the exact moment when
a handsome, Black, poetically and politically eloquent man named Barack Hussein Obama announced he was running for president. I was in college and the mother of two toddlers and, although I wasn't quite familiar with the (then) young senator, I rushed to find out as much as I could.
I became obsessed with him; the way he moved, the way he spoke, the mixture of coarse and smooth hair atop his head. He looked like Malcolm X but spoke like Martin, to me, and I was going to do anything to help get him into the White House. Why? Because he looked like my son. Same hue of skin, same lean build and, I knew, that MY SON NEEDED to see HIS LIKENESS in the highest position in the country.
I answered every text message and email saying "Barack needs your help" so that I could donate $5 or $10, whatever my broke purse allowed at the time. I waited in long lines in the rain to vote, I fought to be a delegate for my community to be ready for action, if needed.
WE...CAN" when the rest of the world tell us that "WE..AINT...ISH."
And now, just like our "Beautiful Barack," these Beautiful Black Men, who are ALL HEAD COACHES of HOUSTON'S MAJOR SPORTS teams and universities, show our sons and daughters that "YES... WE...CAN" again, and again, and again.
Salute to (pictured left to right) Houston Texans Head Coach Lovie Smith, Houston Astros Manager Dusty Baker, University of Houston Head Basketball Coach Kelvin Sampson and Houston Rockets Head Coach Stephen Silas. Not pictured, we also salute Texas Southern University head coaches Clarence McKinney and Johnny Jones. And of course, shout out to the dopest mayor to ever run tirelessly across a city, Sylvester Turner, for highlighting these Black kings rising.
REPRESENTATION MATTERS! Thank you for SHOWING our kids what IS POSSIBLE for their futures.
Love and respect,
Then it happened. In 2008, President and First Lady Michelle Obama made history that brought the most seasoned politicians to tears.
As a people, sometimes REPRESENTATION is all we need. It gives us the fuel to keep pushing, to keep grinding, to keep shining. It gives us the motivation to say "YES...
Nakia Cooper
Publisher, Bayou Beat News President, Houston Association of Black Journalists
By: Stacy M. Brown / NNPA
Former President Barack Obama declared a “family reunion” at the White House on Sept. 7, as official portraits of him and former First Lady Michelle Obama were unveiled during a ceremony in the East Room.
Former presidents and first ladies usually have their official White House portraits unveiled by their successors. However, former President Donald Trump spent much of his presidency attempting to erase Obama’s legacy and never held the traditional ceremony.
“Welcome home,” said President Joe Biden, who served as Obama’s vice president for two terms beginning in 2008.
Mr. Obama’s portrait was painted by Robert McCurdy and Mrs. Obama’s portrait was created by Sharon Sprung.
“Growing up on Euclid Avenue, I never could have imagined that any of this would be part of my story,” she said. “Traditions like this matter, not just for those of us who hold these positions but for everyone participating in and watching our democracy.”
Barack Obama fondly recalled his time in the White House.
“When people ask me what I miss most about the White House years, it is not Air Force One that I talk about, although I miss Air Force One,” Obama reflected. “It’s the chance that I had to stand shoulder to shoulder with all of you, to have a chance to witness so many talented, selfless, idealistic, good people working tirelessly every day to make the world better.”
A tollway building was renamed in memory of Deputy Constable Jennifer Lauren Chavis, who was killed in the line of duty by a drunk driver earlier this year.
On April 2, Chavis’ patrol vehicle was struck by Adolfo Serrano in the 7200 block of South Sam Houston Tollway West. Her vehicle burst into flames upon impact, and she died at the scene.
Chavis was 32 years old. She was the oldest of three siblings and left behind a husband, 4-year-old son, and a nephew.
"Her life was cut short, but her legacy will live on,” Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis said. “Hers is a legacy of service most of us take a lifetime to achieve."
Chavis served in the United States Army for six years, entering after graduating high school. She went on to earn a degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Houston-Downtown and an Executive Master of Administration of Justice from Texas Southern University. At the time of her death, she was pursuing her PhD.
Chavis served at Harris County Constable Precinct 7 for almost two years, joining in November 2020, and was assigned to patrol the toll roads in south Harris County.
"Deputy Chavis loved the toll road. She loved policing. Our officers truly miss her,” Pct. 7 Constable May Walker said.
Now, the Harris County Toll Road Plaza at 1855 South Sam Houston Tollway Southwest Plaza is named in her honor.
These days it is all about giving others their "flowers," so they can know how much they are appreciated here in this lifetime. Well, Broadway’s original "Dreamgirl" and veteran actress, Sheryl Lee Ralph, received a standing ovation for a long-overdue moment when she won an Emmy for "Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy" at the 2022 awards ceremony.
The 65-year-old, looking breathtakingly phenomenal in a long, fitted black dress, and rocking a sleek ponytail adorned with diamonds, stole the night when she took center stage.
"I am an endangered species, but I sing no victim song. I am a woman, I am an artist, and I know where my voice belongs," she crooned a verse from jazz singer Diane Reeves' 1993 song, "Endangered Species."
She went on to offer words of encouragement for those daring to dream.
"To anyone who has ever, ever had a dream and thought your dream wasn't, wouldn't, couldn't come true, I am here to tell you that this is what believing looks like. This is what striving looks like, and don't you ever, ever give up on you," Ralph said.
And, of course, when it comes to style and grace, Cicely Tyson, the legendary actress who blazed a trail for African American actresses like Ralph to follow, was honored posthumously with an honor in New York City.
In September, a block of East 101st Street between 3rd and Lexington avenues has been renamed "Cicely Tyson Way."
Tyson’s family, friends and local community members attended the ceremony near the fifthfloor, railroad apartment building at 178 East 101st St., where the actress once lived.
‘FAMILY REUNION’: THE OBAMAS RETURN TO WHITE HOUSE FOR OFFICIAL PORTRAIT REVEAL
Some people just can’t be put into a neat little box, their greatness won’t allow it. When we first heard Martell Lacey, we thought "true R&B is back," then we listened to another song and got the neo-soul vibe, then a little bit of pop, and some gospel bravados even jumping out of the speakers. Then we realized it, the brother can do everything.
This multi-genre artist was born and raised in Houston and is sure to be one we will be speaking about for ages to come.
As a singer, actor, songwriter, and performer, Martell began chasing his dream at the age of 12. In high school he got his start by performing and acting in several school productions. He began singing and getting his musical direction from V. Michael McKay, Shirley Joiner and Stephanie Wright.
While attending Houston Community College, he joined the drama department under the direction of Kathleen Knight. Some of the shows he participated in were “The Magic Flute,” “All Roads Lead to Oz,” “The 40’s Radio Hour,” “Drama, Lies, & Deceit,” “After The Vows,” “If I Could Turn Back The Hands Of Time," and “Bag Ladies.”
Martell got his first professional start singing background vocals for TVone’s R&B Diva Chante Moore, and he's also acted in an independent film entitled “Public Service Announcement,” directed by Bruce Owdley.
Many of you may have already seen him perform in one of Houston's favorite productions.
Martell annually performs in the musical production DNTS (Dancin’ in the Street), the Motown and More Revue, in front
of a crowd of nearly 10,000 attendees.
Coming from gospel roots, he is influenced by several types of music. The artists that have heavily influenced him are legends Stevie Wonder, Bobby Caldwell, Whitney Houston, Eric Benet, Maxwell, Luther Vandross, and, of course, Michael and Janet Jackson. He has been compared to the likes of greats such as Glen Jones, Brian McKnight, Jason Derulo, Tank, Billy Ocean, and the Weeknd.
Bayou Beat News was honored to sit and learn about how he got started and his ascension in the lane he truly loves.
BB: How do you describe your music/ sound?
Martell: I’m a variety of sounds I would say universal, eclectic, and diverse.
BB: What’s the inspiration behind your music?
Martell: Life, lessons and love
BB: What is your dream for the Houston music scene?
Martell: Unity. Focusing on competition can be a distraction from being original. Get back to being original and just unify.
BB: Do you write and produce your own music?
Martell: I have a team in place and we all collaborate collectively with Songs Unlimited Music Group.
BB: What projects or events do you have coming up?
Martell: Another EP that’s set to release in October entitled "Emotional Rollercoaster 2 (ER2)." I’m performing live with my band Foxglove on Oct. 29 at The House Of Blues, so please reserve your tables now, and I am also performing at a private event, "The Marque Awards," on Oct. 30.
By: N. C. GreeneBB: We are in love with your latest releases, tell us more about them.
Martell: "Next to You" is basically a song that’s about fantasy and enjoying the love in your life. "Code Blue" is about appreciating the love while you have it before you lose it.
For more information on Martell Lacey, check him out on Tik Tok, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter @ MartellLacey. You can also find out more information on www.martelllacey.net. H-Town represent!
The Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation (Foundation) and its Ladies for Literacy Guild recently announced the donation of a fourth Curiosity Cruiser to the Harris County Public Library, which will hit the streets in October. The “super library on wheels” will join a fleet of three existing Curiosity Cruisers, taking much-needed programming directly to children in underserved areas to break the barriers of accessibility.
The mobile libraries, which will be stocked with new books, iPads, laptops, and curricular kits, will travel to low-income neighborhoods across greater Houston, providing children access to books and out-ofschool time science, reading, engineering, and math (STEM) with art and reading programming.
“The value of public-private partnerships in providing solutions to some of our city’s most pressing challenges, such as the educational achievement gap, cannot be underscored,” said Dr. Julie Finck, President and CEO of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation. “We are grateful to Oxy, Crown Castle, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and PwC for investing so generously to help us increase equity of educational opportunity and outcomes for underserved children across Harris County through the Curiosity Cruiser mobile library initiative.”
“The Barbara Bush Hous-
ton Literacy Foundation is an exceptional organization, and it is so gratifying to contribute to its mission and help lift up the communities in our great city by giving children the chance to fall in love with reading and learning,” said Yanni Charalombous, Oxy’s Chief Information Officer.
The donation was commemorated with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Julia C. Hester House where a group of nearly 50 children of Greater Fifth Ward boarded the new
cruiser to select a new book and engage in several hands-on STEM programs.
“Since Harris County Public Library partnered with the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation Ladies for Literacy Guild in 2017, we have been able to distribute over 69,000 books to over 55,000 youth throughout Harris County,” said Edward Melton, Director, Harris County Public Library. “We have been able to increase access to books, reading and learning to promote literacy and engagement in STEM ac-
tivities. The impact of this program is immeasurable as we develop a generation of lifelong learners. It is humbling as well as gratifying to share these resources with the Harris County community.”
Children served through the Curiosity Cruisers receive access to weekly STEM programming, including robotics, coding, artificial intelligence, circuitry, 3D printing, and books to build their home libraries.
More information about the Curiosity Cruiser can be found at www.CuriosityCruiser.com.
BRINGING THAT “SOUTHERN LOVE” TO YOUR DAILY NEWS COVERAGE BAYOUBEATNEWS.COM6 | OCTOBER 2022 By: Natalie Greene
If you are setting your sights on buying a home or condominium, keep in mind that the property may be governed by a homeowners association, or HOA. More than 63 million people live within communities that are overseen by HOAs, according to the Community Associations Institute. That means 24 percent of U.S. homes are part of community associations.
Many buyers appreciate the benefits provided by HOAs, but the mandatory dues and covenants, conditions and restrictions (CCRs) occasionally rub some people the wrong way. Before you make an offer on a property governed by an HOA, here are some factors to consider.
What do you get from the HOA?
Homeowners associations often provide access to amenities that individual residents couldn't otherwise afford –pools, gyms, tennis courts, walking trails – and their rules can protect property values. Some associations also take on services traditionally provided
by government, such as trash pickup, landscaping, street lighting and street and sidewalk maintenance.
Your perfect condo may have a great pool or your dream home might be sitting on the first tee, but remember that those things are only part of the HOA's scope. When you purchase a property governed by an HOA, you enter into a legal contract with the association. You agree to abide by the association's regulations and pay its dues. In exchange, you get a community guided by an HOA and the access to its facilities and perks.
Make sure that any uses or freedoms you expect to come along with your property are allowed in the CCRs. Want to store your boat trailer in your driveway? The association's CCRs may not allow that. Want to paint the house? Some HOAs have restrictions on permissible colors, so check the palette allowed by the association.
You may have heard horror stories of home repossessions and other legal squabbles involving property owners and HOAs. A common theme among many of these cases is homeowners not understanding the regulations or ignoring them. Review the CCRs carefully before you purchase the property and you'll be much less likely to run afoul of your HOA.
Inquire about dues
HOAs run on dues, your annual fee for living in the community. These fees can range from $100 to thousands of dollars, depending on the neighborhood or building and what amenities it offers. Ask how much the dues are and if they've increased during the past few years.
Find out what the dues cover and what they don't. For example, your condo association may perform all exterior maintenance. That means when the roof leaks, your dues pay for its repair, even if you live on the ground floor of a three-story building. If you live on that third floor, however, you don't have to pay to repair the entire roof yourself. If the association manages a pool, you're paying for it, even if you can't swim and never use the amenity.
Who's in charge?
When you review an HOA's documents, be sure to inquire about its finances. Is the HOA
solvent? Does it have a reserve fund? Who controls the money? What kind of oversight is that person subject to?
Find out who manages the HOA and what role residents have in its governance. There may be a board or other group of property owners who manage the association. Take some time and talk to people who currently live in the community. How do they feel about the neighborhood, development or building? Find out their impressions of how the HOA is run.
Perform due diligence before signing a contract to purchase a property governed by a homeowners association. You will be able to make an informed decision about the HOA's pros and cons, as well as your responsibilities, without jeopardizing the transaction or subjecting yourself to regulations that aren't consistent with your lifestyle. For expert advice about HOAs and all kinds of information about owning, buying or selling a home, ask your Realtor and be sure to visit HAR.com.
Marla Lewis is 2021-22 President of the Houston Black Real Estate Association (HBREA).
4329 Arbor Crest
Perry home - 1 story home in Pomona
4-3-2, only 9 months old with
$495,000
Land- 2- Huntsville -17 acres with a right way o of Williams Rd. and HWY 30. $308,000 for all 17 acres and will not be divided. Survey goes with this property.
3217 Parkwood
Updated 2 story-31/2 baths -3 car garage in Riverside Terrace. Near Medical Center, Hermann Park, the Zoo and Museum District. primary Bedroom on the rst oor, and hardwood oors throughout. It’s classy and stunning and you have a yard with a deck. Best deal inside The Loop. $690,000
805 S Chappell Hill
3-1-1 carport on ½ acre in Brenham, Texas. Great investment for renting or ipping. $160,000
By: Cynthia Johnson, Houston -based "For the Breast of Us" Baddie Ambassador
A cancer diagnosis changes everything. Cancer by itself is a scary word. Hearing you have cancer is an entirely different level of terror. In an instant, everything changes. In just a split second, there is a "before cancer" and an "after cancer." You can recognize the line drawn in the sand. With good reason, everything is focused on your physical health. What can I do to get better? How do I beat this? But just as, and sometimes more, important, is your entire well-being. Your mental, emotional, and physical self needs tender loving care now more than ever. Here is what I did to help me on my journey, I hope it helps you too.
1I started journaling to document test results, questions I had for my care team, and things I wanted to remember, but it quickly became my outlet. I journaled about the things I was feeling. It also helped me to examine why I was feeling certain things and what I could do about it. I could reflect on my thoughts, and I felt lighter when I left it all on the page. I could be brutally honest even when I thought I couldn’t be honest with those around me.
2When my anxiety spiked, I learned that even if I couldn’t hold perfect attention, meditation helped quiet my racing thoughts. I turned to YouTube university and fell in love with guided meditation. It helped me follow a set path to meditation rather than trying to figure it out alone. I could choose the length and types of meditation I engaged in depending on my needs of the day. I also really enjoy sleep meditations. Sleep meditations allow me to sleep peacefully, knowing that my subconscious mind is thinking peaceful thoughts.
3Baths have always been my comfort place. This is my downtime when I have no other priorities. In addition to freeing my mind and spirit, soaking in hot baths also loosens up stiff joints and tight muscles. During cancer treatments, it’s important that you find the energy to do the things that make you feel good.
4Words mean things. Words heal, and words hurt. I had to be more conscious of my self-talk during treatment. It was easy to say my body was failing me, or I felt like shit. While, in some instances, those things might be true, there is a better, more affirmative way to speak to and about myself. Thanks to a person near and dear to my heart, I try to speak life and gratitude over myself. I reframe my words to be more positive like, “I might feel like crap today, but I am also grateful that the medicines are working to kill the cancer cells in my body.”
To help me keep a good balance and to stay on track with my self-care, I found apps to support my journey. I have affirmation apps that keep affirmations rotating on a widget on my phone screen, I have a guided journal that provides different prompts to ensure that I am putting my feelings in a journal regularly, I have mood and symptom trackers and even meditation playlists that I can queue up at any moment. These apps help me feel like I have a little more control over all the things that are happening to me.
For the Breast of Us will host its inaugural sneaker ball, "We Run This Gala," during Breast Cancer Awareness month on October 15 at The Exception Event Venue located at 6704 Harrisburg Boulevard, Houston, TX 77011.
The Gala provides a platform where breast cancer survivors and thrivers are celebrated nationwide, along with those advocating and educating our community, and those no longer with us. This gala aims to mobilize support in the fight against breast cancer while connecting part of our favorite wear – sneakers - with elegance.
Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite: Search “We Run This! For The Breast of Us Sneaker Gala”
By: Ikeoma Divine
“Until the lion tells his side of the story, the tale of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.” – African proverb.
The erasure, appropriation, and lying about the "Black Experience" in this country has been ingrained in its history and culture. The fortunate ones of us had access to oral history passed down in our families about the truth and most of it was the opposite of what is sold in American propaganda. This is one of the reasons that influenced Lucretia VanDyke to write her first book: African American Herbalism.
As a lifelong practitioner with over 20 years in the wellness industry, VanDyke poured her heart into this book, which focuses on integrating indigenous healing rituals, plant spirit medicine, holistic approaches to food/herbal medicine, ancestor reverence, and meditation into your modern daily practice. I sat down with my sister to hear her fascinating story.
Ikeoma: How did you get started in your herbalism journey?
VanDyke: I can't remember a time when I wasn't connected to plants. I come from farm families who practiced folk remedies for healing. Before I knew what hoodoo and conjure
meant, I was a child playing mixing plants, mud and roots while chanting prayers and wishes by our barn. As I became an adult, my life's journey brought me to using herbs in ceremonies for healing purposes. Although I grew up mostly with my white side of the family, I feel that the plants were bringing me closer to my ancestral African side. I
Black people's contribution to native medicine in North Carolina. According to him, they used Black children as blankets and foot stools to cure rheumatoid arthritis. Also, they used the saliva of highly melinated people's saliva for healing purposes. He wrote, "we were taking advantage of them." It inspired me to research Afro-lachian (Black people of the Appalachian mountains) and other parts of African American herbal cultures to tell our story.
the narrative of our own stories. Ikeoma: Where can people find you and your book?
didn't take a class; I am the class.
Ikeoma: Can you tell us a little about your book?
VanDyke: This book has been three to four years in the making. I remember reading a book written by a white man that triggered me to write a book about our story and culture from our perspectives in the culture. In his book, he had a chapter about
This book encompasses the history of our cultural medicine here and through different modalities. It's a tribute to our ancestral talents of being true alchemist and how they used this magic to adapt to the harsh conditions here. Personal ceremonies that I have used to overcome grief, manifesting recipes, how to make spiritual baths and tinctures are just the tip of the iceberg with this book. The last chapter is a contribution to herbalist and Hoodoo practitioners that I admire.
Ikeoma: What sets your book apart from other Hoodoo books?
VanDyke: I want people to know that they are the altar. This is a personal ancestral path. This book simplifies the process so that people don't feel intimidated on their own path. I also want to encourage people to document their own experiences so that we can control
VanDyke: The release day of the book is Oct 4, 2022. I will be having an event in Lagrange, Georgia. More information about my workshops and events can be found on my website: www. LucretiaVandyke.com, and on social media platforms @Lucretia.Vandyke.
Have questions or concerns about life?
Go to our website to get clarity today.
www.ikeomaseye.com
