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Why We Still Love Michelle Obama
Former First Lady Michelle Obama grabbed us by the heart the minute she stepped on to the national stage. She became a role model for little girls and grown women too. Her presence just commands a certain type of respect when she enters any room. Her words gripped you right from the start and don’t let go until she is finished speaking. Her style is impeccable. Add on her love for Barack Obama and she has the full package. Here are just a few reasons we are still in love with Michelle Obama.
Harris County Commissioners Earmark $32 Million to Give Students Digital Access for New School Year
Having a good education can set an individual up to handle all kinds of opportunities in life. Access to this type of education is not always readily available to all students for a variety of reasons. Obstacles are unique for each generation. For students of today, the biggest problem is the lack of Internet access and/or digital devices.
America’s Problem: Protecting Students in Schools
School administrators across the nation are grappling with questions about one of the toughest decisions they have had to make in their educational careers, “How can they safety educate students amid a global pandemic?” Beyond student safety, they also have to consider the safety of faculty and staff.
Joya T. Hayes Takes Office As South Central Regional Director for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated®
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® has always been an organization that of times of crisis, the members respond by stepping up, serving, and continuing the business at hand. The global pandemic of COVID-19 might have delayed their efforts but did not stop them. Treading in uncharted waters, the sorority used its virtual platforms to hold the first virtual election where Joya T. Hayes was declared the South Central Regional Director and installed into office at the 69th international convention of the 112-year-old organization. Hayes now leads 10,000+ members in more than 120 undergraduate and graduate chapters in the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Texas in the second largest region of the sorority.
Evictions: Millions of Families in Financial Turmoil
The COVID-19 global pandemic is scary enough with just trying to stay healthy. Adding stress to that problem for many Americans is the lost of income as a result of layoffs and furloughs since many businesses had to close their doors. Lack of money on an already low-income family is compounded stress making the first of the month one of the scariest days ever.
Buffalo Soldiers National Museum Building Vandalized
The Buffalo Soldiers seeking answers in the wake of the defacing of the building that houses the national museum.
The Life and Legacy of Earl Lewis Thomas
BOOM! Earl Lewis Thomas was a force that no one wanted to challenge on the football field. The NFL defensive man was one of six that encompass the Seattle Seahawks’ Legion of Boom that put the team in the history books for their six consecutive seasons. The NFL, family, and friends are mourning the powerful wide receiver as Thomas passed away in Houston at the age of 71 succumbing to COVID-19 virus.
Will Texas Shut Down Again?
Several businesses have signs that require a shirt and shoes for service. Other businesses with drive-thru windows require one to be in a vehicle for service. Schools required visitors to check in the front office before visiting other parts of the school.
COVID-10 Stays In the Air Longer Than First Believe
For four months we have been glued to any news source trying to learn everything about what COVID-19 is, what are the symptoms, how it is treated, and most importantly, how to prevent it from getting infected by it. Wearing a mask has become our new fashion statement. Staying six-feet apart from the next person is second nature. Washing our hands is now a ritual. And touching our face is strictly forbidden.
Turner Requests the Shut Down of the Republican Convention
Mayor Sylvester Turner, in his quest to reduce the spread of COVID-19, has requested that the Texas Republican Convention scheduled in Houston at the George R. Brown Convention for July 16-18th be shut down.
Why You Should Want to Vote
George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Elijah McClain, Sandra Bland, Trayvon Martin, just the mention of their names alone ought to be enough to make you want to vote. When there are areas of town populated by Black and Brown people that lack adequate places to grocery shop, obtain healthcare, and play in parks than other areas of town populated by mainly Caucasian ought to be enough to make you want to vote.
Mayor Turner And 8 Texans Mayors Demand Mask Requirements From Gov. Abbott
Over the past few days Houston has set records and not the good kind. The number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city has been on a rise. The Memorial Day weekend and numerous protests have blamed in the spike. Social distancing and wearing masks has proven to be the most efficient way of combating the coronavirus. Governor Greg Abbott confirmed he supports such precautions in a press conference held earlier this week.
Black Fathers: The Heavy Weight On Their Minds
“Dad changed the world,” said a proud six-year-old Gianna, the youngest daughter of George Floyd, the Houston man who was killed by a former Minnesota police officer after he put his knee on the neck of Floyd for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. Most children are like Gianna in putting their dads on pedestals believing that they are fearless, strong, and will protect them at all cost. However, in the eyes of America, Black fathers are viewed in a different light making them have a bad wrap.
Remembering the Legend Dr. Thomas F. Freeman
Talk about a life well lived, Dr. Thomas F. Freeman did just that. Traversing on this earth for 100 years, the impact that he made on students, the community, and the world is long lasting. He was the epitome of a living, walking, legend.
Salute to the Class of 2020: Nothing Will Stand In Their Way
2020 has proven to be a year we will never forget. From the onset of a global pandemic to being quarantine for months to the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, 2020 has worn us out and we still have half a year left. The very way we have live our lives has been drastically altered.
Black America Is Burning With Pain
Before any fire can start, there must first be a stimulant. A fire is the result of a chemical reaction after carbon dioxide, water vapor, oxygen and nitrogen come together in a process called combustion. When a fire roars our bodies feel an intense burn from the heat it gives off. Our eyes are mesmerized by the orange and yellow colors that are reflected by a fire’s sparks and flames.
“We Got All Four”
“We got all four. We got all four,” was the rally cry that rang out around the world by protestors in Minneapolis, Minnesota as the four former officers involved in the death of George Floyd were finally arrested and charged with his murder. Derek Chauvin, Tou Thao, J. Alexander Kueng and Thomas Lane are all in custody awaiting trial.
Millions Show Selfishness By Not Social Distancing
How selfish can you be? There are 5.64 million confirmed cases of COVID-19 worldwide with the United States accounting for 1.72 million of them. Still you choose not to follow the rules. The US leads the world in the number of coronavirus deaths toppling over 100,000. Yet, still you choose not to follow the rules. Even though you know the coronavirus is a respiratory disease that is highly contagious and does not discriminate or show any mercy to those who are infected.
Contact Tracing: The New Tool in Fighting COVID-19
As a child, I remember playing a game called Connect the Dots. It was a game with the concept of drawing a line from one dot to another in chronically order to form a picture. What was just something for me to do is now a leading tool in the battle to flatten the curve and stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Friends vs. Foes: Know the Difference to Protect Yourself Against COVID-19
Whodini’s 1984 #4 single on the U.S. Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart questioned what a friend is. The group goes on to say that some use the word in the wrong way and even the dictionary doesn’t know the true meaning of the word. Perhaps, many of us don’t know the meaning of friends either.
Jogging While Black: Justice for Ahmaud Arbery
Imagine waking up energized and refreshed and you think it is a great day for a jog. You grab your workout gear to hit the ground running. After a quick warm-up, you pick up the pace, breathing in and out, and enjoy the peace. While running a father eyes you suspiciously, thinking you are the serial burglar terrorizing their “good community.” The father yells for his son to issue their brand of justice. Thirty-six seconds later, you lay on the ground in a pool of blood and take your last breath.
Mandatory Masks: Living the New Normal
“We are still in the thick of it,” said Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo at a press conference where she gave updates about the state of the county during the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the curve seems to be flattening, Houston has yet to reach its peak and new admissions of patients with the coronavirus are still occurring. This information coupled with research from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and others is of great concern for Judge Hidalgo and other leaders to the point that they can’t comfortably relax any precautionary measures that they have already taken. Saving lives is always at the forefront of Judge Hidalgo’s mind in every decision made in this crisis and why she issued a mandatory mask order on April 22nd.
Risky Behavior: What Is Proper Social Distancing?
Taking risks involves belief in a plan and courage to follow it up with action. Then there are times when taking risks means ignoring information and living life carelessly. Tons of people are adhering to the Stay Home Order, wearing masks in public, and washing your hands frequently. But then there are those who don’t follow the rules, who questioned authority, and always do what they want regardless.
The Good From COVID-19 Social Distancing
No need to pinch yourself or splash cold water on your face. You are not dreaming but are living in an altered reality. We are in the middle of a worldwide pandemic that is wreaking havoc in the world, taking millions of lives, draining the economy, and keeping us indoors. By now you are well aware of what COVID-19 is, the symptoms, and how it spreads. All the negatives are out there but how about a dose of positivity?
Mayor Turner Calls for a Day of Prayer in Houston
In times of crisis, no one wants to be along. We find comfort in leaning on each other. A sense of peace and protection comes over our bodies when we feel we are not alone. As more questions than answers fill our head we can become stressed, unglued, and lose our focus.
Census 2020: Yes, I’m In
In the wake of seeing if we have a temperature with a prolonged cough, trying to find water and supplies and ensuring we are wearing masks in public, something may have slipped your mind, the 2020 Census. Earlier this month residents across the country received an invitation to participate in the 2020 U.S. Census. It is the population count that occurs every 10 years that counts every living person in the country.
Coronavirus: The Background, The Spread, And The Pandemic
In 2019, Americans were still on a holly high and jolly joy as we put away gifts that were once under the tree and took down our Christmas trimmings to welcome in a New Year. We were preparing to sweep out the old and welcome in the new with visions of peace and prosperity because this was our year! Little did we know that soon our world would be flipped upside down filled with worldwide panic and fear unlike any of us have seen in our lifetime with the coronavirus pandemic.
Turning Problems Into Purpose: Teen Entrepreneur Celebrates 10 Years of Business Success
On a hot day, nothing beats a nice tall glass of ice cold lemonade. That perfect blend of lemony tartness with the right amount of sweetness is the best pop to any day. Now take that combination and pair it with a child's curiosity and an unfortunate experience and you get a million dollar idea.
The Emergence of Butterfly Ali
Butterflies are some of nature’s most beautiful creatures mainly for their various phases of life that allow them to transform through a process called metamorphosis. Humans are like butterflies too constantly changing to reinvent themselves.
Remembering A Giant Amongst Us: Faye B. Bryant
One of Houston's luminary figures in education and service to others has passed away at the age of 82.
Don’t Waste Your Right to Vote
American men have always had the right to vote. Even though some women were able to vote starting in 1869 in a few states, females didn’t officially get the right to vote across the U.S. until 1919 with the passage of the 19th amendment. African Americans, who were once thought of as property and not people, wouldn’t get certain rights until the passage of the 14th and 15th amendments.
Presidential Troubles Swirl at TSU
Students, faculty, and alumni know all roads lead to Texas Southern University but apparently not for ousted university president Dr. Austin Lane. After a five hour closed door meeting, the Board of Regents voted 6-1 to remove Lane from office early Wednesday morning.
Coming Out of the Shadows of Human Trafficking
Human trafficking affects the most vulnerable among us. Potential victims could be the waitress who serves you at your favorite restaurant, the nurse who drew your blood at the doctor, or even your daughter’s friend on the cheerleading team. Traffickers exert such control and psychological manipulation that victims think they are nothing without their abuser. However, with the right help, victims can emerge from the shadows and reclaim their life and worth.
Houston Teen Lives Out Her Dreams With Lizzo at the Grammy’s
What were you doing at 17? Certainly not dancing on the stage at the Grammy’s for one of today’s hottest stars. That was the reality for a Sugar Land teen this past Sunday at the 62nd Grammy Awards held in Los Angeles, CA. Now she is trying to climb down from the cloud she has been floating on ever since her big moment. One day she is an average teen chasing her dreams and the next she is living them.
Inspiring Millions Giving Voice to the Diversity of Opera
A party is always better when surrounded by friends. American born tenor Lawrence Brownlee returned to Houston to share his talent along with a few of his friends. International stars J’Nai Bridges, Nicole Heaston, Reginald Smith Jr., Russell Thomas, Nicholas Newton and Kevin Miller (piano) joined Brownlee on the Wortham Theater stage for Giving Voice: Lawrence Brownlee and Friends Sing Opera, Gospel, and Standards showcased the power of voice and song.
Stop the Spread of Hate to Honor a King
Love has many definitions. The Holy Bible describes it as patient, kind, protecting, trusting, hopeful, preserving, and without the capability of failing. Webster’s Dictionary also has several meanings of love. It is defined as something that commands admiration, passionate affection for someone, friendship, courtship, reverence to God, and gratitude. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.” Love, ultimately, is powerful when people take action to utilize its energy.
Turner Sworn In for Second Term
Sylvester Turner officially began his second term as mayor for the city of Houston when he, City Controller Chris Brown, and Houston City Council were sworn in on January 2, 2020, before a packed house at the Wortham Theater. Mayor Turner won the honor of continuing to lead Houston after defeating opponent Tony Buzbee in the run-off election.
Chart Your Vision in 2020
Each year is an opportunity to reset your life. Start with examining the past year looking at your accomplishments with the goals you set in correlations with your failures. Asking yourself questions like “Are you happy with the progress or lack thereof that you made?” “How could you have done things differently?” “What do you need to do now?” The last question is most important because that is when the reset starts. That is when you get a new vision and start to make new goals. Once that develops in your mind it is time for them to take form visually on paper with the creation of your vision board for 2020.
Most Stylish Houstonians of 2019
Houstonians are known throughout the world for their generosity and how they help their fellow man in a disaster. Rarely seen are the philanthropic efforts of Houstonians who just see a need and provide a solution. Those that excel professionally while still giving back in extraordinary ways are who we call most stylish.
The Year of the Minority Woman
In this era where women are more self-assured, self-aware, and self-loving has resulted in women claiming their place in history. The script of women not having their voice heard has been rewritten with women leading the conversation instead of taking notes from it. Being a part of the discussion has allowed women to change the dialogue, change the world’s view of gender and change the space in which women find themselves. 2019 was a great year for the advancement of women in various areas. Houston Style Magazine takes a look at some of the women that made 2019 the Year of the Minority Woman. What a year for women!
Her Royal Highness: 2019 Minority Homecoming Queens
Queen, as defined, is one who is the ruler of an independent state. Put that in perspective of a high school queen and she can be seen as the ruler of her school with the influence to change it for the bad or good so why not inject some good. As Houston Style Magazine spotlights some of this year’s African American and Hispanic Houston ISD high school homecoming queens we go behind the crown to learn how they have used their platform to reign supreme as her royal highness.
The Changing Definition of Beauty
Pulling the naps out of our hair with a comb that is blazing at 149 degrees Fahrenheit. Starving ourselves, going under the knife, duck taping our body parts just to minimize the size of our breasts, butt, and hips so we could be looked at as the perfect sized woman as defined by America culture. Looking in the mirror trying to find the beauty in the face staring back when we have been brainwashed to think that beauty is everything but what we see reflected in the mirror. This is just some of what little Black girls go through growing up that results in low self-confidence and a lack of self-love.
Visit Houston: Give Your Family Something to Talk About
After some hugs, a few laughs, and a good meal visiting family can get restless. A survey conducted by Motel 6 showed that the average American can tolerate their family for only 4 hours; with 75% saying that after 4 hours (3 hours and 54 minutes to be exact), they need a break from their families. Instead of lounging around waiting on them to return to their respective homes, distract them with the beauty of Houston. As residents of the fourth largest city in the South, we can sometimes take for granted all the gems our city has to offer and some of us may not even know everything in our backyard because we stay confined in our own little bubble. Use this holiday season to discover or reconnect to your city, all while giving you’re visiting family something to go home and talk about.
Adoption: Expand Your Family This Holiday
Three to four million children are born in the United States each year. Of that number approximately 7,000 plus are abandoned. Having no family to love them or a place stay they grow up in the foster care system. On average a child stays in the system 2 to 5 years and some longer than that. Feelings of not being wanted and what is wrong with them cloud their judgment and damage their self-esteem. Foster parents can change that outlook for children with the basics of love, shelter, and food and expand their family this holiday season.
Chevrolet Blazer: The Personality Equalizer
Selecting a team to be suit your personality is half the battle in any fight. Team luxury is always dressed like they are stepping off the runway heading somewhere exotic. Team Laid-back is carefree wearing whatever is comfortable taking life as it comes. A vehicle that can meet the needs of Team Luxury and Team Laid-back has a lot of versatility to address the needs of multiple personalities. The new Chevrolet Blazer is the personality equalizer.
Lizzo Winning On All Levels
In a race, everyone sets out to be the winner. Although there is only one official winner once the race is done there are many ways to win a race. One can win by beating their previous score or time. One can win because they never gave up. Winning can be as simple as entering the race in the first place. However, you define a win makes you are a winner. R&B rap artist Lizzo is having one winning year racking up awards, accolades, and acclaims everywhere she goes.
5 Thanksgiving Traditions to Adopt and Love
The holidays are one of the few times a year where everyone enjoys looking back to implement activities of yesteryear. You look at how you have changed, how your family has grown, and how you will move forward in the future. Time honored traditions are repeated in the manner in which they have been passed down as those who have passed on are remembered and those who are living teach the next generation to keep the legacy going. Whether big or small every family has at least one Thanksgiving tradition that it cherishes. Houston Style Magazine took a poll to find out what are some of the most popular traditions next to watching football and going to the movies.
Study of Houston’s Third Ward Reveal Solutions for the Future
African Americans face many disparities as an ethnic group. As it relates to health, African Americans are at an above average risk than any other racial group to be diagnosed with Diabetes, kidney disease, asthma, sarcoidosis, stroke, high blood pressure, and cancer. Census results indicate that African Americans are the second highest racial group behind Hispanics living with below average income. With a low income means that families don’t have access to better housing and other neighborhood amenities like grocery stores for good nutrition, schools for excellent education, and hospital for good healthcare.
Holding Players More Accountable for Their Actions
Manny Ramirez, Jose’ Canseco, Dwight Gooden, Darryl Strawberry, and Bobby Cox are some of the many professional athletes in baseball that have been charged with domestic violence at least once. Despite the charge, some of them continued to have careers in the game after paying penalties.
Who Will Be Next to Lead Houston?
Eleven candidates have stepped up willing and ready to lead Houston into the future. All seem to agree that one of the top priorities to get the city on track is to fix the infrastructure, tackle the pay for firefighters and police officers, and use taxpayers’ money efficiently. The various ways to handle those problems is where they differ. Houston Style has examined the slate and broken down the platforms of the top 5 mayoral candidates. All that is left is for you to go to the polls and vote. Early voting is from October 21-November 1, 2019 and Election Day is November 5, 2019.