“ TOO MANY PEOPLE WANT THE APPEARANCE OF WINNING RATHER THAN THE PRACTICE AND HARD WORK THAT CREATE A TRUE CHAMPION. ” – T.D.
Jakes
This month’s issue of d-mars.com Business Journal heavily highlights health as it pertains to the Black community, especially our expectant mothers. If you want to know what we can do as a society, and what you can do as an individual, read on.
Along with physical health, we get into spiritual health as we shine a light on Houston’s own, Apostle Dr. Dana Carson. Get to know about Dr. Carson’s incredible journey as we approach 40 years of his service to man and to God. From a high school dropout to earning eight college degrees, he is truly a testament to what faith and resilience can do for you in life.
In his lifetime, Dr. Carson has extended his reach beyond that of the church. He has accomplished incredible things in business, culture, and the community. That includes opening nearly 50 business initiatives in his lifetime, reaching No.1 on the
CONTENTS
iTunes and Billboards charts, authored over 260 books, opened a culinary school, developed free ESL courses, and much much more. If you’re interested in celebrating 40 years of incredible service with him, read our main story and see how, and WHY, you can do just that!
In addition to Apostle Dr. Carson, we have some incredible stories like the first women selected into the Black Cowboy Museum’s Hall of Fame. Read about how a health organization came to Houston to help impact the lives of soon-to-be parents. Also, plenty of stories on how to get your recent grad ready for college.
As always, we thank you for taking the time out of your day to support the d-mars.com Business Journal. We hope we provided the resources and inspiration you need to succeed.
OUR SERVICES
BUSINESS
4 DoorDash Partnering with Klarna to Offer Customers Flexible Payment Options
4 Old Folks Saying: It Takes a Village to Raise A Child
ENTREPRENEURSHIP
6 Identifying Brands as Black-Owned Can Pay Off for Businesses
EDUCATION & CAREER
8 Did You Know?
8 Trump Signs New HBCU Executive Order
10 POP Professional Careers! Prosthetists, Orthotists and Pedorthists: A Healthcare Sector That Moves Millions
HEALTH & WELLNESS
23 Card Payment Strategies to Boost Your Business’ Bottom Line
24 Strategies for Reducing Your Debt
24 Debt Relief Just Got Real: Experian Erases Millions in Balances for African Americans TECHNOLOGY
26 Protecting Children in the Digital Age COMMUNITY
10 Must-Have Gadgets for Graduates
17 Freedom, Family & Health. 2025 Houston World Sickle Cell Day Juneteenth Jubilee Summit, Health Fair & Blood Drive Brings Celebration and Empowerment to Acres Homes
26 The Black Cowboy Museum Inducts Women into its Hall of Fame for the First Time TRAVEL
18 Thrive Tour: ELEV8 Health & The 2025 Houston Thrive Tour Address Maternal Mortality
ADVERTISING | MARKETING MEDIA | COMMUNICATION
• Business Journal
• Health & Wellness Journal
• Community Weekly Report
• Black Pages Online Expert Directory
• Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs
• Top 30 Influential Women of Houston
• Business Connection
• Business Development • Business Consulting
Graphic Design • Photography
Printing
Web Design
Online & Email Marketing
Public Relations
Social Media
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
20 Expert Tips from a Dietitian: 2 Keys to Staying Healthy on GLP-1’s
28 Smoked to Perfection: A Flavorful Journey Through Kentucky’s Barbecue Heritage
30 Chicken Flautas with Avocado Cream
Advertising
Writing
Promotional Marketing
11-22 COVER STORY
21 Take on New Hobbies in Retirement
50 or Older? The Pneumococcal Pneumonia Vaccine is Recommended for You
DoorDash Partnering with Klarna to Offer Customers Flexible Payment Options
lexible payment options for lunch, you say? Sounds tempting! Klarna and DoorDash are officially partnering to offer flexible payment options to DoorDash customers.
DoorDash announced that in the coming months, custom ers will be able to enjoy Klarna’s range of payment options when purchasing groceries, retail, and even the DashPass Annual Plan.
When customers reach check-out, they’ll see Klarna as an additional payment option, giving them more freedom to choose how they want to pay. Options will include:
• PAY IN FULL
• PAY IN 4, WHICH ALLOWS CUSTOMERS TO PAY IN FOUR EQUAL INTEREST-FREE INSTALLMENTS, OR
• PAY LATER, WHICH ALLOWS CUSTOMERS TO DEFER PAYMENTS TO A DATE THAT ALIGNS WITH THEIR PAYCHECK SCHEDULES
"This partnership empowers customers with maximum choice and control over how they pay – from groceries and the season’s big-ticket electronics to home improvement supplies, beauty, and even their DashPass Annual Plan membership," a news release from DoorDash stated.
David Sykes, Chief Commercial Officer of Klarna said: “Our partnership with DoorDash marks an important milestone in Klarna’s expansion into everyday spending categories. By offering smarter, more flexible payment solutions for groceries, takeout, and retail essentials, we’re making convenience even more accessible for millions of Americans.”
"As we expand DoorDash’s offerings—from groceries and beauty to electronics and gifts–flexible payment options are essential to meeting our customers’ needs,” said Anand Subbarayan, Head of Money Products at DoorDash. “ We’re excited to partner with Klarna to enhance the convenience we offer, including flexible payment options for our DashPass Annual Plan, the most affordable way to order on DoorDash with added streaming and ride benefits at no extra cost.”
Source: DoorDash
“IT TAKES A VILLAGE TO
RAISE A CHILD.”
Often cited by academics as an African proverb, this saying means that it is all of our responsibility to determine how children are raised in our community. While we all want to be there for our children 24/7, the truth is that siblings, extended family, teachers, friends, and neighbors will all affect a child.
ELEV8 HEALTH & THE 2025 HOUSTON THRIVE TOUR ADDRESS MATERNAL MORTALITY
By Kayla Adams News Provider
Elev8 Health, Inc. made a stop in Houston on April 19 as part of its 2025 THRIVE Maternal Health Tour and Community Baby Showers. The event, in partnership with Harris County Public Health and Walmart, as part of the Maternal Child Health Conference, was hosted at Finnigan Park Community Center Gym and provided an opportunity for families and expecting parents to access mental health professionals, medical providers, birthing workers, and more. The event was free and open to the public.
The THRIVE Tour is Elev8 Health's dynamic, community-centered initiative dedicated to improving maternal health outcomes, particularly among African American and American Indian/Alaska Native women— communities disproportionately affected by high maternal mortality and morbidity rates. The THRIVE Tour is led by Dr. Que English, president and chief executive officer, Elev8 Health, Inc.
According to the CDC, Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women. However, over 80% of these deaths were determined to be preventable. Recognizing the early warning signs, getting an accurate and timely diagnosis, and having access to quality care can save lives. Additionally, a recent study found that, overall, maternal mortality increased from 25.3 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2018 to 32.6 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2022 — an age-adjusted increase of about 27%, calling the issue “an urgent public health priority.”
The researchers found that cardiovascular disease, cancer, and mental disorders were leading causes of late maternal deaths. The new study also provides more detail regarding state-level mortality and reaffirmed the prevalence of inequities by race. Rates of maternal mortality were 3.8 times higher in American Indian and Alaska Native women when compared to white women, and rates in Black women were 2.8 times higher.
Take on New Hobbies in Retirement
By d-mars.com
Retirement should be relaxing, not boring. In fact, taking on new hobbies can keep your mind sharp and body vital as you age. Here are five ways to stay active in your golden years:
1.
JOIN A GYM
Joining a gym is one of the easiest ways to ensure you perform a mix of strength training and cardiovascular exercise. Doing both will help keep your bones and muscles strong and your heart and lungs fully functional. Don’t forget to add in yoga and stretching to promote balance and agility. If a gym is out of reach, see what other nearby opportu-
nities are available for working up a sweat. Many towns and cities offer free and budget-friendly, community-based exercise programming.
2. PLAY MUSIC
There are numerous cognitive and emotional benefits associated with playing music. Whether you’re a beginner just looking to pick up the basics or a seasoned musician with the hopes of performing in public, you can equip yourself to sound amazing with a high-quality instrument.
3. START A BOOK CLUB
It’s always more fun to read books when you can discuss them with friends. From tackling the classics, to diving into non-fiction works that will challenge your perspective, to enjoying some easy, breezy beach reads, it’s important that the other members of the group have the same reading goals as you. So do a little leg work in advance to ensure everyone is on the same page.
50 or Older?
P4.
NUMBER CRUNCH
You don’t have to be in school to take up math as a hobby. There are plenty of recreational mathematicians of all ages who enjoy crunching numbers to work puzzles, compete in games, and uncover patterns in the real world.
5.
LEARN A LANGUAGE
Learning a new language not only creates new neural pathways in the brain, it can be just the motivational ticket you need to finally visit that bucket list destination you’ve been dreaming of. While formal lessons are great, you can help ensure your skills truly progress through conversation. Lean on services like Tandem to connect with a language partner. By taking on new hobbies and expanding your interests, you can carve out a retirement that is active, adventurous and good for your body, mind and soul.
Source: StatePoint (Edited by d-mars.com)
The Pneumococcal Pneumonia Vaccine is Recommended for You
By d-mars.com News Provider
neumococcal pneumonia is a potentially serious bacterial lung disease that can disrupt your life for weeks and even land you in the hospital. Medical experts want you to know that there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of serious illness.
An important step is getting pneumococcal vaccination if it’s recommended for you. This vaccine helps protect against pneumococcal disease, including, pneumococcal pneumonia, bloodstream infection (bacteremia), and infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis).
In October 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its adult immunization schedules and now recommends pneumococcal vaccination for all adults 50 or older, even if you are healthy. The CDC maintains its recommendation of vaccination for adults 19-49 with certain underlying medical conditions like asthma, COPD, chronic heart disease, and diabetes.
“The immune system naturally weakens with age, so even if you’re healthy and active, being older puts you at greater risk of severe illness from pneumococcal pneumonia. The CDC’s updated guidelines are intended to keep more people healthy and safe,” says Albert A. Rizzo, MD, chief medical officer for the American Lung Association.
The American Lung Association maintains an ongoing educational program about pneumococcal pneumonia with Pfizer. As part of the program, they are sharing these fast facts:
• Anyone can get pneumococcal pneumonia and, unfortunately, it is a disease you can have more than one time. Certain populations are at higher risk for severe illness, hospitalization, and death. You can use American Lung Association resources to help you determine your risk.
• The symptoms of pneumococcal pneumonia include fever, chills, cough, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or rapid breathing, and these symptoms can appear suddenly and without warning.
• Having the flu increases the likelihood of developing pneumonia, including pneumococcal pneumonia. You can reduce this risk by getting a flu shot every year to help prevent seasonal influenza. In addition, those at risk for pneumococcal disease can get vaccinated against pneumococcal pneumonia. Ask your healthcare provider about pneumococcal vaccination today.
For more information about pneumococcal pneumonia risk factors, symptoms and prevention, visit Lung.org/pneumococcal.
Thanks to the CDC’s recommendations, more Americans can take the step of vaccinating against pneumococcal pneumonia and reducing their risk of severe illness.
Source: StatePoint (Edited by d-mars.com)
WORSHIP WITH US!
THERE'S A PLACE FOR YOU AT THE ROCK CHURCH!
Why The R.O.C.K.?
At The ROCK Church, we’re passionate about transforming lives through the Kingdom message! Join us for dynamic worship, powerful teaching, and a community that feels like family. Come as you are – there’s a place for you here!
Transformational Kingdom Teaching
Dynamic Worship Experience
A Place for Children, Youth & Young Adults
Opportunities to Grow and Serve
Protecting Children in the Digital Age
By d-mars.com News Provider
eeping a watchful eye on your kids requires an increasing level of tech-savvy many parents find intimidating. Not only are your kids vulnerable to bad actors online, but your family's personal information could be at risk, as well.
KLearn how to protect your children and family in this digital age with these tips: Elementary-Age Children
Encourage open communication. Have conversations about what your kids see and do online and talk with them about potential dangers. Avoid lecturing in favor of an open exchange of information.
The Black cowBoy MuseuM InducTs woMen
By Black Cowboy Museum News Provider
he Black Cowboy Museum, located in Rosenberg, TX, inducted two women into its hall of fame for the first time during its Fourth Annual Induction Ceremony and Banquet on April 26.
Acynthia Villery and Mollie Stevenson, Jr., along with three other honorees, were the women honored at the 2025 edition of this historic event.
Acynthia is a third-generation rodeo professional from Beaumont, TX and a longstanding member of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo (BPIR) team, where she serves as Social Media Director and became the first African American female rodeo announcer. With 38 years of service to BPIR, Acynthia has educated and entertained audiences across the country. She has been featured in magazines, documentaries, TV, radio, and public speaking events. Her accolades include an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy in Humanitarianism (2024), two Presidential Lifetime
Make their inherent interest in privacy work in your favor. Kids in this age group, particularly understand the concept of privacy and value it immensely. Use that context to help them understand what goes online is there to stay. Talk about what kinds of information should always be kept private, including identifying details like addresses and social security numbers.
Stay on alert. Not all apps are completely safe and not all filters are foolproof. Keep close tabs on what your kids are downloading by reading comments and reviews and monitoring content they see.
Middle School and High School Kids
Continue talking about privacy. You can never have too many conversations about privacy. What seems like harmless sharing on social media can be quite revealing. For example, frequent posts about visits to a favorite store or restaurant can allow a predator to begin tracking behavior patterns that make your child a target. It's also important for kids to understand how their privacy settings work. For example, settings that allow exposure to friends of friends make their visibility to strangers much broader than they may realize.
Help manage their online reputation. Behaviors that once resulted in a day or two of hallway chatter can now live forever. Documenting mischief online is only fun until it spills over into real life and everyone sees those mistakes in full color - including prospective future employers.
Be clear about your position on bullying. From the safe distance of a screen, it's easier for kids (and adults) to say things they'd never say in person. Teach your kids to handle problems constructively offline and avoid engaging in attacks on others.
College Students
Reinforce the risks. Once they're on their own, kids may feel more liberated to make their own choices online. However, college students are easy prey for identity theft and worse. Remind them what's at stake if they fail to protect their identity and private information, like where they live and what they do on a regular basis
Teach smart practices. With all the independence that comes with college life, this is an ideal time for your student to take personal responsibility for his or her online security, including learning about virus protection, updating software, avoiding scams and backing up data.
Source: Family Features (Edited by d-mars.com)
Achievement Awards (2023 & 2024, signed by President Joe Biden), and a city proclamation declaring Feb. 24 as "Acynthia Villery Day" in Houston, TX.
Mollie Stevenson, Jr. is a former model and passionate educator. She is the daughter of Benjamin Franklin “Big Ben” Stevenson and Mollie Stevenson. Alongside her mother, she was one of the first living African American women inducted into the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. She co-founded the American Cowboy Museum on the historic Taylor-Stevenson Ranch—one of the oldest African American-owned ranches in the country. Mollie received the Chester A. Reynolds Memorial Award, becoming one of only two women to receive the honor.
Source: Black Cowboy Museum (Edited by d-mars.com)
CChicken Flautas with Avocado Cream
by Sunny Anderson News Provider
hicken flautas are an excellent appetizer option for your Cinco De Mayo party, or they can serve as your main course for dinner when you pair them nicely with some fresh rice and beans. With their crispy, crunchy outer shell and stuffed with gooey cheese and flavorful chicken, even the most picky palates can’t say “no” to a plate of this classic Mexican dish. Pair it with this fresh avocado cream, homemade guac, or your favorite queso, and you’ll be asked to make this recipe for every party you’re invited to.
• 1 very ripe avocado, halved, pitted and flesh removed
• 1 (4-ounce) container sour cream
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• Salt
GETTING READY TO FRY:
Fill a large pot with enough oil to reach 2 inches up the side of the pan. Heat over medium heat until a deep-frying thermometer inserted in the oil reads 375 degrees F.
MAKING THE FILLING:
In a pan over medium heat, melt butter and sauté onions and jalapenos until tender (about 5 minutes). Add garlic, cumin, and cayenne pepper and cook until fragrant (another 2 minutes). Add chicken and salsa; stir to combine. Remove from heat and stir in cilantro, cheese, and lime juice. Let cool slightly. Now is a good time to preheat your oven to 200 degrees.
MAKING THE FLAUTAS:
Working with 4 tortillas at a time, spread a heaping spoonful of the chicken filling along the middle of each tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling and secure with a toothpick. Using tongs, hold each flauta in hot oil until firm, then release to continue cooking. Cook until golden brown (about 2 minutes), then move to a paper towel-lined plate and immediately season with salt. Keep flautas warm in the oven on a sheet tray while assembling and cooking the remaining tortillas. Making the avocado cream:
In a serving bowl, mash avocado, sour cream, and lime juice until smooth. Season with salt to taste.
SERVING:
Arrange flautas on a platter of shredded lettuce and serve with avocado cream on the side.
