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National News

Mrs. Charlotte Kelly Bryant, a proud Houston na- tive, has dedicated her life to the service and em- powerment of her community. Born and raised on the west side of Houston, she is the second oldest of four siblings. Growing up in a segregated neighbor- hood, she and her siblings walked a mile and...

Entertainment

[Photo: BLACKPAST] The Academy Awards, also known as the Oscars, is the biggest honor in the movie industry. Every year, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences gives out awards to recognize the best performances, directing, writing, and other achievements in film. For a long time, Black actors, writers, and filmmakers were not...

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Local News

On February 12th, 1909, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) was founded as a response to the ongoing violence, racism, and discrimination Black Americans were facing. It was particularly in response to the Springfield Race Riot of 1908 in Springfield, Illinois. Activist came together to create the organization, including W.E.B....

Politics

On February 5th, 2025, Trayvon Martin would have turned 30 years old. His life was tragically cut short at just 17, but his death became a turn- ing point that sparked the creation of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. Trayvon’s tragic story, along with the acquittal of his murderer, George Zimmerman, created a...

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AMERICAN HEART MONTH

February is observed annually as American Heart Month, it is a nationwide celebration to raise awareness about heart health, encourage the prevention of heart disease, and support research. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States for all people, but Black adults are at greater risk than white adults and all other minorities because of a combination of genetic, social, and economic factors. According to research Black Americans are 30% more likely to die from heart disease than white Americans. Heart disease also develops at a younger age in Black people than in white people, the chance of developing heart disease is also increased when a person already has other health issues such as hypertension (high blood pressure), obesity, and diabetes. Black adults are 40% more likely to have high blood pressure than white adults, heart disease can sometimes cause irreversible dam- age to the heart before symptoms are notice- able. In a 2018 study, Black adults were 1.3 times more likely to be obese than white adults; Black adults are also 60% more likely than white adults to be diagnosed with diabetes. In 2019, coronary heart disease (CHD) caused the death of over 20,000 Black men and over 18,000 Black women. Black men have a 70% higher risk of heart failure compared to white men; Black women have a 50% higher risk of heart failure com- pared to white women. Unfortunately, Black people are more likely to experience delayed diagnoses and inad- equate treatment due to issues within the healthcare system. Heart health is shaped by more than personal choices, it is also influenced by environmental and economic factors. Underserved Black communities experience limited access to fresh and healthy foods, as well as fewer spaces for physical activity. Stress related to economic instability can con- tribute to high cortisol levels, which negatively impacts heart health overtime. Cortisol is the hormone the body releases when stressed, too much of it is bad for the heart. Black cardiologist could in- crease the heart health of Black patients, but only 3% of cardiologist are Black. The American Heart...

Chosen Birthday

Frederick Douglass was born into slavery in 1818, but he didn’t know the exact day. After escaping slavery and becoming a free man, he chose to celebrate his birthday on February 14th. This was a powerful choice for Douglass, because it allowed him to take control of his life and his story. Slavery had taken so much from him, including the right to know and celebrate his birth. By picking his own birthday, Douglass was making a statement about freedom and self-worth.   Douglass had a tough start in life. He was separated from his mother when he was just a baby and raised by his maternal grandmother and grandfather. Despite being kept from learning to read and write, Douglass found ways to educate himself. As he grew older, he escaped slavery and made his way to the North, where he became one of the most famous abolitionists, fighting to end slavery. Douglass’ choice of February 14th as his birthday was a way of taking control of his life and saying he was free, and he mattered.   Valentine’s Day is known today as a day to show love and appreciation, often through giving cards, gifts, or flowers. But the history behind the day is much older, deeper, and richer. Some people believe it started with St. Valentine, a priest in ancient Rome. The emperor at the time, didn’t allow young people to marry because he thought single men made better soldiers. St. Valentine secretly performed marriages for young couples. For defying the emperor’s orders, St. Valentine was arrested and later killed on February 14th, around the year 269 AD. Over time, people began to connect February 14th with love and kindness.   While today, Valentine’s Day is often about romantic love, Douglass’ birthday on this day adds a deeper meaning. It’s about love for freedom, love for justice, and love for all the people who were fighting alongside him. The holiday itself has changed over the years. In the past, it was a day for feasts and games, and only later did it become about romantic love and exchanging...

NFL Black Quarterback History

[Photo: Mike Segar/Reuters] Houston native Jalen Hurts, quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles made history last night in Superbowl LIX with an amazing performance against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. Hurts became the first Eagles quarterback to make multiple Super Bowl appearances and joined three others as the fourth Black quarterback to win a Super Bowl. He also became the third Black quarterback to earn the Super Bowl MVP award. He led the Eagles to a 40-22 win over the Chiefs, completing 17 of 22 passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns, he also rushed for 72 yards and a touchdown. The Eagles previously lost to the Chiefs in Superbowl LVII in 2023, with a final score of 38-35.   Before last night’s game, only three Black quarterbacks had ever won a Super Bowl. Doug Williams was the first, leading Washington Redskins (now called the Commanders) to a 42-10 win over the Denver Broncos in 1988. It took 26 more years before another Black quarterback won Russell Wilson, who led the Seattle Seahawks in beating the Broncos 43-8 in 2014. Patrick Mahomes has won multiple Super Bowls, leading the Kansas City Chiefs to victory in 2020 (Super Bowl LIV), 2023 (Super Bowl LVII), and 2024 (Super Bowl LVIII). One of those wins was against Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles. Mahomes also played in the 2021 Super Bowl (Super Bowl LV) but lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.   Steve McNair led the Tennessee Titans in Super Bowl XXXIV (2000), but they lost to the St. Louis Rams 23-16. Donovan McNabb took the Philadelphia Eagles to Super Bowl XXXIX (2005), but they fell just short against Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, losing 24-21. In 2013, Colin Kaepernick and the San Francisco 49ers played in Super Bowl XLVII but lost 34-31 to the Baltimore Ravens. Cam Newton led the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 (2016) but was defeated by Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos 24-10. Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles made it to Super Bowl LVII (2023), but Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs...

LUCRETIA ELIZABETH GRANT

LUCRETIA ELIZABETH GRANT AUGUST 6, 1925 – JANUARY 4, 2025 Born on August 6, 1925, in Houston, Texas, Lucretia Elizabeth McGartha was the third of eleven children born to John Preston McGartha and Beatrice Thomas McGartha. A lifelong member of St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church, she was baptized at an early age and carried her faith with her throughout her entire life. Lucretia attended Woodcrest Elementary School, Harper Middle School, and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. On November 3, 1941, Lucretia was united in holy matrimony to James Astor Grant, beginning a beautiful union that spanned over 71 years. Together, they raised 14 children, 9 boys and 5 girls, creating a family foundation built on love, respect, hard work, and devotion. Lucretia was the epitome of the Proverbs 31 Woman- quiet yet strong, patient yet profound. Her nurturing spirit, soft spoken demeanor, and calming presence left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Lucretia’s greatest joy was her family. She was a natural matriarch, creating lasting bonds with every member of her large family.

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AFFORDABLE FOR WHO

By: Travis McGee All across our city we often hear the term “Affordable Housing” and you also see so- called affordable hous- ing projects thrown up overnight. Affordable means a lot of different things to a lot of differ- ent people. To the Haves it means that they could afford to build, invest in, and even pay the mortgage, if need be, but to the HAVE NOTS it means it has been the largest part of the budget which includes mortgage/rent, taxes, insurance(s), groceries, transportation, a family, and overall cost of living. This irresponsible construction is called Gentrification, but it’s the kind that’s on steroids due to very bad ordinance written by our City Council. All underserved, under developed, poor communities that set below the poverty level are all experiencing the same thing. ThThe passage of Chapter 42 Ordinance in 2013 by a vote of 14-3 on Houston City Council made this type of Unaffordable development legal. What is Chapter 42, you may ask? Well, it basically decreases the minimum lot size to build on and allows developers to replat one residential lots into multiple sections /lots to build multiple structures on that one lot. NOTE: If they combine two or more of the said lots that property can become another whole subdivision within an already pre-existing subdivision. This ordinance was said to be used to increase the density here in the city of Houston (basically to fit more people) here by any means necessary. Even if that means putting $2,000,000.00 worth of property up to 75 ft high next to traditional single family 1 story dwellings on top of a prehistoric $2.00 infrastructure system. The ordinance only benefits the city through tax revenue and fees as well as the developers through unaffordable housing and landgrabs. You would think the ordinances would protect the residents / taxpayers, but it doesn’t. It really doesn’t matter if you have deed restrictions or not if the city is issuing the permits and approving the construction. You are extremely lucky if you get a variance/ notice of construction these days. Once the city writes...

2025 RAP Conference (English)

Theme: “A Kinship Celebration” with a carnival/fair/festival motif and atmosphere Houston, TX – January 19, 2025 – Relatives As Parents (RAP) is excited to announce its annual Empowering Families Conference, celebrating the resilience, strength, and contributions of kinship caregivers—family members and friends who have stepped in to care for youth in lieu of them going into state care (Child Protective Services, CPS). The event will take place on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at DePelchin Children’s Center in Houston, Texas, and promises to provide a fun and informative environment for all attendees. This year’s theme, “A Kinship Celebration”, will feature a carnival/fair/festival-inspired atmosphere, offering something for everyone, including food, door prizes, inspiring speakers, and community resources. Attendees will also see the recognition of community partners who have made a significant impact on RAP’s mission in 2024, along with the celebration of positive youth achievements. This event is completely free to attend, but registration is required. Childcare for children ages 6-14 is available (please mention when registering). Bilingual Spanish services will also be offered (please indicate when registering). Featured Panels: “Ask A Family Law Attorney” – with Community Christian Legal Aid and Texas Legal Services Center Navigating Family Grief and Loss Peer Support: “You Are Not Alone” – with Texas Grandparents Raising Grandchildren (TXGRG) Event Details When: Saturday, February 22, 2025 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM Where: DePelchin Children’s Center 4950 Memorial Dr., Houston, TX 77007 Why Attend? In 2024, RAP provided vital support to kinship families through connections with nonprofits, schools, churches, and community organizations. The 2025 conference is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the dedication of kinship families, introduce new resources, and foster community connections to help empower families in the year ahead. Media Opportunities: Inspirational stories from kinship caregivers raising youth and keeping them out of state care. Interviews with attendees and key speakers. Visuals of the lively, festive atmosphere of the conference. RSVP for Media: Media representatives interested in attending must RSVP by 7 PM on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, by emailing: Moiya Press-Jackson at HoustonRapCoalition@gmail.com

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Opinion

Happy Valentine’s Day! The older we get, some of us might look forward to this day and the rest of us might dread it. Everything is heart- shaped, a dinner reservation becomes top priority, and our timelines are filled with everyone popping out with their “boo.” Love is “in the air”, but what about...

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Education

Washington, DC: The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), representing the Black Press of America, has announced the planning and implementation of a national public education and selective buying campaign across the nation in direct response to those corporate entities that have dismantled their respective Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) commitments, programs and staffing.  ...

Business

In January 2025, President Trump issued an executive order that changed how the government and businesses deal with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and programs. DEI is designed to ensure that all people, regardless of race, gender, ability, or socioeconomic background are treated fairly and given the same opportunities as in school and...

October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com

As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.

Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.

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