December 8th, 2024

The 33rd Annual Banquet Gala

By: Sheba Roy

The 33rd Annual Banquet Gala at the Acres Home Chamber for Business and Economic Development was a remarkable affair. The event took place on October 27th 2023 at the Acres Home Chamber event center located at 6112 Wheatley St. Guests from across the city attended the occasion sponsored in part by HEB, The City of Houston, and Aldine ISD. Notable attendees included Mayor Sylvester Turner, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, and Congressman Al Green, Congressional candidate Amanda Edwards, three candidates for Texas State Senate District 15, Molly Cook, Karthik Soora, and State Representative Jarvis Johnson among others.

 

he scholarship fundraiser was hosted by Master of Ceremonies Donnie Lewis, the “Louisiana County Boy”, and included a dinner curated and served by Celebrity Chef Willie Holmes and his staff, while saxophonist Cleo Fox played along with popular tunes prior to the beginning of the awards ceremony. For the last two years the Acres Home Chamber of Commerce for Business and Economic Development has partnered with Lone Star College Houston North Victory campus to provide a scholarship to one of their students in their Workforce Program. This year the scholarship award was presented by Dr. Quentin Wright to Felecia Mayon.

 

She shared that her academic journey and life experience have led her to pursue a degree and a career in substance abuse counseling. With the receipt of this scholarship she will be able to attend classes at no cost to her for the upcoming semester. Chamber CEO and Board Chairman Warren F. Muhammad said “It’s important to stimulate educational and training opportunities in the trade sector in order to increase employment and avenues for entrepreneurial development.”

 

Mayor Sylvester Turner and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee were able to take a photo with the scholarship winner as well as the three other award recipients, City of Houston Director of Community Relations Janice Weaver with Special Recognition, Entrepreneur Award recipient She Happy Hair co-founder Marcus Bowers, and founder of the Acres Home Advocacy Group Ebony Rain Eatmon Community Service Award.

 

Claude Cummings, Jr. was the keynote speaker for the annual event. The Houston native has spent his career in the field of communications, working for fair conditions and unionization and was recently named the International President of Communications Workers of America, or CWA which is the largest communications and media labor union in the United States. In his address Cummings, Jr. made it a point to highlight the importance of voting and how a community effort to speak out about the need to vote can change the outcome of an election. Claude shared a story about Mayor Turner winning his first election after Cummings, Jr. and a group of campaign volunteers went out to canvas on his behalf in predominately African American neighborhoods.

 

Another key component of his speech was that self accountability and responsibility can also effect great change. His message tied into the theme of this year’s banquet which was the Business of Building a Sustainable Community. The overall mission and purpose of the Acres Home Chamber for Business and Economic Development is to build a sustainable community. The organization hopes to bring the spirit of Black enterprise back to a community that was founded by that ethic. Events like the annual banquet gala, networking luncheons, and the newly introduced evening business networking mixer help to remind community members what it means to have economic power as a people.

 

“Knowledge is a force and power, the bearer of which enables the possessor to overcome barriers and obstacles”. Warren F. Muhammad shared this, “The chamber has been striving to provide the community with the relevant and necessary knowledge to enable them to empower themselves in their business efforts.” With its upcoming partnership with Houston Community College to provide business owners with a disaster preparedness plan, additional programs focusing on small business support, and its collaboration with the City of Houston OBO to provide business development programming, the Acres Home Chamber is committed to helping individuals and organizations grow and strengthen their networks through community development.

 

All in all, it was a great evening and launch point towards the next year in the life of the Acres Home Chamber For Business and Economic Development, Inc. Look for us at www. acreshomechamber.com and join the chamber. Written by Sheba Roy, owner of CreativeAFMUZE Brand Management a full service marketing and public relations firm in Houston, TX. To learn more about Sheba and her services please visit www.mscreativeafmuze. com

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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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