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Stop "Othering"
I wondered how long expressions of empathy would continue to be front and center in the minds of Americans following the hate-fueled multiple murders of Asian women in and near Atlanta, Georgia.
Congressman Al Green Hosts #StopAsianHate Press Conference in Houston’s Chinatown
On Friday, April 2, 2021, Congressman Al Green hosted a press conference in Houston’s Chinatown with local and state elected officials as well as community leaders to condemn anti-Asian violence and discrimination. Congressman Green traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, on Sunday, March 28, 2021, with fellow CAPAC members to visit the sites of the March 16 shootings and to meet with two of the victims’ families. He has also spoken out against the recent physical attack on a 65-year-old Asian woman in Manhattan.
The Houston Texans Surprise Three Local Nonprofits with $10,000 Grants to Help Close the Digital Divide
Earlier today the Houston Texans awarded $10,000 grants to the Chinese Community Center, Urban Enrichment Institute and The Pangea Network through the United Way of Greater Houston to help close the digital divide across the Houston community. The “digital divide” is defined as the gulf between those who have ready access to computers and the internet, and those who do not. These grants will assist with providing access to the technology needed to help close this gap and is part of the National Football League’s efforts to close the digital divide in communities across the country.
$4.5M Gift Supports Student, Faculty Success and New Lecture Series on Equity and Social Justice
Transformative Gift Initiates First Matching Gift by ‘$100 Million Challenge’ for Total Impact of at Least $6.5M
The University of Houston has received a $4.5 million gift from the Thomas Michael Panos Family Estate to establish an endowed chair in the Cullen College of Engineering; a scholarship endowment available to students throughout the University; and an endowed lecture series focused on equity and social justice, which will reside in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. An additional $2 million has been matched by the University’s new “$100 Million Challenge” Aspire Fund. This is the first matched gift since the fund was established, making the total impact of the Panos Family Estate gift at least $6.5 million.
NAACP Condemns UT Fight Song "Eyes of Texas"
The Houston NAACP is out front on major matters facing the African American community and the community at large!
Harris County teen writers, artists earn 80 National Scholastic Art & Writing Medals, Scholarships
The creative works of 70 teen writers and artists from 13 Harris County school districts and 10 private schools were recognized this month during the 98th annual National Scholastic Art & Writing Awards 2021, judged in New York City. Seventy-five national medals and five scholarships were awarded to the area youth who earned regional Gold Key Awards earlier this year during a competition sponsored by Harris County Department of Education.
Governor Abbott Provides Update On Operation Lone Star In Weslaco
Governor Greg Abbott today held a press conference in Weslaco where he provided an update on Texas’ response to the humanitarian crisis at the southern border through Operation Lone Star. Prior to the press conference, the Governor received a briefing from the Texas Department of Public Safety and local law enforcement on the ongoing crisis at the border.
Texas A&M AgriLife expert shares advice to safely eliminate pests, protect your family
Now that spring weather finally arrived across the state, many Texans are preparing for spring cleaning.
Governor Abbott Appoints McAdams To Public Utility Commission Of Texas
Governor Greg Abbott has appointed Will McAdams to the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) for a term set to expire September 1, 2025. PUC regulates the state's electric, telecommunication, and water and sewer utilities, implements respective legislation, and offers customer assistance in resolving consumer complaints.
Construction Complete on the Greens Bayou Glen Forest and Kuykendahl Stormwater Detention Basins
The Harris County Flood Control District has completed construction of the Glen Forest and Kuykendahl Stormwater Detention Basins, located in Greens Bayou. The two stormwater detention basins were funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency through the Hurricane Ike Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. The Flood Control District matched the $39.2 million award, bringing the total cost of construction to $63.7 million.
Building A Life Together
Life Priorities for Newlyweds
For future brides and grooms and recent newlyweds, combining assets under one roof takes more than a moving van and space for all their belongings. Every couple planning to build a life together should take prudent actions to protect their future.
MOVE Texas on the Passage of Voter Suppressing SB 7
Today, after Senate Bill 7 passed the Texas Senate, MOVE Texas released a statement rebuking the bill and the legislators complicit in shepherding in restrictive, discriminatory anti-voter legislation that will disproportionately harm Black and brown voters, disabled, elderly and low-income voters.
Black Owned Hair Care Line, My Curl Products, Is Changing The Natural Hair Game During The Pandemic By Offering At Home Solutions To Help People Around The World Maintain Their Hair With Virtual One-O
My Curl Products is a black-owned hair care line that's making life easier for women and men to care for their curls during the pandemic. By offering premium salon-grade products and access to professional hairstylists to answer your specific questions, their team ensures that you get the support you need to maintain and style your hair successfully.
Commissioner Rodney Ellis: “We must create an equity framework for relief from the economic impacts of the pandemic”
Following the passage of President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, which includes more than $900 million in direct aid to Harris County, Precinct One Commissioner Rodney Ellis is advocating for an equity framework to ensure that these funds effectively address the needs of Harris County residents most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rebuilding Together and The Home Depot Foundation Supporting Historic Winter Storms Relief Efforts in Houston
Local Support Focuses on Homes with Broken Pipes and No Water
The damage caused by the Texas winter storms left numerous homeowners with damaged pipes and no running water weeks after the historic cold weather. The Home Depot Foundation and Rebuilding Together are once again joining forces to help struggling Houstonians get their pipes fixed and water back on so residents can recover from the devastating damage caused by the extreme cold weather.
Garcia Hamilton & Associates Gives Houston Area Families A $250.00 H-E-B Gift Cards
120 Gift Cards Provided To Community and Baptist Ministers
On Tuesday, March 30, 2021, Gil- bert Garcia of Garcia Hamilton and Associates along with H-E-B provided 120 underserved families with a $250 H-E-B gift card to assist them during these challenging times from the pandemic to the recent winter storm.
Mellow Mushroom Announces Open Patio Season
Mellow Mushroom announces new spring menu.
EXPERIENCE THE GREAT OUTDOORS AT CANYON MADNESS RANCH IN NEW MEXICO
Experience Canyon Madness Ranch, a truly luxurious outdoor playground that is spectacularly beautiful and tranquil.
GM Increasing Ad Spend in Black-Owned Media by 400%
Automaker cancels meeting with group of seven publishers. Will now hold a series of small meetings with more media executives “ASAP”
Facing charges of “systemic racism,” General Motors Wednesday evening announced a 400% increase in ad spending in Black-owned media by 2023.
A Check Up For NAACP President Derrick Johnson
We understand that Mr. Johnson, as President of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), serves at the pleasure of the National Board that appointed him. But we also understand that this national association is, and always has been, as strong as its members. The members are hardworking volunteers who have replicated themselves in service for more than 100 years. Within each Chapter or Branch, people have been elected to serve as presidents of those units because of the faith in their service and leadership.
The Seven Last Words of George Floyd
The commemoration of Good Friday is a solemn and holy event for Christians. We cannot get to the resurrection of Jesus Christ without traversing through the crucifixion, death, and burial of God’s only begotten son. One of the dividing lines among Christian traditions is the context of Jesus’s Passion and death. When we separate Jesus from His worldly environment and circumstances—being persecuted as a Jewish teacher by a foreign empire and betrayed by compatriots who were threatened by His message and witness—we lose sight that Jesus, both fully God and man, was gruesomely murdered.
Texas’ Highest Criminal Court Agrees to Review Crystal Mason Case
Texas Mom Had Been Sentenced to Five Years for Submitting a Provisional Ballot That Was Never Counted
The Court of Criminal Appeals today granted review of the case of Crystal Mason, who was sentenced to five years in prison for filling out a provisional ballot that was never counted in the 2016 election.
Free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program Returns Virtually; Offering Extended Service
This is the 18th year for the College of Business to provide the tax prep service.
Accounting professors and graduate students enrolled in business accounting courses at Prairie View A&M University’s College of Business are once again helping to prepare federal tax returns for the public. Due to the pandemic, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is being carried online with virtual clinic hours on Thursdays.
H-E-B ISSUES Texas-Wide Call for Entries
Quest for Texas Best 2021 expands beyond food products
Now in its eighth year, H-E-B Quest for Texas Best has expanded its search for the finest foods and beverages in the Lone Star State to also include non-food items. In addition to food creators and innovators, Texas-based purveyors of beauty items, toys, home goods, household necessities, gardening supplies, coolers and everything in between are now invited to join!
Black Restaurant Week– Houston Serves Up Heritage with No Crumb Left Behind Campaign
National culinary event continues to generate economic and social support for Black-owned businesses with coast-to-coast and international market expansion
Black Restaurant Week, LLC, hosts its campaign in Houston. The national culinary and cultural campaign celebrates the flavors of African American, African, and Caribbean cuisine with a regional showcase in Houston. Black Restaurant Week is also celebrating six years of service. Since 2015, Black Restaurant Week has developed its multi-city culinary movement of community and culture as it relates to supporting black-owned businesses and talent within the food and beverage industries. The palate-pleasing showcase begins in Houston from Friday, March 12 to Sunday, March 21.
McDonald's Names Desiree Ralls-Morrison as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary
McDonald's Corporation (NYSE: MCD) announced today that Desiree Ralls-Morrison has been named the company's General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, overseeing global legal operations and corporate governance. Ralls-Morrison will start on April 26, 2021 and will be based at the company's Chicago headquarters in the West Loop.
Comcast Commits to Investing $1 Billion Over Next 10 Years to Reach 50 Million Low-Income Americans with Tools and Resources to Succeed in Digital World
Comcast’s Internet Essentials Program Has Now Connected More Than 10 Million People Over the Past 10 Years
On the 10th anniversary of its Internet Essentials program, Comcast today announced it would invest $1 billion over the next 10 years to help further close the digital divide and give even more low-income Americans the tools and resources they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world.
Jehovah’s Witnesses Invite the Public to a Special Talk
Growing up in a musical family, Raymond Maynard, of Bryan, was determined to seek stardom, but the time spent in that quest would not compare to the “priceless pearl” he would later find.
Amanda Edwards, Founder Of Be The Solution Announces Virtual Event To Empower Women
Empowering Women During Womens History Month
Former Houston City Council Member Amanda Edwards’ new 501(c)(3) organization - Be The Solution: Community Empowerment Organization will host the virtual event: “An Evening of Women’s Empowerment: The 2021 Women’s Renaissance” to take place on Tuesday, March 30 from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. in honor of Women’s History Month.
IRS, Treasury Has Disbursed 90 Million Economic Impact Payments From The American Rescue Plan
Today, the Internal Revenue Ser- vice, the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the Bureau of the Fiscal Service announced they disbursed approximately 90 million Economic Impact Payments from the American Rescue Plan. As announced last week, Economic Impact Payments are rolling out in tranches to millions of Americans in the coming weeks.
America Should Listen To Stacey Abrams’ Warnings About ‘Racist’ Election Laws
“Jim Crow Laws, Now In A Business Suit”
Stacey Abrams’ stark warning about Georgia’s new election bill being racist is shining a spotlight on a nationwide battle over whose voices will be heard at the ballot box, as Republicans around the country try to suppress voting rights.
NTEE BACKED BY A Colored YMCA, Bagby Street YMCA 555 GRACE: A Trilogy Of Our Past
AA’s Contributed To Social Work Through Colored YMCA
If you love books that enlighten you on Houston’s forgotten past, then you are in for a treat, with an extraordinary historical trilogy by author Priscilla Graham. In these books, Houston’s YMCA for Negros trilogy Boxed Set: Colored YMCA, Bagby Street YMCA, and 555 Grace: The Black YMC Genii – Graham pulls back the curtain on the early days of the Young Men’s Christian Association and shares the true history of its inception in Houston, Texas. Each book focuses on only one specific location during that time in history and contains a stunning array of archival and contemporary photos that peels away the many layers of Houston’s Af- rican-American YMCAs.
There Is NO Place For Hate
Representative Gene Wu Responds To Hate Crimes Against Asian American Communities
State Representative Gene Wu responds to hate crimes against Asian American communities. There have been nearly 3,800 instanc- es of discrimination reported against Asian Americans in the past year and many more are not being reported. The Mexican American Legislative Caucus stands with Representative Wu in sup- port of HCR 66 Condemning Violence and Hate Against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) in Texas.
Mayor Turner On Asian Attacks
Houston Mayor Responds To The Hate Crimes Against Asian American Pacific Islanders Communities
At my request, the Houston Police Department is increasing patrols beginning today near homes and businesses in Houston’s Asian commu- nity. We are taking these steps following the violence in Atlanta and acts of hate against Asian-Americans nationwide. HPD assures me that there are no credible threats in Houston, nor has our city experienced an increase in hate crimes reported against Asian-Americans. However, I understand that many of our neighbors are concerned and fearful for their safety.
Texas Republicans’ Voters Discriminatory Bill – SB7
A newly proposed bill – SB7 introduced in the Texas Senate this week marked as a priority from the Texas Governor Greg Abbott would ban voting measures Harris County implemented or attempted to implement in 2020.
Houston - Mayor Sylvester Turner has named Houston native and 31-year Houston Police Department veteran, Executive Chief Troy Finner, to serve as the City’s next Police Chief
Chief Finner began his career with the Houston Police Department in 1990 and has worked in every aspect of the department, serving the citizens of Houston in the Office of Public Affairs, Southwest Division, South Gessner Division, and the Internal Investigation Command. Chief Finner has also worked as Assistant Chief of South Patrol Command.
Here's what we know about the metro Atlanta spa shootings that left 8 dead
At least eight people were found dead at three different spas in the Atlanta area Tuesday. Police say video evidence has led them to believe the same suspect, Robert Aaron Long, is responsible for all three shootings.
Commissioner Rodney Ellis Issues Statement on SB7
“Senate Bill 7 is a voter suppression bill, plain and simple. It pulls straight from the Jim Crow playbook, targeting communities of color to silence their voices.
The race between variants and vaccines in US will be a close call, expert warns, and eased restrictions aren't helping
Experts say there's a tough race between Covid-19 vaccinations and a contagious variant that's rapidly spreading across the US, threatening another dangerous surge -- and the eased restrictions only further complicate things.
PVAMU’s College of Business to launch Doctor of Business Administration degree this fall
Business executives seeking to bolster their analytical and research skills, better leverage big data, or pivot into a career in academia without leaving their day jobs will soon have the opportunity, thanks to a new doctoral program offered at the Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU) College of Business (COB).
Assistance May Be Available from Other Sources if FEMA Cannot Help
Not all survivors of February’s storms are eligible for FEMA assistance. Others may be eligible for some aid, but for less than they need. Where can these survivors turn for help? Whom can they call?
HARRIS COUNTY Announces $550K In Grants To Combat Food Insecurity
Healthy, fresh food should be affordable and accessible to everyone. Unfortunately, that is not the case for many Harris County residents. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, an estimated 738,140 people in Harris County were considered food insecure, and at least 286,000 live in a food desert. As of January 2021, there are 360,000 children in Harris County experiencing food insecurity.
Backstage At The 63rd GRAMMY’s: DaBaby Describes His Reaction To Being Nominated For 4 GRAMMYs
The 2021 GRAMMY Awards show performer lineup will also include performances from Black Pumas, Cardi B, Brandi Carlile, DaBaby, Doja Cat, Mickey Guyton, Haim, Brittany Howard, Miranda Lambert, Lil Baby, Chris Martin, John Mayer, Post Malone and more.
Congressman Al Green Delivers Billions For Small Businesses, Fair Housing & More In America Rescue Plan
On this past Wednesday, March 10, 2021, Con- gressman Al Green released the following statement after the final House passage of the American Rescue Plan:
Harris County Files Amicas Brief With Texas Supreme Court Opposing Sovereign Immunity For ERCOT
Prolonged Blackouts Caused The Deaths of Nearly 80 Texans
Today, the Harris County Attorney’s Office (HCAO) filed an amicus (friend of the court) brief with the Texas Supreme Court opposing the Electricity Reliability Cooperative of Texas’s (ERCOT) argument that it is en- titled to governmental immunity (which would bar most people from suing ER- COT). The brief warns were the court to grant the ERCOT immunity, ERCOT could use that ruling to oppose lawsuits by residents in the wake of Winter Storm Uri and the collapse of the energy grid.
As An Essential Service Provider – H-E-B Customer Mask Use Will Remain A Priority
Supporting Seniors During Aftermath Of The Winter Ice Storms
At H-E-B, our top priority is protecting the health and safety of our Partners, customers and the communities we serve.
Texas Department Of Criminal Justice To Resume In-Person Visitation
Beginning Monday, March 15, 2021, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice will resume in-person visitation at all units statewide. Visitors on official visitation lists may begin registering for Face 2 Face in-person visitation times starting Wednesday, March 10, 2021, at 8:00 a.m. by calling the unit of assignment of the inmate they would like to visit. In coming days, the call-in scheduling system will be replaced by an on-line visit booking system.
Thompson San Antonio: San Antonio’s New Luxury Lifestyle Hotel
The Thompson San Antonio opens today, ushering in a contemporary new vision to a tourist Texas destination.
H-E-B Quest for Texas Best 2021 call for entries now open
The annual competition expands beyond food products to include submissions for non-food items
Now in its eighth year, H-E-B Quest for Texas Best has expanded its search for the finest foods and beverages in the Lone Star State to also include non-food items. In addition to food creators and innovators, Texas-based purveyors of beauty items, toys, home goods, household necessities, gardening supplies, coolers and everything in between are now invited to join! The call for entries is now open, and submissions will be accepted February 24th through April 7th. Qualified participants will compete for a combined $70,000 in cash prizes and the opportunity to feature their product on H-E-B shelves across the state.
Harris County Announces $550K in Grants to Combat Food Insecurity, Food Deserts
The Healthy Food Financing Initiative Will Award 6 Grants in its First Round
Healthy, fresh food should be affordable and accessible to everyone. Unfortunately, that is not the case for many Harris County residents. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, an estimated 738,140 people in Harris County were considered food insecure, and at least 286,000 live in a food desert. As of January 2021, there are 360,000 children in Harris County experiencing food insecurity.