Business Journal 147

d-mars.com 19992019

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

Entrepreneur | Business | Education and Career | Finance | Real Estate | Technology | Insurance

November 2019

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Inspire, Inform & Educate

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147th Edition

THE BLACK PROFESSIONALS ALLIANCE: Celebrating 10 Years of Giving Back (L-R) Eugene Padgett, Carmen Herrera and MR. D-MARS

14-15

INSIDE

05 Vote One More Time

12

25th Annual Pinnacle Awards

09 Celebrating the 50th Year of the National BMOA

AVAILABLE

NOW

One thing I am proud of is, for 20 years, I have kept my core beliefs,” Davis said. “I know that by holding on to those values, we have changed lives and helped people grow in business and in their personal lives.

It is all thanks to the people who supported us, people who saw we were good for the community.

— Keith “MR. D-MARS” Davis, Sr.

ORDER ONLINE NOW WWW.KEITHJDAVISSR.COM (713) 373.5577 Keith J Davis Sr.

@KeithJDavisSr

November 2019 | 3

PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE

MR. D-MARS CERTIFIED:

HMSDC

d-mars.com is proud to share the success stories of African American businesses and civic and community leaders. We know that success does not always come easy and it is not always measured in money. How have you helped your fellow entrepreneur?

Have you supported your locallyowned African American business?

Have you donated to a nonprofit that is working in our underserved communities? Questions to think about and actions to take.

This month’s issue highlights the 10th Annual Holiday Social and Toy

Port of Houston

BEHIND THE JOURNAL PUBLISHER & CEO Keith J. Davis, Sr. COO & MANAGING EDITOR Kimberly Floyd EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Tiffany Brown ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla STAFF WRITER Carly Hammack

“At the end of the day it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished… it’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back.”

— Denzel Washington

METRO

City of Houston

06 Community 06 The Best of Thanksgiving Basketball: 18th Annual 07 Texas High School Jamboree 08 Kedrick Brown: Making A Difference on Stage and in the Classroom 10 Did You Know?

14,23 Cover Story 14,23 Celebrating Ten Years of Giving Back

16 Food and Recipes 16 CJ's Southern Seasonings: The Secret Really is in the Bag

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS 2 Girls Who Travel Christopher G. Cox Nelson Brand Sports Shelondra Peavy

14,23

07 In The Community 07 She Said. She Led. She Is. 09 Celebrating the 50th Year of the National BMOA 09 Street Renaming in Honor of the Late Carroll Oliver 12 25th Annual Pinnacle Awards 15 Health 17 Get Back in Your Favorite Jeans With These Weight Loss Tips 18 The Diabetic Country Club of Houston 20 Care is Essential 20 Dentist-Approved Tips for Healthier Smiles After Halloween 19 Four Ways to Boost Your Vitamin D intake

VBE

DBE

ADVERTISING | MARKETING MEDIA | COMMUNICATION

04 Business 04 4 Key Resources Small Businesses Need To Succeed 05 4 Tips to Dress for Success at Work

PROJECT COORDINATOR Lindsey Ford

PHOTOGRAPHY L.C. Poullard Grady Carter

HUB

OUR SERVICES

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kendra Wiseman

DISTRIBUTION Rockie Hayden

HISD

CONTENTS

24 Finances 24 Marketers Should Show More Respect for The Black Consumer According to a Report 26 How You Feel About Money Impacts Your Spending 26 Adjust Your Finances As Life Happens

ART DIRECTOR Angel Rosa

Drive, an annual event put on by the Black Professionals Alliance. This event has blossomed over the years and now provides gifts for thousands of children in Houston. It is an opportunity for black professionals and entrepreneurs to come together, network and celebrate the holiday season all while aiming to make a difference by collecting toys for underserved children across the Houston area.

As always, thank you for your continued support of d-mars.com. When you support us, you are supporting more than just our company; you are supporting the communities in which we live and work. Working together, we can succeed in making positive things happen.

28 Real Estate 28 Evolution of Hard Money Lending 30 Are You Protecting Your Digital House from Cybercrime?

• Business Journal • Health & Wellness Journal • Community Journal • Black Pages Online Business Directory • Top 50 Black Health, Medical & Wellness Professionals • Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs • Top 30 Influential Women of Houston • Top 25 Prime & Subcontractors for Diversity • Business Connection • Business Development • Business Consulting • Graphic Design • Photography • Printing • Web Design • Online & Email Marketing • Public Relations • Social Media • Advertising • Writing • Promotional Marketing

31 Travel 31 2 Girls Who Travel: Enjoy Food & Football in Baton Rouge

D-MARS.COM INFO MAIN OFFICE 7322 Southwest Fwy., Suite 800, Houston, TX 77074 Phone: (713) 373.5577

Fax: (713) 750.9472

Email Us: contact@d-mars.com

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Visit Us Online www.d-mars.com d-mars.com

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4 | November 2019 BUSINESS

4 Key Resources Small Businesses Need To Succeed

a phone call with a friend, choose one or two activities that you can quickly call upon each day to reset your mind and passion.

By d-mars.com News Provider

A workplace that's as flexible as you are

F

rom small home offices to coworking spaces to hotels and airplanes - as a small business owner, you've likely learned that being flexible with your work environment is critical to establishing and growing your business. No matter the spaces you travel to and run your business from, there are a few important resources to have in place to ensure that your operations are productive, efficient and a step ahead of your customer's needs.

Office-quality equipment at consumer prices As a small business owner, time and cost savings are precious. Make sure you know what tools your business needs to function smoothly, and choose the most efficient, cost-effective equipment to meet those needs. Whether it's a good phone system, up-to-date computers or a shredder to safely dispose of sensitive documents, your business is only as good as the equipment you rely on. For example, a great product to invest in is a high-quality, reliable cartridge-free printer, like the Epson® EcoTank® Monochrome Supertank printer.

Print more and worry less with a printer that comes with an easy-to-fill supersized ink tank that holds enough ink to print up to 6,000 pages and has a fast first page

out time. Available in-store at Office Depot and OfficeMax, the Epson EcoTank wireless SuperTank printers also allow you to use voice-activated printing via Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant and Siri, giving you the convenience to focus on what's most important for your business.

support team by chat or phone. There's never a good time for computer problems, but with a reliable 24/7 tech support team that helps with everything from data recovery to virus scans, you can have confidence that your tech will be running smoothly and optimize your business for efficiency.

Professional IT support

A method and a space for resetting

Build a tech support team that keeps your business running no matter where you are.

You likely don't have the time to run your business and be your own IT support help desk. With help from a 24/7 remote tech support team from Workonomy™ at Office Depot, you can have access anytime and anywhere to a dedicated experienced tech

Just because you can bring the office with you wherever you go doesn't mean you should. Make time to leave it all behind.

Create a toolbox of activities that help you reset, relax and rejuvenate your thoughts so you can bring fresh ideas to your business.

From a brisk walk or a podcast episode to

Practice Fire Safety This Holiday Season Learn more about fire safety at www.redcross.org/TXGC

Cooking Safety ❏ “Keep an eye on what you fry.” Stay in the kitchen when frying, grilling or using an open flame.

Fireplaces, Space Heaters, Baseboards, etc. ❏ “3 feet from the heat.” Furniture, curtains, dish towels and anything that could catch fire are at least 3 feet from any type of heat source.

Smoking Safety ❏ Never smoke in bed.

Electrical and Appliance Safety ❏ Large and small appliances are plugged directly into wall outlets.

Children Playing ❏ Matches and lighters are locked away.

Smoke Alarms ❏ Make sure you have working smoke alarms. Different types of smoke alarms, ionization and photoelectric, detect fire in different ways. Experts recommend having both types in your home. ❏ Change smoke alarm batteries every year unless it has a long-life battery. ❏ Replace smoke alarms every ten years. ❏ A combination of working smoke alarms and fire sprinklers decreases the risk of dying in a home fire.

Home Fire Escape Plan At least twice a year, use your home fire escape plan to practice your 2-minute drill with all your family members. Practice makes perfect! After each fire drill, mark down your escape time.

197601-27 11/19

Sources: Vision 20/20, NFPA, USFA

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

Whether you are traveling, meeting a new client, need some help with your laptop or just want a small space to call your own, a great resource to have on hand is a co-working space. Office Depot's Workonomy™ Hub co-working service provides support and assistance to home-based and small businesses in select locations. From private offices and conference rooms to daily dropin, there's a space and a plan that fits your work style. You can also take advantage of services including tech support, storage, packing and shipping, and more. Check out the available services and locations near you at officedepot.com.

Being a business owner requires you to wear a lot of hats and sometimes work in unique and on-the-go places. Your environment doesn't have to impact the output of your business. With the right equipment and tech support, outlet to relax, and a flexible co-working space, you can set your business up to run efficiently and give yourself more time to do what you're most passionate about. Sponsored by Office Depot.

Source: BPT

November 2019 | 5 BUSINESS

4 TIPS

to Dress for Success at Work By d-mars.com News Provider

I

n today’s workplace, many employers have abandoned strict dress code policies, providing employees with more flexibility to dress casually.

In fact, 59 percent of American workers described their current employer’s policy as “business casual” or “casual,” according to a recent study from Randstad US. Although a more relaxed dress code gives you the creative freedom to express yourself, not everything may be appropriate for a work setting.

Here is the fashion 411 on workplace attire today.

• Understand your company’s dress policy. If you’re unclear of your

employer’s dress code policy, just ask your manager or HR. Thirty-eight percent of 25 to 35-year-olds say they’ve been asked to dress more professionally by their manager or HR, and 45 percent say they know someone who has been sent home from work for breaking dress code policies. Unclear policies may be the culprit, and no outfit is worth the risk -- or embarrassment -- of being sent home. Another tip is to simply take note of what people around you are wearing, especially those in senior-level positions. As the saying goes, dress for the job you want, not the job you have!

• Dress for comfort and performance. Don’t be afraid to embrace your personal style, as long as it stays within your company’s guidelines. Sixty-three percent of younger workers (aged 18 to 35) say they actually prefer dressing up for work, as it boosts their confidence and performance. The definition of “dressing up” can vary from person to person, ranging from casual to conservative, depending on one’s taste.

• Don’t break the bank. Fifty-five percent of managers agree they care more about performance than what their employees wear, so don’t feel pressured to break the bank in order to keep up with the workplace Joneses. Your expertise is more valuable than any sparkly set of cufflinks or a pair of heels will ever be. However, you can look great for less with a few smart strategies. Visit the Randstad US career resources portal for workplace fashion tips to “casually” rip the (office) runway at randstadusa.com/jobs/career-resources/personal-brand.

• Leave the weekend wardrobe at home. According to many U.S. employees, some things are still considered a bit too casual for the office. In fact, the survey found that the majority of Americans think ripped jeans and leggings are not appropriate, even in a casual office environment. Therefore, if you show up to work in ripped jeans, there’s a good chance (statistically speaking) that you won’t be making a great impression. The same goes for leggings -- sorry athleisure lovers!

For more tips on how you can make a good impression at work, visit www. randstadusa.com. “It’s great to show your personality and wear what you feel most confident in, though it’s always a best practice to be mindful of today’s cultural norms and what most people -- according to our survey -- feel is appropriate for the workplace,” says Traci Fiatte, CEO of non-technical staffing, Randstad US. “You want to be evaluated on your performance and what value you bring to your company, not just on your clothes.”

Source: BPT Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

6 | November 2019 COMMUNITY BUSINESS

The Best of Thanksgiving Basketball 18th Annual Texas High School Jamboree Presented by Boost Mobile

By Nelson Brand Sports Contributing Writer

T

his year, like every year, d-mars.com is teaming up with Nelson Brand Sports and Boost Mobile to present the Thanksgiving High School Basketball Rivalry Week, which kicks off with Texas High School Jamboree, now hosted at Episcopal High School on November 29-30, 2019.

The Texas High School Jamboree was created as a platform for student-athletes who are not usually afforded the opportunity to be seen by college coaches. This event gives athletes the chance to compete at a high level for college scholarships in front of college coaches and media outlets. The Texas High School Jamboree is a full two days of 48 top-tier high school basketball programs competing at one location.

As President of Nelson Brand Sports, Rick Nelson’s mission is to continue to provide a positive environment for academics and the game of basketball for young men and women. He

recognized early on the value of using basketball as a tool to further one’s education. Nelson played point guard, on scholarship, for Texas College, winning two back to back National College Championships. He earned his bachelor’s and master’s degree from Prairie View A&M University.

“We have team up with the Boost Mobile and D-MARS organization and they have done a great job of creating a platform that truly enhances the lives of student athletes from the young and innocent kids who play in pursuit of dreams, love and passion for the game to the professional who play for all the same reasons,” Nelson said.

11/29 FRIDAY ALKEK GYM

10:00 am - Port Arthur Tekoa Academy vs. St. Thomas Episcopal 11:30 am - Kinkaid vs Legacy School of Sports Science 1:00 pm - Manvel HS vs Houston Heights HS 2:30 pm - St. Thomas HS vs George Ranch HS 4:00 pm - Cy-Ridge HS vs Summer Creek HS 5:30 pm - Beaumont United HS vs Louisiana New Iberia HS 7:00 pm - Port Arthur Memorial HS vs Tomball Concordia Lutheran 8:30 pm - Channelview HS vs Westbury Christian School

11/29 FRIDAY CRUM GYM

10:00 am - HCYA vs Marian HS 11:30 am - The Village School vs John Cooper HS 1:00 pm - Houston Wheatley HS vs Houston Sharpstown HS 2:30 pm - Houston Lamar HS vs Cy-Spring HS 4:00 pm - St. John HS vs San Antonio Sam Houston HS 5:30 pm - St. Pius X HS vs Houston Sam Houston HS 7:00 pm - Spring Dekaney HS vs Houston Bellaire HS

“In sports, the principle of working as a team is essential to achieving championship success,” says President and CEO of d-mars. com, Keith J. Davis, Sr. “With this partnership between d-mars.com, Nelson Brand Sports, TYBL and Hunt & Hunt, we are setting out to show the community that there are ways to achieve your goals in life, whether it is through entrepreneurship or athletics. Strong team players make some of the best leaders."

11/30 SATURDAY ALKEK GYM

8:30 am - John Cooper HS vs Houston Wheatley HS 10:00 am - Houston Heights HS vs St. John HS 11:30 am - Louisiana New Iberia vs Houston Christian HS 1:00 pm - Houston Sam Houston HS vs Silsbee HS 2:30 pm - Fort Bend Bush HS vs Northshore HS 4:00 pm - Dickinson HS vs Dallas Lancaster HS 5:30 pm - Episcopal HS vs Dallas Madison HS 7:00 pm - Katy Morton Ranch HS vs Dallas Kimball HS 8:30 pm - Shadow Creek HS vs San Antonio Wagner HS

11/30 SATURDAY CRUM GYM

8:30 am - Marian HS vs Port Arthur Tekoa Academy HS 10:00 am - St. Thomas Episcopal HS vs Kinkaid HS 11:30 am - Legacy School of Sports Science vs St. Pius HS 1:00 pm - Strake Jesuit College Prep vs Fort Bend Ridgepoint HS 2:30 pm - Beaumont Westbrook HS vs Spring Dekaney HS 4:00 pm - George Ranch HS vs Humble Atascocita HS 5:30 pm - Tomball Concordia Lutheran vs SA Sam Houston HS 7:00 pm - Westbury Christian School vs Houston Sharpstown HS 8:30 pm - Houston Bellaire HS vs St. Thomas HS

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November 2019 | 7

In the Business Community…

To View More Photos, Visit Our Website www.d-mars.com and Click on ‘Photo Gallery.’

She Said. She Led. She Is. She Said. She Led. She Is. was founded by women for women! It is dedicated to empowering and celebrating women, providing high-quality programming, connecting them to resources, and helping them become audacious business leaders. She Said ‘19 conference provided women an opportunity to attend capacity

building workshops and engage in an authentic conversation about building sustainable businesses and breaking through business barriers. In addition to the swag, tips, and tools, attendees also walked away with a business rolodex filled with resources, strategic partners and NEW clients.

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

8 | November 2019 COMMUNITY

N W O R B ICg aKDifference on KEDMR akin m o ro s s la C e th in d n a Stage

By d-mars.com News Provider

H

ow did acting become such an important part of your life?

Acting was never actually a dream of mine. I was 12 years old when I got my first chance at the stage. I played numerous roles in the play Rumpelstiltskin at Abell Jr. High School. After the show my speech and drama teacher told me how amazed he was when I brought those characters to life on stage. The crazy part was that I was just up there goofing off, being the natural class clown my friends and family knew me to be. I had my fair share of troubled times and bad experiences growing up, but I refused to let that define me. I was able to transfer all that negative energy, hurt, pain and frustration and allow the stage to be my outlet. Acting became my therapy, and I grew and learned to allow myself to utilize the characters to mask the true anger I felt inside. Through furthering my training, I realized I could also tell the stories of others who didn’t have the voice to speak through my performances. I’m a story teller, and I think we can all agree when I say we all have a story to tell and whether we yell or whisper, someone will listen. I tell my story so others may have hope. Having the creative license to be truthful in my storytelling is the best therapy one could ever receive.

2. What makes your new theatre program at Lawson Middle School unique?

I think the thing that makes my program so unique at Lawson is the fact that I was once them. Sitting in that seat fighting the same economic and social conditions of being a little black boy in a world where I felt like I wasn’t enough, or my life’s situations were my fault.

That’s a ton of pressure to deal with at that age. In my

program we don’t just do theatre, we utilize our emotions in theatrical form to self-heal. Healing from life’s hardships starts within. Being able to explore true emotions at this age is critical to our youth’s development into adulthood. Given the current political, economic and social climates our youth in the underserved communities face on a daily basis, I feel it’s important I provide them a safe space to really be vulnerable and expressive.

We all are faced with decisions we have to make in life, and I just want to give my students the opportunity to make the right ones.

3. How do you balance pursuing your acting career while continuing to be invested in your HISD position?

It’s definitely a challenge. The working relationship with my Principal, Kasey Bailey (who is just simply amazing), plays a big part in it. She truly believes in my leadership in the Theatre Arts department, but more importantly, she trusts me. She knows my passion for this work runs deep and true. Being an educator is a huge responsibility. Not only do administrators depend on you but the kids do as well. They look forward to seeing me and doing the work in my class. I come in and make it a personal mission to give them 110% every day. Then I go home after the work day and dive into my career work. It’s all driven by passion though. You have to be careful because passion can be a powerful thing. Passion is like gasoline.... the car cannot function without it. But if you pour it over a house, it will act like an accelerant and burn the house down quickly.

I make sure I place it exactly where it needs to be, so we all can benefit from it.

4. Where do you find inspiration when performing the roles you land?

genuine in delivery. I like to tell people that sometimes when actors are acting…it isn’t really acting. Although you see a person crying on stage it doesn’t necessarily mean they are so moved by the dialogue in the script it brought them to tears. It could very well be they are going through something in their personal life and, at that moment, those raw emotions applied and came pouring out, and they chose to allow themselves to be vulnerable. It’s all a part of our duties as actor to tell the story as real as possible.

5. Where do you hope your acting takes you in the future?

I want my career to serve as a “you too" poster child.

You too can make it out of those bad situations, you too can be great, you too can achieve anything you want, you too can be that one in a million. I would love to see my acting career lead into bigger and better opportunities so I may continue to share with others my experiences and, by some chance, help them to grow as an artist or maybe just as a better person in general.

6. Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself, your career or any upcoming roles?

My character, Mr. Payton, will recur on Season 3 episode 5 of CW's hit superhero show, Black Lightning.

Coming this Christmas season, I will be starring in AD Players Theatre Company’s production of Miracle on 34th Street as well as the regional premiere of Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner as I portray the infamous role originally played by the great Sidney Poitier. More info at www.kedrickbrown.com. Follow me at @ Thekedrickbrown.

I pull from my own life’s experiences for my characters. It without a doubt makes the performance more

“I'm a story teller, and I think we can all agree when I say we all have a story to tell and whether we yell or whisper, someone will listen. I tell my story so others may have hope.”

- Kedrick Brown -

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In the Business Community…

November 2019 | 9

To View More Photos, Visit Our Website www.d-mars.com and Click on ‘Photo Gallery.’

“An Evening of Artistic Persuasion” Celebrating the 50th Year of the National Black McDonald’s Operators Association The National Black McDonald’s Operators Association hosted “An Evening of Artistic Persuasion” to celebrate its 50th year. This event was an evening of dinner, dancing and music held at the Ensemble

Theatre in Houston. It began with a cocktail reception before dinner and was completed with musical performances from the Ensemble Theatre.

Street Renaming in Honor of the Late Carroll Oliver The City of Houston renamed Calles Street in northeast Houston to Carroll Oliver Way in honor of the late Carroll Oliver, a local McDonald’s Owner/Operator. Stephanie Oliver-Parrish, local McDonald’s owner/ operator and daughter of Carroll Oliver, held a street sign unveiling

to celebrate her late father. Remarks were given by Mayor Sylvester Turner and Vice Mayor Pro-Tem Jerry Davis, and members of the Black McDonald’s Owner/Operators Association of Greater Houston were in attendance.

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

10 | November 2019 COMMUNITY

DID YOU KNOW

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Contributor Former U.S. Congressman John Conyers, whose 15-year fight to pass legislation that would make Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday a federal holiday, has died. He was 90.

The longtime Michigan Democrat represented what is now the state’s 13th Congressional District (which includes parts of western Detroit) for more than 50 years. Conyers resigned in 2017.

Conyers was born in Detroit in 1929. He was elected to Congress in 1965 and immediately became a forceful voice in the Civil Rights Movement, co-sponsoring the Voting Rights Act of that same year. Conyers was the first African American to chair the powerful House Judiciary Committee and helped spearhead the 1994 Violence against Women Act. Conyers and 12 other African American members of the House of Representatives founded the Congressional Black Caucus in 1971. "We always knew where he stood on issues of equality and civil rights in the fight for the people," Rep. Rashida Tlaib, who now represents Conyers' district, tweeted.

"Sad to hear of the passing of former Congressman John Conyers," the Rev. Al Sharpton stated. "He worked with us

REMEMBERING

FORMER U.S. REPRESENTATIVE

John Conyers

M AY 16, 1929 – OCTOBER 27, 2019

on many civil rights cases as Chair of the House Judiciary Committee and helped lead the fight for the Martin Luther King [Jr.] Holiday."

“Most of us from Michigan loved our congressman. He was idolized and was absolutely an icon. Not only was he an icon of the civil rights movement but we looked to him for leadership. This is a massive loss. All of us in business, the clergy, the community, respected, admired and aspired to be like John Conyers,” Said Hiram Jackson, President and CEO of Real Times Media.

“Congressman John Conyers decades ago held the first U.S. Congressional Hearings on Racially-Motivated Police Brutality; led the House Judiciary Hearings on Criminal Justice and Prison Reform in America; was co-founder of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC); and was a leading congressional advocate for the freedom of Angela Davis, the Wilmington Ten, and all political prisoners in the United States,” remarked Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., the president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

“Conyers was a constitutional scholar and political visionary whose longstanding vision for freedom, justice and equality was unparalleled in the Congress of the United States,” Chavis continued. "May God bless the freedomfighting memory and legacy of The Honorable John Conyers."

Chavis stated.

REMEMBERING

CONGRESSMAN

Elijah Cummings

JANUARY 18, 1951 – OCTOBER 17, 2019

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Contributor The Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform and a titan of the U.S. Congress, Representative Elijah Cummings (D-MD-7), died early Thursday morning. He was 68.

Maya Rockeymoore Cummings, the congressman's wife and chairman of the Maryland Democratic Committee, said Cummings died at 2:45 a.m. at Johns Hopkins Hospital.

Mrs. Cummings said her husband's death resulted from complications concerning longstanding health challenges.

In recent years, Cummings had been in and out of the hospital. "Dr. Elijah Saunders and I took care of Congressman Cummings for [years] for his blood pressure," said Cummings' longtime nurse, Barbara "B.J." Shaneman.

"He always called me the boss because he told his team I was a short woman with a big voice. I would fuss at him about watching his blood pressure. His health was my concern. I screamed when I heard the news. I said, 'this can’t happen.' I said they [Cummings and Saunders, who died in 2015] were the last of the old guard," Shaneman said.

Recently, and in increasingly rare sightings of the

congressman, Cummings was seen using a walker.

He underwent an undisclosed medical procedure, and his office expected that he would only miss about one week of work. "He was an honorable man who proudly served his district and the nation with dignity, integrity, compassion, and humility," Mrs. Cummings said.

Cummings obtained his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Howard University, serving as Student Government President and graduating Phi Beta Kappa.

He earned his law degree from the University of Maryland School of Law. The recipient of 13 honorary doctoral degrees, Cummings dedicated his life of service to uplifting and empowering the people he was sworn to represent, according to his biography.

He began his career in public service in the Maryland House of Delegates, where he served for 14 years, becoming the first African American in Maryland history to ascend to the position of Speaker Pro Tem. Since 1996, Cummings has represented Maryland's 7th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Cummings was committed to ensuring that the next generation has access to quality healthcare and education, clean air and water, and a strong economy defined by fiscal responsibility. Children "are the living messages that we send to a future we will never see," he often said.

In addition to the contributions he made to improve the lives of all Americans, the congressman was a passionate advocate for his beloved Baltimore, where he was born and raised. Earlier this year, President Donald Trump disparaged the city – particularly parts of Cummings' district — labeling the city as a "rodent-infested mess where no human being

would want to live." Cummings immediately responded: "Those in the highest levels of government must stop making hateful, incendiary comments that only serve to divide and distract the nation from its real problems, including mass shootings and white supremacy."

"Those in the highest levels of the government must stop invoking fear, using racist language and encouraging reprehensible behavior," Cummings added. "He was a champion of the people, a soldier and a warrior for his city, the state, and the nation," said Baltimore Times Publisher Joy Bramble. "Elijah Cummings made Baltimore and all of those who came across better."

The congressman told a local reporter that he and Trump had just one face-to-face conversation since the president took office in 2016. "I said, 'Mr. President, you're now 70-something, I'm 60-something. Very soon, you and I will be dancing with the angels. The thing that you and I need to do is figure out what we can do – what present can we bring to generations unborn?"

His last act in Congress came on Oct. 8, when he joined three others from a bipartisan group to introduce legislation called "The Family Asthma Act." The bill seeks to expand federal, state, and local efforts to improve care for individuals with asthma.

"Long live the freedom-fighting spirit of Brother Leader Congressman Elijah Cummings," National Newspaper Publishers Association President, Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., said. "On behalf of the Black Press of America, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Cummings and to the Cummings family."

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

November 2019  |  11

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

12 | November 2019

In the Business Community…

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25th Annual Pinnacle Awards The Greater Houston Black Chamber held its 25th Annual Pinnacle Awards at the Marriott Marquis Houston Hotel recently. This event was started to honor several of Houston’s best and most promising black-owned businesses. It also recognizes leading African-American entrepreneurs for their success in business as well as their positive impact on their communities.

Honorary Chairs of this year’s event included Mr. and Mrs. John Guess of The Guess Group, Mr. and Mrs. JW Turner of JW Turner Construction and Mr. Carey Yates and Judge Clarease Rankin Yates.

Five Pinnacle Awards, one Upstart Award and one Rising Star award were given to some of the most successful small businesses.

THE WINNERS WERE: Upstart Award: Amazon Health, Tolu Opeloye, Sr. Rising Star Award: The Kyra Company, Kyra Hardwick Pinnacle Award: AndTech Solutions, LLC, Myoshia Boykin-Anderson Pinnacle Award: Franklin Institute, Ron Jemison, Jr. Pinnacle Award: Friendly Faces Senior Care, Qiana James Pinnacle Award: Healthco Pharmacy, Brenda Richardson Pinnacle Award: Turkey Leg Hut, Lynn and Nakia Price The Greater Houston Black Chamber also honored several other businesses and individuals with community awards. The winners were: Lifetime Achievement Award – Dr. Bernard Harris, Jr., Astronaut and President, The National Math and Science Initiative Legend’s Award: Rev. William Lawson, Pastor Emeritus, Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church Excellence Award: Algenita Scott Davis, Center for Civic and Public Policy Improvement Larry V. Green Advocate of the Year Award: Carlecia Wright, Vice President of Business Development, BiasSync Mickey Leland Public Leadership Award: S.H.A.P.E. Community Center Endurance Award: Karen Carter Richards, The Forward Times Young Entrepreneur Award: Tyla-Simone Crayton, Sienna Sauce

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

November 2019  |  13

The Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program at the University of Houston was established to identify and encourage HUBs to participate in the competitive bid process with the objective of increasing the number of contracts and subcontracts awarded to Texas HUB Vendors.

The University of Houston HUB Program is committed to expanding business opportunities available in order to promote the successful development of growing businesses, to have a positive impact on improving our local economy and to give back to our community.

For more information about how to do business with the University of Houston, bid opportunities, or to learn about events, workshops and seminars, visit: www.uh.edu/hub

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14 | November 2019

THE BLACK PROFES

CELEBRATING T

GIVING

Herrera: Over the years, our following has become a lot more diverse. Initially it was primarily just members from the Black Professional Alliance. But through promoting outside of the organization, through d-mars.com, we have gotten a more diverse crowd. We have people from all different sectors: business, corporate, professional, nonprofit and government.

By d-mars.com News Provider

T

he Black Professionals Alliance is celebrating the 10th year of its annual Holiday Social and Toy Drive at the Revention Music Center on December 5 at 6 pm. Since starting the event in 2009, its leaders, Carmen M. Herrera of National Sales Network and Gene Padgett of National Association of Black Accountants, have grown it into the “event of the year” for black professionals. It is an opportunity for black professionals and entrepreneurs to come together, network and celebrate the holiday season all while aiming to make a difference by collecting toys for underserved children across the Houston area.

You are celebrating 10 years of the Holiday Social and Toy Drive, how has this event grown and changed over the years?

Padgett: We went from four organizations at our first event and have since grown to 25 organizations for this year’s. At the first event, we had 125 attendees and last year we had almost 2,000. We out grew our original venue, The House of Blues, so three years ago we moved to Revention Music Center. So as we continue to add organizations and connect with other groups, we continue to build on what we started.

D-MARS.COM is celebrating 20 years of service this year. With 30 combined years of experience, how has this partnership between BPA and D-MARS.COM supported and made a difference in the African American community?

Herrera: I would say all three of us are very passionate about our community, the African American community, and we do whatever we can to make a change, to help those in need and to promote and celebrate those in our community. We all share a common love for the black community, so that is why it was a no-brainer asking MR. D-MARS to be our partner in this. We have truly blessed many families through this event over the past 10 year together, and hopefully we can continue doing it.

Padgett: Us working together with D-MARS.COM is in line with what we envisioned, being able to collabo- rate with others and have a more powerful impact. Our collaboration has been the point we’ve tried to make through this effort, and the fact that it has grown so much with his support is a testament to it working.

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November 2019 | 15

SSIONALS ALLIANCE

TEN YEARS OF

G BACK What are you looking forward to most about this year’s event?

Herrera: Well I think just celebrating 10 years is a big deal…to have such a meaningful, collaborative, professional event…we are just very happy and blessed that we made it ten years and are still growing. We are just really excited to celebrate our 10th year.

Padgett: We are also excited about having the 40 Below room available this year. It is a VIP lounge located below the Revention Music Center. We want to show our appreciation for some of our handpicked special guests, so we’re happy to be able to do that. We will also have a few tickets for sell for the VIP room available to any guest.

Will you be giving toys to the same organizations from past years? How do you choose which organizations to give to?

Padgett: We have a core three or four that we always partner with such as the Blue Triangle Multicultural Center, Toys for Tots, the Nehemiah Center, Women and Children Center and Bread of Life, but we always add on two or three based on recommendations from organizations participating in the event. As much fun as the event itself is, it is such a reward to be out there delivering the toys.

This event attracts a lot of powerful attendees. How do you think having such powerful people in your network could benefit this community?

Herrera: I think when you can bring together people of influence in one setting

and allow them to make those connections…it speaks volumes to how well the black community connects to help each other and give back.

Padgett: A lot of us were doing some great things on our own, but we were able to be even more powerful working together. There is an African Proverb that says, “Spiders working together can tie up a lion.” That is what this is all about.

Where do you see this event going in the future?

Herrera: Well we hope it continues. We will be happy to eventually pass the baton to the next generation to continue the legacy of the Black Professional Alliance. We hope it is an indefinite endeavor in the black community.

D-MARS.COM is so thankful and proud to have been a part of this event since its beginning. Through the 20 years that D-MARS has been in business, we have made it our mission to support African American businesses and being able to serve at an event that has the same mission is a match made in heaven.

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

16 | November 2019 FINANCES

Marketers Should Show More Respect for the Black Consumer

According to a Report

By d-mars.com News Provider

T

he influence of African American consumers is extensive. Driven by their tech affinity, passion for sharing experiences, and powered by their omnichannel thirst for information and recommendations, the nation's 48 million Black Americans are now just approaching their peak earning years, according to the Nielsen report, "It's in the Bag: Black Consumers' Path to Purchase."

The report noted that African Americans are adopting and adapting media and technology in their shopping journey to fit their unique needs and culture. African Americans love the latest trends. The 50-page report suggests that marketers should be aware that African Americans demand that product information and feedback opportunities integrate across multiple media channels.

African Americans are more likely than the total population to agree that advertising provides meaningful information on most platforms. However, companies that advertise directly to Blacks have decreased their investments.

Advertising dollars targeted to Black consumers declined by $1 billion between 2017 and 2018, according to the Nielson report.

Nearly 40 percent of Black consumers saying that they are the first among their friends to try new products and services, surpassing the total population by 29 percent.

"Take a look at how African Americans make their decisions, whether it's physically or digitally… what we found is that when it comes to making decisions, we abundantly are going to use recommendations as our first line of research," Cheryl Grace, Nielsen's Senior Vice President of U.S. Strategic Community Alliances and Consumer Engagement, told NNPA Newswire.

"African Americans rely on recommendations, and that's interesting," Grace stated.

The report's authors said Black Americans are 48 million strong, with nearly 25 million being millennial age or younger as of 2018.

However, they are already dominating industries from

music to fashion, and many others.

African Americans also are creating apps and digital spaces to serve their own unique needs when the opportunity demands it, according to the report.

"In a world bombarded by constant new media options and technologies, companies that want African American consumers' dollars must understand what most influences these consumers and how they influence others on their path to purchase," Grace stated. "Developing authentic

"African Americans have a $1.3 trillion annual buying power, and we watch 15 hours or more every week of traditional ."

— Cheryl Grace

strategies that evolve from listening to Black consumers' needs and demands is not only the best way — but the only way — for brands to realize the powerful growth opportunity ahead."

"You can reach 92 percent of African Americans in any given week on the radio. When you look at radio, and you compare the consumption habits of how much time we're spending across these platforms, you'll see that the advertising spent with African American-focused media doesn't necessarily add up," Grace noted. Part of that problem is the lack of diversity at advertising agencies, she stated.

"There need to be more people of color in those firms," Grace stated. Perhaps a more diverse and inclusive workforce would enable marketers to better appreciate that African American interests are not monolithic. They encompass everything from good food, great music and the latest

fashion trends to healthcare and the environment.

While climate change and protecting the environment is more vital than ever, African Americans typically are forgotten in the conversation. "African American shoppers are increasingly passionate about their environment, including buying local," the report's authors noted.

When asked, "how important is it to buy local" in multiple food categories, African American consumers named produce as the most important category for local sourcing.

Sixty-one percent said it was extremely or very important, followed by bakery and prepared foods at 56 percent, eggs at 55 percent, and dairy at 52 percent.

Understanding the environmental and safety concerns of Black consumers can help marketers understand what matters most to African Americans consumers in making decisions along their shopper journey, the report's authors said.

The top 3 environmental/food safety concerns among Black consumers are: "Pesticide/ herbicide use in food production" (76 percent), "Antibiotic use in animal production" (71 percent), and "Rising prices due to trade tariffs" (68 percent – 21 percent higher than the total population).

The report concluded that the African American path to purchase is social and circular, with the transaction being a critical step in the process before consumers express their passionate feedback about their experience, be it positive or negative.

"Brick and mortar stores, online retailers and service providers should each strive to provide an experience that not only satisfies Black consumers, but creates buzzworthy raves that will quickly be passed on to friends, family and virtual networks in their discovery, awareness, and decision making processes," the authors wrote.

"Developing strategies to connect with African American consumers, and assuring that their culture is understood and respected, as well as assuring that their expectations are exceeded, will provide far-reaching influence and growth throughout all consumers for many years to come in the evolving American mainstream," Grace stated.

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

Source: BPT

November 2019  |  17

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18 | November 2019 FINANCES

How you feel about money impacts your spending By d-mars.com

you have to eliminate all of your shopping but maybe you can consider less expensive options such as your local thrift store. Does the thought of making a sizable purchase — such as a car — cause you stress, even if you know such a purchase will significantly improve your life? Set up automatic transfers from your checking account to a savings account so you can start working towards your goal in a way that doesn’t cause anxiety.

understandyour yourfeelings feelingstoward towardmoney money ToTounderstand better, ask yourself: better, ask yourself:

News Provider

W

e all have a personal relationship with money, and it will often show in how we spend it.

But our feelings about finance can sometimes lead to negative spending habits that can hurt us in the long run. To begin developing healthy spending habits, it can be helpful to start by identifying your emotional and psychological relationship with money.

Get to know your financial psychology Being aware of your own psychological and emotional approach to money is the first step to developing healthy spending habits. Psychologists agree that these beliefs can start early. They may also come from other life experiences — whether you need to support a family, for example, or if you’ve had a negative history with unmanageable debt.

It’s important to remember that your emotional outlook on money, regardless of where it comes from and what it may be, is not inherently right or wrong. Rather, it may influence you to make unwise decisions in certain financial areas, while setting you up to be great in others.

looking for patterns. You might even consider working with a professional such as a financial coach, counselor, or advisor to help you identify your spending habits Ask yourself if your habits — frequently buying clothes, for example, or eating out multiple times in a week — make sense given the responses you gave to the questions above. This is the second step to developing healthy spending habits: moving beyond what you think your spending habits should be to which ones you actually practice. From here, you can begin focusing on ways you can improve your use of money.

Identifying your spending habits

Identify the spending habits that you can change

Once you have a better sense of your feelings towards money, it can be useful to identify how these feelings have translated into spending behavior. Do this by taking stock of your bank statement from the last two months. If a bank statement isn’t available to you, start keeping tabs on your expenses moving forward with your receipts. Then begin

Think of ways you can make your financial habits healthier. This responsibility is twofold: not only should you focus on eliminating unnecessary purchases, but also on spending your money in ways that make you feel positive. For example, have you found that you too much of your paycheck goes towards clothes? That doesn’t mean

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• How often do you feel compelled to check your • Howstatement? often do you make impulsive purchases? bank • How often compelled to check your • How often dodo youyou findfeel yourself thinking about money? bank statement?

• How does it make you feel to hear about the state •ofHow you find yourself thinking the often larger do economy? about money?

• How does it make you feel to hear about the state of the larger economy?

This is the first step toward building a healthy relationship with money. Then carefully examine your responses.

Cultivating awareness about your psychology surrounding money — and the kind of spending habits it promotes — can help you chart a financial path that works for you. © 2019 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A All rights reserved.

Source: BPT

FINANCES

ADJUST YOUR FINANCES AS LIFE HAPPENS By d-mars.com News Provider

A

spending plan is a well-thought-out strategy that turns a budget into a manageable part of everyday life. If you already have a plan, what’s next? Most people understand the importance of sticking to a plan, but as your life changes and you work toward new goals, your spending habits will likely shift as well.

When you don’t account for these changes, it’s easy to fall short of your goals.

Learning to adapt to changes is key to creating a healthy relationship with your finances. Taking control of your money means customizing your plans to your needs, so it’s important to remember to be flexible and open to change.

To make sure your spending plan works, track and adjust your spending on a regular basis. Here’s what that might look like.

ADJUST EXPENSES IN YOUR SPENDING PLAN Look for opportunities within your expenses to make changes. Here’s how to do so:

1. Re-examine where your money is going.

It’s valuable to keep regular tabs on how you are spending money. Keep an eye out for “lifestyle creep” — these are small changes you’ve gradually made, such as going out to eat more, or making slightly more expensive purchases.

Perhaps you’ve been promoted at work and want to splurge a little on yourself with new clothes. It’s OK to enjoy your

accomplishments, but be sure to think about how this may affect the rest of your spending plan in the long-term.

Look for balance: if you want to start spending 10% of your income on clothing or entertainment when you used to spend 5%, then look for ways to cut in other areas.

2. Find opportunities to reduce spending.

As you re-evaluate your plan, look for things you continue to pay for but don’t actually use. This might be a subscription or service that doesn’t offer what you need anymore. For example, if you recently got married, you and your spouse may want to consider consolidating your subscriptions to help cut costs. Be sure to review expenses that are coming out of your account automatically that you may have forgotten about.

flexible. By both meeting current financial goals and knowing when it’s time to adjust, you can make sure you’re getting the most out of your resources. © 2019 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A All rights reserved.

Know when to adjust your spending plan 1. Your income changes. This includes both increases and decreases: events like a promotion, a job loss, a raise, or other changes.

2. Your situation changes. This includes moving, getting married, having a child, or having a loved one pass away.

3. Your financial goals change. Maybe you’re ready to start saving for a wedding or a down payment on a house.

Or, maybe you want to pay off student loans or credit card debt in the near future.

3. Find opportunities for discounts and deals.

Every year or so, take another look at what you’re paying for items like insurance, internet, or other utilities.

You could benefit from finding a new service provider or negotiating a lower rate. Perhaps you’ve even shopped at a store enough that you’re eligible for discounts. Being aware of these opportunities can help with your financial goals. Small changes like this can add up and make a big difference when you’re working toward a goal such as saving up for a down payment on a house or paying off student loans debts.

Don’t forget to make adjustments to your plan as you go through these steps.

To be valuable, your spending plan needs to be

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Source: BPT

November 2019  |  19

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20 | November 2019 REAL ESTATE

Evolution of Hard Money Lending

Real Estate Investors Benefit as Competition Eases Hard Money Lending Terms

By Christopher G. Cox Contributing Writer

I

n the wake of the housing crash that shook the U.S. economy in the mid- to late 2000s, real estate investors had few borrowing options as financial institutions severely tightened lending practices.

According to Nathan Trunfio, president of Lending for Pennsylvania-based Direct Lending Partners (DLP), this led to the rise of so-called hard money lending, where those willing to make real estate loans could demand returns of 15-20 percent and four to five points.

As a result of the bursting of the housing bubble, there were a lot of properties that needed to be foreclosed on, Trunfio said. “They were foreclosed on, but people were still in them or banks were holding them on their books and they needed to find a way to dispose of them,” he continued.

This created opportunities for investors to buy low, Trunfio explained. Many of these properties needed to be renovated and banks did not have the infrastructure to handle the renovations themselves. “Real estate investors needed a source of capital,” he said, “so they would turn to hard money loans, which were largely based on the value of the asset.”

Although the term “hard money lending” is still in common use, this lending practice has evolved to show a softer side. Trunfio notes that for many years a hard money loan was viewed as a “bad news loan,” one associated with some sort of “distressed situation where

someone needs to pull equity out of a property.” These loans, he continued, typically reflected “some type of turmoil or big need that isn’t necessarily going to result in a good situation.”

In the current lending environment, Trunfio said, people are looking to utilize a loan for the purpose of “navigating a business plan on a piece of real estate.”

“I call it soft money,” Trunfio notes, “because the approach that is taken is a combination of the analysis of the strength of a real estate investor and the asset. We are in the business of providing short-term bridge loans to experienced real estate investors.”

Asked why a borrower would seek one of DLP’s bridge loans as opposed to a more traditional loan from a bank,

credit union or other lending institution, Trunfio says there are a number of reasons. “The main reason,” he notes, “is that nowadays banks have credit policies that are too tight. They can’t move quickly enough, and they won’t lend on an asset that needs renovation, or that needs a tenant, or something along those lines.”

Trunfio notes that DLP works with a wide array of investors from singular individuals and small teams to organizations of 20-50 people. “Our loans are to real estate investors – I call them serial investors – who invest in real estate as a way to make their money, whether it’s a primary or secondary focus.”

For about the last 10 years, Trunfio said, more and more institutional investors have begun to recognize that there are many financially savvy borrowers with sound investment plans. This has led to increased lending competition which allows investors to find loans requiring 8-12 percent interest and one to three points, as opposed to tougher terms in the immediate wake of the crash.

“Hard money has evolved into opportunistic money for real estate investors,” said Trunfio, “which helps the economy in a number of ways by providing more housing where there is currently a housing shortage.”

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November 2019  |  21

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22  |  November 2019 REAL ESTATE

By d-mars.com News Provider

A

s the pace of technology advances, cybersecurity threats do, too. Data breaches, identity theft, phishing and malware make headlines seemingly every day. Internet-connected devices, social media, digital assistants and mobile apps have become indispensable in our everyday lives, but their connectedness makes us increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks. Recent reports estimate that damages relating to cybercrime are expected to hit $6 trillion annually by 2021.

"It's impossible to predict when you will be affected by cybercrime," says Bashar Abouseido, chief information security officer for Charles Schwab Corp. "The best defense is to stay informed."

It can be helpful to envision your computer and digital devices as a house where you store your personal data. October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, so it's a good time to make sure your digital house is secure. The first step is to understand the ways cybercriminals may attempt to access your data.

TYPES OF CYBERCRIMES Data breaches occur when there is unauthorized access to sensitive personal information. These incidents often make headline news and can affect large numbers of consumers.

Malicious software, also known as malware, spyware, ransomware and viruses, refers to software programs designed with the purpose of gaining unauthorized access to

Are You

PROTECTING YOUR

digital house from cybercrime? a mobile app, digital device or computer.

Phishing is one of the most common forms of online fraud and cybercrime.

Cybercriminals try to lure you with a fake email sent from what they have designed to appear to be a trusted source or contact that encourages you to click a link or open an attachment in order to extract personal account information.

5 TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR DIGITAL HOUSE 1. Remodel your digital house: Installing updates is an essential first step.

Think of system updates as basic maintenance to your digital house that is keeping your personal data safe. It can be annoying to see those system update prompts on your computer or mobile device, but software developers are constantly improving their

software to repel the latest malware. By keeping your operating system and apps updated, you are making sure that your digital house is as secure as possible.

2. Don't have a leaky house: Be wary of public Wi-Fi networks.

Using public - and often free - Wi-Fi networks is convenient, but it is a common entry point for criminals to use malware to infect your devices and apps. Use only networks you trust or use your own personal Wi-Fi hotspot if you have one. Never update your devices when you are connected to a public Wi-Fi network.

3. Keep your keys secure: Choose unique access credentials.

Access credentials - usernames and passwords - are the keys that keep your digital house safe and secure. Select credentials that

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are unique and don't include personal identifying information such as a name, address or birthday. For added protection, choose two-step verification to access critical online accounts for your banking, retirement or investment accounts. Two-step verification is typically a key or another code provided by the service provider in addition to your primary access credentials to verify your identity.

4. Secure doors and windows: Use only secure websites and app stores.

Web browsers and app stores are like the doors and windows in your digital house.

Make sure they are secure by using web addresses that start with "https" and downloading apps only from the Apple App Store, Microsoft Store and Google Play store.

5. Don't open that door: Delete suspicious emails.

That knock on your cyber front door is the sound of a cybercriminal sending you a phishing email. Be suspicious of emails that come from unknown senders. Use your cursor to hover over questionable links and email addresses to reveal the true identity of the link or sender. When in doubt, don't click on any links or open any attachments and delete the email immediately.

For more information on more ways to educate and protect yourself from cybercrimes, visit SchwabSafe.

Source: BPT

November 2019 | 23 TRAVEL

By Valerie Jones and Kim Floyd 2 Girls Who Travel

H

ave you been to Baton Rouge?

What about Baton R o u g e during Louisiana State University’s homecoming weekend?

Exactly. It’s a whole different vibe.

When Louisiana’s Office of Tourism and Louisiana Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser invited 2 Girls Who Travel out to Baton Rouge for some fun, food and LSU football, it was pretty much a no-brainer.

We enjoyed a full two-day itinerary and in true 2 Girls Who Travel fashion, we want to share it with you!

Keep reading for highlights from our trip and be sure to shoot us a line when you try these places out for yourself.

Cajun Pride Swamp Tours Ok, this is technically located about an hour’s drive east of Baton Rouge in Laplace, Louisiana, but it’s definitely worth a visit!

With both of us being country girls at heart, we appreciate a good swamp tour or two! On this one in particular, we saw tons of gators and raccoons and learned all kinds of history while on a boat in the Louisiana bayou. But the best part – Captain Tom! Yeah, we’re just gonna put this out there and say we had the best captain. With his knowledge, humor and thick Cajun accent, you can’t help but to love him.

The Ruby Slipper Café We stopped by here for brunch as the restaurant is known for its breakfast, brunch and lunch offerings. Between us, we were able to have sweet and

savory foods. Val’s chicken sandwich was tender and juicy. Kim’s eggs benedict with pork debris and shrimp was super flavorful and the cinnamon swirl pancake was HUGE. With locations across Louisiana and in Alabama and Florida, if you’re ever near the Gulf Coast, it’s worth a visit!

Red Stick Spice Co. Listen, whatever spice and/or seasoning you’re looking for, we’d bet good money Red Stick Spice Co. has it! The shop even carries spices from different regions of the world. The layout is simple and there’s a room available for cooking lessons. The store owner Anne is a sweetheart and wealth of knowledge. This is definitely a must-stop for any foodie visiting Baton Rouge.

Now the backdrop for the entire weekend in Baton Rouge was to partake in the festivities for LSU’s homecoming. We tailgated for a few hours and soaked up some drinks and delicious food in Louisiana Travel’s VIP Tent. We also ran into Louisiana’s Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser who was also enjoying homecoming.

The game was insane! LSU beat the Florida Gators 42-28 and seeing how it was our first time to experience an LSU homecoming, we thought we’d share a few tips for you all.

3 Tips to Prepare for LSU Homecoming: 1. Wear something purple, yellow or both! If you want to fit in, then you need to know the color scheme. It’s appropriate and highly encouraged to wear the school’s colors…and definitely don’t even think about wearing the opposing team’s colors!

2. Reconsider driving. Look, we don’t know if Uber or Lyft is an option … carpool … or even

Three Roll Estate Distillery For those who appreciate a good adult beverage or two, Three Roll Estate may be the place for you. We suggest taking the tour of the distillery to see the fermenting process. We can tell you it starts with the sugarcane grown right on their grounds. And be sure to stop by the bar for a cocktail after the tour.

You won’t regret it!

walking, but if you do decide to drive to this game: a) expect to park far b) get there incredibly early to park close c) relax, hang out and enjoy the caravan home. It took us two hours to get back to our hotel after the game. Traffic was that crazy!

3. Get those lungs ready. LSU fans chant, yell and cheer throughout the ENTIRE game. Even if you don’t know the cheers or chants, prepare to make some noise!

We want to send a huge thank you to Louisiana Travel and Lt. Gov. Nungesser for hosting 2 Girls Who Travel…you’ll see us again!

For travel tips, food suggestions and to stay upto-date on our domestic and international travels, be sure to subscribe to 2girlswhotravel.com.

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24  |  November 2019

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2020

November 2019 | 25

d-mars.com d-mars.com ADVERTISING | MARKETING | MEDIA | COMMUNICATIONS ADVERTISING | MARKETING | MEDIA | COMMUNICATIONS

NOMINATIONS Experience Our World

TOP 50 BLACK PROFESSIONALS & ENTREPRENEURS

OF TEXAS

DIRECTORY & AWARDS CEREMONY February 27, 2020

IN THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES: All nominations should include name, emails and/or phone number and the reason for the nomination. Submit to contact@d-mars.com UP & COMING: Under 5 years experience TOP P&E: 5 – 20 years experience SUPER P&E: 20+ years experience TRAILBLAZER: P&E who is a pioneer/first in their field/industry COMMUNITY HERO: P&E who makes extraordinary contributions to the community LIVING LEGEND: P&E selected by their peers for showing significant achievement in their field If you are a business or a corporation and would like to advertise in our directory or become a sponsor of the event, please contact us by phone at 281.748.8111 or email contact@d-mars.com. Serious inquiries only please.

For general questions about the directory of the event, please call 713.373.5577.

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26  |  November 2019

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November 2019 | 27

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