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Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia (TX-29) Honored at Annual NALEO Edward R. Roybal Legacy Gala
Yesterday, over a hundred national leaders and lawmakers joined together with the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO), the nation’s leading Latino leadership foundation, in honoring Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia the Edward R. Roybal Award for Outstanding Public Service.
Nelly, TLC and Flo Rida Announce Summer Amphitheater Tour
Music icons Nelly, TLC, and Flo Rida have announced they will be hitting the road together for an epic tour across North America. The Billboard chart-topping hitmakers will join forces to bring a show like no other to outdoor amphitheater stages all summer long. Fans can expect an incredible, non-stop party with each artist delivering hit after hit all night long.
Statement on Milwaukee chosen to host the DNC 2020
The Harris County Democratic Party is incredibly disappointed that Houston was not chosen to host the Democratic National Convention in 2020.
Benedict College Receives ACE/Fidelity Investments Award for Institutional Transformation
The American Council on Education (ACE) announced today that Benedict College in South Carolina is a recipient of the 2019 ACE/Fidelity Investments Award for Institutional Transformation. Presented at ACE2019, ACE’s 101st Annual Meeting, the award will be accepted by President Roslyn Clark Artis on behalf of Benedict College. The University of South Florida (USF) is the only other recipient of this award.
8th Annual Houston Kosher Chili Cookoff
The 8th Annual Kosher Chili Cookoff gathered the Houston Jewish community as well as our neighbors at Congregation Beth Yeshurun, regardless of affiliation. 30 local organizations and businesses fired up the competition with their unique kosher chili recipes each vying for bragging rights to the best kosher chili in Houston. Over 2000 attendees were able to eat as much chili as they could consume.
Council Member Dwight Boykins Explains the Reasons Behind his Decision to Tag Agenda Items at City Council
"At City Council, a "Tag" is a procedural matter that allows any Council Member to delay an agenda item to allow more time to discuss that specific item or to engage in a broader public policy debate of importance to all Houstonians and the future of our city.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Offers her Deepest Sympathies to the Families of Those Lost in the Crash of Ethiopian Airlines Flight ET 302 – Calls for Security Hearing on this Aviation Equipment
Jackson Lee—“This is the second recent suspicious crash of a 737 Max 8 model. In October, Lion Air Flight No. 610 crashed shortly after take-off, killing all 189 on board. Out of a concern for security, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a senior member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, calls for hearings following the crash of Lion Air Flight 610 and Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302.”
Mayor Turner Announces Houston to Host African American Mayors Association Conference
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner made an exciting announcement today that the African American Mayors Association will hold its national conference in Houston.
Capital One Bank Now Accepting Applications for the 2019 ‘Getting Down to Business’ Program
Successful free training program designed to help Houston small businesses grow and thrive for 10 Years
Capital One Bank is continuing to help small businesses thrive and grow by bringing back and accepting applications for its Getting Down to Business (GDTB) small business development program in Houston.
Oprah Might Lose $50M In Weight Watchers Stock Plunge
Oprah Winfrey stands to see the value of her investment in Weight Watchers shrink after the company said it hasn’t signed up as many subscribers as it hoped this winter and expects its profits to suffer.
Janice Freeman, Contestant of ‘The Voice,’ Dies at 33
Another young sister seems to have died too soon. Janice Freeman, who was a contestant on the NBC singing competition show “The Voice” in 2017, has died. She was only 33 years old.
New Multi-Million Dollar Ride to open in 2019 at Schlitterbahn Galveston Island
Schlitterbahn Galveston Island is adding a new multi-million dollar set of slides that are more than the first of its kind – they are out of this world. Infinity Racers, which will open in June of 2019, is a pair of space-themed, racing head-first mat slides. At a whopping eight stories tall and as long as two space stations, Infinity Racers delivers a fun, only one in the world, water slide experience. Both of the racing slides are nearly fully enclosed the entire time (except for the loading and splash zones) with multi-colored fiberglass that creates unique lighting effects inside each slide.
A City and Party that Looks Like America
Here’s some good news. The Democratic Party that is now emerging from the catastrophe of the Trump presidency looks like America. It is energized by a coalition of African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, fair-minded Anglos and new young voters. Democratic values are grounded in the American dream – opportunity for all, respect for hard work, protecting workers rights, civil rights and human rights, and restoring the pathway to education and economic reward that each person deserves no matter their background.
350,000 Visitors Per Day Expected in Houston During Spring Break
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said that planning and patience are key to those visiting the city during spring break next week. Turner said that most of Houston’s attractions that are frequented by spring breakers are all within a 5-mile radius, and that can cause some traffic and parking headaches.
State Representative Proposes Paying $95 Million In Reparations To Descendants Of Sugar Land 95
State Representative Ron Reynolds has filed legislation proposing that Texas pays $95 million in reparations to the descendants of 95 African American prison inmates who were forced to work in a Sugar Land plantation while they were serving their time in the 19th century.
Cardi B Sets Records at Rodeo Houston
Over 75,000 paid to see rapper and entertainer Cardi B setting a record for the first time Rodeo Houston performer. Reports claim that Cardi took the lead from Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo favorite Garth Brooks by just three people.
AKAs Close Out Black History Month by Presenting $1.6M to HBCUs
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., in partnership with the Educational Advancement Foundation, closed out Black History Month by awarding $50,000 to 31 historically Black colleges and universities that are benefactors of the newly formed AKA-HBCU Endowment Fund
Michelle Obama Surprises Worthing High School Students and More
Students at Worthing High School had a surprise meeting with Michelle Obama. The former first lady was in Houston Saturday as part of her book tour.
Democrat Christina Morales wins Texas House seat formerly held by Alvarado
Democrat Christina Morales has handily won the special election runoff to fill the former Texas House seat of state Sen. Carol Alvarado, D-Houston.
Houston Ranked No. 2 As Most Stressed City In Texas
It's not hard to fathom that Houston was ranked No. 2 as one of the most stressed cities in Texas if you ever drove through its traffic. BabylonHealth released its list after analyzing Twitter content to find out where people are most likely tweet about stress, anxiety and frustration.
2 in 5,000: Pasadena ISD’s Sam Rayburn High School Artists Earn American Visions Nominations
It is an incredible honor to be named an American Visions nominee, especially with over 5,000 Harris County Department of Education Scholastic Art entries this year. However, Sam Rayburn High School in Pasadena Independent School District is honored to have two students who were nominated for this prestigious art award.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Introduces Legislation to fight the Illicit Tobacco Trade
Jackson Lee—“The illicit trade in tobacco underpins some of the gravest transnational threats to the United States and our allies. Illicit tobacco trafficking is not a victimless offense; it facilitates other, more heinous crimes including money laundering and trafficking in weapons, drugs, antiquities, diamonds, counterfeit goods, and—worst of all—human beings. The Combatting the Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products Act (CITTPA) would improve the U.S. Government’s ability to identify and deter those engaging in the trade of illicit tobacco.”Washington, DC – Today, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee released this statement on the introduction of the Combating the Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products Act (CITTPA) in the House of Representatives: “The illicit trade in tobacco underpins some of the gravest transnational threats to the United States and our allies. Illicit tobacco trafficking is not a victimless offense; it facilitates other, more heinous crimes including money laundering and trafficking in weapons, drugs, antiquities, diamonds, counterfeit goods, and—worst of all—human beings. “More than one out of every ten cigarettes smoked worldwide—11.6 percent of global consumption—is illicit. This is big business, and without intervention, it shows no signs of stopping. The Combatting the Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products Act will give the United States better information and tools to combat this dangerous activity. “The Combatting the Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products Act (CITTPA) would improve the U.S. Government’s ability to identify and deter those engaging in the trade of illicit tobacco. The bill would provide better information on countries involved with the illicit tobacco trade by requiring the U.S. Secretary of State to report annually on which countries are determined to be a major source of illicit tobacco products or their components and identify which foreign governments are actively engaged and knowingly profiting from this illicit trade. “CITTPA enables the United States to deter countries involved in the illicit tobacco trade and better assist U.S. allies by granting the U.S. Secretary of State the ability to withhold U.S. foreign assistance from those countries knowingly profiting from the illicit trade in tobacco or its activities. In countries where the government is working to stop illicit tobacco trafficking efforts, the Secretary of State would be able to provide assistance for law enforcement training and investigation. I am also pleased that this bill is bipartisan as it enjoys the support of Representative Richard Hudson, who joins this bill as an original co-sponsor. “Additionally, CITTPA helps the United States target individuals assisting in the illicit tobacco trade by authorizing the President of the United States to impose economic sanctions and travel restrictions on any foreign individual found to be engaged in the illicit tobacco trade and requires the president to submit a list of those individuals to Congress.”
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Statement on the Introduction of the Violence Against Women Act of 2019
Jackson Lee: “The effort to pass VAWA represents a commitment to saving lives and recognizing how long we have been suffering and how far we have come. This iteration of VAWA also speaks to the indignities and harms suffered by Native American women who, either through tribal custom, legal strictures or station in life, were not contemplated by past efforts to pass VAWA. And, we cannot forget the victims of domestic violence like Brittany Smith, who was 23 years old and was gunned down last year in Houston, by her boyfriend and San Diego-based Marine; nor can we forget Charlene Caldwell, a mother and grandmother beaten to death last year by a baseball bat at the hands of her boyfriend in Houston. Sadly, their story is representative is too many others.”
A Better Bail Bond & Local Bondsmen File Lawsuit Against Harris County Democratic Judges! It’s More Than Business, It’s About Our Community!
One of Houston’s leading bail bond companies, A Better Bail Bond has partnered with several local bail bond companies to fight to restore bail for misdemeanors. In January 2019, Harris County Criminal Court at Law judges voted to adopt a new bond rule granting most misdemeanor arrestees a personal recognizance bond, or “PR bond, releasing them on the spot without posting bail. This rule will not benefit the community as it will increase crime, become a safety issue, and will not hold criminals accountable for their actions.
Houston Grand Opera announces contract extension with Local 51 union members
The company and International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees reach agreement through fiscal year 2022
Houston Grand Opera (HGO) is proud to announce an agreement with the International Alliance of Theatrical and Stage Employees (IATSE), Local 51, extending the union’s contract through July 31, 2022. This new multiyear collective bargaining agreement (CBA) covers fiscal years 2019 through fiscal year 2022.
Midtown Houston Commits to Mobility by Expanding Houston BCycle’s Network
New Bike Share Station at Midtown Park is Eighth in the District and 89th Across Houston
Midtown Houston has just added a 13-dock Houston BCycle station to the Northeast corner of Midtown Park. Already the most walkable neighborhood in Houston according to Walk Score, Midtown’s addition of an eighth Houston BCycle station represents its continued commitment to mobility for residents and visitors alike. (See full map of stations here).
Harris County Now Largest in the Country to Implement Countywide Polling Place Program
Today, Texas Secretary of State David Whitley approved Harris County as one of six Texas counties with a population of more than 100,000 to participate in the Countywide Polling Place Program. With over 2 million registered voters, this makes Harris County the largest county in the country to implement this program. The state program allows eligible counties to establish non-precinct based Election Day Voting Centers.
Mayor Sylvester Turner Launches Re-Election Campaign
Mayor Sylvester Turner launched his re-election campaign today by unveiling a new website, opening a campaign headquarters and inviting supporters to join him at the Union Station lobby in Minute Maid Park on March 30 for a kickoff.
NAACP Calls for Justice in Stephon Clark Case
Joins Sacramento Branch in Condemning DA’s Failure to Charge Police Officers in Murder of Stephon Clark
The nation’s foremost civil rights organization joins its NAACP Sacramento Branch in condemning Sacramento District Attorney Marie Schubert's decision to not charge Sacramento Police officers Terrence Mercadel and Jared Robinet with murder for the killing of 22 year old Stephon Clark –an unarmed father and husband.
T.J.Maxx to Open in Houston
T.J.Maxx, one of the nation’s leading off-price retailers with more than 1,200 stores currently operating in 49 states and Puerto Rico, will be relocating to Champion Forest on March 14, 2019. From fashion and accessories to jewelry, home, beauty, pet products, toys and more, shoppers can expect to find something for the entire family at the latest T.J.Maxx store
Media Arts Center San Diego’s 26th Annual San Diego Latino Film Festival
Celebrating 26 Years of the Latino Experience Through Film
March 14 - 24, 2019 marks the 26th Annual of Media Arts Center San Diego’s San Diego Latino Film Festival (SDLFF). The festival will take place once again at the AMC 18 Fashion Valley theaters and Digital Gym CINEMA in North Park.
Houston Arts Alliance Builds New Disaster Resilience Resources for Artists and Nonprofits in the Wake of Hurricane Harvey
Nearing the two year anniversary of Hurricane Harvey, Houston Arts Alliance (HAA) has launched a new Disaster Resilience website for local artists and nonprofits. The website features a comprehensive, self-guided curriculum about everything an artist or arts nonprofit needs to know before the next disaster hits.
Sugar Land Native Selects U.S. Navy Ship
Navy Midshipman Samuel Quach, from Sugar Land, Texas, participated in the 2019 spring Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) ship selection draft as a future member of the Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) community.
Small Business Owners, Stop Overpaying on Taxes! Nine Often-Overlooked Ways to Legally Keep More Revenue for Yourself
Eric Tyson, MBA, author of the new book Small Business Taxes for Dummies®, Second Edition, shares some great tax breaks you may not be using to your advantage.
If you're a small business owner, you know: The quest for revenue is never-ending. That means, besides chasing new customers, you're also scouring your expenses to see where you might make cuts. Eric Tyson's suggestion? Focus on minimizing one of the biggest (and sneakiest) expenses you face. Taxes.
Rep. Reynolds files Sugarland 95 Legislation
In 2018, the discovery of an unmarked burial ground at the former Imperial State Prison Farm site in Sugar Land drew national attention to an abhorrent chapter in history. Archaeologists at the site found the skeletal remains of 95 victims of the convict leasing system, which was used after the Civil War to replicate the oppression that existed under slavery. Although the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibited involuntary servitude, it created an exemption for people convicted of crimes. Southern states, including Texas, took advantage by enacting "Black Codes," laws that applied only to African Americans, who could be prosecuted criminally for such offenses as loitering, breaking curfew, or not carrying proof of employment.
Daycare Workers Accused of Ripping Toddler’s Braid From Her Head
The parents of Ariana Reddick, a 3-year old girl from Illinois, are outraged after a daycare worker allegedly pulled a braid from their daughter, ripping it from her head. They have since filed a police report against the center and talked to the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services.
AT&T and Brotherhood Crusade Launch BELIEVE Los Angeles to Increase Number of Diverse Filmmakers
AT&T recently announced it is deepening its commitment to Brotherhood Crusade in Los Angeles – a 50-year old grassroots organization with a vision of improving quality of life and meeting the unmet needs of low-income, underserved, under-represented and disenfranchised individuals in South LA – through a $150,000 contribution to the organization’s new Media Collective.
24-Year Old Entrepreneur Who Launched $5 Million Tech Startup Opens Office in Downtown Montgomery, Alabama
There’s a new mobile service in town and they call Alabama home. Tesix Wireless, which launched just December 2018, hopes to attract millennial customers nationwide who are looking for a transparent and simpler mobile service. With plans for personal use and solo-entrepreneurs, plans will start at just $40 a month and the service is counting on low priced, uncapped and fee-less monthly options to attract new customers.
Escape to Charleston's Wild Dunes Resort for an Unforgettable Spring Break
Wild Dunes Resort’s Spring Break packages and programming offer families and groups chance to connect with the Lowcountry.
Commissioners Court Appoints Genesis E. Draper to County Criminal Court at Law No. 12 Judge
Based on the motion from Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Commissioners Court on Tuesday appointed Genesis E. Draper – an assistant public defender in the Harris County Public Defender’s Office – to fill the judicial vacancy at Harris County Criminal Court at Law No. 12.
Houston Homeownership to Get $6.1 Million Boost
Wells Fargo & Company, NeighborWorks® America and its local network members today announced the NeighborhoodLIFT® program will expand for Houston with a $6.1 million commitment by Wells Fargo to boost local homeownership. NeighborWorks America network members Avenue, Fifth Ward CRC and Tejano Center will administer the $15,000 down payment assistance grants, determine eligibility and provide homebuyer education.
UPS Honors Texas Drivers for 25 Years of Safe Driving
UPS (NYSE:UPS) today announced that 55 elite drivers from Texas are among 1,436 newly inducted worldwide into the Circle of Honor, an honorary organization for UPS drivers who have achieved 25 or more years of accident-free driving.
Fund Commits $50 Million for Down Payment Assistance
National Association of Real Estate Brokers Sign Agreement with Minority-Owned Mortgage Company to Boost Black Home Ownership
Lois Johnson, ceo and founder of of Salt Lake City, Utah-based United Security Financial (USF) and NAREB president Jeffrey Hicks(Front) sign the landmark $50 million agreement making down payment assistance funds available to expand homeownership opportunities for low and moderate-income Black American home purchasers.
'Astronaut maker' George Abbey in spotlight at Rice event
As one of the most influential figures in NASA’s history, former Johnson Space Center director George Abbey served a key role in shaping the Apollo moon missions and the space shuttle program.
Image Elevators Welcomes Blended Designs to Client Roster
Blended Designs, a 100% Black-owned family business of premium backpacks and travel bags, has selected Image Elevators as their PR Agency of record. Based in Jacksonville, Florida, Blended Designs is the recipient of the 2018 FedEx Small Business Grant, and is quickly becoming a go-to brand for the African American community as their unique and creative designs are helping to shape a new image of Black fashion brands in a culturally relevant and pivotal way!
Houston Premium Outlets Sparkles with New Helzberg Diamonds & Colorful Kate Spade New York Expands, Relocates
Spring retail enhancements and relocations include Aeropostale, Reebok & True Religion
Simon, a leading global retail real estate company, is pleased to announce several exciting retailer renovations and relocations coming to Houston Premium Outlets this spring, enhancing the one-of-a-kind shopping experience the center provides area residents and visitors.
Town Hall with Councilman Dwight Boykins
The time is here! This week, get the latest updates on important progress being made in District D.
Houston-area students and families meet with state representatives, showcase latest projects at ‘Harmony on the Hill’
'Harmony on the Hill' allows students and parents from across Texas to meet one-on-one with the elected officials from their hometown.
Students and their families from across Greater Houston will have a rare opportunity Thursday to meet their elected officials in Austin, showcase their latest school projects and share their stories about attending charter schools in their community.
Attorneys Ben Crump and R. Allen Smith Call Linkage Between Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder And Ovarian Cancer a Civil Rights, Public Health Crisis
The High-Profile Attorneys Joined Forces with the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) to Urge Minority Women to Stop Using Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder and to Reach Out Immediately For Legal Assis
Nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump hosted a press conference in Atlanta on Monday, February 25, 2019, in partnership with Attorney R. Allen Smith and Janice L. Mathis, Esq., executive director of National Council of Negro Women (NCNW), the oldest advocacy group for minority women, to alert women of color about evidence that shows a direct correlation between ovarian cancer and the use of Johnson & Johnson baby powder. Attorneys Crump and Smith are joining forces nationally to represent women harmed by their unsuspecting use of the product and urge women that believe they may have been negatively impacted by the product to contact them immediately.
Natural ways to prepare for cough and cold season
There’s never a convenient time for your child to get sick. While missed school (and work!) days are going to happen, there are steps you can take to minimize them. In this interview with Dr. Bill Sears, America’s Pediatrician, he talks about his strategies to support their immune system so kids will be less likely to get sick in the first place. He also talks about simple ways to address your child’s cough and cold symptoms that don’t involve medication.