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Celebrate Summer with a Movie and Concert in One at The Little Mermaid Live in Concert June 16
Take a dive “Under the Sea” this summer at The Pavilion for Disney’s The Little Mermaid – Live in Concert sponsored by Texas Children’s Hospital The Woodlands! On Thursday, June 16, Disney’s animated classic will play on the large LED screens as the Houston Symphony performs the film’s Oscar® and Grammy®-winning score live on the stage. Gates open at 6 p.m. for the 7:30 p.m. performance. Mezzanine and lawn seating are FREE. Reserved orchestra seats are available for $25 per ticket.
Association of Black Cardiologists Endorses Black Maternal Health Momnibus
The Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC) is pleased to support the Black Maternal Health Momnibus - composed of nine individual bills and introduced by Congresswoman Lauren Underwood, Congresswoman Alma Adams, Senator Kamala Harris, and members of the Black Maternal Health Caucus Members.
Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg explores the American judicial system through one of its sharpest legal minds, the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
HISD raises starting teacher salary to $61,500
Superintendent Millard House II announced an update to the district’s compensation plan. In the upcoming school year, HISD teachers will receive an average pay raise of 11%. That will bump the new starting salary to $61.500.
Mayor Turner And Community Leaders Announce Citywide Juneteenth Celebrations
New Website Provides Details On Events In Historic Districts
From Freedmen's Town to the Fifth Ward to Acres Homes, Independence Heights, and historic neighborhoods throughout the city, Houstonians will have an array of events to attend during the upcoming Juneteenth holiday.
Agility Bank Opens as First Minority Depository Institution in the U.S. Primarily Owned and Led by Women--But Serving All
Agility Bank, N.A. announced that it has received all regulatory approvals to open as the first bank in the U.S. primarily owned and led by women under a special charter by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Through this Minority Depository Institution (MDI) charter, Agility's focus will be on serving women and all small and mid-size businesses.
Second defendant sentenced to 30 years in prison for murdering 7-year-old Jazmine Barnes
The second of two men responsible for the 2018 drive-by shooting death of 7-year-old Jazmine Barnes has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for murder, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced Thursday.
Minority "Front" Companies Clog Supply Chains
Up to 28 percent of reported corporate and federal spending with minority and women-owned firms is actually being channeled to enterprises run by White males and large public companies, according to a new study by BJM Solutions.
Fort Bend County Judge KP George Honors Victims of Robb Elementary Mass Shooting with a Candlelight Vigil
Fort Bend County Judge KP George will honor the victims of the Robb Elementary Mass Shooting with a Candlelight Vigil on Thursday, May 26, from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Fort Bend County Justice Center, 1422 Eugene Heimann Circle, Richmond, TX 77469.
Shame on the Demagogues
On cue, like roaches crawling out of the woodwork in the darkness of night, the right- and left-wing demagogues emerged on television literally as innocent children and teachers were dying on the floors of a fourth-grade classroom in Uvalde, Texas.
GONZO247 to Create Live Mural at the Closing of “The Art of Awareness: A Community’s Self-Portrait of Immunization Health” Art Exhibit
Winners of the People’s Choice Award will also be announced
GONZO will headline the closing of “The Art of Awareness: A Community’s Self-Portrait of Immunization Health” art exhibit, curated by The Immunization Partnership. Known for painting walls to break down barriers, he will create a live mural based on attendees’ response to "What got you through it (the COVID-19 pandemic)?" and "What do you value more in your life, now that we are on this side of the pandemic?"
Mental Health Month Recap For Your Posting Consideration: The Confess Project X David Banner X Killer Mike's The Swag Shop
The Confess Project (TCP), a movement that has trained more than thirteen hundred barbers in forty-six cities across the country, recently partnered with platinum-selling recording artist, producer, and community leader David Banner and Killer Mike's The Swag Shop during Mental Health Awareness Month to celebrate the grand opening of its new home of Atlanta, GA.
Biden-Harris Administration Announces New Actions to Strengthen Food Supply Chains, Level the Playing Field for Growers, and Lower Prices for American Consumers
Today, USDA announced a suite of new actions delivering on key commitments from President Biden’s Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy, including issuing a new Packers & Stockyards Act rulemaking, making available $200 Million to expand competition in meat processing, and investing $25 million in workforce training
Amane Advisors Merges with A. Vaccani & Partners AG, Combining Leading Expert Advisors in Water, Resource Recovery and the Circular Exonomy
Amane Advisors, the premier global strategic advisory firm focused on the water industry, has announced that it has merged with A. Vaccani & Partners AG (AVP), a leading consultancy firm providing expertise and dedicated research in the areas of sustainability and resource & energy recovery. Based in Zurich, Switzerland, AVP has specialized in providing services in strategy consulting, M&A advisory, strategic partnering, and industry research to a range of clients across the cleantech, environmental and energy sectors since 1992, with a focus on Europe, Asia and North America.
GRAMMY Museum Announces New York City Program Series Presented By City National Bank
The GRAMMY Museum® announces a New York City program series titled “A New York Evening With…” presented by City National Bank, which includes bringing a slate of their renowned education and Public Programs to the East Coast in partnership with the City of New York Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment. Since the Museum first opened in 2008, it has offered more than 1,200 Public Programs with a diverse list of celebrated artists, both in its intimate 200-seat Clive Davis Theater in Los Angeles and viewed for free on the Museum’s official online streaming service, COLLECTION:live™. The New York City series kicks off with GRAMMY Award® winner Jon Batiste at The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts at Lincoln Center on June 17. The Museum will present six programs through the end of 2022 at various venues throughout the city.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston hosts national webinar at Galveston’s Reedy Chapel AME to celebrate historical significance of Juneteenth holiday
Other events also planned
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston (BGCGH), in conjunction with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, will host a national livestreamed webinar at Galveston’s Reedy Chapel AME Church on Thursday, June 16 from noon to 2 p.m. CT to celebrate the historical significance of Juneteenth, which had its origin in Galveston. Reedy Chapel was one of the locations in which General Order #3 was read on June 19, 1865, announcing the end of slavery in Texas.
Coping with school shootings
After countless school shootings, parents and children are terrified and confused. Parents and guardians struggle with explaining the terror to their children, while they also fear sending them back to school. Baylor College of Medicine experts offer tips for those struggling during this difficult time.
Houston rapist who confessed to two murders sentenced to 65 years
A Houston man who confessed to two murders after being arrested for rape has pleaded guilty to all three crimes in exchange for a sentence of 65 years in prison, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced Thursday.
Kick Off Pride Month in Houston with Urban South
Urban South - HTX is kicking off Pride Month with a party at its Sawyer Yards taproom on Saturday, June 4. From 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. CST, the brewery will celebrate with live music from DJ Uri; pop-up shops courtesy of the vendors at HTX Market; drag performances by Angelina DM Trailz, Alyanna IV Bones and Kalani Ross Khalo; and fabulous menus from Blank Flag Project, Tilde Means Tilde and TeaGu Cafe. A portion of proceeds from the event will be donated to The Montrose Center, a nonprofit organization empowering Houston’s LGBTQ community to enjoy healthier and more fulfilling lives through education, resources, services and support.
Congressman Al Green, Who Secured Over $90 Million for Brays Bayou, Celebrates Completion of Project Brays
On Thursday, May 26, 2022, Congressman Al Green released the following statement: “The Brays Bayou Federal Damage Reduction Project, also known as Project Brays, is a $480 million joint effort between the Harris County Flood Control District and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to reduce flood damage along the Brays Bayou watershed. Project Brays is the largest project of its kind to date in the Houston area. It has helped mitigate severe flooding by widening 21 miles of Brays Bayou, repairing or replacing 32 bridges, as well as expanding four flood and stormwater retention basins that will collectively hold 3.5 billion gallons of water.”
AME Church Files Lawsuit Against Former Department of Retirement Services Executive Director Dr. Harris and Others for Conspiracy to Defraud and Embezzle Clergy Retirement Funds
Today, the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AMEC) General Counsel Douglass Selby confirmed that lawyers hired by the church filed a lawsuit against former AMEC Department of Retirement Services Executive Director Rev. Dr. Jerome Harris ("Dr. Harris") and ten other individuals and entities some of which were involved in a sophisticated scheme to embezzle funds and defraud the AMEC's Ministerial Retirement Annuity Plan. Other defendants named in the complaint are cross-defendant Symetra Financial Corporation, and third-party defendants Robert Eaton, Jarrod Erwin, Randall Erwin, Financial Freedom Group, Inc., Motorskill Asia Venture Group, Motorskill Asia Ventures 1, LP, Motorskill Venture Group, Motorskill Ventures 1, LP, and Rodney Brown & Company. The nine-count complaint (2:22-cv-02136) was filed in United States District Court for the Western District of Tennessee in Memphis.
Texas Southern University announces partnership to study connection between struggle for liberation and equality in India and United States
Texas Southern University and the Foundation for India Studies announced the establishment of an India Studies program for the TSU Graduate School. This partnership promotes the study of India in the United States, particularly in the Houston region.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Awards $4.8 Million in Recreational Trail Grants to Texas Communities
During Thursday’s meeting, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved more than $4.8 million dollars in grants funding 17 motorized and non-motorized recreational trail-related projects across the state.
Harris Health System Begins a $16 Million Makeover of Casa de Amigos Health Center
Harris Health System will soon begin a $16 million renovation and expansion project to transform Harris Health Casa de Amigos Health Center into a ‘healthcare beacon’ in Houston’s historic Northside. Once completed, the 29,000-square-foot facility will include 3,000 more square feet of space, a new entrance and exterior.
Harris County Attorney Christian D Menefee Statement on Uvalde Shooting
Below is a statement from Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee regarding the shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas.
Mass Murders are a Great American Tragedy—Our Lack of Will to Pass Sensible Gun Safety Laws is a Great American Failure
“In addition to sending our thoughts and prayers to the grieving, we must send people to state and federal legislatures who will vote for sensible gun safety laws. While the murder of innocent lives is a tragedy that should not and must not be minimized under any circumstance, the mass murder of innocent babies is unconscionable. What happened at a school in my home state of Texas has circumvented the natural order of life and robbed families of precious moments to hug their babies, cherish their love, kiss them goodnight, celebrate another birthday, watch them grow up, and pursue their dreams.”
Two-Year Anniversary of George Floyd’s Murder, a Seminal Moment in Time Says Congressman Al Green
On Wednesday, May 25, 2022, Congressman Al Green released the following statement: “On this day two years ago, people across the length and breadth of our nation answered the clarion call to reform policing and demanded justice for Mr. George Floyd. In the wake of Mr. Floyd’s tragic murder at the knee of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, peaceful protestation revealed to the world that Black lives indeed matter and have always mattered.
NHMC Mourns Murdered Niños and Teachers After Tragedy Strikes Again in Texas
For Our Children’s Safety Congress Needs to Hear from You Today!
There are no words to describe the heartbreak NHMC feels as we begin to mourn alongside the Uvalde community for the 21 innocent lives lost, the majority of which were Brown children, in yesterday’s senseless and preventable shooting in the predominantly Latino American town in Texas. We cannot continue on with business as usual - or become numb to the fact - that our niños are being murdered, and our government does nothing to stop or prevent it.
Remarks by President Biden on the School Shooting in Uvalde, Texas
THE PRESIDENT: Good evening, fellow Americans. I had hoped, when I became President, I would not have to do this again. Another massacre. Uvalde, Texas. An elementary school. Beautiful, innocent second, third, fourth graders. And how many scores of little children who witnessed what happened see their friends die as if they're on a battlefield, for God's sake. They'll live with it the rest of their lives. There’s a lot we don’t know yet, but there’s a lot we do know.
Federal Trade Commission Launches Inquiry into Infant Formula Crisis
Today, the Federal Trade Commission staff launched an inquiry into the ongoing shortage for infant formula that has caused hardship for countless American families. The inquiry seeks information about the nature and prevalence of any deceptive, fraudulent, or otherwise unfair business practices aimed at taking advantage of families during this shortage. It also aims to shed light on the factors that have led to concentration in the infant formula market and the fragility of the supply chains for these crucial products. FTC Chair Lina M. Khan released a statement in conjunction with the public inquiry committing to a series of actions to confront this crisis.
People For: Biden Policing EO Would Fall Short
Following reports that President Biden will sign an Executive Order on police use of force tomorrow, on the anniversary of George Floyd’s death, People For the American Way President Ben Jealous released the following statement:
Black Real Estate Professionals Recruit Black Appraisers to Combat Bias, Declare War on Black Homeownership Gap
When a former client of leading Black real estate broker Donnell Williams was about to get his house refinanced in Wharton, New Jersey, Williams quoted him as asking, “‘Should I have my White friend come over and open up the door for the appraiser?’”
Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee Responds to Election Day Lawsuit
Today the Harris County Republican Party and its chair filed an emergency lawsuit in the Texas Supreme Court asking the Court to block the Harris County Election Administrator’s plan to drop off ballots and election information at the central counting station after the polls close tonight.
Speaking of Theories...
Marcel Verdier’s 1840s painting, “Punishment of the Four Stakes/Pegs in the Colonies,” depicts an enslaved Black man, staked naked and spread-eagle face down on the ground as he is whipped by another enslaved man, while a white planter, joined by his wife and infant child casually look on. This painting speaks to the power of the white man and the helplessness of the Black man. This painting initially was created for an exhibition in Paris, France, in the mid-1800s. But the exhibition jury rejected it because it was thought that its harsh theme would offend the colonial ambassadors in Paris at the time. It now hangs in a museum in Texas.
Poke-A-Dot Organizer Puts a Customizable Spin on Stashing, Storing Items
Say goodbye to crushed or cluttered products
Finding a quality organizer for cosmetics, craft and school supplies, junk drawer items and other objects that seem to end up all over the place is like trying to find a needle in a haystack. The slots that come embedded in the trays often aren’t long or wide enough to hold your products or there’s just not enough slots to hold everything you want to store in one place. The patented Poke-A-Dot Organizer is an innovative, completely customizable organizational tool to help hold and secure items.
Rapist sentenced to 37 years in prison
A 38-year-old Houston man who raped a woman after using the internet to lure her to a motel has been sentenced to 37 years in prison, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced Tuesday.
Indiggo Announces the 2022 ROL100™ Ranking in Partnership with Fortune
How do companies like Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, and UPS rank in Return On Leadership®
Today, Indiggo announced the 2nd annual ROL100™ ranking in partnership with Fortune.
USDA Invests $770 Million to Expand Market Opportunities for Rural Businesses and People in 36 States and Puerto Rico
122 Projects Will Help People in Socially Vulnerable Communities
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced that the Department is investing $770 million to help create new and better market opportunities (PDF, 366 KB) for rural businesses and people in 36 states and Puerto Rico. The investments include $640 million for 122 projects to help people living in socially vulnerable communities.
MAC Venture Capital Closes Seed Round of Award-Winning Startup AMP Global Technologies with $2 Million Vote of Confidence
Game-changing VC backed by Hollywood’s hottest new studio throws its weight behind Africa’s first blockchain-based entertainment platform
MaC Venture Capital – an LA-based seed-stage VC that invests in visionary founders – has just closed out the $5.6 Million Seed round of African startup AMP Global Technologies, with a healthy $2 Million investment. MaC is affiliated with the entertainment juggernaut MACRO, which has garnered 15 Oscar nominations and 3 wins since its inception in 2015.
Renowned Chef and Humanitarian José Andrés to Receive Service to America Leadership Award
Andrés will be honored during in-person ceremony on June 7, 2022, in Washington D.C.
The National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation (NABLF) will present esteemed chef and humanitarian José Andrés with the Service to America Leadership Award, the Foundation’s highest individual honor. The award, which honors an individual’s commitment to advocacy and public service, will be presented during the Celebration of Service to America Awards on June 7 at The Anthem in Washington, D.C.
SECU Foundation Awards $200,000 Grant for UNCF Emergency Student Aid Program
Earlier this month, SECU Foundation announced a $200,000 grant for UNCF (United Negro College Fund) to provide emergency financial assistance for students attending one of the state’s five Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) within the University of North Carolina System. The grant will support UNCF’s Emergency Student Aid program to ensure college students impacted by the pandemic or other unexpected hardships remain on track to graduate.
Beto Says There's No Crisis At The Border, But Mayors Disagree
BETO O’ROURKE: “I commit that I would never activate the National Guard unless there were a real emergency or a real crisis that necessitated their service.
Fire Safety Tips for July 4th
Celebrating the Fourth of July can be fun for the whole family, but the threat of fire lurks with every lit firework or grill. Here are some fire safety tips from First Alert to ensure you are prepared for the unexpected.
Blaffer Art Museum Announces Departure of Curator Tyler Blackwell, National Search for New Curator
The Blaffer Art Museum at the University of Houston announces the impending departure of Cynthia Woods Mitchell Associate Curator Tyler Blackwell, who will leave the Blaffer in July 2022 to begin a new position as Curator of Contemporary Art at the Speed Art Museum in Louisville, KY. The Blaffer also announces a national search for a new curator, set to commence this summer.
Millennial Entrepreneur on Working with Sommer Ray & Tackling the Taboo of Sexual Wellness
Attorney, co-founder of Imaraïs Beauty (by Sommer Ray), millennial entrepreneur Felicia Hershenhorn is making a serum for sex AKA Play Primer (available July 2022) that’s as chic as your BFF’s designer lipstick, the next step in your self-care routine (basically a skin-serum for your vagina), and CBD-infused for bigger, better, and faster orgasms.
Congressman Al Green Joins Congressman Dean Phillips to Introduce Legislation to Strengthen the State Small Business Credit Initiative
On Tuesday, May 24, 2022, Congressman Al Green released the following statement:
Galveston Island Job Fair Tomorrow
Catch the Wave of Change at this year’s 15th Annual Oceans of Opportunities Job Fair on Wednesday, May 25th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Galveston Island Convention Center at the Saint Luis Resort.
Harris County Attorney Introduces Regulations for Resale of Catalytic Converters
At today’s Commissioners Court meeting Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee will present an update to the Harris County metal recycling regulations to address the reselling of stolen catalytic converters.
The Women’s Fund for Health Education and Resiliency Hosts 7th Annual Wine Dinner
The aroma of rich and harmonious wine along with culinary delights and entertainment united more than 200 supporters and guests on the vine for The Women’s Fund for Health Education and Resiliency and its 7th Annual Wine Dinner at Tony’s on Tuesday, May 17, 2022. The Wine Dinner, presented by The Durdin Family and Parkway Family Chevrolet, Mazda and Kia, raised more than $205,000 to ensure Houston-area women and girls have free access to tools they need to be advocates for their health through classes, workshops, lectures, and publications focused on physical, mental, financial, emotional, health, and wellness.
Robert Earl Keen's World Tour of Texas Incudes Texas Uprising in Houston on August 20
The road is ending soon. Legendary Texas songwriter and entertainer Robert Earl Keen will wrap up 41 years on the road with the final leg of his final tour in his home state of Texas from August 4 - September 4.