FREE NOT TOO BAD FOR A LITTLE BOY FROM THE CUNEY HOMES! HOW 'MIKE MOE' WENT FROM COLLECTING CANS TO BECOMING AN HEB-APPROVED BRAND INSIDE THIS EDITION PAGE 5 PAGE 7JON GUEVARA ASKS, "HAVE YOU BEEN LATIN TOUCHED?" BALD, BEAUTIFUL, BODACIOUS WOMEN SHARE INSPIRATION September 2022 Volume 1, Issue 6 Intergeneration Month | Sickle Cell & Alopecia Awareness | Hispanic Heritage Month SCAN ME SUBSCRIBETO
ey you...YEAH YOU...I just want to tell you, I LOVE WHAT YOU DO! For all you grinders, movers and shakers with a dream, go-getters, hustlers, innovative, pushing the envelope, figuring "ish" out Investingfolks....inyourselves, running toward the finish line while they're sitting on the sideline folks... Not asking for a HANDOUT but a HAND UP folks! For all you bustin' yo' a$$ folks, for all you steady getting it while they are trying to laugh folks...
stop, won't stop" people out there! Speaking of which, happy birthday to Vonte and the “Chocolate Diva!” You ladies are the epitome of 50 and FABULOUS! ALSO – Special wishes to all of our children who just headed back to school! We want to give a big shout out to our new “big boys and girls” as they head to Pre-K and kindergarten. Way to go Foley, Riyan, Omar and Aria!
With love and respect, Nakia Cooper Publisher, Bayou Beat
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CEO/Publisher Nakia Cooper Marketing DevelopmentandManager Dana Patterson Distribution Manager Joseph “Shorty” Detiege Senior Writer N.C. Greene Columnist Ikeoma Divine Social Media Andrea Kotova Graphics Nathaniel Greene Photography Natalie Greene Live Correspondent Ciara @IamciararossRoss Entertainment Coordinator Cornel Grant IG: @MusicMonopoly Email: info@bayoubeatnews.com Advertisement: Subjectinfo@bayoubeatnews.comline:ADS LET’S CONNECT! Follow us on social media BayouBeat BayouBeatNews BayouBeatNews ................................................................................... ....................................... ................................................................................... Happy First Day of School!
I LOVE A DOLLAR AND A DREAM...I love people who make it do what it do. I love "messing" on people who unsuccessfully try to "mess" on you.... Sometimes those closest to you, try to hold you back...they're sitting in the audience judging while you are center stage ...PEEP THAT! Keep your eye on the prize. Kings and Queens RISE UP....Keep soaring HIGH and NEVER GIVE UP! (Just a little "nuff said" inspiration for you. BAYOU BEAT NEWS doesn't always follow the rules. We're different. Thank us for it later.)From those fighting for a cause, or embracing who they are, this edition is for the "can't
News President, Houston Association of Black JournalistsMEMBERS OF Houston Association of Black Journalists Happy 50th Birthday Vonte & TheDivaChocolate
“Having the right product, remaining consistent and having the right people speak up for you is key. Joining with HEB feels like going to the Super Bowl,” Moe said. His future is now booming as he is branching into pork skins, barbecue sauces, seasoned rice, canned goods, seafood batters and a whole lot “Moe.” Within the last two years, he has opened two restaurants called “The Stuffed Baked Potato Factory,” which was inspired by the success of Moe’s Magic Dust. We asked what he would say to anyone with a “dollar and dream.” He kept it simple. “Do what you can with what you got and what you need will find you.”Not too bad for a little boy from Cuney Homes!
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NOT TOO BAD FOR A LITTLE BOY FROM THE CUNEY HOMES!
MAGIC“CRAWFISHyelled,DUST,THISISWHAT
MAGIC“CRAWFISHyelled,DUST,THISISWHATTHEYARETALKINGABOUT!!!”Itworked,Moewowedthecrowdandadvancedtothenextround,thenwon.Driving
Grill in Pearland, learning how to home,
HOW 'MIKE MOE' WENT FROM COLLECTING CANS TO BECOMING AN HEB-APPROVED BRAND Success is measured by goals. It’s not about how much you make or your “status” in public, it is if you accomplish what you set out to do, whatever that may be. Michael D. Moore is the epitome of a true success story because he established the height of the bar that he wanted for himself, then set out on a path to soar above it, blazing a trail along the way. This entrepreneur went from being the neighborhood child collecting cans to being the face of a brand on HEB store shelves. It all started, simply, as a young boy trying to help his mother.Afterthe divorce of his parents, at the tender age of 11, Moore became the “man of the house.” Determined to be there for his mother and younger sisters, he jumped headfirst into his new responsibility, becoming one of the breadwinners in the family. And just like that, “Michael the entrepreneur” was born. He first started by collecting and selling cans to make money, then strategically began positioning himself at gas stations on rainy days, making himself available to pump gas for customers who did not want to get out of their cars. When that wasn’t enough, he started knocking on his neighbors’ doors at the Third Ward Cuney Homes apartment complex, asking if he could take out their trash for some change. Moore, or “Moe” as he was known in high school, was relentless in his hustle, which began to shape him as a small businessman.Thistypeof perseverance led to him becoming an All-American/ All-State football player at Westbury High School, and later an All-American fullback at North Iowa University. From there, he transferred to Prairie View A&M University, but eventually, due to some unforeseen challenges, made the difficult decision to leave school, rather than accumulate a debt he felt would take a lifetime to pay back. He went back to what he knew best – carving out his own lane. With $460 from an unemployment check, Mike Moe founded Beltway Records and built it into a prosperous company generating a six-figure annual income. But even with that success, it wasn’t quite the “calling” that was inside of Throughouthim. his teen years, Moe worked at a number of fastfood
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By: Nakia L. Cooper Throughout
learnbutbeenSWBarbecueBellincludingrestaurants,TacoandLuther’sintheFondrenarea.Hehadalwaysanaturalcookwantedtomore.Afbeat book.He of
The Moe’s Magic Dust brand has expanded to seasoning blends for Creole Cuisine, Southern Cuisine, Seafood Cuisine and Cajun Lemon Pepper, located in various grocery stores across the country. His partnership with grocery stores began after he shared some of his seasonings with a local manager at Pyburn’s Farm Fresh Food. He approached the store manager, who was Vietnamese, about putting his product in the store and left him a sample. Two weeks later, he returned, and the store manager appeared puzzled when he approached him. Moe thought it was a language barrier that was breeding the confusion until the man said, “I tried that s___, last night on my chicken and it was great!”
An opportunity arose in 2012 when a friend encouraged Moe to enter the “Crawfish Contest” at the Vida Loca Mexican Bar & Grill. He was hesitant at first, but he heard what he knew was God’s voice saying, “Go, because there is something out there for you.” Moe was up against some big cooking teams and, since he was flying solo, knew it would be hard to win. He decided he would simply beat them on flavor. He combined several seasonings and called it his “Magic Dust,” as inspired by his favorite He stepped out in front of his tent and home, he knew what he needed to do.Moe continued following God’s whisper and began to build a company around his seasonings. He contacted a graphic designer to help put the vision in place and went through a series of trials and errors before he had the perfect spice for the new “Moe’s Crawfish Magic Dust.” Coupled with the perfect packaging, he was ready to present to the public on a larger scale. What Is Special about Moe’s Magic Dust Seasonings? Moe says his seasoning is like no other. It is a fabulous blend of herbs and spices that is low in sodium, and the unique seasonings taste different on each dish, never compromising taste or quality.
Moe’s Magic Dust found a new home, but he had another goal on his list; a partnership with HEB, a chain that was known for supporting and launching homegrown entrepreneurs and their products. In March 2021, he got his chance.
how to run a restaurant. It was there that he started to experiment with differentWhileseasonings.travelingacross the country and visiting many upscale restaurants with fine dining, Moe became intrigued with the quality and presentation of food. As a chef and Bar-B-Que Pitmaster, he wanted to “up his game” and began to experiment mixing different kind of seasonings. In addition to that, he also started reading self-help books. One book resonated with him called "The Magic" by Rhonda Byrne. Little did he know that title would become part of his destiny.
His latest post read, #MerningWorld Feeling better every day, walking normal I’m down to only 2 holes in my stomach and I’ve gained 14 of my 70lbs back I only want 35 of em not tryna be fast again but I’m feeling healthier by the day thanks to all you prayer warriors out there, go download my last 2 projects #SwanginandDippin with @therealmacmall & #SouthsideStillHoldinRedTape ft @brothermob @slimthug @ bunb #PimpC @donke713 @z_ro @babysam_52 @lilflip713 @suclilo @willean_suc @kingbrysonofficial @theunderboss @ingrid @trillypolk @bigshasta713 @bigdawg_johnson @lo_trillinger production by @imfaided @harveyluv @prodbyturtle @nitijp @seansolojemison @ bmaynedolla @bigswiftthe1st @ kartelkush and many more.
WE LOVE YOU ESG! YOU GOT THIS KING!
“I’m honored to join the Harris County Elections Administration team. I am reviewing and assessing the current election processes and procedures and I am pleased to say that we are on track for a successful November election,” said Tatum. “I look forward to serving voters in Harris County and working alongside a very dedicated and professional team to ensure the November 8 Election runs smoothly.”
Well, all we have to say, sistah definitely showed everyone how it’s done. Enjoy the time off Queen!
In addition, the voter registration deadline is Oct. 11, early voting begins Oct. 24, and the mail ballot application deadline is Oct. 28.
By: BB Staff
NEW ONELECTIONIN;ADMINISTRATORCOUNTYHARRISELECTIONSSWORNPREPSFORNOV.8UNDERWAYTHEBEAT SCAN ME SUBSCRIBETO ‘ESG’#STILLHOLDIN:HOUSTON’SLEGENDARYUPDATESONCANCERFIGHT
However, she made it very clear that she’s decided to leave the sport she’s dominated forIndecades.anInstagram post, she wrote, “There comes a time in life when we have to decide to move in a different direction. That time is always hard when you love something so much. My goodness do I enjoy tennis. But now, the countdown has begun. I have to focus on being a mom, my spiritual goals and finally discovering a different, but just exciting Serena. I’m gonna relish these next few weeks.”
The woman many consider to be the greatest of all time (GOAT) tennis player, Serena Williams, recently announced that she’s walking away from the sport after competing in the U.S. Open.
Houston’s hip hop community and fans across the nation were shocked and saddened after legendary “Screwed Up Click” rapper ESG announced his cancer diagnosis last month. But in true “H-Town Strong” spirit, everyone rallied around the artist, whose real name is Cedric Hill, with words of support, well wishes and unlimited “prayers ups.” In return, the “Swangin and Bangin'” freestyle king is showing that he is still swinging, hell bent on kicking cancer’s ass and getting back to Accordingnormal.tohis latest posts on Facebook, he’s fighting through the tough times and has lost a lot of weight and is now following doctor’s orders on much-needed rest until he returns to full strength. And by the looks of things, he’s going to do just that, because anyone who knows ESG’s story, knows that he is a true fighter.
Clifford Tatum was sworn in as the new Harris County Elections Administrator on Aug. 24. Tatum brings over 16 years of elections experience from the local, state, and national level to serve Harris County’s 2.5 million registered voters.
The Logic and Accuracy Test is scheduled for mid-September. This verifies voting equipment and ballots properly display all contests and candidates, register choices, and tabulate results accurately. It is the final step in finalizing the ballot, and sample ballots are posted to www.HarrisVotes.com as a resource for voters once testing concludes.
Williams said she never wanted to have to choose between tennis and her family, but feels that she is making the right choice.
G.O.A.T
Williams, who said that she is in the midst of a “transition,” told fans in an essay posted by Vogue that she has never liked the word “retirement” because it doesn’t feel like a modern word to her.
By: BB Staff By: BB Staff LEAVEFAMILY;CHOOSESSERENATOTENNIS
The office will migrate to NRG Arena early September to accommodate the operations needed to carry out an election of this size.
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Already the mother of 4-year-old girl, Williams hinted that she wants to grow herWilliamsfamily. said men like quarterback Tom Brady, who just turned 45 and is still an elite player, don’t have the societal pressures placed on them like female athletes.
The last week of August brought multiple deadlines for candidates and entities, signaling the start of building the ballot in the required four languages: English, Spanish, Vietnamese and Chinese.
Jon G: As an audio engineer, I have mixed and mastered music for a lot of artists. As an art-
BB: What is the inspiration behind your music?
ist, I have worked with many music vets as well. I got to mix a hip hop song by Ricky Cartel featuring Wiz Khalifa's "Taylor Gangs" artist Young Deji. I also mixed a reggaeton song, "No Te Olvido," by J.A.C. Imparable featuring Papi Sousa. Another hiphop artist I mix and master for is Messiah 3x. He had a project with a couple of new hip-hop artists named SSGKobe and BigBabyGucci. As an artist, I got the honor of working with a legendary producer, Marawage The Bizzare (RIP). I also have songs produced by Devin The Dude's Coughee Brothaz, Rob Quest and Carlos DJ Stylez. I also have features with Rasheed and Low G of Dope House Records.
Passionate, raw and spitting fire in two languages, Jonathan Guevara has been keeping the streets on fire for nearly two decades. This bilingual rapper has gained a cult following of supporters, and is truly all about the love of the people. Guevara was born and raised in Houston's Alief area, where he's lived his entire life. The Elsik High School graduate was consumed by music early-on, always clearly knowing what path he was to take.
In 2013, fresh out of school, I decided to open a record label by the name of Latin Touch Records. I signed myself as the first artist and decided to publish my own project independently. I produced half of it and had a good buddy bless me with the other half. I recorded it, mixed it, made the artwork, manufactured it, and released my first album, "Infinity Stylez of Rhyming," in 2006. This was the start of my venture into this music business.
BB: How has the journey been as a young Latino rapper?
BAYOU HEAT My mom did not allow us to speak English in the house; only Spanish! Being able to rap in both languages allows me to grab two different listeners. I have an awesome song named "Bilinqual," featuring "Preemo," that explains a lot of this same topic.
BB: Who do you want to work with in the future? What's your dream collaboration?
Jon G: It's definitely an honor to work with everyone I get a chance to, but at the moment, it would be Tobe Nwigwe. For one, he's ALIEF all day, and two, the impact he has made with his style is admirable. BB: Do you fund your own projects?
BB: What projects are you currently working on?
Jon G: Yes, every project I have ever released as an artist, I have funded myself. I have also funded other artists' projects that have been published under Latin Touch Records. BB: Philanthropy is big for us. What do you do to give back to the community?Jon G: I am grateful and honored to have the opportunity to collaborate with my brother, Perro B, and High Vida Records to help feed the CouncilCitywithWecommunity.AliefteamupDistrictFofHoustonMember
Jon G: Being Latino in the age we are living has been one of the greatest blessings for me.
JON G CONT.PG.7
BB: How did you get into the musicJonindustry?G:
Tiffany D. Thomas and local musicians to help sponsor a community event named "Breaking Bread Saturdays." We choose a Saturday at least every three months to pass out freshly cooked hot plates, give out free water and nonperishable items, and have family events for all the kids to enjoy! It's so much fun and allows us to show the city how music can give back to our community!
"I was one of those kids, you know, the ones not meant for school. I dropped out in 10th grade, got my GED, and decided to join the workforce. I worked all types of jobs and, as soon as the shifts were done, I'd rush home to create music," he shared. "Many years later, I got married to a wonderful woman and am currently self-employed as the CEO of Latin Touch Records and Latin Touch Studios for over 18 years." We have personally watched his growth and grind for the last 15 years and are true fans, so it was an honor to sit and chop it up with him.
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JON GUEVARA ASKS, “HAVE YOU BEEN LATIN TOUCHED?”
BB: Who are some of the people that you have worked with?
By: N. C. Greene
Jon G: I am mostly inspired by my emotions. Music is definitely therapy for me. I am able to express myself no matter the mood. I create my own music depending on how I am feeling that day. The amazing thing about running a studio is that I can create music for other artists. A lot of the inspiration for creating their music comes from the vision each artist brings. I am able to paint a picture of what they see through these frequencies.
Jon G: Right now I'm working on a new album while releasing as many singles as possible. My most recent song is called "Treason," which I produced and audio engineered.
SCAN ME SUBSCRIBETO
WHAT IS SICKLE CELL TRAIT? Sickle cell trait is a hemoglobinmalhasthetionreditarytermdescriptiveforahe-condi-inwhichindividualonenor-geneforand one abnormal gene for hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein in the red blood cells in your body responsible for oxygen transport. Approximately 99% of the oxygen transported in blood is bound to hemoglobin inside the red bloodSicklecells.cell trait is generally a benign condition that does not develop or
By: Alexandria Green-Jones
CONT.KEEPERBROTHERSPG.10
“At the time, no one knew there were two of them,” Wendy Darling often shares. It wasn’t until her son Devard was born, with his hand gripping his brother Devaughn’s ankle, that the surprised woman learned she was the mother of identical twinTheboys.doctors explained to Wendy that the twins’ hearts must have been beating simultaneously or, in simpler terms, two hearts beating “As One.” The bond of a twin sibling is one of the strongest connections that can be made. From the moment that you are conceived, you are blessed with a lifelong confidante, playmate, and someone with whom to share your life. The Darling twins were noOnexception.thatday, in 1982, those two young hearts entered the world and set in motion a story of family, legacy, and a bond that could not be broken – not even in death. From an early age, the twins showed great athleticism and, after moving to the city of Houston at the age of 12, were introduced to the game of football. They immediately fell in love. The twins excelled at the sport throughout high school and were eventually recruited by several Division eventuallycolleges,I settling on Florida State University.“Ourfreshman season was all that was promised – exciting, tough, fun, tiring…amazing! We knew our dream of playing in the National Football League was not far away, but God had another plan for us,” said Devard.
BRINGING THAT “SOUTHERN LOVE” TO YOUR DAILY NEWSBAYOUBEATNEWS.COMCOVERAGE6 | SEPTEMBER 2022 MY KEEPER:BROTHER’SFORMERTEXANSPLAYERCONTINUESFIGHTFORSICKLECELLAWARENESSAFTERTWIN’SDEATH HEALTH AND WELLNESS
HEARTBREAK On February 26, 2001, Devaughn was preparing for another upcoming football season at FSU, beginning spring practice as a starter and outside linebacker. Shortly after the last practice drill, Devaughn collapsed outside of the football complex.“Coach Bobby Bowden was known for putting players through excruciating mat drills and hours of intense conditioning exercises centered around running,” said Devard. “My brother had complained of chest pains and was one of the last players to finish before he collapsed, and his breathing became irregular. The FSU trainers called an ambulance and rushed him to the hospital, but it was too late. He collapsed shortly after 7 p.m., and was pronounced dead around 8:30 p.m.” An autopsy later revealed that Devaughn had died from overexertion. Further research revealed that the twins’ medical history of sickle cell trait was also a major factor. The twins learned of their condition during their physical at FSU.“We were told that it was nonlife threatening and there was no cause for alarm,” Devard explained.Todate,this logic is still highly debatable due to the lack of medical research, despite the fact that multiple students die from sickle cell exertion every year. “I would say that sickle cell trait is one of the top killers of student-athletes,” said Devard. These deaths have become so prevalent at the collegiate level that the NCAA has mandated sickle cell trait testing for all athletes.
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BB: What other services do you offer and how can we find you?
Instagram: @JonGuevara, @ LatinTouchRecords, and @ LatinTouchStudios. Subscribe to our YouTube channel at latintouchrecords.com.cordsTVyoutube.com/LatinTouchRe-www.alsocheckoutwww.
- Renee Ellis BB: What's next? Where do you see yourself in five years?
"I have alopecia. It's hereditary. Me, my mom, my grandma, my great grandma all got it around age 30! I want people to please stop trying to tell people they have a cure for it - to change your diet, exercise, do yoga, meditate, manifest - all of those beliefs. That is the most annoying thing ever! There is NO CURE for hereditary alopecia. Embrace it, and rock whatever style works best for you. Remember, you are beautiful!"
- Denise Rivers
HEALTH AND WELLNESS ALOPECIA – EMBRACE WHO YOU ARE AND ROCK IT, SIS!
Jon G: Part of Latin Touch Studios allows us to offer services for anything and everything, from photography, videography, graphics, and studio time! Please contact me at latintouchrecords@ymail.com if I can assist in any way. You can find me on
- Keshia Webb
"I have Alopecia Universalis which is 100% hair loss from head to toe. Through my own personal struggle, I discovered that being bald does not define who I am or what I have to offer the world. I am also the leader of Morgan’s Damn Good Band. Catch us every first Thursday of the month at Phil & Derek’s at 1701 Webster Street in Houston, Texas. You won’t break my soul!" - Angela Houston,MorganLegislative representative, National Association of Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAAAF)
Jon G: In the next five years, I see myself deeper in this musical journey than I've ever been! I recently relocated and am building our next studio. It's an amazing project that I'm looking forward to completing ASAP! This work environment will allow us to grow as an audio engineering facility. I am excited about publishing new music with future artists under Latin Touch Records, also. I am trying to build my production credits, so I am definitely looking forward to getting on as many projects as possible.
"When dealing with alopecia, I hid from the world. Afraid of what they would think of me, what they would say, the harsh words, the diseases they put on my back when it was nothing but hair loss. I just didn't have hair but they devalued me, leaving me depressed and not beautiful. Oh, but now, I'm out of hiding! I'm outside! And I love me some me! In my beauty, there is none like me."
"Yes, I have hair loss due to fungus in my body, but it's all in the same category. I truly love myself. Simply put, everything has beauty, but not everyone sees it."
BB: Lastly, what do you say to anyone who has a dollar and a dream, and how can they stay motivated?JonG: I have a song named "Dreaming." The lyrics say, "DREAMING, DREAMING, THAT'S ALL THAT I DID,
"I was stabbed in the middle of my head during an attack, and the way Ben Taub sewed my wound up, it caused the spread of alopecia. I am not ashamed, I am beautiful. Confidence comes from within, not from this world, and beauty is in the eye of the beholder." - Cornetely Barber
NOW I HANDLE MY BIZ AND I'M GOING ALL IN!" I tell people to do more than just dream, you must act on your dreams! Pray for your dreams! Work for your dreams! Also, pray and have faith. Before anything, I give all praise to the Most High, Ahayah Asher Ahayah, through Yashaya Christ! Everything is ordained and under control, always!
Sister 2 Sistah also adopted two families, providing $1,000 donations to each of them to assist with buying school clothes for their ementa-el-ryandmid-dle
Sister 2 Sistah wants to do everything it can to support the youth in the community, but they know they cannot do it all alone. Thanks to help from H-E-B, the nonprofit was able to provide scholarships and other needs to dozens of young adults and children spanning from Harris to Jefferson counties.Sister 2 Sistah was able to maximize a charitable donation from HEB to help with its fall 2022 backto-school initiative.For starters, the mentoring outhandednizationorga-the
with the TSU track team, and said the money will be used to upload to her campus meal account, as proper nutrition is much needed in athletics. That is one less expense her grandmother, who is raising her, will have to worry about.
By: BB Staff
first round of $1,000 scholarships to five deserving young women attending college, with the second round to be distributed in the spring. The young women attend University of Texas at Austin, Texas Southern University and Prairie View A&M University, seeking to obtain degrees in psychology, communications, administration of justice and nurs- ing. One special young lady is also slat- ed to com- pete school age children. The first donation went to an aunt taking care of five children and the second donation went to a single mother of four. Not ending there, Sister 2 Sistah gave $500 to The Parlour on Procter Barbering & Grooming in Port Arthur, Texas, where barbers were able to service nearly 60 children with fresh haircuts ahead of their first day of school. The feel-good event was such a smash success, three local television news stations came out to feature it on their programs. Thanks HEB for blessing the community!
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Bottom Line Homeownership is one of the best decisions you can make in an inflationary economy. You get the benefit of the added security of owning your home in a time when experts are forecasting prices to continue to rise.
BRINGING THAT “SOUTHERN LOVE” TO YOUR DAILY NEWS COVERAGE BAYOUBEATNEWS.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 | 9
jectory of mortgage rates is also unclear. While that uncertainty isn’t comfortable, here’s why both inflation and mortgage rates are important for you and your homeownership plans. When you buy a home, the mortgage rate and the price of the home matter. Higher mortgage rates impact how much you’ll pay for your monthly mortgage payment – and that directly affects how much you can comfortably afford. And while there’s no denying it’s more expensive to buy and finance a home this year than it was last year, it doesn’t mean you should pause your search. Here’s why:
“The current home price growth rate is unsustainable, and higher mortgage rates coupled with more inventory will lead to slower home price growth but unlikely declines
SHOULD YOU BUY A HOME WITH INFLATIONHIGH?THIS
REAL ESTATE
Courtesy: Shad Bogany
While the Federal Reserve is working hard to bring down inflation, the latest data shows the inflation rate is still going up. You no doubt are feeling the pinch on your wallet at the gas pump or the grocery store, but that news may also leave you wondering: should I still buy a home right now?
Greg McBride, Chief Financial Analyst at Bankrate, explained how inflation is affecting the housing market. “Inflation will have a strong influence on where mortgage rates go in the months ahead,” McBride said. “Whenever inflation finally starts to ease, so will mortgage rates — but even then, home prices are still subject to demand and very tight supply.” No one knows how long it’ll take to bring down inflation, and that means the future traing costs because you can lock in what’s likely your largest monthly payment (your mortgage) for the duration of your loan. That helps stabilize some of your monthly expenses. Not to mention, as home prices continue to appreciate, your home’s value will too. “Real estate is one of the time-honored inflation hedges. It's a tangible asset, and those tend to hold their value when inflation reigns, unlike paper assets. More specifically, as prices rise, so do property values,” Mark Cussen, Financial Writer at Investopedia, said. Also, no one is calling for homes to lose value.
Homeownership is Historically a Great Hedge Against Inflation In an inflationary economy, prices rise across the board. Historically, homeownership is a great hedge against those risin home prices,” said Selma Hepp, Deputy Chief Economist at CoreLogic. In a nutshell, your home search doesn’t have to go on hold because of rising inflation or higher mortgage rates. There’s more to consider when it comes to why you want to buy a home. In addition to shielding yourself from the impact of inflation and growing your wealth through ongoing price appreciation, there are other reasons to buy a home right now like addressing your changing needs and so much more.
KEEPING HIS LEGACY ALIVE
Also in 2004, Devard was selected in the NFL Draft. He went on to play for the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs over the next five years. In 2011, he returned to H-Town, where he joined the Houston Texans, officially retiring the following year.
“The As One Foundation is full circle to that moment when our mom found out that we were twins because our hearts had been beating as one,” said Devard. “Everything that I’ve done since Devaughn’s death has been to honor him and the dreams we had together. The As One Foundation is my way of keeping his legacy alive and helping other families in the process.”
The organization also hosts an annual Darling Dash 10k race to raise funding for college scholarships, free sickle cell trait screenings, blood drives, and doctor symposiums.
Devard established the “As One Foundation” in honor of his brother in 2006. The nonprofit organization focuses on community initiatives such as “Operation Hydration,” which works to raise awareness and educate high school and college coaches, players, and parents on the dangers of dehydration, sickle cell trait, and intense physical activity.
BRINGING THAT “SOUTHERN LOVE” TO YOUR DAILY NEWSBAYOUBEATNEWS.COMCOVERAGE10 | SEPTEMBER 2022 change over time. In general, it is a condition that does not affect the life span of the individual. As individuals with sickle cell trait get older, they may become unable to concentrate urine normally. This is not usually an issue for high school or college age athletes.Sicklecell trait is not a barrier to exercise or participation in sports, however, it can lead to serious conditions that can be fatal if not properly managed.
EXERTIONAL SICKLING
LAWSUIT
Exertional sickling is a potentially life-threatening condition resulting from the sickling of red blood cells during intense exercise. Sickling results in muscular ischemia and collapse, whereby the athlete may experience intense muscular pain, rhabdomyolysis, and other serious metabolic problems. Signs and symptoms of an exertional sickling event include intense pain, fatigue, feeling like you cannot continue exercising, muscle cramping and inability to catch your breath. Exertional sickling is a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.
CONT.KEEPERBROTHERS
The Darling family sued FSU in October 2002. Their lawsuit claimed Devaughn was deprived of water and other fluids during conditioning drills. It also said the school failed to provide sufficient rest periods during the workouts, did not have adequate medical personnel or equipment available, and failed to recognize that the athlete was in distress. In 2004, a judge approved a $2 million settlement between Florida State and the Darling family.
It's that time of the year again… Fall. Cooler weather brings seasonal herbs and illnesses (Flu season). Many from the South have experienced grandmothers or great-grandmothers who had secret family recipes and remedies to prevent and help against sickness. In honor of Intergeneration Month, let's explore some ancestral medicine. I interviewed Ayo Ngozi who is a clinical herbalist, educator, and artist whose work integrates herbal practice, African diaspora spiritual technologies, and emergent strategy. A descendant of farmers and healers from Virginia, she naturally discovered her green thumb as a child. Yet, she didn't formally study herbalism until young adulthood when her oldest son had asthma. His illness and chronic asthmatic episodes eventually led her to take measures into her own hands and work with herbal remedies when conventional medicine didn't seem like a sustainable solution. It was at that point that she decided to continue her education at the Maryland University of Integrative Health where she graduated with a Masters of Science in Herbal Medicine. She is a guest instructor and advisor to several herbal schools and programs and a co-creator of the Black Mystery School and Planting Reparations projects.
INTERGENERATION
"Live Your Purpose, Follow Your Path"
AYO NGOZI, MS
AN: In my family, my grandmother who lived to be 105, told me that sassafrass was a main herb used in the family concoction. The leaves were used as gumbo file. In October the roots were dug up and the bark of the root was also used to make a tea for colds or as a preventative before getting sick. The kids would line up to drink tea from the pot. A lot of these herbs were used for "cleansing" the blood or the liver. They were considered "blood builders" which helped you to develop a stronger constitution to prepare the body for whatever viruses it was exposed to. Sassafrass is a tonic (an herb used to help tone and restore systems in the body for optimal immunity). Castor oil was another popular remedy. It was used externally and internally. It was used as cold packs for inflammation and skin ailments. Internally it was used a laxative. The midwives and birth workers used castor oil to also assist in labor. Fire cider, which is a vinegar-based concoction with different types of roots and herbs that are placed in a jar and stored. The longer it's stored, the stronger it is. By 3 weeks, it reaches it's peak. If taken on a regular basis, it assists the body with fighting respiratory viruses and aids in probiotic populathan health such as pine for basketry and weaving, working with plant dyes, and making incense. For more information follow me on IG @ayo.herbalist. and at www.thecreativeroot.net. tion that is vital for gut health.Food is also used to maintain health. The "pot liquor" from a pot of greens and bone broths were also taken to strengthen one's immune system.
AN: I am a co-creator of Black Mystery School which is an online skill-sharing community based on African diaspora practices. It is online on IG @ black.myster.school or www. blackmysteryschool.orgOnOctober2,Iwill be doing a half day intensive, “The Herbalist Studio,” at the Wild Ginger Herbal Center in Maryland. We'll be working with herbs in different ways other Food greens and bone broths were also taken to strengthen one's immune system.
Go to our website to get clarity www.ikeomaseye.comtoday.
AN: Although I'm grateful for what I've learned because I am practicing those skills, but I've had to spend a lot of time undoing a great deal of what was taught in that program due to the colonial perspective. Looking through a Western scientific lens consequently ignored indigenous science of the African diaspora. These spiritual technologies our ancestors knew were passed down orally without "formal education". Such practices have been successful for hundreds of years and deserves respect and reverence also. BB: Fall is here so how did your ancestors from the south use herbs to prevent and help with colds and flu?
BB: Can you suggest any recipes that people can use as preventatives Fire cider: of these in a glass jar fill with
BRINGING THAT “SOUTHERN LOVE” TO YOUR DAILY NEWS COVERAGE BAYOUBEATNEWS.COM SEPTEMBER 2022 | 11
BB: How do you feel your formal education in herbalism has shaped your ancestral practice?
BB: Can you suggest any recipes that people can use as thispreventativesfall?AN: Fire cider: peppers, onions, garlic, ginger, cayenne, black pepper, thyme, oregano, and horseradish. You can also add herbs like elderberry. Focus mostly on warming herbs. Put all of these in a glass jar fill with apple cider vinegar. Put the ingredients in a blender then store in the original jar. Let it sit in a cool, dry place. Take as a preventative or as needed for a cold. It will break up congestion and mucus. Avoid if you have acid reflux.
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By: Ikeoma Divine IKEOMA’S EYE HERBS AND REMEDIES FOR FALL: AN INTERVIEW WITH CLINICAL HERBALIST
Elderberry tea or syrup: Take it dried and make a tea by boiling the water then let it simmer about 15 mins and drink. The syrup can be made a couple of ways. You can use honey. Mix the tea 1:1 (1 cup tea to 1 cup honey). Some people also used sugar. People used what they had access to. BB: How can people learn more from you?
