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Mayor Turner Launches 10th Annual Liftoff Houston Startup Business Plan Competition
Applications are now open for the Liftoff Houston Startup Business Plan Competition, where three winners will each receive $10,000 in seed money to fund their dreams of entrepreneurship. Applications must be received by 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 19.
Mayor Turner Joins The Houston Fund For Social Justice And Economic Equity And Wells Fargo To Launch OPEN FOR BUSINESS Grant Portal
$20 Million Earmarked For Diverse Houston-Area Small Businesses And Non-Profits Applications Accepted August 9 – 23, 2022
Mayor Sylvester Turner joined the Houston Fund for Social Justice and Economic Equity in partnership with Wells Fargo on Tuesday, July 26, to announce the launch of the Open for Business Grant portal to distribute $20 million to Houston-area diverse, small businesses and non-profit organizations.
Houston Health Department pauses Monkeypox vaccine appointments pending delivery of additional supply
Appointments for monkeypox vaccination through the Houston Health Department are temporarily on pause due to the limited supply.
Former NFL player indicted for murder, tampering with evidence
Former NFL player Kevin Ware was indicted Thursday for murder and tampering with evidence, specifically a corpse, in the death of his girlfriend, Taylor Pomaski.
Houston Fund for Social Justice and Economic Equity and Wells Fargo Launch Open for Business Grant Portal
$20 million earmarked for diverse Houston-area small businesses and non-profits Applications accepted August 9 – 23, 2022
The Houston Fund for Social Justice and Economic Equity in partnership with Wells Fargo announced today the launch of the Open for Business Grant portal to distribute $20 million to Houston-area diverse, small businesses and non-profit organizations. Beginning Tuesday, August 9, business owners will have the opportunity to apply for grants ranging between $10,000 and $65,000.
NFL Partners with Nike to Host the First Nike Kickoff Classic at Nike World Headquarters
The National Football League in partnership with Nike today announced a first-of-its-kind football classic to kick off the 2022 high school football season. Hosted at Nike World Headquarters (WHQ) in Oregon on Friday, August 26, the “Nike Kickoff Classic” will feature two high school football games, one girls flag football game and one boys football game.
Commissioner Rodney Ellis Announces Ford Foundation Grant to Help Design Precinct One’s Remembrance Park
Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis has announced that the Ford Foundation has given a grant to MASS (Model of Architecture Serving Society) Design Group for design of Precinct One’s Remembrance Park, a new public destination in downtown Houston for community reflection, education, organizing, and activism around issues of social, criminal, economic and racial justice.
Houston native participates in world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise
A 2018 Springwoods High School graduate and Houston, Texas, native is serving in the U.S. Navy as part of the world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise, Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC).
The Ensemble Theatre to be Honored with the Theatre Longevity Award and performs “Too Heavy For Your Pocket” at the 2022 National Black Theatre Festival
The Ensemble Theatre has long been a center for the history, culture, and artistic expression of African American theatre arts in the City of Houston.
Congressman Al Green Thanks Congress for Supporting His Historic Original Slavery Remembrance Day Resolution
On Thursday, July 28, 2022, Congressman Al Green released the following statement:
Anime Matsuri 2022 – Japanese Culture and Related Arts Comes To Houston's GRB
Anime Matsuri is an annual anime, Japanese culture and related arts convention hosted at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.
Two PVAMU students announced as 2022 HBCU Scholars by White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities
Two Prairie View A&M University students have been announced as scholars a part of the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities. The ninth cohort of HBCU Scholars recognizes 86 undergraduate, graduate and professional students for their accomplishments in academics, leadership, civic engagement and much more, according to a press release.
Black Trump supporter also gets longest sentence thus far in Jan. 6 criminal investigation
The Grio is reporting that a Black man who was one of only four residents of the District of Columbia arrested for taking part in the Jan. 6 insurrection has received one of the longest sentences thus far for his role.
Rookie Football Star Missing NFL Season Due to Leukemia Diagnosis
Some young men spend most of their childhood dreaming of playing in the NFL. Houston Texans wide receiver John Metchie III had similar dreams, but had those dreams sidelined due to an unseen illness. Metchie has been diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia — a rare form of the disease — and will not play the 2022 season, he announced Sunday. The Texans have officially placed him on the active/non-football illness list.
Grammy and Academy Award Winner H.E.R. to Star as Belle in ABC’s “Beauty and the Beast” 30th Anniversary Special
According to Variety.com, award-winning musical artist H.E.R. will play Belle in ABC’s upcoming hybrid special celebrating the 30th anniversary of Disney‘s animated musical classic Beauty and the Beast.
Black Public Media Grieves the Loss of Founding President Mable Haddock
Mable Haddock, pioneering public media figure and champion of Black television and film, has died. The founding president and first CEO of the National Black Programming Consortium (NBPC) — now Black Public Media (BPM) — died on Saturday, July 23, 2022, in New York City at the age of 74 of kidney disease after a brief hospitalization. BPM is the Harlem-based national media arts nonprofit dedicated to creating and producing media content about the Black experience.
Mary J. Blige's Apple Music Live Performance Streaming Tonight Only On Apple Music
Apple Music Hits Celebrates The 30th Anniversary of Blige’s ‘What’s The 411?’ Album With a Full 'Mary J. Blige Day’ Programming Takeover
Mary J. Blige’s one-night-only performance at New York City’s historic United Palace will be available to stream tonight on Apple Music as part of Apple Music Live, the exclusive live performance series on Apple Music giving the biggest stars in music a global platform to connect with audiences around the world. The Grammy award-winning and Academy award nominated artist, actress, producer and entrepreneur’s performance will feature a career-spanning setlist and reflections from her unparalleled career in music.
Houston man who masterminded the hiding of 5-year-old Sierra Patino’s body sentenced to 40 years in prison
A Houston man who worked to hide the body of his girlfriend’s dead 5-year-old daughter has been sentenced to 40 years in prison, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced Wednesday.
Texas Southern University and Houston Community College announce historic new partnership agreement
Agreement eases path for HCC students transferring to TSU
Texas Southern University and Houston Community College leaders announced a first-of-its-kind agreement to provide a seamless path for HCC students to transfer to TSU.
The Jackie Robinson Museum to Open Its Doors July 26
A Media-Rich Space in Lower Manhattan Will Celebrate Robinson’s Life and Promote Dialogue on Race Relations and Other Social Issues
75 years after Jackie Robinson made his debut with the Brooklyn Dodgers, the Jackie Robinson Foundation (JRF) will open the doors to a museum in his honor Tuesday, July 26. Located at 75 Varick Street in Lower Manhattan, the nearly 20,000 square-foot space will honor the life and legacy of an American hero who very publicly broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball and played an active and equally pioneering role in the Civil Rights Movement of the last century.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Bids Farewell and Extends Appreciation to Its 25th "Centennial" International President, Valerie Hollingsworth Baker
Valerie Hollingsworth Baker Closes Out Her 4-Year Term as the Sorority's International President
Today, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated announced that Valerie Hollingsworth Baker's term as the 25th International President ended on Sunday, July 24, 2022. After four years of leadership and service, she will be succeeded by Stacie NC Grant.
SmartScaping Expands Community Program to Help Houston Youth with Jobs, New HISD Co-Op Program, Paid Student Internships
SmartScaping Landscaping & Design, a premiere Black-owned, Houston-based landscaping maintenance and design company, is expanding their “SmartScaping Cares” community program to offer students, age 16-25, immediate employment opportunities, paid internships as part of an upcoming Co-Op Program in partnership with HISD schools, and a career path toward entrepreneurship in the landscaping industry!
Treasurer John M. Schroder urges disability service expansion
Louisiana Treasurer John M. Schroder is urging the passage of federal legislation that will expand the number of Louisiana citizens with disabilities who qualify to possess Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) accounts. This legislation will supplement the Americans with Disabilities Act, which celebrates its anniversary as of July 26, having been signed into law in 1990.
Virtual school option offered for Beaumont students by Harmony Public Schools
Harmony Public Schools will offer a full virtual learning option to Beaumont students in kindergarten through Grade 12 when the 2022-23 school year begins in August.
Houston native participates in world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise
A 2020 Kashmere High School graduate and Houston, Texas, native is serving in the U.S. Navy as part of the world’s largest international maritime warfare exercise, Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC).
KHOU 11 and TEGNA Foundation Award $88,000 in Community Grants to Aid 8 Houston-Area Nonprofit Organizations
KHOU 11 and the TEGNA Foundation, the charitable foundation sponsored by TEGNA Inc. (NYSE: TGNA), have awarded 8 area nonprofit organizations community grants totaling $88,000.
Yoga Teachers Needed for Puranik Foundation’s Nonprofit Classroom Clarity Program
Classroom Clarity Volunteer Yoga Teacher Certification Credit Available Application Deadline: August 10, 2022
The Puranik Foundation, a nonprofit organization headquartered in Houston, is accepting applications for yoga teachers currently working towards their 200/300-hour teacher training for its no-cost program, Classroom Clarity.
Dog Haus Welcomes New Uncle Morty to One-of-a-Kind Haus Burger Lineup
Acclaimed gourmet hot dog, sausage and burger concept launches limited-time item in collaboration with Emmy-award winning Chef Sam Zien, available Aug. 1 through Sept. 30
Everyone knows that fun uncle that gets a little too turnt and can be The Absolute Würst at family gatherings …. And now, Dog Haus fans can enjoy the spirit of the “Funcle” when they bite into the award-winning concept’s newest one-of-a-kind creation!
Unprecedented Demand for Mental Health Services in the Local Region Creates Urgent Need for HGI Counseling
After more than two years of the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the 44-year-old nonprofit organization HGI Counseling is confronting an unprecedented demand for its mental health services in the Greater Houston region. Since March 2020, HGI Counseling has experienced an increase of 600 percent in the number of therapy sessions it completes on an ongoing basis. This significant increase has caused the nonprofit organization to now need urgent support from the local community to be able to continue supporting the mental health needs of its residents.
City Of Houston And University Of Houston Offer At-Risk Young Adults A Second Chance At Success
Getting a second chance for employment and education is not always easy for young adults who have a history of incarceration. Today, a select group of young adults began classes at the University of Houston’s Stephen Stagner Sales Excellence Institute Sales Academy, thanks to a partnership between the City of Houston, the C. T. Bauer College of Business, and funded by corporate partners supporting Hire Houston Youth (HHY).
Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs Awards $35,000 to Digitally Innovative Arts and Cultural Works
The City of Houston Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs (MOCA) announced it is awarding $35,000 in grants to 14 individuals and nonprofit organizations that have reimagined their work in the digital realm. The work includes streaming services, virtual reality, and digital curation to deliver manifested live concerts, theatre performances, and literary concepts in online-only platforms.
ALTON: campaign to end free speech
Two murders that provoked Lincoln to run for president
ALTON shines a spotlight on the double scandal that provoked Abraham Lincoln to run for President. We see echoes of ALTON in threats to democracy from the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol, the recent surge in mass murders and hate crimes – the “threat from within” that Abraham Lincoln warned of in his first great speech of January 27, 1838 after the Alton scandal. Lincoln’s speech launched his trajectory toward the Senate and Presidency twenty years later and issued a powerful warning that is eerily relevant again today.
A Focused Future: Lee College Rebrands Mascot to Navigators
Board of Regents Voted for Change, Effective Immediately
The Lee College Board of Regents voted unanimously to rebrand the college mascot to the Lee College Navigators. The change is effective immediately with the board vote and will be implemented during the 2022-23 academic year.
Parkway, Local Businesses join Houston Random Acts of Kindness to Launch ‘RAK Rooms’ with HISD WrapAround Programs
Houston Random Acts of Kindness Day (RAK Day) Founders, Treveia and David Dennis, today announced a very special initiative to celebrate Houston Random Acts of Kindness Day today, July 25, 2022! The RAK Day founders are teaming up with Parkway, Inc., and other local businesses to launch “RAK Rooms” that encourage and reward good behavior and academic achievement among students at HISD Schools!
Taco Flats announces Austin-area expansion with two new locations, Taco Flats Riata and Taco Flats Lakeway
Traditional Mexico City-inspired beloved Austin taco joint unveils plans to open two brand new locations following the recent purchase of the Riata Bar and Grill and Castro’s Bar & BBQ in Lakeway
The visionary team behind Taco Flats, East Austin’s mezcal bar La Holly, and Smithville bar and Smoked Meat Taco concept Carne Lenta, announce the recent purchase of the Riata Bar and Grill and the opening of their latest location, Taco Flats Riata.
Houston’s High School for the Performing and Visual Arts’ Black Alumni Network, (HSPVA BAN) to Host 50th Anniversary Homecoming Weekend of Events “CELEBRATING THE GOLD STANDARD” Friday, August 5th - S
Houston’s Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts’ Black Alumni Network (HSPVA BAN) to host a 50th-anniversary homecoming, “Celebrating The Gold Standard” with 3-days of networking, performances, and class reunion events with acclaimed alumni from Friday, August 5th - Sunday, August 7th, 2022 at various venues with historical significance to the school's existence including its original building.
Potential for significant wildfires continues this week for much of North, Central and East Texas as firefighters work to contain several new fires from Monday
The fire environment, characterized by critically to extremely dry vegetation and critical fire weather, will support wildfire activity this week.
Children's Museum Houston 2022 Fall Fundraiser Events
Join us for one of Houston's most anticipated events of the year as you dance the night away to live music and indulge in glitz, glam and gambling for a great cause. Elvis sighting likely! Prices: Tables of ten are available at the following levels:
The Propel Center and The Walt Disney Company Announce A New Collaboration Designed to Curate the Next Cohort of Storytellers and Innovators at HBCUs
The Propel Center, a first-of-its-kind ideation hub for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), today announced an exciting new collaboration with The Walt Disney Company designed to prepare promising young innovators for careers in the arts, media, entertainment and hospitality industries.
Congressman Al Green Urges Governor Abbott to Do the Righteous Thing by Putting an End to Uvalde Cover-up
On Thursday, July 21, 2022, Congressman Al Green released the following statement:
Nope
It came from outer space. Or somewhere. Something’s hovering over Otis Haywood’s (Keith David, Barbershop) ranch in SoCal’s parched Santa Clarita Valley. Otis comes from a long line of horsemen and is a noted animal wrangler for TV and film. His son OJ (David Kaluuya, Get Out) works beside him and his stallions. That thing in the sky looks like it’s swooping things up and propelling things down. They better be careful...
The Plant Project Houston Launches PLANTChella -a Fun, FREE Three-Day Green Event for First Anniversary
The Plant Project Houston, the first Black woman-owned plant shop in Houston, is inviting the community to their first-ever “PLANTChella”; a fun, FREE, three-day Green event, July 29-31, 2022, in celebration of their 1-Year Anniversary in Houston!
Smart City Expo USA to Convene September 14-15, 2022 in Miami, FL
This year's Expo is a White House Summit for Democracy Year of Action event featuring 50+ city and government officials
Fira de Barcelona and Smart City Expo World Congress, the world's leading summit for cities and smart urban solutions, are partnering with the African American Mayors Association, the National League of Cities, Miami-Dade County Mayor, Daniella Levine Cava, and Miami Mayor and U.S. Conference of Mayors President, Francis X. Suarez, to host Smart City Expo USA from September 14-15, 2022 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. Alongside the expo, Mayor Suarez will host the U.S. Conference of Mayors Fall Leadership Meeting in Miami, FL from September 15-18, 2022.
Two Couples Face a Heinous Fate on All-New Episodes of Fatal Attraction & PAYBACK at 9/8c!
An all-new episode of TV One’s True Crime Mondays is back tonight, July 25. This episode of FATAL ATTRACTION unpacks the demise of two world travelers. Watch the story unfold at 9 p.m. ET/8C.
The Southern Poverty Law Center and the Washington-Baltimore News Guild Local 32035, TNG-CWA Reach Collective Bargaining Agreement
TODAY, The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) and the Washington-Baltimore News Guild Local 32035, TNG-CWA (the Guild of WBNG) announced their first collective bargaining agreement on July 15, 2022, covering approximately 250 of SPLC’s employees. The contract reflects the values and commitment of both the SPLC and the Guild to social, racial and economic justice. Over the life of the three-year contract, the average wage will increase by more than 11 percent for employees. Beginning November 1,2022, the minimum wage for new SPLC employees will be over $20 per hour.
Wakeup Call for Texans: Largest Global Drop in Routine Childhood Immunization in 30 years
Back to school wellness vaccines provide an opportunity to get back on track
A recent report from UNICEF and the World Health Organization shows a dramatic backslide in the percentage of children worldwide who received routine wellness vaccinations identifies a dangerous trend also taking place nationally, and in Texas.
Velvet Taco Announces Hidden Menu with Thanx
Guests Can Now Order Off-Menu (aka Secret Menu) Items Exclusively from loyalty app, “The Velvet Room®”
Velvet Taco, the Dallas-based fast-casual restaurant serving inventive and globally inspired tacos, collaborated with Thanx, a leading provider of guest engagement technology, on a vision to offer non-traditional discounts while keeping guests engaged and rewarded for their loyalty. Velvet Taco adds six “secret” menu items to their loyalty app, The Velvet Room, hosted by Thanx. The menu, aptly named The Backdoor “Secret” Menu, features tacos like Nashville Hot Chicken and the Hangover Burger.
News Release: A Magical Cirque Christmas Is Coming to Dallas' Music Hall at Fair Park on Nov. 19
A MAGICAL CIRQUE CHRISTMAS, a comedic, musical, and magic-filled holiday experience that makes a perfect date night, fun family adventure, and group outing, is coming to the Music Hall at Fair Park in Dallas, TX, on November 19, 2022. World-acclaimed performers and cirque artists take audiences back in time, immersing them in the spirit of the season and performing Christmas classics through the decades. Show promises jaw-dropping magic, big laughs, holiday music, and stunning acrobatic performances in a Christmastime adventure
Congressman Al Green Responds to Governor Abbott’s Claims Denying Uvalde Cover-up
On Monday, July 25, 2022, Congressman Al Green released the following statement:
Sheraton Suites Houston to Become The Chifley, a Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Rebrand includes renovated rooms and public spaces for leisure, business, and group travelers, as well as a new destination dining establishment, Rouse
Sheraton Suites Houston, located in Uptown Houston near the Galleria and River Oaks District, will rebrand as The Chifley, Tapestry Collection by Hilton. The rebrand includes renovations to 284 suite-style rooms and 8,000 square feet of meeting space designed for business and social gatherings. The hotel, which will attract leisure, business, and group travelers, will also feature a destination dining establishment, Rouse, offering an eclectic mix of craft cocktails and cuisine.