57Houston Women Cast Their Ballots: Celebrating 100 Years of the Right to Vote!
This August 2020, we, as a nation, are celebrating a landmark in American women’s history: the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment ratification to the Constitution giving women citizenship and the right to vote. The Suffragists encountered many roadblocks on their journey to become voters, yet they displayed incredible perseverance in the 72-year struggle.
Governor Abbott Statement On Texas Parks And Wildlife Department Helicopter Crash
Governor Greg Abbott today issued a statement after a helicopter carrying three Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) employees and one contract pilot crashed yesterday on TPWD's Black Gap Wildlife Management Area in Brewster County, killing the three passengers:
McDonald's is suing its ousted CEO for lying about sexual relationships with employees
Ousted McDonald's CEO Steve Easterbrook lied to the board about the extent of his relationships with employees, the company alleged in a new lawsuit. He misled investigators about engaging in physical sexual relationships with three employees in the year before his ouster, according to the documents.
Congressman Al Green Announces Free Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing Site at Christ Temple of Deliverance, August 10-15
On Monday, August 10, 2020, Congressman Al Green – in conjunction with the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM), State Representative Ron Reynolds (HD-27), Bishop Destry C. Bell, Sr. of Christ Temple of Deliverance – will launch a free drive-thru COVID-19 testing site at Christ Temple of Deliverance. Members of the press are invited for Q&A and to capture b-roll footage on Monday at 11:00 AM.
Mobile Meals: Wells Fargo, Feeding America Introduce Drive-Up Food Bank Program
Wells Fargo parking lots become mobile food distribution centers this summer as the company teams with local food banks during the COVID-19 pandemic.
CRUISIN’ The USA: Chevrolet To Host Week-Long Virtual Fan Experience Celebrating Past, Present Vehicles
Iconic Vehicles and Chevy Experts Make Appearances Daily
Chevrolet is reimagining summer car cruising through a weeklong virtual festival – Cruisin’ the USA in your Chevrolet – that celebrates more than a century of the brand’s automotive history. Hosted on Chevy’s social media channels from August 10-16, the event is designed to take viewers back in time to experience the brand’s rich heritage of innovation, design and passion.
Houston Legal Community Bands Together To Form Evictions Assisitance Coalition
Federal CARES Act Eviction Protection Expired July 26th
The Houston Bar Association (HBA) is collaborating with Houston Volunteer Lawyers; Houston Lawyer Referral Service; Dispute Resolution Center; Lone Star Legal Aid; South Texas College of Law Houston; Thurgood Marshall School of Law Earl Carl Institute for Legal and Social Policy, Inc; and University of Houston Law Center to respond to the Houston evictions crisis. Greater Houston Area residents needing legal assistance regarding an eviction are invited to visit HBA.org/Evictions for information on free legal representation for low-in- come persons, a self-representation tool kit, mediation, lawyer referrals and more.
UH Medical Students to Receive First White Coats
College of Medicine Inaugural Class White Coat Ceremony on Aug. 8 to be Livestreamed
The University of Houston College of Medicine will welcome 30 newly-minted medical students to their chosen profession during a White Coat Ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 8 at the Hilton University of Houston. The ceremony is designed to clarify for students, prior to their entrance into the medical community, that a physician’s responsibility is to both take care of patients and also care about patients.
Black Women for Biden Presented: “Your Vote Matters”
Lawmaker & NBA Hall of Famer to join Black Women for Biden for non-partisan virtual event to commemorate the 55th anniversary of The Voting Rights Act of 1965
NAACP Sues U.S. Education Secretary Over COVID-19 School Money
The coronavirus pandemic has focused the nation’s attention on the essential role public schools play in families and communities’ lives. The NAACP said it’s also exposed severe racial inequalities that continue to plague the country’s education system and disadvantaged students of color.
Free COVID-19 Surge Testing Coming to Harris County’s Two Stationary Sites
New testing operations will increase capacity at HCPH and get results faster
In partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Texas Department of Health and Human Services (DSHS), both of Harris County Public Health’s (HCPH) Ken Pridgeon Stadium and San Jacinto College Central Campus locations will transition to surge testing sites, aiming to increase testing capacity and faster lab turnaround times.
Cardi B and Houston’s Megan Thee Stallion Announce New Song and “Twerktacious’ Video That Shatters Internet
Megan Thee Stallion is back. Cardi B is back. They’re together and the music industry is about to blow up. Monday night, the two hot girls announced that they would be embark- ing on a smash new single called “Wap” together. The song is actually the first single for Cardi’s new album, whatever or whenever that may be.
Mayor Turner Announces Citations Will be Issued to People Not Wearing Face Masks
Mayor Turner discusses the decision to enforce the state's mandatory mask order by instructing Houston Police to issue $250 fine
Mayor Sylvester Turner announced that he has directed the Houston Police Department to issue warnings and citations to anyone not wearing a face mask or face covering required by the state's mandatory mask order. Police will not ticket those who are not wearing a mask if they meet the exemption criteria. The citation carries a $250 fine.
Four New Murals Call Houston’s East End Home
The East End District welcomes four new murals to the neighborhood, making this historic area one of Houston's top art attractions. The murals were created in collaboration with local businesses, art curators Up Art Studio, and the East End Houston Cultural District. With this new addition, more than 50 mural sites decorate the walls and sidewalks of this 16-square-mile area just east of BBVA Stadium in Downtown Houston.
Sam Houston MSTC teacher named finalist for national award in Career and Technical Education
Educator among 50 finalists for annual excellence award from national retailer Harbor Freight Tools
Sam Houston MSTC Plumbing and Pipes Trades teacher Raul Ortega has been named one of 50 finalists from across the nation for the 2020 Harbor Freight Tools for Schools Prize for Teaching Excellence.
NFIB: Sales Tax Holidays Critical to Local Businesses
NFIB State Director Annie Spilman says this year's sales tax holiday on back-to-school supplies and clothes comes at a critical time for Texas's small businesses.
AXE® helps teens "Smell Ready" for an unpredictable dating scene
Russell Westbrook and crew of 10+ creators produce their own takes on "Smell Ready"
As social distancing continues to be the new norm, teens are finding that they'll need to continue to adapt to a new and everchanging lifestyle. Their daily routines have been turned upside down and social distancing has made dating and social experiences basically impossible, not to mention totally awkward. And while teens are turning dates virtual with Zoom and Facetime, it's clear that screen-mediated relationships aren't cutting it, with more than a third of Gen Z reporting loneliness, and less than 25% feeling connected to others under stay-at-home orders.* AXE gets it and is stepping in with the help of Russell Westbrook and a crew of social influencers to address this tough situation so teens can feel comfortable transitioning to this new dating scene in a safe way.
Second Round of Food Giveaway and Free COVID-19 Testing
This week’s “Farmers to Families” giveaway is the second drive within eight days.
City of Prairie View Mayor David Allen is once again teaming up with the United States Department of Agriculture, Prairie View A&M University’s College of Agriculture and Human Sciences, Campus Edge Apartments, and United Memorial Medical Center (UMMC) to bring free food and no-cost COVID-19 testing to the community on Friday, August 7, 2020.
The Black Owned App Helping to Prevent Cyber Bullying
CEO and President, Jonathan Viverette’s vision for the app is to promote positivity, prevent cyber bullying and create a space that is safe, fun and inclusive, in the world of social media. Growing up in a small town in Illinois, he witnessed cyberbullying and the ruthlessness of young adults and wanted to create a way to minimize the negativity and give users on social media more control over their own privacy. Specifically, bullying appears to have a relatively high presence among the African American community. Jonathan’s goal and purpose for the app is to create a buffer that minimize negative emotional states and exposure to adverse encounters.
Governor Abbott, HHSC Announce Deadline Extension For Medicaid, CHIP Providers To Apply For Federal COVID-19 Relief Funds
Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) today announced that the federal government has further extended the deadline to apply for the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund. The deadline has now been extended to Aug. 28, 2020 for Medicaid and CHIP providers as the state responds to the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 Patients Get Lifesaving Moves from Prone Teams at Ben Taub, LBJ Hospitals
When COVID-19 attacks the lungs and leaves patients desperately gasping for air, prone positioning patients or proning is now a lifesaver. Teams at Harris Health System’s hospitals—Ben Taub and Lyndon B. Johnson—have perfected the technique of carefully placing patients on their stomachs to improve oxygen levels and breakup fluid buildup in the lungs.
State-by-State Breakdown: COVID-19 Testing Positivity Rates in the Community & PPE Supply Shortages for Nursing Homes
A state-by-state breakdown of COVID testing positivity rates in the general population and data from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages for nursing homes, which is very concerning in relation to our efforts to protect our long term care residents and caregivers from outbreaks.
Legendary Recording Artist RALPH TRESVANT Releases Stunning Visuals For Smash Single ALL MINE Featuring The Legendary JOHNNY GILL
"ALL MINE" was produced by Gregg Pagani and written by Francesca Francci Richard, Jeffrey Brent Anderson, Sean Tsai and Gregg Pagani. The beautifully performed duet is available on all streaming and download platforms now, via the SRG ILS/UMG label imprint. The stunning music video made its global debut on RollingStone.com and was directed by Dale Resteghini.
Senate Bill Seeks To Remove Major Barrier To Black Homeownership
National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) applauds introduction of American Dream Down Payment Savings Act intended to break financial constraints thwarting the growth of Black homeownership.
Houston Galveston Institute to Provide Free Counseling Services at 37 Schools in the Lamar Consolidated Independent School District
The Houston Galveston Institute (HGI Counseling) will provide free counseling services to students and families at 37 Lamar Consolidated Independent School District (LCISD)
NBA Legend Michael Jordan and his Jordan Brand Donate $2.5 Million to Combat Black Voter Suppression
Michael Jordan and the Jordan Brand are donating $2.5 million toward fighting Black voter suppression as part of a larger 10-year, $100 million effort that Jordan and Jordan Brand announced on June 5 to “impact the fight against systemic racism.”
WATCH: “The Risk is Considerable!” — Dr. Anthony Fauci Discusses the Impact and Severity of COVID-19 Disparities in African Americans
A member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, Fauci has at times found himself at odds with President Donald Trump. For example, earlier this year, the president announced that he would withdraw U.S. funding and support for the World Health Organization (WHO). However, Dr. Fauci told BlackPressUSA that he still maintains a close relationship with the organization.
Congressional Districts with Highest Percentage of Black Residents Severely Shortchanged by SBA PPP
The Trump SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program was billed as a lifeline for small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. But recent data and reports on the program have shown its failure to sufficiently aid minority-owned businesses. An original analysis of PPP data by government watchdog Accountable.US, spotlighted by Reuters, shows Congressional Districts with the largest percentages of black residents received significantly less money than CDs with the smallest percentage of black residents – a disparity that amounts to tens of billions of dollars. Key findings from the analysis:
Trump Administration Invests $462 Million to Modernize Water and Wastewater Infrastructure in Rural Communities
Funding will Improve Rural Water Infrastructure for 467,000 Rural Americans in 44 States
The Trump Administration today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $462 million to modernize critical drinking water (PDF, 367 KB) and wastewater infrastructure across rural America.
Hitchcock Native trains Hospital Corps on front lines of Navy's fight against Coronavirus
Petty Officer 2nd Class Clyde Scott, II, a native of Hitchcock, Texas, is playing a critical role in training the U.S. Navy Hospital Corps in the ongoing fight against a worldwide pandemic.
Thousands of Election Workers Needed in Harris County for the November General Election
The Harris County Clerk’s Office is looking for election workers to staff more than 800 voting centers that will be open for the November 3, 2020 General Election. Election workers are also needed three weeks prior to the election to work at approximately 100 voting centers during the Early Voting period, October 13-30.
Hello Alice Releases Black Business Report Uncovering Significant Inequities Faced By Black-Owned Small Businesses During COVID-19
The report spotlights the unique challenges that Black-owned small businesses face and identifies opportunities to better serve the Black small business community
Racial Discrimination Linked to Suicide
Two Reports: Pain of Discrimination Can Be Greater Than Will to Live; Reframing Can Help
In this age of racial reckoning, new research findings indicate that racial discrimination is so painful that it is linked to the ability to die by suicide, a presumed prerequisite for being able to take one’s own life. However, the ability to emotionally and psychologically reframe a transgression can mitigate its harmful effects.
New Paper Details Five Keys to a Successful Community College CEO Transition Year
The Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) today released a white paper detailing Five Keys to a Successful Transition Year for newly hired community college chief executive officers.
A Texas Transplant Family is Celebrating National Minority Donor Awareness Month:
Please Register to be a Life-Saving Organ or Tissue Donor
August is National Minority Donor Awareness Month. This national observance (first a day and then a week) was initiated in 1996 to increase our nation’s consciousness of the need for more organ and tissue donors from multicultural backgrounds. Starting this year, this nationwide awareness push to engage and educate multicultural communities about the need for organ and tissue donors has been expanded to encompass the entire month of August.
Biden for President Announces Key Staff Hires in Texas
Today, Biden for President announced key staff hires in Texas, including alumni of Joe Biden’s successful primary campaign in Texas, the Texas Democratic Party, and some of the Lone Star State’s most competitive Congressional and Gubernatorial elections.
Texas Democrats on the One Year Anniversary of the El Paso Shooting
Texas Democratic Party Chair Gilberto Hinojosa issued the following statement:
Rebecca Acuna named Texas State Director of Joe Biden Campaign
The announcement of the selection of Rebecca Acuna (my former communications director) as Texas State Director of the Joe Biden for President Campaign.
Barbara Bush Foundation Partners with Barbershop Books and Penguin Young Readers to Provide Child-Friendly Reading Spaces in Baltimore and Detroit Barbershops
The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy has partnered with Barbershop Books and Penguin Young Readers to provide child-friendly reading spaces and early literacy training to help expand reading opportunities for Black boys in Baltimore and Detroit.
Back by Popular Demand: GirlTrek’s #BlackHistoryBootCamp Returns for Second Installment on August 3rd
GirlTrek, the largest health movement for Black women and girls, is launching its second season of #BlackHistoryBootCamp on Monday, August 3rd. The Acts of Resistance edition is a 21-day walking challenge that will celebrate powerful acts of resistance in Black culture.
Congressman Al Green Announces Free Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing Site at Mt. Hebron Baptist Church, August 3-8
On Monday, August 3, 2020, Congressman Al Green – in conjunction with the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) and Pastor Max Miller of Mt. Hebron Baptist Church – launched a free drive-thru COVID-19 testing site at Mt. Hebron.
PVAMU Releases Free ‘HBCUs Info’ App Created Under New Apple/HBCU C2 Partnership
In less than ten days since Apple announced Prairie View A&M University as one of its new eleven HBCU Hubs for Coding & Creativity, Professor Yonggao Yang, Ph.D., department head of Computer Science in the Roy G. Per- ry College of Engineering, has created a free app called “HBCUs Info.”
H-E-B Launches Summer Of Giving Initiative To Benefit Texas Food Banks
H-E-B Set To Raise Up To $2 Million For Feeding Texas, A Donation Equal To 20 Million Meals
In the spirit of Texans helping Texans, H-E-B has launched the Summer of Giving, a new charitable initiative that, with the help of customers, looks to raise up to $2 million to benefit Feeding Texas and its network of food banks across the state. The fundraising effort, which would equal 20 million meals, is another way the San Antonio-based retailer is continuing its ongoing charge as a partner in the fight against hunger.
What Many Africans Are Hoping To See In Beyoncé’s BLACK IS KING
In March 2018, a month after the film "Black Panther" was released, the fictional country Wakanda was the fourth most-mentioned African country on Twitter -- after Egypt, South Africa and Kenya -- according to a 2019 study by the University of Southern California. The fact that Africa's fourth most-talked about country doesn't exist confirms just how powerful pop culture is in shaping our understanding of the world around us.
Commissioners Court Takes Action to Help Those Facing Evictions
CARES Act Eviction Protections And Additional Unemployment Assistance Payments are Set to End
Since federal eviction protections ended last Saturday, Harris County Commissioners Court took action to help those facing evictions in the coming months. After hearing testimony from members of the Housing Stability Task Force and advocates for tenants’ rights, the court approved measures to provide relief to residents.
Millions of Americans Are Facing Eviction After A Federal Protection Granted By The CARES Act That Expired Last Friday, July 24th
The CARES Act was a bill passed by the U.S. government in March to help provide financial help to Americans affected by the coronavirus. One part of the bill included an ‘eviction moratorium,’ which protected tenants, who live on federally backed property or low-income housing and couldn’t pay rent, from being evicted.
Statement From T.E.A. Commissioner – Mike Morath on School Funding For 2020-21 Academic Year
Over the past month, TEA announced a funding wavier framework that fully funds schools for remote instruction for the entire year for any family that requests remote instruction. To generate funding for remote instruction, school systems must also provide daily on-campus instruction for families that want to come on campus, with several critical exceptions designed to maximize the health of students, teachers, and staff:
TWC Awards $8.2 Million from the Jobs and Education for Texans Grant Program to 41 Colleges and ISDs to Support Career Training
The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has awarded 41 grants totaling $8,261,090 to multiple public community colleges, public technical institutes, public state colleges and independent school districts for programs that focus on supporting high-demand occupations through the Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grant program.
GMC HUMMER EV to be Revealed This Fall
GMC announced today that its all-electric super truck will debut later this fall and will begin production in Fall 2021. Details about the GMC HUMMER EV’s remarkable on- and off-road capabilities will be shared closer to its reveal.
Stedman Graham to Serve As Keynote Speaker at Summit On Educating African American and Latinx Boys
Author, speaker, and entrepreneur Stedman Graham will serve as the keynote speaker for the 2nd Annual Summit on Improving the Outcomes of African American and LatinX Male Youth (The Summit) at Prairie View A&M University on Thursday, August 6, 2020.