57NAACP Condemns Honoring Confederate Statutes
My heart dropped when I learned that a statute celebrating all the soldiers who fought for the Confederate Army would be moved from the Sam Houston Park to the Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC). This is a statute that was erected in 1908 by the Robert E. Lee Chapter #186 of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. This statue was erected for the purpose of honoring those who fought to keep my forefathers in slavery. In fact, it is inscribed with the following language “to all heroes of the South who fought for the principles of states rights”. The states’ rights they fought to defend were the rights of each of the states to decide for themselves to maintain the system of enslaving African American people.
Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. Announces $1 Million Product Donation to NAACP Empowerment Programs
Essential Items to be Sent to Black Communities in Need as a Result of COVID-19 and Recent Unrest
Bed Bath & Beyond Inc. (Nasdaq: BBBY) today announced a $1 million product donation to the NAACP Empowerment Programs. The donation will provide essential items to the organization and its charity partners, supporting Black communities impacted by COVID-19 and recent unrest across the U.S. The Company is making the donation as part of its recently launched Bringing Home Everywhere program, a $10 million plan that is providing essential home products to communities hardest hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.
NABJ Appalled at Allegations of Racism at ABC News
Demands an External Investigation of ABC News/Disney Be Launched Immediately
The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) is appalled at the allegations of discriminatory hiring practices and treatment of Black employees by a powerful ABC News executive, as detailed by Yashar Ali with the Huffington Post. Yashar’s story can be found here.
Child Immunization Appointments Still Down 50% Post-COVID
Pediatric Annual Visits for Children Over 3 Fall Drastically Below Normal in May
As Legacy Community Health continues to track the rate of pediatric annual exams to ensure children are receiving their immunizations, a look at May’s visits showed a 50% decrease from the same month in 2019 for children over three years old. Largely attributed to parents’ anxiety over exposure to COVID-19, Legacy staff are actively reaching out to parents whose child is due or past due for an annual checkup to ensure they are not falling behind on their vaccinations.
GirlTrek to Start Third Week of Black History Bootcamp, a 21-Day Walking Meditation That Celebrates A Different Black Woman Each Day
More than 85,000 people have signed up to participate in GirlTrek’s Black History Bootcamp, and its accompanying podcast has been downloaded more than 50,000 times.
Today, marks day 11 of GirlTrek’s Black History Bootcamp, a 21-day walking meditation for daily resistance that celebrates a different Black woman of historic significance each day; and day 21 of nationwide protests against racism and police brutality following the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Theatre Under the Stars Postpones Fall Musicals Due to Cornavirus
1776 AND ROCK OF AGES WILL CONCLUDE THE 2020/2021 SEASON, WHICH NOW OPENS IN DECEMBER WITH DISNEY’S THE LITTLE MERMAID
Rockets Celebrate 25th Anniversary of Winning Second Title with Special Online Auction Item
Today marks the 25th anniversary of the Houston Rockets sweeping the Orlando Magic in the 1995 NBA Finals to win their second straight NBA Championship. As the sixth seed, the 1994-95 Rockets still hold the honor of being the lowest seeded team to have won the NBA title.
NeuMoDx Molecular Announces CE Marking for HIV Viral Load Assay
Completes menu for key blood born viral tests
NeuMoDx Molecular™, a sample-to-result molecular diagnostic company focused on central laboratory customers, announced today CE Mark approval for its PCR Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) viral load test. This key test completes the NeuMoDx blood born viral menu which already includes tests for Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) viral loads.
The Impact of COVID-19 in Our Community: Let's Not Put Our Health at Risk
Washington, D.C., city attorney George Valentine was black, brilliant, and fit. But after contracting COVID-19, he became so weak, he had trouble moving and even speaking. When it got to the point where he could barely breathe, George called an ambulance and waited on the steps of his house for it to arrive. Every second he waited must have seemed like an eternity. Two days later, George died. He was 66 and had suffered from diabetes and high blood pressure before getting sick with the coronavirus.
Texas A&M System Regents to Consider Creating $100 Million Scholarship Fund
The Texas A&M University System’s Board of Regents will consider creating a $100 million scholarship fund during a special telephonic meeting on Monday.
Black Health Matters To Launch New Kidney Disease Channel
Black Health Matters www.blackhealthmatters.com has launched a new Kidney Disease Channel. The channel features original, content that will be especially noteworthy to the Black community. Roslyn Y. Daniels, Black Health Matters Founder & President Roslyn Daniels, President, Black Health Matters adds, "We are especially excited to add a kidney disease channel with an emphasis on focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a rare kidney condition that is the leading cause of nephrotic syndrome (a kidney disorder) to our platform since African Americans are at a high risk to be affected by this disease."
Local Arts Organization Pioneers Virtual Programming for the Remainder of the Year
The pandemic forced many organizations to start adopting online tools and platforms to continue functioning, but few groups have pioneered such a wealth of quality programming in such a short amount of time as proficient as Fresh Arts. Immediately responding to news that Houston would be following work from home guidelines, on March 17, Fresh Arts launched the first of what has become many virtual program offerings aimed at amplifying efforts by and supporting members of the creative community. The ongoing interviews, workshops and conversations provide connectivity, skill-building, promotion and resiliency to local artists and arts organizations.
Rushion McDonald Spotlights Van Jones, Attorney Ben Crump, Reginald Hudlin, Bubba Wallace and more in A New Round of Honorees for Café Mocha Radio ‘SWAG Award’ Feature, Celebrating Black Men Who Empow
Since Father’s Day is coming up June 21st, Money Making Conversations creator Rushion McDonald announces a new round of SWAG Award honorees on Miles Ahead Broadcasting’s nationally-syndicated Café Mocha Radio Show, featuring Black men who are an inspiration and vital contributors to their industries, empowering their communities and future generations. Honoring Black excellence and the men whose service and leadership are exemplars of SWAG, representing Strength, Wisdom, Assertiveness, and Genuineness in their spirit, this latest round of honorees spotlight 12 men.
New PBS NewsHour Weekend Special on Racial Justice, Policing and Violence, America in Black and Blue 2020, Premieres Tonight at 9 P.M. on PBS
Hosted by Alison Stewart, features interviews with author Roxane Gay, Florida Congresswoman Val Demings, Minnesota reform advocate Nekima Levy Armstrong and more
Real Men Cook® Launches Historic Fourth Decade of Celebrating Black Men And Families
In the Wake of George Floyd's Tragic Death, Father's Day Creates Opportunity
Mayor Turner announces plans to relocate two confederate statues. New locations will provide better context, prevent vandalism.
Today, Mayor Sylvester Turner announced the City of Houston plans to relocate the Dowling and Spirit of Confederacy statues, which are currently both located in two City of Houston parks.
ETS Introduces HiSET® Exam at Home High School Equivalency Testing Solution
HiSET Exam at Home will provide a convenient, flexible and safe testing option for test takers who are impacted by test center closures or limited seat availability stemming from COVID-19
Dr. Thomas F. Freedom Celebration of Life Service
Texas Southern University will host a public visitation for Dr. Thomas F. Freeman on Tuesday, June 16, from 10 a.m. - 12:45 p.m., with a memorial service to follow, in the Health & Physical Education (H&PE) Arena (3010 Wheeler Avenue, Houston, TX 77004).
CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE ANNOUNCES THAT BELOVED HOUSTONIAN GEORGE FLOYD WILL HAVE HIS NAME PLACED ON THE JUSTICE IN POLICING ACT OF 2020
“Congresswoman Jackson Lee secured an amendment for the renaming and now that amendment included to name the bill after George Floyd”
Archway Gallery presents Roots to Revolution
Featuring New Paintings by Mohammad Ali Bhatti
The gallery is open Friday through Sunday from 1 - 5 p.m., and Monday through Thursday by appointment. To see the exhibition by appointment, please contact the gallery in advance to arrange a private tour. Out of an abundance of caution, only groups of 10 or less will be allowed in the gallery for these tours. Email the gallery at info@archwaygallery.com for details.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee - Press Statement - George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020
“Congresswoman Jackson Lee secured an amendment for the renaming and now that amendment included to name the bill after George Floyd”
Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins Launches 23-Point S.A.F.E. Plan Ahead of July Primary Runoff Elections
Today, Clerk Hollins announced S.A.F.E., a robust set of 23 initiatives to ensure the July Primary Runoff Elections and the November General Election are safe, secure, accessible, fair, and efficient. The framework addresses the challenges of administering an election during an unprecedented global pandemic through thoughtful consideration of voter and poll-worker safety and innovating conventional practices to make voting more efficient.
Ana María Martínez to join Rice Shepherd School as professor of voice
Grammy Award-winning soprano Ana María Martínez will join Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music beginning July 1, 2021, as a professor in the Department of Voice.
Excitons form superfluid in certain 2D combos
Rice University researchers find ‘paradox’ in ground-state bilayers
Mixing and matching computational models of 2D materials led scientists at Rice University to the realization that excitons -- quasiparticles that exist when electrons and holes briefly bind -- can be manipulated in new and useful ways.
Sekou Andrews is Set to Perform at This Year's Heavy Hitters Festival
Awful Good Writers Announces Heavy Hitters Festival with a Stacked Lineup Including Saul Williams, Andrea Gibson, Watsky, Ani DiFranco, Hanif Abdurraqib, Mary Lambert, Sage Francis, Sonya Renee Taylor, Rudy Francisco, Amber Tamblyn, Alok Vaid-Menon, the poets of Write Bloody, Write About Now, Button Poetry and That’s Not Even the Half of It.
Bottle Rocket launches Juneteenth Movement with a call to action for all businesses to join
Today, Bottle Rocket made a bold commitment to its employees, the Dallas community and the world by launching what the company is calling the Juneteenth Movement. This movement is intended to bring together businesses in Dallas and beyond to put a voice and actionable change behind the racial injustice that plagues our nation.
Cool Off with The Rustic’s Refreshing New Beverage Menu
Restaurant and live entertainment venue debuts streamlined menu with Rustic Waters, frozen cocktails and more
Houstonians can raise a glass to summer patio weather with the launch of The Rustic's new beverage menu!
How Business Leaders Can Bring Stability And Hope In A Time Of Uncertainty
Many business leaders face extreme challenges during their career, but the coronavirus pandemic is uncharted waters for all.
Wrongful Conviction Podcasts Presents: Power to the People
In the wake of the recent protests, justice advocate and philanthropist Jason Flom has been flooded with questions from people who are looking for advice on how to use their time, energy and money to make the biggest impact in the fight for equality in our criminal legal system.
Stress-management strategies can boost health care teams during pandemic
Celebrating successes, admitting mistakes and encouraging honest communication among employees are some of the steps health care leaders should take to improve teamwork during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new paper from researchers at Rice University.
UH College of Medicine Selects Inaugural Class
First Cohort of 30 Medical Students Starts July 20, Construction on New Medical School Building Underway
Maya Fontenot was gifted with a natural aptitude for science and math, but her passion for medicine and activism started as a child in southwest Houston. Though she grew up middle class, Fontenot recalls frequent visits to the county hospital with aunts and uncles who struggled with poverty… and their health. Those eye-opening and alarming experiences gave her a glimpse into the challenges “a poor person seeking medical care” can face.
#ASCAPREALSOUNDS x Grammy-Nominated Songwriter Deante Hitchcock
Today, ASCAP Rhythm & Soul will present their next #ASCAPRealSounds “Deconstructed” event with Grammy-nominated songwriter and rising artist Deante Hitchcock. The session is part of ASCAP Rhythm & Soul’s weekly live-streaming series, which has featured previous guests including Warner Records A&R Executive Norva Denton, producer OG Parker, singer/songwriter Kirby, artist Bri Babineaux, songwriter/producer Dre Moon, singer/songwriter Theron of R. City, singer/songwriter Joelle James and Atlantic Records VP of A&R and producer Hitmaka.
Texas A&M System Regents Create $100 Million Scholarship Fund
New Fund’s Goal: ‘Make the A&M System Look Like Texas’
The Texas A&M University System Board of Regents created a special $100 million scholarship fund with the goal of making the A&M System’s 11 universities better reflect the state’s demographics.
Food Distribution No. 3 for HCDE Head Start Families Supplies Average 20 Meals Per Box
Twenty meals will save a family of four approximately $200. In a third round of food distributions, Harris County Department of Education Head Start and Early Head Start families receive food boxes at designated Head Start Center locations in northeast Harris County.
HCDE Learning Expert Says Summer Academic Loss Heightened by COVID-19 Learning Lag
Summer learning expert Dr. Lisa Caruthers concedes that traditional summer learning loss experienced by students will be amplified by COVID-19 learning lag. Other family issues come into play as summer 2020 approaches and the coronavirus continues to be a threat.
Texas A&M System Regents to Consider Creating $100 Million Scholarship Fund
The Texas A&M University System’s Board of Regents will consider creating a $100 million scholarship fund during a special telephonic meeting on Monday.
Mark Cuban Supports NABJ's COVID-19 Relief Efforts
The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) and the NABJ Sports Task Force is pleased to announce that Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has contributed $100,000 toward the NABJ COVID-19 Relief Fund to assist both sports and non-sports journalists whose jobs have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Parents call for dramatic action to address racism in schools
Parents want school police officers to be less involved in disciplinary situations
More than half of all parents (54%) say schools should rely less on school police officers and move toward providing social emotional supports to address student needs with staff like counselors, psychologists, and social workers in disciplinary situations, according to a new poll released today by the National Parents Union. Just 35% of parents say schools should continue to rely on school police officers in the way they do now in disciplinary situations.
3 Powerful Ways Women Can Help Other Women In The Post Pandemic World
As COVID-19 forces changes to the economy and American lifestyles, businesses that hope to survive and thrive will need creative ways to deal with these new challenges.
Compassionate Cultivation reopens Houston temporary distribution site for medical cannabis prescription pickup
Temporary distribution site (TDS) at Sequoia Medical Practice in Houston, Texas, allows in-person pickup of cannabis medication
Happy Employees Don't Just Happen
Here's How to Create Them—and Why It's Even More Vital Now
The economy is a mixed bag right now: We've recently gotten a surprisingly sunny job report and an official declaration of recession. Deb Boelkes says both facts should cue leaders to focus on employee happiness. Here are eight ways to get started.
John Legend Reveals Bigger Love Cover & Track List Out June 19
EGOT winner John Legend has revealed the cover and track list to his new album BIGGER LOVE which will release June 19 via Columbia Records.
Harris County COVID-19 Relief Fund Distributes $15 Million in Aid to Local Community-Based Organizations
Public application dates announced for June 23 and 24
The Harris County COVID-19 Relief Fund is disbursing $15 million to 44 local, community-based organizations that will provide vulnerable individuals and families support for housing, electricity, food, childcare and other essential needs. These trusted, high-performing organizations are actively supporting the community, and have a deep understanding of those impacted by the global pandemic. They will utilize funds to provide financial assistance to eligible individuals and families they are already engaged with.
Maya Rockeymoore Cummings Urges Hollywood To Commit To “Inclusion Revolution”
In order to become a more perfect union, the United States must constantly strive to be an inclusive democracy that treats all people fairly and fully embraces cultural forms that reflect the worldview and experiences of its diverse residents.
Farmers Market Set to Reopen in East End Houston
New health and safety protocols to be implemented
After remaining closed for 13 weeks due to city-wide restrictions, locals and tourists will now be able to enjoy the traditional delicacies available at the Farmers Market on the award-winning Navigation Esplanade in East End Houston. A total of 25 vendors will be back on Sunday, June 14th, with a wide variety of fresh vegetables and fruits as well the unique art and crafts of local artisans. Vendors will include:
R&B Artist Felixx Releases Timely Visual "Black Man" In Support of Black Lives Matter
R&B recording artist and Atlanta native FELIXX released his riveting new single "Black Man," which expresses his feelings about the social climate of our country today. As a Black man, the Black Lives Matter movement is something Felixx is very passionate about, and as a result, he created this captivating and truth-telling song as his response to the unrest.
Instead of a tie, think about healthy gifts and gratitude for Father's Day
In this year of social distancing and economic uncertainty, dad probably doesn't need a new tie for Father's Day. Instead, it might be time to mark the occasion with creativity – and a little push in a healthy direction.
YMCA of Greater Houston Food Distribution Sites for the Week of June 15
YMCA of Greater Houston continues food distribution with the addition of two new sites
YMCA of Greater Houston will be distributing food at the following sites for the week of June 15. The YMCA has partnered with the Houston Food Bank, Montgomery County Food Bank, Brighter Bites, Interfaith Ministries and other partners to provide critical food and supplies to thousands of families throughout the city.
New Orleans Business Alliance Raises $1.3M in Direct Relief Funding for Businesses and Workers Impacted by COVID-19
On March 16, the New Orleans Business Alliance (NOLABA) became the first local entity to set up a direct relief effort to counteract the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic with the launch of its Gig Economy Relief Fund. NOLABA committed $100,000 to establish the fund, with the goal of reaching $500K in total donations from the local business community and philanthropy. As of today (June 12), the relief fund has surpassed $890,00 -- nearly doubling the initial fundraising goal -- which has allowed NOLABA to issue over 1000 grants to local gig workers.
Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher Announces More than $2.4 Million for Congregation Beth Yeshurun
Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) announced $2,410,414 in federal funding for Congregation Beth Yeshurun. These funds are administered through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and will be used to repair the synagogue from damage caused by Hurricane Harvey.