HOUSTON – Philanthropist, entrepreneur and fashion designer, Tina Knowles Lawson, has created the #IDIDMYPART campaign to encourage residents in her beloved home city of Houston to get tested in wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Recognizing that African American communities have an escalated rate of infections and fatalities, Knowles Lawson is pleading to Houston residents to know their status in an urgent appeal to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

“The virus is wreaking havoc on the Black community so we need a movement to prioritize our health,” Knowles Lawson said, citing a recent report from the CDC that as of April 23, 33.7% of COVID patients were African American, even though African Americans comprise only 13% of US population. And per the CDC, as of mid-April, roughly 33% of all fatalities are African American.

“We are all in this together. But we have to look at what is happening in our Black and Brown communities and how they are being decimated by COVID-19,” Knowles Lawson continued. “It is critical that we stay vigilant with social distancing, wearing a mask, and most of all getting tested. If you don’t get tested then you don’t know if you are a carrier of the virus. Being asymptomatic is how you infect your entire household and those around you, the very people you love. We have got to go to these free testing facilities and find out our status.”

Sponsored by BeyGOOD, the philanthropic initiative founded by her daughter, Beyoncé, #IDIDMYPART Mobile Testing Relief Campaign, this Mother’s Day weekend, aims to bring awareness to the daily testing administered by United Memorial Medical Center, initiated by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee. This weekend’s effort will provide 1,000 test kits, face masks, gloves, essential vitamins and household supplies to citizens of Houston. The test is free and administered under safe conditions as participants will never have to exit their vehicles.

“Testing is crucial because it helps find hot spots and saves lives,” Jackson-Lee said. “Texas has a very low COVID-19 test rate, second-lowest in the nation. This is why the commitment by Ms. Tina Knowles Lawson and BeyGOOD is so significant in helping Houstonians get out and get tested.”

After Knowles Lawson spoke with her friend, Tim Mettey, CEO of Matthew 25, an organization that has been providing Houston with supplies distributed by St. John’s Methodist Church in Downtown Houston for two years post-Hurricane Harvey, a partnership with consumer goods giant Proctor & Gamble and minority-owned carrier, TWC Logistics was formed.  P&G teamed up with BeyGOOD and is committed as a donor for additional cities.

Actor/director/producer/philanthropist, Tyler Perry, has accepted Knowles Lawson’s challenge to do the same and will set up his own #IDIDMYPART campaign in Atlanta, Georgia. He will then challenge another celebrity to continue the movement in their city.

Participants receiving a test will also receive a grocery gift card from BeyGOOD, purchased from H-E-B Grocery Company, the supermarket chain with more than 350 stores throughout the state of Texas. H-E-B will match BeyGOOD’s contribution.

A voucher for a hot meal, also compliments of BeyGOOD, will be provided to participants and the medical staff administering the test, to two local favorite restaurants, Frenchy’s Chicken and Burns Original Bar-B-Q. Participants will also receive written materials with all the up-to-date information on how to stay safe. In observance of social distancing measures, supplies will be placed in vehicle trunks as participants exit the testing sites.

On Friday, May 8, United Memorial Medical Center (UMMC) Healthcare staff will administer 500 COVID-19 tests in Houston’s 3rd Ward at Cullen Middle School, located at 6900 Scott Street, Houston, Texas 77021. Testing will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On Saturday, May 9, an additional 500 tests will be administered again by UMMC, this time in north Houston at Forest Brook Middle School, 7525 Tidwell, Houston, Texas 77016. Testing will also take place from  10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

BeyGOOD’s director, Ivy McGregor, looks forward to all interested individuals and businesses – local and national – joining forces with Knowles Lawson and BeyGOOD in building the movement to make a difference in the communities.

“We must all do our part in saving lives and protecting our communities,” said McGregor. “What Ms. Tina has created is a huge step in showing us that we must put our health first.”

Knowles Lawson has been a longtime supporter of her hometown. Her philanthropic work includes the establishment of The Knowles-Rowland Center for Youth, the Survivor Foundation and Miss A Meal. With her family, she has helped new Houston residents following their arrival after Hurricane Katrina, aiding residents with, food, clothing, and housing as a result of the flooding in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and feeding and housing victims of Hurricane Harvey in Houston.  With husband, actor Richard Lawson, her latest philanthropic initiative is the launch of the non-profit WACO Theater Center in Los Angeles.

Recently, Beyoncé teamed up with Jack Dorsey’s #StartSmall to donate $6 million through BeyGOOD to local community-based organizations, including United Memorial Medical Center, which has been at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19 with six testing locations in and around the Houston area.

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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