Race is an arbitrary socio-economic societal status, not a biological status. God created human beings, not races. Race is a socio-cultural designation fixed by the dominant culture of a particular nation-state. South Africa is an exception, because Whites in South Africa are the minority race, yet White South Africans rule by the barrel of...
[Photo: Instagram] Tyra Banks, a name synonymous with beauty, talent, and entrepreneurial spirit, has carved an extraordinary path in the entertainment industry. From her early days on the runway to her transformative roles in television and business, Banks has continually reinvented herself, inspiring millions along the way. The Rise of a Supermodel Tyra...
The Early Voting Results for May 21, 2024, showing a strong voter turnout, indicating significant engagement from the community. These preliminary results provide valuable insights into the electorate’s preferences. Click the image to view full results:
...By: Andrew Schneider Voters in Senate District 15 have elected ER nurse and political activist Molly Cook to ll the unexpired term of Houston Mayor John Whitmire. Cook’s margin of victory indicates her strength heading into the Democratic primary runoff later this month. Molly Cook jumped out to a sizable lead over State Representative...
Written by Stacy M. Brown On average, carriers die two to two and a half years earlier than expected. With nearly half a million Black American carriers over the age of 50, the implications are profound. A groundbreaking study led by researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Duke University sheds light on the significant health risks posed by the V142I transthyretin variant within the US Black population. Published in the JAMA Network, the study underscores the concerning impact of this genetic variant on heart health and longevity. “The V142I transthyretin variant, prevalent in three to four percent of self-identified Black individuals in the US, is associated with an increased risk of heart failure and death,” explained lead author Dr. Senthil Selvaraj from Duke University School of Medicine. Drawing from data from over 20,000 self-identified Black individuals, the study estimates that carriers of this variant could collectively lose approximately a million years of life. The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and Pfizer Inc. have been working with partners in various cities in the U.S. to raise awareness of this “serious but under-diagnosed condition that causes heart failure among African Americans and Afro-Caribbeans.” The NNPA is the trade association of the more than 250 African American-owned newspapers and media companies comprising the 197-year-old Black Press of America. Senior author Dr. Scott D. Solomon, from Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, emphasizes the significance of these findings for both clinicians and patients. “We believe these data will inform clinicians and patients regarding risk when these genetic findings are known, either through family screening, medical, or even commercial genetic testing,” he said. The study revealed that individuals carrying the V142I variant face a substantially elevated risk of heart failure, starting in their 60s, and an increased risk of death, beginning in their 70s. On average, carriers die two to two and a half years earlier than expected. With nearly half a million Black American carriers over the age of 50, the implications are profound. Transthyretin, a protein in the blood, misfolds when the V142I variant is present. This causes abnormal amyloid...
The Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center is hosting the 2024 Juneteenth 4K Walk & Festival on Saturday, June 15, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The event will begin with a 4K Freedom Walk for health & wellness, and end with a free community festival with live entertainment, vendors, and fun activities for the entire family. Registration is now open for vendors, walkers, and volunteers. Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, visit bit.ly/MLKJuneteenth24.
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[Photo: Instagram] Tomekia Reed, the celebrated head coach of the Jackson State women’s basketball team, is leaving her position to join the Charlotte 49ers. The official announcement, posted on social media by the UNC Charlotte women’s basketball program, marks the end of a transformative era for Reed and Jackson State. Her tenure with the Tigers has been nothing short of remarkable, with multiple championships and high accolades marking her journey. In her six seasons at Jackson State, Reed achieved considerable success, earning four Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Coach of the Year awards and three Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Coach of the Year honors. Under her leadership, the Tigers reached the NCAA tournament in 2021, 2022, and 2024, achieving a feat that put Jackson State on the national radar. Her departure to UNC Charlotte, which competes in the American Athletic Conference (AAC), represents a significant step in her coaching career. During her tenure, Reed’s coaching style and commitment to her players were instrumental in propelling Jackson State to the forefront of women’s collegiate basketball. She fostered a culture of excellence, discipline, and resilience, leading the Tigers to five SWAC regular-season titles and three SWAC tournament titles. Her ability to bring out the best in her players earned her widespread recognition and respect within the basketball community. This past season, Reed guided the Tigers to the NCAA tournament, where they faced the formidable UConn Huskies, ranked third nationally. Although Jackson State fell short in that game, the team’s journey to the tournament demonstrated the remarkable progress Reed had made with the program. Her players competed with tenacity and skill, reflecting the strong foundation she had built. Reed’s move to the Charlotte 49ers represents a new challenge and an opportunity for her to continue her impressive coaching career at a higher level. The UNC Charlotte program is eager to benefit from Reed’s expertise and leadership, anticipating that her winning mindset will lead to significant success in the American Conference. For Jackson State, Reed’s departure raises questions about the future of the women’s basketball program. While her...
By: Carolyn Evans-Shabazz, Council Member for District D It is with a heavy heart that I reach out to you today to pay tribute to an extraordinary individual whose impact on our community will be felt for generations. Clara Caldwell was not only a beacon of light in our beloved city but a personal inspiration to me and many others. Clara’s journey began as a union steward at the Weingarten grocery chain, marking the start of a remarkable career in labor advocacy that saw her rise through the ranks of U.F.C.W. Union Local 455. Her tenure with the Texas AFL-CIO and presidency of the Texas State A. Philip Randolph Institute highlighted her deep commitment to the trade union movement and her efforts to bridge the gap between labor needs and the African American community’s concerns. As your Councilwoman, I have the privilege of recognizing influential figures in our community, and when my staff recently asked whom I would like to honor as the Civic Leader of the Month for District D, Clara Caldwell was the undeniable choice. I am truly glad that I gave her her flowers while she could smell them. A phenomenal woman, a dedicated mother, and a pillar of strength, Clara tirelessly served the people of Houston. Her contributions to our city are beyond measure. She believed in accountability. Yet when I received her delicious spaghetti while working the polls, I knew she loved and supported me. Clara also made significant contributions to civic engagement through her active participation in the League of Women Voters, life membership in the NAACP, and board membership at Houston’s Sunnyside Multi-Service Center. Her devotion to St. Philip Neri Catholic Church and dedication to her family, including six children and ve grandchildren, highlight her multifaceted role as a leader, advocate, and family pillar.
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[Photo: Instagram] Tyra Banks, a name synonymous with beauty, talent, and entrepreneurial spirit, has carved an extraordinary path in the entertainment industry. From her early days on the runway to her transformative roles in television and business, Banks has continually reinvented herself, inspiring millions along the way. The Rise of a Supermodel Tyra Banks began her career as a model at the tender age of 15. Her breakthrough came in the early 1990s when she signed with Elite Model Management, one of the world’s most prestigious modeling agencies. Banks quickly ascended to international fame, gracing the covers of top fashion magazines such as Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar. Her striking looks and charismatic presence secured her a place among the supermodels of the era, alongside legends like Naomi Campbell and Cindy Crawford. In 1997, Banks made history by becoming the first African-American woman to grace the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. This landmark achievement not only solidified her status as a top model but also broke significant racial barriers in the fashion industry. Banks’ success on the runway was paralleled by her presence in advertising campaigns for major brands like Victoria’s Secret, where she was one of the original Angels, and CoverGirl cosmetics. Transition to Television and Film While modeling catapulted her to stardom, Tyra Banks’ ambitions extended far beyond the runway. She transitioned into acting with roles in films such as “Higher Learning” (1995) and “Coyote Ugly” (2000). However, it was her foray into television that marked a significant turning point in her career. In 2003, Banks created and produced the reality television show “America’s Next Top Model” (ANTM). The show, which aimed to discover and mentor aspiring models, became a cultural phenomenon and ran for 24 cycles over 15 years. ANTM not only showcased Banks’ business acumen but also her commitment to mentoring young talent and promoting diversity in the modeling industry. Banks’ television success didn’t stop there. In 2005, she launched “The Tyra Banks Show,” a daytime talk show that covered a wide range of topics, from fashion and beauty...
N B U F 99TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION FOR MALCOLM X Special Edition SOUL SUNDAY at The Black House May 18 – May 19, 2024 Houston, TX – From May 18, through May 19, 2024, The National Black United Front (NBUF) will be hosting a celebration of the 99th birthday of Malcolm X at the National Black United Front Headquarters 2428 Southmore Blvd., Houston, TX 77004. There will be a host of activities happening for those two days, in the general vicinity of the National Black United Front HQ Building, known as the “Black House” including: • A Community Self-Determination March (Please bring pictures/posters of Malcolm X for the march). • A Work/Education Session in the Acoli/Sankofa Self-Determination Garden; • NBUF FEED the HOOD Community Food Distribution; • Soul Sunday Buy Black Market, complete with vendors, music, and edutainment, including children’s activities and story-time; • A Theatrical Presentation about the life of Malcolm X by Baba Aundar Ma’at; • Solidarity Statements from Community Allies and Open Mic Poetry. The two-day celebration will build on the 44-year NBUF legacy of social justice activism, humanitarian aid/relief and organizing for self-determination.. For more information, schedule, sponsorship, vending, and more information call 832-422-7806. Please follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @nbuf_houston @National Black United Front Houston Chapter @TheRealNBUF. Struggle, Service, Sacrifice, KOFI TAHARKA NBUF NATIONAL CHAIRMAN
...Some individuals might ask the question: who is the devil? The answer is simply anyone who is embracing and spreading lies for evil purposes, which in turn, are designed to confuse, destroy, and kill. Simply put, the devil is any individual who doesn’t have a God conscience, and has a carnal mind, because a...
THE BUFFALO SOLDIERS NATIONAL MUSEUM ANNOUNCES ITS LEARNING AND HERITAGE-FILLED SUMMER 2024 PROGRAMS Parents are invited to immerse their children in cost-free outdoor adventures. Educators are invited to immerse in empowering learning workshops. Houston, TX – As Summer approaches, Houston’s parents and educators seek enriching professional development opportunities for children. The Buffalo Soldiers National...
By: Mike LaFirenza The American dream of homeownership often begins with a starter home—a manageable property that allows young adults and families to establish roots, build equity, and lay the groundwork for fi nancial security. This initial step on the property ladder fuels the housing market and strengthens the economy by creating a generation...
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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.
