Houston Style Magazine vol 28 No 26

June 22, 2017 - June 28, 2017

Houston Style Magazine Houston’s Premiere Weekly Publication

Volume 28 | Number 26

Complimentary

Jesse Jackson

Trump’s Erratic Foreign Policy Is Putting America at Risk

H-E-B

H-E-B Tops Another List - This Time for the Most Trusted Brand

The Hottest Bridal Trends for 2017 Words By Raegan Boutte

Follow Us #TeamStyleMag

Twitter @HoustonStyle

HAUL 2017 EOD Gala

Instagram @StyleMagazine

Facebook: Houston Style Magazine

AMAC 2017 Conference

Emancipation Park

Hosts Grand Opening and Rededication for Juneteenth

2017 Chevrolet Malibu

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

MEDIA KIT 2017

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Volume 29 | Number 26 | June 22, 2017 - June 28, 2017

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Publisher Francis Page, Jr. Associate Publisher Lisa Valadez

Katherine Johnson

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Managing Editor Jo-Carolyn Goode editorial@stylemagazine.com Social Media Editor/Videographer Reginald Dominique reggiedominique@me.com

NATIONAL WRITERS

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

PHOTOGRAPHERS Vicky Pink vhpink@gmail.com

Eat With Style

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

ADVERTISING/SALES

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Minority Print Media, L.L.C.

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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)

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COMMENTARY

Trump’s Erratic Foreign Policy Is Putting America at Risk

By Jesse Jackson, National Writer

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n his campaign, Donald Trump promised that “we’re going to start winning again.” In office, he has defined winning largely in military terms. His budget decimates the State Department while adding billions to the Pentagon. He boasts that he’s delegated decisions on force levels abroad to the Pentagon.

Secretary of Defense Mike Mattis recently announced that 4,000 more troops would be sent to Afghanistan. Four thousand more troops won’t produce a “win” in Afghanistan. The president has it wrong.

America’s military is already the best in the world. But for America to “start winning,” we need more smart diplomacy, not more smart bombs.

Since coming to office Trump has ratcheted up the use of force. He dropped the “mother of all bombs” on Afghanistan, while adding troops there. He rained cruise missiles on an airbase in Syria, and a U.S. jet recently shot down a Syrian jet in Syrian airspace, a clear act of war. He’s added troops to Iraq and to back rebels in Syria.

He lavished arms and praise on the Saudis, backing up not only their merciless war on Yemen but also their blockade on tiny Qatar.

announcement that the U.S. will sell $12 billion in arms to Qatar makes our policy utterly incoherent.

Not one of these actions will “start America winning.” The war in Afghanistan is in its 16th year. Even Secretary Mattis admits we have no strategy for victory there. Four thousand more troops will add to the violence and the costs. They will help insure we don’t lose, but the war will go on.

In our own hemisphere, Trump has repeatedly acted to worsen relations rather than ease them. He’s insulted the Mexican president and alienated the Canadians, our closest trading partners. When Venezuela descended into desperate hunger, the administration passed up the opportunity to offer humanitarian assistance, and come to the aid of a neighbor in need. With the reversal of Obama’s opening to Cuba, Trump is isolating the U.S. from its neighbors.

In Syria, Trump had suggested on the campaign trail that he would focus on defeating the Islamic State, not on regime change in Syria. That opened the possibility of a working coalition with Russia and Syria against the Islamic State. Instead we’re now clearly at war with Syria as well as the Islamic State.

In the Persian Gulf, we’re backing the Saudi destruction of Yemen, creating a failed state that will mint more terrorists.

And bizarrely, Trump seems to have turned on Qatar, a tiny emirate that is an ally and the site of a vital American air base. The recent

In the State Department, offices on the top floors remain empty. Trump’s budget calls for a 30 percent cut in the department.

At a time when the U.S. desperately needs creative diplomacy -- a combination of the State Department’s professionals and skilled political appointees -- Trump is demoralizing the department, chasing away professionals and scaring away the experts who might lead real change. America is a great nation. Our economy is still one of

the greatest in the world. Our military is unmatched. Our so-called “soft power” -- in culture, language and commerce -- is without rival.

Yet we find ourselves unable to “start winning.” The military is mired in conflicts in the Middle East with no exit and no victory. Trump is alienating our neighbors, even when we should be strengthening our bonds. Our allies are increasingly perturbed by the president’s erratic bluster.

Voters may have thought that Trump the businessman would be a strong negotiator, as he promised. Instead, he’s turned out to be a showman, infatuated with military gestures, scornful of the quiet arts of diplomacy.

He isn’t putting America first; he’s putting America at risk.

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.

Black Caucus Turns Down Follow-up Meeting POLITICAL Congressional with Trump

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By Jennifer Hansler CNN/StyleMagazine.com Newswire

he Congressional Black Caucus on Wednesday declined an invitation for a follow-up meeting with President Donald Trump, blasting his administration’s policies and proposals as detrimental to their constituencies. In a letter addressed to the President, CBC Chairman Rep. Cedric Richmond wrote that “the CBC, and the millions of people we represent, have a lot to lose under your administration.”

administration “on the difficult history of black people in this country, the history of the CBC, and solutions to advance black families in the 21st century.”

“Based on actions taken by you and your administration since that meeting, it appears that our concerns, and your stated receptiveness to them, fell on deaf ears,” the Louisiana Democrat wrote. The letter finds fault with a number of actions taken by members of the Trump administration, “I fail to see how a social gathering which Richmond described as “steps that would benefit the policies we advocate will affirmatively hurt black communities.” for,” he continued.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ rescisOmarosa Manigault, the director of com- sion of prior guidance on mandatory minmunications in the White House Office of imum sentencing, Secretary of Education Public Liaison, had extended an invitation Betsy DeVos’ failure to commit to federal Rep. Cedric Richmond on behalf of the President for a follow-up discrimination protections for LGBTQ Although the entirety of the caucus’ meeting with all 49 members of the caucus students, and the administration’s efforts to “to continue the discussion of issues pre- repeal and replace Obamacare are among membership voted against a meeting, sented in (their) previous meeting.” the catalog of issues cited in the document. Richmond noted that Trump could continue to “solicit the engagement of individual Richmond noted that during the initial Richmond wrote that the CBC “voiced members.”

icies and programs that will make America a more perfect union for all,” the letter concludes. The White House did not have an immediate response to the CBC’s letter.

March 22 meeting, members presented all of these concerns in various forms, most CNN’s Dan Merica contributed to this “The CBC will always be willing to Trump with “a 130-page policy document” them in writing, but have heard nothing engage in discussion and debate abut pol- report. meant to educate the President and his back” from Trump or his Cabinet.

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SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Chicks With Class Is More Than Just Brick and Mortar

By Bell of TotallyRandie.com, Feature Writer

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think it is safe to say that we have so many issues going on in the world that we can rarely focus on just one. There’s food shortages, illness, old age, death, terrorism, political unrest, and more that challenges humans on a daily basis. Because of this our youth, our future, can get lost in the turmoil.

Adults are “adulting,” or at least trying to, and it becomes harder and harder to raise healthy/mentally healthy children. This is why businesses like Chicks With Class are so important.

Margo Jordan-Baines knows all too well what it’s like to grow in a world full of negativity. Growing up, she often prayed for a positive and effective way to impact youth.

In college, God gave her the answer with Chicks With Class.

Originally, Jordan-Baines targeted her peers but then realize the best impact could be made if she reached back to the younger generation. Her thoughts were to infused positivity in young girls so they could grow into positive women. Thus the mission for Chicks With Class was born - empower, ed-

ucate, and entertain girls all over the world.

Chicks With Class is a girls’ empowerment company that celebrates style and education.

The company provides fun, educational, and motivating opportunities for young girls to grow. Predominately geared towards young girls, Chicks With Class is helping preteens make that awkward transition to teens beautifully and molding teens into intelligent, responsible women.

“I created Chicks With Class to allow young girls to see their beauty from within.

I have always been passionate about giving girls an outlet to embrace their beauty and feel empowered,” said Margo Baines-Jordan, Chicks With Class Owner.

Margo Jordan-Baines first pre-teen/teen day spa. Young girls will now Chicks With Class started small hosting a have a stationary place of their own to come variety of engaging pre-teen/teen brunches together and talk about body image, fears, trials, and workshops and coupling that with an and accomplishments. array of mobile spa services for young girls between the ages of 9-18 with endless opporThe spot will also serve as a place to schedule tunities to prepare teens for their future. NowT:10.75” Girls’ Day Out, Pampering Parties, Etiquette the mobile business is getting some solid Sessions, Sunday Fundays, or host an event. foundation by becoming a brick and mortar Baines-Jordan and her team pulled back the establishment officially opening Houston’s curtain for the grand opening of Chicks With

Make “the perfect new home for us” happen New neighborhood. Bigger house. Closer commute. Whatever your reason for buying your first or next home, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

You’ll have personal support, low down payment options, and online resources to help you find the right loan—and enjoy your new home for years to come.

Class in a major way. The event was hosted

by Disney Star Trinitee Stokes of K.C. Undercover and also featured actress and author Alena Pitts, author and entrepreneur Lauren Galley, H2, Rising Stars, Royal Duchess Step Team, and Sisters of Unity Step Team. Guests also enjoyed brunch while meeting pre-teens/ teens who have conquered their fears while becoming a Chick With Class!

Call: 1-888-424-4943 Explore your options at: wellsfargo.com/yournewhome

Information is accurate as of date of printing and is subject to change without notice. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2017 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801

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LOCAL & STATE BRIEFS

Floor of the State Capitol

Laquita Lewis and Daughter

Houston Votes to Join Others in Lawsuit CPS Under Investigation After Girl is Over New Immigration Law, Senate Bill 4 Killed Following Reunion with Mother [Texas Tribune]

[Fox26Houston.com]

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he largest city in Texas will join San Antonio, Dallas, Austin and other local governments in a lawsuit against the state’s new immigration enforcement law. The Houston City Council voted 10-6 to join the lawsuit, which was filed last month against Gov. Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton. The suit takes aim at Senate Bill 4, an anti-“sanctuary cities” measure set to take effect Sept. 1 that allows local law enforcement to question the immigration status of people they legally detain or arrest and punishes officials who don’t cooperate with federal immigration agents by turning over immigrants. With Houston signing on, the four largest cities in Texas will all be party to the lawsuit against the state.

Follow Us #TeamStyleMag

Hector Rodriguez

Texas Teacher is Co-Director of State’s First Latino Comic Con [McKinney Courier-Gazette]

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y day, Hector Rodriguez appears to simply be a typical McKinney ISD fifth-grade reading teacher, but this unassuming everyman has a unique pastime. While he’s no masked crusader, Rodriguez does write about them. Most recently, when he’s not creating sticky situations for his comic book character, Mexican justice fighter El Peso Hero, Rodriguez has been planning the first-ever Texas Latino Comic Con, a free convention set for July 29 at the Latino Cultural Arts Center in Dallas. For information, visitriobravocomics.com.

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n investigation is underway to figure out if more could haven been done to protect the 4-year-old little girl who was killed, allegedly by her own mother. Laquita Lewis made her first court appearance after undergoing a mental evaluation. The judge charged Lewis with Capital Murder for allegedly stabbing her little girl to death on Father’s Day. Lewis was denied bail but some wonder why she wasn’t denied regaining custody of her daughter. Lewis lost custody of her daughter and three siblings in November after threatening to kill her son. Her ex-husband was given custody of the kids. However, CPS returned the 4-year-old to the mother.

Twitter @HoustonStyle

Metrorail

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Houston Health Department Introduce New Village Green Station [Style Magazine Newswire]

f you don’t pay, you will definitely pay.

That’s what METRO reminded riders when they issued 3,000 citations in the month of May alone. METRO conducted more than half a million fare inspections on the rail which led to the large number of citations issued. The standard cost of a fare is $1.25, but riders caught trying to cheat the system will be issued a citation and a $75 fine. Riders can expect METRO’s effort to crack down on violations to continue, as new fare inspectors are being trained. The METRO Police Department has added a shift to help increase authority presence along the system.

Instagram @StyleMagazine

Rep. Lloyd Doggett

Village Green Logo

METRO Cracks Down On Fare Violations [ABC13.com]

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Dr. Ruth Simmons

Supreme Court Case On Partisan Dr. Ruth Simmons, Ph.D. Named PresGerrymandering Could Touch Texas ident of Prairie View A&M University [San Antonio Express News] [PVAMU.edu]

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f the U.S. Supreme Court limits partisan gerrymandering in a Wisconsin case it has agreed to hear this fall, efforts could be restricted and potentially give Democrats at least two more congressional seats in Texas, experts say. The Wisconsin case turns on whether Republicans in that state gave their party too much of an advantage in drawing districts for their state assembly.

A federal court panel last year ruled that they did. The high court is taking up the Wisconsin case in the wake of a ruling by a federal court panel in Texas in another suit claiming that three congressional districts drawn in 2011 by the Republican-dominated Legislature violated the Voting Rights Act by diluting minority voting strength.

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he City of Houston’s Health Department, the John P. McGovern Museum of Health & Medical Science and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently unveiled the nation’s eighth Village Green Station during a ceremony in Houston, Texas. The project is a community-based activity to demonstrate the capabilities of new real-time monitoring technology for residents and citizen scientists to learn about local air quality. This particular bench builds on the innovative technology from previous generation projects and will track weather, ozone, fine particles (PM 2.5), total volatile organic compounds (tVOC), black carbon and nitrogen dioxide.

Many of these air pollutants are harmful to human health.

r. Ruth Simmons, an accomplished university president with administrative experience in Ivy League schools, a women’s university and a historically black college, has been named interim President of Prairie View A&M University. Dr. Simmons, who retired as president of Brown University in 2012, will assume her duties July 1, following the June 12 announcement by Prairie View A&M President George Wright that he is stepping down after 14 years to return to teaching history.

Since retiring, Dr. Simmons said she had turned down other offers, but Prairie View A&M University appealed to her because of its history, its significance and its mission as well as the fact that her brother attended the university.

Katherine Johnson

Miss Black Texas’ Arrest Was Not Racially Motivated, Investigation Finds [DallasNews.com]

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new elementary school in Greenville, Texas will soon bear the name of Hidden Figures’ Katherine G. Johnson. The former NASA mathematician’s story of calculating flight trajectories for the first U,S, human spaceflight program was brought to life in the award winning film. Residents of Greenville voted in an online survey to name the school after Johnson and now the Greenville ISD Board will follow through with the naming of the school after Johnson. The school will be named the Katherine G. Johnson STEM Academy.

BUSINESS BRIEFS Chevy Bolt

Chevy Bolt EV Named Top Safety Pick [CNN/StyleMagazine.com Newswire]

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he Chevrolet Bolt EV, General Motor’s new electric compact car, was named a Top Safety Pick by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. It’s the only electric vehicle car to currently hold that distinction. The Insurance Institute is a private auto safety group financed by the insurance industry. It performs its own crash tests, which are different from those required by the federal government.

In order to get the Top Safety Pick Award, a car must get top marks in all five of the Institute’s impact safety tests, including two different front crash tests, side impact tests, rollover protection tests and rear-impact whiplash protection tests. It’s a distinction held by dozens of car models but, for the last three years, not by any fully electric cars.

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H-E-B

Amazon

Career Webpages

Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg

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Does Amazon Have the Cure to Fix Whole Foods’ Retail Woes?

[Fooddrive.com]

mazon’s $13.7 billion purchase of Whole Foods buys many things: a key entry point into the grocery business, a collection of stores from which it can evolve its e-commerce footprint and an opportunity to gather valuable shopper data it could use to further disrupt the $800 billion food retail industry. It also brings a troubled retailer into the fold.

For all the advantages Amazon potentially brings, there is looming uncertainty as to how much an online giant that has never run a grocery company will be able to help an inefficient, slow-to-adapt retailer with 460 stores and a major pricing problem.

According to sources interviewed by Food Dive, Amazon could do a lot to improve Whole Foods’ operations, given that it is strong in many areas where Whole Foods has struggled.

Twitter @HoustonStyle

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Nike

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areerWebPages, LLC has announced the launch of its employment portal website that will allow the public to search for jobs. They have more than 800,000 jobs listed on their website and growing… And the public can register, search, apply and receive job alerts free of charge on any mobile device. Their business is based around improving employment prospects for jobseekers and they do this via their tailored website, where users can define their career goals. “We know it can be difficult to find employment in your chosen industry. Through our extensive work with employers, we have developed a database of job opportunities which are constantly being updated,” said Benjamin Meyers, founder of careerwebpages.com.

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H-E-B Tops Another List Nike Could Start This Time for the Most Trusted Brand Selling Directly on Amazon [Fooddrive.com] [CNN/StyleMagazine.com Newswire]

-E-B was ranked as the most trusted brand by U.S. consumers, tied with Mercedes-Benz, according to a ranking by the Temkin Group. The grocer joins some other interesting companies that placed near the top of the list, including rental car companies, credit unions and insurance providers. Other supermarkets making the Top 20 include Publix, Wegmans, Trader Joe’s and AmazonFresh. The list is based on a consumer study by the Temkin Group, which gathered feedback on recent interactions with companies based on the question: “To what degree do you trust that these companies will take care of your needs?” Companies were rated on a scale of 1 (do not trust at all) to 7 (completely trust).

New Black-Owned Employment Portal Launches [BlackNews.com]

ike could be ready to cut out the middleman and start selling directly on Amazon.com, according to a Goldman Sachs analyst report. The sportswear brand’s products can already be found on Amazon via unlicensed and licensed third-party vendors. But Nike is now reportedly nearing a deal to open up its own shop on the e-commerce giant’s website.

Goldman analysts expect the move could benefit Nike by giving it direct control over “how its brand is presented’ on Amazon and expand its “access to Millennial shoppers” who favor the site. The report also estimates a possible deal could boost Nike’s wholesale revenue by $300 million to $500 million annually. It would be a welcome sales hike for Nike, which has suffered a rough few months.

usic artist Dr. Dre has announced a pledge to donate $10 million to help build a perform-

ing arts complex at the new Compton High School, in Compton, California. The music mogul strongly identifies with the town he grew up in so he supports it heavily. His goal is provide kids with tools for learning. He is doing that by building a performing arts center for them to be creative. The center will have state-of-the-art equipment and technology and will double as a community resource.

Construction is expected to begin in 2020.

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SEARS

Sears Canada Files for Bankruptcy [CNN/StyleMagazine Newswire]

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Dr. Dre Invests $10 Million in Compton Students’ Future [BlackEnterprise.com]

ears Canada filed for bankruptcy early Thursday, making it the latest casualty of the crisis among traditional brick-and-mortar retailers.

It’s also another sign of trouble for the iconic retailer. Sears Canada, which has more than 200 stores and about 17,000 employees, was spun-off as an independent company in 2012. But the filing is still bad news for Sears Holdings, which owns both the Sears and Kmart brands in the United States.

Sears Holdings still owns 12% of its shares. Sears Holdings CEO and principal shareholder Eddie Lampert, who has been struggling to keep the company afloat amid its own mounting losses, owns a total of 45% of Sears Canada

Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo Donates $50,000 for El Paso-Area Revotalization Efforts [BusinessWire.com]

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ells Fargo & Company announced a total of $500,000 in donations to four local nonprofits to help revitalize El Paso neighborhoods through the Wells Fargo NeighborhoodLIFT®program.

Identified in collaboration with City of El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser, the Wells Fargo NeighborhoodLIFT local initiative grants for will provide support for economic and workforce development, health and wellness and housing rehabilitation. To date, NeighborhoodLIFT has created about two dozen homeowners in El Paso, and more than 1,000 in Texas, by offering homebuyer education plus matching down payment assistance grants up to $7,500.

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LOCAL

Four Area Girls Earn Highest Award for Girl Scouting

By Jo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor

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our young ladies’ acts of community service were so grand that they were deemed golden. Jade Bryant, Codi Fillmore, Milan Parris, and Regan Williams have just earned the highest award a Girl Scout can receive, The Gold Award, putting them in an elite group since less than 6% of Girl Scouts worldwide have received this distinction.

Bryant looked at the high risks of premature births in the Houston and Galveston areas.

Through community partnerships with the March of Dimes Houston Chapter and other donations, Bryant held four seminars with guest speakers to provide audiences with information on the precautions every female of childbearing age should take to carry a baby full term.

Earning the Gold Award is no small fete, as girls pursuing the award must commit to completing a challenging service project that will have a lasting impact on their greater community. Called a “Take Action” project, it must reach beyond the scope of the organization and provide a sustainability benefit to the world. On average, most girls take one to two years to complete their projects. Those who are successful at earning the award have found great rewards for themselves personally and professionally.

Allowing her passion for fitness to be her guide Gold Award recipient Fillmore decided to target the health of teen girls for her project. I am always running around trying to pursue a healthy lifestyle and I wanted others to do the same,” said Fillmore. Under her project called “Healthy Girls Rock,” she held several workshops where she promoted the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.

Holding personal training sessions, utilizing exercises she uses to keep her own body in check, Fillmore taught teen girls the importance of exercising and eating healthy to ensure that they become healthy adults.

Gold Award recipient Bryant’s inquisitive mind helped guide her to the topic of her project. “I was born prematurely myself so I really wanted to understand more about how I was born prematurely and in that, I discovered why not help others in the process of learning,” said Bryant. With a project entitled “Premature Birth Awareness,”

With two siblings before her already having earned the highest awards in Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, Parris knew earning the Gold Award was a must for her. However picking a project was a bit more challenging since she had volunteered so regularly with

different organizations that her interests were all over the place. But she knew she loved kids and wanted to know more about gardening. Merging the two thoughts, Parris started an Organic & Sustainable Teaching Garden for at-risk students in an after-school program. Collecting gardening supplies from feed stores Parris was able to teach the students how to nurture and care for a garden. Not only did students get their hands dirty in caring for their garden but they also expanded their minds with knowledge on gardening with the library that Parris was able to form at the school where they worked. Parris was also able to get a custom potting bench to be donated to complete the entire look of the garden.

She executed this mission by holding several workshops with community partners to host fashion shows so girls could see and learn the dos and don’ts of what not to wear.

Anyone who knows Gold Award recipient Williams knows that she enjoys sketch drawing and sewing fashion designs.

Having this eye for design and fashion, Williams’ keen on how young girls are not always appropriately dress for various events and places.

Other highlights of the Court of Awards Ceremony for Troop #2101 were the recognition of four of the troop’s graduating seniors – Zoe Marshall, Ashley Cosby, Michaela Homer and Nia Palmer.

She merged these two ideas for her project called “Let’s Redefine Fleek.” Williams said, “I want young girls around everywhere to learn how to dress correctly for certain events and places that they will go in life.”

Earning the Gold Award is already special enough but adding to the grandeur of ceremony for these Girl Scouts was that of the first African American national president of the Girl Scouts of USA, Dr. Gloria Scott, as their keynote speaker. With a message that “girls can do anything,” Dr. Scott gave a history of Girl Scouting and let the girls know that the meaningful projects that they do in scouting help them to live up to the Girl Scout Promise of protecting the environment because “that’s what saves us.”

The girls of Troop #2101 are lead by Ernie Carter Howard, Valerie Barnett, Jennifer Brown, Gabrielle Carter, Loren McCray, Jeannae Mccray Sims, Dr. Carla Ortique, and Andrea Simon. They meet regularly at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, where Rev. Dr. Marcus D. Cosby is the pastor.

Miss Caribbean United States Promoting Economic Growth for Caribbean Pride By Kelsey Whittington, Feature Writer or many women being a beauty queen have more in common than we think,” said

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and living in the spotlight is something we all secretly dream. Fortunately for Zoe Cadore, she does not have to dream it, as it is her reality. After grabbing the local title, Cadore competed nationally to become the first Houstonian to win the coveted title of Miss Caribbean United States.

Cadore With this new opportunity, Cadore wants to encourage young Caribbeans to seek economic and entrepreneurial opportunities in the Caribbean through her platform titled

CARIH: Caribbean Americans Reinvesting in Their Homelands. It is no secret that many come to the United States for a better “I want to ensure that Caribbean-Amer- life, but unfortunately very few bring back icans continue to thrive as a people and those resources to the Caribbean, something maintain a sense of community within the that Cadore hopes she is able to change.

United States,” said the newly crowned Cadore, I understand and appreciate that I “It is important to promote Caribbean am the descendant of a people that survived pride so that Caribbean-Americans everythe horrors of slavery and colonization while where can have a sense of inclusion. Because maintaining their culture and heritage. I am most Caribbean-Americans can trace their the descendant of a strong and resilient peo- families back to a specific country, this ple that hold dear the values of family, faith allows them to have a better understanding and the mentality of enjoying and living life of their culture and ancestry outside of what to the fullest.” is taught or omitted in American history The title of Miss Caribbean United States books. Caribbeans have contributed greatly can be compared to other national titles such to the world through our food, dances, music, as Miss USA or Miss America but has a pur- natural resources, and dances. pose to not only promote the culture but also to empower every one of Caribbean descent.

Additionally, our celebrations such as Carnival have captivated audiences worldwide Cadore has made history by being the first and our landscapes serve as global vacation woman from the South and the first person destinations. Understanding and recognizing of Guyanese descent to hold this title as well these truths can perennially motivate all of as the 15th Miss Caribbean United States. “I us to continue the legacy of being global want to use this opportunity to bridge the gap leaders, innovators, and influencers,” said between the Caribbean and the Black com- Cadore. Along with her national platform, munity in Houston. We are very divided and Cadore also wants to show young girls that

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June 22 - June 28, 2017 www.stylemagazine.com

Zoe Cadore you can be a beauty queen and also be smart.

Aside from being a beauty queen, Cadore You don’t have to choose one over the other. is also a two-time college graduate. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Spelman College To promote her platforms Cadore will as well as a Law degree from University of make numerous appearances at different Houston Law Center. In addition, she is a events for National Caribbean American Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Heritage Month, which has taken place ev- Fellow on Capitol Hill where she focuses on ery June since 2005. She will also make an Energy and Environmental Policy. appearance at Houston’s Annual Caribbean Festival which will take place July 4-9. The Keep up with Cadore’s reign and upcoming festival will feature authentic Caribbean food projects by following @queen_esquire and and music while booming with Caribbean @misscaribbeabunitedstates on social media. pride.

REAL ESTATE

To Buy or To Rent? That is the Question. Love and Real Estate

By TaMeka C. Martin, Special to Style

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s we enter into the summer, love is in the air. And with love come engagements and weddings. After saying yes to the ring and I do to the love of one’s life, the next important question for couples to ponder is “Babe, should we buy a house or rent one?”

As a realtor with the Unyielding Realty Group - Keller Williams Professionals, I get this question all the time, well, without the babe of course.

We all know there are many factors involved in purchasing a home. Home ownership is one of the single most expensive investments people make in their lifetime.

home - Mental preparation, financial preparation, and physical preparation.

Mental Preparation. You have to have the right mindset. Investing in a home is a big commitment and a huge mental undertaking.

Coexisting and dealing with the decisions and demands of home ownership will require compromise and collaboration. Have you done your research on neighborhoods?

School districts?

Financial Preparation. Ask yourselves: Are we financially ready to invest in a home? What factors affect our interest rate?

What’s my credit score? Do we have money for a down payment?

As a committed couple, you have already made the investment in love with each other.

What are the factors that will contribute to you investing in property with each other?

Should you rent or buy?

Are we secure in our careers? Investing in a home requires upfront cost such as down payment, inspection fees, appraisal fees, etc.

As well as ongoing cost, mortgage payment, home insurance, home maintenance, etc.

Preparation is key in taking the initial steps Physical Preparation. Investing in a home to establish your first home. Let’s explore takes physical toughness. Couples (along three factors to consider when investing in a with their family and friends as volunteer

TaMeka Chopp Martin movers) will most definitely need some muscle to move boxes, paint rooms, and fix household items. These are just a few of the things that will require physical toughness. Do you have the skills?

To rent or to buy? That is the question. In Houston’s current market, if you plan to stay put for at least two years and you’re mentally, financially, and physically prepared then it’s a

great time to buy. If you are still contemplating the answers, then you may need to reflect and evaluate your options into renting or some other means. Before making your final decision consultant a real estate professional.

For more advice on real estate, contact me at tamekacmartin@kw.com, Instagram: @ UnyieldingRealtyGroup.

Free HIV testing

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at select Walgreens June 27, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

June 28, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

For testing sites, visit greaterthan.org/Walgreens.

We can help you stay healthy.

The first step is knowing your status. *Testing provided by health departments and AIDS organizations. ©2017 Walgreen Co. All rights reserved. | 487328-368

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FEATURE HBRW: Serving Up Black Businesses as the Main Dish

The Hottest Bridal Trends for 2017

By Raegan Boutte, Feature Writer

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as your mailbox been flooded with wedding invitations this month? There is a reason for that. The simple answer is it is wedding season and June is the most popular month to get hitch. What is not so popular are traditional weddings. Brides and grooms are getting creative with their nuptials to showcase their unique personalities on their special day. This creativity has spawn some very interesting trends with fashion, cake, flowers, and all the bells and whistles of a wedding.

One of the hottest and most talked about subjects in the industry is bridal fashion. Everyone always wants to know what the bride wore. Hence, brides put a lot of focus on their wedding day look focusing the most attention on their wedding dress.

You may be asking yourself what’s hot in bridal fashions right now? It seems skin is in or should I say out. Brides are choosing to show a little skin with plunging necklines, low backs, off the shoulder and more. Deciding which style is right for you can be a bit confusing. Allow Houston Style to help ease your tension by breaking down all the fabulous bridal fashion trends of 2017. We have compiled some of the biggest bridal trends to look out for when you’re going wedding dress shopping this season. Featured de10 10

signers include Hailey Paige, Galia Lahav, InBal Dror, David’s Bridal, Emilia, Zuhair Murd, and Elie Saab.

1. Off the shoulder and romantic shoulder lines - The sheer elegance of an off-the-shoulder gown is just that. It’s classic, romantic, and shows off the bride’s feminine side with just a touch of skin and peek-a-boo kissable shoulder. This style is most liked by classic brides. The 2017 version comes with an illusion twist or wrap effect.

2 Plunging necklines – Brides are baring it all by taking it low. Giving off major sex appeal, this bridal trend is loved by brides who want to show off what they have been blessed with in the chest region. Brides are in love with being sexy this year and many designers are featuring this look dipping all the way to the natural waist. Wow!

brighter as all eyes are on her but also looks amazing in photos. What bride doesn’t want to feel like her dress is a romantic floral fairy tale?

4 Illusion lace head-to-toe – Forget about lace as paper dollies from yesteryear when it was thought of as old and dated and move into the new century. Lace has been revamped that grandma may want to close eyes. Illusion lace takes the fabric to another level to add a bit of sexy- edginess and give off a modern feel.

5 Sheer touches - Sheer is huge and in demand by the modern bride. A bride pulling this look off tends to be extremely confident with her body and doesn’t mind all the attention she will get. Soft and sheer fabrics don’t hide anything and really highlight the bride’s silhouette. I recommend this 3 Romantic 3D floral embellishments – Floral style for a traditional cathedral wedding but the accents are the entire rave this year as brides aren’t bride that dons a sheer wedding gown has nothing just holding their bouquet as they walked down the traditional about her. aisle but also wearing them. Using the inspiration of floral decorative 3D paper walls, designers are 6 Separates - Traditionally gowns have been adding these embellishments to bridal gowns to one-piece. But that has gone out the window as bring brides in bloom. The effect is heavenly and brides show their waistlines. Separates allow the enchanting. Not only does it make the bride glow bride to really let loose and have fun when attend-

June 22 - June 28, 2017 www.stylemagazine.com

FEATURE

ing their receptions as they are not constricted.

Fabrics are movable to allow the bride to be free.

Whether the bride selects a 2-piece top and skirt or pantsuit, she will be comfortable and beautiful to leave her wedding and dance the night away at the after party.

7 Bows – I’m not talking about Minnie Mouse bows here. Bows are not just for little girls’ ponytails. Designers are placing giant structural bows across the backs and necklines of gowns to create a dramatic stunning effect that brides love.

8 Lingerie inspired - Gowns that make you go Oh My! This is not for the shy bride. Lingerie inspired looks includes naked lace to beaded, textured and silk fabrics that drape the body leaving nothing imagined. This look works for the bride that dares to go there and for a groom confidant enough to watch his bride bring her

sexy bedroom out.

in Houston.

3. Ivory Bride Atelier - Owned by sisters Ronit and Sharon Levy, this small fashionable bridal salon located on West Avenue offers brides personalized service you wont get at larger salons.

So now that I’ve given you the run down on what’s hot your next question is where to find these gowns. I enlisted the help of Decline Hagley, wedding planner and event extraordinaire of Fabulous Beginnings By Delcina & Co. Delcina knows her brides and has been successfully con4 Olivia’s Bridal House – Owner Nicole sulting brides for the last 10 years. Each salon Derrick caters to brides with curves carrying mentioned has been tried and tested. Here is a sample sizes for plus sized brides. list of the Best in bridal boutiques and fashion houses that Houston has to offer in town.

A few tips that I picked up when shopping for wedding gowns is to not go on the weekends. ​ 1. Weddings by Debbie - Whether your bud- Stores are too crowded and brides won’t get that get is $1,000 to $10,000, Weddings by Debbie extra special treatment. Keep your entourage can help you pick your perfect gown. small for less stress. Too many people means too many opinions and can leave the bride 2. Mia Bridal Salon – Located in River Oaks, overwhelmed. And if you need extra help conthis smaller salon specializes in bridal designs tact Delcina Hagley to set up an appointment at that you won’t traditionally find anywhere else Fabulous Beginnings, fabbeginnings.com.

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HEALTH

Wedding Weight Loss Tips

By BlackDoctor.Org

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omen about to walk down that aisle are very well known for doing some pretty extreme things to slim down for their big day, from the Master Cleanse, to eating bizarre food combinations, to drastically reducing their calories in general. Even more extreme, there has been recent news of brides-to-be wiring their mouths shut or resorting to the K-E Diet, where a feeding tube is used to slowly drip 800 calories of protein, water and fat from the nose, down the esophagus and directly into the person’s stomach every day for up to 10 days.

Dangerous Effects Of Dramatic Weight Loss. Yes, any and all of these measures can result in quick and dramatic weight loss, but the downside is that, because these are all temporary fixes, the weight loss not only will not be long-term, but in many cases, will re-appear quickly, sometimes along with a few extra pounds.

Aside from these diets being non-permanent solutions, medical experts also are alarmed by the extreme dangers that these women are putting themselves at risk for What’s The Right Way To Lose Wedding Weight? A bride wanting to lose pounds before the wedding should actually start a

weight loss program at least 10 weeks before the wedding date, says Heather Mangieri, a registered dietitian and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Some people, especially with those with more than 20 pounds to lose, can safely lose more. Experts agree that eventually things will level out to 1 to 2 pounds a week for the average person.

two snacks or all mini meals. Eating regularly for lunch; and broiled salmon with steamed helps to maintain stable blood sugar and control spinach for dinner. A snack may be nonfat, hunger. plain Greek yogurt, which contains more protein than traditional yogurt.

Stop eating out. Eat all of your meals at home if possible, suggests Keri Gans, a regisStart dinner with a non-starchy vegetatered dietitian and author of The Small Change ble. Non-starchy vegetables, such as tomato Diet. That way, you can control portion size or cucumber slices, baby carrots, sugar snap and how food is prepared (without a half-stick peas, and broth-based vegetable soup (withof butter, for example). Remember this is only out pasta, rice, or beans) help make you feel Last-Minute Diet Tips That Experts Can temporary, she says. fuller, faster.

Agree On. Don’t Forget To Exercise. Try sculpting Drink the right drinks. Drink as much waEat a low-carb diet. There is no question ter as you can. Naturally fruit-flavored bottled your body faster by doing high-intensity that low-carb diets work well. But experts water is OK. She also suggests drinking 1 to interval training workouts. Power-circuit caution against eating too few carbs, and 2 cups of plain green tea before or with lunch training—a superset of four to six different advise brides to consume between 50 and or dinner. Green tea has been shown to boost exercises with no rest in between—is the 75 grams per day to safely speed up weight metabolism. preferred method of Jackie Warner, celebrity loss. This can be achieved by eating lean trainer and author of 10 Pounds in 10 Days. protein, leafy greens, and healthy fats, such Eliminate sugar and artificial sweeten- She recommends doing the workout five as nuts and seeds (watch the portions), and ers. Artificial sweeteners can intensify sugar times a week for 20 to 40 minutes. cutting back on processed grains, dairy, soy, cravings, making it harder to resist temptation. sugar (including fruit sugar), and starchy Also, there are studies that have shown that Ask For Expert Help. A personal trainer vegetables. artificial sweeteners may somehow affect the can help you design an effective exercise body’s ability to lose weight efficiently. routine that’s right for you, while a regisEat more often. Yes, you read that right! tered dietitian can help you design a senEat five or six times a day, spaced out every Eat protein with meals. Protein fuels your sible plan that will result in a slimmer but two, three, or four hours, says Amira Lamb, metabolism and helps you stay full. Try an egg- still healthy-looking body. Experts can also a holistic nutritionist and personal trainer white omelet with vegetables for breakfast; a help keep you motivated, challenged and in New York. This can be three meals and large vegetable salad with shrimp or chicken accountable.

Juneteenth heritage Celebration

ealth

isparities ducation,

wareness,

esearch &

HDEART CONSORTIUM

raining

15th Annual

Disparities in Health in America: Working Toward Social Justice Summer Workshop in Houston, TX

June 19-24, 2017 VENUE Shell Auditorium

Saturday, June 24, 2017 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Jones Graduate School of Business

Workshop Co-Sponsor, Venue & IT Support

HDEART’s Academic Home & Workshop Co-Sponsor

A celebration of African American Heritage and Culture of the Brazos Valley

PROGRAM CHAIR LOVELL A. JONES, PH.D., FHDR PROGRAM CO-CHAIRS E. LISAKO J. MCKYER, PH.D., MPH, FAAHB HEATHER HONORE GOLTZ, PH.D., LMSW BRIDGETT GORMAN, PH.D.

Workshop Goal: Provide a comprehensive understanding of health disparities, to investigate approaches to enhancing health equity, and to provide participants with a broad base of knowledge related to a biopsychosocial approach in addressing health disparities in a minority and the medically underserved populations

To Register, and for Housing, Travel Scholarships Information

www.hdeartconsortium.org Academic Credit

Arrangements for academic Credit can be provided to Health Disparities, Education, Awareness, Research and Training (HDEART) Consortium member students (Texas A&M University, Rice, TSU, UH, UHD, PVAMU, UT Southwestern Medical Center, UT Austin, UTMB Galveston, Texas A&M University Corpus Christi, University of Houston, UHD, UTHSC-Houston, Baylor College of Medicine, University of Florida, University of Miami, Morehouse School of Medicine and more (see website for full list of member institutions) who register for a “Special Topic Elective” at their respective institution and obtain approval from their departmental faculty advisor. Upon completion of the full six day Summer Workshop, a “Certificate of Attendance” will be given to each student and upon satisfying of individual institutional requirements, 3:0 academic semester credit units or equivalent will be awarded.

For info, contact Jon Failor at 936-878-2214 or jon.failor@tpwd.texas.gov

SOME OF OUR PLANITUM SPONSORS

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June 22 - June 28, 2017 www.stylemagazine.com

AUTO Recharge Your Style in the

2017 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid

G

as Saver? Check! Spacious?

Check! Reasonably Price? Check!

All of that and so much more is offered in the all new 2017 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid. The all new Malibu delivers much substance beyond its shapely styling, from the quiet cabin and generous backseat to the comfortable ride and easy driving.

And with the hybrid version, the Malibu delivers best-in-class fuel economy based vehicle testing. Here’s a quick rundown of what we like, what we don’t and the bottom line from Reggie’s auto report!

Through our gracious clients at General Motors, I was able to get behind the wheel of this, simply put, AWESOME VECHILE for a weeklong review. Of course, these days it is all about the gas mileage. I noticed on the highway, the hybrid returned an impressive 49 mpg.

And thanks to its immediate electric torque, the hybrid also had a slightly quicker acceleration than the previously tested Malibu Hybrid. After speaking with several hybrid owners, their main concern was a lack of acceleration. I was told more than once, “Those cars just don’t pick up fast enough.”

Well, with the 2017 Malibu Hybrid, that is not a worry! Let’s talk about this RIDE! The Malibu Hybrid proves every bit as comfortable of a ride as it competitors, the Toyota Camry and Subaru Legacy. Of course, driving in Houston we all know our roads can get a little bumpy.

Well, here’s a plus - the Chevy Malibu absorbs bumps very well and remains composed for the driver.

It definitely makes the driving experience more pleasurable. Inside, you will find that the interior is uncluttered and has straightforward controls labeled with large fonts.

By Reginald Dominique, Social Media and Video Editor

The perfect example of “Simplicity is Key!” The infotainment system is one of the easiest to use through either the touchscreen or steering wheel controls or an instrument cluster. It’s also compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Although the standard vehicle price is $27,770, our tested 2017 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid had an M.S.R.P. of $28,735.00.

A few vehicle highlights included a very sleek exterior design with progressive design cues, sweeping LED headlamps and dramatic side curves.

Also, enhanced Chevrolet MyLink comes with a standard 7-inch-diagonal color touch screen with an 8-inch system available. The OnStar with 4G LTE connectivity and a standard, built-in Wi-Fi hotspot was the icing on the cake. Safety features included ten standard airbags and teen driver warning alert (when the vehicle is traveling at predetermined speeds an alert goes to parents as well as a report to allow them to review driving reports).

The driver confidence package included city-speed front automatic braking, front pedestrian braking, IntelliBeam front/rear park assist, and side blind zone alert with lane change alert, to name a few.

Chevy Malibu

This was my second experience behind the wheel of a hybrid vehicle and it was not only fun but also informative. After learning about the different components that make up a hybrid car, I look at them completely different now. If you are in the market for a trendy vehicle and want to save money at the gas pump while being eco-friendly, the 2017 Chevrolet Malibu is highly recommended.

For more information, visit www.Chevrolet.com or visit your nearest Chevrolet dealership!

© 2016 UNIVERSAL STUDIOS

Chevy Malibu

CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR STARTS FRIDAY, JUNE 30 THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES

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EAT WITH STYLE

South African Winemaker Ntsiki Biyela Debuts Aslina Wine Collection

By Destany Rainey, Feature Writer

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tsiki Biyela, South Africa’s first black female wine creator, debuted her new wine collection, Aslina, in Houston recently. Four wines are included in the Aslina collection - Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and a Bordeaux blend.

Biyela introduced all of her blends to a packed crowd as she shared background information about her stardom in the wine industry. Growing up in Africa’s Kwazulu-Natal province, Biyela was unfamiliar with vineyards and the study of grapes.

However, in 1998, she was granted a winemaking scholarship that allowed her the opportunity to study viticulture and oenology, the study of grapes and winemaking, at Stellenbosch University in South Africa.

Biyela faced a serious obstacle while at the university, telling guests her lectures were all delivered in Afrikaans, a language affiliated with black oppression during the apartheid era, and a language she did not speak. “I realized in life language is not a barrier,” she said. Biyela overcame the challenge and went on to graduate from Stellenbosch.

After graduating, Biyela started her career in the wine industry at South Africa’s Stellekaya Winery in 2004. Here Biyela became South Africa’s first black female winemaker, received an award for her first red wine, and worked her way up to being the head winemaker. In 2009, Biyela was named South Africa’s Woman Winemaker of the Year.

Biyela left Stellekaya in 2016 to create her own wine collection, Aslina, which is named after her grandmother. “When I was 22, I knew I wanted my own company,” Biyela said.

Entering the wine industry, Biyela faced new challenges being a female in a male-dominated industry. “As a woman, you find yourself having to prove that you’re capable of doing the same as men in the industry,” she said.

Biyela has learned that she has to do lots of footwork to make herself noticeable in the wine industry.

“See and be seen,” she told guests.

Biyela travels globally visiting different winemakers to remain familiar with the industry.

“In any career, it is important to empower yourself so that you can grow,” she said.

Biyela also mentors students looking to work in the wine industry.

“We recruit students, we train them, and then we give them job placement,” she added.

The four wines in the Aslina collection include white wine blends, which are the first for Biyela, coming from Stellekaya’s red wine focus. Biyela ages her wines from 11-16 months, depending on the type. She tasted all of her wines to determine the Ntsiki Biyela proper aging time. and surrounding cities, as well as nationally,” Branwar Wines CEO Wayne Luckett All of the grapes used for Aslina wines said. come from the Stellenbosh vineyard in South Africa.

Branwar Wines is a top distributor of South African wines in Houston. The comDistribution pany’s wine portfolio also includes wines produced in other regions, such as Chile, Branwar Wine Distributing Company Argentina, Italy, Spain and parts of the US. distributes Aslina Wine.

“We host several tasting events throughout the year, but lots of people come here to relax after work for happy hour, or to enjoy some of our African foods.

Our focus is South African wine, but we also have many more alcohol varieties for Ogun Art+Wine our guests to choose from. We have a full “All of the Aslina wines are imported menu that features various dishes from all to the Port of Houston, and distributed to Ogun Art+Wine, located in Midtown over Africa,” Ogun Manager Laolu Davies retail locations and restaurants in Houston Houston, is an upscale African-themed said.

Biyela with Luckett and Davies

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wine and art bar that features African art, wines, and dishes.

June 22 - June 28, 2017 www.stylemagazine.com

FINANCIAL

Money & Marriage: The Real Cost Behind Getting Married

By Raegan Boutte, Feature Writer

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edding Season is upon us and we have watched so many couples that are young and old take the plunge to wedded bliss! Behind all those lavish weddings are hefty price tags.

If you don’t know wedding are big business and can have couples taking out a loan to fund it if they fail to plan and don’t stick to a budget.

Approximately 2.3 million couples wed every year in the US. That’s a lot of love and lot of money being spent on that love.

Here are a few interesting facts on the cost of getting married today as reported by U.S. Census via SoundVision. com.

Important Texas Wedding Budget Facts and Figures (Source: TheKnot.com) Turns out that marriage rates in the state of Texas are above average at 7.1 per 1,000 people. Hundreds of Texas couples responded to the 2015 Real Weddings Survey and

they revealed interesting insights into wedding budgets. Getting married in Texas can either be quite expensive or quite affordable depending on where you get hitched and how you approach the process.

The best way to approach this process is to have an open, be flexible, and stick to your budget. Unfortunately for Houstonians, our city is one of the most expensive to marry. It’s due to a high proportion of black-tie weddings. The average wedding cost in Houston in 2016 was $30,974. Yes, we fancy!

Even though it may be expensive to marry Houston there are still ways to save come change. You can save money by taking on some DIY Pinerest projects or hiring a wedding planner like I did to help you negotiate contracts and create and stay on budget.

The money behind the marriage $72 billion per year is spent on weddings

The average wedding budget is $20,000 $1,016 is the average cost of wedding rings for the bride and groom3 Traditionally, the father of the bride would pay for everything. Today, however, the bride and groom themselves pay for the wedding about 30 percent of the time; the bride’s parents pay about 17 percent of the time. As for the rest of the time, costs are covered by different sources -- the bride and groom and one or both sets of parents, according to surveys by Bride’s magazine. $19 billion per year is spent on wedding gift registries $8 billion per year is spent on honeymoons The average honeymoon budget is $3,657 Over 91 percent of all to-be-weds register

for gifts. The couple receives gifts from an average of 200 guests Most wedding guests spend between $70 and $1001 on a gift

Sources for our statistics US Census Bureau http://www.census. gov/Press-Release/www/2003/cb03ff02. html The Knot (http://www.theknot.com/ au_industrystats.shtml), The Association for Wedding Professionals International (http://www.afwpi.com/ wedstats) Bride’s Millennium Report: Wedding Love & Money. Bride’s magazine

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SPORTS

Court Is Still In Session: Q&A with Former Houston Rockets Terence Morris

By Brian Barefield, Sports Writer

“

Growing up. We never had any famous athletes come back to talk to us. To see any players or former players you had to go to Baltimore or D.C. (Washington),” says the native from Frederick, Maryland.

Standing at a solid 6’10, former Maryland Terrapins, NBA, and 2008 All-Euro League First Teamer Terence Morris is not hard to miss in any crowd. And on today he stands in front of a crowd that appreciates him more for his presence than his jump shot.

Morris has teamed up with Play With Purpose Sports Non-Profit and the Woodlands United Methodist Church Summer Camp to help raise funds and awareness for underprivileged kids through Angel Reach.

Angel Reach is a program designed to help kids who are in need of foster care receive services and to help those families with kids currently in their homes. “Most kids need school supplies, toiletries, financial assistance, etc. They even require help in the transition program for when they become adults and need assistance finding a job or going to school,” says the camp supervisor who only wanted to be known as Garrett. Through the partnership, Morris was able to speak with the crowd at the camp to express his gratitude for being part of such a wonderful program. He also led cheers for his good friend and 2016 Dunk Kings (TNT) participant Emmerich Grimm aka “Dunkzilla.” After the program, Morris

signed autographs and posed for photos. The former Houston Rockets Power Forward spoke with Houston Style about what life is like after basketball.

HSM: You were drafted in 2001 in the 2nd round by the Atlanta Hawks, correct?

Terence Morris: I didn’t even make it through the interview before I found out I was traded (laughs as he tries to finish the story). The guy was talking to me and then I find out I was traded to the Houston Rockets.

I said no more interviews because I might get traded again.

HSM: How is life after basketball?

Morris: I am not going to lie. It is difficult at first. Especially when you are use to being on a schedule your whole life. The first couple of years when I was done I felt I was free to do whatever I wanted to do. From traveling, sleeping, being able to eat what I wanted to because of no diet restrictions, etc.

HSM: Do you miss it?

Morris: Yes, all the time. Watching the games, I can still recognize why a guy misses a shot or what angle he should have taken. Things the average fan does not see.

HSM: What is the difference in playing

overseas and playing in the NBA? Morris: There is a lot of pressure being an American basketball player in a different country because they expect us to dominate no matter what. No such thing as in between.

You must put in work or find yourself on a different team. Most fans have the mindset of since you were in the NBA this should be no problem to you. What they don’t realize is there is a lot of talent overseas. There are guys who have been playing professional basketball since they were teenagers (Ricky Rubio - Minnesota Timberwolves, Tony Parker – San Antonio Spurs). Also adapting to the culture and learning the language is as difficult as being on the court. If you don’t have an open mind you can break down easily. I’ve seen it all the time over there.

HSM: What would you say to the potential draft picks in the 2017 NBA Draft?

Morris: One. Good Luck. Two. Never forget that for however big of a name you become. It’s still a business at the end of the day. You can be on the billboard one day and be the coach’s favorite player. The next day the owner has found someone to do the same job for cheaper. So, if you remember that and keep doing the things that got you to the NBA you will be fine. Make sure you relish in the opportunity to be in the upper echelon of basketball players in the world.

BOOKS

“Be Free or Die” by Cate Lineberry

t was a Sure Thing. A can’t-miss, a safe bet that you couldn’t possibly fail – or could you? Isn’t there always a danger of losing in a gamble, or at least not winning?

What kind of odds would make you take a risky bet? As in the new book “Be Free or Die” by Cate Lineberry, would you put your family’s lives on the line?

Though he was able to save the $1 a month McKee gave him, Smalls knew that his wife’s price could change on a whim. Hannah was pregnant, and that worried him, too. There was only one choice. After observing carefully for weeks, and deciding to trust his likewise-enslaved fellow shipmates, Smalls waited for the right time.

I

Now I would be doing you all a disservice if I didn’t mention Mr. Morris’s support system that includes his wife Katie and their two children Olivia (5) and Max (3).

“My husband is a very humble man. Most wouldn’t know his background and what he had to overcome to achieve all the accolades people recognize today. I am and have always felt honored to be not just his wife, but a witness to his contribution to basketball and to give back,” says his lovely spouse.

Before we left the facility, I had to ask Terence one more important question that had been eating me up on the inside. It was a question that I needed an answer to or I wouldn’t be able to live with myself.

I looked him right in the eyes and asked.

“Did you know that you are one of ESPN’s Sports Anchor Scott Van Pelt’s favorite players? He never hesitates to bring up your name as part of the 2001 University of Maryland that led the team to its first NCAA Division 1 Final Four.” Morris couldn’t do anything but laugh.

Morris is an upstanding guy who is continuing to give back to his community as he keeps court in session. You can find out more information on Terence Morris @ www.morrisprivatetraining.com.

By Terry Schlichenmeyer, Feature Writer

Because the law in 1839 said that a slave woman’s children were automatically enslaved, Robert Smalls was owned by Henry McKee the minute Smalls was born. Because his mother was a house slave, the illiterate Smalls spent his childhood toiling inside the McKee home, rather than being put afield to work. There, he was said be smart, capable, articulate, and “well-liked by the McKee family.”

“On a mild May evening… in 1862,” when the white crew of the Planter disembarked, Smalls seized control of the steamer, eased the Planter upstream to fetch his family and a few others who’d hidden in another ship, then snuck the Planter back downstream past heavily-armed guards, soldiers, and Fort Sumter. He skillfully brought the steamer out of the harbor and delivered it, loaded with cannons and Confederacy secrets, directly into the hands of the Union… Oh, my, if That, perhaps, is why McKee trusted you’re looking for a thriller for your summerSmalls enough to send him, alone at age time reading, you just found one. “Be Free twelve, to Charleston where he was “hired or Die” is more exciting than any old novel. out…and largely left to fend for himself.”

There, Smalls worked a series of odd jobs Beginning with the daring escape itself, until he ultimately found work on cargo author Cate Lineberry moves back-andships. He’d gotten married by then, and his forward-again to tell Smalls’ story, which wife’s owner promised that Smalls could buy gives readers even more of a sense of why Hannah and their daughter for $800; with that his actions were so astounding. No such saga in mind, Smalls landed work on the Planter, is complete without more about the era itself, a 147-foot-long paddlewheel steamer owned of course, which will delight Civil War buffs by a Southern businessman and docked in – and then Lineberry storytells even further, Charleston, near the Confederate general’s from the unique point of view of 1870s-era headquarters.

Charlestonians, Northerners, newly-released

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June 22 - June 28, 2017 www.stylemagazine.com

slaves, and Reconstructionists. Be sure you find out what happened to the Planter. That’s all I’m saying…This is one of the better almost-forgotten stories from history, and you can put it on your reading list now. Go

ahead. If you’re in search for that one book this summer, “Be Free or Die” is a sure thing.

Share this story online at www.stylemagazine.com.

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2017

HILTON AMERICAS HOTEL HOUSTON, TX

HAUL 2017 EOD Gala

Photography by Vicky Pink he Houston Area Urban League celebrated 49 years of providing services to the Greater Houston community with its 2017 Equal Opportunity Day Gala. As the signature fundraiser for HAUL, proceeds from the gala benefit the ongoing programs of the organization that serves the Houston community. Outstanding honorees were Sallie Sargent, Cheryl Cruezot, Troi and Kelley Taylor, The Houston Astros, Ray B. Shackelford, and Phillips 66 Black Employee Network. Texas Southern University provided entertainment. Some in attendance were HAUL President and CEO Judson Robinson III, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Melanie Lawson, Khambrel Marshal, James Harris, Winell Herron, Cary and Judge Clarease Yates, Francis and Kristyn Page, Jr., Eric Goodie, Elmer Rogers, Lisa Valadez, Destany Rainey, Brandon Caldwell, and Reggie Dominique.

2017

T

Emancipation Park Rededication Photography by Vicky Pink t was a great day of celebration for Houston’s Third Ward as the community celebrated the rededication of the newly renovated Emancipation Park. The $33.6 Million dollar renovation was made possible with funding from the OST/Almeda Redevelopment Corridors-Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 7 (TIRZ#7), Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, Houston Endowment, Kinder Foundation, Timken Foundation of Canton and the City of Houston.

Emancipation Park was founded in the 1800’s by John Henry Yates, Elias Dibble, Richard Brock, and Richard Allen to commemorate slaves being free. Some on hand at the dedication were Mayor Sylvester Turner, Congresswoman Sheila Jakson Lee, Winell Herron, Theola Petteway, Lisa Johnson, Dr. Robert Muhammad, Ramon Manning, Rep. Ron Reynolds, Councilman Dwight Boykins, HoustonISD Trustee Wanda Adams, DeLloyd Parker, Ron Green, and Robert Washington.

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EMANCIPATION PARK HOUSTON, TX

2017

MARRIOTT MARQUIS HOUSTON HOUSTON, TX

AMAC 2017 Airport Business Diversity Conference Photography by Vicky Pink he Houston Airport System hosted the Airport Minority Advisory Council (AMAC) 2017 Annual Airport Business Diversity Conference, “The Magic of Flight.” Houston Airport System’s (HAS) Chief Municipal & Community Affairs Officer Rhonda Arnold, HAS’s Director of Aviation Mario Diaz, and HAS’s Deputy Assistant, Director of the Office of Business Opportunity Jason McLemore served as Conference Hosts.

Arnold also served as Local Conference Chair. Indianapolis Airport Authority’s Senior Director of Planning & Development Shannetta Griffin was the National Conference Chair. Title Sponsors included Avis Budget Group, Inc.’s (ABG) Executive Vice President & General Counsel Michael Tucker and ABG’s Properties & Facilities Senior Vice President Bob Bouta. A highlight of the conference was the honoring of the trailblazers portrayed in the film Hidden Figures - Christine Mann Darden, Mary Jackson, Katherine Johnson and Dorothy Vaughan - at the Hidden Figures Jazz Brunch.

This highly- acclaimed conference provides a balanced program that addresses the diverse needs and the variety of interest levels of the conference audience, presented by speakers of the highest quality who share AMAC’s goal of promoting diversity inclusion in airport contracting and employment. Featured speakers were Mayor Sylvester Turner, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Dr. Bernard Harris, Leland Melvin, Laurie Vignaud, Heather Barry, Elliot Black, Thella Bowens, Krystal Brumfield, Al Denson, Bryant Francis, Esther Francis, Michael Freilich, Curry Glassell, Jovan Goldstein, Joe Jackson, Gabriele Mack, Jonathan Martin, Jonathan Ocana, Dwight Pullen, Jr., Charlene Reynolds, Angela Berry Roberson, Gene Roth, Roger Schwandtner, Rory Verrett, Carlecia Wright, and a host of others.

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