
Take Extra Precautions to Avoid Drowning Accidents
More children between the ages of 1 to 4 die from drowning than any other cause of death
Summer is just around the corner! Swimming and splashing around in the pool, lake or beach is a great way to keep cool in Houston’s summer heat. However, if precautions are not taken, a young child can drown quickly and silently. In observance of National Water Safety Month this May, Harris County Public Health (HCPH) reminds you to take extra precautions to prevent your children from drowning accidents.

HCDE hosts ceremonies to honor Scholastic Art & Writing Awards recipients
More than 2,800 Harris County teen artists and writers in grades 7-12 will be recognized during two regional Scholastic Art & Writing Award ceremonies at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at the Wortham Theater Center sponsored by Harris County Department of Education.

H-E-B announces 2023 Excellence in Education Award winners
On Sunday, April 30, H-E-B announced statewide winners for the 21st annual H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards during an awards ceremony at the La Cantera Resort and Spa in San Antonio. During the ceremony, $430,000 in cash awards and grants were awarded to eight educators, two school districts, one early childhood school and a public-school board for being among the best in Texas. The program has awarded more than $13 million in cash and grants to Texas teachers and schools since 2002.

Studio Visit with Sherry Tseng Hill
Join VAA for behind-the-scenes tour of working studio
Join Visual Arts Alliance Saturday, May 6, at 11:00 a.m. for an in-personstudio visit with Sherry Tseng Hill in advance of her exhibition opening at Moody Gallery. RSVP to jaymesearl2014@gmail.com to receive further instructions for meeting at the studio.

Duckworth, Ruiz Named 2022-2023 HCDE Educators of the Year
Academic and Behavior School East was a source of pride this week as Harris County Department of Education leaders surprised LaToya Duckworth, the 2022-2023 Teacher of the Year, and Martha Ruiz, the Educational Aide of the Year, both of whom are staff members at the school, with their well-deserved recognitions.

Planet Fitness Invites Houston Teens to Work Out for FREE All Summer Long From May 15 - August 31
‘High School Summer Pass™’ Program Welcomes High Schoolers Ages 14 – 19 to Get Active at Planet Fitness in Houston
Planet Fitness, one of the largest and fastest-growing franchisors and operators of fitness centers with more members than any other fitness brand, announces the return of its High School Summer Pass™ program, inviting high schoolers ages 14 – 191 to work out for free at any Planet Fitness location including across Houston from May 15 through August 31. Starting today, high schoolers can visit PlanetFitness.com/SummerPass to register for the program before gaining club access starting Monday, May 15. Teens under 18 in the U.S. and under 19 in Canada must register with a parent or guardian online or in-club.

Bea's Bayou's Products at Macy's
Bea's Bayou's products are now available on macys.com! Shop the pop-up during the month of May! I'm so excited and grateful for this opportunity! Please include us in your cart as you get ready for Mother's Day and shop your favorite apparel and home goods!

Bhansali collaborates with Cardi B for the 2023 Met Gala
On Monday, May 1, 2023, Bhansali debuted its custom cross necklace on Cardi B, American rapper, at the Met Gala. The necklace belongs to the HEIRLOOMS collection, a limited edition collection of one-of-a-kind works of art designed by Samir Bhansali and his daughter Anar Bhansali. The pieces reflect Samir's rich heritage and wisdom, while Anar infuses the collection with fresh, contemporary ideas. HEIRLOOMS celebrates the beauty that emerges when different perspectives merge.

King’s Call: Entertainers and Actors are Hereby Summoned to the Texas Renaissance Festival!
Auditions for the Festival’s 49th season will be held on May 6 and May 13, 2023.
The Texas Renaissance Festival is the nation’s largest and most acclaimed Renaissance themed event. Established in 1974, the event attracts over half a million visitors each year to its 55-acre New Market Village and Fields of New Market Campgrounds in Todd Mission, Texas

Change Happens! Announces Name Change to Civic Heart Community Services at Annual Spring Breakfast
One of Houston’s Largest Black-Founded, Black-led Non-profit to Build on 34 Years of Community Work
TodayatitsannualSpringBreakfastevent,oneofthelargestblack-founded non-profit organization in the Gulf coast region formerly known as Change Happens! announced its name change to Civic Heart Community Services (Civic Heart). Held at the Junior League of Houston, the event gathered Civic Heart supporters, including volunteers and donors, program recipients, and staff to hear about the organization’s latest accomplishments and what’s next for the 34-year-old organization.

Discover Black Toronto
Explore the African heritage side of Toronto, CA. Tour and eat around. Go to festivals, concerts and sporting events.
Visit Toronto and you’ll encounter one of the most multicultural/multiracial cities in the world along with a thriving Black community of 400K+ African heritage people.

The Obesity Crisis Is Not a Hopeless Fight for Black America
From less access to quality healthcare, to the exclusion of anti-obesity medications from Medicare, and most Medicaid and general insurance coverage, our healthcare systems under-prioritizes the well-being of Black Americans. And we’ve learned from history that until we make our voices heard, this crisis will continue to be brushed aside.

Houston Equity Fund offering $8 million in grant funding for minority-owned small businesses
The online application portal for “Open for Business” grants worth up to $100,000 will be open from May 15-31.
Minority-owned small businesses and nonprofits in the Houston area can apply for up to $100,000 in grant funding later this month. A total of $8 million is available this year during the second phase of the "Open for Business" grant program, which is funded by Wells Fargo and administered by the Houston Fund for Social Justice and Economic Equity. An online application portal for grant money is scheduled to be open from 5 a.m. May 15 through 11:59 p.m. May 31, with eligible businesses and nonprofits competing to receive awards ranging from $5,000-$100,000 apiece.

Addressing Race in the Classroom: PVAMU faculty, staff lead new book project to help foster safe academic environment
School districts and higher education institutions around the country are reexamining the place of race in the classroom due to state Republican influence. Much of the controversy surrounds the inclusion of Critical Race Theory, which makes white Americans face this country’s racist traditions.

Dr. Christian Arroyo Launches $5,000 Mother’s Day Giveaway for a Houston Mom
Dr. Christian Arroyo, M.D., a leading Houston cosmetic and plastic surgeon and founder of Arroyo Plastic Surgery, is launching a special Mother’s Day Giveaway to treat a Houston mom to a medspa package worth over $5,000!

PVAMU Alphas win PV Choice Awards and supports Civic Engagement Projects
The Brothers of the Eta Gamma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. at Prairie View A&M University were the lead Award winners at the Prairie View Choice Awards on April 28. The chapter took home the following awards, some for the second time in a row:

No Thanks: 7 Ways to Say I'll Just Include Myself: The Remix
This special edition of No Thanks includes two bonus chapters and two bonus affirmations. The Remix covers how to identify and handle micro-aggressive bullies, with a focus on "Karen" in the workplace. Professional Black women surveyed say she is one of their biggest hindrances in the workplace.

Houston Gang Member Sentenced to Life in Prison for 2017 Murder in Humble
A Houston gang member was sentenced to life in prison this week for a 2017 murder, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced.

Houston’s Third Ward Prodigy & Multi Talented “The Biggest Brandon” Performing “Live” at the 3rd Annual Mother’s Day Jazz Brunch
One of Houston’s brightest stars, “The Biggest Brandon” will be performing “live” at R&K Reception Hall, 911 Normandy St. 77015 on Sunday, May 14th, 2023 from 12pm to 4pm. Tickets are available at https://mothersdayjazzbrunch2023.eventbrite.com.

The Women’s Fund Hosts Spring Membership Luncheon with Focus on Making Good Medical Decisions
Friday, May 19, 2023
The Women’s Fund for Health Education and Resiliency, a nonprofit providing Houston-area women and girls with the tools needed to be advocates for their health, is hosting the annual Spring Membership Luncheon at Tony’s on Friday, May 19, 2023, at 11:30 a.m.

John Whitmire Endorsed for Houston Mayor By the Organization of Spanish Speaking Officers
John Whitmire announced today that the Houston Police Organization of Spanish Speaking Officers has endorsed him in his campaign for mayor of the City of Houston.

Lola Brooke Releases New Single "Just Relax"
Breakout artist Lola Brooke returns with the unveil of her new single "Just Relax" today via Arista Records/Team Eighty Productions. The preeminent new single from the Brooklyn-born rapper is a dynamic flip of one of Hip Hop's most revered classic tracks, "The Choice Is Yours" by Black Sheep, and is met with an accompanying music video directed by Shanghaii, out now HERE.

JINYA Ramen Bar Celebrates Grand Opening in Spring Branch
Acclaimed Japanese ramen restaurant to open ninth restaurant in Houston area on May 10
Houston, you DON’T have a ramen problem, thanks to JINYA Ramen Bar. The acclaimed Japanese restaurant – famous for its bold noodles that are cooked with thick, rich broth – is celebrating a ninth location in Space City with a grand opening in Spring Branch on May 10.

Houston wealth management advisor awarded $20,000 grant from Northwestern Mutual to benefit The Periwinkle Foundation
Company recognizes its financial advisors’ unwavering dedication to volunteerism
Celebrating the philanthropic work of its financial advisors, Northwestern Mutual is recognizing the individuals who have shown outstanding volunteerism and leadership through its 2023 Community Service Awards. Now in its 28th year, the awards program is distributing $270,000 to nonprofits nationwide. Houston resident Michael Slabic, a wealth management advisor at Northwestern Mutual – Houston, has been named a 2023 Community Service Award winner, receiving a $15,000 grant for The Periwinkle Foundation.

Visit CIityCentre to Shop, Dine, and Experience Something New!
Houston-based Midway, a privately owned, fully integrated real estate investment and development firm, is pleased to announce that CITYCENTRE and its dynamic lineup of tenants are providing guests with new offerings and promotions through June 30, 2023. The premier mixed-use destination for upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment is elevating the experience for everyone visiting or living at CITYCENTRE.

Ion District and Ion Share Update on Efforts to Expand Economic Opportunity in Houston
Thriving innovation district benefits Houston’s people and businesses citywide
Ion District, Houston’s 16-acre innovation district, alongside its developer Rice University, recently released an update detailing the first year of implementing its Community Benefits Agreement (CBA).

Inaugural SMU+GSV Mission Summit to Focus On 'Capitalism Refresh'
Purpose and profit are truly great partners, organizers say
Aiming to accelerate the growing wave of businesses that combine purpose and profits, leaders in the corporate “Mission Movement” will gather at the SMU+GSV Mission Summit May 22-24 on the campus of SMU in Dallas, Texas.

Rustee Allen teams up with R&B rising star Dee Dee Simon on the new single Gonna Take More
Rusty Allen best known for his work with Sly and the Family Stone and for laying down some of the most memorable funk-soul-powered bass grooves of all time is back with a new single Gonna Take More featuring Oakland-based R&B rising star Dee Dee Simon.

Lone Star Beer Welcomes Porch Season with Recipes from Houston Chef Alex Padilla and more
Lone Star has partnered with Texas natives to create and share good drinks, good food and good tunes for all to enjoy. The beer brand has dubbed Lone Star Light as the National Porch Beer of Texas

Join George Foreman & Governor Abbott tomorrow at the Parent Empowerment Night in Houston, TX
The Parent Empowerment Coalition is excited to invite you to our Parent Empowerment Night in Houston with special guests, George Foreman & Governor Greg Abbott! Hosted by The R.O.C.K. Church at their Broadway Campus location, the Parent Empowerment Coalition will be discussing the growing need and desire for parent empowerment. Parent empowerment is built on the foundational principles of transparency, quality, respect, and choice, and we’re bringing together the community to focus on this vital need in our education system.

So She Shines – Tommy Bahama Mother’s Day 2023
Mother’s Day is May 14th and Tommy Bahama is celebrating mom like never before. With gifts for any woman in your life, Tommy Bahama is your one-stop-shop for all things Mother’s Day.

Black-Owned Student Athlete Preparatory Academy Launches LA-based Pilot Program For Summer 2023
“Dual Threat Prep’s inaugural program will equip student-athletes with the skills necessary to make an impact outside of the game,” said Dual Threat Prep Founder and Executive Director Kristina T. Wilson, Esq.

South Florida Elected Officials to Honor Grammy-Nominated Grace "Spice" Hamilton
City of Tamarac Vice Mayor Marlon D. Bolton, with the support of the Consul General of Jamaica, Hon. Oliver Mair, and 15 other South Florida Elected Officials will honor Grace “Spice” Hamilton on Friday, May 5, 2023, at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Hotel North.

McDonald’s Treating Teachers to Free Breakfast May 8-12
In honor of Teacher Appreciation Week, McDonald’s Houston owner/operators are offering free breakfast for school teachers, administrators, and staff across the Greater Houston Area.

Cigna Sunday in the Park Reveals 2023 Spring Locations
Community-based health initiative kicks off new season in Schwartz Park March 26th
Mayor Sylvester Turner and Cigna Healthcare invite Houstonians to be physically active and explore neighborhood parks through Cigna Sunday in the Park. This free spring series (March, April, and May) will promote health and community and it features live music, games, dancing, and fun activities for the whole family.

Black Panther Star Brings Talokan Power to Comicpalooza
Tenoch Huerta Joins the Expanding 2023 Comicpalooza Roster
Comicpalooza, along with SWAU, is bringing Black Panther 2 breakout star, Tenoch Huerta, to the pop-culture festival, joining newly added guests Alaqua Cox, who portrays Echo in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Chad Coleman, Titus Welliver and WWE Hall of Fame inductees Mick Foley and Amy Dumas a.k.a. Lita. Comicpalooza happens May 26 – 28 at Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center, with celebrity panels, photograph and autograph opportunities occurring Saturday and Sunday.

Harris County Precinct 4 Hosts Final Weekend of Shakespeare in the Shade’s 10-Year Anniversary Show – “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
Harris County Precinct 4’s Shakespeare in the Shade concludes its 10th-anniversary celebration with this weekend’s performances of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

Harris Health Approves $2.5 Billion Bond Request
The Harris Health System Board of Trustees unanimously approved a request to the Harris County Commissioners Court to order a bond election for an estimated $2.5 billion. This request is to finance the rebuilding and upgrading of Harris Health’s facilities, which are quickly reaching their end of use and have been operating at near-full capacity for years. If passed in the November 2023 ballot, this bond referendum will provide much-needed investment for the public safety net.

Run for Something Endorses Obes Nwabara for Houston City Council At-Large Position 2
Obes Nwabara, candidate for Houston City Council, At-Large Seat 2, is endorsed by Run for Something.
Brittney Griner says she'll 'never go overseas again' to play unless it's for the Olympics after being detained in Russia
Brittney Griner said during a press conference on Thursday that she'll "never go overseas again" to play basketball unless it's for the Olympics after being detained in Russia.

Walt Disney Studios Thrills 2023 Cinemacon Attendees at Annual Convention in Las Vegas
Presentation Included Highlights from Upcoming Theatrical Slate Featuring Titles from Disney Live Action, Pixar, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Lucasfilm, Marvel Studios, Searchlight Pictures, and 20th Century Studios

Voting and Civil Rights Organizations File Suit Over Florida’s Flawed Voter Registration Form
Omissions put thousands of Floridians with past criminal convictions at risk of criminal prosecution
The League of Women Voters of Florida and the Florida State Conference of the NAACP filed suit in federal court today against Florida’s secretary of state, charging that the state’s voter registration application violates the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 (NVRA). The civil rights organizations allege that the form’s lack of information about the voter eligibility requirements for Floridians with past convictions creates confusion, impedes the organizations’ voter registration activities, and puts people in danger of criminal penalties.

Theatre Under the Stars 2023 Leading Ladies Luncheon to Honor Paula Harris with the Shirley Stein Outstanding Champion in the Arts and Education Award
The 2023 Leading Ladies Luncheon will be held on Friday, April 28 at 11:30 a.m. at Tony’s located at 3755 Richmond Avenue.

Criminal Justice Advocates Marking 50th Anniversary of Houston’s First Mass Shooting
DA Ogg, Proponents to Honor Red Elementary School Shooting Survivors for Crime Victims Rights Week
District Attorney Kim Ogg will join victims rights advocates in commemorating the loss of life in Houston’s first mass shooting 50 years ago this month and paying homage to survivors of crime and their families.

Jack Yates High School students set to receive $50,000 in donations & scholarships from Academy Sports + Outdoors
HISD’s Jack Yates High School students will be honored for the third consecutive year by Academy Sports + Outdoors thanks to their scholarship fund that will award seven college-bound seniors with scholarships and donations totaling $50,000. During the celebration, Jack Yates High School will also be awarded $10,000.

Change the Pattern in Texas
Come see the AIDS Memorial Quilt in Texas May 3 - 7, 2023 in Houston
Join us in Houston, Texas to reimagine the fight to end HIV/AIDS • May 3rd - 7th

Gifts that Dad Would Never Buy for Himself But He Totally Needs
Let's face it, dad is probably one of the hardest people to shop for and who wants to gift another tie or grilling accessory? We went a little out of the box and thought of a few gift ideas for dad that he totally needs but would never buy for himself.
E. Jean Carroll concludes direct testimony in trial accusing Trump of rape
E. Jean Carroll returned to the stand on Thursday in her civil battery and defamation trial against Donald Trump, with the columnist telling the jury about why she was suing the former president, and what had happened to her since she filed the suit.
Snapchat's new AI chatbot is already raising alarms among teens and parents
Less than a few hours after Snapchat rolled out its My AI chatbot to all users last week, Lyndsi Lee, a mother from East Prairie, Missouri, told her 13-year-old daughter to stay away from the feature.

Texas Southern University Invites White House Executive to be Spring 2023 Commencement Speaker
Texas Southern University will welcome the Dietra Trent, Ph.D., executive director of the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities (WHI-HBCUs) as the speaker for the Spring 2023 Commencement Ceremony on Saturday, May 13 at 9:30 a.m. in the Health and Physical Education Arena.