresented among top colleges and universities. They will share academic classes, developmental programming and college and career counseling. Instructional specialists will ensure that the boys maintain a competitive GPA and are eligible and ready for college-level work. They will receive mentorship from men of color in the community who can share their personal and professional experiences with the students. The program sets very high goals for the scholars. They are expected to take and pass AP exams so that they earn college credit in high school. They will participate in a professional internship so that they can experience the working world. Of course, the ultimate goal is for these students to attend and graduate from our nation’s top universities. I look forward to watching these boys grow up to be young leaders in our community. I invite you to join in this program by serving as a mentor. If you are interested in becoming a mentor to one of these scholars, please contact my office to learn more about this rewarding opportunity.

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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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