Sports Editor Brian Barefield brian barefield@yahoo.com
Arts Editor Bianca Elam biancaelam777.be@gmail.com
Food Writer Alex Jack alexandriajack1991@gmail.com
TotallyRandie Totallyrandie@gmail.com
NATIONAL WRITERS
Ben Jealous info@benjealous.com
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Photography By David Brizuela and Lisa Valadez
COMMENTARY
My grandmother taught me we are all born into a great, unfinished struggle. She meant the struggle for justice. For truth. For dignity.
Next week is Juneteenth, a time of year I always think about this lesson. I think about all the freedom fighters – famous and forgotten – who walked before us. And I think about all of us who walk now, still trying to finish what they began.
Juneteenth is not just about the day the last enslaved people in Texas finally learned they were free – two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. It is about the delay. The gap between law and justice. It is about how long freedom takes when you leave it up to power.
But most of all, Juneteenth is about the power and importance of truth.
In every generation, there are people who want to bury the truth. We are living through one of those times right now.
Recently I wrote about how the Trump administration’s attempts to omit Black heroes and accomplishments from the American story – as well as those from other marginalized groups – in its scorched earth assault on diversity, equity, and inclusion.
As we fight the erasure of important heroes and historymakers from our past, there are pathbreaking heroes of today’s generations who have been targeted. I was recently reminded of this by Major Elizabeth Stephens.
“There’s a lot of focus on dead people, but a lot of us are still here,” Maj. Stephens told me. “People don’t understand what it’s like to watch yourself be erased, watch your achievements invalidated and the recognition you’ve received for those achievements taken away.”
Among her many distinctions, Maj. Stephens is the first Black female graduate of the US Naval Academy to be selected as a Naval Aviator in the Marine Corps. She was the first Black woman to pilot the CH46E and the first woman to pilot the MV-
THE TRUTH MAKES US FREE
By Ben Jealous – National Political Commentator
22 Osprey. For years, pictures of her and commemorations of these groundbreaking accomplishments were regular features in government buildings, Naval events, and on military websites.
Now, just because she is a Black woman, her image and achievements are being swept into the dustbin, along with many other notable examples of Black heroism, as part of the Trump administration’s “DEI purge.”
Indeed, if you Google Elizabeth Okoreeh-Baah – Major Stephens’s name at the time she served – one of the top results is a link to the US Department of Defense for a photo titled “Osprey Pilot” with the description, “Marine Corps Capt. Elizabeth A. Okoreeh-Baah, the first female MV-22 Osprey pilot, stands on a flightline in Iraq after a combat operation, March 12, 2008.”
However, click the link and you end up on a defense.gov page with the error message “404 - Page Not Found.”
At least this was the situation last Friday when I checked. I searched her name on defense.gov just in case the page was
moved. No results.
Burying the achievements and contributions of our heroes rewrites history to fit a warped narrative of America that serves no one. What does serve all our interests is remembering.
And, on Juneteenth especially, that includes remembering not only that historical nail in slavery’s coffin, but the people, places, and events that were part of the long fight to end that abhorrent institution.
Remembering that Harriet Tubman was not only the most famous conductor of the Underground Railroad but a nurse and a spy for the Union Army and the first woman in US history to lead a military raid. That raid – at Combahee Ferry in South Carolina – freed more than 700 people in a single night.
Remembering that Black churches like Quinn Chapel AME – the oldest Black church in Chicago – and Pilgrim Baptist in St. Paul, were not just places of worship. They were stations on the railroad to freedom.
Remembering the story of Joshua Glover – a man who escaped slavery in Mis-
souri, was captured in Wisconsin under the Fugitive Slave Act, and then liberated from jail by a crowd of thousands of abolitionists. His rescue helped spark the creation of the Republican Party – back when it was the party of Lincoln.
These are not footnotes. They are the foundation.
They tell us something essential about who we have been, who we are, and who we can still be.
Now, as the Trump administration attacks anything and everything recognizing diversity, as it moves to gut staff and resources from the very departments tasked with preserving our history, we need to be worried. We need to be worried about the future of sites that are part of the National Park Service’s Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program.
The battle to preserve our history – including the history still being made today – is not separate from the fight for our future. What we remember shapes what we do. When we tell the stories of the people who fought for freedom, we see ourselves in them– and find the courage to keep going.
Juneteenth is about facing the hardest parts of our past without flinching and celebrating the progress we have made. It is about believing that America can still become the country it claims to be.
That belief is what sustained my grandmother. It is what fuels me. And it can be a source of hope for all of us.
Ben Jealous is the Executive Director of the Sierra Club and a Professor of Practice at the University of Pennsylvania. You can write to Ben Jealous in care of this Newspaper or by website at: www.BenJealous.com
On Friday, June 27, 2025, the Houston Area Urban League (HAUL)
will proudly host its highly anticipated annual Advancing Opportunity Luncheon at the Hilton Americas – Houston, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., under the banner of this year’s powerful theme: “The Future of Opportunity.” With Southwest Airlines as the Title Sponsor, the event signals a momentous alignment of civic, corporate, and community champions invested in building a more inclusive and prosperous Houston.
For over five decades, HAUL has been a pillar in Houston’s civil rights and economic empowerment movement, transforming lives by advancing equity in education, employment, housing, and entrepreneurship. This year’s luncheon builds on that legacy—serving as a clarion call to continue expanding access to the American Dream, particularly for historically underserved communities.
“When we talk about opportunity, we’re talking about equity in action,” said Judson Robinson III, President and CEO of HAUL. “This luncheon is more than a fundraiser—it’s a movement. It’s where pathways to prosperity are illuminated and strengthened.”
Houston Area Urban League 2025 Advancing Opportunity Luncheon Champions “The Future of Opportunity” in Houston
By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
An Agenda Rooted in Progress and Possibility
Attended by more than 300 of Houston’s civic leaders, business executives, elected officials, and rising professionals, the Luncheon stands as a pivotal platform to spotlight the challenges and solutions shaping the future of Greater Houston. This year’s discussion will be headlined by a dynamic panel moderated by Dr. Mario Castillo, Chancellor of Lone
Star College.
The panel includes:
• Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock, Board Chair of METRO
• Paula Harris, former Executive Director and SVP of the Houston Astros
• Ryan Phillips, Vice President at NetPower
• Steven Kean, CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership
Together, they will explore how cross-sector partnerships, forward-thinking innovation, and inclusive investment strategies are fueling growth—and how Houston can become a national model for urban opportunity.
“This isn’t about charity—it’s about strategy,” said Elizabeth Brock. “When we invest in people and neighborhoods, we’re investing in the long-term vitality of Houston.”
Driving Change, Creating Impact
Proceeds from the luncheon directly support HAUL’s extensive portfolio of community-driven services:
• Workforce and job training
• Education and youth development
• Small business and entrepreneurial support
• Housing counseling and financial literacy
• Health and wellness access
• Social service assistance and policy advocacy
These vital programs equip Houstonians with the tools to launch careers, start businesses, own homes, and gain long-term financial stability—unlocking generational wealth in communities where it has been historically denied.
“The future of opportunity means no zip code, background, or circumstance should block your potential,” added Robinson. “We’re here to ensure Houston’s growth includes all of Houston.”
Be Part of the Future
Supporters, stakeholders, and community members are encouraged to participate in this movement for opportunity and impact. To purchase tickets, sponsor a table, or make a meaningful contribution, visit www.haul.org/donate/ or contact abates@haul.org.
Judson Robinson III
As a move that sent ripples through Houston’s political landscape, State Representative Jolanda Jones has officially declared her candidacy in the Special Election to fill the Congressional District 18 seat — a seat long championed by legendary figures like Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Congressman Mickey Leland, and the iconic Barbara Jordan. Now, Jones is boldly stepping forward with a legacy of her own and a fiery promise: to fight unapologetically for the people of Houston.
With the Tuesday, November 4 Special Election looming, Jones joins a powerful and growing field of contenders, including Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee and former Council Member Amanda Edwards. But few can claim the deeply rooted connection to District 18 that Jones embodies. Born and raised in the very neighborhood where her grandparents built their home in the 1930s, and where her great-grandparents settled around 1900, her ties to Acres Homes and the Fifth Ward run deeper than campaign slogans — they are carved into Houston's history.
“I’ve been asked to run for years. But I was raised to finish what I start,” Jones declared, her voice unmistakably bold, her presence commanding. “Now that this legislative session is complete, it’s time.” Jones isn’t just bringing history with her —
JOLANDA JONES LIGHTS THE TORCH FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
18 – A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP, A FUTURE OF FIERCE ADVOCACY
By Burt Levine, Political Editor for www.StyleMagazine.com
she’s bringing heat. Known as a towering force in both stature and spirit, she’s earned a reputation for being as unrelenting as a Gulf Coast summer. A former All-American athlete, UH Law graduate, criminal defense attorney, and reality TV standout, she’s also a proven policymaker. Her track record in Austin includes championing bills that advanced criminal justice reform, voting rights, and maternal health — often reaching across the aisle to get it done.
But make no mistake: Jolanda
Jones is no political chameleon. She’s a fierce Democrat with a progressive spine, unshakably committed to protecting public schools, Social Security, reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ equity, and veterans’ benefits.
“No one will fight harder for this district — not for the headlines, but for our future,” she said. “This district raised me. It’s personal.”
Her campaign, proudly symbolized by a torch, represents both continuity and revolution — a homage to leaders past and
a spotlight on the path ahead.
As the daughter of a fallen U.S. Marine and a single mother who raised five children, Jones knows hardship intimately.
And it’s that lived experience that fuels her relentless advocacy. She’s not running for the spotlight. She’s running to make sure the next generation — including her own newly born grandchild — inherits a better world.
With a September 3rd filing deadline, the nonpartisan race is already shaping up to be one of the most consequential of the year. Given District 18’s 75% Democratic lean, the November 4 Special Election will likely head to a December 9 run-off, where vision, grit, and community ties will matter more than money and polish.
Jones has never been about polish. She’s always been about power — the people’s power.
Follow the Torch ��
Learn more about Jolanda Jones and her campaign for Congress: www. jolandajones.com
Election Day: Tuesday, November 4
Filing Deadline: Tuesday, September 3
Possible Run-off: Monday, December 9
Sandra Levine, Jolanda Jones & Burt Levine
TECH PREPAREDNESS CRUCIAL
– as 2025 Hurricane Season Begins
When hurricane season officially underway, experts are urging residents to ensure their home technology is ready for severe weather. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently released its 2025 forecast, predicting an active season with above-average water temperatures in the Atlantic setting the stage for future storms. NOAA’s outlook for the Atlantic hurricane season, which goes from June 1 to November 30, predicts a 60% change of an above-normal season.
In addition to hurricane kits with medical supplies, food and water, residents in southeast Texas are urged to make sure their home technology is ready to weather the season. “Preparation is key,” said Foti
Kallergis, Senior Director of Public Relations at Comcast Texas, who emphasized the importance of protecting home technology ahead of any severe storm.
“Using surge protectors for TVs, modems, and cable boxes can prevent damage from lightning strikes and power surges,” Kallergis said. “And moving hardware off the floor helps safeguard against flooding.”
After Hurricane Beryl hit southeast Texas last year, millions were left without power, highlighting the essential role of internet access during disasters. Kallergis noted that restoring electricity takes priority, but once power crews finish their work, Comcast teams stand ready to reestablish Xfinity services.
To further assist residents during emergencies, Xfinity offers several tools designed to maintain connectivity: Pro Wifi Extender keeps you connected even during power outages. This includes a storm-ready device and battery backup to help keep your home online for up to four hours through network and power outages with unlimited cellular data on a 4G LTE cellular network.
Enroll in Text Alerts: Update your contact info through the Xfinity app or Xfinity.com to receive text alerts about service interruptions. Simply text START to 266278 (COMCST).
Download the Xfinity Stream App: The Xfinity Stream app lets you watch live local news reports on any device, so you can
stay informed no matter where you are.
Check Your Data Plan: The Xfinity Mobile app allows you to adjust or upgrade your data plan, turning your phone into a hotspot if needed.
Hurricane season runs through November, with peak activity typically occurring between August and October. Kallergis encouraged residents to visit their nearest Xfinity store for guidance on setting up storm-ready tech.
"Now is the perfect time to prepare," he said. "Staying informed and connected can make a big difference when severe weather strikes."
Photography By Soneja Creative LLC. & Linda Toyota
Stephen Miranda & Tammi Wallace
Chief Diaz & Tammi Wallace
Maggie Segrich & Ray Purser
Alan Rosen & Julian Remirez
In a bold effort to reshape local governance, Houston City Council Member Edward Pollard rebranded District J as “J City” in January 2025. This visionary initiative aims to transform the district—which includes neighborhoods like Sharpstown, Gulfton, and Alief—into a semi-autonomous service hub, a “city within a city” designed to deliver faster, more localized government services tailored to its diverse community’s needs.
What Is J City?
J City is more than a rebranding—it’s a strategic overhaul of how municipal services are delivered. Using approximately $1 million annually from Council District Service Funds, Pollard has created a framework that empowers his office to deploy specialized teams targeting issues often delayed by overburdened city departments. The goal is a faster, more accountable system focused on community well-being, public safety, and economic resilience..
Clearing the Path: Cleaning Up for Safer, Stronger Communities
One of the most visible changes under J City is the aggressive cleanup and revitalization of abandoned buildings, overgrown lots, and neglected public spaces. These efforts not only beautify neighborhoods but actively remove hazards that have long threatened safety and stifled economic growth.
Clearing derelict structures, removing overgrowth blocking sidewalks, and reclaiming public spaces from illegal dumping have made daily life safer for residents by:
• Protecting students who walk to school by clearing unsafe routes.
• Creating safe, welcoming parks for children.
• Boosting local businesses by improving curb appeal and increasing foot traffic in formerly neglected commercial corridors.
“Every vacant lot we clear is one less hiding place for crime. Every abandoned building we address is a sign that this community is alive and no longer ignored,” Pollard said.
Key Features of the J City Model
Central to J City are service units that mirror city functions but operate with greater agility and community focus:
• District Patrol: Partnering with the Houston Police Department’s Differential Response Team, this unit patrols hard-to-access areas like bayous and alleys using off-road vehicles. They address low-level issues like dumping and nuisance vehicles. Residents can
COUNCIL MEMBER EDWARD POLLARD UNVEILS “J CITY”
INITIATIVE, REDEFINING LOCAL GOVERNANCE IN DISTRICT J
By Lisa Valadez For www.StyleMagazine.com
report concerns via DistrictJPatrol. com, which promotes transparency and tracking.
• Supplemental Maintenance Team: A crew maintains medians, trims overgrowth, and unclogs ditches, complementing city services and preventing neglected spaces from becoming hazards.
• Beautification Team: Responsible for graffiti removal and site cleanups, this team restores pride and identity to historically underserved neighborhoods.
• Animal Welfare Team: Collaborating with BARC and the Houston Humane Society, this group addresses stray animal populations and provides pet support services in underserved areas.
• Good Neighbor Program: Offers no-cost exterior home repairs to seniors, veterans, and disabled residents, preserving housing stock, preventing displacement, and strengthening community bonds.
Pollard’s Vision: Speed, Accountability, and Localized Responsiveness
Pollard’s approach is straightforward: meet residents where they are—and act quickly. “City departments often face delays due to volume. The J City model allows us to deliver faster, more tailored solutions,” he said. Using data from reporting portals, proactive patrols, and direct community input, the office ensures services respond not just to problems but to the people experiencing them.
Measurable Impact and Growing Trust
The results speak for themselves. Thousands of community-submitted reports have been swiftly resolved, and District J Patrol has earned a reputation for transparency and speed. A 2021 KPRC 2 report showed District J had the fastest constituent response time in Houston—averaging just nine minutes. Crime data sup-
ports this success: while violent crime rose citywide, District J saw a smaller increase and a drop in non-violent crime.
A Revitalized Business Environment
J City’s improvements extend to local economic development. Cleaner public spaces, reduced blight, and increased safety are making the district more attractive to entrepreneurs and investors. Pollard actively engages property owners, developers, and local chambers of commerce to promote commercial spaces. His vision is a vibrant local economy where small businesses thrive.
“Economic revitalization is key to neighborhood stability,” Pollard said. “When families have access to jobs, entrepreneurs see potential, and money circulates locally—that’s when a community truly comes alive.” Strategic cleanups and safety improvements focus on key corridors to encourage business reinvestment and remove commercial barriers, making J City a magnet for new enterprise and innovation.
Crime Reduction Along Bissonnet Corridor
A standout success of J City is its strategy to combat prostitution and sex trafficking along the Bissonnet corridor. Physical deterrents like permanent street barricades, increased surveillance, and coordinated law enforcement have transformed the area, spurring new business openings, residential development, and community reinvestment.
Pollard’s approach goes beyond enforcement, emphasizing compassion and long-term support. Recognizing that many involved in street-level sex work are victims of exploitation, his office partners with nonprofits, advocacy groups, and faith organizations offering wraparound services: education, job training, health care, addiction recovery, transitional housing, and mentorship.
“The only way we truly solve the problem is by addressing the people—not just the symptoms,” Pollard said. “We’re not just clearing a street— we’re opening a door.” His office continues advocating for expanded funding and collaboration to deepen these support networks, aiming to make the Bissonnet corridor a symbol of human restoration and second chances.
Overcoming Bureaucratic Hurdles
Despite initial skepticism from Mayor John Whitmire about J City’s unconventional structure, Pollard navigated bureaucracy to secure formal approval for district funds. This enabled ongoing
contracts for trash collection, lawn maintenance, patrols, and outreach.
Though funding delays caused frustration, Pollard remained collaborative, emphasizing shared goals. “At the end of the day, we’re all on the same team,” he said. “This isn’t about political wins—it’s about delivering results for the people we serve.” His pragmatic leadership style and willingness to engage reflect his commitment to a unified, forward-thinking Houston.
A Model for Micro City Governance
J City is emerging as a case study in decentralized, hyper-local governance with three key features:
• Local Control: Decision-making driven by neighborhood-level data and feedback.
• Community Engagement: Regular town halls and digital platforms empower residents to guide funding and service priorities.
• Tangible Results: Residents see clear outcomes—from cleared ditches to repainted walls—every week.
Looking Ahead
The long-term success of J City depends on sustained performance, community support, and integration with broader city policies. Early signs suggest it could be replicated across Houston’s districts, each customized to local demographics and challenges.
On the Ground: A Personal Perspective
Having observed Council Member Pollard at community events and initiatives, his presence is marked by genuine connection rather than status. He approaches every interaction with the message: “I am here for you. How can I help?” Charismatic and focused, Pollard aims not just to lead but to be the most effective representative for his constituents. His innovative approach prioritizes accountability and responsiveness. Residents want transparency—not only in tax dollar usage but in seeing real results. Feedback shows Pollard’s office is delivering on that promise.
Conclusion
Council Member Edward Pollard’s “J City” initiative pioneers a shift toward hyper-local governance in a major American city. By strategically deploying resources to clean, secure, and restore neighborhoods, Pollard offers residents more than services—he delivers hope, safety, and renewed trust in government’s potential when it truly listens.
Coucil Member Edward Pollard - District J
Actress. Gifted writer. Published author. Passionate nonprofit founder. Honor student. And did we mention that she’s only 16?
At an age when many teenagers are just discovering who they are, Lillian Gilbert has already mapped out a bold path that is touching lives, transforming communities, and proving that age is no barrier to impact. Fueled by her grounded faith, a strong support system, and an unshakable belief in the power of words, Lillian is on a mission to help others discover their voice—one story at a time.
Words can change the world. And she’s living proof of that truth.
More Than Words: Why Literacy Matters
Words are more than just letters
LILLIAN’S VOICE: INSPIRING A GENERATION ONE WORD AT A TIME HOW ONE HOUSTON TEEN IS LEADING A LITERACY MOVEMENT
By Jo-Carolyn Goode for www.StyleMagazine.com
strung together. They inspire dreams, demand justice, comfort pain, and spark revolutions. They shape who we are and how we see the world. Yet far too many people don’t have the literacy tools they need to fully participate in life.
In Harris County alone, a staggering 32% of adults are considered functionally illiterate, meaning they lack the reading and comprehension skills to perform everyday job tasks. Black and Latino communities bear the brunt of this crisis, being three times more likely than
their white counterparts to face educational disadvantages.
Those statistics didn’t sit right with Lillian. She knew she had to do something.
Igniting Passion Through a Take Action Project
Lillian, a proud Girl Scout, saw an opportunity to use her love of reading and writing for a greater cause. To earn the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award, she had to launch a Take Action Project—one with long-term impact that addresses root causes of an issue.
Her idea? A transformative fiveday writing workshop for teen girls. She brought together 22 young women from different backgrounds and inspired them with powerful speakers, engaging writing activities, and one-on-one mentorship. The result?
“By the end, they had created over 30 original stories and poems,” Lillian beamed.
Attendees’ work was compiled into a published anthology titled The Stories of Tomorrow, making every participant a published author. The book is an emotional, empowering collection that gives young women a platform to share
their truth.
The Spark Becomes a Movement
The success of the workshop lit a fire in Lillian. Inspired by the feedback, she didn’t stop there. She launched a nonprofit organization—The Stories of Tomorrow— to keep the momentum going and expand her mission globally.
Her first big initiative? Delivering 50 copies of the anthology to students in Malawi at Capital City Baptist Church—an institution known for serving local children through education and outreach. Lillian used proceeds from book sales to fund this effort, believing strongly that every teen deserves access to creative expression.
Lillian Gilbert
MEN WHO CARE: AARP TEXAS CHAMPIONS MENTAL HEALTH, BROTHERHOOD,
AND CAREGIVING AT GROUNDBREAKING HOUSTON CONFERENCE
By Lisa Valadez For www.StyleMagazine.com
In a world that often overlooks the emotional toll of caregiving on men, AARP Texas is rewriting the script—one powerful conversation at a time.
Set against the rich historical backdrop of the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, AARP’s Men Who Care Conference takes place on Saturday, June 28, 2025, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. CT. More than just a convening, this bold gathering is a timely and necessary spotlight on the intersection of caregiving, mental health,
and male empowerment.
A Call to the Brotherhood of Care
“Absolutely,” said Tina Tran, AARP Texas State Director, when asked if caregiving has reached crisis levels. “Nearly 20% of people leave the workforce to care for family members.”
This startling truth underscores the urgency of the event. In Texas alone, more than 3.1 million residents are unpaid caregivers, with each spending an average of $7,200 annually
out-of-pocket to provide the love, time, and attention their loved ones need. Multiply that nationally—53 million strong—and it’s not just a crisis, it’s a cultural reckoning.
AARP isn’t just ringing alarm bells. Through national advocacy like the Credit for Caring Act, which proposes a $5,000 tax credit for family caregivers, the organization is driving systemic solutions while holding space for healing and connection—especially for men, who are often left out of the caregiving conversation.
Shifting the Narrative, One Man at a Time
At the Men Who Care Conference, attendees will engage in honest, powerful dialogue about mental health, burnout, grief, and resilience. But they’ll also discover brotherhood, actionable wellness tools, and the vital importance of volunteering in their communities.
The dynamic agenda includes: �� 8:00 a.m. – Registration & Brotherhood Breakfast �� 8:30 a.m. – Summit Mission, Purpose & AARP Values �� 8:40 a.m. – Welcome + The Power of Volunteering �� 9:45 a.m. – Break & Networking �� 10:00 a.m. – Six Pillars of Brain Health
Whether you’re a son caring for an aging parent, a husband supporting a partner, or a man simply trying to balance life’s responsibilities while staying sane—this conference is for you.
The Strength in Showing Up
“This is not just a moment. It’s a movement,” emphasized Tran. “Men need to know it’s okay to care. It’s okay to feel. And it’s powerful to show up.”
Open to the public and rooted in equity and empowerment, the Men Who Care Conference is free to attend. Advance registration is encouraged, and space is expected to fill quickly.
For more information or to register, visit: �� AARP Houston Events Houston Style Magazine readers let’s elevate the conversation, Houston. Real men care— and it’s time the world saw it.
Photo by: Mark Thomas
In culture that often scrutinizes men for infidelity while silencing women’s experiences, Houston Style Magazine is peeling back the veil with a daring, data-backed dive into a rarely discussed reality: Women cheat too—and often for very different reasons.
Behind every affair is a story, and behind every story is a human being seeking something they’ve lost or perhaps never had. Whether it's emotional validation, rekindled excitement, or the courage to end a dead-end relationship, women's reasons for straying are complex—and deeply rooted in emotional and relational gaps.
In a recent confidential survey of over 100 women, many boldly shared their truths. Here are the top 12 reasons why women cheat, re-framed not to judge, but to understand:
1. Emotional Disconnection
“I felt invisible,” said one respondent. “He stopped asking how my day was years ago.”
Emotional intimacy is often the lifeblood of a relationship for women. When it fades, so does the connection—and some look elsewhere to feel seen, valued, and
WHY WOMEN CHEAT: 12 HONEST, HUMAN, AND SOMETIMES HEARTBREAKING REASONS
By Francis Page, Jr., Editor for
desired again.
2. It’s (Also) in Our Biology
According to anthropologist Dr. Helen Fisher, early women evolved to maintain backup providers for survival. This evolutionary lens may explain why modern women also seek additional connections—not just sexually, but emotionally and strategically.
3. An Exit Strategy in Disguise
Affairs are sometimes less about escape and more about transition. “I knew my marriage was over,” one woman admitted. “But I needed a bridge to cross the chasm of fear and loneliness.”
4. The Revenge Factor
When a partner cheats, the wound can bleed resentment. Some women respond with a retaliatory affair—not always proudly, but sometimes powerfully. “If he can break us,” one said, “then I can remind myself I still matter too.”
5. The Boredom Breach
When life becomes routine, some women seek novelty. “My days felt like Groundhog Day,” another shared. “The affair was like turning the color back on.”
6. Falling in Love (Yes, Really)
For a small number, the affair isn’t about escape—but genuine, unexpected emotional entanglement. “He wasn’t just a fling,” said one woman. “He reminded me
what it felt like to laugh for hours and feel like someone truly saw me.”
7. One-Sided Effort
Marriage should be a partnership. Yet when one person carries the emotional, household, and sexual labor, the imbalance becomes unbearable. “I begged for intimacy,” a woman confessed. “But he stopped trying—so I stopped waiting.”
8. Growing in Different Directions
Sometimes, it’s not betrayal—it’s misalignment. “I married my childhood sweetheart,” said one. “But I grew, and he didn’t.” When values shift and partners stop evolving together, some women seek fulfillment elsewhere.
9. The Relationship Was Already Over
By the time the affair happens, the marriage has often flatlined. “He’d moved into the guest room,” a woman said. “We were just roommates with rings.”
In a new hero ready to shake up the Marvel Cinematic Universe — and she’s got heart, brains, and armor. Meet Riri Williams, a brilliant teenage inventor from Chicago, brought to vibrant life by the magnetic Dominique Thorne. With her head held high and an iron suit forged in intellect and innovation, Riri rockets into center stage in Ironheart, Marvel Television’s electrifying new series launching exclusively on Disney+ June 24, 2025.
Following her stunning debut in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, Thorne reprises her role with power and poise. “What was interesting for me,” Thorne shares, “was how different Riri’s story and entrance into the MCU was in comparison to other characters. After bringing Riri to life in the world of Wakanda, we had an amazing opportunity to follow that up with a deep dive into the character that allows for the exploration of her origin story.”
Unlike traditional origin tales, Ironheart doesn’t rewind the clock. Instead, it fast-forwards into the emotional aftershocks of Riri’s first moments of heroism — the kind that change a young woman forever. Now, back in Chicago, she’s not just crafting cutting-edge suits — she’s grappling with identity, purpose, and the dangers of brilliance in a world where tech meets the supernatural.
IRONHEART IGNITES: DOMINIQUE THORNE'S GENIUS SOARS IN MARVEL'S MOST EMPOWERING SERIES YET
By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
Opposite Thorne, Anthony Ramos plays the enigmatic Parker Robbins, aka The Hood, a foe who brings mysticism to Riri’s world of circuits and steel. With her rational mind up against magical chaos, Riri must forge her own path — not just as an inventor, but as a young woman navigating the volatile terrain of power and responsibility.
The cast boasts a diverse powerhouse lineup, including Lyric Ross, Alden Ehrenreich, Regan Aliyah, Manny Montana, Matthew Elam, and Anji White. Ironheart is helmed by head writer Chinaka Hodge and directed by the visionary talents of Sam Bailey and Angela Barnes. The executive producing team includes Ryan Coogler, Zinzi Coogler, and Kevin Feige — a signal
that Marvel is putting its full creative force behind Riri’s story.
And what a story it is. From science labs to street-level showdowns, Ironheart blends adrenaline, intellect, and heart in every frame — with Chicago's vibrant backdrop breathing authenticity into every scene. More than a superhero saga, Ironheart is a cultural moment that centers a young Black woman genius in a genre long dominated by older, often male, archetypes.
For Houston Style Magazine readers — many of whom recognize the significance of media representation — Ironheart is a powerful invitation to witness brilliance rise, unapologetically.
In a world hungry for inspiration, Dominique Thorne’s Riri Williams doesn’t just save the day — she reminds us that genius, grit, and greatness come in many forms. And sometimes, they wear iron.
�� Catch Ironheart on Disney+ starting June 24, 2025.
�� Visit DisneyPlus.com for details. www.StyleMagazine.com
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