57
North Texas CEOs and Boards More Diverse Than Those in Houston, Survey Shows
Three North Texas companies topped a list of Texas businesses with the most diversity among their executives and governance leaders. A report from the National Diversity Council looks at 101 of Texas’ biggest businesses by revenue, ranking them by how well leadership represents the diversity of the population.
Macy’s Backstage Outlet to Open in Pearland April 14th
Macy’s will now offer their signature high-end clothing and products at a discount price at their new Backstage outlet. Located inside Pearland Town Center, it is the first of its kind in the Houston region for Macy’s but not for Texas. There is Backstage store in San Antonio. The 14,000 square foot store will be packed with great deals. According to Macy’s senior vice president, Michelle Israel Macy’s Backstage Pearland Town Center focuses on value and newness guarantees that with each visit. “Frequent delivers ensure there is always a new reason to come in and shop.”
Houston Habitat for Humanity receives Wells Fargo neighborhood revitalization grant Groundbreaking for New Community Garden
Houston Habitat for Humanity has been awarded a Wells Fargo neighborhood revitalization grant of $22,500.
Daudreanna Baker Wins Tom Joyner Foundation® ‘Full Ride’ Scholarship to Historically Black University
Daudreanna Baker of Hazlehurst, Miss. is the winner of the 2018 Tom Joyner Foundation® “Full Ride Scholarship” that will cover full tuition, room and board (on campus only) and books up to 10 semesters.
Reality Star Momma Dee and Southern Soul Blues Artist Pokey Bear Star in New Movie, “My Side Piece Hit the Lotto”
Esteemed African-American producers Dewey Allen and Mando Allen, The Allen Brotherz bring together Momma Dee, a Georgia native, and Pokey Bear for this hilarious southern comedy, “My Side Piece Hit the Lotto”. Momma Dee is currently starring in the reality show Love and Hip-Hop: Atlanta which has started its 9th season. Momma Dee is also a hip-hop recording artist with hits such as “In That Order” and “I Deserve,” which are both available on Apple Music. Pokey Bear has won The Southern Soul Artist of the Year Award for 2017. Pokey also recently released a new album titled Bear Season which is available on iTunes.
Dr. Percy L. Julian: The Chemist Who Changed the World
Dr. Percy L. Julian was more than just a scientist or a person you read about in Black history books. He was a visionary who wanted to literally change the world.
New Program Helps African American and Low Income Students With the College Admissions and Enrollment Process
Xcel Scholastic, an independent academic resource for families of college-bound high school students, offers academic advising for what many students and parents have come to realize is a very daunting task; the college admissions and enrollment process. This is especially the case for 1st generation college eligible students and low-income families. The objective for Xcel Scholastic is to offer assistance to those families by making the process for getting into college, stress-free and easier.
Pearland and Beaumont Students Advance to Scripps National Spelling Bee
After competing in eight rounds with 51 spellers, Pranav Chemudupaty, a Pearland 8th-grader who attends Nolan Ryan Jr. High in Alvin Independent School District, emerged as champion of the 2018 Houston Public Media Spelling Bee. Benjamin Chen, a Sallie Curtis Elementary 5th-grader in the Beaumont Independent School District, placed second. They will participate in the Scripps National Spelling Bee May 27 – June 1.
Payday Lenders Wage New Wars Against Consumers and Regulation
Nearly seven years ago, Congress fought for and won enactment of reforms that would help ensure that everyone would play by the same financial rules. The promise to the nation was that the days of ignoring the long-term health of the national economy as an excuse to justify lucrative and short-term profits would be over. The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act gave guardrails to lenders and consumers alike.
Human Trafficking Near Public Schools
Children at Risk has linked a long-standing problem – illicit massage establishments and their proximity to schools and school-aged children -- with recommendations for local and state policymakers.
Tracy Morgan Gets Walk of Fame Star: "Everything Happens for a Reason"
Comedian Tracy Morgan has a lot to smile about. Not only does the funny man have a new sitcom that just started, the “30 Rock” star also just got his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame this week. This is all after suffering a horrific car accident in 2014 where he was in a coma and had to learn how to walk again.
Denzel Washington Paid for ‘Black Panther’ star Chadwick Boseman to Study at Oxford
Chadwick Boseman, the 41-year-old star of Black Panther, may have Oscar-winner and 2018 nominee Denzel Washington to thank for some of his success. While studying at Howard University in the late ’90s, Boseman and some of his peers applied to a prestigious summer theater program at The University of Oxford. The group of students got in, but they couldn’t afford to go.
New “Mr. Soul!” Documentary Explores How Ellis Haizlip’s PBS Show “Soul!” Brought Black Culture to Talk Show TV
Ellis Haizlip broke the talk show and public television color barrier when he introduced “SOUL!,” the weekly program he hosted during the late ’60s and early ’70s, to PBS. Now, a half decade after the show debuted, his niece Melissa Haizlip (“Crossing Jordan”) revisits his legacy with the documentary “Mr. SOUL!” Deadline anticipated the world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival by unveiling the trailer (above) on April 4.
A New Generation of African-American-Owned Bookstores; Numbers No Longer in Decline
When Troy Johnson began tracking the number of black-owned bookstores in the U.S. in 1999, there were more than 325. By 2014, that number had dwindled to 54, a decline of 83%.
Keith Sweat partners with female CEO to Announce New Record Label Partnership!
Keith Sweat, legendary R&B singer, music producer and songwriter, host of the nationally syndicated radio program, The Sweat Hotel - will be the President of a new record label to launch next week. Young Millenium Records is the name and their passion is to uplift and promote young artists and mold them for the music industry.
Castex-Tatum Wins Two Major Endorsements
Martha Castex-Tatum secured the endorsement of two important groups in the Houston community this week for her campaign for Houston City Council, District K. The Houston GLBT Political Caucus and the Houston Contractors Association:
Chevrolet Introduces Bold 2019 Camaro
New designs, available tech and first-ever Turbo 1LE energize broader lineup
Chevrolet today introduced a reinvigorated 2019 Camaro lineup with distinctive designs, new available technologies and the first-ever Turbo 1LE.
Ars Lyrica Houston Presents a Day with Marie Antoinette
Ars Lyrica Houston presents the Artful Women season finale with A Day with Marie Antoinette on Saturday, May 19th at 7:30 pm in Zilkha Hall at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts. The musical program will conjure up an artful day chez France’s most famous queen, from intimate morning music lessons to a spectacular evening concert.
Former NFL Quarterback Michael Vick Announced As Special Guest Speaker For The 2018 Mighty Men Of Valor National Men’s Conference
Michael Vick, former NFL quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Atlanta Falcons has been announced as the 2018 special guest speaker of the highly anticipated Mighty Men of Valor National Men’s Conference, April 13-14, 2018 at the First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Landover, MD. Arrive early, bring friends and family to get autographed Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons jerseys and footballs while supplies last!
3 Ways For Couples To Discuss Money Without Getting Divorced
Numerous studies point to money as one of the leading causes of divorce. From different spending habits and financial goals to one spouse earning considerably more income than the other, money can be a polarizing issue in a marriage, straining it to the breaking point.
If You Like Waiting Four Hours for an Ambulance, Then You'll Love Single-Payer
"Hello, 9-1-1? I think I'm having a heart attack." "We'll send an ambulance right away. It'll be there in, uh, four hours." That's the reality for patients captive to the United Kingdom's government-run healthcare system. And it's what the progressives who have lined up behind Sen. Bernie Sanders's campaign to install single-payer stateside want to impose upon their countrymen.
A Salad a Day Keeps the Doctor Away
Nearly a year ago, 28-year-old Santala Robinson was in the worst health of her life. She was very overweight and diagnosed with diabetes. In May 2017, she was hired as a culinary manager for Snappy Salads’ first Houston location. Being surrounded by healthy food options every day prompted Santala to try something new: she started eating strictly salads.
Community College Uses Resources to Help Small Businesses From: "Bridgett S. Joe" (Add as Preferred Sender)
The Houston Community College (HCC) Small Business Procurement will hold its 1st Annual “Access to HCC” Reverse Expo on Friday, May 4, 2018 from 8 am – 12 pm at the HCC West Houston Institute, 2811 Hayes Rd, Houston, TX 77082.
Latino Victory Announces “Year of the Latina” Campaign
Organization endorses Latina progressives in AZ, CA, NM, FL
Despite making significant strides in the last decade, Latinas remain one of the most underrepresented groups in elected office. Only nine Latinas serve in the U.S. Congress, and just four of the 748 state executive offices across the country are held by Latinas. Latino Victory Fund is working to change that. Last month, the organization helped Texans Veronica Escobar and Sylvia Garcia come one step closer to becoming the first Latinas to represent the Lone Star state in Congress.
National Drug Take-Back Day in Clear Lake
Houston City Council Member Dave Martin is pleased to announce that National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day will take place on Saturday, April 28, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Houston Police Department's Clear Lake Substation, 2855 Bay Area Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77058.
EPA Announces San Jacinto River Waste Pits Cleanup Action
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that an agreement has been reached with International Paper Company and McGinnes Industrial Maintenance Corporation to perform a remedial design for the San Jacinto River Waste Pits Superfund Site selected remedy. The selected cleanup action addresses the potential dangers posed by dioxin contamination at the site in Harris County, Texas.
After High School What’s Next?
According to EdSource surveys, fewer than half of high school students across the country feel that they’re ready for college and careers. Houston based entrepreneur, Joshua T. Scott recognized this issue among the youth and has made it his duty to step in and lend a helping hand. In the coming months, Joshua Scott will conduct a Houston High School Tour, to get students ready for their next stage in life.
Small businesses plan massive push for net neutrality ahead of senate CRA vote
Thousands of small businesses will deliver a letter to Congress during national Small Business Week on May 2nd
Thousands of small businesses, ranging from construction companies to tech startups are planning to deliver an open letter to Congress on Wednesday, May 2nd calling on lawmakers to support the Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to block the FCC’s repeal of net neutrality. Small business owners will host delivery events at congressional offices across the country, where they will deliver the letter and complete list of signers, and host a short press conference about the impact of losing net neutrality on small businesses.
Free McDonald's Breakfast for Students and Teachers During STAAR Testing on April 10
Courtesy of Houston Area McDonald's Restaurants
On Tuesday, April 10, from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., Houston area McDonald’s restaurants will provide free breakfast to students taking the STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) test and their teachers.
FDA Warns Pregnant Women, Especially Hispanics, About Listeria-prone Foods
The deaths of at least 78 newborns in the ongoing South African listeriosis outbreak has created one of those “teaching moments” about how especially dangerous the pathogen is to pregnant women.
Black Chef Charging White People More than Black People For Their Meals -- And His White Customers Don't Mind It!
A nice meal and a purposeful advocacy? Tunde Wey, a chef from Nigeria, has been offering both through his pop-up stalls that serve meals and aims to change people's racial perspectives.
Black Woman-Owned Brewery Partners with Samuel Adams Beer
Bev Armstrong is a former biotech executive turned owner of Brazo Fuerte, the first female-owned brewery in Massachusetts. Recently she partnered with Samuel Adams beer—one of the highest-rated beer brands among consumers.
Hispanic Superintendents in Texas Lags Student Population
Hispanic students representing the majority of students in the state. More than 52 percent of Texas students are Hispanic, compared with about 25 percent nationally.
Texas’ Only Black-owned Bank Just Opened a Branch in Atlanta
Houston's Unity National Bank is opening their first branch in Atlanta and the expansion was made possible in part by black economic activism, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Calls for Justice Follow Police Shooting of Danny Ray Thomas
Several from the Texas Organizing Project were calling for justice at the intersection where Danny Ray Thomas lost his life. They were calling for “no more bloodshed.” Others handed out flyers for a town hall to discuss potential policy changes with local politicians and officials stemming from the latest officer-involved shooting of an unarmed black man.
Megachurch Backs Pastor Indicted for $3.5 Million Fraud
Thousands of worshipers at a Methodist megachurch in Houston didn’t expect to hear from their pastor’s lawyer on Easter morning. The special guest dropped in to speak days after Kirbyjon Caldwell—a prominent Texas pastor and former spiritual adviser to presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama—was charged with more than a dozen crimes in an alleged fraud scheme.
Houston Research Team On Verge of Painless Lupus Testing
An estimated 1.5 million people in the U.S. have lupus. Determining if someone has the autoimmune disorder can be done with a blood test, and often a biopsy of the patient’s kidney is necessary, which is invasive and painful.
LL Cool J’s Wife, “I Couldn’t Believe This Was Happening to Me”
Rapper and actor LL Cool J has been in the entertainment business since 1984 with a string of hits, awards, movies, TV shows and more under his belt. Many people can recite some of his lyrics and lines, awards and maybe even his favorite workout or foods, but most don’t know much about his, Simone Smith. With the launch of her jewelry line called SIS (Simone I. Smith) Jewelry, this mother of four is an entrepreneur and a survivor.
What You Need to Know When Choosing a Financial Advisor
Financial Advisors are like tour guides: It’s their job to pinpoint where you want to go and help you get from point A to point B. Whether your destination is retirement, a college education, or your dream home, they can give you information, point out important milestones and landmarks, and help you decide what to do next. Here are a few tips for finding the Financial Advisor who is right for you:
Why Consider Investing?
Learn how investing can make your money work for you.
Investing early on is a forward-thinking way to potentially grow your money and meet your financial goals. Consider these three ways your money can work for you:
Five Retirement Mistakes to Avoid
Retirement may seem a long way off and far removed from your day-to-day concerns. And yet, this is actually the best time to start planning and saving — that is, when you still have time to accumulate the money you’ll need.
Houston Money Week 2018 Kicks Off April 14-22, 2018
Houstonians will have the opportunity to gain a financial education with tools to help them save money, grow their money, improve their credit score, prepare for retirement and more during Houston Money Week kicking off April 14-22, 2018. The city’s premier financial education is a free a community-wide financial education initiative that empowers families and individuals to be successful in making financial choices. HMW serves individuals, families, veterans and small business owners across the greater Houston area, offering free financial education events and raising awareness of community resources.
Lena Waithe wants to do a Mary Tyler Moore movie
Lena Waithe fully appreciates that some people may not understand her passion project. "The Chi" creator is riding high in Hollywood right now.
Rockets Week In Review: Week 25
More wins, more milestones, and one buzzer beater for the ages capped off another week of Houston Rockets basketball.
Astros Baseball Returns to Minute Maid Park for Home Opener on Monday, April 2
Opening Homestand to feature unveiling of 2017 World Championship Pennant, World Championship Ring Ceremony and special giveaways during Championship Weekend
HBCU Collective Presents its 2nd Annual Day of Action
Historically Black College and University (HBCU) advocates take on Capitol Hill to ensure Congressional Representatives are making HBCUs a top priority,
Every year, HBCUs fall lower on the United States Congress' list of priorities. In turn, the outcry commences from current students and alumni of these institutions. On April 17, 2018, HBCU Collective will host it's 2nd Annual Day of Action on Capitol Hill with fellow HBCU students, alumni, and supporters who are concerned with preserving the legacy and future of historically black institutions.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Leads “No More Bloodshed Movement” Town Hall
Jackson Lee: I am also concerned to know about the extent to which de-escalation policies are employed, or ignored, by law enforcement in Houston.
Actor Bill Murray Brings His Charm in a Live Performance of Music and Literature at Jones Hall
The Houston Symphony welcomes award-winning actor and comedian Bill Murray to Jones Hall for a must-see live performance, New Worlds: Bill Murray, Jan Vogler & Friends, at 7:30 p.m. April 16, 2018, featuring music and literature.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Demands that the Congress Act to Protect DREAMERS and Ignore the President’s Shameful and Offensive Tweets
Jackson Lee: “Dreamers are in this position through no fault of their own, and their hardship and suffering has been exacerbated by the President’s unilateral and reckless decision to rescind DACA. There is overwhelming bicameral, bipartisan support in Congress for a DACA fix. We need to get the job done.”
The Ensemble Theatre Kicks off Search for Artistic Associate Under BOLD Theatre Women’s Leadership Grant
The Ensemble Theatre kicks off its search for the artistic associate who will work with Artistic Director Eileen J. Morris through the BOLD Theatre Women’s Leadership grant.