How to Re-Watch Hollywood History
Streaming media is transforming TV and movie watching, but the convenience and ability to binge watch favorite shows aren’t the only benefits. Super-fans of a specific actor or genre can geek out like never before thanks to unprecedented access to libraries filled with beloved stars and film categories.
African-American or Other? Selecting Your Race and Ethnicity on the US 2020 Census Form
Kim Kardashian West will likely check “Black or African American” on the US 2020 Census form when marking the race of her children.
Trump’s Nominee to Lead SBA Commits to Expand Resources to Black Businesses
As a new year begins, obtaining financing remains among the largest obstacles blocking many black-owned businesses from growing and reaching new heights.
Noose Photo Stirring Up Controversy in Harris County
A photo of Harris County Constable candidate Ken Jones has resurfaced on the Internet causes a lot of controversy.
Tips for a Stress-Free Tax Season
Taxes are an unavoidable fact of life. Unfortunately, they can be somewhat overwhelming, which can cause people to put the task off and miss the deadline. Use these tips for a stress-free tax season:
Yates HS earns status as International Baccalaureate World School
Houston Independent School District leaders on Thursday announced Yates High School’s new status as an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, becoming the district’s fifth high school campus to receive official authorization to offer the Diploma Programme.
U.S. Indian Groups Call for Sanctions on Home Minister of India Over New Anti-Muslim Citizenship Law, Human Rights Abuses
A coalition of Indian-American and American civil society, civil and human rights organizations today held a news conference at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., calling for U.S. sanctions on Home Minister of India in response to that country adopting the controversial Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) – a law that discriminates against India’s religious minorities and could categorize India’s 200 million Muslims and others as non-citizens as illegal aliens.
West Reminds African American Community Cornyn Let TOXNET Disappear
Sen. Royce West on Tuesday reminded African American voters in Texas that U.S. Senator John Cornyn was asleep at the switch while the Trump Administration quietly killed the National Library of Medicine’s TOXNET database--a key tool for minority communities to help understand pollution and environmental hazards around them--late last month.
Houston Ranks 32 in 100 Best Cities in the World
“Smart, skilled and soulful, Houston is the American city of the future.” That is the description of Houston by Resonance Consultancy, a strategic business marketing, development and research company, which recently released its 2020 World’s Best Cities Ranking. Houston is ranked number 32 out of 100 cities around the world and is the highest ranking Texas city on the list.
Wanda Sykes Hosts 28th Annual Bounce Trumpet Awards World Premiering Sunday, Jan. 12 at 9:00 p.m. ET on Bounce
The 28th Annual Bounce Trumpet Awards, an exciting and inspirational night recognizing African-American achievements and contributions, world premieres Sunday, January 12 at 9:00 p.m. ET on Bounce.
The 34th Annual Houston – Texas Home & Garden Show Comes to NRG Center February 14-16, 2020
The 34th Annual Texas Home & Garden Show, the premier destination for the home and garden needs of all Houstonians will return to NRG Center from February 14-16, 2020. The Texas Home & Garden Show is the best resource for expert advice, money saving tips, remodeling ideas, landscape features and everything needed for home and garden projects.
Houston Grand Opera Announces Cast Substitution
Soprano Melody Moore, in her role debut, replaces Michaela Martens as Amneris in Aida on 1/31, 2/2, 2/8 Mezzo-soprano Catherine Martin sings the role on 2/11, 2/14, 2/16
Houston Grand Opera (HGO) announces that mezzo-soprano Michaela Martens, scheduled to sing the role of Amneris in Verdi’s Aida, recently withdrew from the production due to personal reasons. Renowned soprano Melody Moore, making her role debut as Amneris, sings the first three performances, while HGO Studio Alumna and mezzo-soprano Catherine Martin sings the final three performances. The production runs from Jan. 31 – Feb. 16, 2020 at the Wortham Theater Center.
Congressman Al Green’s Statement on Iran and Impeachment
On Monday, January 6, 2020, Congressman Al Green released the following statement regarding impeachment and the killing of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani:
Mouth Bar Removal Starting This Week
Mayor Pro Tem Martin would like to make District E residents aware the City of Houston has issued a Notice To Proceed (NTP) for debris removal services, specifically large silt deposits at the confluence of the West Fork of the San Jacinto River and Lake Houston, commonly referred to as the "mouth bar".
Rod Stewart Announces North American Summer 2020 Tour With Special Guest Cheap Trick
Tickets On Sale Starting Friday, January 10 At 10am At LiveNation.com
Rod Stewart, the legendary two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inducted singer/songwriter today announced details for his highly anticipated 2020 summer tour with special guests Cheap Trick. Produced by Live Nation, the 21-city summer tour promises an unprecedented night of iconic hits songs from some of the most scenic venues across North America, kicking off July 21 in Cleveland, OH and wrapping in Chicago, IL on September 5.
Joe Biden Picks Up Texas Endorsements
Most Previously Endorsed Secretary Julian Castro
Today, Biden for President is announcing support from 11 elected officials in Texas, broadening the list of influential national and local leaders supporting Biden in a critical Super Tuesday state. Nine of the 11 endorsements come from leaders who had previously endorsed Secretary Julian Castro for president.
Former Russian foreign minister Kozyrev to speak at Rice's Baker Institute
Andrei Kozyrev, who served as foreign minister of Russia from 1991 to 1996, will discuss his book, "The Firebird: The Elusive Fate of Russian Democracy," and current developments in Russia at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy Jan. 14.
House drug bill dooms medical research
House lawmakers recently voted to pass the "Lower Drug Costs Now Act," which would enable government officials to set the price of lifesaving medicines. The bill would reduce pharmaceutical companies' revenues by a staggering $1 trillion over the coming decade.
Houston-based Transgender Minor Sues NY State Over Birth Certificate Corrections
Today Lambda Legal filed a federal lawsuit challenging New York State’s policy categorically prohibiting transgender minors from correcting the sex designation on their birth certificates – a critically important document for transgender people seeking to navigate through life with accurate government documents.
The UP Companies Teams UP with Hip Hop Recording Artist Chingy to Produce “Old Construction Road” Song, Music Video
“Old Town Road” parody song highlights UPCO brand, promotes careers in construction
While the construction industry may be booming and the need for new buildings and structures has increased, the workforce needed to complete those projects has decreased considerably. In fact, workforce shortages remain one of the single most significant threats to the construction industry today.
Nick Cannon Presents MTV Wild 'N Out Live to Make Highly Anticipated Return to the Road in 2020
Tickets On Sale to General Public Starting Friday, January 10 at LiveNation.com
Multi-hyphenate entertainer Nick Cannon announced his wildly popular MTV Wild ‘N Out Live tour will return with dates all over the U.S. kicking off this March. Fans can expect stand up routines by their favorite Wild ‘N Out cast members including DC Young Fly, Karlous Miller, Emmanuel Hudson, Justina Valentine, Hit Man, Conceited, DJ D-Wreck and Pretty Vee (lineup varies by city), as well as live music performances from some of today’s hottest artists including platinum “My Type” and “Icy Grl” entertainer Saweetie.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated Announces Centennial Week Activities January 12 - 18, 2020
The esteemed African American women's service organization will mark its Centennial with notable guest speakers, performers, a fashion show, and a "Finer Womanhood Empowerment Summit" addressing issue
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, one the country's largest African-American women's service organizations, will mark its 100th year of service with Centennial Week activities Jan. 12-18, 2020 in Washington, D.C.
An Evening in Spain
Lake Charles Symphony 2nd Annual Valentine’s Concert
Join the Lake Charles Symphony on Friday, Feb. 14, at the Historic Calcasieu Marine National Bank for an evening filled with the beautiful music of Spain. The program, under the direction of guest conductor Mr. Michael J. Costello, will feature the waltzes of Johann Strauss and works by Tchaikovsky and Dvorak. Enjoy a great evening with friends, or that special someone, along with a plated dinner & beverages.
Black History Month Literary Weekend returns to New Orleans
Twenty-time bestselling author Brian W. Smith leads all-star lineup
Twenty-time national bestselling author and New Orleans native Brian W. Smith is set to return to New Orleans for the 4th Annual Black History Month Literary Weekend Feb. 28-29 for two days of workshops, booksignings, and music.
Beyond the Rhetoric: Year 2020 – The Beginning of a Great Decade
The state of Black Business is challenging. The political environment, international challenges and malcontent is making “Peace in the Valley” an escaping concept. Black entrepreneurship began to evolve at a noticeable pace during the 1960’s. From a few seats on the local city councils to the Oval Office in the White House and practically all board rooms in between.
Rex, King of Carnival and the New Orleans Tourism Industry Issue Official Invitation to Mardi Gras
To alert the world that Mardi Gras and the carnival season are upon us, Rex, King of Carnival issues his proclamation via the New Orleans tourism industry to the world.
Surviving R. Kelly Part II Leads to 40% Increase In Calls To National Sexual Assault Hotline
RAINN released the following statement today after the airing of Lifetime’s Surviving R. Kelly Part II: The Reckoning, which featured RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline Number (800.656.4673) as well as RAINN’s Wait PSA:
Man Charged With Death of His Fiancée After Marriage Proposal
Kendrick Atkins proposed to his fiancée on New Year's Eve and days later he shot and killed her. That what authorities are saying about Atkins, 39, who was charged with the murder of Dominic Jefferson, 33.
Islamic Religious Leader Arrested for Sex Crimes Against Children in Fort Bend County
Mohamed Omar Ali, an Islamic religious leader, has been charged with alleged sex crimes against four children.
Houston Dash acquire DF Katie Naughton and 2020 NWSL Draft pick from Chicago Red Stars in trade
The Houston Dash acquired defender Katie Naughton and the 18th overall selection in the 2020 NWSL College Draft through a trade with Chicago Red Stars, the club announced today. The Dash traded forward Kealia Ohai to Chicago in return.
Harris County Attorney Ryan sues cement plant for spewing dust and dumping waste into storm drains
Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan filed a lawsuit against an east Harris County cement plant on Monday, accusing it of spreading cement dust onto the East Belt feeder and allowing cement waste to flow into storm drains.
Big Pharma doesn't deserve all the hate
Americans loathe the pharmaceutical industry. It ranks dead last in a recent Gallup poll that tracks the public's opinion of 25 different sectors.
Houston Ballet Extends the Season of Giving With Annual Graceful Givings Event
Houston Ballet hosts its 12th annual Graceful Givings event at the Center for Dance this week. Since beginning in 2008, this annual dancewear giveaway has grown to benefit more than 60 Houston-area schools with dance and theater programs.
Don't Expect Fair Elections in 2020
The African American journey through American history can be summed up in two words – UNJUST and UNFAIR.
From the moment we first set foot on the North American continent, we have been subjected to atrocities both great and small. Armed with a culture of white supremacy bolstered by their religion and world view, Europeans seeking to create empires spanning the globe built their dream with the lives and labor stolen from Africans and other peoples from around the world.
Seasons Last College Bowl Game Offers First National Sponsorship Opportunity For SwampButt Underwear
SwampButt Underwear™ will be one of the sponsors of the ‘2020 LendingTree Bowl Radio Network’ when the last college bowl game of the season kicks off in Mobile, AL Monday January 6, 2020 at 7:00 pm ET. This is the first national sponsorship of any type for SwampButt Underwear. The game features the winner of the Mid-America Conference championship Miami RedHawks (8-5) and the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns, champions of the Sun Belt Conference. Announcers for the game are Mike Grace and Cole Cubelic.
The Ensemble Theatre Presents Regional Premiere “The Green Book”
A Story Inspired by Victor Green’s The Negro Motorist Green Book
The Ensemble Theatre presents the regional premiere of The Green Book, written by award-winning author Calvin Alexander Ramsey and directed by award-winning director Shirley Jo Finney with Opening Night and Media Reception Thursday, November 14, 2019, 6:30 p.m. 3535 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002.
Wine & Spirits Magazine Hosts Inaugural Top 100 Symposium in New York
The Top 100 Wineries of 2019 come to New York in a benefit for NY/NJ Baykeeper.
After 16 years hosting the Top 100 Tasting in San Francisco, Wine & Spirits Magazine now brings the best of the best to New York City. On January 14th, 2020, the Top 100 Symposium invites the New York wine community to meet the winemakers and to taste the top-scoring wines from the Top 100 Wineries of 2019.
Dreading A Dental Visit? 5 Tips For Getting The Most Out Of It
Many people would just as soon avoid scheduling a dental appointment, unless an unbearable toothache lands them reluctantly in the dentist’s chair.
If The Tax Cuts Don’t Last, Will Your Retirement Funds? 4 Ways To Make Sure
Many taxpayers welcomed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 that reduced income taxes through 2025, but now some people worry about the possibility of rates going up after the act expires and how that could affect their retirement.
Animal Lovers Gather for Themed Brunch and Pet Fashion Show
On Saturday, February 8, 2020 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., philanthropic animal lovers will gather at the Hotel Zaza in Houston’s Museum District for the 7th annual Wags and Whiskers, formerly the Best Friends Brunch, benefiting Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston’s Animeals program. The “On Broadway” themed event will feature a pet fashion show, silent auction, and more!
#1 Music Brand For Kids, Kidz Bop, And Live Nation Announce All-New Tour For 2020
KIDZ BOP Kids Recently Named Billboard Magazine’s “#1 Kids’ Artist” for 10 Consecutive Years & #75 Artist of the Decade
KIDZ BOP, the #1 music brand for kids, announced today their brand-new tour, KIDZ BOP Live 2020. In partnership with Live Nation, KIDZ BOP will bring the highly-anticipated family-friendly live concert experience to 59 cities in the U.S., Canada, and Dominican Republic in 2020. Tickets go on sale beginning Friday, January 10at 10am local time. For tour dates and ticket information, visit KIDZBOP.com and LiveNation.com.
Convenience Store Industry Report: Younger Consumers Ready for C-Store Cannabis and Automation
TrendSource's Convenience Store Industry Report finds that consumers are more receptive to cannabis products and in-store automation than expected, particularly among younger cohorts.
Convenience stores are in a transitional moment and must focus on younger consumers when considering the most important issues of the day. Indeed, according to TrendSource's end-of-year 2019 Convenience Store Industry Report, two of the biggest trends shaping Convenience Stores' current and future landscape--in-store cannabis sales and frictionless checkout technology--will both pivot around generational differences as older consumers prove relatively more resistant than younger ones.
Treat nonviolent drug offenses as public health issue, Baker Institute paper recommends
Drug use among people arrested for nonviolent drug offenses should be treated primarily as a public health issue, according to drug policy experts at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy and the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition.
Meet The First Latina President Of The Tournament Of Roses
Laura Farber, a native of Buenos Aires, is the newest president of the Tournament of Roses Association, which puts on the nation's most famous New Year's Day parade.
Benny Martinez, Texas Native & Latino Civil Rights Leader, Dies at 85
Benny Martinez, a Mexican-American civil rights leader who helped organize the historic Latino meeting with President John F. Kennedy, died Sunday.
Lifetime Follow-Up R. Kelly Doc Focuses On Victims of Sexual Assault
Few TV documentary series can boast having a more powerful real world impact than “Surviving R. Kelly.”
Nick Gordon, Found Liable in Bobbi Kristina’s Death, Dead of Suspected Overdose
Once Bobbi Kristina Brown’s boyfriend, he was also held liable in her 2015 death in a 2016 civil trial.
Former NBA Commissioner David Stern Dies at 77
David Stern, the NBA commissioner during the most successful period in league history, has died, the league announced Wednesday. He was 77.
Young Voters Are Going to be Key to Winning 2020
Politics is in realignment. And perhaps the most underappreciated change is this: Based on recent research at Tufts University's Tisch College of Civic Life, young voters, ages 18-29, played a significant role in the 2018 midterms and are poised to shape elections in 2020 and beyond.
6 Ideas for a New You in the New Year
The new year is the perfect time to hit the reset button and get a fresh start. Here are six resolution ideas, plus tools and strategies for accomplishing each:
