Happy Anniversary to us. We did it! This is a true moment of pride as Bayou Beat News has officially completed its first year of publication as a print newspaper. We started out as a dominant presence in the online space, moved on to newspaper and, next month, will officially begin our podcasting segments on our already popular “News with Attitude” YouTube channel. Make sure you subscribe.
the MAGIC that is overlooked regarding the people who look like us.
We are not going anywhere anytime soon. Now let’s get busy on Year 2!
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Now that I got all of that out of the way, as the CEO and publisher of Bayou Beat News and News with Attitude, I want to personally thank you for believing in us, subscribing to us, reaching out to us, and sharing with us. Thank you for allowing us to feature you in your true element and reading what we would like to believe are “thought provoking” articles and commentary for what is happening around the world, with specific focus on the south – from Texas to Florida. We are, and will continue to be, champions for the less fortunate and oppressed, fighting for the rights and equity of those in the community and workplace, while still highlighting all
Born on March 28, 1923, this decorated military veteran was inducted into the U.S. Army on June 23, 1943 and served during World War II. He was a technician with the 5th Grade H and S Company 1313th Army Engineers Camp Claiborne, LA and fought in Northern France and Rhineland. His awards and citations include, European African-Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal and World War II Victory Medal. Moore's daughter, Cheryl McNair, is wife of Dr. Ronald McNair, who died in the 1986 Space Shuttle Challenger disaster.
Please reach out to us at info@ bayoubeatnews.com for any inquiries and/ or story ideas. With love,
When we say it is getting hot in Houston, we are not talking about the weather. The race to fill Mayor Sylvester Turner's seat has the city on fire with who's in, who's out and more importantly, who can win it.
There is no doubt about it, Mayor Turner is one tough act to follow. He has truly been a "man of the people," showing he is professional, approachable and hip with his signature line of "reppin' the 44" for Acres Home, the neighborhood he forever calls home.
Early on, it was clear that longtime Senator John Whitmire was a frontrunner, boasting a "war chest" of campaign funds that has now reached more than $10 million, according to reports. Those funds have been amassed while he was serving in the Texas Legislature and reportedly eligible for use in his latest political run.
Then there was Chris Hollins, who gained nationwide notoriety as the gutsy Harris County clerk fighting against voter suppression in the historic 2020 presidential election. He possessed what many referred to as a "Barack Obama" quality: tall, handsome, young and eloquent in speech and mannerisms.
Even still, many said they did not "know" him and he wasn't making his rounds in the Black community the way he needed to. He was kicking it into high gear, impressively bringing in more than $1.5 million from donors and building momentum, when Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee announced her bid for Houston mayor. Hollins, who says he greatly admires the congresswoman, switched gears and announced he would run for city controller, instead.
By: N. C. GreeneMany called it a smart move, proving the younger politician is willing to play chess. As the city controller, he can have more time to connect with Houstonians, gain more political experience and can return at a later round to fight for the dream seat. Remember, Turner ran for mayor several times before finally being elected.
When it comes to Jackson Lee, the veteran politician who’s been criss-crossing to Washington DC for nearly 30 years representing Texans, says it’s time for her to “come home.”
out fund and out finance many of the other candidates. While sharing an article on Facebook on whether or not he would run, Buzbee captioned, “Would I spend fifty million dollars to be mayor of Houston? Ehhh…To do so we would have to have a coalition of activists from all points of view and business people from all walks of life across this city. We would have to resolve that we would be the example that all cities would follow. We would have to have the thought leaders of the entire world involved. I would be
Large City Council Member. She is an accomplished attorney with extensive municipal finance experience, a grassroots public servant, and an effective community advocate. Amanda is also the founder of a community non-profit that empowers various groups ranging from seniors to women.
Lee Kaplan is a partner of a litigation firm. He grew up in Bellaire and Meyerland and says watching the struggles of his parents shaped his tough work ethic.
"I will strive to be a Mayor who does things right, a Mayor you can be proud of, a Mayor who focuses on the essential services that impact all of us every single day,” Kaplan said.
Gilbert Andrew Garcia is a former METRO chairman and current managing partner of Garcia Hamilton & Associates, a wealth management firm specializing in bonds. The Corpus Christi native went to Yale University and then staked out a career in finance. His firm has grown from managing about $350 million in assets to more than $20 billion.
Robin Williams was also an early entrant, beautiful, Black and passionate about the community she served. The local police officer made her rounds, speaking about crime prevention and her mission to help Houston's youth stay on the right path. A domestic violence allegation made against her by her boyfriend, which was later recanted, stalled her campaign.
Then there is the mightiest of wild cards: High-profile Houston attorney Tony Buzbee. Buzbee caused quite a shake up when he ran against Turner in the last race. Buzbee, a reported billionaire, has enough money to
proud to lead, but I would need a lot of help. Houston could do this. We are poised to do so. Or, we could do the same old, sad old typical. We could make this city the best in the world. I haven’t decided. It’s a bunch easier for me to just spend time at the farm with Frances (his wife). Lots of animals to rescue!”
While his message says he is undecided, it was definitely not a “No.” Who are the others in the crowded field of contenders? Here are snippets of their backgrounds, pulled from their online campaigns:
Amanda Edwards is a native Houstonian and a former At-
Robert Gallegos is a native Houstonian and lifelong resident of District I. He was elected in 2013 and represents the council district that encompasses downtown, EaDo, Clinton Park, parts of northeast Houston, the greater East End and the Houston Ship Channel, as well as communities along I-45 south from downtown to Hobby Airport. Election Day is Nov. 7.
***Bayou Beat News is offering each candidate the opportunity to introduce themselves to our readers in upcoming editions. Those interested can contact info@ bayoubeatnews. com.***
Former President Donald Trump is now criminal defendant Donald Trump. For at least several moments on Tuesday, April 4, Trump was placed under arrest. His Miranda rights were read, and fingerprints taken, but authorities spared him a mugshot and customary perp walk.
Still, as he headed to the 15th floor courtroom at 100 Centre Street downtown, Trump joined the nearly 8,000 other non-violent felony defendants who have been arraigned in Manhattan so far in 2023.
Shortly before 2 p.m. EST, Trump became the first former U.S. President arrested and criminally charged. This after becoming the first to have been impeached twice.
“Can’t believe this is happening,” Trump posted as he headed into a courtroom where he found, perhaps for the first time in his adult life, that he wasn’t in control of the proceedings in front of him.
It’s an ironic, if not predictable, fall for a man who campaigned in 2016 by mercilessly leading chants of “Lock her up,” against Democrat Hillary Clinton.
And as unprecedented and surreal was the arrest, the charges leveled against the bombastic MAGA leader reveal what prosecutors claim is a man who operated as if he were above the law for a long time – including when he ruled the Oval Office.
Indeed, the freshly unsealed indictment brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg included 34 criminal charges – all felonies related to falsifying business records, including several relating to allegedly making hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal.
Trump is scheduled to return to Manhattan for a second court date in December. Prosecutors insist their case against Trump has nothing to do with politics.
For more than two decades, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas has accepted luxury trips virtually every year from Dallas businessman and Republican mega donor Harlan Crow without disclosing them, a bombshell new report from ProPublica has revealed.
Citing documents and interviews, the nonprofit and Pulitzer Prize winning legal news organization said Thomas, who has a salary of $285,000, has vacationed on Crow’s superyacht around the globe.
Had Thomas footed the bill himself, one trip on Crow’s yacht would have set him back a cool half-million dollars. What’s more, the controversial conservative justice often flies on Crow’s Bombardier Global 5000 jet. That’s a $70,000 trip. Justices are required to report all gifts of $415 or more that are “anything of value” and not fully reimbursed. There’s no record of Thomas reporting the gifts or reimbursing anyone for the trips.
“He has gone with Crow to the Bohemian Grove, the exclusive California all-male retreat, and to Crow’s sprawling ranch in East Texas,” the legal news site reported on Thursday, April 6. “And Thomas typically spends about a week every summer at Crow’s private resort in the Adirondacks.”
“His failure to report the flights appears to violate a law passed after Watergate that requires justices, judges, members of Congress and federal officials to disclose most gifts,” the site reported, citing two ethics law experts.
As ProPublica noted, federal judges sit in a unique position of public trust.
Each justice enjoys lifetime tenure, which is supposed to inoculate them from feeling any temptation toward corruption.
By: Texas State Senate staff
The Texas State Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 224 known as the “Deputy Darren Almendarez Act,” authored by State Senator Carol Alvarado.
SB 224 was filed in response to rising crime related to catalytic converter thefts across Harris County and the State of Texas. The bill is named after Harris County Sheriff's Deputy Darren Almendarez who was killed when he interrupted thieves attempting to steal the catalytic converter from his personal vehicle at a grocery store located in the 2900 block of FM 1960 at Aldine Westfield one year ago.
SB 224 puts in place a comprehensive criminal and regulatory framework by creating a presumption of unauthorized criminal possession, new criminal offenses in the theft and criminal mischief statutes and a penalty enhancement if the thief was in possession of a firearm. The bill also incorporates regulatory provisions to close the business-to-business loophole by clarifying who can buy and sell catalytic converters and requiring record keeping of transactions between businesses.
“The Deputy Darren Almendarez Act is one step closer to being signed into law,” said Senator Carol Alvarado. “I am proud to have worked with law enforcement, prosecutors, industry stakeholders and my colleagues to ensure that this bill will give law enforcement the tools they need to investigate and prosecute these dangerous criminals to the full extent of the law and help make our communities safer.”
SB 224 now heads to the Texas House of Representatives where it will be sponsored by Chairman Jeff Leach and carried through that chamber’s legislative process. The bill will take immediate effect once passed by the House and signed by the Governor.
LSU’s Angel Reese’s post-game gesture has sparked a conversation about double standards in basketball.
As the final seconds ticked off the clock in LSU’s dominating 102-85 victory over Iowa, Reese waved her hand in front of her face, stared at Iowa guard Caitlin Clark, and pointed towards her ring finger.
Reese made it clear; she was the one going home with the championship ring.
For all the trash-talking and lack of sportsmanship on Clark’s part, Reese received the backlash.
For many commentators, including longtime sportscaster and former MSNBC anchor Keith Olbermann, the response was telling.
Olbermann called Reese a “f-ing idiot,” while others called her a hood rat.
Shaquille O’Neil, the NBA hall of famer who played for LSU’s men’s basketball team in the 1990s, told Olbermann to shut up.
Reese, the Black superstar, was taken to task on social media for lacking grace in victory.
After the game, and to her credit, Reese remained unapologetic.
“All year, I was critiqued for who I was. I don’t fit the narrative,” Reese explained. “I’m too ‘hood. I’m too ghetto. Y’all told me that all year.”
As many have noted, there remains a divide between white and African American women over opportunities and perception.
White players are considered tough and fundamentally sound, while Black players are seen as flashy brawlers, noted sports columnist William Rhoden observed.
In this case, the focus was on double standards.
By: Stacy M. Brown / NNPABlack players are vilified for doing the same things white players are praised for doing.
Caitlin Clark’s trash talk gestures had been lauded throughout the NCAA tournament, Rhoden continued.
Clark repeatedly made the “you can’t see me” gesture during Iowa’s win over Louisville in the Elite Eight. She was heralded as confident and brash.
ball and picked up four fouls.
Clark claimed afterward that she didn’t see Reese’s gesture, and Iowa’s head coach Lisa Bluder gave a near muted response, saying “We’re all different people, and we all have different ways to show our emotion.”
In other words, it was fine when her player – a white athlete – gestured, but not-so-
Black sportscasters like Rhoden, ESPN’S Stephen A. Smith, and FS1’s Shannon Sharpe, stepped up to back Reese.
“We see it two different ways… when Caitlin Clark did the John Cena it was considered ‘swag,’” Sharpe remarked. “Angela Reese does the same gestured it’s considered ‘classless.’ It’s funny how America – society sees black and white.”
Sharpe wasn’t done.
“Angel Reese said ‘unapologetically me.’ She meant unapologetically Black. It’s … it’s so obvious what this is. This is not about anything other than race.”
He continued:
“One is a celebration and is celebrated. The other is condemned. And why? Only because a Black did the exact same gesture that a white female did 48 hours earlier.
“Trash talk is a part of the game. But white trash talk and black trash talk is viewed entirely different and we know why.”
On his First Take show, Smith also went in on the race issue.
Clark followed up her “you can’t see me” gesture Friday against South Carolina freshman guard Raven Johnson. Rhoden noted that Clark finally got her comeuppance when Reese lit her up for 15 points and 10 boards, eventually earning the women’s NCAA tournament’s most outstanding player.
Reese played brilliantly in an overall team effort that frustrated Clark, who was called at least twice for pushing off the
cool when the winning player – a Black champion – gave a little back.
“Ultimately, the conversation around Reese’s gesture is not just about trash talk; it’s about how Black players are perceived differently than white players,” Rhoden stated. “Reese’s gesture was an unapologetic response to the criticism she has faced all year.”
And, as white commentators like Olbermann continued their rhetoric and race-baiting,
“We all know that there’s a whiteblack issue here, because the fact of that matter is when Caitlin did it, people were celebrating it. And they were talking about nothing but her greatness,” Smith railed. “But, the second a sister stepped up and threw it back in her face, now you’ve got half the basketball world saying ‘Well, you know what, that’s not the classiest thing to do.”
Smith continued:
“Clark kind of instigated this and the fact that hasn’t been brought up tells us a lot about our society as a whole. You know exactly what the hell you’re doing as people when you want to bring up how Angel Reese acted, but you don’t want to bring up how Caitlin Clark acted. That’s the inconsistency. That’s the story.”
My dream?” Nathaniel Greene began, “is to not let myself or my family down. That’s number one. Aside from that, I want to play college ball for either TSU (Texas Southern University) or LSU (Louisiana State University).”
And while Nathaniel knows it would be a blessing to be selected to join any institute that believes in his ability, he described why those are his top two universities of choice.
“My mama doesn’t think I listen to her all the time, but I see the look in her eyes when she talks about how she gave birth to me while she was a freshman at TSU, and how she had me in the daycare on campus there and sometimes had to take me to class with her and many professors were cool with that. I appreciate them for that, and it would be cool to have a full circle moment with them sort of like as a place where it all began. TSU has soul and is home for my family,” he explained. “And my mom’s best friend Rebecca Briscoe is an LSU alumna and I love their team’s heart and basketball program. It’s a very big school and produces multiple NBA talent. The colors, the culture, everything about LSU is really good and it’s definitely another school I wouldn’t mind playing for.”
While his “why” is different from others, Nathaniel, who fell in love with basketball at the age of 7, shares the dream that tens of thousands of African African youths – male and female – have of playing college sports, eventually leading to a professional team.
The latest data on NCAA.org shows, when it comes to basketball, there is a current average of 540,000 high school players nationwide.
Out of those, only 18,000 are estimated to advance to NCAA schools, with only one percent moving to Division I; another one percent making it to Division II, and 1.4 percent landing at a Division III school.
As you can see, it’s already a long shot to even get to play on the college level, with an even longer shot of those moving on
to the NBA.
Adding to that, in 2020, something the world wasn’t prepared for came along and seemingly pushed everything further out of reach. COVID-19 / coronavirus introduced itself to the world, and the global pandemic that followed brought everything to a halt.
For Nathaniel, the pandemic brought a series of blows. It was during that time, that his father died.
The impact the virus and the pandemic had on the high school athletic community was detrimental in many aspects for
some; not only affecting mental health, but physical progress, playing time and college recruitment opportunities, among other factors.
To adjust, the NCAA expanded the eligibility rules for students playing during the pandemic.
To a novice, the concept may be tough to grasp, but college basketball coaches, recruiters, athletes, and young prospects are finding their footing with navigating new opportunities. Some people feel the changes are a bonus, while some of the others who were anxious to jump in express feeling “left out,” or as if their dreams are slipping away.
Ben “Ben X” Simmons has a long history with the sport of basketball. He went to Purdue in Indiana, played in semi-pro leagues and has been training athletes and their children for over 31 years. His impressive roster of clients includes Hakeem Olajuwon, Robert Horry, Avery Johnson, Steve Kerr and Ray Allen, just to name a few.
Simmons has also worked as a teacher at a Fort Bend County school, where he had the opportunity to work with Nathaniel. Simmons saw, firsthand, how young athletes and their supportive families were struggling to adjust.
“COVID-19 has affected high school students on multiple levels. One of the main things it did, is it prevented access to gyms, gym times, team trainings and practice. For students – on one end – they got more rest – but on the other end – they weren’t as prepared as the kids before them because they lost out on practice and game experience,” Simmons explained.
He further broke down, in layman’s terms, how the NCAA changed the rules due to COVID and what that meant
for graduating high school seniors.
“Because of COVID, the NCAA gave everyone an extra year because college students also lost the same things and were unable to compete. Now, when it came to high school players, that extra year bogged down spots on teams. So, if you had a player that was projected to graduate and their spot was projected to be open that you were going to use to recruit a high school player to fill, the spot is no longer available,” Simmons said.
So, while graduating high school seniors had to “get out” with seemingly nowhere to go, the seniors at colleges and universities still had an extra year to play. That created a “bottleneck” effect with the players coming out of high school, Simmons said.
“Thirdly, not only with there not being spots available because of the extra year, the NCAA had recently opened up what we call the ‘transfer portal’ where players that are unhappy with their current situation or institution are now able to transfer to another institution without penalty, meaning they don’t have to sit out a year, when previously, they had to,” Simmons explained. “So, if I am a university in need of a dynamic player, instead of going to get a high school senior, I am able to get a fifth-year college senior. It’s all about winning at that level so I am going to go with the most experienced that is going to help me keep my job and help us win more.”
So where is the ‘sweet spot’ between the rock and the hard place to squeeze in the high schoolers? Enter the college preparatory schools.
“Because of those issues that I mentioned, it opened up a lot for prep schools, which is like giving young athletes an extra year after high school who have graduated and are not particularly ready for college,” Simmons explained. “These prep schools should be filled right now because they, in essence, are filling a void that was left because of the setbacks caused by COVID-19, the transfer portal, the extra year and the kids not being prepared.”
Simmons suggested this option to Nathaniel’s mother, who then enrolled him in Strength N Motion International, founded by San Antonio Spurs legend George “Iceman” Gervin.
At SNM and other facilities like it, students are provided the opportunity to get elite training from specialists, who are primarily former professional athletes, in addition to touring and playing against college players at universities and junior colleges. On average, the SNM students travel on the road at least a dozen times a month, playing different teams.
“We started with doing camps in the summer and they became a success, so we wanted a way to make the experience longer and to be
able to make a bigger impact on the players. So we started the prep six years ago and it gave us more time to improve our athletes and to prepare them for the next level,” said George Gervin Jr.
While many are flocking to these programs, it is cautioned that they are not cheap, but considered well worth the investment.
Mark Reed, head coach at SNM, played professionally and coached in Europe. He has been with the academy for seven years and says they have proudly secured more than $2 million in scholarships for their graduates.
“It has a lot to do with the individual. We have all the resources to elevate their playing level but it comes down to how much they are willing to put in, and what are they willing to sacrifice,” Reed said.
SNM is located in San Antonio, Texas, but there are more out there.
In Houston, PSAT Academy provides advanced training and college prep for high schoolers needing more development.
“The biggest pull that placed me on this journey to help young men and wom- en was the hand of GOD. GOD spoke to me through my two oldest sons, who asked me to pull all of my resources and contacts together and start a school,” said Dr. Andrew C. Green, founder of PSAT Academy. “The chance to help young people with their GOD-given passion for academics and athletics is worth all the sacrifices I have and will continue to make.”
Bayou Beat News asked Coach Simmons a few more questions we believe parents, guardians and those considering attending prep schools want to know.
Question: When do you think things are going to start to normalize again?
Simmons: “I would say, this is the “new normal.” I don’t think things are ever
going to go back to the way they were. I think that, with the portal being opened, it’s like salt in food, you can’t take it out now. We’ve created a new normal and we are adapting to this generation and a generation that really, mentally, is more in tune with their health than maybe some of the older generations. I think we are just going to have to adapt like we’ve had to other technological changes in society now. The homeostasis will happen and it will balance out and it will be what it is.”
Question: Because the high schoolers are now taking an extra year or two to go to prep schools, they will now be 20 years old when entering college rather than 18. Is that OK?
Simmons: “Absolutely, if that is their path. Every student athlete has their own path to take. Most people don’t graduate in four years anyway, not student athletes, statistically, so the upside is they will be more prepared mentally and mature to handle their classes. It’s kind of like “survival of the fittest.” Those who are prepared are going to make it and those who have to take a different path, will walk their own journey. “Things are balancing out on their own.
“The number one message that I would tell players is, ‘success is when preparation meets opportunity.’ So, everybody’s world is what it is, COVID or not, you have to prepare so when your opportunity comes, you’re ready. So I say fight for what you want, practice, get in the gym, work on your education and anything is possible. Anything.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT PROFESSIONALS IN THE LINKS BELOW: BEN SIMMONS
Website: Benxsports.com
Instagram: @ben_exclusive
Strength N Motion International
Website: snmotion.com
Instagram: @strengthnmotion_intl
PSAT Academy
Website: psat.education
Instagram: @psatacademy
Houston has lost a true pioneer as Russell Washington, owner of legendary Bigtyme Recordz, has died.
Washington is credited as the genius entertainment executive who helped catapult iconic rap duo Bun B and Pimp C of UGK (Underground Kingz) to stardom. Not only that, his label brought forth DJ Screw's epic two-volume masterpiece “3 ‘N The Morning.”
Washington graduated from Westbury High School then went on to attend Texas Southern University. While a student at TSU, he doubled as an entrepreneur and opened a storefront at King’s Flea Market in Houston’s South Park, first selling food and retail, then expanding to cassettes and CDs.
From there, he began working directly with artists, helping to put Houston on the map.
Chris Johnson, current director of missions at Good Hope Missionary Baptist Church and former co-CEO of G MAAB Entertainment / Prodigy
Management Group LLC, spoke of his influence.
"Bigtyme Recordz was an iconic label. Russell is the first one who discovered and distributed UGK. He also had Point Blank and PSK-13. But if you are from Houston, you know him for DJ Screw’s ‘3 in the Morning,’" said Johnson.
Johnson then broke down each one of the qualities he felt Washington possessed:
“Insight. Russell had an insight about every aspect from the record business that came from experience with working with some of the best in the business. He had insight on every level of the game, whether it was distribution, production and how to interface with your artists.
“Intelligence. Russell's intelligence when it came to the entertainment and music businesses was second to none. You can tell that in two ways. Number one: what he did during his music career when he was a CEO and executive. I often went to him for
advice on artists I was working with. And Number two: in what I call his second act, what he did with other projects he was involved in.
“Innovator. Russell had his own distribution company, many people don't know that he would shortstop, which meant that he would act as almost a sub distribution company for other small and mid-independent record stores. So, Russell would bring in products from artists all over the region selling it in his stores and selling to other stores who couldn't get product.
“Impact. His impact across the culture. You can't talk about southern hip hop, especially coming from Houston, and not mention Russell Washington and his imprint on the landscape. Also, Russell's store was located at the old King's Flea Market, right there on MLK and Griggs. Why is that important? Because his store was right in the heart of the south side."
June “PSK-13” Thomas paid homage to Washington for jumpstarting his career.
He told Bayou Beat News, "Russell felt that I was talented enough to join an All-Star roster of talent and I will be eternally grateful. He helped many people that we don't know and his ear for music is unmatched. He will be missed dearly."
Social media was flooded with many sharing fond memories about Washington.
"R.I.P. Russell 'Bcf' Washington. Thank you for always being a standup guy. Thank you for all the things you've done for the hip hop world. You were a trailblazer and a visionary in the music business. Knowing you attended Westbury High School made me that much more proud of you. My prayers to the family and friends of Big Russ. May the memories and good deeds of brother Russ live on."
Bigtyme Recordz to the World with the hit song "Tell Me Something Good"... Wow!!! R.I.P My Sincere Prayers and Condolences to his Family and Friends!!!" - Marvin Weatherspoon
"Rest in Heaven. I remember being in California in the military ordering from the Bigtyme catalog back in the 90's until I got it all... and cassette, and his latest vinyl. Loved the dude..... ahead of his time and never got the credit he deserved." - Frank
Johnson"R.I.P. Russell Bcf Washington. You a Legend over Here in Germany." - Oliver Sommer
"Damn Big Facts!!! my brother Russell Bcf Washington was a real one. Sexxx Fiends sends our prayers and our condolences to him and his family." - Ray Fields
"I'm honored to have done that over the years.
He was always good to me. I remember ordering stuff from him when I was about 12, 13 and he would always include free stuff. Always humble. Rest in peace." - Scott Bejda
"I remember going to his apartment to pick up wax for all his artists and spinning that sh** at college parties. You will greatly be missed Bro for your contribution to the culture! Rest in Power!" - Steven
Bobino IIBun B released a heartfelt statement on social media about the death of his friend.
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Michael D.Moore, CEO of Beltway 8 Records, owner of The Stuffed Baked Potato Factory and creator of Moe’s Magic Dust seasonings.
"He actually was the first person to allow me to sell my independent tapes and CDs in Kings Flea Market off #MLK in #HoustonTexas and also actually was the man that introduced the infamous group #UGK of
“Thank you Russell Washington for believing in 2 kids from Port Arthur with a dream to put their small town on the map. We did that and way more than we ever could’ve imagined,” his post read. “Without you there would be no UGK as we know it and for that I’m eternally grateful. You and Pimp chill out up there until I see y’all again. UGK and Bigtyme for life!”
You’ve probably heard of the five love languages, which describe different ways to express care and support in a relationship (physical touch, gifts, words of affirmation, quality time and acts of service) but have you heard of lust languages? Your lust language is comprised of all the things — big or small — that turn you on and off. Knowing yours can help boost your self-awareness in the bedroom, improve communication between you and your partner, and give you a better understanding of what excites you — and why.
The romantic lust language is all about being wined and dined, literally and figuratively. For the romantic, setting the mood is crucial, as it demonstrates a level of effort that makes them feel wooed, wanted, and appreciated. A homemade meal followed by a sensual bubble bath, for example, can be a great way to supercharge arousal and prime the romantic type for a full night of fun. The road to a romantic’s heart is paved with notes, pet names, and private, personal gifts. They love surprises, particularly acts of passion that show they’re always on their lover’s mind. Romantic types also love verbal play, so feel free to lay on the sexy words of affirmation.
People with a connected lust language need a strong emotional link to feel aroused. Desire is intimately linked to feeling known, understood and safe with a partner. One-night stands and love at first sight are less appealing to you than bonding over shared experiences, interests, and emotional needs.
Honest communication is key for the connected type, as is a craving for deep friendship. The ability to openly express wants, needs, and intimate desires is the ultimate turn on for those with this lust language. Sexting may be a favorite pastime of the connected type, who like to stay in touch often throughout the day.
If your lust language is harmonious, you feel like you need to be “on the same team” with your partner to feel truly safe and experience uninhibited arousal.
The harmonious type might find it difficult to become aroused if their partner neglects a household chore or forgets to fulfill a promise. They’re more likely to feel ready for action if they come home to clean dishes, bathed kids, and folded laundry. Their desire is sparked by a partner who lightens their load and shares their goals.
Passion and living for the moment are the preferred methods of intimacy for this lust language. Excitement and novelty are key to the primal type’s arousal, and a strong physical connection is a must.
Those with a primal lust language might also be into kinks, fetishes, or other taboo forms of play, but not necessarily. One thing that is mandatory, though, is skin-to-skin contact. Primal types feel most aroused by the warmth of their partner’s body and the stimulation of their touch. An emotional connection may be present but is not needed for a good time.
Keep in mind that, like your love language, your lust languages can shift over time as you move through different stages of life. Check in with yourself and your partners periodically, and don’t forget that communication is always the number one key to great intimacy!
Texas State Rep. Jolanda Jones earned kudos for her advocacy in the LGBTQ community, her prowess as a track star, and her work as a criminal defense attorney. But other attributes stand out for those who have worked with and know the District 147 representative.
Critics have pinned words and descriptions on Jones like “over the top,” “combative,” and “arrogant.”
When she appeared on CBS TV’s Survivor, Jones was ultimately described as “that bitch.”
The former Houston City Council member finds herself in hot water after her entire staff quit. They presented Jones a resignation letter full of accusations of wrongdoing.
The staff accused Jones of fostering a hostile workplace in a letter that Chief of Staff Kory Haywood, Legislative Director Catherine Mouer, and District Director Yesenia Wences all signed.
They also said that the outspoken Democrat made it easy for her son, Jiovanni Christian Teheran-Jones, to have an inappropriate relationship with an intern. Jones, 57, did nothing to intercede or stop her son’s misconduct, the staffers allege.
Jiovanni Jones, 31, and two other individuals were arrested in January on felony drug possession charges while at Guadalupe River State Park. He is currently free on a $20,000 bond.
“We, as a collective of senior staff, have repeatedly attempted to curb your behavior and address the type of work environment you have bred over the last month,” the four-page letter reads.
“But, to no avail; we haven’t seen any success. You have continued to endorse, encourage, and create
an abusive and hostile work environment in the workplace without accountability for you or your relatives’ actions.”
The staff said that Teheran-Jones’ relationship with the office intern “shows disrespect for the workplace and lowers the office’s morale.”
They challenged Jones, writing, “Jiovanni is not only your son but General Counsel at Elite Change Inc., the registered lobbying firm and the financial vehicle of the representatives’ campaign manager, Dallas Jones.”
• Jones abused the power of her office by manipulating Wences to falsely take the blame for finding out that her son’s affair was with a much younger intern.
• The younger Jones threatened to state false allegations to his mother that Wences conducted illegal business in the state office because he’s reportedly angry at her.
• Jones knew her son had a severe mental illness and yet decided to place Wences in harm’s way.
• Further, Jones had involved her staff in her personal and family affairs without regard for work-life boundaries and the scope of the staff’s employment.
• Jones asked staff to assist in coordinating the terminal cancer treatment of her son’s father-in-law.
• Jones instructed her staff to involve themselves in her son’s legal issues and criminal charges.
• Jones called staff at all hours of the night and on weekends to discuss work and to drive her from place to place.
In 2018, Jones wrote the book,
“Owning My S.H.I.T: Suffering Hardship and Internalizing Trauma.
When concluding their letter, Jones’ staff said, “It is time you own your SHIT.” Jones did not return telephone messages left by the Black Press.
Jones did not return tele-
Earlier, she released about
Earlier, she released a statement about her staff’s resignation.
“Working in the Texas Legislature is a stressful and demanding job, especially when you are in a daily fight to protect your constituents from attacks on their families, civil rights, schools, and their ability to control their own bodies.” Jones wrote.
“Some of my staff have decided this job is not for them. I wish them good luck and success in their next endeavors.”
In May 2022, Jones became the state’s first openly gay and Black state legislator. At least two others identifying with the LGBTQ community have joined Jones in the Texas legislature.
Throughout her political career, which dates to the early 2000s as a Houston Independent School District trustee and a member of Houston City Council, Jones had enjoyed the backing of Democrat heavyweights like US Rep. Al Green, former Houston Mayor Lee Brown, and State Rep. Ron Reynolds.
In 2016, Jones was among the six African American lawyers cast in the WE tv network reality show, “Sisters in Law,” which chronicled their personal lives and work in the courtroom.
An Alief Elsik High School graduate, Jones later won the US Track and Field Heptathlon and earned three NCAA heptathlon championships.
Despite her courtroom, track, and electoral success, many said Jones’s accomplishments paled when comparing how she dealt with others.
Jones’ legislative staffers claimed that, on many occasions, she demanded they pick her up from the airport at midnight or drop her off at 3 a.m.
They alleged that she placed frequent and non-state-related business calls between 9:30 p.m. and 2 a.m. and repeatedly used state resources for personal gain.
“You have repeatedly called staff while you are in personal situations, such as the shower. You have engaged in physically threatening behavior in public view that has made staff feel unsafe and compromised their ability to complete their duties,” the staffers allege.
“This behavior has also distracted witnesses and other staffers. You have threatened to fire staff members on a daily basis, holding it over their heads for compliance in ethically questionable situations.”
By: Ikeoma Divine
I was listening to a woman's story who recently sold all her belongings that she had accumulated most of her life to move into a studio space in a nursing home. This powerful conversation has been a catalyst of self-reflection.
Everything she had in her house, she collected over the years. Some were purchased, some were gifts. All had memories attached to them. She even had her wedding dress from 1964, despite the fact that she'd been a widow for over 10 years. Pictures, family quilts, all priceless trinkets that, unfortunately, the younger generation in her family was not interested in. Those that would have appreciated them were no longer alive.
At the end of our conversa-
tion, she said, "Baby, spend time with the people that you love. Go places you've always wanted to go. Do things you've always wanted to do. Live. Collected trinkets can become a burden over the years as they collect dust, but great experiences and memories truly last a lifetime. They can outlive you if the people you’ve experienced them with can talk about your stories after you're gone."
Throughout the years, I've had patients with gunshot wounds in their heads who survived. There was one in particular with which I was conversing. Their eye was dislocated, hanging on their cheek. Despite their condition, they were alert and oriented to everything that was going on. I was reminded of a grim
reality: until it is your time to die, you are not going anywhere.
Over the years, I have spoken to many on their death beds and I've NEVER heard anyone regret buying a bigger house, a more expensive car or anything material. The conversations were always about things that were absolutely free, such as spending time with their loved ones, and moments that made them happy like walking on a beach, fishing, pets, or any other hobby.
It was these interactions that reminded me that life is too short and that chasing money to acquire material things was not living, but existing. The harsh reality for many of us is that those things NEVER fulfill the ego and soon this pursuit will find one on a "hamster wheel" we call life. Basically, living to pay bills. Ironically, it's not true living. It doesn't serve your soul’s purpose and is a major catalyst in depression.
I heard Jim Carrey say, "Depression is your avatar telling you it's tired of being the character you're trying to play," and it instantly resonated with me. I couldn't agree more.
Whenever I start to feel depressed, I re-evaluate my life and make sure I’m not living according to anyone else’s standards. Making self-care a priority has been my antidote. Selfcare includes mental, physical, and emotional health which led me to doing what I love to do with the people I love.
Facing mortality through the eyes of many has taught me to appreciate the little things and live in a constant state of gratitude. I cherish walking on beaches, traveling, meeting people from different walks of life,
and watching sunrises and sunsets because tomorrow is not promised.
My biggest lesson: When it's your time to leave this earth, there is no medication, machine, or human that can keep you here and until it’s your time to go, nothing can take you out... no car accident, gunshot wound, disease, virus, or bacteria …. NOTHING. So, enjoy your life while you're here. Do not let the collection of “trinkets” rule your life.
Whatever puts a smile on your face and gives you personal joy, do that as much as possible.
