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HCDE Opens New Adult Education Learning Center with Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Harris County Department of Education hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday to celebrate the opening of its new Adult Education Learning Center in north Houston.
Celebrating Excellence in Gospel Music: Winners of the 38th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards Revealed
Other Multiple Winners Include DOE and Zacardi Cortez with Three Awards; Maverick City Music x Kirk Franklin and Tye Tribbett with Two Trophies Each
The highly anticipated 38th Annual Stellar Gospel Music Awards, the “Greatest Night in Gospel Music,” culminated in a spectacular celebration of talent, faith, and inspiration. Hosted by Jonathan McReynolds and Tasha Cobbs Leonard, the 2023 Stellar Awards captivated audiences with powerhouse performances and heartfelt moments that brought the power of Gospel music to life. During a star-studded ceremony held at the Las Vegas Orleans Arena, the winners in nine categories were awarded statues, highlighting the remarkable achievements and contributions of Gospel music artists and industry professionals.
White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities Names 2023 HBCU Scholars
The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities announces its ninth cohort of HBCU Scholars, recognizing 102 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students from 29 different states and countries for their accomplishments in academics, leadership, civic engagement and much more. The 2023 HBCU scholars are the largest cohort since the inception of this recognition program in 2014 and represent a record number of institutions, with the HBCU participation rate now over 70 percent.
HMAAC Expands Its Relationship with the Harris County Jail
Through a national project to expand arts programs in correctional institutions, the Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC) has begun working with California Lawyers for the Arts (CLA) to bring arts classes to the Harris County Jail Women’s Empowerment Center. Classes began July 17, 2023. Through the “Arts in Corrections” project, CLA is adapting its successful strategy of building evidence-based demonstration projects to evaluate the benefits of arts programs in state prisons and county jails in Louisiana, New York, Michigan, Ohio, and Texas. Project funders include the National Endowment for the Arts, the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, and the Art for Justice Fund.
Smithsonian Traveling Exhibition Exploring The Green Book History Coming to Holocaust Museum Houston
The Negro Motorist Green Book, a new exhibition developed by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) in collaboration with award-winning author, photographer and cultural documentarian, Candacy Taylor will be on display in Holocaust Museum Houston’s Josef and Edith Mincberg Gallery Sept. 1 through Nov. 26, 2023.
Unleash the Force at the Lone Star Flight Museum's Star Wars Day Saturday, July 22
Attention all Jedis, Siths, and fans of a galaxy far, far away! Prepare your X-wings and lightsabers because the Lone Star Flight Museum is gearing up for an epic Star Wars Day event on Saturday, July 22! Movie characters will be onsite and Hangar Talks about the aircraft that inspired the movie are hand. Dress up as your favorite Star Wars character and enjoy $2 off on general admission tickets. Then stay late for Star Wars: The Force Awakens movie night! The movie is not included in general admission, $5 per person. FREE for museum members! Event details:
Houston’s original creperie, Coco Crepes & Coffee, opens new location in Upper Kirby
Bella Restaurants Group opens the 9th Houston-area location; Grand Opening July 24
Houston’s first creperie, Coco Crepes & Coffee, has opened its ninth location. Located at 3303 Richmond Ave., formerly home to the Velvet Melvin Pub, the family-friendly cafe and coffee shop from Bella Restaurants Group will celebrate its Grand Opening on July 24 with giveaways including crepes, 100 days of free coffee and more.
Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit Tour Honors Our Nation’s Veterans in Local Communities
Look for the WAA Mobile Education Exhibit in your town or request a FREE visit in 2024!
In 2018, Wreaths Across America (WAA) rolled out its Mobile Education Exhibit (MEE). This museum on wheels was designed to share the mission to Remember, Honor and Teach in local communities across the country. Since that time the program and reach has travelled so much further than WAA could have anticipated – in 2023 alone, the MEE has visited nine states, joined 83 community events, had 8,495 visitors on board, welcomed home 1,575 Vietnam veterans, and officially thanked 113 military families for their sacrifices. The MEE has seen almost 100k visitors in total since it first hit the road in 2018!
Harris County Women’s Commission Presents First Report to Harris County Commissioners
The nine-member commission was created to improve outcomes for women in Harris County
During their July 18 meeting, Harris County commissioners discussed a report from the Harris County Women’s Commission outlining its future goals and issued new directives for the nine-member group.
Child Molester Sentenced to 40 Years in Prison Without Parole
A repeat-offender child molester has been sentenced to spend every day of a 40-year prison sentence behind bars for repeatedly raping a 6-year-old girl, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced.
Federal Agency’s Equity Push Will Backfire on the Black Community
One of the most iconic photographs in recent sports history is one of basketball legend Michael Jordan celebrating his fourth NBA championship by holding up three fingers in celebration with a cigar in his mouth.
Million-Dollar-Plus Nails of America First Colony Sugar Land Location To Debut on Sunday, July 23 in Sweetwater Plaza
Opening Day to Feature Traditional Vietnamese Lion Dance at 10:00 AM and 30% Off All Services
Greater Houston’s newest Nails of America location is debuting on July 23 at 4777 Sweetwater Blvd. in Sugar Land, bringing the footprint of locally-based parent Nails of America | Milano Nail Spa to nearly 70 locations. The Sugar Land unveiling marks another milestone in an unprecedented year of growth for the company and follows openings this month that include Milano Nail Spa Galleria and Milano Nail Spa Flower Mound (DFW), the first expansion unit outside of Houston. An acclaimed staff with an unwavering commitment to excellence now exceeds 1,000 companywide – a figure that represents mostly first and second-generation Americans.
Singer-Songwriter H.E.R. Announces Show in Irving, TX, on Oct. 23
Over the course of five years – with 25 GRAMMY nominations and five wins to date, an Academy Award and an Emmy - singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist H.E.R. has had an incredible journey, punctuated with inspiring projects and accolades that have quickly ascended her to superstar status.
American Heartland announces $2 billion theme park and resort development in northeast Oklahoma
The 1,000-acre resort destination is expected to attract more than 4.9 million guests per year to Oklahoma
Today Oklahoma state and local officials joined American Heartland leadership to announce American Heartland Theme Park and Resort, a more than $2 billion entertainment destination development in northeast Oklahoma, just west of Grand Lake on Route 66. The development will be built in phases starting with a large-scale RV park with cabins scheduled to open phase one in spring 2025 and a world-class theme park and resort scheduled to open in 2026. The American Heartland Theme Park and Resort will offer a unique visitor experience rivaling the world’s top resort destinations.
August is National Dog, Wellness AND Golf Month!
Did you know that August is national dog, wellness AND golf month?! I wanted to reach out and introduce you to the residential community that has all three! The Highlands by Caldwell Communities is a National Park-inspired living community outside of Houston, Texas that is dedicated to helping residents of all ages live active, full lives.
Gold-Certified Mobile, AL, Rapper and Singer NoCap Announces Shows in Houston (Oct. 16) and Dallas (Oct. 18)
Tickets Available Starting on Thursday, July 20 with Presales
Today, NoCap announced The Birdnest Tour across North America this fall. The 17-date tour kicks off in Charlotte, NC, on Tuesday, September 26, and includes a stop at House of Blues in Houston, TX, on Monday, October 16, and House of Blues in Dallas, TX, on Wednesday, October 18, 2023.
Construction Advisory: Morningside Place Drainage Improvements Project
In an effort to keep you informed about the Harris County Flood Control District’s continuing improvements in the Clear Creek watershed, we want to notify you of an upcoming construction project in your area.
Houston native serves with U.S. Navy helicopter squadron supporting missions around the globe
Petty Officer 3rd Class Nijell Sanford, a native of Houston, Texas, serves with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 40, based out of Mayport, Florida. The squadron’s primary mission is to conduct sea control operations in open-ocean and coastal environments. This includes hunting for submarines, searching for surface targets over the horizon and conducting search and rescue operations.
Duffy's Hope Inc. Unveils Star-Studded Lineup for the 19th Annual Celebrity Basketball Game Fundraiser
Location: The Chase Fieldhouse August 5, 2023 6:00 - 9:00 P.M. EDT
The highly anticipated 19th Annual Duffy's Hope Celebrity Basketball Game is set to return to The Chase Fieldhouse on Saturday, August 5, 2023. The event brings together a remarkable lineup of public figures and community leaders, united in their commitment to supporting the local youth. Promising an evening of family fun and entertainment, the game will feature a basketball competition, live music, an engaging emcee, and surprise giveaways for spectators.
Once a Safe Haven for Escaped Slaves, Small Arkansas Town Suffers Water Crisis Amidst Heatwave
Presently known as Helena-West-Helena, the city serves as the county seat for Phillips County and is home to a population of slightly over 12,000 people, predominantly African Americans. And typical of Black communities across the country, Helena-West Helena has its share of problems that arise from discrimination.
Save the Dates! Houston Theater Week Deals August 14-20, 2023
Don’t Miss the Deals During Houston’s Second Annual Theater Week August 14-20, 2023
The second annual Houston Theater Week will kickoff August 14-20, 2023 with exclusive deals and discounts you don’t want to miss.
Mayor Turner Creates Cancer Cluster Strike Team to Assist Residents
Standing alongside Houstonians who have lost loved ones to cancer, Mayor Sylvester Turner urgently called on Union Pacific Railroad to buy out or relocate residents living near UP's contaminated Houston Wood Preserving site.
Representative Al Green on The Conscience Agenda and Commemoration of Slavery Remembrance Day
On Friday, July 14, 2023, Representative Al Green confirmed the 2nd Annual Slavery Remembrance Day Commemorative Breakfast and Legislative Update to be held in Houston, Texas. This momentous occasion will center around Representative Green’s Conscience Agenda as well as his commitment to driving righteous legislation while commemorating the descendants of the enslaved.
Everything You Need to Know About Getting Veneers
Dr. Dani B., a cosmetic dentist in Los Angeles, specializes in veneers and creating beautiful smiles
The more people learn about veneers, the more people opt to get them. The Insight Partners report that the global market size for veneers is expected to grow to $2.3 billion within the next five years. Increasingly, people are choosing to have veneers, and for good reason. They provide many benefits and can help give people the confidence that is sorely missing in their lives. It's a good idea to know as much as you can learn about veneers before choosing to get them and from the right cosmetic dentist.
Per Scholas Expands Tech Training to Houston
Ion Welcomes Per Scholas As Part of Community Investment to Build Inclusive Technology Workforce; Now Accepting Applications
Houston Man Sentenced to 50 Years for Shooting Stranger at Greenspoint Gas Station
A Houston man was sentenced Friday to 50 years in prison for killing a stranger during a mid-morning confrontation in a gas-station parking lot in 2021, Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced.
Houston non-profit wins national fellowship for emerging social change leaders
The Fund for New Leadership (FNL), a multi-year program that supports promising early-stage organizations, announces 10 new fellows working on educational equity, housing rights, global healthcare and other priorities.
New Adult Education Learning Center Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Harris County Department of Education will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony this Wednesday to celebrate the opening of its new Adult Education Learning Center across the street from its main administrative headquarters on Irvington Boulevard.
Red Cross Partners with Houston Non-Profit to Bring Disaster Preparedness to an Underserved Population
The Texas Gulf Coast Region of the American Red Cross has partnered with Houston’s Center for Pursuit in an effort to help a diverse and historically underserved population better prepare for disasters.
Hilton Los Angeles San Gabriel Hosts the 2023 Health Beauty and Wellness MegaMix Expo on July 27th
Hilton Los Angeles San Gabriel is pleased to announce that it will be hosting the highly anticipated 2023 Health Beauty and Wellness MegaMix Expo on July 27th. This exciting event, focusing on health, beauty, and wellness, promises to be a remarkable experience for guests, featuring over 100 vendors who will showcase their innovative products and services.
Rice study: Men vastly outnumber women in studying legislative politics
It’s no secret that men outnumber women in the halls of Congress and in other political arenas, but new research from Rice University, the University of Wisconsin-Madison and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign also found that significantly more men than women study the legislative process in the U.S. and abroad.
The League: A Journey Through the Triumphs and Challenges of the Negro Leagues
Directed by renowned filmmaker Sam Pollard, "The League" is a captivating documentary that delves into the vibrant history of Negro League baseball during the first half of the twentieth century. Executive produced by Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson, Mark Cuban, Todd Wagner, and Tariq Trotter, and produced by RadicalMedia, this film sheds light on the triumphs and obstacles faced by African American players in the face of segregation.
Leela James is Back With A New Single & Video, “Right Back In It”!
The summer is about to heat up with R&B and soul singer-songwriter Leela James’ new single and video, “Right Back In It”. The highly anticipated single is the follow up to her 2021 #1 smash, “Complicated” and is written by Leela and Franci Richard and produced by Rex Rideout. The suspenseful music video explores deep love and romance between two fugitives that are on the run, but nothing matters more than them getting “Right Back In It”.
World Youth Foundation Hosts Free Back 2 School Summit For Over 1,000 Houston-Area Middle School, High School, & College Students!
World Youth Foundation (WYF) is a national, grassroots non-profit 501©3 organization that serves as a development vehicle to enhance the growth and character of the “Whole Child” – Mind, Body and Character. Chartered in April 1991, our holistic approach develops and cultivates blended learning and evidence-based strategies for disadvantaged and underrepresented minority youth. By applying their “Definitive Voice”, our mission is clear- “Teach All Youth How to Win In Life Against All Odds”. Staying focused on our mission, economic mobility and sustainable resources are provided to students and families.
For Members Only: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Launches Historic Credit Union
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. has made history with the grand opening of its groundbreaking financial institution, the "For Members Only" (FMO) Credit Union. The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at the organization's headquarters in Chicago, prior to the 2023 Leadership Seminar.
Congressman Al Green’s District Receives $1,682,008 in AmeriCorps Funding for Education, Public Health, Workforce Development, and Natural Disasters
On Wednesday, July 12, 2023, Congressman Al Green is honored to announce the Ninth Congressional District of Texas received $1,682,008 in AmeriCorps federal funding, administered by OneStar, to organizations operating in Texas. This money will address societal challenges through service opportunities. The grant is designed to incentivize more than 3,500 volunteers to meet local community needs in addition to supporting essential areas such as education, public health, workforce development, and natural disaster response. Congressman Green released the following statement:
Stellar Lineup of Chefs and Wine Experts Grows for Galveston Island Wine Festival at Moody Gardens
With each announcement of new additions to the 2023 Galveston Island Wine Festival lineup, anticipation for the Labor Day weekend festivities builds. Today’s announcement includes an award-winning restaurateur and his Executive Chef, one of 260 Master Sommeliers in the world, and two highly respected veterans leading the “Freedom Stories Bourbon Tasting”. Set against the picturesque backdrop of Moody Gardens, this year's festival promises to be a celebration of exceptional flavors, enticing aromas, and unforgettable experiences.
Construction Project Prompts HOV/HOT Lane Closure This Weekend
This weekend, the I-45 (North Freeway) HOV/HOT lane will be closed due to a construction project in the area.
Biden-Harris Administration to Provide 804,000 Borrowers with $39 Billion in Automatic Loan Forgiveness as a Result of Fixes to Income Driven Repayment Plans
Discharges are the result of updated counts of progress toward student loan forgiveness
The Department of Education (Department) today will begin notifying more than 804,000 borrowers that they have a total of $39 billion in Federal student loans that will be automatically discharged in the coming weeks. In total, the Biden-Harris Administration has approved more than $116.6 billion in student loan forgiveness for more than 3.4 million borrowers.
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity & American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Partner to Fight Suicide
With a keen emphasis on collectively addressing suicide prevention and the mental health challenges that are a contributing factor, the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) have entered into a two-year partnership. The formal signing and announcement of the partnership took place at the Dr. Moses C. Norman, Sr. Leadership Conference, which convened at Atlantis Paradise Island in Nassau, Bahamas, on July 13, 2023, at Noon EST.
Introducing the Chat GPTaco
Velvet Taco Breaks Taco Barriers and Uses AI to Create the Ultimate Taco
Velvet Taco introduces the newest installment of the brand’s Weekly Taco Feature (WTF), the Chat GPTaco. This is among the first AI generated menu items for a fast casual restaurant, sparking innovation and unique flavor combinations using Chat GPT and Chef Venecia Willis’ creative input. Velvet Taco first brought their diverse, globally inspired tacos to the city of Dallas in 2011. Since then, the brand has continued to break taco barriers with their scratch made tacos and added over 40 locations across the U.S. with plans to continue growing through the foreseeable future.
New Immersive Venue the Museum of Illusions Readies An Extensive Array of Mind-Bending Interactive Thrills and Captivating Illusions for a Late Summer Launch in the Bayou City
Immersive venue company Beyond Entertainment today announced that it is bringing its wildly-popular entertainment concept The Museum of Illusions to Houston later this summer. Set to open at 5060 West Alabama St. within the Galleria, this opening marks Museum of Illusion’s third Texas location, following successful launches in Austin and Dallas. In total, the concept – which originated in Zagreb, Croatia– has captivated guests on a global scale across 40 locations in 25 countries with its reality-defying illusory components that are indicative of the things are not always as they appear motif.
Sparkling Elegance with LeMel: Houston's Finest Jewelry Crafted by Passionate Sisters
In the vibrant heart of Houston, a shining gem stands out among the rest—LeMel, a captivating jewelry boutique founded by the dynamic duo of Jen and Mel. United by their shared love for stylish, collectible jewelry that suits everyday wear, the sisters embarked on a remarkable journey in 2015 to create a haven for those seeking timeless beauty.
PVAMU Panther Football announces kickoff times for upcoming 2023 season
The Prairie View A&M University Panther football team has announced kick-off times for the 2023 season, which includes four home contests at Panther Stadium.
Opinion: The 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season is predicted to be near-normal, but here is why that is not entirely good news.
Every year, the Northern Hemisphere region of the Atlantic Ocean embraces the annual hurricane season that officially starts on June 1 and ends on November 30. This period has been adopted by convention; it’s when most tropical cyclogenesis occurs in the Atlantic. Though the formation of subtropical or tropical cyclones is possible at any time of the year, as was the case this past mid-January, we witnessed the formation of an unnamed subtropical storm, marking the earliest start of an Atlantic hurricane season since Hurricane Alex in 2016.
Unlocking the Future of Public Health: PVAMU leads Texas students in informatics boot camp
Prairie View A&M University students are learning, alongside other students from institutions across Texas, how to make public health information technology more fair, inclusive and equitable. The ultimate goal of public health information technology, also known as public health informatics, is to use information, computer science and technology to promote the health of the overall population and prevent diseases and injuries.
Rep. Al Green Criticizes Republican Overreach into the Proxy Advisory Industry
On Thursday, July 13, 2023, Representative Al Green, Ranking Member of the Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, participated in a hearing entitled, “Oversight of the Proxy Advisory Industry.”
Mayor Turner Releases Three-Year Update for Resilient Houston and the Climate Action Plan
The City of Houston has released a combined update detailing the impressive progress made on major initiatives of both Resilient Houston and the Climate Action Plan after three years of implementation.
Complete Communities University Fall 2023 Leadership Training Call for Applications
Application Deadline - August 18, 2023
The Department of Neighborhoods (DON) invites aspiring leaders to apply for enrollment in the Complete Communities University (CCU) Fall 2023 leadership training course. The 8-week course is designed for emerging leaders committed to making a positive impact in their communities.
Blue states see ‘shield laws’ as bulwark against Republican efforts to restrict abortion and gender-affirming care
As Republican lawmakers have pushed restrictions on abortion and gender-affirming care in recent months, Democratic-led states have increasingly responded by passing so-called shield laws to protect people who undergo such care against the possibility they could one day face prosecution.