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Stop the Spread of Hate to Honor a King
Love has many definitions. The Holy Bible describes it as patient, kind, protecting, trusting, hopeful, preserving, and without the capability of failing. Webster’s Dictionary also has several meanings of love. It is defined as something that commands admiration, passionate affection for someone, friendship, courtship, reverence to God, and gratitude. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.” Love, ultimately, is powerful when people take action to utilize its energy.
Turner Sworn In for Second Term
Sylvester Turner officially began his second term as mayor for the city of Houston when he, City Controller Chris Brown, and Houston City Council were sworn in on January 2, 2020, before a packed house at the Wortham Theater. Mayor Turner won the honor of continuing to lead Houston after defeating opponent Tony Buzbee in the run-off election.
Chart Your Vision in 2020
Each year is an opportunity to reset your life. Start with examining the past year looking at your accomplishments with the goals you set in correlations with your failures. Asking yourself questions like “Are you happy with the progress or lack thereof that you made?” “How could you have done things differently?” “What do you need to do now?” The last question is most important because that is when the reset starts. That is when you get a new vision and start to make new goals. Once that develops in your mind it is time for them to take form visually on paper with the creation of your vision board for 2020.
Most Stylish Houstonians of 2019
Houstonians are known throughout the world for their generosity and how they help their fellow man in a disaster. Rarely seen are the philanthropic efforts of Houstonians who just see a need and provide a solution. Those that excel professionally while still giving back in extraordinary ways are who we call most stylish.
The Year of the Minority Woman
In this era where women are more self-assured, self-aware, and self-loving has resulted in women claiming their place in history. The script of women not having their voice heard has been rewritten with women leading the conversation instead of taking notes from it. Being a part of the discussion has allowed women to change the dialogue, change the world’s view of gender and change the space in which women find themselves. 2019 was a great year for the advancement of women in various areas. Houston Style Magazine takes a look at some of the women that made 2019 the Year of the Minority Woman. What a year for women!
Her Royal Highness: 2019 Minority Homecoming Queens
Queen, as defined, is one who is the ruler of an independent state. Put that in perspective of a high school queen and she can be seen as the ruler of her school with the influence to change it for the bad or good so why not inject some good. As Houston Style Magazine spotlights some of this year’s African American and Hispanic Houston ISD high school homecoming queens we go behind the crown to learn how they have used their platform to reign supreme as her royal highness.
The Changing Definition of Beauty
Pulling the naps out of our hair with a comb that is blazing at 149 degrees Fahrenheit. Starving ourselves, going under the knife, duck taping our body parts just to minimize the size of our breasts, butt, and hips so we could be looked at as the perfect sized woman as defined by America culture. Looking in the mirror trying to find the beauty in the face staring back when we have been brainwashed to think that beauty is everything but what we see reflected in the mirror. This is just some of what little Black girls go through growing up that results in low self-confidence and a lack of self-love.
Visit Houston: Give Your Family Something to Talk About
After some hugs, a few laughs, and a good meal visiting family can get restless. A survey conducted by Motel 6 showed that the average American can tolerate their family for only 4 hours; with 75% saying that after 4 hours (3 hours and 54 minutes to be exact), they need a break from their families. Instead of lounging around waiting on them to return to their respective homes, distract them with the beauty of Houston. As residents of the fourth largest city in the South, we can sometimes take for granted all the gems our city has to offer and some of us may not even know everything in our backyard because we stay confined in our own little bubble. Use this holiday season to discover or reconnect to your city, all while giving you’re visiting family something to go home and talk about.
Adoption: Expand Your Family This Holiday
Three to four million children are born in the United States each year. Of that number approximately 7,000 plus are abandoned. Having no family to love them or a place stay they grow up in the foster care system. On average a child stays in the system 2 to 5 years and some longer than that. Feelings of not being wanted and what is wrong with them cloud their judgment and damage their self-esteem. Foster parents can change that outlook for children with the basics of love, shelter, and food and expand their family this holiday season.
Chevrolet Blazer: The Personality Equalizer
Selecting a team to be suit your personality is half the battle in any fight. Team luxury is always dressed like they are stepping off the runway heading somewhere exotic. Team Laid-back is carefree wearing whatever is comfortable taking life as it comes. A vehicle that can meet the needs of Team Luxury and Team Laid-back has a lot of versatility to address the needs of multiple personalities. The new Chevrolet Blazer is the personality equalizer.
Lizzo Winning On All Levels
In a race, everyone sets out to be the winner. Although there is only one official winner once the race is done there are many ways to win a race. One can win by beating their previous score or time. One can win because they never gave up. Winning can be as simple as entering the race in the first place. However, you define a win makes you are a winner. R&B rap artist Lizzo is having one winning year racking up awards, accolades, and acclaims everywhere she goes.
5 Thanksgiving Traditions to Adopt and Love
The holidays are one of the few times a year where everyone enjoys looking back to implement activities of yesteryear. You look at how you have changed, how your family has grown, and how you will move forward in the future. Time honored traditions are repeated in the manner in which they have been passed down as those who have passed on are remembered and those who are living teach the next generation to keep the legacy going. Whether big or small every family has at least one Thanksgiving tradition that it cherishes. Houston Style Magazine took a poll to find out what are some of the most popular traditions next to watching football and going to the movies.
Study of Houston’s Third Ward Reveal Solutions for the Future
African Americans face many disparities as an ethnic group. As it relates to health, African Americans are at an above average risk than any other racial group to be diagnosed with Diabetes, kidney disease, asthma, sarcoidosis, stroke, high blood pressure, and cancer. Census results indicate that African Americans are the second highest racial group behind Hispanics living with below average income. With a low income means that families don’t have access to better housing and other neighborhood amenities like grocery stores for good nutrition, schools for excellent education, and hospital for good healthcare.
Holding Players More Accountable for Their Actions
Manny Ramirez, Jose’ Canseco, Dwight Gooden, Darryl Strawberry, and Bobby Cox are some of the many professional athletes in baseball that have been charged with domestic violence at least once. Despite the charge, some of them continued to have careers in the game after paying penalties.
Who Will Be Next to Lead Houston?
Eleven candidates have stepped up willing and ready to lead Houston into the future. All seem to agree that one of the top priorities to get the city on track is to fix the infrastructure, tackle the pay for firefighters and police officers, and use taxpayers’ money efficiently. The various ways to handle those problems is where they differ. Houston Style has examined the slate and broken down the platforms of the top 5 mayoral candidates. All that is left is for you to go to the polls and vote. Early voting is from October 21-November 1, 2019 and Election Day is November 5, 2019.
Priscilla Shirer: Ministering Through Acting in Overcomer
Call her an author. Call her an actress. Ask Priscilla Shirer what she is and she will say a minister, a teacher, someone trying to bring souls to know Jesus Christ. That is who she is at her core. Everything she does centers around that sole purpose. Connecting ministry to acting seems like a stretch when thinking of it in the mainstream of pure entertainment. However, changing your perspective to focus on the content of material rather than the entertainment factor and connecting the dots between the two is easy.
NRG: ‘The Culinary Capital of the South’
Houston Texans President Jamey Rootes is issuing an invitation to all football fans to a “Taste of Houston, the Culinary Capital of the South.” Rootes put out the call during the unveiling of all that was new NRG stadium this year. Suite renovations, new concession items, designer clothing collection for women, touchdown deals, and an app makeover, Texans’ fans will have an experience that is sweeter to lounge in, tastier to the palette, and easier to navigate during the 2019 season.
MangagementRings: The Engaging New Trend for Grooms-to-Be
In the distance, the sun sets as the night breeze blows. The scenery is picturesque as the love of your life utters those four little life-changing words filled with passion, power, and purpose, “Will you marry me?” And as your eyes get cloudy from tears you get a glance at your ring and melt. It’s the moment a majority of women hope and pray for and apparently some men too. Millennials are always changing the game and here is something else that they are adding their flair to, men engagement. That was not a typo. More and more millennial are riding the trend stating they want the world to know that they are engaged too.
Five of Houston’s Most Unique Wedding Venues
Going to the chapel is becoming outdated for today’s couples. More and more newly engaged brides and grooms are looking to wed at places that speak to who they are on a personal level and really uniqueness to their nuptials. Out-of-the box venues like greenhouses, wineries, distillers, breweries, barns, lofts, museums, air terminals, fire stations, castles, and secret oasis are what couples are seeking. Below are some of Houston’s most unique venues.
White Or Not: Wedding Dress Designer Greggs Takes Tradition Contemporary
The idea of the first draft starts to formulate at a young age. As your opinion changes, adjustments are made with the passage of time. Finally, the moment comes when the final rendition is made. Some call it the most important garment that you will ever wear. It’s your wedding day attire. Be it long or short, dress or pants, white or colored, your wedding day, of all things, must be special, unique, and make you feel amazing.
Houston Based Mother and Sons Company Wins Grand Prize in H-E-B’s Quest for Texas Best
Browsing the shelves of H-E-B is a real treat for the eyes and especially for the stomach. One never knows what they might see. Red velvet pancakes, green chile mac n cheese, a variety of afia falafel, shopping at H-E-B is never boring as their products are uniquely authentic. Thanks in part to one of their annual competitions that puts out the call for new products from across the state from budding entrepreneurs.
The Hungry Free Summer
School bells ringing are a bigger relief for some families than just getting children out of the house. It means that their children will have two well-balanced meals a day at school. One in six children across America doesn’t know where their next meal will come from. Texas is a distant 43rd for children’s overall well-being with a devastating 25% of the children living in poverty. Houston ranks second in the nation for children living with food insecurity. Harris County has the second highest rate of child food insecurity in the nation. A hungry free summer seems unobtainable but in summer 2019 it was made possible.
Hunger Free Summer Initiative Dishes Out 400K Meals
Growing children need the basics – food, shelter, and water. Simple yet complicated at the same time. Simple as these are common that many have access to but not all can obtain due to life circumstances. This setup is not good for any human being but it is especially detrimental to children in their early years of life.
Alpha Kappa Omega Presents 21 Young Ladies in Society Debut
The energy was electric as 21 young ladies jubilantly twirled in circles, nervously practiced their curtseys and carefully walked to ensure no missteps would be taken before they made their official debut at the biennial debutante ball hosted by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. – Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter. Each debutante’s brains, beauty, and benevolence were celebrated as “Royal Roses of Excellence” before a wall-to-wall crowd of onlookers and well wishers.
Houstonian Style: Barefield’s Battle Against Colon Cancer and Mental Health
Making sacrifices is a selfless act that requires one to put others before their own needs. Jamila Barefield championed herself as a sacrifice for the benefit of those suffering from colon cancer.
Tips to Excel Beyond Expectations This School Year
Books, pens, and your favorite device are in your backpack. New clothes hang in your closet. Lunches with healthy protein and nutritious sides have been planned. And your hair is done too. You are ready to go back-to-school, right? Partially right. If you have not put in any thought or effort into planning how this school year will be a success then you are not ready.
Mental Health: Comprehending, Coping, and Conquering
More than a feeling of melancholy, anxiety, and disconnect, mental health encompasses your emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Meaning it affects how you think, feel, and behave. Mental health can affect anyone, at any age, at any time. Nearly 44 million people experience mental illness yearly. Of those, 18% of them are children who experience at least one severe mental disorder according to reports. Good news is that mental health is treatable and preventable.
Celebrating the Life of Lestine Goode
Lestine Goode was a devote Christian, family man, and most importantly, my daddy. He ran the race and fought the good fight but sadly succumbed to his illness. He was laid to rest on July 24, 2019, after having a funeral worthy of the distinguished man he was. Read more about the man who not only taught me lessons to live by but also to many other children across the city under his tutelage.
Business Style: Meet LaTanya Graham, Owner of Tailormade Resume and Career Advising
Before the corner office can be decorated, the six figure salary earned or the close of your first major deal can happen one must first land the job. Separating yourself from the pool of candidates to get the interview takes more than skill. One must know their best assets and sell them in the first thing employers touch, our resume.
Local Girl Stars in TUTS' Seussical
Tap into a child’s imagination and there is no wonder what they might conjure. An oversized one-eyed yellow monster with feet for hands, people with orange Mohawks, blue faces, and green fangs instead of teeth or maybe a dog that meows instead of barks while his tail gets longer. That’s the beauty of a child.
Community Corner: Emancipation Park: An Historical Treasure of Houston
Tired of feeling captive, a group of former slaves utilized their resources and talents to raised $1,000 to buy 10 acres of land in Houston 147 years ago to create a space where they could just be free. The space would become Emancipation Park, the central hub of generations coming together with a sense of community. Passing years has seen the park at its ups and downs causing it to be revitalized in 2006 by TIRZ7 and again this year with a $33 million renovation.
Houston’s Own Chandler Foreman Is Miss Texas 2019
A win for the US is how Miss Texas 2019 Chandler Foreman describes her historic crowning as the first reigning queen of the Miss America system to wear the crown with natural hair. For years beauty queens were put in a box to be thought of as thin, with straight long blonde hair and blue eyes.
Business Style: Meet Ashley Odom, Owner of Omazing Occasions
One lick, two licks, three licks were all it took to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop. Knowing how the flavors would combine in your mouth, slow licking was not an option. You wanted the satisfaction now. However, I have found one lollipop that you will want to lick slowly to really savor and enjoy it. Ashley Odom, the owner of Omazing Occasions, talks to us about how she turned the everyday lollipop into an adult only experience.
The Links of Pearland Celebrate Five Years of Service and Friendship
For 5-year-anniversaries the traditional gift is usually something made of wood or silver. Wood symbolizes strength and durability while silver symbolizes a close knit bond. Strength, durability and a close bond are excellent ways to describe the Greater Pearland Area Chapter of The Links, Inc. With commitment and compassion wrapped up in service and friendship, the ladies have been fulfilling their purpose and mission in Brazoria County for the past five years and they are ready to celebrate their efforts.
Bushwick Bill Dead at 52 Due to Pancreatic Cancer
One incident can change the course of life. Before Bushwick Bill got shot in the eye, he didn’t think he had much to live for. He told us so in the lyrics of his 1992 hit “Ever So Clear.” Claiming the life of that of a misfit and outcast, he often questioned his purpose for living day-to-day. However, music and his personal story changed that for him. He found his purpose and everything became so clear.
Stay Safe This Summer
The onset of summer means that our children are idle. All of that added free time presents lots of opportunities to get in trouble and be careless, as children get involved in activities to occupy their mind. Swimming, biking, and being outdoors are among the most popular but also raise a number of safety concerns for our children.
McGowan Is First African American Valedictorian at St. Thomas High School
Doing something that no one has done before is a task with no blueprint. Although Kellin McGowan did have somewhat of a guide on his quest to become the first African-American valedictorian in the history of St. Thomas High School, his rich family legacy of achievements was all he needed.
Class of 2019: Saluting African American and Hispanic High School Valedictorians
Twelve years (13 if you include Kindergarten) of school makes the hassle definitely worth the tassel. High school seniors across our city don the ceremonial cap and gown for one of the most important walks of their life, the walk to receive their diploma. With bright smiles and wide eyes, they accept their diploma in their right hand and turn their tassel with their left hand.
Kaylah Sharve’ Is a Star On the Rise
Kaylah Sharve has to pinch herself these days to make sure she is not dreaming. The 20-year-old is having the time of her life living out the things she has imagined herself doing for years. As part of the hottest new female group, Citizen Queen, Kaylah is growing her fan base, traveling on a 45-city tour, and celebrating her new recording contract.
Improving the Lives of Mothers Through Health and Wellness
Falling is a part of life. Staying down is not. Before 2013, LoRon White was always in the game despite his small stature. He had big dreams of playing basketball professionally. However, an injury of a ruptured tendon in his leg would stifle those dreams. That could have taken him out but White turned tragedy into triumph. After his surgery to repair his leg, White began intense therapy and started working on his physique.
Finding the Perfect Gift for Mom
Finding the perfect gift for the woman who has given you everything is daunting. You spend too much money and she’ll say you shouldn't have. You spend too little and you think you have cheapened what she means to you. The experience is enough to make you go crazy but don't. Houston Style Magazine has taken the guesswork out of gift giving by going straight to the source, mothers.
Train a Child, Reach a Parent, Represent Well
Proverbs 22:6 states, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Either today’s generations missed a lesson or two or never learned it all but the lesson of knowing how to represent yourself well publically has been lost. Gone are the rules for wearing what is right.
Teacher Turn Comedian Eddie B
"I'm Already Professionally Developed: Straight From the Teacher's Desk," is a book about Eddie B’s journey as a teacher on the way to the creation of the videos “What Teachers Really Say” and how the idea turned into one of the biggest comedy tours in history. “I share my personal experiences in the classroom as well as my home life! It all ties into the issues and desires of teachers who want to see better days; the ones who are really passionate about changing the narrative of this profession. We deal with so much!” Eddie B commented.
Pageant World Is More Than What’s Seen at Miss Ultimate Beauty of America
Misconceptions of beauty pageants are plentiful. Lots of beautiful women standing at a perfect angle with bountiful curls, precisely applied make-up, wearing the most intricate of materials awaiting the perfect score from someone who knows absolutely nothing about who they really are.
HBCU Spotlight: Jarvis Christian College, Southwestern Christian College, and Texas College
As we end Historically Black Colleges and Universities Awareness Month, we conclude by taking a look at our last three HBCUs in Texas.
Weighing In On the Healthcare Debate: Hot Button Issue of 2020 Election
About fifteen years ago, I became painfully aware of how crucial the healthcare topic is. After all, something is not on top of your priority list until it hits you close at home right. Before being diagnosed with an incurable autoimmune disease, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, I viewed health insurance as something all Americans had for those “just in case something happens moments.” I only really used my health insurance for check-ups and prescriptions for antibiotics for common viruses and bacteria. I thanked God that I never really had anything too serious growing up. As the saying goes, we are all one moment from a tragedy or sickness.
Fashion and Fellowship Bring the Faithful to the 2019 Audrey H. Lawson IMPACT Awards
Church folks are known are stepping high wearing their Sunday’s Best for the Lord on His day. Well, the family and friends of the Wheeler Avenue Inner City Visions Women’s Guild prove that Sunday’s Best can make a Saturday appearance, as well as the fashions, were fierce at the annual the 2019 Audrey H. Lawson IMPACT Awards Luncheon and Fashion Show. For 56 years blessings have poured out of this organization to provide scholarships for college students, help for the homeless, housing for the elderly, and other philanthropic projects following the ideals and heart of visionary founder Audrey H. Lawson.
HBCU Spotlight: St. Phillip’s College and Paul Quinn College
We continue our series highlighting the Historical Black Colleges and Universities in Texas. This week we spotlight St. Phillip’s College and Paul Quinn College.
HBCUs Spotlight: Huston-Tillotson University and Wiley College
HBCUs in Texas contribute $1.3 billion to Texas’ economy according to uncf.org. That alone lets one know how vital they are to our society. This week we look into the history of Huston-Tillotson University and Wiley College for HBCU Awareness Month.
Michael B. Jordan On Protecting His Center
Close your eyes. Clear your mind. Take a really deep breath in. How calming is that? For some that quick exercise is all that is needed to recharge or do a little mini escape from the craziness of the day. That exercise is a way of reminding yourself to not stress and calm down.