March 8, 2020
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION African-American News&Issues
Vol. 25, Issue 7 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION COVERAGE
BIDEN WINS OVER TEXAS DEMOCRATS
LAUREN ANDERSON IS BACK: HOUSTON BALLERINA GRACES THE STAGE AGAIN
Photo courtesy of The National Review
“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”
By Isaiah Robinson
HOUSTON – Former vice president and 2020 presidential hopeful, now the frontrunner, Joe Biden, is leading the Democratic race after a strategically planned visit to Texas a day before Super Tuesday. With Texas among one of the key states to acquire in the race for delegates, in addition to the need to attract both young and African-American voters, Biden’s visit to Texas Southern University (TSU) could have potentially helped secure his win in Harris County. BIDEN cont’d on page 3
LIVING LEGEND
Photo courtesy of www.laurenandersonofficial.com
LAUREN ANDERSON. Houston Ballet’s first African-American principal dancer has accepted the responsibility of her role as a “first,” and continues to give back, helping to mold the next generation. But like any great artist, when the stage calls, you must answer. The dance icon is gracing the stage again at the Wortham Theatre, starring as ‘Queen Mother’ in ‘The Sleeping Beauty.’ “You don’t want to miss it,” Anderson said.
JUDGE ZINETTA BURNEY
HOUSTON – A fierce photo of a group of sassy little Black ballerinas set the internet on fire recently, and the photographer, Brandie Perry, told reporters the tiny #BlackGirlMagic troop looked up to the young woman that the singer Prince said was his muse. “It started as photos of friends going to dance together and getting pictures,” said Perry, whose photo of the girls went viral in February. “But they all look up to Misty Copeland, and it’s Black History Month, so it couldn’t have happened at a better time.” And while the tiny ballerinas from Beaumont, Texas look up to Copeland...Copeland has praised the legendary Houston ballerina who helped to pave the way for generations to come. Before Copeland became the first African-American principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre, Lauren Anderson burst through a glass ceiling, becoming the first African-American principal ballerina at the Houston Ballet in 1990. And before Anderson, when Blacks were still considered “Colored,” Raven Wilkinson forged the path in the 1950s as a dancer for the Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo. Both Anderson and Wilkinson were at Copeland’s
BLACK VOTER SUPPRESSION ON PAGE 4
2015 debut in “Swan Lake,” which was the first time a Black woman became the “Swan Queen” with American Ballet Theatre. Anderson presented Copeland with flowers on stage after the historic performance. “One thing about the diversity of African-Americans in these major ballet companies is social media. It has changed the world of dance in so many ways.”
A trio of “firsts” celebrating each other’s successes, which sadly, had large gaps in between. But today, because of these pioneers, and a few others, one door after another are beginning to open. Last year, 11-year-old Charlotte Nebres became the first Black lead in the New York City Ballet’s holiday production of George Balanchine’s “The Nutcracker.” What’s the difference between then and now? Why is #BlackGirlTwirl becoming a movement? The internet – which Anderson credits as a force in helping to highlight Black ballerinas around the world. ANDERSON cont’d on page 3
ACTRESS AJ JOHNSON’S NEW SERIES ON PAGE 4
Photo courtesy of University of Houston System
By N.L. Preston
HOUSTON – In 1941, in Houston, Texas, Zinetta was the second of four children born to John and Thelma Arceneaux. At the age of 17, she gave birth to her only child, Sharon Maria Burney. LEGEND cont’d on page 6
VANESSA REED: COMERICA BANK ON PAGE 7
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MARCH 8, 2020
GREATER HOUSTON AREA
EDITORIAL
THE WHITE HOUSE OR THE DOG HOUSE? Partin’ the Waters By Omawale Luthuli-Allen
HOUSTON – Ten days ago, the second debate with the skinny field took place and Black voters in South Carolina (SC) showed up and showed out. About 57 years ago, two Black students were arrested during a fight for democratic and human rights in the slave state of South Carolina. South Carolina was the state that ignited the bloodiest conflict in our country’s history. Rebels fired on Fort Sumpter and started a conflict about whether this government would exist either slave or free. 750,000 lives were lost. These two college students, Jim and Emily’s hearts were oppressed in jail, but their hearts began to dance when the wick of the freedom candle was lit. Eighteen months later, they married and about a year ago they celebrated 58 years of holy matrimony. Emily recently made her transition about 18 months ago. They were the ultimate power couple for they believed that politics was the art of gaining, maintaining and using power for the good of the people. With Emily’s help, Rep. Jim Clyburn went on to become one of the most powerful elected officials of our time. On Wednesday, with Emily communing with him from a faraway land, they endorsed Vice President Joe Biden for President of the
United States. The South Carolina Democratic Party vowed to a standstill until Clyburn used his hammer. Emily and Jim never forgot that in the not too distant past in South Carolina, they could never be husband and wife, only breeders for the peculiar institution of slavery. Emily and Rep. Clyburn used the hammer to endorse Biden. His campaign was on life support and he became: THE COME BACK KID, winning every county from the mountains to the sea. The momentum carried him to a Super Tuesday near blow out, winning 10 states. Black voters were the anchors for a record-breaking run, even eclipsing the 2008 Obama turnout. The entire blue South, plus Oklahoma and Maine, enabled Biden to run through the tape.
South Carolina Congressman Jim Clyburn nationally endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden the week leading up to the SC Primaries. Biden came out on Tuesday night, winning 10-14 states. Now leading in numbers and picking up endorsements from his former campaign rivals, politicos are saying his campaign has a new life.
Does your vote matter? Damn straight your vote matters! If either one of the Dems captured the Presidency and closes the Senate gap by two members,
universal health care with coverage for pre-existing conditions win. Food security and mental health support without being in jail wins. A $15 minimum wage will become law in most of the nation. Although Black voters sent gunslingers Bloomberg, Warren, Klobuchar, and Buttigieg to Boot Hill, the country is now seeded for progressive human development policies and a goodbye to the most dangerous CEO in our history. Bloomberg has been endorsed by our teflon Mayor Sylvester Turner. For many of us the endorsement of Bloomberg by Harlem Children Zone’s Geoffrey Canada signals that this was not a “Rent-a-Negro” outreach. Bloomberg has an initiative that speaks truth to power called the GREENWOOD INITIATIVE: Economic Justice for Black America. This is a SANKOFA moment. Greenwood, a community in Tulsa, Oklahoma was home to ‘Black Wall Street’ in the early 20th century, the most prominent district of Blackowned businesses in the United States. In 1921, the community was destroyed in the Wall Street Massacre, killing hundreds of Black people and forcing Blacks to flee for their lives. White racists even used airplanes to bomb the Black community and sought to Whitewash the history books so that we would be deaf, dumb and blind. Yes, Joe Biden and Bernie Sanders would be on the right side of history if they endorsed the GREENWOOD initiative. The Greenwood Plan is captivating because of the lost lives and the promise of hundreds of Green-
wood residents victimized by racial terror. Bloomberg proposes to help one million new Black Americans become homeowners and create 100,000 new Black businesses. This is the first time that I have heard a White candidate for President of the United States admit to racial terror and wage theft. Closing the racial wealth gap must be a central metric in the selection of any candidate. Bloomberg is now endorsing Joe Biden and parking his ego. Kudos to Buttigieg, Warren, and Klobuchar for parking their egos too. For the candidates no longer standing the epitaphs on their political tombstones will be – sent to their final presidential resting place by Black love, votes, intelligence, and passion for democracy. Emily’s legacy is that Black women in SC outvote any other demographic and are gravediggers for those who fail to gain their favor. Biden appears to be emerging from his cognitive fog and is touting the OBAMA legacy and his role in eight years of a Black-led nation. The OBAMA coattails may merge with Biden’s other legislative achievements to breathe new life into him and halt the premature autopsy. If he resurrects, his debt to Black women and Black baby boomers will be enormous. Blacks in South Carolina comprised 60 percent of the Democratic electorate and 40% of the entire electorate. This is the hammer that was wielded by Emily and Jim as representatives of a nation within a nation. Brothers, find your Emily. Sisters, find your Jimmy. Build generational wealth inside your house
and clear the path for your children and grandchildren. Get your League of Women Voter Education Guide and study it before you vote. Know that the fossils are relying on Voter Suppression and Voter Apathy. Every single vote counts. During the revolutionary 1960s, President Kennedy, a despised Roman Catholic won the presidency by one vote per precinct. Do the math, you don’t have to be a mathematician to understand math. Intelligent voting helps to provide goods and services necessary for a good life. This means good schools, affordable housing, food security and an end to these stupid no end wars. Good politics means that we focus on Electability, Effectiveness, and Accountability. Dr. Cofield has a sign at his church that reads: NO ONE CAN HELP US IF WE DON’T WANT TO LEARN. Study what Jim and Emily did and accomplished. Support those who support you. If you don’t vote, stop complaining. Vote for somebody with a program that benefits you and the community even if you must write your name in. When you early vote and when you vote on Tuesday, Nov. 3, remember that Rep. William Clay said in the 1970s, “We have no permanent friends, no permanent enemies, only permanent interests.” Poet Langston Hughes said, “America, I too am America. You have never been America to me. Let’s make America a shining light on a hill for the least, lost and hopeless.” – AANI
GREATER HOUSTON AREA
MARCH 8, 2020
ANDERSON cont’d from cover “One thing about the diversity of African-Americans in these major ballet companies is social media. It has changed the world of dance in so many ways,” Anderson told African-American News&Issues. “We can see who’s out there doing what, in what company, in real-time. We have always been there, but not necessarily been seen by the rest of the industry. That being said, the ‘trend’ is diversity and inclusion. We have always had the talent, but not been given the chance.” And with the crack in the door being opened wider for African-Americans in dance, an elephant (in a pink tutu) remains in the room: body image.
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COVER STORIES
BIDEN cont’d from cover
BIDEN WINS OVER TEXAS DEMOCRATS
“Black neighborhoods are food deserts...We need to have access to healthy food and good information on what is best to eat to stay in shape and be healthy.”
When one thinks of the “typical” ballerina, you may think of a “Black Swan” movie storyline: frail, near-starvation dancers suffering from eating disorders. But one look at Anderson’s impressive frame, you see the strength of the Black female body. Anderson says we must release the stereotypes and focus on health and fitness. It starts where we live, and overall, how we perceive ourselves. “Most people are not the typical frames of ballerinas! However, most Black neighborhoods are food deserts and have mostly fast food establishments. We need to have access to healthy food and good information on what is best to eat to stay in shape and be healthy,” she explained. “We all have to train our bodies ridiculously hard to be in ballerina condition. Unfortunately, one wall of our dancer lives is a mirror. We are our worst critics of what is in that mirror. Especially women!” Anderson worked hard to transform her body. Early in her career, she became a pescatarian, took Pilates and made fitness her focus, along with hard work and determination. Her breakthrough came when legendary Houston Ballet artistic director Ben Stevenson promoted her to the principal. After that, she went on to dance leading roles in all of the classical ballets. Anderson remained at the helm of the Houston Ballet for 16 years, before retiring in 2006. ANDERSON cont’d on page 6
Photo courtesy of Brandie Perry/ Bee Photography
These are the faces of the #BlackGirlMagic photo that went viral on social media last month. The elite squad at iRule Dance Studio in Beaumont, Texas have sure to put their city on the map. Perry captioned the photo: “Fierce, Determined, and Strong.”
SOCIAL MEDIA THOUGHTS
JOE BIDEN VISITING TEXAS SOUTHERN
“[TSU] am I the only one that’s offended by the negro spirituals Joe Biden had bumpin’ in the Science Building?” -@gosh_sam_it
Photo courtesy of Huffington Post
TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY. Former vice president and 2020 Presidential hopeful Joe Biden escorted by senior Adunola Osinuga, the 72nd Miss TSU, during a rally held on campus on March 2, 2020 – a day before Super Tuesday. BIDEN cont’d from cover Biden was already coming off a resounding win Saturday in the South Carolina primary. The TSU rally held Monday began with a performance from Houston’s Combined Gospel Choirs and the TSU “Ocean of Soul” Marching Band, introductory speeches from the 72nd Miss TSU - senior communications major Adunola Osinuga - and Texas political leaders Congresswoman Sheila Jackson-Lee, and Sens. John Whitmire and Carol Alvarado. “We want to ensure that when we change the White House in 2020, it will be the kind of leadership that knows about civil rights, protection of women and about the rights to vote,” Jackson-Lee said. “Joe Biden has made it clear, not through his campaign, but decades of service putting HBCUs at the top of his priority list,” Osinuga said in her speech. Biden spoke about supporting and funding of HBCUs, student debt,
health care, the necessity for a Democrat who will meet the needs of the people and the importance of faith and forgiveness. “The decisions Democrats make tomorrow and the next few weeks will determine what we stand for, believe in, where we’re going and how we’re going to get there,” Biden said.
funded compared to Texas Predominantly White Institutions (PWI). Reports also mentions the greater financial need and debt for Black students compared to students at PWIs and that minority-serving institutions receive less but invest more into students in comparison. Young voters and supporters say they trust him.
“As president, I am going to fund HBCUs by $70 billion over the next 10 years...This will be able to put many HBCUs in position to compete.”
During his speech, Biden made a huge pledge: “I promise you as president, I am going to fund HBCUs by $70 billion over the next 10 years,” he said. “Everyone forgets why HBCUs came along in the first place. You weren’t allowed to enter any other university and the consequence is you don’t have the significant endowments of other competing public institutions. This will be able to put many HBCUs in position to compete.” According to a report, Texas HBCU’s are under-
“He’s believable because of his connection with us and the deeper insight that he has compared to the other candidates,” said TSU alumna and retired teacher Florence Coleman. “Joe has been in this game with us. Overall, I think he’s someone we can rely on.” “We saw the power that voters of color have in South Carolina. We have the power to swing this entire race toward a candidate that can beat Donald Trump,” the 72nd Miss TSU said. – AANI
“I guess after the debate Joe Biden walked around [TSU] campus and talked to students. They are on Facebook admiring bruh and I’m just like...” - @seddyMACK
“Nooooo my mom is at a Joe Biden rally at TSU. Nooooooooooooo” - @riversidejordan
#ThankYouHervis ..... and the rest of the people that waited to DEFEND DEMOCRACY!!! #BidenHarris2020 #TSU -@SkyviewKevin
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MARCH 8, 2020
COMMUNITY
BLACK HOLLYWOOD
‘BABY BOY’ ACTRESS AJ JOHNSON TALKS NEW SERIES AND GHANA
Photo courtesy of Madame Noir
DOWN MEMORY LANE. ‘House Party’ and ‘Baby Boy’ actress Adrienne-Joi “AJ” Johnson celebrates 30 plus years in the film industry and her new connection to change in Ghana. She has partnered with the US Embassy in Ghana to help promote her cause and will star in a new romantic comedy, ‘Stuck with You’ on UMC. By N.L. Preston
HOUSTON – There isn’t a teen from this generation or three decades ago who does not know the choreographed dance moves set to Full Force’s “Ain’t My Type of Hype” in the iconic 1990 movie, “House Party,” where Tisha Campbell and Adrienne-Joi “AJ” Johnson battled it out with the original high top fade wearing rappers, Kid ‘N Play. The film is celebrating its 30th anniversary. And there isn’t a single-mother to a son around who can’t relate to Johnson’s character in 2001’s “Baby Boy,” also starring Ving Rhames and Tyrese Gibson. African-American News&Issues met the Hollywood actress as she visited Houston promoting her new series, and had a down-to-Earth chat, getting a much-needed dose of spirituality and a reminder about embracing our ancestry. First Johnson allowed us to take her down memory lane, telling us how it felt to be a part of Black movie history. “I look at it as I was
privileged and blessed to be a part of ‘Baby Boy’ and ‘House Party,’ and what I think has made them iconic projects is that they were shot from a collaborative spirit; the producers, the directors, the studios, the actors,” Johnson said.
also star in the new series, which will be playing on Urban Movie Channel (UMC), the first and largest subscription streaming service dedicated to Black film and television from AMC Networks’ privately-owned subsidiary, RLJ Entertainment.
“We have a story...We have to learn our history and start talking about what they feel and what we feel. That’s been part of the divide” This year, she’s excited about her latest acting project, playing a publicist in a new romantic dramedy, “Stuck with You.” “It is an amazing story that covers a celebrity couple who are #RelationshipGoals in front of the door, but behind the door, they have the most troubled, dysfunctional, tumultuous relationship ever so we watch them navigate what’s real, what’s life and love,” Johnson said. Tammy Townsend, Timon Kyle Durett, Jessica Obilom, Terrence Green, Tiffany Black, former Danity Kane member D. Woods and R&B singer, Shanice,
And about peace and love, Johnson enlightened us about another project near and dear to her heart: Ghana, a place she feels we all need to visit. “Oh, my goodness. My visit to Ghana over the last year changed my life. My passion for learning my true history, and understanding my purpose calling of bridging African-Americans and Africa helped me create an organization From Bridge to Better,” she said. “I don’t believe that we were supposed to be separated over 400 years ago through the Transatlantic Slave Trade anyway, but now that we are
separated, we must bridge the gap. Bridging food, language, fashion, music and entertainment. The truth is, is you are of African descent, we may be related. We are brothers and sisters, so instead of promoting the separateness, why not promote the connection?” Johnson has partnered with the US Embassy in Ghana to help promote the mission. “One of the things that fascinates me is just as we have a story as African-Americans who came over from Africa in the slave trade, they also have a story of the Africans who were left behind. We have to learn our history and start talking about what they feel and what we feel. That’s been part of the divide, if more of us get a chance to go over there, there’s no way we can come back to America unchanged.” Speaking of change, Johnson is also a life coach, helping others improve their lives, through spirituality and positivity. Actress Gabrielle Union shared that Johnson helped change the way she communicated with other women, helping her to remove the negativity she was carrying. “We need to stop operating from the standpoint of ‘What about me?’ Be the blessing that you want to receive and watch what happens,” Johnson said. She went on to add, “I want everyone in this month and this year to remove the limits, because the limits are not defined. Limits are something we give ourselves. We limit ourselves with age, employment, parenthood and none of that stuff has rules we have to live by. I am living a limitless existence. The life you want to live can be yours.” – AANI
GREATER HOUSTON AREA
WAKE UP AMERICA
BLACKS DETERMINED TO VOTE IN HOUSTON
Photo courtesy of Detroit News
ONE LOCAL MAN. Hervis Rogers, has become the face of the alleged Super Tuesday voter suppression problem, gaining national attention. Rogers spent almost seven hours in line at TSU, finally casting the last ballot at 1:30 a.m. Wednesday. By Isaiah Robinson
HOUSTON – With busy voting locations and long lines at different sites across the City of Houston, many African-American voters— a few frustrated — were determined to cast their ballots in what many consider the most important Super Tuesday primaries of all time. Harris County implemented a new system that allows voters to cast their ballot at any polling location in the county, but instead of it easing the process, many voters experienced long waiting times. Officials allegedly blamed the long lines on the local Republican Party’s refusal to hold a joint primary with the Democrats. But the GOP said election administrators’ distribution of an even number of voting machines to each primary disregarded warnings that an even split would cause problems in places where the Democratic race was likely to draw more voters. One local man, Hervis Rogers, has become the face of the alleged Super Tuesday voter suppression problem, gaining national attention. Rogers spent almost seven hours in line at Texas Southern University, finally casting the last ballot at 1:30 a.m. Wednesday. A video of the tired man, limping out the building, has since gone viral. “We did that, it’s over with...It was like it was set up for me to walk away, but every vote counts.” “We did that, it’s over with,” Rogers told reporters. “It feels good.” A reporter then told Rogers that with the polls actually being closed hours earlier, a projected winner had already determined. “It was like it was set up for me to walk away,” Rogers said. When asked why he didn’t leave, Rogers replied: “Every vote counts.” Obstacles were present to deter many voters like Rogers from casting their ballot. He would not say who he voted for, but he said he felt he made the right choice. The man, still smiling, then informed reporters he was late for his job and was on his way to work. – AANI
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MARCH 8, 2020
MIKE BLOOMBERG
GREATER HOUSTON AREA
DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE
As someone who has been very lucky in life, I often say my story would have only been possible in America – and that’s true. But I also know that because of the barriers of discrimination, my story likely would have turned out very differently if I had been Black, and that more Black Americans of my generation would have ended up with far more wealth, had they been white. That’s why as President, I’m committed to act to build generational wealth for Black Families.
THE MIKE BLOOMBERG GREENWOOD INITIATIVE PLAN: Create 1 Million New Black Homeowners Double The Number of New Black-Owned Businesses Invest $70 Billion In The Country’s 100 Most Disadvantaged Neighborhoods
MIKE BLOOMBERG HAS THE BEST PLAN FOR CREATING WEALTH FOR BLACK AMERICA For more information visit
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LEGEND cont’d from cover
A few years later, she became a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) and completed her high school education by earning her G.E.D. In 1968, Zinetta graduated from Texas Southern University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. She is an alumnus of TSU’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Attorney Zinetta A. Burney was the Senior Partner in the law firm of Burney & Foreman, and before being elected presiding Justice of the Peace of Harris County Court Precinct 7, she served as Special Judge for various Harris County Criminal Courts. Zinetta has received numerous awards. She has been recognized by the City of Houston, Housing Authority of the City of Houston, United Negro College Fund, Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Houston Lawyers Association, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Omega Chapter, United Cerebral Palsy Association, Riverside General Hospital, YMCA, The Prestage Woods Women’s Legal Society, the Missouri City Chapter of Links, Inc., Houston Black Firefighters Association, and Texas Legislative Black Caucus. Her past service includes the University of Houston System Board of Regents, having been appointed by Governor Ann Richards, Board of Commissioners for the Housing Authority of the City of Houston, Mayor Lee P. Brown’s Transition Coordinating Committee, and Boards of the United Way of Texas Gulf Coast, Jesse Jackson Academy, Donald R. Watkins Aids Foundation, Main Street Market Square Redevelopment Authority. She is currently a member of the Board of Directors of Third Ward Redevelopment Council, South Main Center Association, Main Street Coalition, Old Spanish Trail/Almeda Corridors Redevelopment Authority. She is also a Senior Fellow of the Gulf Coast Chapter of the American Leadership Forum. – AANI
ANDERSON cont’d from page 3
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In January 2007, she joined the Houston Ballet’s education department where she teaches ballet classes, conducts master classes at area schools, with a heavy focus on underserved communities. Anderson has accepted the responsibility of her role as a “first,” and continues to give back, helping to mold the next generation. But like any great artist, when the stage calls, you must answer. Anderson is gracing the stage again at the Wortham Theatre, starring as Queen Mother in “The Sleeping Beauty,” Stevenson’s interpretation of the classic French fairytale by Charles Perrault. “I am loving getting back on stage with the Houston Ballet. ‘Sleeping Beauty’ is a stunning production, from the dancing to the sets and costumes. You don’t want to miss it,” she said. A pair of Anderson’s pointe shoes are on display at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African-American History. When asked what’s the best advice she can give to a woman trying to chase her dreams, she said, “Nobody can do you better than you. You don’t need to be anyone else.” And what’s the best advice a woman ever gave her? “Trust your gut, trust the process,” Anderson said. And by the way, who is one of Anderson’s inspirations? None other than a legendary dancer, choreographer, producer, and director – Debbie Allen – who’s also a Houston native. – AANI
GREATER HOUSTON AREA
MARCH 8, 2020
EVENTS
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ce Sin 4 9 19
WHATS HAPPENIN’ AROUND HOUSTON TUESDAY, MARCH 3 JUNE 30
Core Focus Yoga at Discovery Green DISCOVERY GREEN 1500 McKinney Street 6:30PM-7:30PM FREE ADMISSION
SUNDAY, MARCH 8 APRIL 19
Fotofest Biennial 2020: African Cosmologies “Photography, Time, and the Other”
SILVER STREET STUDIOS 2000 Edwards Street 11AM-6PM FREE ADMISSION
SATURDAY, MARCH 14
The Market at Sawyer Yards presented by Mitch Cohen THE SILOS AT SAWYER YARDS 1502 Sawyer Street Houston, TX 77007 FREE ADMISSION
SATURDAY, MARCH 14
The Purple Show 2 presented by Henry Murillo SHARESPACE 2203 Preston Street Houston, TX 77003 8:30PM-11:30PM TICKETS: $15
SATURDAY, MARCH 14
Taste Test Shorts Program HOUSTON MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURE 4807 Caroline Street Houston, TX 77004 12PM-1:30PM FREE ADMISSION
Caution: Roses Die Here presented by Black Buddha Creative Agency THE DELUXE THEATER 3303 Lyons Avenue Houston, TX 77020 3PM & 9PM TICKETS: $25
COMERICA BANK NAMES VANESSA REED REGIONAL EXTERNAL AFFAIRS MANAGER By AANI Staff Writer
HOUSTON – Comerica Incorporated (NYSE: CMA) has promoted Vanessa T. Reed to Regional External Affairs Manager, reporting to Chief Community Officer Irvin Ashford Jr. In this role, Reed will oversee external affairs operations in Arizona, Florida, Michigan, and Texas. Her team of six will continue to work closely with the bank’s nonprofit partners as well as other key stakeholders in the respective markets Comerica Bank serves; with a primary focus on financial education initiatives and programs for children and adults as well as economic/community
Credit Cards Accepted Lay-a-way
SATURDAY, MARCH 14
MONEY MATTERS
development for programs that promote and enhance opportunities for low-and moderate-income families and communities through job creation training, readiness, and retention; neighborhood/community revitalization and business development; small business training and development; and affordable housing advocacy and development. “Vanessa’s increasing responsibilities in external affairs and the strong community relationships she’s built over the years, coupled with her banking background has prepared her for this opportunity,” said Ashford. “Under Vanessa’s leadership, her team is well-positioned to deliver on Comerica’s Promise of raising expectations in the communities we serve.” Reed joined Comerica Bank in 2000 as a credit specialist in the commercial real estate division and most recently served as the Texas External Affairs Manager, which included the bank’s corporate headquarters market of Dallas as well as Austin, Fort Worth, Kerrville, Hous-
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ton, and San Antonio. Her civic and community involvement includes serving as Chair of the Board of Directors for Change Happens and the Fort Bend Church’s Accounting Team Ministry. In addition, Reed is a member of the leadership advisory committee for Houston Money Week and the Houston Metropolitan Continental Societies, Inc. board. Reed is a recognized leader and serves as a subject matter expert on community development and engagement in both Texas and her home state Louisiana. She’s received several honors since beginning her career at Comerica Bank, including the Chatman Women’s Foundation 2017 Inaugural ‘PowHer Play Award’ and ‘This Woman’s Work‘ 2018 Community Advocate Award. A graduate of the University of New Orleans, Reed holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a concentration in accounting.
– AANI
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8 AFRAMNEWS.COM
MARCH 8, 2020
GREATER HOUSTON AREA ®
1159 5 items!
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8
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H-E-B® Select Ingredients products are made without hundreds of synthetic ingredients. For more information visit heb.com/select
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Prices Good Wednesday, March 11 Thru Tuesday, March 17, 2020 At Your Neighborhood H-E-B Stores.
Some items may not be available in all stores. Items not valid at Central Market. Due to the popularity of our Extra Low Prices Every Day, we reserve the right to limit quantities. Limit Rights Reserved. We Accept Lone Star Card, WIC And Manufacturers’ Coupons. ©2020 HEB, 19-2884 visit www.heb.com
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