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Campbell Soup CEO Latest to Quit Trump Council
The CEO of Campbell Soup Co. became the latest CEO Wednesday to walk away from President Trump. "Racism and murder are unequivocally reprehensible and are not morally equivalent to anything else that happened in Charlottesville," CEO Denise Morrison said. "I believe the President should have been -- and still needs to be -- unambiguous on that point."
Theatre Under The Stars to Hold Local Houston Auditions for SLEEPING BEAUTY AND HER WINTER KNIGHT
Theatre Under The Stars (TUTS) is holding dance auditions for the upcoming holiday production of SLEEPING BEAUTY AND HER WINTER KNIGHT, which TUTS is bringing to Houston with Lythgoe Family Panto (LFP).
TXDOT Is Hiring - Texans Encouraged to Attend Job Fair This Week
The Texas Department of Transportation is hosting a career fair to help fill open positions in numerous fields within the agency. Benefits include health insurance, paid leave, tuition assistance and more. Recruiting opportunities include:
FREE Backpacks this Saturday @ Tidwell Park
Vice Mayor Pro-Tem Jerry Davis - along with Sylvester Turner, Mayor of Houston and DJ Mr. Rogers- hosts a Back to School Block Party at Tidwell Park!
Local Philanthropists Anna and Raj Asava to donate $100,000 to the North Texas Food Bank
The Asava family will launch NTFB’s first Indo-American Council to mobilize the Indian community in the fight against hunger
Longtime North Texas Food Bank supporters Aradhana (Anna) and Raj G. Asava have pledged to donate $100,000 to the North Texas Food Bank in conjunction with the launch of NTFB’s Indo-American Council (NTFB-IAC), which the couple will co-chair.
League-Leading Astros Celebrate Legends Weekend During Upcoming Homestand
Astros take on Arizona Diamondbacks, Oakland A’s and Washington Nationals in eight-game homestand
The Houston Astros return home tomorrow to take on the Arizona Diamondbacks (August 16-17) and continue the homestand against the Oakland A’s (August 18-20) and Washington Nationals (August 22-24). With just 42 games remaining in the regular season, Houston leads the AL West Division by 11.5 games and the American League over the Boston Red Sox by 5.0 games. The Astros also lead the Majors in runs, hits, doubles, batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage and OPS, owning one of the most potent offenses in franchise and MLB history.
Mayor Turner Requests Study of Confederacy Statues
Mayor Sylvester Turner has asked top staff members to study whether statues related to the Confederacy should be removed from city property.
UNCF Mayor’s Luncheon in Houston Helps Deserving Students in Pursuit of a Higher Education
Mayor Sylvester Turner will serve as keynote speaker
UNCF unites the community for a great cause—education—as it hosts the fifth anniversary Mayor’s Luncheon at the downtown Hyatt Regency on August 18, 2017. Networking and registration starts at 1 p.m. The luncheon will begin promptly at noon.
“Party of Lincoln Has Crashed”
Jackson Lee: “Republicans must now stand up en masse in defense of the American idea and ideal of equality of all persons by denouncing Trump’s obscene attempt to normalize neo-Nazis and White Supremacists. If the President does not know the difference between neo-Nazis and anti-racist protesters, then it is time for a different president.”
Hugo Awards 2017: NK Jemisin Wins Best Novel for 2nd Year in a Row
A year after NK Jemisin became the first black person to win the Hugo Award for Best Novel, the African American author has landed the prestigious science fiction prize for the second year running.
Octavia Spencer, LeBron James Team on Limited TV Series About Madam CJ Walker
NBA superstar LeBron James is continuing to make moves off the court. James’ production company, SpringHill Entertainment, is adding the first scripted drama to its growing slate. The project also boasts Oscar-winning talent: Octavia Spencer.
Allstate and the Tom Joyner Foundation Support Black Colleges with Quotes for Education Program
Annual Quotes for Education Program Raises Scholarship Funds for Current and Future HBCU Students
Allstate Insurance Company and the Tom Joyner Foundation are kicking off its ninth year of supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and their students through the annual Quotes for Education (QFE) program. Allstate will donate up to $100,000 in scholarship funds to the Tom Joyner Foundation to assist students attending HBCUs.
Lemonade Day Today with Houston Courts
Youth entrepreneurs participating in the Houston Courts summer program will host their own Lemonade stands today Wednesday, August 16, 2017. The youth have been mentored by FedEx volunteers over the last four weeks covering Lemonade lessons, developing strong customer service skills, and honing their products!
Awaken: Meditation for Breaking Free From Social Programming
Awaken Meditation has launched an iPhone app, available for download on the iOS store that combines mindfulness practice, social contemplation, and journaling. The company, started by entrepreneur Ravi Mishra and artist Susan Stainman (both meditation teachers as well), is in the midst of a successful Kickstarter campaign, offering discounted memberships to raise the final funds for a fully featured app for both iOS and Android.
AffordableSchools.net Announces The 30 Most Affordable Online Bachelor's-Granting Historically Black Colleges/ Universities
Historically Black Colleges & Universities have played a pivotal role in our nation's history. As higher education moves online, many HBCU's are offering online education opportunities for their students. In its mission to help students keep college reasonably priced, AffordableSchools.net has highlighted the most affordable online opportunities currently offered by HBCU institutions.
National Association of Black Journalists Celebrates Excellence in Journalism
NABJ recognizes journalists for superior news coverage of black issues and the black community
The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) bestowed more than 100 awards at its 42nd Annual Convention and Career Fair from Aug. 9-13 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NABJ inducted four veteran journalists into its 2017 Hall of Fame on Friday and announced the winners of the NABJ Salute to Excellence (STE) and Special Honors awards on Aug. 12.
Texas Southern University to House Official NAACP Archives
Texas Southern University will soon be home to Texas NAACP official records. On August 17 at 10:00 a.m., Texas NAACP officers will designate TSU as the official depository for its records to preserve the organizations history and to ensure scholars will peruse these materials and record the struggles and accomplishments of the NAACP in Texas.
Dr. Heavenly Kimes Presented The Official Grand Opening For Smiles By Dr.Heavenly
On Saturday, August 12, 2017, Star of Bravo’s Married To Medicine and Leading Atlanta Dentist Dr. Heavenly Kimes hosted the official grand opening for her new dental practice, Smiles By Dr.Heavenly at its new location in Duluth, GA. Preceded by a private Medical Meet & Greet , inviting doctors only, on Wednesday, August 9th, the two "private" grand openings were attended by Atlanta’s elite including Dr. Damon Kimes (Married to Medicine), Dr. Jackie Walters (Married to Medicine), Quad Webb-Lunceford (Married to Medicine), Toya Bush-Harris (Married to Medicine), Dr. Eugene Harris (Married to Medicine), Sasha The Diva (Kiss 104.1 Radio Personality), Towanda Braxton (The Braxton Family Values) and more. Sponsored by Collette Caters, Jaxon’s Pastries, Sweetshots Cupcakes, and Bomade Vodka, the event was covered by Atlanta’s premiere media outlets including The Atlanta Journal Constitution, Kontrol Magazine, Freddy O, IMPACT Magazine, Africa TV One , World Star Hit Radio, many more.
After Charlottesville, Push for Real Reform
Racism, exposed once more in the terror visited on Charlottesville, Va., still scars America. Hundreds of neo-Nazis, white supremacists, klansmen and other fervid racists gathered — some armed with assault rifles, wearing camouflage. They marched with lit torches, yelling Nazi slogans, looking for trouble. They provoked the violence, terrorized a city, and took the life of Heather Heyer and injured many more. In the reaction to those horrors, character is revealed.
Governor Abbott Signs Pro-Life Insurance Reform
Governor Greg Abbott today signed House Bill 214 (HB 214) which limits insurance coverage for abortion procedures. Under this new law Texans will not be forced to pay for elective abortions through their insurance plans. This legislation is an important piece of the Governor's pro-life agenda that has been championed by Sen.
Margaritaville Shares Hourly Relaxation Tips Just in Time for National Relaxation Day, August 15
According to the Brain Research Institute at the American Institute of Stress, 77% of people regularly experience physical symptoms caused by stress. Margaritaville, the global lifestyle brand inspired by Jimmy Buffett, is here to help. In honor of National Relaxation Day on Tuesday, August 15, the brand is serving up an hour-by-hour agenda for ways to relax with Margaritaville, creating The Most Relaxing Day Ever.
Demetria McKinney "Easy"
Vocal powerhouse Demetria McKinney is a triple threat in the truest sense of the term. She is an award-winning actress who has played diverse roles on the big and small screens as well as the stage. She is a talented singer with a rich voice requiring zero studio enhancements. And she is a skillful songwriter who generously expresses emotions in a way that instantly connects with listeners. Demetria McKinney "Easy"
Step Aside, Fried! Barbecue is the Thing at Abilene’s West Texas Fair & Rodeo, September 7 - 16
It’s fair food frenzy time in Texas. And this year, the State Fair has some friendly and flavorful competition from its counterpart down the road in Abilene. But it isn’t the aroma of all things fried that will permeate the air at Abilene’s West Texas Fair and Rodeo September 7 – 16. For ten delicious days, visitors can feast on barbecued everything, thanks to the Fair’s new “Step Aside, Fried” competition celebrating the true local flavor of Abilene.
AFT’s Weingarten on the Fifth Anniversary of DACA
American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten released the following statement on the fifth anniversary of the effective date of President Obama’s Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which gives recipients a temporary reprieve from deportation and makes them eligible for a work permit:
Governor Abbott Signs Legislation to Further Protect Life In Texas
Governor Greg Abbott today signed House Bill 13 (HB 13) to expand reporting requirements for complications resulting from abortion procedures. This bill, which would not have been possible without the leadership of Sen. Donna Campbell and Rep. Giovanni Capriglione, will result in more accurate data being provided to the state.
Houston Media Personality Announces College Tour For Freshmen Girls
Radio/Television Personality and founder of JJ’s I’m Me Foundation, JJ Simmons is thrilled to launch the first I’m Me Tour: College Edition at the Texas Southern University August 26-27, 2017. The 2-day experience will include workshops, motivational sessions, guest speakers, and empowering freshmen young ladies to continue their journey of success while adjusting to the collegiate life.
Playwright, Garrett Davis, Using the Performing Arts Theater as a Platform to Bring Awareness to Minority Health and Health Care Issues
How do you teach the mind, touch the body, reach the soul of a man, woman or child? With a reflection of themselves, not in the mirror, but on the stage. Playwright Garrett Davis’ mission to educate and advocate with laughter is making an impact with audiences across the nation with his touring Performing Arts series. Illness does not discriminate – not void of race, age or gender; so consequently, families and communities are afflicted by various health issues sharing similar experiences, questioning yet learning to cope and comfort.
This Program Empowers Low Income Young Adults to Go From Poverty to Professional Careers... in Just One Year!
Year Up is a program that helps low income young adults go from poverty to a professional career within just one year. It consists of six months of training, prep for entry level jobs, and then placement in an internship for six months at a local or national company.
Formerly Homeless Hair Salon Owner Gives Free Makeovers to Homeless Women and Girls
Vanessa Howard from Tampa, Florida was once a homeless single mother with three children. But she has long recovered, started her own business called Giving Hands Hair Salon, and now gives back to the community by giving homeless women and girls free makeovers. So far, she has given 275 people free trims, facials and manicures.
Oprah Launches New Line of "Heat and Eat" Soups and Sides -- Coming to a Grocery Store Near You!
Oprah Winfrey is a self-made billionaire known for her accomplishments on TV and film, but now she has her very own line of refrigerated soups and side dishes called O, That's Good. She reportedly signed a multi-million dollar deal with Kraft Heinz, who will distribute her "heat and eat" food products to nearly every grocery store in the country.
8-Year Old Entrepreneur Writes Best Selling Book -- About Her "Annoying Little Brother"
Most 8-years old are in the third grade, and many of them are still struggling to read and write. But 8-year old Nia Mya Reese from Birmingham, Alabama has already written a best-selling book!
Houston Native Serves with the U.S. Navy Half a World Away in Japan
A Stephen F. Austin High School graduate and Houston native is serving in the U.S. Navy with the forward deployed unit, Naval Beach Unit 7.
Trump Continues To Place The Interests Of Putin’s Russia Ahead Of Those Of The United States
Jackson Lee: “Putin’s removal of more than 750 American diplomats may have been a favor to the President, but it was an attack on the United States.”
Parks Soccer for Success Program Receives $175,000 U.S. Soccer Foundation Grant
1,500 Youth to Benefit from Youth Development Program
The U.S. Soccer Foundation (The Foundation) recently awarded a $175,000 grant to the Houston Parks and Recreation Department’s Soccer for Success program. Funds will be used to provide field equipment and player kits to 1,500 participants and provide for instruction and implementation of the program. The program is available to youth ages 6 – 14 at 24 school and park sites and one Boys and Girls Club location.
Governor Abbott Signs Sunset Legislation
Governor Greg Abbott today signed Senate Bill 20 (SB 20) and Senate Bill 60 (SB 60) to extend the expiration dates for the Texas Boards of Medical Examiners, Examiners of Psychologists, Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists, Examiners of Professional Counselors and Social Worker Examiners, and allow these agencies to continue their regular operations and remain fully functional. This essential legislation failed to pass during the 85th regular legislative session and was the first item added to the Governor's special session call.
Governor Abbott Signs Legislation To Crack Down On Mail-In Ballot Fraud
Governor Greg Abbott today signed Senate Bill 5 (SB 5) to increase penalties for mail-in ballot fraud in Texas. As part of the Governor's special session agenda, this bill will improve the integrity of the ballot box and ensure voter confidence in Texas elections.
Weigh In On What's Next for METRO and Transit In the Region
The first phase of the METRONext listening tour is wrapping up next week with three community open houses. The tour started in July. METRO wants to know what transit upgrades people would like to see in their communities.
Representative Coleman Condemns Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick's Disparaging Comments on Local Government
Today, August 12, 2017, Representative Garnet F. Coleman (D-Houston) released the following statement: "Last Friday, Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick made disparaging remarks about our cities and the local governments that run them. A nationwide 2016 Gallup Poll found similar results to polls taken since 2013, 71% of Americans polled say they have a ‘great deal’ or a ‘fair amount’ of trust in local government to handle problems, compared with 62% who say the same for their state government.
The Ensemble Theatre Annual Black Tie Gala: “Live It! Love It! Celebrate!”
The Ensemble Theatre celebrates the Grand Finale of its 4oth Anniversary at the 2017 Annual Black Tie Gala: Live It! Love It! Celebrate! This event is held to honor the artists, companies, organizations, and individuals whose unparalleled support enables The Ensemble Theatre to be one of Houston’s most esteemed cultural institutional treasures.
Higher Concentrations of Streetlights Do Not Guarantee Safety
Higher concentrations of streetlights do not guarantee fewer nonviolent crimes in Houston neighborhoods, according to a new report from Rice University’s Kinder Institute for Urban Research.
Kevin Liles and London On Da Track Partner with Verizon to Bring Back the Art of Freestyle with National Emcee Competition
#Freestyle50 challenge to Award Record Deal, $10,000 and More
Freestyle represents hip-hop in its purest form – authentic self-expression that achieves a universal truth. Although rap has taken on many different forms over the years, nothing can compare to the raw power of spontaneous rhymes being spit by an emcee artist who’s seen it, lived it and feels it. That’s why music mogul Kevin Liles and mega producer London On Da Track are partnering with Verizon to inspire the next generation of rappers with the #freestyle50 challenge, a national talent competition in search of the next voice of hip-hop.
The 2nd Annual International Powder Fest Hits Houston!
The event coined as “The Most Diverse Color Festival in the World” takes place in Houston on August 19th 8pm-2am at Viking Ranch
WalletHub named Houston as one of the top 10 most diverse cities in America. The International Powder Fest Houston (IPFH), called “The Most Diverse Color Festival in the World,” chose Houston as the ideal setting to reflect the event’s theme and mission. This annual celebration of diversity consists of six different parties, plus colored powder and paint, in one massive event all set to the beats of myriad genres of music from Caribbean to African, Soca, Hip Hop, Latino, EDM, Desi, and more. The event is aimed at being a unifying force of cultures, music, and patrons to spread peace, love, and happiness in the form of color.
What Everyone Should Know Before Taking a Probiotic
Leading pharmacist and author Sherry Torkos dispels common myths that may be preventing you from getting the maximum probiotic benefits
Americans are expected to spend $2.5 billion1 annually on probiotic supplements by 2018. Which makes sense because probiotics have numerous health benefits, from digestive and immune support to weight management. But some experts, including leading pharmacist and author Sherry Torkos, BSc, Phm, RPh, warn that common myths may be keeping us from getting some or all of these benefits.
Grammy Award Winner Wayne Toups, Jazz Legend Kim Waters & More Top Musicians to Perform for Community Night Out Weekend
This fall, Missouri City will welcome a legendary lineup of musicians, including four-time Grammy Award Winner Wayne Toups and Jazz Legend Kim Waters, to take the stage for its Second Annual Community Night Out weekend festivities on Saturday, Oct. 7 and Sunday, Oct. 8 at the City Hall Complex, 1522 Texas Pkwy.
Statement by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee on the White Supremacist Terror Attack in Charlottesville Virginia
Jackson Lee: “Bigotry and hate has no place in America. Too many Americans of all races and religions have bled and died to bring about an America that lives up to those words in the Declaration of Independence – We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”
Children’s Museum of Houston Is Tickled Pink for Trolls Character Appearances and Groovy Dance Performance
Strut your stuff in Trolls Fashion Show!
Ever had a bad hair day? It’s time to own it and let the good times roll at the Children’s Museum of Houston. The Trolls are on their quest to show that happiness comes within yourself. You’re invited to sing, dance and hug all day long. Caution and optimism do go hand in hand. Hangout with the Trolls and don’t forget to bring your camera during this fan celebration.
Frederick Clay, Wrongfully Convicted of Murder, Wins Freedom Back after Nearly Four Decades in Prison
A Boston man who has maintained his innocence through nearly four decades behind bars was granted his freedom after Suffolk, MA prosecutors admitted his 1981 murder conviction was tainted by discredited witness identification and police tactics. “To quote Sam Cooke, ‘it’s been a long time coming,’ ” Frederick Clay said after walking out of the Suffolk Superior courtroom yesterday. “It’s been 38 years for something I didn’t do. I’m overwhelmed and sort of nervous.”
“Hidden Figures” Inspires State Department Education Exchange Program for Women in STEM
After Fox 2000‘s space race drama “Hidden Figures” was released last year, an unprecedented amount of United States embassies were reportedly calling the State Department requesting the film. Eventually the movie was screened to nearly 80 locations overseas and because of all those screenings, a new, publicly funded exchange program will bring women from around the world working in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) to the United States.
Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe to White Nationalists: ‘There is No Place for You in America… Shame on You… You Are Anything But A Patriot’
Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe condemned the white supremacists whose rally in Charlottesville, Va. led to clashes and at least one death, telling the Nazi marchers that “there is no place for you here. There is no place for you in America… Shame on you. You pretend that you are patriots, but you are anything but a patriot,” he said.
Marshawn Lynch Sits During National Anthem in Raiders Pre-season Game
Oakland Raiders player Marshawn Lynch appeared to stage a silent protest before Oakland’s preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday, taking a seat during the playing of the national anthem. AP photographers snapped Lynch taking a seat on a cooler on the sidelines as the anthem played.