57School of Veterinary Medicine Complex Taking Shape with Construction on Schedule
The first veterinary school in Texas in 100 years is being built on the campus of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Amarillo.
If you live in Texas, particularly if you own animals, you have likely heard that Texas Tech University is responding to the needs of Texas and opening the first new veterinary school in a century in Texas. While much has been discussed and celebrated in the media, there has been quite a bit of activity happening behind the scenes – acquiring the finances needed to make it happen, getting regulatory and accreditation approvals, hiring faculty and devising a truly innovative curriculum.
Summer meals site at Chavez HS closed due to possible COVID-19 case
The curbside summer meals site at Chavez High School is temporarily closed for cleaning and sanitization due to a possible case of the COVID-19 virus.
Enroll in Virtual ESL, GED Summer Classes Offered Free Via Harris County Department of Education
More than 40 Harris County Department of Education Adult Education teachers are preparing for their summer English as a second language (ESL) and GED virtual classes which will begin in July. The no-cost classes feature teacher and classmates meeting online several times a week, combined with online learning programs.
Usher's New Look and Cricket Wireless to Host Virtual Youth Mental Health Summit Addressing the Effects of COVID-19, Systemic Racism and Social Injustice on Tuesday, June 30
Panelists include Music Legend Usher, Usher's New Look President Careshia Moore and MindRight Founder Ashley Edwards
Usher's New Look (UNL) today announced its collaboration with Cricket Wireless to host a Disruptivate Racial Inequity & Mental Health Trauma Summit for youth on Tuesday, June 30, 2020 from 5:30 pm-6:30 pm ET. The virtual event will provide a forum for teens to discuss the effects of racism, socioeconomic inequality and the COVID-19 pandemic on their mental health and overall well-being. High on the agenda will be candid conversations about the uncertainty many young people are facing, as well as the recent events that have laid bare the chronic, racially charged violence that continues to plague the Black community in the United States.
Interim President Appointed at UH-Downtown
National Search for Next UHD President to Launch Soon
Antonio Tillis, dean of the University of Houston’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, has been appointed interim president of UH-Downtown. He begins July 2. He replaces Juan Muñoz, who was recently named chancellor of the University of California-Merced. Muñoz was president of UHD since 2017.
Trailer for the Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize Winning Musical "Hamilton" the film of the Original Broadway Production Has Arrived
Disney+ to Premiere Film Globally July 3, 2020
Last night, as part of the 2020 ESPYs airing on ESPN and ESPN2, Disney+ debuted the trailer for “Hamilton,” the filmed version of the original Broadway production, ahead of its global premiere on the streaming service on July 3, 2020.
Kroger Media Statement - Harris County Mask Mandate
At Kroger, the health and safety of our customers, associates and communities is our first priority.
Bitcoin Is Financial Freedom for Black America Part 2
5 Ways to Take Our Power Back
During the years between 1900 to 1930, we entered what historian Juliette Walker called the “Golden age of black business” — the number Black-owned businesses doubled from 20,000 in 1900 and 40,000 in 1914. Segregation forced Black customers to spend their money at Black-owned stores. The combination of racism from banks, white business owners, and police forced us to circulate the Black dollar amongst ourselves. The Greenwood District in Tulsa, Oklahoma, otherwise known as “Black Wall Street,” is a shining example of Black success and the subsequent demolition caused by racism.
Lifetime Celebrates Pride Month 2020 With a Special Reairing of Prayers For Bobby and Trapped: The Alex Cooper Story
Following the landmark decision by the United States Supreme Court earlier this month to expand civil rights by ruling that federal anti-bias law protects millions of gay, lesbian and transgender workers from workplace discrimination, Lifetime further celebrates the LGBTQ community by airing an encore presentation of the critically acclaimed 2009 original movie, Prayers for Bobby on Monday, June 29 at 8pm ET/PT.
Bethune-Cookman University Gives Update on Homecoming 2020
The 2020 Bethune-Cookman University Homecoming celebration has not been cancelled. While many of our support groups may be planning alternative and virtual events to support the institution during the pandemic, the Board of Trustees nor administration have made any decisions regarding changes to the football season at this point.
The Health Museum to Host Community Blood Drive & Free Antibody Testing from June 23 to 25
Starting tomorrow through Thursday, June 25, 2020, The Health Museum in partnership with the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center will hold a Community Blood Drive to alleviate some of the need created by COVID-19 in the local region at The Health Museum – located at 1515 Hermann Drive, Houston, Texas 77004.
Texas coast’s newest vacation haven Lively Beach on Mustang Island announces grand opening in July
Bringing vibrant energy and open-air adventure to vacation living along the Texas coast, Lively Beach plans its highly anticipated grand opening for July.
Fieger files $100 Million Lawsuit against Michigan Group Home for Suffocation death of child
Nationally known trial lawyer Geoffrey Fieger, along with Jon Marko has filed today a $100 Million Dollar lawsuit against Sequel Youth Services and Lakeside for Children, among others, as a result of the suffocation death of Cornelius Frederick, age 16 on May 1, 2020 (25 days before George Floyd's death),
Governor Abbott Provides Update On COVID-19 Response, Urges Texans To Follow Guidelines
Governor Greg Abbott today provided an update on Texas' continued response to COVID-19. The Governor discussed several steps the state is taking to mitigate the spread of the virus in recent weeks—including increasing enforcement of health and safety regulations, rapidly increasing testing in hot spots, and working with hospitals throughout the state to ensure they have the ability to treat Texans who test positive for COVID-19.
Texas Democrats on Governor Abbott’s Admission that Cases in Texas Are Spreading at an “Unacceptable Rate”
Today, Texas Republican Governor Greg Abbott held a press briefing in front of a few select outlets where he admitted that cases in Texas are spreading at an “unacceptable rate.”
Racial Reconciliation in the Heart of New Orleans
A Caucasian Pastor, Dean Sunseri, and an African American Pastor, George Green, organized a peaceful protest in the Heart of New Orleans that resulted in a radical shift in the atmosphere of the city. After the tragic death of George Floyd, these Pastors felt led to do a 30 minute Kneel Down in Jackson Square as a sign of submission to God, in a spirit of repentance and forgiveness.
EPA Provides Additional Funding to Help Reduce Excess Nutrients in the Gulf of Mexico Watershed
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it is providing an additional $840 thousand to the 12 state members of the Hypoxia Task Force (HTF), expanding the $1.2 million that the agency already announced in August 2019. EPA’s more than $2 million in funding is helping HTF states implement plans that accelerate progress on reducing excess nutrients and improving water quality in the Mississippi River/Atchafalaya River Basin.
Celebrate the Fourth of July at The Rustic
The Rustic will host its annual Drink the Flag hangout with free live music in honor of Fourth of July.
Consulate General of India celebrated Sixth Annual International Day of Yoga with virtual event
With the theme ‘Ghar Ghar se Yoga - Yoga at Home,’ and in partnership with various organizations, the annual celebration of yoga recognized the ‘Corona Warriors’ - the front line workers and first re
The Consulate General of India in Houston, in collaboration with several supporting organizations, turned living rooms into yoga studios on Sunday, June 21, 2020 in honor of the Sixth International Day of Yoga (IDY), with a virtual event streamed live from India House and broadcast through the Consulate General of India Houston Facebook page, as well as the Facebook page of India House. This year’s event brought together families and yoga enthusiasts around the country together virtually to create a sense of community with the theme “Ghar Ghar Se Yoga - Yoga at Home” to achieve physical fitness and mental well-being.
Houston ISD: Curbside summer meal sites, Fresh Bus stops closed due to inclement weather
The curbside summer meals site at Chavez High School is temporarily closed for cleaning and sanitization due to a possible case of the COVID-19 virus.
Recording Artist Cory Ricks Releases New Song Inspired by Historic Social and Political Unrest in America
“Can’t Hold Me” Features Maroon 5 Keyboardist and Grammy-Winning Solo Artist PJ Morton
Independent recording artist Cory Ricks has joined with Maroon 5 keyboardist and Grammy-winning Solo Artist PJ Morton to release a new song in response to the national social and political unrest titled, “Can’t Hold Me.”
Global Healthcare System On Precipice Of Extraordinary Change
When was the last time you drove to your local bank to deposit a check? Or held a paper airline ticket in your hand? Technology has drastically transformed how we interact with businesses, but the healthcare industry has been slow to adapt … until now.
Medline Commits $1 Million to Organizations Advancing Social Justice for Black Americans
Donations will support the United Negro College Fund, NAACP, National Urban League and Black Lives Matter
Medline today announced it is committing more than $1 million to organizations advancing diversity, inclusion and equality across the nation. Recipients include the following four organizations, each of which are dedicated to promoting racial equality, social justice and access to education:
An Update from Council Member Davis
Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo issued a new mask order, mandating businesses to require wearing of face masks, starting today.
Metamorphosis by Melissa Aytenfisu at HMAAC
The Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC) is delighted to present Metamorphosis by Melissa Aytenfisu. Melissa is originally from Quebec, Canada but is currently a 3rd Ward, Houston resident who has become deeply entrenched with the life that moves around her neighborhood. The work she creates is a reflection of her community and the relationship she has with it. From drawing, painting to make-shift print-making, her aesthetic is the true storyteller.
America's Elite Colleges Can Lead on Reparations by Partnering with Black Colleges
As the list of higher education institutions apologizing for their role in the slave trade grows it is time investing in historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) institutions is prioritized. Democratic presidential candidates increasingly acknowledge the need to study the question of reparations. Ta-Nehisi Coates fastidiously establishes "The Case for Reparations" in a 2014 Atlantic Magazine article and environmental justice expert, Mustafa Ali, advocates reinvestment in underserved communities to ensure a just transition to a clean energy economy.
Persistent depression might increase heart disease risk for women with HIV
Women with HIV who experience persistently high levels of stress or depression have a significantly greater risk of plaque building up in their arteries than those who rarely or never report these symptoms, a new study finds.
Study: Tax Refund Checks are Largest in these Texas Places
Tax Day has been moved to July 15th this year to accommodate filers during the COVID-19 pandemic. To find the places where people are generating the largest average refund checks, SmartAsset has released a study analyzing tax refunds in Texas.
Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Co-sponsors Legislation to Establish Juneteenth as a Federal Holiday
Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) announced that she joined Houston Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18) as an original co-sponsor of the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, H.R. 7232, to designate June 19 as federal holiday each year. On June 19, 1865, Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger announced in Galveston, Texas that “all slaves are free” and that there would be “an absolute equality of personal rights.”
Candidate Applications for 2020 General Election Being Accepted: Monday, July 20 To Monday, Aug. 17
In accordance with the Texas Election Code, the City will hold a General and Special Election on Tuesday, Nov. 3. The positions on the ballot for the General Election are for Mayor, At-Large Position 1 and At-Large Position 2. And, the Special Election will include a proposition providing for or against the adoption of the firefighters’ and police officers’ civil service law.
"Black Lives Matter" Street Mural On Sandra Bland Parkway to Be Completed Today By City of Prairie View, PVAMU Students
Prairie View Mayor David Allen chose to have the permanent mural in place by Juneteenth.
The City of Prairie View is on schedule to have its “Black Lives Matter” street mural completed today. Several Prairie View A&M University students—undergraduate and graduate—joined faculty and staff from the School of Architecture’s Fabrication Center to bring Mayor David Allen’s idea to reality.
Houston Community College Hit With $100 Million Dollar Racial Discrimination Class Action Suit Filed On Behalf of Black Employees on Juneteenth
A $100 million racial discrimination lawsuit has been filed in a Houston, Texas state district court on behalf of hundreds of Black present and former employees of the Houston Community College (“HCC”). The suit was intentionally filed Friday, June 19, 2020– “Juneteenth—the anniversary date that Black slaves in Texas learned they had been freed from slavery two years earlier by President Abraham Lincoln.
eBay Employees Charge with Cyberstalking: Agressively Attacking Online Publisher
Six former eBay employees are accused of participating in an “ag- gressive cyberstalking campaign” against a Natick couple. US Attorney Andrew E. Lelling said the victims are the editor and publisher of an online newsletter that covers e-commerce companies, including eBay.
Obama To Appear At First Joint Biden Fundraiser
Former President Barack Obama will appear with his former vice president and the presumptive Democratic nominee, Joe Biden, in a joint fundraiser next week. The fundraiser, which will take place on June 23rd and is billed by the Biden campaign as a “virtual grassroots event,” will be the first time the two have appeared together since Mr. Obama endorsed Biden in April.
Supreme Court Delivers A Huge Win for LGBTQ Rights
The Supreme Court delivered a huge win for LGBTQ rights by ruling that federal civil rights law protects gay, lesbian and transgender workers.
Harris County Clerk Launches New Public Service Announcement “Vote Early and Stay Safe”
The Texas Supreme Court ruled that a lack of immunity to COVID may be considered as a factor in determining whether in-person voting creates a “likelihood of injury” to the voter’s health, but it cannot be the sole factor. It is the responsibility of voters to make their own health determinations, and the County Clerk’s Office does not have the authority or ability to question the voter’s judgment. If a voter applies for a mail ballot and checks one of the four categories of eligibility, the County Clerk’s Office will send you a ballot.
12-Year-Old Sensation Keedron Bryant Signs With Warner Records for "I Just Wanna Live" to Celebrate Juneteenth
Just two weeks after posting a riveting and emotional performance of original song, “I JUST WANNA LIVE,” in response to long-standing systemic social injustice and as a plea for change, 12-year-old Florida-native Keedron Bryant signs with Warner Records for the official single release.
Senators Markey, Smith, Booker, and Harris To Introduce Legislation to Make Juneteenth a Federal Holiday
Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Tina Smith (D-Minn.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.). and Kamala D. Harris (D-Calif.) today announced they will introduce the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, legislation to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. “Juneteenth”, observed on June 19, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and is also known as “Emancipation Day”, “Jubilee Day”, and “Juneteenth Independence Day”.
The Resistance Revival Chorus Release "Ella's Song" in honor of Juneteenth and Ella Baker
The Resistance Revival Chorus have released a video for their powerful recording of "Ella's Song" in honor of Juneteenth and celebrating Ella Baker. The video includes footage and photographs of the recent protests that have taken place over George Floyd's death. The video is a photo based treatment using photos from photographers in the chorus including Brooke Williams, Kisha Bari, Dina Rudeen and Ginny Suss. “Ella’s Song” will be available tomorrow as part of Bandcamp’s Juneteenth campaign, as well as the Righteous Babe Store. This recording will also be made available for streaming and download on all DSPs on July 2nd via Righteous Babe Records.The RRC will donate 100% of the proceeds for the year to the Movement For Black Lives.
AmeriHealth Caritas Names Karen Dale as New Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer
Appointment will further cultivate diverse perspectives to drive a more inclusive business culture
Advancing its ongoing commitment to linking diversity, equity, and inclusion with performance excellence, AmeriHealth Caritas, a national leader in Medicaid managed care and other health care solutions for those most in need, announced today that Karen Dale has been named to the newly created position of Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer (CDEIO). She will report directly to CEO and Chairman, Paul A. Tufano, and will join the CEO’s Executive Council.
Why Black Wealth Matters in White America
… and what blacks must learn to survive this new economy
A person wearing a suit and tie Description automatically generatedThe general population, otherwise known as the 99%, have a love/hate relationship with wealth. They resent those who have it, but spend their lives attempting to get it for themselves, all the while self-sabotaging that effort in ways that are avoidable if they knew the rules of the rich. Yes, the rich have rules. The reason most individuals, and certainly the majority of Black Americans, never accumulate any substantial savings is because they do not understand the nature of money and how it works.
Is Your Farm A Mosquito Magnet?
5 Ways To Protect Your People And Animals
While COVID-19 remains in the front of everyone’s mind, the coming of mosquito season means that both people and livestock are vulnerable to other serious illnesses if the farm infrastructure is not sound.
What Kind of Principal Turns Around A Failing School?
A Visionary Change-Maker/Activist From Houston
Heroes live among us but are so busy “saving the world” that they often exist under the radar and go unrecognized. Luckily for us, legendary educator/activist and author, Dr. Bertie Simmons wrote it all down in a memoir that spans her life before, during and after the turning around of a failing school - and not without controversy.
Houston Native Serves at Naval Hospital Jacksonville
Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class David Phan, from Houston, Texas, helps to rehabilitate Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Leo Torres Teruel, a sailor assigned to the littoral combat ship USS Detroit (LCS 7), at Naval Hospital Jacksonville's physical therapy department.
NAACP Presents Juneteenth Family Reunion and Virtual Town Hall
The NAACP, in conjunction with REVOLT, will host a special virtual Juneteenth Black Family Reunion and Juneteenth virtual Town Hall on Friday, June 19th at 4 PM ET/ 1 PM PT and 6PM ET/3PM PT. The afternoon of events will commemorate the ending of slavery in the United States with music, moments, and discussions around the growing awareness of racial disparities, mobilization, and bold actions necessary to further the fight for social justice and equal opportunity throughout the nation.
Fisk Jubilee Singers® Announce New Album, Celebrating Fisk! (The 150th Anniversary Album), Releasing on 6/26/20, Including “Glory / Stranger” (feat. Derek Minor & Shannon Sanders), Available Today
The Fisk Jubilee Singers of Fisk University announce their newest album, Celebrating Fisk! (The 150th Anniversary Album), available June 26, 2020, with the pre-order/save and the release of new song, “Glory / Stranger (feat. Derek Minor & Shannon Sanders),” both available today, 6/19/20. Also today, “Glory / Stranger (feat. Derek Minor & Shannon Sanders)” can be found on Spotify’s New Music Friday Playlist. Pre-order/save the album and/or listen to “Glory / Stranger (feat. Derek Minor & Shannon Sanders)” HERE.
ASCAP Launches HBCU Internship Program
Leading PRO will seek to empower the next generation of Black leaders with real-world music industry experience
ASCAP, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, today announced the launch of a new paid internship program for students enrolled in historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in the U.S. This summer, the PRO will offer five HBCU students the opportunity to join ASCAP’s team to gain real-world experience in the music industry.
Harris, Markey, Smith, Booker to Introduce Legislation to Make Juneteenth a Federal Holiday
U.S. Senators Kamala D. Harris (D-CA), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Cory Booker (D-NJ) on Friday announced they will introduce Juneteenth National Independence Day Act, legislation to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. “Juneteenth”, observed on June 19, commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and is also known as “Emancipation Day”, “Jubilee Day”, and “Juneteenth Independence Day”.
The Launch of Inaugural 2020 Juneteenth Image Capsule Inspired by the Legacy of Legendary Music Executive Andre Harrell
With 2020 marking the first time in its history that the country is moving toward a national recognition and celebration of Juneteenth as a holiday, media executive, author, and Columbia University lecturer Kai D. Wright is launching an annual Juneteenth Image Capsule and Blacklist 100, a unique digital initiative to ensure that every year will be an opportunity to celebrate Black culture and Blackness.
PSEG and the PSEG Foundation Announce $1 Million Commitment to Fight Racial Injustice, Inequity
PSEG and the PSEG Foundation announced today the launch of the Powering Equity and Social Justice initiative and a $1 million commitment to support organizations that address the racial injustice, inequality and human rights in communities of color. The Powering Equity and Social Justice initiative will provide philanthropic support to organizations in New Jersey, New York and anywhere PSEG operates.