Houston Style Magazine vol 28 No 11

Houston Style Magazine March 09, 2017 - March 15, 2017

Houston’s Premiere Weekly Publication

Volume 28 | Number 11

Complimentary

Jesse Jackson

A Tale of Two Cities: Selma and Shelby County

zTrip

Bill Bellamy is “Married But Single”

By Jo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor

Follow ollow Us #TeamStyleMag

Twitter @HoustonStyle

Birth of a Movement Screening

Instagram @StyleMagazine

Facebook: Houston Style Magazine

I Will Survive Breast Cancer

Yellow Cab Houston Rolls with ZTrip App

Spring Break 2017 Spring Break In The City 2017

SWAC Tournament

N E W S | C O M M E N TA R I E S | S P O R T S | H E A LT H | E N T E R TA I N M E N T

22

Mar. 09 - Mar. 15, 2017 www.stylemagazine.com

Volume 29 | Number 10 | March 09, 2017 - March 15, 2017

06

Sandra Bland

Publisher Francis Page, Jr.

09

Associate Publisher Lisa Valadez Managing Editor Jo-Carolyn Goode Creative Director Will Pharaoh

NATIONAL WRITERS

Jesse Jackson jjackson@rainbowpush.org Roland Martin www.rolandmartin.com Judge Greg Mathis www.askjudgemathis.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS VICKY PINK vhpink@gmail.com

Charles Harrison Bennett

15

ROSWITHA VOGLER photosbyrovo@gmail.com William Ealy Williamealy1906@gmail.com Semetra Samuel semetra@artistikrebelcreative.com Mike Munoz artrepreneur91@gmail.com Robert Franklin editorial@stylemagazine.com

Hiatus Spa + Retreat

ADVERTISING/SALES

advertising@stylemagazine.com

Minority Print Media, L.L.C.

dba Houston Style Magazine & StyleMagazine.com Phone: (713) 748-6300 • Fax: (713) 748-6320 Mail: P.O. Box 14035, Houston, TX 77221-4035

©2015 Houston Style Magazine, a Minority Print Media, L.L.C. Company. All Right Reserved. Reproduction in whole or within part without permission is prohibited. Houston Style Magazine has a 2007 audit by Circulation Verification Council (CVC). Houston Style Magazine is a member of the Texas Publishers Association (TPA), Texas Community Newspaper Association (TCNA), National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), Independent Free Paper of America (IFPA), Association of Free Community Papers (AFCP) and Members of Greater Houston Partnership(GHP).

National Association of Hispanic Publications, Inc. (NAHP, Inc.), Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (HHCC), League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Latin Women’s Initiative (LWI), National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), Houston Association of Hispanic Media Professionals (HAHMP), National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ), and Members of Greater Houston Partnership(GHP)

mwww.StyleMagazine.com owww.stylemagazine.com c.enizagaMelytS.www

4Mar. 102 ,Dec 609 2 yr29 -rbJan eF-15, 4, 022017 y2017 raurbeF -auMar.

B egaP33

COMMENTARY

A Tale of Two Cities: Selma and Shelby County

By Jesse Jackson, National Writer

I

n “A Tale of Two Cities,” Charles Dickens contrasted the plight of the poor in France with the lavish wealth of the aristocracy, the city of need with the city of greed. That harsh exploitation eventually erupted in the French Revolution, and the brutal revenge of the revolutionaries on their former oppressors. In some ways, Selma and Shelby County, Alabama represent our tale of two cities. Fifty-two years ago, John Lewis, Hosea Williams and a host of ordinary heroes were beaten by Alabama state troopers as they sought to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge, marching for the right to vote. The demonstration followed nearly 250 years of slavery, the whitelash against Reconstruction following the Civil War, and another six decades of legal apartheid and segregation.

In Selma, the modern civil rights movement, led by Dr. Martin Luther King, chose nonviolence over violence, reconstruction over revolution and forgiveness over revenge. The Selma beatings shamed a nation, and helped Lyndon Johnson drive through the Voting Rights Act and finally put an end to segregation.Four years ago, a gang of five right-wing justices on the Supreme Court issued a ruling in a case called Shelby County v. Holder that gutted the enforcement provisions of the Voting Rights Act. Most Southern states -- and many northern states led by right-wing governors -- moved quickly to pass restrictions on voting designed to make it harder for people of color, college students, the poor, workers, the disabled and the elderly to vote.

Voter ID requirements, gerrymandering, limiting early voting, no same-day on-site voter registration, eliminating Souls to the Polls Sundays, packing and stacking political districts, cutting polling stations -- all were designed to constrict, not expand the right to vote. And now we have a tale of two cities once more. Fifty-two years ago in Selma, we were full of hope. Fifty-two years later, with Shelby County, we are filled with foreboding. Selma represented expansion, Shelby County contraction.

Selma was about integration; Shelby County is about separation. Selma led to an assertion of federal, constitutional rights. Shelby County reasserted states’ rights. Fifty-two years ago the U.S. attorney general and the Justice Department were leading on voting rights and enforcing the law.

POLITICAL

P

And across America, as the wealthiest few capture virtually all of the rewards of growth, we see once more a tale of two cities, one of lavish excess, one of harsh struggle. America’s middle class is sinking, home ownership is down, life expectancy is down, wages are stagnant at best, and good jobs are scarce. Dr. King’s Civil Rights Movement never achieved its final goal, economic justice. And now across lines of region and race and religion, most Americans struggle to stay afloat in a nation of obscene and growing inequality. Donald Trump claimed to lead a movement that would change that.

But his cabinet is stacked with bankers and billionaires. His first actions are items on the CEO wish list. His budget seeks tax cuts for the rich and corporations while slashing support for working people and the vulnerable. He seems intent on making the contrasting tale of two cities even starker.

When Alabama played Clemson for the national collegiate football championship, the two schools had black quarterbacks, both black and white players, and black and white fans, cheering for their respective teams. That was the spirit of Selma. When North Carolina, Texas and other states constricted the right to vote, when states refused to expand Medicaid to allow the working poor health care, when states passed laws designed to bust unions and worker power, that was the spirit of Shelby County. And people of conscience across America have to stand and march once more. We will either build a more just society or we will face a far harsher reaction.

You can write to the Rev. Jesse Jackson in care of this newspaper or by email at jjackson@ rainbowpush.org. Follow him on Twitter @RevJJackson. Share this story online at www. stylemagazine.com.

Trump’s First Big Sale: Rallying Republicans On Health Care [By Stephen Collinson CNN/Style Magazine Newswire]

resident Donald Trump is going all-in on the House plan to replace Obamacare, deploying the full power of his office to become the face of controversial legislation that is stirring a conservative revolt. In the process, the one-time insurgent, who spent months blasting the Washington establishment, becomes the critical lever in making the GOP monopoly on power a vehicle to reshape the nation. Trump will start traveling the country to stump for the plan, with visits expected to Kentucky and Tennessee in short order.

And the White House is plowing ahead to help House leadership sell this bill to the full Republican caucus, attending daily leadership meetings and “war room” meetings on the Hill, while also reaching out directly to members and outside advocacy groups that have taken issue with the House bill. Trump has even invited members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus to go bowling at the White House -- and presumably talk about legislation between rolls. The unveiling of the Republican bill to dismantle the central pillar of President Barack Obama’s legacy was a significant moment in a new administration keen to make fundamental change.

But with conservative groups blasting the measure as “Obamacare Lite” and lawmakers like Sen. Rand Paul already warning it is “dead on arrival,” the White House was forced to send Trump to center stage to rescue the bill’s launch.The idea of repealing Obamacare alone was once enough to unite the party, but differences on how to do it are beginning to tear at Hill Republicans.

One White House official acknowledged Wednesday that the administration could have done “more outreach” to conservative members of Congress and advocacy groups in the days and weeks leading up to the rollout of the House bill.A senior administration official told CNN’s Jeff

44

Fifty-two years later Attorney General Jeff Sessions, born in Selma but aligned with Shelby, is withdrawing legal protections for the right to vote and claiming the Voting Rights Act is an intrusion on the states. Fifty-two years ago, we had a Texan, Lyndon Johnson, in the White House, launching a war on poverty. Today, we have a New Yorker, Donald Trump, in the White House launching a war on the poor. Lyndon Johnson called on our better angels; Donald Trump summons our darker fears. A tale of two presidents.

Mar. 09 - Mar. 15, 2017 www.stylemagazine.com

President Donald Trump Zeleny the “volume of blowback was a bit of a surprise,” particularly on conservative websites and media.

Lawmakers are learning only political capital can drive big-ticket agenda items like health care reform into law. For a President who regards himself as the ultimate deal maker, the repeal of Obamacare represents a test of credibility after his campaign trail boasts about scoring big wins.

A legislative failure would not only enrage conservatives, it would cast doubt on the President’s ability to enact his own ambitious agenda.

It appears Trump recognizes the risks. “There’s going to be no waiting, no more excuses by anybody, we’re going to get it done,” Trump told deputy Republican House whips at the White House during a brief appearance before reporters. “I’m proud to support the replacement plan released by the House of Representatives. We’re going to have something much more understood and more popular than people can even imagine,” Trump said.

CNN’s Lauren Fox, Deidre Walsh, Jeff Zeleny, Phil Mattingly, MJ Lee and Kevin Liptak contributed to this report.

Only XFINITY gives you the best streaming experience on the go.

With DVR content that you can download and watch from anywhere and more than 40,000 On Demand movies and TV shows available to watch on the go, only XFINITY gives you more to stream to any screen.

Plus, enjoy access to millions of the fastest WiFi hotspots nationwide and save on your wireless data plan.

DirecTV just doesn’t compare.

Go to xfinity.com, call 1-800-XFINITY or visit your local XFINITY Store to learn more, or get started today with this special offer.

79

X1 Saver Double Play

$

a month for 12 months

with a 1-year agreement

69

X1 Saver Double Play

99

$

99

a month for 12 months

Streampix® included

30-day money-back guarantee

with a 1-year agreement

SA L E E X T E N D E D TO MARCH 2 1 S T

See for yourself why 85% of people prefer XFINITY X1 to their current experience.

Offer ends 3/21/17. Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. New residential customers only. Limited to X1 Saver Double Play with Digital Starter TV with Streampix and Performance 25 Internet. Early termination fee applies if all XFINITY services are canceled during the agreement term. Equipment, installation, taxes and fees, including Broadcast TV Fee (up to $7.00/mo.), Regional Sports Fee (up to $5.00/mo.) and other applicable charges extra, and subject to change during and after the promo. After promo, or if any service is canceled or downgraded regular charges apply. Comcast's service charge for the X1 Saver Double Play is $100.00/mo. (subject to change). Service limited to a single outlet. May not be combined with other offers. TV: Limited Basic service subscription required to receive other levels of service. On Demand selections subject to charge indicated at time of purchase. Internet: Actual speeds vary and are not guaranteed. XFINITY WiFi is included for XFINITY Internet Performance tier and above only. Requires compatible WiFi-enabled laptop or mobile device. Hotspots available in select locations only. 85% claim based on consumers who specified a preference as part of a June 2016 study. Money-back guarantee applies to one month’s recurring service and standard installation charges up to $500. Call for restrictions and complete details. © 2017 Comcast. All rights reserved. NPA199989-0007

120934_NPA199989-0007 DirecTV ad_HoustonStyle_10.8125x13.indd 1

mwww.StyleMagazine.com oc.enizagaMelytS.www www.stylemagazine.com

4102 09 ,Dec 62 y-r29 au-rbJan e15, F-4, 022017 yraurbeF Mar. Mar. 2017

B egaP 5 53/6/17

5:04 PM

LOCAL & STATE BRIEFS

Metrorail

Ronald A. DePinho M.D.

L

R

New Measures Introduced to Elevate METRORail Safety Agenda [Style Magazine Newswire]

ouder horns, reflective paint and bright colored wraps, along with a comprehensive study of intersections are all part of the safety actions for METRORail. This as the agency works to beef up safety along its rail lines. Today, METRO Chair Carrin Patman and President & CEO Tom Lambert gathered with community partners to announce improvements and appeal to the public for assistance in making safety a community priority. METRO is seeking solutions through a partnership with Bike Houston, Rice University, The Texas Medical Center and City of Houston Public Works, and the group requested the public’s help in achieving safety goals.

Lone Star Top 25

Lone Star Recognized as Top 25 College for Hispanics [Patch.com]

L

one Star College was named a Top 25 College for Hispanics by The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education Magazine. LSC was ranked third in the nation for the number of Hispanic students enrolled and fourth for the number of associate degrees awarded in 2015. The 2017 list published contains data from the academic year ending in 2015, the latest complete data available. The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education (HO) Magazine is a national monthly publication rooted in serving the unique needs of the Hispanic community in higher education. This annual report is based on information gathered from the Department of Education IPEDS database.

Follow ollow Us #TeamStyleMag

66

President of MD Anderson Cancer Center Resigns [KHOU]

onald A. DePinho M.D., president of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, has resigned. Chancellor William H. McRaven has requested DePinho stay on board through the end of the Texas legislative session, officials said in a release Wednesday.

Local Store

City Council Approves Purchase of 72,000 Sq.Ft. Grocery Store to Combat Food Desert [Style Magazine Newswire]

C

Officials say discussions are ongoing between Dr. DePinho and Chancellor McRaven regarding the details of his departure. “ I belive it is time for a change in leadership at MD Anderson,” Dr. DePinho said in a statement. He has served as president of MD Anderson Cancer Center since Sept. 1, 2011.

ouncil Member Dwight A. Boykins, along with Mayor Sylvester Turner and his City Council colleagues, voted in favor of the City’s plan of a purchase/sale agreement.

This purchase/sale agreement for $13,862,000 for the land at #288 and MacGregor is just one step in ensuring that this District D community has access to a 72,000 full-service, state-of-the-art grocery store. In 2014, Council Member Boykins began the process of identifying grocery store retailers that would be willing to partner with the City of Houston by making the commitment to bring fresh food options to the District D community.

Sandra Bland

SXSW

T

T

The “Sandra Bland Act” could also face a chilly reception from Republicans in the Texas Legislature. Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has named enhanced police protections - not accountability measures - a priority for lawmakers after a sniper killed five Dallas police officers last summer.

It comes after a New York-based musician announced he was pulling out of the festival over immigration language in his contract. Word of the contract language caused swift reaction on social media and comes amid heightened fears of immigration crackdowns under President Donald Trump.

Texas’ ‘Sandra Bland’ Bill Would Revamp Profiling Laws [ABC 13]

he first sweeping police overhaul proposed in Texas following a black woman’s 2015 death in jail after a confrontational traffic stop would revamp racial profiling laws and officer training - measures that one law enforcement group derided Thursday as misguided, and another said was financially problematic.

Twitter @HoustonStyle

Mar. 09 - Mar. 15, 2017 www.stylemagazine.com

Instagram @StyleMagazine

SXSW to Remove Immigration Warnings From Festival Contract [Poll Star]

he South by Southwest festival will remove language from contracts that had warned bands and performers that U.S. immigration agents could be notified over serious contract violations. SXSW announced the changes Tuesday ahead of the massive music, film and technology showcase starting later this week.

Facebook: Houston Style Magazine

BUSINESS BRIEFS

zTrip

H-E-B

Yellow Cab Houston Rolls with ZTrip App [Style Magazine Newswire]

T

he Greater Houston Transportation Company (Yellow Cab Houston) announced it now uses the zTrip platform, a nationwide on-demand transportation application. zTrip offers the safety of a taxi or black car service with all the ease and convenience of a ride hailing app. Through zTrip’s user-friendly interface, customers will also have the ability to select either traditional taxicab or black car service – on-demand or for a scheduled set time, date and location. It will provide an increase in transportation services to city residents, launching with a zTrip-equipped and branded ouston City Council on March 8 approved a deal that will help build an H-E-B grocery fleet of nearly 1,500 vehicles — and growing daily — including taxicabs, wheelchair accessible store near Hermann Park. The deal calls for the city to spend $13.85 million, plus vehicles and executive cars. Download the app online at http://appurl.io/j005k39k. $12,000 in closing costs, to buy more than 9 acres from Houston Community College for the new store, according to city council agenda documents. The site is at the northeast corner of state Highway 288 and North MacGregor Way. The city plans to lease the land to an entity called Houston Housing Finance Corp., which would sublease it to San Antonio-based H-E-B Grocery Co.H-E-B is expected to spend about $20 million to build its proposed 72,000-square-foot store, which should create about 250 jobs. Eventually, HHFC is expected to buy the property from the city, and then it may sell the property to H-E-B, as long as the city recoups its $13.85 million.

Houston City Council Approves Construction of New H-E-B in Herman Park [Houston Business Journal]

H

Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo Commits to Increase African American Homeownership [Black PR Wire]

W

ells Fargo & Company, the leading U.S. home loan lender, today announced a $60 billion lending commitment to create at least 250,000 African American homeowners by 2027. The company’s commitment is a direct action to help address the lower homeownership rates in the African American community and follows Wells Fargo’s announcement to address Hispanic homeownership rates in 2015. Wells Fargo’s commitment seeks to (1) Lend $60 billion to qualified African American consumers for home purchases by 2027; (2) Increase the diversity of the Wells Fargo Home Lending sales team, and (3) Support the effort with $15 million to support a variety of initiatives that promote financial education and counseling over the next ten years.

mwww.stylemagazine.com www.StyleMagazine.com oc.enizagaMelytS.www Mar. 410209 ,Dec 62 -yr29 au-rbJan e15, F-4, 022017 2017 yraurbeF Mar.

B egaP 77

COMMUNITY Neighborhood Centers and United Way of Greater Houston offer Free Tax Preparation Services IRS-certified preparers assist families and individuals earning up to $58,000, saving them the average $200 cost of professional tax preparation services

U

nited Way of Greater Houston and Neighborhood Centers Inc. are reminding Houstonians to take advantage of their quality free tax preparation services as tax payers look to get the most out of their refund. IRS-certified preparers assist families and individuals earning up to $58,000, helping them retain every dollar of their refund and savage the average $200 cost of professional tax preparation services.

As the word “free” is often used by many paid preparers, clients are often subject to staggering interest rates on predatory loans offered as “refund advances”. Recent announcements by the IRS in regard to tax payers claiming the Earned Income and Additional Child Tax Credits will put certain tax payers at risk for a delayed refund and further increase the risk of losing hard-earned money to these refund advances.

Thanks to the support of United Way of Greater Houston and, families utilizing this free tax preparation service avoid paying these high fees and can access United Way SAVE, a matched savings account program that enables them to set aside part or all of their tax refund right away and receive a 25% match.

“Our free tax preparation services are intended to increase family financial stability and enable hardworking families to use their entire tax refund for important things like paying for basic needs, covering their children’s school expenses or saving for a rainy day,” Jose Perez, director of Neighborhood Centers Program said. Along with helping clients file taxes for the 2016 year, Neighborhood Centers will offer preparation for prior returns and amendments back to the 2011 tax year for free. Since 2009, over 250,000 tax returns have been prepared with more than $339 million returned tot he Houston community.

88

Mar. 09 - Mar. 15, 2017 www.stylemagazine.com

Community Pic

Important documents that taxpayers must bring include: - Photo ID, Social Security cards or ITIN letters for everyone on the tax return - Proof of income (W2, 1099, etc.)

- 1095 form: Health coverage statement - Check with bank account and routing number for direct deposit of your refund

LOCAL High School Teen Earns Eagle Scout Rank in Boy Scouts

By Jo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor

M

ore than learning how to tie a square knot, start a fire by rubbing sticks together, or the strength of working as a team, boys in scouts learn how to grow from a boy to a man. Through the help and guidance of amazing scout leaders who serve as mentors, boys learn the essentials life that will last them far beyond their youthful years.

Reaping the rewards from such nurturing is Charles Harrison Bennett. Already the product of stable home, the extra mentoring he receives while part of the Boy Scouts of America has helped to further develop his character. Bennett has been a part of scouting at Wheeler Avenue Baptist for many years beginning first as a Tiger Cub in Pack 242.

He advanced to Troop 242 where his true signs of leadership were tried and tested. Charles’ previous leadership roles were Quartermaster, Troop Guide, Den Chief, Assistant Patrol Leader, and Patrol Leader. He even represented his troop as an attendee and later staffer at National Youth Leadership Training. He is a proud member of the Order of the Arrow.

Always aspiring to the next level, Charles set his sights on earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Acquiring such an accomplishment is not a minimal task and takes a lot of sacrifices and hard work on any scout to earn by leading a worthwhile project that benefits the community. Charles decided that is Eagle Scout project would be one of historical significance by preserving documents of yesteryear digitally so future generations could learn from the past.

Entitling his project “Saving the Documents,” Charles, with the support of his father Judge Alfred H. Bennett, partnered with the 61st Civil District Court with an army of volunteers to input data from original court records from the early 1900’s into a computer server.

Charles’ efforts allowed his to earned his new ranking.

Charles’s work along with eight other fellow scouts was celebrated at Boy Scout Troop 242’s Eagle Court of Honor ceremony and again recognized recently by their entire church family during Boy Scouts Sunday at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church (WABC).

The Boy Scouts of America at WABC were the first youth organization established by Audrey and Reverend Bill Law-

Charles Harrison Bennett son in the early days of the church. Since its creation in 1965, over one thousand boys and young men have gone through the church’s scouting program. Troop 242 is proud to report that more than 173 of their own have attained the rank of Eagle Scouts; one of the largest number of Eagles to come out of an African American troop in the country.

Troop 242 Scouts are trailblazers in business, education, medicine, politics and other professions. There are many,

many stories of boys who have been provided support, training and positive role models.

Charles is currently a sophomore at Mickey Leland College Preparatory Academy. His future aspirations include attending college to pursue a course of study in computer science, with an emphasis on interactive media and game design. He desires to become a professional video game designer.

US District Court Judge Kenneth Hoyt Returns to His Alma Mater to Talk Success With Students

By Destany Rainey, Feature Writer

T

exas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law Texas Bar Association held a lecture for students, hosted by Senior US District Court Judge Kenneth Hoyt. Hoyt spoke about success, reminding students that no goal is unobtainable, despite adversities. “When we look beyond the obvious and all of the easy alternatives and we seize the opportunity that providence gives to us and presents to us, no matter how they present themselves, will we then declare and should we not then declare success? Life serves us up just enough challenges and difficulties to make us uncomfortable enough so that we move on. I think we have to make sure that we define success by what we experience for others, as opposed to what we experience for ourselves,” Hoyt said. During his lecture, Hoyt told a story about being arrested, a time that he says could have stopped him from obtaining his law degree.

“That could have been a failure, but it wasn’t,” Hoyt said. “Five of the young men that were arrested with me went to trial, but weren’t convicted, they are now successful.” Following his lecture, TMSL presented Hoyt with an award, recognizing his contributions to the law school. Kenneth Hoyt is the second African American federal judge in Texas.

He was appointed by President Ronald Reagan to serve on the US District court for the Southern District of Texas in 1987, and received his commission in 1988.

Senior US District Court Judge Kenneth Hoyt

Hoyt has given back to his alma mater throughout his 35-year long career as an adjunct professor, and serving on the TMSL American Bar Association Blue ribbon panel.

mwww.StyleMagazine.com oc.enizagaMelytS.www www.stylemagazine.com

4102 09 ,Dec 62 y-r29 au-rbJan e15, F-4, 022017 yraurbeF Mar. Mar. 2017

B ega9P9

FEATURE

Bill Bellamy is “Married But Single”

By Jo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor

E

ntertainer Bill Bellamy is a man that is constantly evolving. We grew to know him first as a funnyman with the boyish good looks on HBO’s Russell Simmons’ Def Comedy Jam coining the “booty call.” He became a regular on shows on MTV before he branched out into movies. Mastering being in front of the camera, Bellamy flipped the script to go behind the camera to produce.

Now Bellamy is expanding his resume, even more, another first, a stage play.

so popular today. People just want to be loved, heard, and wanted.

“The message is clear in the play. We all need and want to be loved. It gives you a chance to look at your own relationship and see where you are and how you want to make it better,” said Bellamy. Married himself for sixteen, he knows a thing or two about the matter.

Débuting on the stage is not the only place where Bellamy is treading in new waters. His friend and supporter Tom Joyner asked him to join “The Tom Joyner Morning Show Family.” Listeners can catch Bellamy every Wednesday weighing on the news topping the day and ranting on what’s bugging him in the “Bill’s Beef” segment. Of course, I had to ask what he had a beef with now. “Ben Carson crazy ass!! Talking about slaves were immigrants too!!! Jesus, pray for this Man!!!,” exclaimed Bellamy as he referenced the recent comments by the new Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson.

“A man’s gift will make room for him. It’s just that simple.

God’s gift of laughter has created this wonderful life for me and to be sunshine to all my fans,” said Bellamy. He is utilizing his gift in Je’Caryous Johnson’s “Married But Single Too” as the ex-lover of the very married Sharon Carter (LisaRaye McCoy), Jackson Kelly. “I come back into her life and try to rekindle lost love only to turn her marriage upside down! Lol,” said Bellamy.

The production that runs March 10-12, 2017 at the Hobby Center picks up where “Married But Single” left off. Sharon dreamed of the day her man would propose so they could live a fairytale life. But life after marriage was not filled with butterflies and unicorns but had thorns and thunder clouds leaving the fate of her marriage up in the air. Finally giving her husband Julian an ultimatum where he has to choose their marriage or his career things are left unsettled leave room for trouble like Jackson. Things get sticky as both Sharon and Jackson are married but single.

How can one be married but single? It’s an interesting thought that Bellamy explains. “My opinion is, it’s being in a marriage or relationship and feeling like you aren’t getting the attention that it needs. Longing for companionship with your companion,” commented Bellamy. As humans, the need for companionship is something that is natural and that is birth in us from the start of life. This basic need is one of the reasons why social media and chat rooms are

Bill Bellamy & LisaRaye

10 10

Bellamy will not be thought of as one dimensional. He wants to keep shocking his fans by doing unexpected things in his career as he keeps chasing an Emmy and an Oscar. “I’m next dammit,” he laughed. His career continues to be on the rise and cheering him along the way is his wife, Kristen, and children. Something he expressed that he is passionate about. “My family and making sure they are happy and safe. It’s a crazy world out here.”

Bill Bellamy

Bill Bellamy & LisaRaye

Mar. 09 - Mar. 15, 2017 www.stylemagazine.com

Here at Houston Style Magazine, we have a passion for keeping you informed about what is happening in and around our city. Bellamy stops in Houston March 10-12, 2017 at the Hobby Center for Je’Caryous Johnson’s “Married But Single Too” starring LisaRaye McCoy, Chante Moore, La’Myia Good, and Carl Payne. Tickets are available at www.thehobbycenter.org/. Keep up with Bill Bellamy on Twitter @BillBellamy.

Bill Bellamy

ENTERTAINMENT Spring Break In The City 2017

By Style Magazine Newswire

Kids

March 13-17, 2017 Spring Break at Discovery Green Discovery Green Park March 13-17, 2017 Xtreme Spring Break & Human Hamster Balls Children’s Museum of Houston March 13&14, 2017 Storytime Tour at Rienzi Museum of Fine Arts Houston March 13-17, 2017 Spring Break at Bayou Bend Museum of Fine Arts Houston March 13-17, 2017 Spring into Asia Asia Society of Texas

Families

Houston Zoo

March 7-26, 2017 Rodeo Houston NRG

March 3-25, 2017 Ice Skating ICE Rink at Discovery Green Park March 15-17, 2017 Spring Break at the Museum Museum of Fine Arts Houston March 11-19, 2017 Spring Break Spectacular Blessington Farms March 13-17, 2017 How I Became a Pirate Main Street Theater

Houston Rodeo

March 13-17, 2017 Spring Break Escape Memorial City March 13-17, 2017 Houston Zoo Free admission any day Wednesday through Sunday Rosenberg Railroad Museum

Spring Break Camps March 13-17, 2017 Spring Break Discovery Camps The Health Museum • • • •

Little Vet (5-7 years-old Junior Vet (8-10 years-old) EV3 Robotics (8-10 years-old) Senior Vet (11-13 years-old) The Rink

mwww.StyleMagazine.com oc.enizagaMelytS.www www.stylemagazine.com

4102 09 ,Dec 62 y-r29 au-rbJan e15, F-4, 022017 yraurbeF Mar. Mar. 2017

B egaP11 11

ENTERTAINMENT Searching for Acceptance: Hollywood Adding LGBTQ to TV

By Kelsey Whittington, Feature Writer

I Amiyah Scott

t is no secret that the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Queer (LGBTQ) community has faced many hardships from not being accepted by others because of their sexuality, and even committing self-harm amongst themselves because they feel like they have hit rock bottom. Today in our society television and film is a huge outlet for kids and even some adults to help cope with things.

Unfortunately, there has not been much representation of the LGBTQ community on the silver screen, which keeps the topic very hushed.

However, that was before visionaries like Lee Daniels and others started bringing such taboo subjects into the story lines of modern television.The issue of someone being transgender has been prominent in our conversations for months now. From the political talk with the bathroom bill to the sports arena over the transgender teen in a girl fight to my area of focus for this story, entertainment. Trans is on the lips of everyone and on the mind director Lee Daniels. In his new Fox series, Star, that follows the lives of three singers and their journey to stardom, one of the reoccurring characters on the show is a transgender model with a bit Cajun tang. New Orleans, Louisiana native Amiyah Scott portrays Cotton Brown, a transitioning transgendered woman who is battling her mother Carlotta Brown (Queen Latifah) acceptance.

Throughout the show, you see the ups and downs of their relationship. One can almost feel the pain of denial felt by Cotton every time her mother doesn’t acknowledge that she is her daughter and not her son. Heartache is felt, as Carlotta just can’t understand why her “son” would want to identify as a “woman.” These scenes are the pictures of real America as they are almost replicas of what is being played out around the country as the LGBTQ

Young Rising Star Shahadi Wright Joseph Chats with Houston Style

By Keandra Scott, Feature Writer

community continues to fight for the right to be true to themselves. It is a struggle for the LGBTQ community as a whole to have to deal with this on a daily basis as they try to be comfortable with themselves and within the world we all live in.

“2016 was a really rough year for our community so having Lee Daniels and Amiyah Scott reflect us in a positive light has been a breath of fresh air,” said a Senior Biology major at the University of Houston. “I have watched the show and some parts really make me emotional because I have been there. It is hard when you just want to be yourself but all you get is unacceptance and hatred. I truly believe this show could not have come at a better time, with so much hate in the world we really needed an outlet that gives our community a voice and lets people know we are real people with real feelings.”

With the success following Star and breaking barriers, the transgendered community has steadily been making headlines and proving to the world that they have no desire to slow down anytime soon. Seventeen-year-old Mack Beggs is a junior at Trinity High School in Euless, Texas who took the world by storm when he became the first transgender athlete to win a Class 6A girls’ state championship. Beggs’, who is transitioning to be a boy, victory appeared unfair to many parents who felt as though Beggs should not have been able to compete in the 110-pound girls’ division, even though his transition is not completed.

Knowing that he would face backlash Beggs requested to wrestle in the boys’ division but the University Interscholastic League (UIL) has guidelines that determine an athletes’ gender is based on their birth certificate, which resulted in his request of participating in the boys’ division to be declined. With all of the negativity, Beggs has decided to remain positive and use his new found platform to raise awareness for the transgender community.

“I think it’s great that Mack decided to not let all of this negativity take away his success.

The fact of the matter is that he won the title fair and square and if he could have competed in the boys’ division he would have,” said Trace Myers. “It is important for people to know that we (LGBTQ community) just want to live our lives and not have any problems.”

The day of living their lives without any problems comes closer every time a wall comes down. People will need to continue to get engaged in shows like Star and invest in people like Daniels, Scott, and Beggs who are all vehicles in the movement to help break barriers, make some noise, and gain acceptance for all. Help elevate their voices by watching and telling the stories that often get overlooked! Watch new episodes of Star on Wednesday nights on Fox at 8 p.m. like, Renee Elise Goldsberry (Hamilton), Lin Manuel Miranda (visionary, music and book writer of Hamilton), and pop singers like Ariana Grande.

Ke’Ke: When you are away from being an industry triple threat (singing, dancing and acting) what do you like to do? hahadi Wright Joseph an 11-year-old Shahadi: I like to knit, ride my bike, listen to music, and make slime (all smiles).

Broadway singer, dancer and actress Ke’Ke: Did you win the nomination of Outstanding Ensemble in a Broadway Show (Asis the next child star to watch! The taire Awards) for the School of Rock- The Musical? What contributes to bringing the Brooklyn, New York Native is already makgreatness out in you as a rising super star? ing monumental milestones by becoming the youngest actor to play Nala in Disney’s Shahadi: Our ensemble in School of Rock was nominated for the Fred Astaire Award, but Broadway production, The Lion King. unfortunately didn’t win.

S

Houston Style got a chance to chat with Sha- Ke’Ke: You have a beautiful and strong voice; your vibrato is astounding. Where do you hadi in the midst of her travels. Check out see yourself in 5-7 years in your career?

Shahadi: Thank you so much! Hopefully, I’ll still be doing Broadway, but I’d also like to the interview below.

Shahadi Wright branch out into more TV and Film.

Ke’Ke: What was it like playing Little Inez in NBC’s Hair Spray Live?

Ke’Ke: What are two things you would like for your fans and readers to know about you?

Shahadi: Playing Lil Inez was a dream come true. While I was in the Lion King on BroadShahadi: Two things I would like my fans and readers to know about me are, that I’m way, one of my wranglers (child guardians) said I would be great as Lil Inez and that idea very close to my family and that I LOVE school and Hamilton (all smiles). just stuck with me. When the opportunity to audition came around, I was so excited to be considered and then I freaked out when I got it!

Ke’Ke: Any forthcoming projects, I hear you auditioned for the role in the back-by-popu Ke’Ke: How has your experience been working alongside Jennifer Hudson, Ariana Grande lar-demand show, ‘That’s So Raven,’ can you tell us about the roll?

Shahadi: I, along with hundreds of super talented young actors, auditioned for a role in & other major celebrities?

Shahadi: At first I was overwhelmed to be working with so many famous people. But, all of the upcoming ‘That’s So Raven’ project. I think it’s awesome that the show is coming the stars in Hairspray Live were so nice and supportive. They were such an amazing cast back to TV. So many of my friends and I grew up watching Raven Simone and I can’t wait and I learned so much from watching them work everyday. Jennifer Hudson immediately to see what she does with this updated version of the show. felt like a loving Mom to me. She made it really easy and natural to play her daughter.

Follow Shahadi on social media: Twitter: @shahadijo | Instagram: shahadiwrightjoseph Ke’Ke: Who are some of your inspirations?

Shahadi: Since I’m a musical theater kid, most of my inspirations are Broadway actors Facebook: Shahadi Wright Joseph | Snapchat:shahadijo

12 12

Mar. 09 - Mar. 15, 2017 www.stylemagazine.com

HEALTH

Kidney

Connect with Your Kidneys: DaVita Kicks Off National Kidney Month [By Style Magazine Newswire]

D

aVita Kidney Care, a division of DaVita Inc. (DVA) and a leading provider of kidney care services in the United States celebrated the beginning of National Kidney Month by asking people to take a short risk quiz to help determine their risk of kidney disease, one of the top 10 leading causes of death in the U.S. One in 10 adults over 20 years of age in the U.S. has chronic kidney disease (CKD), or around 31 million Americans. CKD is typically symptomless until its later stages, which leaves many people unaware they are in an early stage of the disease until it is too late.

Chris Zitur, a 30-year-old from Denver, knows first-hand what it’s like to be caught off guard by kidney disease. “I’d been feeling tired and unwell for months, but I chalked it up to being too busy,” said Zitur. “Once I felt bad enough to see my doctor, my kidneys had almost completely lost their ability to function.” Zitur “crashed” into dialysis, meaning there was a very short period of time between being diagnosed and requiring dialysis or a transplant to be able to survive.

When kidney disease is detected in early stages, the progression may be slowed or prevented altogether with effective management of diet, exercise, medications and other diseases. Those with diabetes and high blood pressure are at the greatest risk for developing kidney disease, as are people with cardiovascular disease, obesity, high cholesterol, lupus and a family history of the disease. Some minority populations are disproportionately affected by the disease – particularly African Americans, Hispanics and American Indians. According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: •One in three people with diabetes has kidney disease.

•One in five people with high blood pressure has kidney disease.

•African Americans are about three and a half times more likely to develop kidney failure than Caucasians.

•Hispanics are one and a half times more likely to develop kidney failure than non-Hispanics.

The good news is there are many resources to help those impacted by kidney disease. DaVita Kidney Care provides a breadth of resources to help patients manage their health, including: •myDaVita – A collection of online tools and resources for patients and caregivers that includes an online social com-

munity, kidney-friendly recipes, and tools to help with diet and nutrition management, finding a nephrologist or finding a dialysis center.

•DaVita Diet Helper™ – This tool helps patients take control of their health through diet management – a significant way to manage or delay the progression of kidney disease.

In addition to 1,000-plus kidney-friendly recipes, DaVita Diet Helper™ offers a way to track important nutritional information.

•Kidney-Friendly Cookbooks – A collection of seasonal cookbooks with kidney-friendly recipes that give patients with kidney disease delicious, healthy meal options.

•Kidney Smart – No-cost educational classes designed to give patients and caregivers the information they need to understand and manage kidney disease.

Classes are open to the community and take place in cities across the U.S. Online classes are also available for those who prefer learning from home. To take the risk quiz, learn about risk factors and access other kidney disease resources, please visit DaVita.com/LearnYourRisk.

Kidney

mwww.StyleMagazine.com oc.enizagaMelytS.www Mar. 4102 09 ,Dec 62 y-r29 au-rbJan e15, F-4, 022017 yraurbeF www.stylemagazine.com Mar. 2017

B egaP13 13

EAT WITH STYLE

Yard House

Yard House’s Menu Keeps Customers and the Restaurant Full

By Yolanda Pope, Culinary Writer

C

ity Centre, located at 800 Town and Center Boulevard in West Houston, has become a hot spot for shopping, movie watching, and dining. The parking is plentiful; whether an outside lot or the free parking garage, this place seems to have covered all the bases to please the multitude of visitors that arrive Monday through Sunday.

One of the main attractions is Yard House Restaurant, which is anchored at 800 Sorella Court centered in the town square. They are open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.

Monday through Sunday. “Taking its vast experience with brews, cocktails, and breweries and coupling it with a kitchen that prepares over 100 items made from scratch daily.” Also, if you are a beer lover, Yard House keeps over 100 taps which are local and from around the world, according to their website yardhouse.com.

This was my first Yard House visit so it took me a while to decide, mainly because the menu has so many choices, which is great if you know exactly what you want to order. My guest suggested we start with the “Queso Dip” which is made with roasted poblano and chipotle peppers. The cheese dip was served with warm flour tortillas and tortilla chips. The cheese was hot, smooth, and bursting with the subtle flavors of the peppers.

We decided on our cocktails, while still enjoying the cheese and chips. I ordered the “Cherry Limeade”, which contains: Cruzan Black Cherry Rum, Amoretto di Saronno, sweet and sour, with fresh lime. This libation made me say “wow!” after the first sip. It was light, a little sweet, with a slight fizz, which made it rather refreshing. My guest ordered a “Pineapple Express”, made with New Amsterdam Pineapple Vodka, Monin Mojito, Pineapple Rum, fresh mint, and pineapples. While sipping our cocktails, I ordered the steak nachos and my eating companion ordered the Southern Fried Chicken Breast.” The waiter warned me that the portions were large, which was an understatement in my view. There was so much food on that plate; I couldn’t have finished it in two sittings. The meat was well-seasoned, tender, and covered every single poncho on my plate.

The atmosphere is lively in this place; there are televisions hung high and facing every direction possible along with the classic rock music that is playing as well. The service was fast; our waiter was very attentive and called to our attention some of his menu favorites.

We are planning on another visit.

Meanwhile, continue to follow Team Style Magazine on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

14 14

Mar. 09 - Mar. 15, 2017 www.stylemagazine.com

BEAUTY

Hiatus Spa

Hiatus Spa + Retreat to Open Fourth Texas Location in Houston ThiS Spring [Style Magazine Newswire]

New Spa in Tanglewood to Feature Spa Membership, 14 Treatment Rooms, and Nail Therapy Lounge

H

iatus Spa + Retreat, the award-winning Texas day spa with locations in Austin, Dallas & Plano, is excited to reveal the opening of its fourth Texas location in Houston. The 5,078-square-foot day spa is slated to open early Spring 2017.

The new Houston location will be designed by Austin-based Karen Kopicki of Kopicki Design. It will feature original artwork by Texas-based artist Jan Heaton. Spa guests will enjoy 14 treatment rooms, including a couple’s suite and hydrotherapy, a nail therapy lounge with four zero-gravity chairs, an inviting relaxation area, and separate men’s and women’s dressing rooms.

“Our guests in Houston lead very demanding lives,” Co-Founder Kristin Peabody said in a statement. “That’s why we’re determined to provide an easy, accessible way to fit regular spa time into any lifestyle. Our spa membership and mobile app for booking make self-care a snap.”

Only Mani-Pedi, Body Glow, or the Body Wrap. The membership is $69 per month and also includes special discounted pricing for members on all treatments and 10% off all retail products.

Hiatus Spa + Retreat was founded in Dallas in 2007 by Garrison and Peabody. Since the Spa + Retreat’s inception, the spa has received numerous accolades including the Innovate Award, International Spa Association - 2013, Inc.

Each experience at Hiatus is personalized from start to finish. All sixty-minute services include a purifying foot soak ritual and the signature hand and foot massage, along with a sensory journey and customized aromatherapy.

500 Fastest Growing Companies 2012 - 2016, American Spa Magazine - Favorite Day Spa 2016, D Magazine’s Best of Big D 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016 - Best Spa. Along with the brand new Houston location, a fifth location has been planned for San Antonio. The Texas-born day spa features fifty-plus signature treatments with a high-touch experience.

Hiatus offers unique services, including The Yours, Truly, The Best Facial Ever, and their acclaimed Monthly Retreat – a hybrid massage, scrub and Vichy shower treatment created each month with seasonal ingredients and finished with a handcrafted cocktail.

With a fresh subscription model that simplifies regular relaxation, Hiatus empowers guests to own their self-care.

It is the first day spa in Houston to offer affordable, regular access to a spa lifestyle. H-Circle members choose one signature “Essential Service” each month, which can include the Signature Massage, Tailor-Made Facial, One &

“Relaxation doesn’t have to be boring,” Co-Founder Sheila Garrison said in a statement. “We try to continually offer new, out-of-the-box services that not only soothe our guests, but surprise and delight them, as well.”

Hiatus Spa + Retreat Houston will be located at 5740 San Felipe Street, Suite 110. For more information, please visit www.hiatusspa.com.

Hiatus Spa

mwww.stylemagazine.com www.StyleMagazine.com oc.enizagaMelytS.www Mar. 4102 09 ,Dec 62 y-r29 au-rbJan e15, F-4, 022017 yraurbeF Mar. 2017

B egaP15 15

TRAVEL

Panama City Beach

Los Cabos Hotel Group

Panama City Beach Among Country’s Best Beaches [By Style Magazine Newswire]

P

Mexico Grand Hotels Announces the Addition of Two New Restaurants to Their Unique Dine Out Plan [By Style Magazine Newswire]

anama City Beach’s world-famous white sand stretches along the Gulf of Mexico for 27 miles. It is only one of the many reasons visitors flock to sunny Florida for their Los Cabos Hotel Group Now Offering More Culinary Experiences to preferred vacation destination, specifically historic Panama City. Blessed with natural Guests Without Burning a Hole in Their Wallets beauty and endless opportunities for recreation, accolades roll in like waves on the beach. exico Grand Hotels is pleased to announce the addition of two new restaurants to TripAdvisor recently listed Panama City Beach as one of the top five beaches on their list the unique all-inclusive Dine Out Privileges Plan, offered to guests at both Hacienda of the “Top 25 Beaches in the U.S.” The main selling point of Panama City Beach? You can Encantada and Marina Fiesta. Located on the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, visit any time of the year. both of the hotel properties show off a unique and highly popular all-inclusive plan unlike “We’re thrilled that our beaches continue to garner national attention and that the TripAd- and any other resort in the destination.

M

visor community has once again placed us among the very top beaches in the world,” Visit Panama City Beach President and CEO Dan Rowe said in a statement. “These user-generated reviews and ratings speak to the fact that Panama City Beach has truly become a year-round destination.”

The two additional restaurants allow guests to dine off property and experience downtown Cabo San Lucas and the bustling marina area often referred to as “The Golden Zone”. Setting themselves apart from any other resort in the area, the properties are now adding two additional culinary establishments to the Dine Out Privileges Plan, Los Deseos and Golden Legends, adding to the already growing list of eateries.

With over 100 public beach access points, two beachfront state parks, city parks and country parks along the 27 mile stretch of beaches, Panama City Beach offers something Los Deseos showcases plenty from the marina’s waterfront on the harbor view terrace.

Mexican cuisine combined with tradition, flavor, and flair, the extensive menu offers over for every beach lover.

35 entrées. They range from rose petal quesadillas featuring the house made coriander peFrom exploring the barrier island known as Shell Island or spending the day at one of the sto and strawberry sauce, tampiqueña steak with sliced poblano peppers and a decadent popular state parks, there is nothing quite like enjoy all that Panama City Beach offers with tequila-style quest fundido - a favorite appetizer with locals and visitors alike.

Guests can visit the Golden Legends Sports Bar to watch any sports game while enjoying that world famous white sparkling sand gleaming against the sun.

American style cuisine and a wide variety of beer and cocktails. The fun and exciting atLooking to combine a fun event with a beach vacation this March? Take part in our UN- mosphere offers an outstanding menu ranging from wings, all-star burgers, sandwiches, catch of the day fish & more. wineD event from March 24-25th.

Presented by Visit Panama City Beach and Garden & Gun Magazine, UNwinD will take a Southern garden party and place it right in the center of Aaron Bessant Park & Amphitheater. UNwineD will feature fine wine, craft beer and spirits from around the world along with locally-sourced culinary creations & more. The Garden & Gun Kickoff Party will feature a distinguished chef and talented mixologists on Friday, March 24.

“Our Dine Out Privileges Plan is something we pride ourselves on as it is a unique offering within the all-inclusive space,” Director of Sales & Marketing, Gabriel Ibarra said. “Giving this option to our guests gives us the opportunity to have our guests immerse themselves in the culture here in Los Cabos and experience a wide variety of cuisine we have to offer so we are very excited to now offer two additional eateries.”

Starting rates for the Marina Fiesta with the Dine Out Privileges Plan begin at $279.00 Then on Saturday, March 25, a Grand Tasting event will take place from 1-4:30 p.m. provid- USD. The starting rates for Hacienda Encantada with the Dine Out Privileges Plan begin ing samples of craft beverages and local tastes. Grammy-nominated American folk-rock at $390.00 USD. Both rates vary on room category and number of occupants. For more band The Avett Brothers will perform from 5-7 p.m. information on all Golden Zone restaurants included in the plan including Baja Lobster Co., Presto, Imomo, and Sandwich Factory, visit: http://www.mexicograndhotels.com/cuisine.

Tickets are on sale now at www.visitpanamacitybeach.com/unwined. aspx.

Follow ollow Us #TeamStyleMag

16 16

Twitter @HoustonStyle

Mar. 09 - Mar. 15, 2017 www.stylemagazine.com

Instagram @StyleMagazine

Facebook: Houston Style Magazine

SPORTS SWAC Tournament 2017: The Forgotten Talent

By Brian Barefield, Sports Writer

A

s I sit in the Health and Physical Education Arena (home of the Southwestern Athletic Conference leader Texan Southern University basketball team), I am saddened by two things: One the crowd size and two, the lack of media coverage here. As many fans and media types rush to see the likes of All-Americans Lonzo Ball (G-UCLA), Frank Mason III (G-Kansas), Caleb Swanigan (F-Purdue), etc. play in their respective tournaments this weekend.

I am preparing myself to see talented young men that the rest of the country is missing out on. The SWAC began its conference tournament on March 7, 2017 to kick off a week of action that will eventually crown a champion and send them to the 2017 NCAA Tournament.

TSU guard Zach Lofton takes the floor as the SWAC Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year. Leading the league in scoring (17.9 ppg), the 6-foot-3 guard is also a floor General who makes the Tigers offense run like a well-oiled machine. If you think about outscoring the Tigers, you might want to reevaluate your entire game plan. Not only do they have the Player of the Year, but they also tout the SWAC Defensive Player of the Year in 7-footer Marvin Jones. Averaging 1.5 blocks per game, Jones controls the paint and allows the rest of the team to take chances on the defensive end. He is also a very good rebounder, which serves his other teammate Demontrae Jefferson (Freshman of the Year) very well. The high scoring freshman (14.4 ppg) and second team all-conference player Kevin Scott rounds out a team that should have an uninterrupted trip to the NCAA Tournament as the number one overall seed (1995 was the last time they were there).

While one can easily get caught up in the plethora of talent on the Tigers, the SWAC has some stars that shine on a nightly basis. Southern University’s man child Shawn Prudhomme comes into the tournament looking to turn some heads on the next level and send the Jaguars to their 11th appearance to the “Big Dance.” It’s hard to overlook the 1st team All-SWAC Forward numbers (17.6 ppg. / 5.9 rpg.), but the leadership qualities he possesses stands out more.

If the planets align just right, Prudhomme will have his work cut out for him in the second round matchup with 1st team All-SWAC 6’7 Forward Marquis Vance (11.0 ppg. / 7.4 rpg.) and 2nd team All-SWAC 6’ 5 Forward Reginald Johnson (15.5 ppg/ 7.0 rpg) from Alcorn State University. Outside of watching the Tigers play, this matchup will make fans appreciate the ticket they purchased to the Toyota Center on Friday, March 10, 2017. The conference tournament means much more to Alcorn than any other participants due to the fact

BOOKS

SWAC Tournament that they are ineligible for the 2017 NCAA Tournament. For the second straight year their academic progress report was below standards. So the two forwards will be out to prove to the fans in attendance and the ones viewing the game from live stream feeds that they belong right up there with all the other Division One basketball players. And those are just some of the hidden gems that play in the SWAC. After watching Texas Southern shake off the rust and finally put their opponent (Alabama State) away, I was convinced that these young men will never get the proper respect they deserve unless they get deep into the NCAA Tournament. “It’s sad that we don’t have more of a media following down here. The fourth largest city in America and they think that the school across the street (UH) is the only one with talent,” says Terrance Johnson, a longtime supporter, and alumnus from Texas Southern University. Maybe this could be the year that changes things. go to America, to Wisconsin for college. Leaving her children was difficult for Sirleaf, but it wouldn’t be the last time. It would, however, be a few years before she’d leave her abusive husband.By then, she was working for Liberia’s Treasury Department and it was obvious that there were problems. Politically and socially, things had been shaky for some time, in part because of a two-tiered society that wasn’t functional anymore.

“Madame President: Sirleaf attempted to continue working in-place but her connection to Liberia’s controversial The Extraordinary president Tolbert made her vulnerable, so she applied for a job in America with the World Journey of Ellen John- Bank. It, and that she was a native Liberian, probably ultimately saved her life. In 1980, the government’s overthrow and Tolbert’s murder, Sirleaf continued being vigilant son Sirleaf” by Helene following while working for the new President as well as for World Bank.

Cooper She knew she could do more if she stayed in-country during Liberia’s civil war, but her

By Terri Schlichenmeyer

Y

our friends follow what you have to say. Whether on social media or otherwise, they listen to you and understand, ask your opinion, seek your wisdom, and look to your lead. With them, you live a good life. Have followers like those, as you’ll see in “Madame President” by Helene Cooper, and you can change the world.

“This child will be great.” Roughly translated, that’s what a local prophet said about Ellen Johnson when she was born in Liberia in October, 1938. Those words were repeated in praise and in sarcasm as Johnson grew up, but no one had any idea then how right the man would be. Though illiteracy was very common in Liberia, Johnson’s parents strove to educate their children in a manner befitting their upper-class status. Johnson expected to go to Europe for college but when her father fell ill, she knew that college would no longer be possible. Instead, she married Doc Sirleaf, a man several years her senior. The babies started coming almost immediately; shortly after their fourth son was born, Sirleaf and her husband seized an opportunity to

eventual outspokenness was consequently perilous: for her rebellious actions, she was jailed in 1985, which outraged the country’s market-women.

They helped get her released. It would be two decades before they’d get her elected. Whew.

Reading “Madame President” very well could wring you out.Starting with birth and a basic history of Liberia, author Helene Cooper takes us through a half-century of turmoil with a woman that, considering what surrounded her, possessed grit and guts.

Cooper tells Sirleaf’s story as one that’s triumphant but also brutal and raw, with violence in a little too much gruesome detail; still, despite that those parts are uncomfortable to read, they inherently tell readers more about who Sirleaf is and why her Presidency is so remarkable.

Though you’ll cringe often when reading this, it’s a book that’ll make you want to cheer, too. World history buffs will truly enjoy “Madame President,” as will fans of international politics and women’s issues. And if that’s you, then it follows that you’ll love it, too.

Share this story online at www.stylemagazine.com. c.2017, Simon & Schuster $27.00 / $36.00 Canada 336 pages

mwww.StyleMagazine.com oc.enizagaMelytS.www www.stylemagazine.com

4102 ,09 Dec 62 y-r29 aMar. u-rbJan eF15, -4, 022017 yraurbeF Mar. 2017

B egaP17 17

2017

IMANI SCHOOL HOUSTON,TEXAS

Seuss-tastic Birthday Bash Photography by Vicky Pink hildren’s love for reading was cultivated at the most amazing, fabulous, Seuss-tastic birthday bash at the Imani School. What child hasn’t fell in love with reading because of the writings of Dr. Seuss. The birthday was in celebration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday and to bring STEAM into focus with fun literacy enrichment activities. Days leading to the bash, students read Dr. Seuss to gain Seussbucks. The bucks were then used to attend and play games at the Seuss Bash. Students dressed up in classic read and blue and wore their favorite hat for crazy hat day all in celebration of reading. Students also participated in a pop-up library sponsored by the Houston Public Library.

2017

C

Birth of a Movement Screening and Discussion Photography by Vicky Pink

T

he Black Greeks Speak Social Justice and Human Rights Council hosted a screening of the ground breaking documentary Birth of a Movement. It is the story of African American newspaper editor William Monroe Trotter‘s 1915 battle against America’s first blockbuster movie – D.W. Griffith‘s infamous The Birth of a Nation. The Boston editor wanted to have the movie banned for his favorable portrayal of the Ku Klux Klan. After the screening of the documentary, a panel including Jerome Solomon, Yolanda Smith, and Dr. Jenifer Bratter with moderator Dr. Marlon Smith discussed the film. The affair was held in partnership with Baker Ripley, Inc, and the Multicultural Community Relations in Public Affairs, Rice Media Center,

18 18

Mar. 09 - Mar. 15, 2017 www.stylemagazine.com

RICE MEDIA CENTER HOUSTON, TEXAS

2017

THE HEALTH MUSEUM HOUSTON, TEXAS

I Will Survive Breast Cancer Photography by Vicky Pink t was an evening of friendship and celebration as The Rose kicked off a year of making health a priority for every woman. Attendees learn about The Rose and their mission to have no woman die from breast cancer. Daily they strive to make sure women know about early detection and have their annual mammogram. Some on the host committee for this event were Kim Roxie, Charles Clemons, Carl Davis, Charlotte Harris, Cheryl Turner, Chrystal Hamilton, Colita Campbell, Courtney, Broussard, Fatima Abdullah, Fatmata KaiKai, Janice Workcuff, Joyce Owens, Kandace Rose, Marcia Tillman, Michelle Ratford, Rosyln Rose, Sererna Valentine, Tamara Bayson, Tamiko Byrd, Tawanda Usher, Tina Russell, and Yemi Sholotan.

2017

I

SUNNYSIDE PARK HOUSTON, TEXAS

Port City Links STEM Fair & Carnival

F

Photography by Vicky Pink

or the last sixteen years the Port City Chapter of The Links, Incorporated has celebrated youth athletes and made the community more aware of their health at their STEM Fair & Carnival.

Held in conjunction with the opening ceremonies for the South Central Sportz, over 800 watched as fourteen youth baseball teams paraded on the diamond with the Energize for Excellence STEM marching band. With each passing year, the event grows and now includes a Health, Education, Science Fair and Carnival with pony rides, rock climbing, puppet show and more.

Some in attendance were Cravon Rogers, Sabrina Loeb, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Constable May Walker, Dr. Austin Lane, Judge Ursula Hall, Trustee Wanda Adams, Faye Phillips, Aiesha Odutayo, Dr. Stacey Jones, Congressman Al Green, City Council members Dwight Boykins, Larry Green, and Amanda Edwards.

mwww.stylemagazine.com www.StyleMagazine.com owww.stylemagazine.com c.enizagaMelytS.www

4Feb. 10209 ,16Dec 62 -yFeb. r29 au-rbJan e15, F-4, 02017 22017 2017 yraurbeF 22, Mar. Mar.

B egaP19 19 19

®

®

Get up to

meal deal!

save more than

8 BUY $ 05 in

FREE

items! with in-store coupons

43

with in-store coupons

buy

Coca-Cola

6 pk., .5 L btls. assorted varieties

(Coca-Cola Brand Only)

X

two (2) DiGiorno Frozen Pizzas 17.2 - 34.2 oz. assorted varieties

3 • Nestlé Drumstick

2 L btl. assorted varieties

• Dole Caesar Salad Kit 10 oz. original or light

That’s up to

1.98

$

free!

buy Hill Country Fare Tuna Dinner Kit 5 - 7.6 oz. assorted varieties

That’s up to

70¢

H-E-B Kettle Cooked Chips

Llévatelo

¡gratis!

GET

free! with in-store coupon

Hill Country Fare Chunk Light Tuna in Water

Llévatelo

¡gratis!

buy

GET

Hot Pockets Value Pack

12 ct. assorted varieties

free! with in-store coupon

Sara Lee Regular Cheesecake

17 - 19 oz. assorted varieties That’s up to

$

4.58

free!

buy Nathan’s Hot Dog

11 - 32 oz. assorted varieties

Llévatelo

¡gratis!

GET

free! with in-store coupon

Pepsi 2L btl. assorted varieties (Pepsi Brand Only)

That’s up to

1.67

$

H-E-B Deli Shaved Lunchmeat

16 oz. assorted varieties

Llévatelo

¡gratis!

GET

free! with in-store coupon

H-E-B American Cheese Singles 12 oz. assorted varieties

Prices Good Wednesday, March 8 Thru Tuesday, March 14, 2017 At Your Neighborhood H-E-B Stores.

Mar. 09 - Mar. 15, 2017 www.stylemagazine.com

with in-store coupon

free!

buy

20 20

free!

5 oz.

free!

Some items may not be available in all stores. Items not valid at Central Market. Due to the popularity of our Extra Low Prices Every Day, we reserve the right to limit quantities. Limit Rights Reserved. We Accept Lone Star Card, WIC And Manufacturers’ Coupons. ©2017 HEB, 17-0470 visit www.heb.com

GET

7 - 8.5 oz. assorted varieties

4 ct. assorted varieties

• H-E-B Soft Drink

FREE

11 in 5 items!

$

That’s up to

2.50

$

free!

Llévatelo

¡gratis!