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Night to Shine Prom: Coming to You Live From Around the World
With 540 host churches across the United States and in 16 countries, there is a good chance Night to Shine, a prom for people with special needs, sponsored by the Tim Tebow Foundation, is happening near you this Friday night from 6-9pm! In towns across America and around the world, each Night to Shine prom will welcome their honored guests with a red carpet, cheering crowd and friendly paparazzi and, once inside, deliver the royal treatment, including hair and makeup stations, shoe shining stations, corsages and boutonnieres, a karaoke room and, of course, dancing. The highlight of the night will come when each guest is crowned king or queen of the prom.
Four Entrepreneurial Success Principles You Must Follow
Here are four bedrock success principles that David Finkel, CEO of Maui Mastermind, thinks any successful company must keep firmly in mind if they want to successfully and sustainably scale.
Mighty Fun And Super Interesting: Texas Author Aims To Entertain And Educate
How much of your state history can you recall? Were those the lessons you tuned out in elementary school? Maybe if history weren't so boring, you think to yourself.
6 Well-Known Companies That You Probably Didn't Know Have Black CEOs
50 years ago, it was unthinkable for an African American to be the CEO of a major Fortune 500 company. But nowadays, thanks to several diversity initiatives, there are quite a few Black CEOs that run major, well-known companies. Here are just just a few:
What Every American Should Know About the 2018 Child Tax Credit Changes
The recently amended GOP tax bill has brought about a lot of major changes in the United States' individual tax laws in the 2018 tax year. One of the significant changes is in the Child Tax Credit that would greatly affect parents and guardians with children below 17 years old.
Parents Arrested For Beating Their 4-Year Old Son to Death… Over Spilled Cereal!
— A mother and her boyfriend were arrested after beating her 4-year-old son to death for spilling cereal. Lisa Smith, 19 years old, and Keiff King, 26 years old, were charged with aggravated assault, attempted murder, and other related charges.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH: Baltimore Hosts Series of Events to Commemorate Frederick Douglass’ 200th Birthday
Baltimore is celebrating a very special Black History Month this year in honor of Frederick Douglass’ 200th birthday. The city will host a series of events to share the abolitionist’s life and work. Though Baltimore is where Douglass spent his childhood as a slave until 1838, it is also where he learned to read and later returned to build his “Douglass Place” homes in Fell’s Point, a row of houses meant for African-American renters during the Civil War. While the Bicentennial of Frederick Douglass’ Birth is a year-long celebration, the month of February will see many events that celebrate the rich African-American heritage and culture of Baltimore:
#MeToo Founder Tarana Burke to Publish Memoir “Where The Light Enters” via Simon & Schuster
Tarana Burke first launched the #MeToo campaign in 2007 to build solidarity and healing power among Black girls and women who survived sexual assault. Nearly 11 years later, the organizer and activist will chronicle her and the movement’s journey in a memoir.
Chadwick Boseman and Ryan Coogler on How ‘Black Panther’ Makes History | Variety
Chadwick Boseman struggled to catch his breath after he was cast as Black Panther. When he first tried on his spandex suit for 2016’s “Captain America: Civil War,” it felt too restricting. “It was suffocating,” recalls Boseman. “Literally, it closed off every possibility of air getting to you. I was in it, put the mask on. I said, ‘Hey, you got to get me out of this!’” By the time he headlined his own movie, as the first black Marvel superhero with his name on the poster, Boseman was more comfortable in his re-engineered costume. “I think it begins to feel like skin after a while,” says the 41-year-old actor. “But it takes time to get to that place.”
Lena Horne, Legendary Performer and Civil Rights Activist, Honored with U.S. Forever Stamp
The U.S. Postal Service today celebrates the life and legacy of Lena Horne as the 41st honoree in the Black Heritage stamp series during a first-day-of-issue ceremony at Peter Norton Symphony Space.
Stroke Victim Pens Raw And Honest Story That Lifts The Veil From Mythical Perfect Life
Sandra lives an idyllic life—a husband out of central casting, a rewarding occupation and a luxury home. Something most American women dream of, right? Except Sandra's dreams start to expose deep deficits in her existence and longings that take her on an odyssey that threatens to strip her of that perfect life.
Substantial Damage Letters from the Floodplain Management Office
Recently the City of Houston Floodplain Management Office ("FMO")started sending Substantial Damage Letters to City of Houston residents where any portion of their property is located in the 100-year floodplain and where, given information provided to the FMO by FEMA, their home sustained substantial damage.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Celebrates the 40th Commemoration of Black History Month
Jackson Lee: “As a member of Congress, I know that I stand on the shoulders of giants whose struggles and triumphs made it possible for me to continue the fight for equality, justice, and progress for all.”
Latinos Demonstrate Against the Chronic Underrepresentation of Latinos in the Film Industry
At the February 5 Oscars® Nominees Luncheon held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, the National Hispanic Media Coalition's (NHMC) Action Network held the first of two demonstrations targeting studio film executives attending the very visible Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences events. The demonstrations launch a national campaign protesting the chronic underrepresentation of Latinos in on-screen and behind-the-camera roles in motion pictures. A second demonstration is scheduled for Saturday, March 3, a time and location to be announced in the coming weeks.
Houston Educational Support Personnel Opposes Proposed HISD Cuts
Statement of Wretha Thomas, president of the Houston Educational Support Personnel, on the Houston Independent School District’s massive budget cut proposal that would eliminate jobs and essential work of school support workers:
Black Lives Matter Concludes Super Bowl Week of Counter Actions with Shutdown of Minneapolis Transit on Game Day
Concluding a week of counter actions against Super Bowl LII, activists shut down public transit route to the big game
Today, over a hundred activists joined leaders representing the Movement for Black Lives; including the Black Lives Matter Network, BYP100, St. Louis Action Council and the BlackOUT Collective, to shut down several critical transit lines in Minneapolis, chanting, carrying banners, and wearing t-shirts saying “You can’t play with Black lives!”
Psychotherapist Creates Unique Song to Empower Women for Black History Month
Genesis Blu, a psychotherapist who infuses music into her therapy celebrates the accomplishments of women of color with the release of her new hit song titled “Melanin Monroe” to commemorate Black History Month.
NFL Celebrates Touchdown Celebrations in Super Bowl LII Commercial
Eli Manning and Odell Beckham Jr. Have the Time of Their Lives
The NFL will premiere its new TV commercial starring Eli Manning and Odell Beckham Jr. after the third quarter of Super Bowl LII on Sunday, February 4. While the world is focused on two teams in the big game, the spot sheds light on what the other 30 teams are up to by providing an inside look at one team: the New York Giants.
Event Center Hosts Wedding Planner Competition to Celebrate Grand Opening
CC AT Morgan Falls Event Center is celebrating their grand opening by hosting a "Wedding Planner" competition featuring the most esteemed wedding planners in Houston, Texas. This event is tailored for couples who are recently engaged and married and are seeking to get wedding themed inspiration or those who simply need guidance on how to choose the right wedding planner for their special day. This event will feature celebrity event planners, chefs and a host of other vendors who will design unique love themes throughout the venue.
Philadelphia Eagles QB Nick Foles Wins Pete Rozelle Trophy as Super Bowl LII Most Valuable Player
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback NICK FOLES was voted the winner of the Pete Rozelle Trophy, awarded to the Super Bowl LII Most Valuable Player.
Lexus Releases Extended Version of Super Bowl Spot with Marvel Studios’ “Black Panther”
As announced earlier this month, Lexus will once again be participating in advertising's biggest day of the year with a commercial in Super Bowl LII on Sunday, Feb. 4. Today, the brand has released a 60-second extended digital version of the ad, which was created in partnership with Marvel Studios' highly anticipated film "Black Panther," opening in U.S. theaters Feb. 16. The spot, "Long Live the King," pairs the flagship luxury performance sedan 2018 Lexus LS 500 F SPORT with the Black Panther, played by Chadwick Boseman, and can be viewed here. A 30-second version of the ad will air during the third quarter of the Super Bowl.
The Home Depot Announces the 2018 Retool Your School Grant Program for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
The Home Depot, the world’s largest home improvement retailer, today announced its 2018 Retool Your School Grant Program. Now, in its ninth year, the program awards accredited Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) grants to use toward creating sustainable renovations and additions to their campuses.
ProDoula HONORS BLACK HISTORY MONTH WITH A POWERFUL DOCUMENTARY
ProDoula, in partnership with “Dr. Doula” Andrea Little Mason Ed.D. announce the premiere of The Black History of Birth in America. This educational and emotional documentary conjures change provoking thought and necessary awareness. Never before has such a powerful message of truth been needed, for a community who ushers in our world’s next generation. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics from 2011 – 2013 show, almost three times the death threat. Statistics state 43.5 deaths per 100,000 live births for black women, staggering in comparison to the 12.7 deaths per 100,000 live births for white women or 14.4 deaths per 100,000 live births for women of other unspecified races.
Legal Intelligence Agency and Greater Houston LULAC Council 4967 Presents How Immigration Affects You
Edwardo Rodriguez, is a former Deportation Officer with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)/Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Mr. Rodriguez will present a workshop on how immigration affects the lives of everyday U.S. Citizens and non-U.S. Citizens. Also offered will be a realistic understanding of everyday terms used by the media, politicians and organizations.
Las Vegas Aces To Host Season Ticket Holder Seat Selection Event At Mandalay Bay Events Center Tuesday, February 6
Las Vegas Aces fans who confirmed season ticket deposits will walk the red carpet and select their seats for the inaugural season of WNBA basketball in Las Vegas. Music from DJ Dave will fill the Mandalay Bay Events Center as fans enjoy a celebratory meet and greet with Aces President of Basketball Operations and Head Coach Bill Laimbeer as well as Aces point guard Moriah Jefferson.
TCU Aims to Draw Students of Color With New Program
There’s a new major at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth dedicated to shining a light on issues around race and ethnicity. It’s part of broader efforts at the university to attract and retain more students of color and improve the campus culture.
Houston Film Company Making Movie Based On Hurricane Harvey
It has only been a few months since the devastating storm flooded our area, but a movie about Hurricane Harvey is coming soon.
Motel 6 Sued For Identifying Latino Guests For Immigration Agents
The hospitality chain Motel 6 is facing another lawsuit alleging that it violated the civil rights of Latino immigrants by voluntarily giving guests' personal information to federal immigration authorities.
How Rapper 50 Cent Made Millions of Dollars from Bitcoin
The fluctuating and declining rates of bitcoin may be really frustrating for those who just recently invested. But rapper 50 Cent is already reaping the fruits of his early bitcoin investments.
Texas' First Medical Marijuana Dispensary Opening Next Month
Texas' first medical marijuana dispensary is opening in Austin on February 8. Compassionate Cultivation will offer cannabidiol (CBD) extract oil-based products for patients diagnosed with intractable epilepsy.
LULAC's Historic Texas Clubhouse Gesignated National Treasure
Very few people driving by the abandoned building outside downtown Houston would know that inside those walls lives a history that redefined Mexican-American civil rights in the U.S.
AOC “Mentor” Program Kicks Off at Wheatley High School
Ambassador of Compassion programs are engaging adults to youth in a powerful 15 session partnership to build responsible people who serve the needs of their community.
Garland Boyette Becomes 1st African American Pro Football’s Middle Linebacker
Most historians consider Hall of Famer Willie Lanier as pro football’s first African-American middle linebacker.
Cricket Wireless Celebrates Black History Month with Launch of Sounds of Celebration Program and Sweepstakes
Black History Month is a time to celebrate and honor African Americans whose significant contributions have made an impact in their communities. Cricket Wireless is commemorating their influence to the world of music with the launch of their Sounds of Celebration program and sweepstakes.
New Theatre Festival Focuses On Stories And Voices From Latino Community
Houston actress and writer Jasminne Mendez says that she stopped auditioning for plays because she felt like there weren’t any roles that fit her. Mendez is on the task force of the first annual Sin Muros (Without Walls):
African Immigrants More Educated Than Most, Including Native-Born U.S. Citizens
Lots of the news from sub-Saharan Africa is about war, famine, poverty or political upheaval. So it’s understandable if many Americans think most Africans who immigrate to the United States are poorly educated and desperate. That’s the impression that President Trump left with his comments to members of Congress opposing admission of immigrants from “s*hole countries” in Africa and elsewhere.
American Express CEO Kenneth Chenault to Join Facebook, 1st African-American to Sit on FB’s Board of Directors
Facebook has named one of the nation’s most prominent black corporate leaders, American Express‘Kenneth Chenault, to its board of directors.
Black Women In Politics Database Could Help More Black Women Get Elected In 2018
After one of the most contentious Senate races in recent memory, Democrat Doug Jones defeated opponent Roy Moore, who was accused of sexual misconduct by nine women, in Alabama’s special election in December. Black women were the ones to make it happen.
California Woman Sues Walmart for Locking Black Beauty Products Behind Glass
A California woman says she is suing Walmart for discrimination after saying that the mega retailer locked its African-American hair and skin products behind glass at a California store.
Together We Rise
No one person rises to the top alone. Someone or something pushes us physically or mentally to go beyond what we imagined for ourselves so they can flourish in a place we never thought we would be. Solo we struggle; we count ourselves out; we give up. Together we excel; we have a vision; we let nothing stand in our way. In celebration of Black History Month, we honor that hand on our back, that word in our ear, that support in our darkest hour.
African-American Student Attending Spelman College Wins $25K Scholarship to Study For a Semester at the University of Oxford in England
Kyana Washington of Manvel, TX, an English major from Spelman College, Atlanta, GA, has been selected as the English in Action 2018-2019 Luard Morse Scholarship recipient, a program of The English-Speaking Union. Christopher Broadwell, Executive Director of the English-Speaking Union, announced the winner, noting that Ms. Washington will receive $25,000 toward a semester of study at a university of her choosing in the United Kingdom during the 2018-2019 academic year.
Don Lemon On Low Black Unemployment: “Thanks, Obama”
Don Lemon discussed the dropping black unemployment rate with an all-black, Democratic Congressmember panel on Monday night. Lemon brought up Jay-Z's recent interview with Van Jones where he dismissed that a change in black unemployment doesn't matter because money doesn't bring happiness.
Man Freed After Being Wrongfully Convicted of Murder 20 Years Ago
A man who spent 20 years behind bars after he was wrongly convicted of murder walked out of court a free man. A judge agreed to throw out the conviction after the Bronx District Attorney told the judge a key piece of evidence was not shared with the defense.
Texas Rangers to Investigate Famed Karolyi Ranch in Wake of Larry Nassar Trial
Nearly a week after prominent USA Gymnastics doctor Larry Nassar was sentenced to prison for the sexual assault of several female gymnasts, Gov. Greg Abbott has asked the Texas Rangers to investigate misconduct allegations at the famed Karolyi Ranch, the U.S. Olympic training facility in southeast Texas, north of Houston, where Nassar treated athletes.
As Flu Blankets the Nation, a New Study Links the Virus to Heart Attacks
The flu doesn’t just cause aches, chills and debilitating fatigue. A new study shows it may also increase the risk of a heart attack.
John Leguizamo Says He's Willing to Give Up Acting to Run for Office
John Leguizamo, creator of the Broadway show Latin History for Morons, has never shied away from using his immense platform to voice his opinions, especially to criticize the policies and actions of President Donald Trump. Now, the actor reveals his willingness to sacrifice his life’s passions — acting and writing — to stand up for his beliefs by launching a political campaign.
NASA Removes First African-American Set For Space Station Flight
Jeanette Epps was set to make history that's out of this world. Just last year after it was announced she would be part of this summer's crew headed to the International Space Station, it was also realized she would become the first African-American to visit the ISS. That
Creator and Executive Producer Lena Waithe’s Freshman Series “The Chi” Renewed for 2nd Season by Showtime
Emmy winner Lena Waithe‘s “The Chi” has been renewed for a second season at Showtime, the premium cabler announced Tuesday.
FEATURE: Gabrielle Bullock, Architect and International Interior Design Assn. President, Drew Lines and Then Crossed Them
Gabrielle Bullock, 56, is the Los Angeles-based head of global diversity for the international architecture and design firm Perkins+Will, an 83-year-old company with a workforce of more than 2,000 professionals. Bullock is also something of a pioneer, one of only 404 African American women who are licensed architects in the U.S. In 2017, Bullock was appointed as president-elect of the International Interior Design Assn., which has more than 15,000 members in 58 countries.
Noted Political Scientist Dr. Charles V. Hamilton Establishes Research Institute at DuSable Museum in Chicago
Dr. Charles V. Hamilton, a political scientist, activist and Professor Emeritus at Columbia University best known for his 1967 book co-written with Kwame Ture (Stokely Carmichael), Black Power: The Politics of Liberation in America, has established The Drs. Charles V. and Dona C. Hamilton Institute for Research and Civic Involvement at the DuSable Museum of African American History. The DuSable is scheduled to open the Hamilton Institute’s Reading Room on Monday, February 19, 2018 with a special dedication event.