572021 Tamale Festival Houston - Sat. 12/18
Outdoor festival to feature tamales, live family-friendly entertainment and more!
2021 Tamale Festival Houston has been rescheduled and will now take place on Saturday, December 18 from 11AM-6PM at East River.
Danish Minister of Environment Visits PVAMU Campus
On Monday, November 29, 2021, the Danish Minister of Environment, Lea Wermelin, the Royal Consulate General of Denmark, and Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) College of Agriculture and Human Sciences Dean and Director of Land Grant Programs, Gerard D’Souza, Ph.D., met to establish a partnership between the college and the agency.
Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Texas Southern University President Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young Officially Announce Completion of Cleburne Street Construction
Citing the need for safe, quality roads in underserved communities, Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Texas Southern University President Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young officially celebrated the completion of a $12 million construction project on Cleburne Street that includes a shared-use path on both sides for pedestrians and cyclists.
Right Wing Judges Put Millions’ Rights and Access to Health Care at Risk
The political and legal movement to criminalize abortion in the U.S. is on the brink of its biggest victory in 50 years. Most at risk are those who are already among the most vulnerable in our country: Black and brown women and LGBTQ people who will be denied access to potentially lifesaving health care.
Remembering the Life of Eric Hoffman Lawson
Born in St. Louis on July 15, 1959, Eric Hoffman Lawson is the third child and only son of Audrey Hoffman Lawson and William Alexander Lawson. While Eric was a toddler, his parents and eleven others founded Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in the family living room. Like his siblings, young Eric was baptized by his father and began a lifelong membership at Wheeler Avenue. He was a member of the Chapel Choir, Communications Corps, and Boy Scout Troup 242, becoming an Eagle Scout at the age of fourteen.
Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation Surprises Student with the 100,000th My Home Library
Gift marks program milestone and a total of 600,000 books distributed since inception, a $3 million investment
TOMORROW, Friday, December 10, the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation will give the gift of reading and officially distribute the 100,000th My Home Library. The Foundation in partnership with HISD will surprise a lucky Scarborough Elementary 3rd grade student with a home library of six new books in a special event to be held at Scarborough Elementary School in HISD.
CHD’s Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Reveals Fauci’s AIDS Bungling in the Runaway Bestseller ‘The Real Anthony Fauci’
Washington, DC - In his new bestselling book The Real Anthony Fauci: Bill Gates, Big Pharma and the Global War on Democracy and Public Health, Children’s Health Defense board chair and lead counsel Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. provides readers with previously little-known information on Dr. Fauci’s handling of pandemics prior to COVID including the AIDS epidemic.
Several Houston Area Non-profits Will Brighten the Holidays for Hundreds of Middle School Students While Providing Vital Information and Resources to Parents
The Earl Carl Institute, the lead organization in the Safe and Supportive Schools Collaborative (SSSC) will host a Holiday Gift Giveaway for students at Baylor College of Medicine Academy at Ryan Middle School on Saturday, December 11, 2021 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Brain stimulation device enables new understanding of OCD
A team of researchers surgically implanted brain stimulators in patients with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) to not only treat their disabling symptoms but also – for the first time – to simultaneously record and wirelessly stream brain signals. All five patients, whose OCD symptoms were severe and resistant to conventional therapy, have enjoyed significant improvement. In addition, the novel recordings have helped explain the relationship between brain activity and OCD symptoms. Their findings were recently published in Nature Medicine.
Top Harris County Prosecutor Running for Texas’ Highest Criminal Court
Challenges Sitting Judge
A Harris County Prosecutor announced his run for Place 5 on Texas’ Court of Criminal Appeals this week.
Houston native serves aboard USS Carl Vinson
viation Electrician’s Mate Airman Lopez Cervantes, a native of Houston, conducts maintenance in the hangar bay of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), Dec. 6, 2021. Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is on a scheduled deployment in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations to enhance interoperability through alliances and partnerships while serving as a ready-response force in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Apprentice Micheal Mensah)
Over 600 students set to receive degrees at PVAMU’s 26th Fall Commencement Convocation
The sky is the limit for 642 students who will soon walk across the stage at PVAMU’s 26th Fall Commencement Convocation this Saturday, which features award-winning actress, playwright, and scholar Anna Deavere Smith as speaker. This number of graduating students includes seven doctoral, 113 master’s and 522 bachelor’s candidates, which will bring PVAMU’s total alumni count to 79,205 Proud and Productive Panthers.
2022 RodeoHouston® Star Entertainer Genre Calendar
Today, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo unveiled the 2022 RODEOHOUSTON star entertainer genre calendar for the 90th anniversary celebration, scheduled for Feb. 28 – March 20.
National Black Business Chamber champion Harry C. Alford dies
It is with great sadness that our Warrior Leader and President/CEO and Co-Founder of the National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), Harry C. Alford, transitioned Monday, December 6, in Washington, DC. He was preceded in death by his wife, Kay DeBow, Vice President and Co-Founder of the National Black Chamber five months ago.
Microplastic pollution aids antibiotic resistance
Engineers at Rice lead study of how polystyrene contributes to crisis
The Styrofoam container that holds your takeout cheeseburger may contribute to the population’s growing resistance to antibiotics.
HISD hosting virtual COVID-19 vaccination town halls
COVID-19 vaccinations have been approved for children ages five and up. To answer any questions, HISD is hosting two virtual town halls providing the community the opportunity to ask vaccine questions to a panel that includes a school parent and local public health experts. One town hall will be in English and the other in Spanish.
Harris County District Attorney’s Office supports partnership to prevent sexual assault and support survivors at area colleges and universities
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office provided $165,000 to help fund a new partnership to make qualified sexual assault nurse examiners available on demand to seven area universities, District Attorney Kim Ogg announced at a press conference at Rice University on Thursday.
Perry Homes Announces New Section of Homes in Jordan Ranch
Homebuilder Adds 40-foot Homesites to Current Offerings
Texas-based homebuilder Perry Homes has opened for sales in a new section in Jordan Ranch, a master-planned community by Johnson Development Corporation in Brookshire. The new section includes 40-foot homesites, with prices starting from the low $300,000s.
EPA Announces Over $507 Million in Water Infrastructure Funding for Texas Through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, Calls for Prioritizing Underserved Communities
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael S. Regan announced funding that states, Tribes, and territories will receive in 2022 through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This funding, provided through EPA’s State Revolving Fund (SRF) programs, will create jobs while upgrading America’s aging water infrastructure and addressing key challenges like lead in drinking water and per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination.
Rapper Jeezy, Luxury Designers Joined Friendly Faces Senior Care for Charity Benefit Tonight at Bisou
Friendly Faces Senior Care hosted an elegant “Glitz & Glam” charity event tonight at Bisou that featured Rapper Jeezy and celebrity and luxury designers to benefit The Doll Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization which provides support and resources for local seniors and caregivers in need!
Red Cross kicks off #LeadLikeClara Campaign
In celebration of the 200th anniversary of American Red Cross founder Clara Barton's birth, the Red Cross Texas Gulf Coast Region issues a region-wide challenge to #LeadLikeClara.
Jackson State University featured in Pepsi Ad spotlighting HBCU band culture, celebrating SWAC championship game
The first commercial of its kind from Pepsi features top-ranked Jackson State University (JSU) and Florida A&M University (FAMU) marching bands.
Council Member Edward Pollard Announces New Food Insecurity Board to Fight Hunger in Houston
Council Member Edward Pollard announces the establishment of the new Food Insecurity Board, which was approved by a unanimous vote by Houston City Council.
People For Celebrates the Advancement of 12 Outstanding Judicial Nominees
Following today’s Senate Judiciary Committee mark-up advancing 12 of President Joe Biden’s circuit and district court nominees to the federal bench, People For the American Way President Ben Jealous released the following statement:
Mayor Sylvester Turner and Dr. Marc L. Boom To Be Honored by the American Leadership Forum
Awards Presented for Exceptional Leadership Service During the COVID-19 Crisis
The Houston/Gulf Coast Chapter of the American Leadership Forum (ALF) will honor Mayor Sylvester Turner and Dr. Marc L. Boom with the 2021 Joseph Jaworski Leadership Award and the 2021 ALF Public Service Award, respectively, at ALF’s signature Joseph Jaworksi Leadership Award event on Thursday, December 2nd.
100 Houston Children to Celebrate the Holidays at 6th Annual Year of Joy Holiday Ice Skating Party
The 6th annual H-E-B Year of Joy Holiday Ice Skating Party, the city’s only free ice-skating party for children from underserved communities, takes place 4 - 6 p.m. Tues., Dec., 14, at Green Mountain Energy Ice at Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney.
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority's National Educational Foundation Awards Historic $125,000 Founders' Centennial Scholarship
On December 1, 2021, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, an international women's service organization, and the Zeta National Educational Foundation, Inc. (ZNEF) announced that Janae Smith-Williams was awarded $125,000 as the recipient of its Triumphant Founder Pearl Anna Neal Centennial Scholarship. Applications for ZNEF 2022 scholarships for high school seniors, college and graduate students will open tomorrow, Dec. 2, 2021 at https://z-nefscholarships.smapply.org.
Congressman Veasey is Latest Texas Democrat to Call On CMS to Unfreeze Texas Hospital Safety Net Funding
Congressman Marc Veasey today joined four of his Democratic colleagues in calling for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to unfreeze federal Medicaid funding for Texas’ hospitals. Congresswoman Veronica Escobar and Congressmen Henry Cuellar, Vincente Gonzalez and Filemon Vela have also written letters to CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure expressing their concern over the impact this lack of funding will have on Texas’ most vulnerable populations.
HubSpot Invests $7.5 Million in Support of Minority Depository Institutions to Foster Economic Opportunities for Black Businesses, Families, and Communities
$7.5 million investment will support M&F Bank and The Harbor Bank of Maryland through J.P. Morgan Asset Management's Empower share class
Jekalyn Carr Returns To Host The Annual Stellar Tribute To The Holidays Special
Kierra Sheard Kelly, Mali Music, Charles Jenkins, Natalie Grant, Kelontae Gavin, Evvie Mckinney, Leon Timbo, Mark Kibble, Brandon Camphor And One Way Set To Perform
The holiday special is currently airing in National Broadcast Syndication through December 31, 2021 and will air on Bounce TV on December 25, 2021 at 1PM EST
D.C.'s Famous Capital City® Mambo Sauce Is Coming To KFC® Restaurants In Select Cities
The iconic D.C. sauce is available for a limited time at select KFC restaurants in the D.C. area, Dallas and Atlanta beginning December 6
D.C.'s famous Sweet Hot Capital City® mambo sauce is coming to select KFC restaurants in the Washington,D.C. area, Dallas and Atlanta for a limited time only beginning December 6. Known for its unique sweet, spicy and tangy flavor profile, Sweet Hot Capital City® mambo sauce perfectly complements KFC's world-famous fried chicken and your favorite sides!
AAMAs 16th Annual Gala to Celebrate Latino Luminaries who helped shape the Historical East End
The Association for the Advancement of Mexican Americans to celebrate 50 years of service to Houston at the George R. Brown Convention Center.
The legacy of Houston Latino leaders will be commemorated when the Association for the Advancement of Mexican Americans (AAMA) celebrates its Illumine Celebration/Celebración de Iluminación on Saturday, December 11, 2021, at the George R. Brown Convention Center from 6:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
SPLC Pledges $100 Million in Voter Engagement Programs in the Deep South through 2032
SPLC’s commitment represents a historic pledge of resources to amplify multi-racial, inclusive democracy initiatives
The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) today announced a $100 million reinvestment from its endowment to its Vote Your Voice program over the next decade – increasing its commitment by more than three-fold from the $30 million pledged initially in 2020 – for non-partisan voter outreach, democracy advocacy and civic engagement efforts across the Deep South. Through a collaborative partnership with the 70-year-old Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, the SPLC’s Vote Your Voice program supports organizations working in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi.
Right Wing Judges Put Millions’ Rights and Access to Health Care at Risk
The political and legal movement to criminalize abortion in the U.S. is on the brink of its biggest victory in 50 years. Most at risk are those who are already among the most vulnerable in our country: Black and brown women and LGBTQ people who will be denied access to potentially lifesaving health care.
Ari Lennox arrested in Amsterdam, cites racist treatment
American R&B singer Ari Lennox was arrested at Amsterdam Schiphol airport on Monday for disturbing public order, Dutch military police said after she had accused airline staff of racial discrimination.
An equal chance at a digital future
Public-private partnerships reach more “offline” low-income families
In a humble southwest Houston apartment, a mother of two was focused on her morning routine — settling down her school-aged children so that she could clear the breakfast table. These days, Saturday morning cartoons worked like magic, and so did her cell phone — but only when it was in the right spot for a strong signal. The connection was hit or miss, but there was no other option.
Designer Debra L. Mars Offers HBCU Santas and Black Nutcrackers for the Holidays
Designer and long-time Black Santa collector Debra L. Mars has added her own contribution to the canon by partnering with several HBCUs to offer Black Santas this holiday season.
Josephine Baker Becomes First Black Woman Inducted Into France's Pantheon
Josephine Baker — the U.S.-born entertainer, anti-Nazi spy and civil rights activist — was inducted into France's Pantheon on Tuesday, becoming the first Black woman to receive the nation’s highest honor.
Tesla Ordered to Pay Nearly $137M to Black Former Worker Who Claimed Racial Abuse
The Tesla Inc. must pay nearly $137 million to a Black former worker who said he suffered racial abuse at the electric carmaker’s San Francisco Bay Area factory.
Stores Are Pushing fora More Diverse Pool of Santas
Old Navy is launching a virtual “Santa BOOT Camp” on Friday to train would-be Kris Kringles of color in the art of spreading holiday cheer and make the ranks of the people who play the iconic Christmas character a little less white. But as conservative pundits and politicians stoke white grievance and a national battle rages over the teaching of critical race theory, one of the original Black Santas has some advice for the newbies who intend to don the red suit this season: Disarm the bigots with Christmas cheer.
Golf pioneer Lee Elder, who broke the race barrier at the Masters, dies at 87
Lee Elder, who was the first Black golfer to play at the Masters, died early Sunday morning at the age of 87. No cause or details about his death were immediately available, but the PGA Tour said it confirmed Elder's death with his family.
Bless the Belly: One of the Biggest Influencers
The year 2020 was filled with mass isolation and not being in the loop with things, especially the food loop. While opting for chain restaurants and fighting for food in the grocery store became so depressing, social media became a directory for food. Now in 2021, we learned how to eat with our eyes, and food is no longer just driven by taste but is an experience. One of the biggest influencers that assisted us in this movement was BlessThaBelly.
Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs Selects Two Houston Artists to Commission Photography and Sculpture Artwork for New Sunnyside Health and Multi-Service Center
The City of Houston Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs (MOCA) announced today the selection of two local artists whose work will become an integral part of the new Sunnyside Health and Multi-Service Center.
Harris County District Attorney’s Office supports partnership to prevent sexual assault and support survivors at area colleges and universities
The Harris County District Attorney’s Office provided $165,000 to help fund a new partnership to make qualified sexual assault nurse examiners available on demand to seven area universities, District Attorney Kim Ogg announced at a press conference at Rice University on Thursday.
Have You Checked Your Skin Lately? It Could Save Your Life?
It may sound dramatic, but skin checks save lives. They can also prevent or detect skin cancer early. This is especially important for Blacks who are more prone to certain skin conditions.
Katrina Burton Named President of the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA)
The members of the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) have elected Katrina R. Burton, BS, as the 2021-2022 President. As President, Burton will guide AMWA in fulfilling its mission to promote excellence in medical communication and to provide educational resources in support of that goal.
Verda Byrd Becomes An Advocate For Transracial Adoption Through 70 Years Of Blackness
After sharing her shocking story publicly, Verda Byrd, a white woman who found out she was black at the age of 70 years creates a multi-award winning documentary.
Center for a Humane Economy, Animal Wellness Action, The Cloud Foundation and TMR Rescue Partner to Save 14 Burros from Kill Pen
The animals were all placed for adoption by the Bureau of Land Management’s adoption programs, which put federally protected equines at risk of slaughter
The Center for a Humane Economy, and Animal Wellness Action, today announced their collaboration with TMR Rescue, Inc., a donkey rescue and sanctuary in Plantersville, Texas, to save 14 formerly wild burros, all titled by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), from going to slaughter in foreign meat plants.
Local Houston Story: Comedians Headkrack, B. Simone, B Tidy coming to University of Houston for Funny Money College Tour (Thursday 12/2)
Our Money Matters (OMM) is set to present its inaugural Funny Money College Tour (F$CT), a HBCU/MSI “edutainment” experience, with a diverse mix of comedians and financial wellness influencers on Thursday December 2, 2021, 6pm-8pm CT, at University of Houston, Student Center South Theater, 4455 University Drive, TX, 77204. OMM is a comprehensive financial wellness initiative created by The Historically Black Colleges & Universities Community Development Action Coalition (HBCU CDAC), launching at campuses of color all over the country.
Bring Texas State Parks Home for the Holidays with an Ornament, Souvenirs from the new Online Store
Find the perfect holiday gift for the outdoorsy person in your life at the new Texas State Park Online Store. The store, which is found on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s reservation website, features the official 2021 Texas State Park ornament, plus ornaments from previous years, magnets, hiking stick medallions, stickers and much more.