Houston Style Magazine vol 30 No 2

Jan. 10 - Jan. 16, 2019

Houston’s Premiere Weekly Publication

Volume 30 | Number 02

Complimentary

Jesse Jackson

Is Trump Racist?

Record Speaks Very Loudly

The Winning Formula For Black Businesses

R. Kelly

“Surviving R. Kelly” Executive Producer Dream Hampton Talks

Words by Jo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor Photography by Pexels

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SABIC Donates $50K to C-STEM

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Houston Supports One MLK Jr. Parade

Influenza Activity Expected to Increase This Season

Judge Sharon Burney

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06 Publisher Francis Page, Jr. Associate Publisher Lisa Valadez

Travis Scott’s $100K to WorkshopHouston

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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

Young Men Earn Eagle Scout Rank

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

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Is Trump Racist?

Record Speaks Very Loudly

By Jesse Jackson, National Political Writer

I

s Trump Racist? Record Speaks Very LoudlyBy Jesse JacksonWhen new U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was asked on “60 Minutes” whether she thinks President Trump is a racist, she responded with the candor that makes her a compelling force in Washington: “Yeah, yeah, no question.”

President Donald Trump

This, of course, lit up the social media, with Trump supporters denouncing Ocasio-Cortez and progressives praising her.

One would think after his dog-whistle, race-bait politics -from slurring immi-

grants to slandering a Hispanic judge to embracing the racist marchers in Charlottesville, Va., to denigrating Haiti and African nations as “s---hole countries” -that the question had been answered long ago.

What is clear is that, whatever the president’s personal views, the Trump administration is intent on weakening enforcement of civil rights laws across the board. The same week that Ocasio-Cortez spoke, two widely respected reporters from Washington Post, Laura Meckler and Devlin Barrett, reported that the Trump administration is considering rolling back a centerpiece of civil rights enforcement: the doctrine that starkly disparate impact can provide evidence of discrimination even without proof of intent.If a government contractor announces that it won’t hire anyone who is living with someone of the same sex, the victims may not be able to provide direct evidence that the employer intended to discriminate, but the disparate impact of the announcement would provide the basis for finding discrimination. Disparate impactisn’t dispositive. Those accused can demonstrate that they have a rational reason for the regulation or action and that there are no less discriminatory alternatives.

In some areas, like election law, disparate impact is written in the legislation itself. In most areas, however, it derives from regulations on enforcing the 1964

POLITICAL S ASen. Kamala Harris’ unique biography and unlikely political ascent might have been summed up best by a political strategist who incorrectly predicted her defeat in the 2010 California attorney general’s race.

“There was no way I could win,” Harris writes in her new memoir, recalling the strategist’s stinging words, “because I was ‘a woman ruVnning for attorney general, a woman who is a minority, a woman who is a minority who is anti-death penalty who is DA of wacky San Francisco.’ Old stereotypes die hard.”

Harris did win that race (barely) and is now poised for another steep and daunting climb -- this time a potential quest for the Democratic presidential nomination in what might become the most diverse and seasoned field of presidential candidates in the party’s history.

In a twist of fate, what one strategist viewed as her vulnerabilities -- her gender, her race and the interrogation skills she developed as a prosecutor -- may now be what sets her apart in the 2020 crowd.

The California senator’s memoir published Tuesday, “The Truths We Hold,” lays the groundwork by chronicling Harris’ journey as the daughter of immigrants from India and Jamaica who grew up with a “stroller-eye” view of the civil rights movement and was educated in the black

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Civil Rights Act, particularly Title VI which bars discrimination based on race, color or national origin by entities, including schools that receive federal funding.

In 2014, as Meckler and Devlin report, the Obama administration formally put public school systems on notice that they could be found guilty of racial discrimination if students of color were punished at dramatically higher rates than white students. Trump’s EducationDepartment issued a report criticizing the regulation and has begun discussions about rescinding it.

This assault on a centerpiece of civil rights enforcement comes on top of Trump’s stunning reversal of civil rights enforcement across the government.

Under Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions, the Trump Justice Department essentially abandoned the Obama effort to work with police departments to address systemic racially discriminatory police practices.

Sessions directed the Justice Department to stop defending affirmative action programs and start enforcement actions against them.

The administration rolled back protections for transgender students, while banning transgender people from the military. The Justice Department chose to defend a discriminatory Texas voter ID law, which a district court later ruled was passed with discriminatory intent. In

department after department, the administration has sought to weaken civil rights divisions and cut their budgets .As head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Trump’s acting chief of staff Mike Mulvaney gutted the unit responsible for enforcing anti-discriminatory lending laws. This list can go on.

Is Donald Trump personally a racist?

Whatever your conclusion, Trump surely campaigned by trying to stoke racial fears and divisions.

And this administration is the most hostile to civil rights and to equal justice under the law than any since the passage of the Civil Rights laws. Trump’s defenders insist that the president objects to being called a racist, that he signed the recent legislation rolling back some of the discriminatory sentencing practices, and that he happily has his picture taken with African-American children.

But the record of his administration is clear, and the disparate impact of the measures ithas taken provides compelling evidence of its intent.

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 stylemagazine.com.

Kamala Harris Issues Call to Action Against Trump In New Memoir CNN/StyleMagazine.comNewswire

intellectual circles of Oakland and Berkeley in the 1960s and early 1970s.

The book is a rallying cry against what Harris views as the un-American policies of the Trump administration, alongside her set of policy alternatives. She casts herself as a champion for everyday Americans against the powerful, and she is unsparing in her disdain for the policies of President Donald Trump. She notes that after her own victory speech in 2016, she watched the returns with her husband in a state of shock, eating “an entire family-size bag of classic Doritos.

Didn’t share a single chip.”

“I did know this: one campaign was over but another was about to begin,” Harris writes. “This time, a battle for the soul of our nation.”

“In the years since,” she continues, “we’ve seen an administration align itself with white supremacists at home and cozy up to dictators abroad; rip babies from their mothers’ arms in grotesque violation of their human rights; give corporations and the wealthy huge tax cuts while ignoring the middle class; derail our fight against climate change; sabotage health care and imperil a woman’s right to control her own body; all while lashing out at seemingly everything and everyone, including the very idea of a free and independent press. We’re better than this.”

The memoir is also her most personal account to date of her exploration of her own heritage, her path to becoming a “progressive prosecutor” and her brushes with sexism as

Jan. 10 - Jan. 16, 2019

Senator Kamala Harris

a woman in the male-dominated spheres of law and politics.

She launched a media blitz Tuesday with appearances on ABC’s “Good Morning America” and “The View,” followed by a late night interview later this week with CBS’ Stephen Colbert and a series of talks about her book in Washington D.C., New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles. Her announcement about a presidential run is expected toward the end of this month.

For many years in California, Harris re-

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coiled from questions about her personal life, which helped establish her image as a disciplined and cautious politician. Her first book, “Smart on Crime,” reflected that private veneer with its narrow focus on policy, drawing from her experience prosecuting crimes that ranged from child sexual assault to homicide in Alameda County and San Francisco.

Share this story online at stylemagazine.com.

LOCAL, STATE, NATIONAL & BUSINESS BRIEFS TurboTax Launches Comprehensive Spanish Language Tax Resources Available to Hispanics BusinessWire.com

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urboTax, from Intuit Inc. – the leader in online tax prep, processing over 30 million returns last year alone in the U.S. – announced that its award-winning TurboTax Blog will now be available in both Spanish and English, making it one of the most comprehensive free tax information resources available to U.S. Spanish-speaking audiences. The new bilingual TurboTax Blog will offer consumers hundreds of pieces of content, videos and tools designed to educate and empower them to plan and save more money. Content categories include tax deductions and credits, income and investments, tax planning, tips for self-employed, and an entire section dedicated to helping taxpayers understand the impact of tax reform. In addition to our new bilingual blog content, TurboTax will also continue to provide bilingual tax advice and product support to help taxpayers through their filing experience. TurboTax is already accepting tax returns,

McDonald’s Debuting New Menu Sears Reaches 11th Hour Deal to items as Fast-Food Breakfast Battle Stay in Business -- for Now Heats Up CNN/StyleMagazine.com Newswire sfgate.com

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ears reached an 11th-hour deal Tuesday to remain open -- at least for now.

Attorneys for Sears said they had reached an acceptable agreement with a hedge fund controlled by Eddie Lampert, the chairman and former CEO of Sears, after a series of last-minute negotiations.

Without an agreement, Seas faced the possibility of liquidation. The deal, a revised version of a $4.4 billion bid Lampert submitted in December, would keep 425 of the stores open if certain conditions are met. Under the new terms, Lampert must come up with a $120 million cash payment by Wednesday afternoon, as a down payment. By deeming Lampert’s revised bid acceptable, Sears started the clock on an auction period that ends on January 14. Lampert’s is the only bid designed to keep Sears open. But it is still possible that those wishing to shut down the company will bid more for the assets than Lampert

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cDonald’s is taking a page out of Dunkin’s playbook to drum up excitement about breakfast. In February the chain plans to launch “Donut Sticks” as a limited-time offering, according to internal documents viewed by Business Insider. The strips of deep-fried dough, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, will be available only during breakfast hours. Customers will be able to buy six Donut Sticks at the recommended price of $1.29, or a dozen for $2.39. McDonald’s is also pushing a bundled deal of a half-dozen Donut Sticks and a small coffee for $1.99. McDonald’s declined to confirm any plans to roll out Donut Sticks but said in a statement that customers could expect “more delicious and craveable news to come in 2019.” The Donut Sticks appear to be markedly similar to Dunkin’s Donut Fries, which the chain rolled out national-

Investor Wants Dollar Tree to Sell Stuff for More Than $1 Fox8.com

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dollar doesn’t buy as much as it did 30 years ago. That’s why one activist investor thinks it’s time for Dollar Tree to raise its prices. Jeffrey Smith, CEO of Starboard Value, a hedge fund, wrote to Dollar Tree CEO Gary Philbin Monday to disclose that his fund had taken a 1.7% stake in the bargain retailer. Starboard said it wants Dollar Tree to make some big changes. “Dollar Tree has kept its prices at $1.00 since its founding thirty years ago, despite the fact that $1.00 in 1986 is worth approximately $2.30 today, due to inflation,” Smith wrote. Starboard also wants Dollar Tree to consider selling Family Dollar, a struggling chain of stores that it bought in 2015. But the activist firm, which earned fame after shaking things up at Olive Garden owner Darden Restaurants, thinks that the company’s biggest chance for success will come from a change in its pricing strategy.

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LOCAL and STATE BRIEFS Turner Proclaims One MLK Jr. Day Parade for Houston in 2019\ StyleMagazine.com Newswire

Ever since Sylvester Turner has been mayor of the city of Houston he has strived to have one official Martin Luther King, Jr. Day parade. Mayor Turner has announced that the city will officially throw its support in partnership with the Black Heritage Society to hold one parade in honor of King. For years dueling parades hosted by the Black Heritage Society and the MLK Grand Parade have occurred to honor the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. but the mayor said it was time for the city to “just stand and put its official seal behind one.” This is especially important this year as a tribute to the late Ovide Duncantell, founder of the Black Heritage Society, that died in 2018. Congressman John Lewis and Astros outfielder George Springer will serve as parade grand marshals at the parade scheduled on January 21 at 10am.

Neiman Marcus Pays $1.5 Million to Texas, 42 Other Texas Over 2013 Data Breach DallasNews.com

Dallas-based Neiman Marcus will pay $1.5 million to 43 states over a 2013 data breach that exposed the credit card information of 370,000 customers. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced the settlement Tuesday afternoon. The breach, disclosed in January 2014 by the luxury retailer, affected 65,644 Texans.

At least 9,200 credit cards were used fraudulently, Paxton said. The breach occurred over a three-month period in 2013 at 77 Neiman Marcus stores nationwide. “Texas law requires businesses to implement and maintain reasonable safeguards against cyberattacks to protect consumers’ personal information from unlawful use or disclosure,” Paxton said in a statement. “I urge companies to evaluate whether they have in place a thorough and ongoing written information security program that serves to safeguard their customers’ information.”

As part of the settlement, Neiman Marcus will implement new procedures to protect customer data and obtain an information security assessment from a third-party professional. Texas will also receive $95,000 in attorneys’ fees and costs.

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Second Suspect Will Face Murder Charge In Connection with Jazmine Barnes’ Killing CNN/StyleMagazine.com Newswire

A second suspect will face a charge of capital murder in connection with the Jazmine Barnes homicide investigation, the Harris County Sheriff’s Office said.

Larry Woodruffe was taken into custody on separate drug possession charges, and “additional corroborating evidence” from the shooting investigation has prompted prosecutors to consider a capital murder charge, according to a news release from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. Woodruffe, 24, will be in court for the drug case and will have a preliminary hearing in the murder case, according to online records.

Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg said she and her senior prosecutors will decide later whether to pursue the death penalty. The news came the day Jazmine Barnes’ family and thousands of other people packed a church for her funeral.

New Ride Sharing Service Debuts Between Houston and Austin Chron.com

High-tech hitchhiking has arrived in Texas. Austin startup Hitch offers a ride-sharing service connecting people driving between Houston and Austin with people needing rides. Here’s how it works: Someone with a 2003-or-newer vehicle who is planning to drive between Houston and Austin downloads the “Hitch - Regional Ridesharing” app and registers as a driver. After a background and driving record check, which can take up to 24 hours, the drivers are authorized to pick up passengers. Those needing a ride will enter a virtual queue and then proceed to a physical Hitch pickup location, which will be a public place like a coffee shop along the route. Riders are ID verified using scanned driver licenses and facial recognition, and they must have a valid credit card on file with Hitch. Drivers simply pull over at a Hitch pickup location and then collect the next person in line. They can pick up multiple riders -- with each person allowed one typical-sized suitcase and a small personal item -- and the middle seat is never occupied. The average price is $25 for a one-way ride. Hitch charges a variable transaction fee of about 20 percent.

Jan. 10 - Jan. 16, 2019

Houston Rapper Travis Scott Donates $100,000 to Workshop Houston BeaumontEnterprise.com

Following the biggest year in his career, Travis Scott just donated $100,000 to Workshop Houston, a nonprofit and after-school program in the Third Ward.

Workshop Houston was a participant in Scott’s Astroworld festival last year along with several other nonprofits.

There, he learned about the organization’s arts and education program, prompting the donation. According to Workshop Hou on, some of Scott’s donation will go to programs including one in which local students recreate former first lady Michelle Obama’s Milly gown, which was portrayed in her official White House portrait. The organization also will host a drone racing competition with entries created by local student teams. The event will be May 17 at Space Center Houston. “Tickets for the second leg of the Astroworld: Wish You Were Here Tour, are currently on sale.

Texas Teen’s Wing Sauce Business Is Hot Stuff ABC13.com

Tyla-Simone Crayton isn’t your typical 15-year-old. She may be in tenth grade, but when she isn’t at school, she runs her own company. After her favorite chicken wing spot closed, the Ridge Point High School student tried to replicate the recipe for the wing sauce at home. Her sauce became so popular among friends and neighbors, she decided to start bottling it. Now, she’s managed to brew up a successful business, Sienna Wings, out of her own kitchen - and sales are really heating up! She has three sauces – Tangy, Spicy, and Lemon retailing for $9.95 and a three pack for $29.85. They are available for purchase at siennawings.com.

ABC13 caught up with Tyla-Simone to find out her secrets to success. Crayton named the company after her neighborhood. Although her focus is on selling the sauce, she also caters. She even has a distribution deal with another local company. Crayton manages her business while also keeping good grades, being a star athlete, and participating in school activities-zz

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Fight Intensifies Over Future Of Struggling Houston Schools, District HoustonPublicMedia.org

As lawmakers head into the Texas legislative session this week, tensions have intensified over the future of Houston schools and the threat of a state takeover of the Houston Independent School District due to chronically low-performing schools. It’s included a bizarre press conference with the outgoing Harris County Treasurer, who called for a state takeover and got doused with water by a protestor; a scathing tweet from Gov. Greg Abbott calling HISD leadership a “joke” and a “disaster;” and a crowded town hall where advocates and parents renewed their call for a lawsuit against the Texas Education Agency. The threat of a state takeover stems from a state law, known as HB 1842 and passed in 2015. It requires the state’s Education Commissioner to close schools or replace the entire elected school board.

Houston Real Estate Market Breaks Records Chron.com

Houston’s housing market shattered records in 2018, despite lingering effects from Hurricane Harvey and concerns that began late in the year over rising interest rates. Single-family home sales were up nearly 4 percent over the previous record in 2017, the Houston Association of Realtors said Wednesday in an annual report. Going into 2019, however, the health of the local market appears shaky as it faces a number of lingering headwinds as well as some unexpected new ones. “Federal workers are on edge about the ongoing government shutdown and how that might hurt their cash flow, which could affect housing,” Shannon Cobb Evans, the association’s 2019 chair, said in the report. In addition, the local market remains challenged by low inventory, rising mortgage rates and new tax laws that remove some of the benefits of homeownership. Buyers last year closed on 82,177 homes, up 3.8 percent from the previous year, according to the realty association, which tracks home sales handled through the Multiple Listing Service across greater Houston.

Total dollar volume for year spiked 21.5 percent to a record-breaking $28 billion.

ENTERTAINMENT Executive Producer Dream Hampton Talks “Surviving R. Kelly”

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Correspondent BlackPressUSA.com

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or Dream Hampton, who served as executive producer of the much-talked about “Surviving R. Kelly” documentary, the explosive revelations in the film were just the tip of the iceberg.

Hampton said there were many things she couldn’t talk about and will never discuss because it’s “so dark and sad and traumatic.”

That’s saying quite a bit as the threepart Lifetime Television series not only has social media and the general public aghast but has celebrities like John Legend and Chance the Rapper expressing remorse for ever working with Kelly.

“Maybe he could’ve gotten help when he was 30, or you know, 29 when the Aaliyah stuff broke,” Hampton said in an extensive interview on The Karen Hunter Show on Sirius XM Radio.

Aaliyah was largely left out of the documentary, but Hampton said she didn’t want to devote an entire episode on the late songstress.

“For me, she’s actually his type,” Hampton told Hunter. “You know, what he targets are very regular, and you know, your audience understands this, like brown-skin black girls. You know, like he, we can talk about publicly, oh, that he targets black girls who aren’t famous. No, he has a very specific type, you know.”

Jan 26

Surviving R. Kelly — which aired on Lifetime from Thursday, Jan. 3 to Saturday, Jan. 5 — featured wide-ranging interviews with Kelly’s family members, former friends and colleagues, but most notably, women who claim that for decades, the hit-making singer and producer used his power and influence to sexually and physically abuse women and young girls.

a woman who some witnesses testified was 14 at the time of the recording. Both Kelly and the woman denied that the video was of them, and Kelly was never charged with assault. In 2008, Kelly was found not guilty on 21 counts of child pornography.

PEOPLE Magazine editors said they reached out to Kelly’s representatives who offered a “no comment” about the series.

Several published reports said Kelly intends to counteract the documentary with lawsuits and the creation of a Facebook page to “expose the lies.” However, Hampton said there was plenty of truth attached to the story and much more remains untold.

In 2002, Kelly, a Chicago native, was indicted after a video surfaced allegedly showing a man engaged in sex acts with

“When I went into this project, I was clear that he was a predator and that he targeted young and vulnerable girls. I

Feb 9

don’t think I knew he was an abuser, and I don’t mean to sound naive, but I just didn’t think physical abuse was a part of his repertoire,” Hampton said.

“I certainly didn’t know I would have to listen to a woman after woman talking about being denied food and movement.

I mean, we about to get into a couple of episodes where you’re going to hear testimony of girls talking about having, you know, they couldn’t leave the room unless he told them to and all of them didn’t have bathrooms in the room. So, they used slop buckets. His runners would put slop buckets in the room. So, I don’t think I was prepared for his sadism.”

Feb 10

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NATIONAL BRIEFS

Government Shutdown Closes National Black Museum Indefinitely BlackPressUSA.com

The popular National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) closed Wednesday, January 2, the latest attraction to close due to the partial government shutdown. Hundreds of employees at the museum have been furloughed as a result of the closure.

The closure threatens the travel plans of thousands of Black students and families who are wrapping up their holiday breaks to explore their history on Constitution Avenue. The NMAAHC is among the Smithsonian’s 19 museums, galleries, and National Zoo that have closed as the government shutdown heads into its eleventh day. All of the Smithsonian museums will be closed indefinitely as Congress and President Donald Trump continues to clash over a budget that includes Trump’s plans to raise $5 billion for a wall along the Mexican border. With billions to go and partisan politics, lawmakers are far from ending the stalemate anytime soon.

Cyntoia Brown Is Granted Clemency After 15 Years in Prison NYTimes.com

Gov. Bill Haslam of Tennessee granted clemency on Monday to Cyntoia Brown, commuting her life sentence for killing a man who had picked her up for sex when she was a teenage trafficking victim. Ms. Brown, 30, will be released to supervised parole on Aug. 7, said Mr. Haslam, who will leave office later this month. She will have served 15 years in prison. Ms. Brown’s story attracted widespread attention and she garnered support, including Rihanna and Kim Kardashian West. Lawmakers and rights activists highlighted the years of abuse and forced prostitution that she endured in her youth and lobbied the governor to grant her clemency before his term was up. Ms. Brown “lit up” with joy on Monday when she heard the news from Charles W. Bone, one of her lawyers, who blurted out immediately when he saw her: “You are getting out in August.”

Forced Resignation Hits National Hispanic Cultural Center SantaFeNewMexican.com

The National Hispanic Cultural Center of New Mexico is among the state agencies hit with forced resignations as Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham begins her term.

Rebecca Avitia, the center’s executive director who is credited with turning around the long-struggling center, was told to resign after Thanksgiving. The new administration declined her offer to stay until a new leader was selected, Avitia said. Lujan Grisham spokesman Tripp Stelnicki said Avitia was an exempt employee and the governor asked all exempt employees to resign. “The new secretary-designate of Cultural Affairs, Debra Garcia y Griego, is now beginning the process of identifying leadership at the NHCC,” Stelnicki said. Avitia told the Associated Press she opted not to reapply for her position after receiving a letter ordering her to resign. She applied for other positions within the Lujan Grisham administration but was not selected, she said.

Expert Says Census Citizenship Question Would Hurt Latino Count HoustonPublicMedia.org

Asking people whether they are U.S. citizens on the 2020 census would worsen the undercount of Latinos and non-citizens compared with other groups, an expert in surveys said Monday at the start of a trial over the Trump administration’s decision to include the question for the first time in 70 years. Colm O’Muircheartaigh, a professor at the University of Chicago, said the question would reduce the percentage of Latinos and non-citizens who respond to the census questionnaire. He testified in federal court for California and numerous cities that argue that asking about citizenship is politically motivated. The state and cities are suing the U.S. government to keep the question off the population count that is done every decade. California has the largest number of foreign-born residents and non-citizens of any state, so an undercount would jeopardize its federal funding and congressional rep-

Twelve African American Men Achieve Highest Rank in Boy Scouting

By Jo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor

Since 1910, the Boy Scouts of America have operated at a level of achieving nothing less than their best to honor God, serve their country, and obey the Scout Law. In doing so millions of young men have grown to be “physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight.”

Even within this distinguished group is an inner circle composed of young men who have reached a higher caliber, the Eagle Scout. Known as the highest achievement/ rank in Boy Scouting, the Eagle Scout is not just an award, it is a state of being according to the Boy Scouts of America website. Earning a rank of this competence is not easy. Minimum requirements include earning a minimum of 21 merit badges, demonstrating leadership in and out of the troop, implementing a community service project from start-to-finish, and living a life that is reflective of the scout oath all before the Scout turns 18 years of age.

Of the millions of Boy Scouts around the world, only a mere 4% of them achieve this raXDnk. So it is quite remarkable to see 12 young men from the same troop, who are African American, attain the greatest honor a scout can achieve of the 109-year-old organization.

Boy Scouts Troop 242 celebrated the rank of Eagle Scout of the 12 young men at the Court of Honor ceremony at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. Seeing 12 men earned this award at the same time from

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New Eagle Scouts of Boy Scouts Troop #242

one troop is truly a historic and amazing fete for any troop no matter its demographics. It is simply extraordinary.

“These young men have had their “eye on Eagle” through years of hard work, fulfilling the obligations with more than just the minimum obligations required for the honor to be called an Eagle Scout,” said Troop leadership.

Pride in themselves was shown on the faces of Shane Bennett, Dameion Crook, Dylan Gaines, Kyle Gaines, Chandler Green, Daniel Hinton, Marshall Hudson, Marcellus Jordan, Eron Lord, Eric Sims, Asa Singleton and Benjamin White. Their troop leadership, parents, extended family, friends, and supporters for each of these men also shared that sense of pride individ-

Jan. 10 - Jan. 16, 2019

ually and collectively, as they are the largest Eagle Scout class of Troop 242.

On average, the few young men who earn this award achieve it when they are 17. And almost half of Troop 242’s Eagle Scout 2019 class has obtained this rank before turning 16.

VHowever, that is not the only reason that Troop 242 is special. This troop opened the door for African Americans to be Boy Scouts in the Houston area as it was the first African American troop in the city established 54 years ago. Unlike like most troops that have seen a decline in participation, Troop 242 has continued to thrive.

“These young men have gone beyond their Troop and have represented scouting locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally in various endeavors such as Order of the Arrow (scouting’s honor society), National Youth Leadership Training (premier leadership training for Scouts), participating in the Philmont Trek, and on a scout trip to Switzerland,” added Troop leadership.

The Boy Scouts have a saying that an “Eagle Scout IS an Eagle Scout-not was.”

Meaning that once a young man has achieved this rank it is not an act that they stop working at once the project is complete. But it becomes an attitude that they take on for life and live well into their adult years. The world better keep their eyes on these young men for they have the vision to change the world.

www.stylemagazine.com

ENTERTAINMENT Dawan Cuttone LIVE! Brings His First Taping to Houston Platforming Top Creatives

By Keandra Scott, Entertainment Writer

On January 18th, 2019, host and producer Dawan Cuttone will get his start featuring emerging new authors, music artists, fashion designers, poets, models, actors, activists and much more in Houston. Originally from the home of Motown Records, Detroit, MI, Cuttone has a musical background as a hip-hop and R&B artist giving his own unique approach to the art form with jams like “On & On” and “Let It Flow”. From Michigan, California and on to Houston, Texas, Cuttone has invested his skills and talents in building a fresh palette to detect some of the most artistic individuals this world has ever seen.

Dawan Cuttone LIVE! will feature Jonathan Hollands, former NFL Star Wide Receiver of the Oakland Raiders and now fitness trainer and CEO/Founder of Hollands Hard Bodies. The inaugural show will feature Dominique Monroe, actress/model who has been featured in several major films and videos with top

industry such as Fat Joe, Future, Nipsey Hussle and other well-known R&B and Hip-Hop artists. Also gracing the stage will be fashion designer Kisa Williams of Kisa Kisa designer handbags and her incredibly inspirational story. The night will include the thought-provoking lyrics of Hip-Hop artist Y-Stress as he takes us on a lyrical journey.

We got a chance to have a sit-down with Cuttone to discuss his plans with the talk show and much more.

Houston Style Magazine: Who is Dawan Cuttone?

Dawan Cuttone: Dawan Cuttone is an artist, producer and talk show host who has developed a platform to exhibit other creative individuals in the entertainment industry and more. In my heart, I’ve always wanted to help people, and I couldn’t think of any better way than to give them the opportunity that I wish someone would have given me.

Style: What fuels your drive to create a platform for creative people?

Dawan: I believe that there are many undiscovered talents out there that need an opportunity to be seen or heard and my goal is to create a spotlight for these individuals. Our show is about finding those diamonds in the rough that may have not been discovered otherwise.

Style: Who are some of your influences as a Host and Producer?

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Dawan: As a host, The Arsenio Hall Show and The Soul Train. I’m culturally aware that minorities don’t get the same opportunities to display their talents, and these shows were pioneers that made a special point to be inclusive to upcoming artists and entertainers. Secondly, as a producer, I’ll give that credit to Quincy Jones. His creativity and production behind two of the greatest talents of all time, Michael Jackson and Frank Sinatra, inspires me to dream bigger!

Style: If you could get anyone to grace the stage on your show, who would it be?

Dawan: Easy. Barack Obama. No question he is by far the most influential person of my lifetime. And he would be a great interview because of his wit, his humor and his humility is unmatched.

Style: What differentiates Dawan Cuttone LIVE! from many others day and nighttime talk shows?

Dawan: What makes our show different is that we will focus mainly on undiscovered talent that’s poised to break out. From time-to-time, we’ll have established guests, but our primary focus will be rising stars in every industry. The show is about the journey. We hope to inspire people by having guests who have made it who can share their stories with those who aspire to get the next level.

Style: As a media personality, what is your stance on desensitization of adult content for kids in today’s society? Will your show be appropriate for kids to attend?

Dawan: Our show will be appropriate for all ages because I feel it is very important that we create positive role models for our children and combat negative stereotypes perpetuated by mainstream media. We need to see more positive black & brown men and women doing positive things in their communities. This show is designed to be the template of what we can do together if we care, not only about ourselves but also about the image we want to imprint on the minds of our impressionable youth.

Style: Where do you see Dawan Cuttone LIVE in two years?

Dawan: I would love to get picked up by a cable network to reach more viewers on a nightly or weekly basis. Aside from that, I would love for our YouTube channel to surpass 1 million subscribers.

Viewers will be able to catch the pre-recorded episodes on YouTube, be sure to subscribe to Dawan Cuttone LIVE! Follow host and producer Dawan Cuttone on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @ dawancuttone Use hashtags #dawancuttonelive #1dawancuttone to join the conversation.

21 DAYS OF TEXAS-SIZED ENTERTAINMENT

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MARCH 5 CAMILA CABELLO

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FEATURE The Winning Formula for Black Businesses

By Jo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor

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inning takes work. One has to put in some real sweat equity in crafting a plan, executing it and seeing it through for any hope of positive results. Going at it alone is possible but success will be harder to come by doing it that way. The ultimate reward will take the combined efforts of many to overcome.

The sense of community, pulling resources together and working as one is something that the African American business sector lacks according to the new chairman of the board of directors for the Greater Houston Black Chamber (GHBC), Carol Guess. She went as far as to call the ideal “dangerous thinking.”

“When one or two or a collective of black people think they can make it outside of our collective that is dangerous thinking,” Guess said as she spoke about why it is so important to support blackowned businesses. “We can’t afford not to support black businesses.”

During days of segregation, black businesses thrived. African Americans didn’t have a choice as to where to spend their dollar due to separate but equal laws.

They quite literally had to buy black or buy nothing at all. With the passage of laws and the economic growth of African Americans the field was opened allowing black people the prospect to spread their dollar around. This opportunity, along with historical disparities such as Black people aren’t good at operating a business crippled the segment. Insert the importance of having the GHBC to offer assistance.

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“Because of our experiences in this country we have to make sure that we have an organization assembled in place that will support our unique being,” stated Guess. Noting how for years how the voices of black entrepreneurs had not been heard. The African American business community has continued to be victimized by various forms of racism on every level and passing judgment on the community as a whole. “I think that is a message of slavery and a trick of slavery to automatically classify black people as not being able to do business well.”

Guess is making it her mission as the head of the board to erase this type of thinking According to her, the black community has to stop agreeing with these types of messages because it is simply unfair and at times unwarranted. “In order for us (black businesses) to win we have to support each other.”

People need to make an intentional effort to support organizations like the GHBC and patronize black-owned companies. This is a call to action for Guess who feels like leading the chamber in this manner and at this time is her true mission.

Guess has been involved in an array of ways with the chamber over the years.

Her most recent position was that of board secretary. Now at the helm of it all, Guess is excited to get to work by helping black businesses establish themselves and keep their doors open.

In her new role, Guess acts as the voice

Jan. 10 - Jan. 16, 2019

of the board expressing its clear vision so that the GHBC president and CEO can execute that reality. She offers guidance to the chamber president and oversees the organization as a whole. The board sets policy and procedure while the chamber president implements the directive. Currently, Guess, along with other board members, are carrying all the weight as they prepare to conduct a search for a new chamber president and CEO.

or positive feedback and grow from it. If a problem does occur, business owners need to see it through with the person in a swift manner to come to an amicable solution where the problem is rectified.

On the flip side, take positive comments and explore ways to make them even better. This behavior will change the conversation, mindset of people, and hopefully be converted into growth, strength, and stellar track records for black businesses.

Guess plans to make the most of her two vv-year tenure by having the chamber be that pivotal resource that closes the gap for anything that black entrepreneurs might need or lack as it concerns to keeping their doors open and creating more CEOs. Her scope is to continue to work the chamber’s many programs like the Business Readiness program that teaches entrepreneurs about managing a business, obtaining capital, hiring staff, and being sustainable. Innovation and technology are also big on her to-do list as she sees it as a crucial need for businesses to integrate into their companies to stay mainstream. She calls it the next wave of the chamber.

It is all part of the legacy that she wants to leave for startups to mature businesses that the GHBC has created a true economy that the board can be proud of that is sustainable into the future.

In addition, she wants to retrain the minds of the public to not place preconceived negative notions on that of African American businesses by encouraging open communication. How can someone know that there is a problem without first being made aware of it. Guess asks that the community let black business owners know how they are doing good or bad.

And she encourages black business owners to take the constructive criticism and/

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Speaking of the future, the chamber has its eyes on the next generation of business owners by forming community partnerships. Ties have already been made with Texas Southern University and are on the horizon for Prairie View A&M University to help students connect with the black business owners for internships and jobs.

Thoughts are also being circulated about a possible junior chamber for younger students budding with ideas.

Whether attending 2nd Tuesdays with Chamber at Buffalo Soldiers Museum, the Women in Business Initiative, education forum or any one of the 44 events that GHBC hosts per calendar year, the chamber has a place for you. All interested parties need only log on to GHBCC. com to join any level membership.

Together, in accord with one another, black business owners, the community, and the chamber all can win.

FEATURE GHBCC Quick Facts

GHBCC Upcoming Events

• Houston’s First African American Civic Organization

Thursday, January 24, 2019

• Founded: September 1935

GHBC 84th Annual Meeting

• Second Oldest Black Chamber in Nation

6:00-9:00pm

• 501(c)(6), not-for-profit, private, member-driven organization that serves the Greater Houston Area.

HCC West Loop Campus|5601 W Loop S, Houston, TX 77081

• Purpose: “Go-to” organization for business development and community outreach partnership opportunities in the Houston African-American community

It is the kickoff for GHBC in 2019. New GHBC board members will be installed. The Buy Black 3rd Edition will be unveiled.

• Levels of Membership: Student, Professional / Individual, Small Business, Business Champion, Corporate Sponsor

Tuesday, February 12, 2109

• Committees: Program, Membership, Advocacy & Policy, Marketing, Economic Development, CITTE: Construction, Infrastructure, Transportation, Technology & Engineering, and Pinnacle Awards

11:30am-1:00pm

• Extended Arm: Greater Houston Black Chamber Foundation • Foundation raises private support, manage funds, and make strategic investments in Greater Houston Black Chamber (GHBC) programming.

Original Office: Pilgrim Temple building Current Office: 2808 Wheeler Name Change: Mack H. Hannah, Jr., changed name to the Houston Citizens Chamber Of Commerce (HCCC) in 1964 First Female Chairman of the Board of the Directors: Vernita B. Harris

2nd Tuesdays with the Chamber Luncheon The Buffalo Soldier Museum | 3816 Caroline St. | Houston, TX 77004 Member – $15.00 Non-Members – $25.00 Build your network. Increase your wealth of knowledge. Gain the support of your business needs.

February 25, 2019 GHBC Legislative Day at the Capitol 12:00pm-2:00pm February 27, 2019 Building Wealth Day 7:30-9:00am Marshall High School | 1220 Buffalo Run | Missouri City TX 77489

This event will be hosted with Delta Sigma Theta Suburban Houston Fort Bend Chapter.

Guest $20

MEMBER FDIC

Top-rated app. Unmatched service. Financial safety and soundness.

And fairly decent coffee.

At Frost, we’ve got the little things and big things covered so your finances can grow and prosper.

Visit us at frostbank.com or download the Frost App.

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LOCAL, STATE, NATIONAL & BUSINESS BRIEFS Harris County Commissioners Court Requests Plan for Equitable Distribution of Flood Bond Funds and a Study for a Minimum Wage Increase for County Employees at First Meeting This Year

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number of issues — including flood bond equity, a proposal to consider Election Day vote centers and minimum wage increase to $15 an hour for county employees — was discussed at the first Commissioners Court meeting of 2019, which lasted until nearly 5 p.m.

Commissioner Rodney Ellis, reflecting on the court meeting, later said, “It’s a new day and a new year in Harris County. This is our opportunity to increase transparency, make equitable investments in our communities and advance fair opportunity for all people.”

One of the most pressing issues discussed by the new Commissioners Court was the need to establish a clear process for the eq-

uitable distribution of flood control funds for long-neglected neighborhoods that have been previously under-funded due unfair federal funding formulas for flood mitigation. Commissioners Court requested that the Flood Control District return to Commissioners Court no later than its first March meeting with a plan for equitable decision-making and distribution of funds.

Commissioner Ellis later noted, “We have a long road ahead of us to not only rebuild and recover from Harvey but to make our region, our people and our infrastructure more resilient to future storms. Equity is key to fostering true resilience in our communities.”

minimum starting salary for county employees. Commissioner Ellis, a long-time advocate for fair wages who has already raised the minimum wage to $15 an hour for Precinct One employees, introduced the issue last year on Commissioners Court and requested that the budget office Last year, Commissioner Ellis strongly gather data on feasibility and impact. advocated for flood bond equity, successfully placing equity language in the flood “The momentum for a $15 hourly wage bond package that voters overwhelmingly is building. Our hard-working county emapproved last August. ployees deserve to earn a living wage that will sustain their families for the work Progress was also made on increasing the they do every day in service to the peominimum wage for county employees to ple of Harris County,” Commissioner Ellis $15 an hour. Commissioner Adrian Garcia said. requested approval for a countywide employee compensation study on raising the Public testimony extended late into the

day around a discussion initiated by County Clerk Diane Trautman regarding whether Harris County should establish Election Day Vote Centers, which would allow voters to vote at any location on election day rather than their assigned neighborhood precinct.

Commissioner Ellis welcomed the community input, noting that, “We must do everything we can to move our elections into the 21st century while still protecting the right to vote and ensuring that everyone has equal access to participate in our elections free from burdens and barriers.

The best way to do that is through strong community oversight and input throughout the entire process.”

HEALTH

5 Tips for Staying on Track in the New Year

By Family Features

Houston Health Department Recommends Flu Shot as Influenza Activity Expected to Increase StyleMagazine.com Newswire

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s local flu activity increases, the Houston Health Department (HHD) encourages people to get a flu shot if they haven’t gotten one this flu season.

Monitoring of influenza activity at 42 area hospitals by HHD indicates that between 1,300 and 1,600 people with flu-like illnesses are showing up at local emergency rooms every week.

“Flu activity will increase over the next several weeks so it’s not too late to get a flu shot,” said Dr. David Persse, Houston’s local health authority and EMS director.

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Flu activity typically peaks sometime between December and February but can last as late as May. People can visit their doctor, neighborhood pharmacy or local health department to get a flu shot. Many grocery stores also offer the vaccine.

HHD offers flu shots at its health centers to uninsured and underinsured people on a sliding scale basis that ranges from free to $15. To find the nearest health center, people can call 832-393-5427 or the City of Houston’s 311 information line. They can also go online to HoustonHealth.org.

diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, and those age 65 and older. They also are at greater risk of severe complications if they get the flu.

ache, fatigue, cough, nasal congestion, sore throat and body aches. People with a combination of these symptoms need to see a medical provider promptly.

People at high risk for flu are young children, pregnant women, people with chronic health conditions such as asthma,

The flu – caused by different related viruses – is a contagious disease that results in symptoms such as fever, head-

Most people recover in one to two weeks, but some develop complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis and sinus

Jan. 10 - Jan. 16, 2019

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LIFESTYLE

Millennial Lifestyle Blogger, Evelyn Wilson, Talks About Her Life-Changing Transformation & Being Intentional

By Keandra Scott, Entertainment Writer

New York-based millennial lifestyle blogger, entrepreneur and global transformation coach Evelyn Wilson sparks hope within the community with her voice of transparency as she drops pounds in front of her followers. Wilson, a native Houstonian, is dedicated to a committed life for great health mentally, physically, and spiritually has brought followers to her movement.

“You have to be intentional when trying to commit to transformation week after week. I had to come up with techniques to deal with anxiety, “ Evelyn stated.

It’s the beginning of 2019 and this story couldn’t have come to us at a better time, especially for those who are about being one-hundred petrcent real with themselves. Flawed and all, we think this chat with Mrs. Wilson might help you on your journey to finding the tools needed to accomplishing your personal goals and staying confident no matter what.

Houston Style Magazine: What was it like growing up in Houston?

Evelyn: I grew up in Hiarm Clark located in Southwest Houston. I was a different little girl, but, I always just dove for the top. I was always heavyset but that didn’t stop my ambition to be active in music, being a singer and in the color guard. I went to Michael E. DeBakey High School for Health Professionals and furthered my education at Xavier University (Biology Major). My dad was a music minister, so the church has always been a part of my life. I attribute my spiritual foundation to knowing I can accomplish all things in my life through both good and bad that has taken me to where I am today.

HSM: When did your transformation begin?

Evelyn: My transformation started, really, when I went to Alcorn State University in Mississippi, but, before then it was triggered between middle school and high school. I felt like the transformation kept evolving. My dad decided to drive me down to Alcorn State where I was able to audition for the music program. People I didn’t know knew me. They saw me as a young lady just being myself. In 2005, I pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,

Incorporated. I became a worship leader at a church in New Jersey where I taught choir for 10 years and had a non-profit organization called The Epic Movement Fine Arts where we held summer camps.

Two years ago, I was in the midst of another transformation journey (365 Fit) mentally, spiritually and physically.

It triggered what I’m doing now. I lost over 100 pounds.

HSM: What brought you to New York?

Evelyn: My husband got a new job there. So many things have happened since. I wrote a vision board in 2016 with New York on it and I had no idea this was gonna happen on it. That’s really what I’m all about now. Those dreams and gifts you have on your heart, if you are intentionally tapping into some of those things, they’ll flourish.

HSM: What is the No Ceiling Network? What does it stands for?

Evelyn: It’s about brand coaching and strategies for business owners. In March, I was actually laid off my job. I began to host “The God Moment” consulting at least once a week and then I gave birth to the “God Flow” where I ask clients questions like, “What do you want in your life right now?” It could be peace.

“Why is this not happening?” It could

be a relationship, their work, entrepreneurship, etc. It’s good to know your goal so you can work towards it. It’s like troubleshooting for life.

HSM: Do you have any forthcoming projects you are working on for 2019?

Evelyn: On the music side, I have The Sunday Brunch Unplugged in Houston, TX on January 20, 2019 (every 3rd Sunday) and I’m hoping to branch the series to New York (in March). I’m also working on writing a devotional & journal. I also have a Facebook forum called The Break Out Sisterhood Group. For over 570 women, a group is a safe place filled with agape love, accountability, ladies who pray together, worship together, study God’s word together and break out of negative cycles together while replacing them with positive habits.

Catch Evelyn discuss the importance of understanding how healing is apart of the process and more at ‘See. Plan Pray.’- Vision Board event.

Starting January 11, 2019, those who are ready for a breakthrough and to get aligned with their purpose can join Evelyn for 3 nights of coaching, an exclusive interactive group that fuels empowerment with others via Facebook, Godflow Calendar and a surprise gift.

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SPORTS Texans Come Up Short Against the Colts Ending Their 2018 Season

By Brian Barefield, Style Sports Editor

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Texans Fall Short inm Playoff Game

think this organization has a very bright future. We have a great young quarterback. We’ve got a lot of really great guys in the locker room.

They have a passion for the game. We just didn’t get it done today, were the words Houston Texans head coach Bill O’ Brien to reporters after the Texans

lost their Wild Card playoff game to the Indianapolis Colts 21 – 7 at NRG stadium. Houston ended their season with an overall record of 11-6, which included a nine-game winning streak and the 2018 AFC South Divisional Championship title.

Watson to WR Keke Coutee. Up to that point, the Texans could not muster up anything against a vaunted Colts defense who had been playing lights out the last couple of weeks. They held Watson to 235 yards passing with 1 touchdown and 1 interception.

Houston came out very flat on both sides of the ball and the defense allowed the Colts to score on three out of four offensive drives that put the Texans down early 21 – 0. Although Houston gave up 3 catches for 63 yards in the first quarter to arch nemesis Colts WR T.Y. Hilton, it was the rushing attack that kept Houston off balance the entire game. Indianapolis ended the game with 200 rushing yards on 35 carries and RB Marlon Mack had 148 of those yards after having only 33 in the week 14 matchup. Running the ball allowed the Colts to keep the Texans edge rushers J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney at bay all game which kept Andrew Luck upright the entire game as Indianapolis didn’t allow a sack the entire game.

“I mean you look at the film,” said Watson. “The pressure was there. Couldn’t step into my throws. It wasn’t where I was sitting there by myself with a full pocket. Guys were in my face, trying to make throws like that. I can’t fully throw, any quarterback, not just me, can’t step into that throw, get their full strength with their lower body,” Watson went on to say as he described the amount of pressure he was under all day.

“Run the ball to slow them down, we talked a lot about that this week. Those are two phenomenal players, and our guys did a great job,” Colts head coach Frank Reich said.

For as efficient as Indianapolis’s offense was, the Texans offense was not.

Houston did not get on the board until the 4th quarter with a pass from QB Deshaun

The Texans will now have an entire offseason to figure out what went wrong and try to fix some things. that caused them to come up short this past Saturday. Keeping key free agents like OLB Jadeveon Clowney, FS Tyrann Mathieu, CB Kareem Jackson, and OLB Brennan Scarlett are high on General Manager Brian Gaine’s to-do list. He will also be preparing to draft in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft (23rd pick). Something he didn’t do last year until the third round as Houston had given up most of their draft picks to the Cleveland Browns for the rights to Deshaun Watson.

BOOKS

“Stop That Yawn!” by Caron Levis, illustrated by LeUyen Pham

By Terri Schlichenmeyer, Book Reviewe

“I’m not tired!”

That’s what you might say when it’s time for bed. You want to stayV awake for awhile.

Who can shut their eyes when fun might be happening? You’re not tired, but in the new book “Stop That Yawn!” by Caron Levis, illustrated by LeUyen Pham, you might act like you are.

Gabby Wild lived with her Granny in Sleepytown. And she was tired of it!

All they ever did was sleep, nap, snooze, and lay in bed. Ugh, who needs that?

Gabby begged and begged Granny to take her somewhere fun, somewhere there was action and where people actually stayed up all night. Finally, Granny agreed and they packed their toothbrushes.

When they finally reached Never Sleeping City, it was glorious. Nobody went to bed early. Nobody went to bed at all! Instead, they sung songs all night that weren’t lullabies, they enjoyed blinky lights, and they had ice cream whenever they wanted it. There was an opera house and dancing and music!

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Jan. 10 - Jan. 16, 2019

It was so much fun! It was so exciting, has a surprising amount of action in it. until Granny looked up to the skies. The If you’re a parent who’ll be charged with moon was quiet and peaceful. Stars were twinkling softly. And – uh oh – she yawned. reading it aloud, take that as a warning. Author Caron Levis tells a great story, but the As quick as a wink, the Yawn oozed down arrival in and the ensuing run through the on Never Sleeping City. On the sidewalks, fictional Never Sleeping City could serve to circus animals yawned and nodded off. The rouse a kid who’s a master at fighting sleep. ice cream man took a snooze. The city’s There’s a lot to see in artwork by LeUyen baker stretched and opened his mouth wide. Pham and while the illustrations are wonderGabby started to panic! ful, they’re busy enough to add to the battle.

“Quick!” she yelled. “Grit your teeth, seal And yet, if you use your bedtime voice, your lips, we have to stop that –“ how could your child resist a tale that so charmingly winds down an active night? as too late. The Yawn spread all through How could you bear to miss a bedplane, or the city, up and down the streets, into shops a Vegas-like cartoon town, or a giraffe that’s and opera houses and into Never Sleeping sweetly collapsed in slumber?

City’s city hall. Gabby rang bells, she shouted, but the Yawn was everywhere. Never You can’t, and neither could your 4-toSleeping City was now asleep.

8-year-old, especially if (s)he can’t sleep without a story. Read carefully, soft and There was just “one place left for her quiet, and “Stop That Yawn!” is a book to turn.” There was only one thing Gabby you’ll never get tired of. could do. There was just one place left to go, and she would have to take Granny with her!

Share this story online at stylemagazine.com.

For a book that would otherwise make an excellent bedtime story, “Stop That Yawn!”

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HEALTH The Truth About Dietary Supplements

By BlackDoctor.Org

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urn on the TV and flip channels for a while or go on social media.

Eventually, you’re going to come across some “breaking news” about a new formula or supplement “clinically proven” to normalize your blood sugar and reverse diabetes. Think about this for a moment—a cure for diabetes in a bottle? If it were only that simple. Yet, that’s what the companies that market such products want you to believe. The pitch is so great, you think to yourself, “It should work. It was clinically proven, right?” Wrong! The claims are nothing more than great marketing techniques used to gain your trust.

According to an updated position paper published by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, vitamin and mineral supplements may be beneficial for people who aren’t getting the essential vitamins and minerals, they need through their diet but do not help in preventing chronic disease such as diabetes.

What are Dietary Supplements?

Dietary supplements include such ingredients as vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, and enzymes. You don’t need a prescription to buy dietary supplements. You can find supplements in forms such as tablets, capsules, soft gels, gel caps, powders, and liquids.

Vitamins are needed for normal growth and development of the body. Vitamins don’t provide energy, as some folks commonly believe, but they do help the body break down carbohydrates, protein, and fat and use them more efficiently. The

body requires very small quantities of vitamins, but it cannot function properly without them.

There are two types of vitamins: water-soluble and fat-soluble. Water-soluble vitamins are those that are flushed away when we eliminate water from our bodies. Because they can’t be stored, you have to replace them in the body daily.

The water-soluble vitamins are B and C. However, you don’t lose fat-soluble vitamins every day. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the liver and fat tissue of the body and used as needed. But because you can’t flush them out easily, fat-soluble vitamins can be toxic if you take them in large quantities. Fat-soluble vitamins include A, D, E, and K. The most popular dietary supplements are multivitamins, calcium and vitamins B, C, and D. Other common supplements include echinacea, fish oil, ginseng, glucosamine, garlic, St. John’s Wort, saw palmetto, ginkgo, and green tea.

What are the Benefits of Supplements?

There is no clear evidence that a person with diabetes gets any extra benefit from vitamins supplements unless she already has a vitamin or mineral deficiency. But there’s no harm in using a vitamin or mineral supplement as a nutritional backup. Some vitamin supplements can help assure you get enough of the essential nutrients your body needs to function.

Just make sure you discuss it with your doctor or health-care provider first.

Are Dietary Supplements Safe?

The choice to use a dietary supplement can be a wise decision that provides health benefits. However, under certain circumstances, these products may be unnecessary for good health, or they may even create unexpected risks.

It is important to fully inform your doctor about any vitamins, minerals, herbals or any other supplements you are taking. Many supplements contain active ingredients that have strong biological effects, and they’re not always safe for every user. Other supplements may interact with prescription and overthe-counter medicines.

Some supplements can also have adverse effects before, during, and after surgery. You may be asked to stop taking supplements at least 2-3 weeks ahead of the procedure to avoid potentially dangerous supplement/drug interactions— such as changes in heart rate, blood pressure and increased bleeding – that could adversely affect the outcome of your surgery.

When searching for information about supplements on the internet, use noncommercial sites (e.g., the Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health, the Food and Drug Administration, the U.S. Department of Agriculture) rather than depending on information from sellers. Remember the sellers want you to buy their product.

If claims sound too good to be true, they probably are: Be mindful of product claims such as “works better than [a prescription drug],” “totally safe,” or has “no side effects.”

Finally, be aware that the term “natural” doesn’t always mean “safe.”

Constance Brown-Riggs, is a registered dietitian, certified diabetes educator, national speaker and author of the Diabetes Guide to Enjoying Foods of the World, a convenient guide to help people with diabetes enjoy all the flavors of the world while still following a healthy meal plan.

Follow Constance on social media @ eatingsoulfully

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EAT 3WITH STYLE Steps to a Healthier You

By Family Features

happen frequently. Travel, for example, whether for business or pleasure, can disrupt workouts and access to nutritious food. To allow a little room for a missed workout or a special meal, put some fitness in the bank by tightening your diet a couple weeks ahead of your trip. You can also put some extra effort into workouts by adding intervals, additional weight or simply going a little longer.

S

tarting a diet or diving headfirst into a workout plan may be the first steps to enhancing your personal health, but once you’ve started down the path to better fitness and nutrition, it’s important to find ways to stay on track.

Instead of burning yourself out on a diet that’s too stringent or workouts that are too intense, moderate your healthy lifestyle and use simple tricks to avoid falling into bad habits. Consider these tips from celebrity trainer and food coach Valerie Waters, author of “Red Carpet Ready,” to help ensure you stick to your plan.

Bank your fitness. Interruptions in life

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Strategy trumps willpower. While willpower is certainly part of maintaining a diligent healthy lifestyle, strategizing can be of even more importance. Planning a full day or even week of meals can help you curb cravings and avoid indulging in extra, unnecessary calories. Instead of white-knuckling through afternoon cravings at work, try bringing a go-to snack like California Figs, which are filling, portable, rich in antioxidants and fat-free.

Eat simply. Eating foods as close to their natural state as possible can help you avoid consuming excess sugar and fat. Plus, by incorporating more natural foods and snacks into your routine, you’re less likely to eat items loaded with preservatives or ingredients you may not even recognize.

Focus on lean protein, fruit, veggies and nuts available in recipes like this Farro and Fig Salad with Arugula and Feta.

Jan. 10 - Jan. 16, 2019

Find more nutritional tips and information at californiafigs.com.

Farro and Fig Salad with Arugula and Feta Servings: 6 1 cup semi-pearled farro 2 cups water 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 1 medium shallot, minced (2 table spoons) 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon dried turmeric 3/4 cup California Dried Golden or Mission Figs, stemmed and chopped (6-8 figs) 2 cups arugula 2 ounces crumbled feta cheese (about 1/2 cup) In medium saucevpan over high heat, bring farro and water to boil. Lower heat to simmer, cover with lid and cook until farro is tender, about 25 minutes. Remove from heat and let rest, covered, 10 minutes.

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In large bowl, whisk lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, shallot, mustard, salt, pepper and turmeric. Add farro, figs and arugula; toss well. Crumble feta over top and toss again. Serve warm or at room temperature.

SMALL

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Edgenuity is bidding on RFP #16-1025 (District Instructional Software) for Houston ISD. Edgenuity is seeking M/WBE subcontractors to provide training support for Edgenuity’s proprietary software.

Respondents must have experience teaching and in the delivery of online curriculum for grades K – 12.

Experience and familiarity with Edgenuity systems are preferred. Send responses to bids@edgenuity.com by January 11, 2019 or contact Lynette McVay at 480-675-7284 (ext. 1122).

3455 South Dairy Ashford Houston, TX 77082

Advertising@stylemagazine.com

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Remembering John Chase, Jr. 1953-2019

By Legacy.com

T

he Honorable John Saunders Chase, Jr., was born in Houston, Texas on January 2, 1953, the oldest son of Drucie and John Saunders Chase. After celebrating many happy years of life, he went to his final rest on his birthday, January 2, 2019.

John was a loving and devoted husband, son, brother, uncle, cousin and

friend. Nine years older than his sister Saundria, he doted on her as they were growing up. He and his brother Anthony shared a love of sports, barbeque and politics. John was the wise uncle that the kids enjoyed talking to when they needed advice about life, school or sports. He was a good listener and always had a kind word for everyone he encountered.

He and his mother talked daily and he visited with her frequently, talking about everything from international politics to local issues. He enjoyed food, traveling and movies, but had a special place in his heart for the Houston Texans and was a longtime season ticket holder.

most treasured vacations was a trip to Disney World with his nieces and nephew. John enjoyed Disney World just as much as the kids.

In 2009 he married the love of his life, Brenda Peters and together they enjoyed a life filled with family, community and social events. Brenda serves as a member of the board of the Ensemble Theater and John enjoyed supporting the many programs and activities in which she was involved. During their marriage, Brenda and John traveled extensively, together and with family. One of their

A Celebration of Life for John S. Chase will be held on Tuesday, January 8, 2019, at Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, 500 Clay Street, Houston, Texas 77002. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m-12:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at noon and the Interment will follow at Forest Park Lawndale, 6900 Lawndale, Houston, Texas, under the direction of Johnson Funeral Home, Inc.

2018

A life-long Houstonian, John attended

public elementary and middle schools and graduated from Strake Jesuit College Preparatory School. John’s passion for politics led him to pursue a degree in Political Science from Rice University and a law degree from the University of Houston Law Center. He began his professional career in banking, but his interest in politics called him to become involved in the mayoral campaigns of Fred Hofheinz and Kathy Whitmire. He proudly served in both administrations.

For a period of time, he operated his own private law practice. He was honored to be appointed to serve as a Municipal Judge for the City of Houston where he served for many years. At the time of his passing, he was continuing his work in public service as the Administration Manager for Security and Emergency Preparedness at Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport and served as an adjunct professor at the Thurgood Marshall School of Law.

HOUSTON CITY HALL

41st Original MLK Parade

M

Photography by Vicky Pink

ayor Sylvester Turner was proud to announce that the city of Houston would give its full backing behind one Martin Luther King Jr. Day Parade in partnership with the Black Heritage Society. This year’s parade will be extra special since the passing of Black Heritage Society founder Ovide Duncantell. Some in attendance were Congressman Al Green, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Rev. William A. Lawson, Bishop James Dixon, Commissioners Rodney Ellis, and Adrian Garcia, and City Council members Dwight Boykins and Amanda Edwards.

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Jan. 10 - Jan. 16, 2019

John was preceded in death by his father, John Saunders Chase. He is survived by his devoted wife Brenda Peters-Chase, his mother Drucie Chase, his stepdaughter Christina Martin, his brother Anthony (Dina) and sister Saundria (Jerome). He also enjoyed close relationships with his nieces and nephews Asa, Chase, Jordan, Grace and Abyssinia (Kat). He also leaves to cherish his memory a host of relatives and friends.

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2018

EMANCIPATION PARK

Judge Sharon Burney Swearing In Photography by Vicky Pink haron M. Burney was all smiles as she sworn in as judge for Precinct 7, Place 2 Justice of the Peace. Judge Vanessa Gilmore issued the oath of office to Judge Burney. She was one of the 19 Black Girl Magic Sister Judges that recently won elections in Harris County.

Frenchy’s Chicken and Sunshine’s Vegetarian Deli provided refreshments. Some in attendance celebrating with Judge Burney were Mayor Sylvester Turner, Sheree Harris-Fisher, Rev. Juanita Rasmas, Brianna Perkins, Treva Jones, Judge Zinetta A. Burney, Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Rev. James Nash, Lucy Bremond, Judson Robinson, and C. O. Bradford.

2018

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HOUSTON, TX

SABIC Donates $50K to C-STEM

H

Photography by Vicky Pink

ouston-area SABIC employees were happy to award $50,000 each – totaling $150,000 – to Houston Children’s Charities, C-STEM, and Trees for Houston. In celebration of November’s Giving Tuesday, SABIC employees were invited to vote for three local charities from a list of non-profits underpinning the company’s corporate social responsibility goals.

SABIC is working with each non-profit to determine how the funds will be used. Some in attendance were C-STEM President and CEO Dr. Reagan Flowers, SABIC Vice President Greg Adams, and SABIC Americas Human Resources Senior Manager Kim Wilson.

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