Houston Style Magazine vol 30 No 10

Mar. 7 – Mar. 13, 2019

Houston’s Premiere Weekly Publication

Volume 30 | Number 08

Complimentary

Jesse Jackson

Selma, the Birthplace of Modern Democracy in America

Marshall Law School

New Bill Proposes Separation of Law School From TSU

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Christina Morales

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Imani School’s 30th Anniversary

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Michelle Obama Visits Worthing Students

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Mar. 7 – Mar. 13, 2019

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COMMENTARY

Selma, the Birthplace of Modern Democracy in America

By Jesse Jackson, National Political Writer

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his weekend, political leaders from across the country gathered in Selma, Alabama, to commemorate “Bloody Sunday,” the 1965 march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge where peaceful demonstrators, attempting to cross the bridge, were violently driven back by Alabama State Troopers, Dallas County Sheriff’s deputies and a horse-mounted posse wielding billy clubs and water hoses to savage the crowd. The horrors played on TV sets across the country generated a national outrage that provided the final impetus for passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. In many ways, Selma is the birthplace of modern democracy in America, helping to secure the right to vote for African Americans and the young, and for providing the foundation for future battles for equality, including the equal rights of women.

When former Alabama Governor George Wallace was ill late in his life, I joined him for prayer. I asked him why he unleashed the troopers on the demonstrators in 1965. He said, “I did them a favor.”

Wallace argued that the mob would have been much worse on the peaceful marchers. He never even considered that he might have used the troopers to

A view of the Edmund Pettus Bridge over the Alabama River in Selma, Ala.

protect them from the mob. That was a mentality that, as Dr. Martin Luther King taught, could only be challenged by nonviolent protest that demonstrated our humanity while demanding our rights.

In the commemorative ceremonies this year, presidential candidates Sen. Bernie Sanders and Cory Booker, as well as Sen. Sherrod Brown and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton were joined by many legislators and political leaders. They sensibly called on participants to rise up again to challenge the revival of systematic efforts to suppress the vote and to push back against the outrageous Supreme Court

POLITICAL H ere’s some good news. The Democratic Party that is now emerging from the catastrophe of the Trump presidency looks like America. It is energized by a coalition of African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, fair-minded Anglos and new young voters. Democratic values are grounded in the American dream – opportunity for all, respect for hard work, protecting workers rights, civil rights and human rights, and restoring the pathway to education and economic reward that each person deserves no matter their background.

So, if the Democratic Party looks like America and shares American values, doesn’t it make sense that the city hosting the 2020 Democratic Convention resemble and reflect the Democratic Party? Follow that simple logic and the choice is easy – Houston, Texas.

Houston’s diversity is far more than a ranking in national publications – it’s seen in its politics, world-class science and health facilities, modern transportation, and thriving arts and entertainment scenes – all assets that contribute not just to a great a convention, but also shows America at its best.

The 2018 election cycle in Houston is a virtual roadmap for how Democrats build a coalition to return responsible and accountable leadership to our nation. Democrats swept every county-wide election and took control of the county commissioners court.

The court is now by led by County Judge Lina Hidalgo, a brilliant young woman

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Mar. 7 – Mar. 13, 2019

decision in Shelby v. Holder, which gutted enforcement provisions of the Voting Rights Act, and opened the floodgates to a wave of discriminatory state laws meant to keep people of color from exercising their right to vote.

There are laws that now require new forms of ID, voting districts have been gerrymandered and voter rolls purged.

Laws now limit early voting and polling places have been closed or move without notice, and much, much more. The brave marchers in 1965 did their part for Democracy, now it is up to us to defend it and extend it.

At the same time, while Selma is the birthplace of modern democracy, it is in danger of becoming a prop. Selma is the ninth poorest small town in America and 40 percent of its residents live in poverty. It exemplifies the rural and small-town America that has been left out of the recovery.

Democrats tend to see rural America as Trump country. Trump appealed to rural voters by stoking their fears and turning them against each other, but he has come up with no plan to help them.

Trump offers only hate, not hope.

The new Democratic majority in the House is in many ways the fruit of the sacrifices made at Selma and elsewhere.

Democrats should see Selma and rural America as both an obligation and an opportunity. What’s needed is a comprehensive rural reconstruction plan, a modern version of what Franklin D. Roosevelt did when he built the Tennessee Valley Authority and modernized the Department of Agriculture, which literally electrified rural America.

Today, the Department of Agriculture has the authority and the capacity to invest in water and sewage systems, modernize utilities, provide broadband to underserved communities, offer zero interest loans to community centers and subsidize affordable housing. What we need is a plan and a budget to get this done. House Democrats should make this a priority.

Let’s honor those who sacrificed so much by repealing voter suppression laws. But let us also make Selma the birthplace of a new economic justice in rural America. Selma should be more than a symbol of past struggles; it must also become a beacon for a new hope.

(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.)

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The Trump Tax Return Fight Is Coming Back In a Major Way Analysis by Chris Cillizza, CNN Editor-at-large

Donald Trump

who was born in Colombia. She is joined by a diverse group of leaders, including 17 African American women who were elected as district judges. These new leaders, along with Houston’s outstanding African

American Mayor Sylvester Turner, are part of a local leadership team that all Americans can look to with pride.

Democrats are on the rise statewide too.

In 2016, there was virtually no investment by national Democrats in the presidential race in Texas, yet Hillary Clinton did better in the Lone Star State than in Ohio and other states where millions were spent in every presidential election going back decades.

In the 2018 election, Texas Democrats made big gains. Beto O’Rourke came within a whisper of winning a U.S. Senate seat.

We picked up two congressional seats – one of them in Houston. Two crucial State Senate seats were won, and Democrats captured twelve State House seats, closing within just nine seats of a majority.

It’s no overstatement to call the Houston metropolitan area the cornerstone for national political realignment. Big, consistent Democratic wins in the Houston region will drive Democratic victories statewide.

When Texas delivers its 38 electoral votes to Democrats, the path for Donald Trump or any other Republican hits a hard dead-end.

And, when it comes to a convention experience for delegates to enjoy and the nation to behold, Houston brings unique, world-class qualities. Entertainment – what other city can claim hometown talent like Beyoncé and the Astros? Science and learning - Houston is the home of NASA and some of our country’s finest universities. Healthcare – Houston is a center for healing and medical research that starts with

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MD Anderson.

Houston brings something else that few past Democratic Conventions have offered: convenience! Every hotel is centrally located and no more than five miles and a few minutes from the convention facilities. The Toyota Center and the Convention Center are literally next to each other. There will be no long bus rides from outlying airport hotels that have typified many convention venues. Houston’s light rail system ties into a mass transit plan that works for locals and for visitors.

Just as important, Houston is a place where people come to work, and our workforce at all the convention facilities and convention hotels is labor-organized.

Houston is a friendly working- class city where organized labor is active, visible and respected.

As a labor leader, lifelong Democrat and a proud Houstonian, I wear a lot of hats. I carry the vibrance and energy of Houston into ever mission I take on within our community, around my state and across the country. Let’s bring the 2020 Democratic Convention to Houston so that our party and all Americans can enjoy and share in the wonderful qualities of Houston, Texas.

Claude Cummings Jr is Vice President of District 6 of the Communications Workers of America. He leads the Human Rights Department of CWA and is active in civic and community affairs in the Houston region.

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Mar. 7 – Mar. 13, 2019

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LOCAL AND STATE BRIEFS Nearly 200 People in Texas Contracted Mumps

Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama Surprises Worthing High School Students and More

CNN/StyleMagazine.com early 200 people at immigration detention facilities across Texas have contracted mumps since October, officials say. The 186 patients range from 13 to 66 years old, the Texas Department of State Health Services said Tuesday. Most of the cases were among detainees, though five workers also contracted the virus. The state health department does not believe that it has spread into the community. Mumps is a contagious virus that is typically spread through saliva and mucus. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, loss of appetite and puffiness around the cheeks and jaw from swollen salivary glands. A Houston facility reported 11 cases. Dr. David Persse, the city’s public health authority, said he has received reports that some immigrants are showing up in court with masks on, running fevers and exhibiting symptoms of the condition. Persse urged officials to immediately start isolating and quarantine people who may have been infected.

ABC13.com tudents at Worthing High School had a surprise meeting with Michelle Obama. The former first lady was in Houston Saturday as part of her book tour. Ten students at the event were told they were getting their own personal meeting with Obama. They say they thought it was a joke until she came out to talk to them. The teacher who accompanied the students says the meeting will help improve self-esteem and confidence among the girls. The former first lady was in Houston for her sold out book tour, “Becoming,” at the Toyota Center.

She had an intimate, honest conversation about her journey. Ahead of the visit a mural of Obama was painted across the street from The Breakfast Klub, a popular southern breakfast and brunch spot in Midtown. The new artwork joins a long-standing mural of former president Barack Obama, which was created in 2008.

Michael Jackson

Dr. Glenda Glover (fourth from the left)

CNN/StyleMagazine.com eaving Neverland is about dreams turned to nightmares, featuring twin accounts of Michael Jackson’s alleged sexual predation that derive power and credibility from their strikingly similar parallels. It’s an unsettling tale of money, fame and seduction, insidiously marshalled not just at young boys but their equally star-struck parents. The late pop star’s staunchest defenders have long pushed back against such allegations, and it’s hard to imagine much shaking those convictions. The Jackson family has already fired back at the film after its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival, calling it a “public lynching” and Jackson’s accusers “admitted liars,” in reference to sworn statements by both while Jackson was alive that he did not molest them.

RollingOut.com lpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., in partnership with the Educational Advancement Foundation, closed out Black History Month by awarding $50,000 to 31 historically Black colleges and universities that are benefactors of the newly formed AKA-HBCU Endowment Fund. The fund was created to help bolster the financial health of HBCUs. Dr. Glenda Glover, international president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, was present at AKA headquarters in Chicago to share the wealth with 31 HBCU presidents. The goal of the AKA- HBCU initiative is to donate $10 million to historically Black colleges and universities in the next four years. Chicago State University is one of the schools that is included in this important initiative. This new initiative comes at a critical time.

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‘Leaving Neverland’ Presents Accounts of Michael Jackson’s Alleged Abuse

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Feb. 28 – Mar. 6, 2019

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AKAs Close Out Black History Month

by Presenting $1.6M to HBCUs

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Sylvester Turner

Houston Traffic

Click2Houston.com ouston Mayor Sylvester Turner said that planning and patience are key to those visiting the city during spring break next week. Turner said that most of Houston’s attractions that are frequented by spring breakers are all within a 5-mile radius, and that can cause some traffic and parking headaches. “An average of 350,000 people per day will travel to the Museum District and NRG Park to attend dozens of attractions, including the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Hermann Park, the Houston Zoo, Miller Outdoor Theater and our fabulous museums,” Turner said. In addition to the visiting traffic during the weeklong school vacation, there’s the daily traffic of the people who work at the 50 institutions that make up the Texas Medical Center, which is next to all of the big attractions. Turner said electronic signs will help direct drivers to the best parking spots.

Click2Houston.com t’s not hard to fathom that Houston was ranked No. 2 as one of the most stressed cities in Texas if you ever drove through its traffic. BabylonHealth released its list after analyzing Twitter content to find out where people are most likely tweet about stress, anxiety and frustration. The company used a tool called TensiStrengh to estimate stress levels in these tweets based on a classification of words. Texas was ranked No. 12 among the most stressed states.

San Antonio was ranked as the most stressed city in Texas, with 11.62 percent of its residents’ publishing “stressed” tweets. The city of Houston follows in close second place with 11.60 percent of “stressed” tweets. See how the rest of the cities rank in Texas: San Antonio - 11.62 percent; Houston - 11.60 percent; Corpus Christi - 11.52 percent; Lubbock - 11.50 percent; and El Paso - 11.42 percent.

Christrina Morales

Ron Rynolds

TexasTribune.org emocrat Christina Morales has handily won the special election runoff to fill the former Texas House seat of state Sen. Carol Alvarado, D-Houston. With all precincts reporting Tuesday night, Morales had 61 percent of the vote to 39 percent for fellow Democrat Melissa Noriega, according to unofficial returns. Morales is the president of her family’s funeral home in Houston’s East End, while Noriega is a former Houston City Council member who temporarily held the House seat over a decade ago.

Alvarado gave up the seat in House District 145 when she won a promotion to the upper chamber in December. Morales and Noriega were the top two finishers in the initial eight-way contest for HD-145, which was held Jan. 29. Morales got 36 percent of that vote.

HoustonPublicMedia.org tate Representative Ron Reynolds has filed legislation proposing that Texas pays $95 million in reparations to the descendants of 95 African American prison inmates who were forced to work in a Sugar Land plantation while they were serving their time in the 19th century. A contractor discovered the remains in February of 2018 while working on the initial phase to build a career and technical center for the Fort Bend County Independent School District. The inmates were part of the convict lease system, which started in Texas in 1867. The issue has sparked controversy on what to do with the remains and Fort Bend County and the school district are currently negotiating a permanent plan.

Reynolds’ legislation is a joint resolution proposing a constitutional amendment to require payment of the reparations.

350,000 Visitors Per Day Expected in Houston During Spring Break

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Democrat Christina Morales wins Texas House seat formerly held by Alvarado

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Houston Ranked No. 2 As Most Stressed City In Texas

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State Representative Proposes Paying $95 Million In Reparations To Descendants Of Sugar Land 95

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NATIONALAND BUSINESS BRIEFS Walmart

Black Business Owner

NBCNews.com s Walmart moves to phase out its familiar blue-vested “greeters” at some 1,000 stores nationwide, disabled workers who fill many of those jobs say they’re being ill-treated by a chain that styles itself as community-minded and inclusive. Walmart told greeters around the country last week that their positions would be eliminated on April 26 in favor of an expanded, more physically demanding “customer host” role. To qualify, they will need to be able to lift 25-pound (11-kilogram) packages, climb ladders and stand for long periods. That came as a heavy blow to greeters with cerebral palsy, spina bifida and other physical disabilities.

TheHill.com n Tuesday, the Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) celebrates its 50th anniversary. When President Nixon signed the executive order creating MBDA, the nation’s minority population was less than 40 million. Nixon recognized that, although minority-owned businesses then were only 4 percent of America’s businesses, empowering the entrepreneurial spirit of minority men and women was vital for the future of the American economy. Today, the minority population has more than tripled to 129 million, or 39 percent of the total United States population.

Walmart Is Getting Rid of Greeters, Worrying the Disabled

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Celebrating the Rise of Minority-owned Businesses

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Napa Valley’s Only Black-Owned Winery Signs Major Deal With Delta Airlines

Moody’s Warns Mexico Violence Hurting Business

BlackBusiness.org rown Estate Vineyards, the first and only Black-owned estate winery in Napa Valley, California, has sealed a lucrative partnership deal with Delta Airlines. In line with that, passengers aboard the domestic Delta One could have a taste of two of Brown Estate’s wines from winter 2019 to 2020. Just in time for Black History Month, Brown Estate wines was first seen onboard on February 26th during an in-flight tasting for Delta One customers traveling from San Francisco to New York. The partnership was supposed to be just a part of the efforts to increase diversity awareness during Black History Month,

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ewn.co.za atings agency Moody’s warned on Tuesday that violent crime was hurting Mexican businesses, saying the crucial oil and tourism industries were particularly vulnerable. “Increasing insecurity, robbery and travel warnings hurt Mexican companies’ top lines and profitability, and will particularly weaken revenue and margins over the next 12-18 months for the oil industry and hotels and resorts,” said Moody’s vice president Alonso Sanchez in a statement. Mexico, Latin America’s second-largest economy after Brazil, is struggling to deal with a more than decade-long surge in violent crime fueled by powerful drug cartels.

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Feb. 28 – Mar. 6, 2019

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POLITICAL A City and Party That Looks Like America

By Claude Cummings, Jr., Special to Style

Party? Follow that simple logic and the choice is easy – Houston, Texas.

Houston’s diversity is far more than a ranking in national publications – it’s seen in its politics, world-class science and health facilities, modern transportation, and thriving arts and entertainment scenes – all assets that contribute not just to a great a convention, but also shows America at its best.

Claude Cummings, Hi Res Headshot Email Size.jpg Claude Cummings, Hi Res Headshot Email Size.jpg

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ere’s some good news. The Democratic Party that is now emerging from the catastrophe of the Trump presidency looks like America. It is energized by a coalition of African Americans, Latinos, Asian Americans, fair-minded Anglos and new young voters. Democratic values are grounded in the American dream – opportunity for all, respect for hard work, protecting workers rights, civil rights and human rights, and restoring the pathway to education and economic reward that each person deserves no matter their background.

So, if the Democratic Party looks like America and shares American values, doesn’t it make sense that the city hosting the 2020 Democratic Convention resemble and reflect the Democratic

The 2018 election cycle in Houston is a virtual roadmap for how Democrats build a coalition to return responsible and accountable leadership to our nation. Democrats swept every county-wide election and took control of the county commissioners court. The court is now by led by County Judge Lina Hidalgo, a brilliant young woman who was born in Colombia. She is joined by a diverse group of leaders, including 17 African American women who were elected as district judges. These new leaders, along with Houston’s outstanding African American Mayor Sylvester Turner, are part of a local leadership team that all Americans can look to with pride.

Democrats are on the rise statewide too. In 2016, there was virtually no investment by national Democrats in the presidential race in Texas, yet Hillary Clinton did better in the Lone Star State than in Ohio and other states where millions were spent in every presidential

election going back decades.

In the 2018 election, Texas Democrats made big gains. Beto O’Rourke came within a whisper of winning a U.S. Senate seat. We picked up two congressional seats – one of them in Houston.

Two crucial State Senate seats were won, and Democrats captured twelve State House seats, closing within just nine seats of a majority.

It’s no overstatement to call the Houston metropolitan area the cornerstone for national political realignment.

Big, consistent Democratic wins in the Houston region will drive Democratic victories statewide. When Texas delivers its 38 electoral votes to Democrats, the path for Donald Trump or any other Republican hits a hard dead-end.

And, when it comes to a convention experience for delegates to enjoy and the nation to behold, Houston brings unique, world-class qualities. Entertainment – what other city can claim hometown talent like Beyoncé and the Astros? Science and learning - Houston is the home of NASA and some of our country’s finest universities. Healthcare – Houston is a center for healing and medical research that starts with MD Anderson.

Houston brings something else that few past Democratic Conventions have offered: convenience! Every hotel is school connection from TSU makes the university less appealing to those wanting control over the university.

All of these talks were done without any discussion with TSU President Dr. Austin A. Lane, the administration, or the Board of Regents. Dr. Lane let TSU alumni know the stance of the university in an email.

New Bill Proposes Separation of Law School From TSU

By Jo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor exas Southern University alums and supporters are raising concerns on both sides of a major issue that calls for the separation of the Thurgood Marshall School of Law as an independent entity from the university. It is a new bill, HB 2383, proposed by State Representa-

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Mar. 7 – Mar. 13, 2019

tive Harold Dutton.

Dutton introduced the bill on February 25, 2019, as an attempt to save the law school if control of TSU was ever taken over and put in a university system.

Even though TSU President Dr. Austin A. Lane has said he is unaware of any talks for the loss of TSU’s independence. Dutton, who is also an alum of the TMSL, believes removing the law

“TSU is very proud of its history as an independent public university - one of just four in Texas (in addition to Midwestern State University, Stephen F. Austin State University, and Texas Woman’s University). From a fiscal perspective, TSU has made tremendous strides in the past several years, including our latest Moody’s ratings, which give the University a “stable outlook” due to our financial practices, healthy reserve, days cash on hand, and a capital expenditure plan that is updating and modernizing the university in substantial ways,” writes Dr. Lane. He further supports his argument as to why the university does not support the bill noting how TMSL remains a critical part of the University as the leader in producing the largest number of African American lawyers of any law school in Texas. TSU was designated as a “special purpose institution of higher education for urban programming” by the Texas Legislature and this bill would damage that honor. In addition, the po-

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centrally located and no more than five miles and a few minutes from the convention facilities. The Toyota Center and the Convention Center are literally next to each other. There will be no long bus rides from outlying airport hotels that have typified many convention venues. Houston’s light rail system ties into a mass transit plan that works for locals and for visitors.

Just as important, Houston is a place where people come to work, and our workforce at all the convention facilities and convention hotels is labor-organized. Houston is a friendly workingclass city where organized labor is active, visible and respected.

As a labor leader, lifelong Democrat and a proud Houstonian, I wear a lot of hats. I carry the vibrance and energy of Houston into ever mission I take on within our community, around my state and across the country. Let’s bring the 2020 Democratic Convention to Houston so that our party and all Americans can enjoy and share in the wonderful qualities of Houston, Texas.

District 6 of the Communications Workers of America. He leads the Human Rights Department of CWA and is active in civic and community affairs in the Houston region.

tential threats to TSU’s finances would be great if the separation occurs.

The law school is at a critical time right as it tries to come into full compliance of several American Bar Association standards that have been violated.

Dr. Lane also addressed those concerns in the email. “TMSL is making progress toward full compliance of several American Bar Association standards that were found to be in violation in 2015 and 2016, and it has achieved complete remediation of one standard.

This progress is due largely to the ongoing support, guidance, and oversight of TSU’s administrative team, TMSL faculty, staff, students and alumni.

The ABA has recognized the progress that has been made, and TSU plans to exceed their expectations over the next two years.” He continued, “We must not let this bill distract the University, our supporters, and state lawmakers from our current legislative priorities, which were created in collaboration with our many constituencies.”

Instead of separation, Dr. Lane request increase funding for more faculty and staff to support students.

No matter where you stand on this issue we would love to know your thoughts. TSU, let HSM hear you!

ENTERTAINMENT Cardi B Breaks Garth Brook’s Record On Black Heritage Day And Her Presence Spoke to Houston’s Diversity In A Profound Way

By Keandra Scott, Style Entertainment Writer

agriculture exhibits and embracing Western heritage. Last year, Rodeo Houston brought Fort Worth native and Soul-Singer Leon Bridges to the stage for Black Heritage Night where his smooth voice filled the stadium with heartfelt tunes. This year, Cardi B took to the rotating stage for the first time in spite of the 15,000 individuals who signed the Care2 Petition urging the superstar to not perform due to hearsay about animals being mistreated.

Cardi B

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ardi B Breaks Garth Brook’s Record On Black Heritage Day And Her Presence Spoke to Houston’s Diversity In A Profound Way On Friday, Mzarch 1, 2019, around 5:00 pm lines began to grow at the entrance gate into the NRG Stadium, and it was pretty evident Bardi Gang was there in full effect. For over 80 years, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo has contributed in raising funds to provide educational scholarships to over 19,000 students with over $14 million awarded.

The Houston Rodeo is the engine behind bringing together some of the largest crowds this city has ever seen through entertainment performances, various

If concert-goers arrived early to truly experience the full Houston Live Stock Show and Rodeo, they had a chance to see the exciting tradition of the Calf Scramble, Bareback and Saddle Bronc Riding, Mutton Bustin’ and so much more sponsored by Kroger. Long-time Rodeo Houston board member and Rancher Ernie Collins, Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, Mayor Sylvester Turner including Houston councilmembers triumphantly rode in on horses and some were in wagons. It wouldn’t have been a traditional Black Heritage Night if we didn’t see Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame (2018) and Rodeo Houston Legend Luke ‘Leon’ Coffee in his famous clown attire as well. There were a lot of fans, like, a lot-a lot who came in Bardi Gang fashion, literally; vibrant neon colors and ready to dance attire. When the last

time you dressed up for a concert with your best- friend? The Grammy-Award winning rapper made sure the stage was, “Drip, Drip”, dripping in money gold, “Ice.” The anticipation before she blazed the stage was already high, but when her DJ started with Houston’s own Travis Scott featuring Drake ‘Sicko Mode’, the crowd went bananas. It turned into club rodeo. Everybody was on their feet dancing, from Daddy Yankee (“Gasolina”, “Boricua Morena”) to all the club bangers you could think of from past to present.

When Cardi made her grand appearance, you couldn’t see an empty seat and the lights from phones held high lit the building in true rodeo night fashion.

Cardi B gave us all of her, in rare form, from her classic comical personality to her dance moves (I think the camera guys were challenged to keep it PG on the screen, ha-ha). Imagine over 75,580 people chanting ‘Bodak Yellow’ and ‘Ring’ while trying to focus on how in-tune her background dancers were to each down beat of the song.

Cardi B thanked her fans for their support which has allowed her the opportunity to give Kulture (daughter) a lifestyle she did not have growing up. From the streets of the Bronx, NY

Join us through March 17 at the HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO

to reality TV, she spoke on how some people through her journey thought she was going to be a one hit wonder- seven Grammy award nominations, a win, and several broken records, here we are.

When her new joint “Please Me” with Bruno Mars came on (pause) you just had to have been there; it was so much energy that transpired from the stage.

Bacardi’ sultry rodeo attired was a glitzy pink and blue it had some similarities to the one in ‘Thotiana’ video.

The Trap Selena paid homage backstage to the Queen of Tejano stating she helped her through the performance and sings a snippet of ‘Como La Flor’.

The recognition of diversity at Rodeo Houston shows how talented we are as a human race and acknowledges how far we have come.

It was announced in the NRG stadium while everyone was leaving that Cardi B broke Garth Brooks’ paid rodeo and concert record, by three people. Brooks had 75, 577 and Cardi had 75,580.

Cardi B is the record holder for paid rodeo attendance. Do you think Rodeo Houston should bring Cardi B back for a second round?

Buy tickets at rodeohouston.com

TM

HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO TM

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Mar. 7 – Mar. 13, 2019

9

FEATURE

Meet Houston’s Female Power Producers

By Jo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor

P

ower. What does it mean to have it? How would you use it? Power is more than having beefed up muscle arms of steel. Power is about making what you can’t see visible. Power is being able to inspire another person through your influence.

Power is about changing the now and not yet. And when you have your palm on that kind of power, well, you’re a woman, right?

Established in 1981 first as a week by then President Jimmy Carter noting the contributions of such women as Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman it became a month long holiday in 1986.

Houston Style Magazine dedicates this issue to recognize the accomplishments of African American women in our fair city. Meet some of Houston’s female power producers nominated by Houston Style readers.

Ever since 9/11, we as a country have become more and more concerned about the safety of our air. Helping in that area is the Chief Municipal Affairs Officer for the Houston Airport System Rhonda Arnold. Call her a community servant because she loves being amongst the people. Rhonda is the face of the HAS through the philanthropic work for the airport and through those she mentors.

By being a role model to youth she is shaping the future of aviation thereby securing our travel for years to come.

want that pain for today’s girls so she flipped the script to love on herself, other millennials, and the gen z’s coming behind her. Girls are lost and are crying out for help. Klarke has become that help to let them know suicide and other harmful behaviors are not the answer and that they are not alone. Her power is saving the next generation of girls from themselves.

Affairs, Diversity, and Environmental Affairs throughout Texas and Mexico.

She leverages H-E-B voice in the community to better address the needs of the community. This is something that is more than a professional mission for her but a personal one as well. Herron is a member and former member of several community boards. Her power lies in community impact by making the lives of families better Herron is having a direct effect on the future of society. lives of families better Herron is having a direct effect on the future of society.

Crystal Hadnott Nakia Cooper

Dr. Grenita Lathan Dr. Grenita Lathan has twenty-eight years in education and is at the helm of Houston ISD as the Interim Superintendent. Previously she was chief school officer where she led more than 20 schools out of an “improvement required” state rating to a “met standard” rating. Now having been Interim Superintendent for twelve months, Dr. Lathan continues to have Houston ISD down a successful path. In her position, she is making sure children are prepared to change the city, state, and the nation.

Dr. Lathan is also a community advocate volunteering regularly with several organizations that all impact the lives of families directly and indirectly.

If you don’t know her, you have read her work; trust us. Nakia Cooper has worked at almost every news station in Houston even becoming the first African American woman, to her knowledge, to manage a web department at a Houston television news station. Now she is the Media Coordinator for the 12-state Denver Region with the U.S. Census Bureau. In addition, she is the president of the Houston Association of Black Journalist. Her power is in the way she communicates. Through her words, she can control the conversation by causing you to think one way or another based on the issues at hand.

This lady has so many layers that all go down the road of health and wellness.

Crystal Hadnott is an avid runner that has participated in over 100 marathons and has a personal goal to run in one in every one of the 50 states. Crystal owns her own health and wellness company, Synergy Total Holistic Health and Wellness, where she helps clients with their health and wellness goals. She also worries about the next generation when it comes to childhood obesity. Her nonprofit, Pavement Princess, focuses on the wellness of girls ages 7-13. Her power lies in the wealth of the health of people. Having great health is a richness that should be cherished and empowering people to be their own health advocate is a priceless gift that can be passed on to increase longevity and a brighter, healthier future.

Teal Holden Easily one of the most influential women in healthcare, Teal Holden is the Chief Executive Officer of Memorial Hermann Surgical Hospital Kingwood.

She is responsible for the effectiveness of overall hospital operations from the physician and staff patient interactions to the management of the budget. Holden’s power lies in the ability to affect the future of the health industry. With better care, we can live longer doing the things that we love.

Klarke Foreman

Rhonda C. Arnold

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Mar. 7 – Mar. 13, 2019

Klarke Foreman turned her pain into praise when she started Kween to Queen, an organization geared towards combating bullying, body shaming, and promoting the self love of one’s body. The organization was started by Klarke and her little sister Chandler in 2014 and has grown to also spin out a clothing line, Kween Kollection, K2Q YOUniversity, and more. Klarke grew up being bullied about everything from her hair to her dress size and she doesn’t

Kristi Jackson

Winell Herron A native of Austin, TX Herron is the Vice President of H-E-B’s Public

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Everyone in America is chasing wealth whether they care to admit it.

One has to in order to survive. Kristi Jackson is, directly and indirectly, changing the way that wealth is acquired through business relations with women at the head. Her company WomenCEOProject.com is a White House recognized business coaching and development company that empowers

FEATURE

Meet Houston’s Female Power Producers

By Jo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor

women CEOs. Her power lies in helping women get out of their own way to play with the big boys. She is helping women to not be afraid to claim their seat at the business table.

Her skillfulness to be able to connect to all kinds of people makes her a power player because she can cross ethnicities for people to work together towards one of equality for all.

pulse on the minds of tomorrow’s leaders you have ultimate power beyond measure because you will have your hand on how the future will look and run through eyes of upcoming leaders.

is widely known throughout the community for her charity work, especially her popular Christmas events. Her power is keeping this generation safe and equipping others to protect themselves.

Kristyn Page

Dr. Ruth J. Simmons

A New Yorker transplanted to Houston is the Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion Strategies for Macy’s, Kristyn Page. She concentrates on the states of Texas and New York. Her entire job is about the inclusion of people with a high concentration for showcasing the store’s diversity. And on a personal note she loves to give back to her community.

Ruth is the truth. As the first female president of an Ivy League University, Dr. Simmons is a walking, living legend of the finest caliber. And the best part of about her is that she loves to share everything she has to offer to students to the point that she came out of retirement just to impact the students at Prairie View A&M University as their president. Any time you have your

Mary Young Mary Young is a history maker as the first female chief of the Texas Southern University Police Department. Protecting one person is hard but try protecting over 8,000. That is her job and she does it well.

But more than a protector she is a role model for those who think the impossible is not obtainable. Mary’s caring nature doesn’t turn off when her siren does. She

Carlecia Wright If you are in the business of doing busi ness then you need to know Carlecia

Wright. She is the business lady of the city unofficially and officially the Chief Diversity Officer and Director for the Office of Business Opportunity for the City of Houston. She makes sure everyone is given a fair shot in business by making sure they are aware of opportunities and given the chance to apply for them. This helps

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Mar. 7 – Mar. 13, 2019

11

HBCU SPOTLIGHT HBCUs Spotlight: Texas Southern University and Prairie View A&M University

By Jo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor

T

Prairie View A&M University stands as one of today’s premier institutions with an enrollment exceeding 9,000 students. The student body is highly diverse having representation from 43 countries and a faculty to match.

An original charter member of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, PVAMU students compete on an NCAA Division1 level. Known throughout

oday’s African Americans are living out loud the educational dreams of their ancestors. Segregation for far too long denied so many African Americans even the opportunity to learn. And to now be able to attend any college that one wants is just a dream that those back then never could have realized.

However, before America became “progressive” and laws changed, segregation was a huge barrier for the education of African Americans until the establishment of Historical Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

HBCUs have become treasures of America. March is HBCU Awareness Month to recognize their importance in history and protect their future. During this month, Houston Style Magazine will feature the nine HBCUs in Texas.

This issue we recognize Texas’ two largest HBCUs, Texas Southern University and Prairie View A&M University.

TSU

Texas Southern University opened its doors in 1927 as a junior college for colored people. The Houston Public School Board provided a loan of $2,800 for the first 300 students to establish the college. It was such a great asset that the college quickly became a member of the Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools that was approved by the Southern Association of Colleges in 1931. Big changes were on the horizon when the college started offering four-year programs and became the Houston College for Negroes. It was also around this time that the college began to be managed by a separate Board of Regents and not by the Houston Independent School District. The college started to experience rapid growth and needed a new location from where classes were being held at Jack Yates High School. Funding from various contributors allowed the pur-

PVAMU

chase of land and groundbreaking of the first campus building, the T.M. Fairchild Building, that is still operational today.

Another name change was in the works in 1947 to create an African American only law school after the denial of admission to Herman Sweatt to the University of Texas Law School. Senate Bill 140 and House Bill 788 opened the door for the law school and new name, Texas State University for Negroes.

That name didn’t last for long as African Americans petitioned for the phrase “for Negroes” be removed. They won that right and the name we know today was set, Texas Southern University.

TSU stands as a proud university of the south with over 100 programs for undergraduate and graduate students taught by a diverse faculty with both a law and pharmacy school. More than 9,000 students pursue their higher education dreams on the 150-acre campus.

It is the only HBCU in Texas that is still operating independently of being in a university system. TSU President Dr. Austin A. Lane, faculty and staff are making sure all maroon and gray tigers upon graduating from TSU are prepared and ready to solve today’s problems and dream up tomorrow’s unforeseen discoveries.

A few miles down the road is one of

Control Room, from which Apollo 11 -- that incredible moon landing -- and other missions were monitored.

Great Reasons to Visit Houston In 2019

By Shivani Vora, CNN/StyleMagazine.com

F

rom its integral role in the world’s first moon landing 50 years ago this July to a new lineup of appealing options in the arts and culinary scenes, Houston has never been more ripe for exploration.

It wins in the aesthetics department, too: The much-photographed skyline is dotted with skyscrapers in architectural styles ranging from Art Deco to minimalist, and this city of more than 2.3 million residents -- the country’s fourth largest -- has countless green spaces and parks for running, biking or simply unwinding under the big Texas sky.

While the greater Houston area is sprawling, many of the top travel attractions are concentrated in downtown.

Tourists can get around this part of town by relying on the efficient Metro Rail system, but they’ll need a car to venture

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Mar. 7 – Mar. 13, 2019

TSU’s biggest rivals, Prairie View A&M University. In an effort to maintain separate but equal, PVAMU was established with the passage of the Texas Constitution of 1876 for an “Agricultural and Mechanical College” and became the first state supported college in Texas for African Americans. The first campus was erected on 1388 acres and managed by the A&M Board of Directors. Eight young men were the first students enrolled in 1878 under the name A&M College of Texas for Colored Youths.

Originally, the school was just supposed to be a training grown for African Americans to be teachers. The distinction of the added branch of the Agricultural Experiment Station (Hatch Act, 1887) and as a Land Grant College (Morrill Act, 1890) opened the opportunity for focuses in the arts and sciences, home economics, agriculture, mechanical arts, and nursing. With more education concentrations came larger growth. Fouryear programs began in 1919. Thus the university was authorized to offer all courses at the University of Texas under the new name Prairie View University in 1945. Yet, another change came in 1947 when the university name was changed by the Texas Legislature to Prairie View A&M College of Texas. The name we know today was finalized after the university became an independent unit of the Texas A&M University System.

farther afield.

Coupled with its remarkable turnaround from 2017’s Hurricane Harvey, which caused an estimated $1.5 billion worth of damage to the city and forced thousands to be evacuated, Houston is hands down a must-visit destination this year.

Here’s what to do when you go to Houston with nine of its biggest travel draws: Space Space Center Houston The Space Center Houston is also the official visitor’s center for the NASA Johnson Space Center, located across the street and home to the Mission

Space Center Houston admission is $29.95 and includes a tram tour to see Johnson Space Center. It’s easy to pass a half day or more here. Space Center Houston has an impressive collection of space-related artifacts including multiple flown spacecrafts such as the Apollo 17 command module, used in the last manned mission to the moon in 1972. The center also has the world’s largest collection of moon rocks on public display.

The arts Menil Drawing Institute Part of The Menil Collection, a 30acre microneighborhood of art within the Montrose neighborhood, Menil Drawing Institute opened in November to much fanfare and has since gotten international acclaim from art world critics and heavy hitters.

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the land as the producers of productive people, over 46,000 academic degrees have been awarded to graduates. The university is international recognized for Agricultural Research, Architecture, Biology, Business, Education, Engineering, Juvenile Justice and Nursing.

Students leave the hill ready to conquer today’s challenges and solve tomorrow’s mysteries but their eyes never grow tired of looking toward the highest point in Waller County.

HBCU graduate power packing person herself, Dr. Ruth J. Simmons, is the university president that is home to the royal purple and gold panthers. Dr. Simmons has the goal of spreading the PVAMU story throughout the country to garner funding to progress the university’s reach and give flexibility to its needs.

From the history of these two fine intuitions of higher learning, one can clearly see that existence was vital for the advancement of African Americans.

We must hold on to these intuitions and support them in every way possible.

Thrive on dear TSU and PVAMU. *Information for this story was gathered from the websites for Texas Southern University and Prairie View A&M University It claims to be the world’s first freestanding building dedicated to modern and contemporary drawings, and according to spokesman Tommy Napier, was built for their acquisition, study, exhibition, a and storage.

Museum of Fine Arts Houston At a sprawling 14 acres, this museum is the largest cultural institution in the Southwest. Thanks to a $450 million expansion, which will be completed sometime in 2020, it’s going to get even bigger and will include a 164,000-square-foot building for modern and contemporary art.

But travelers don’t need to wait for this project to be finished to make a visit because there’s already plenty of renowned art to see.

The museum’s collection of more than 70,000 objects comes from all world cultures, dating from antiquity to present.

HEALTH Janice Freeman, Contestant of ‘The Voice,’ Dies at 33

By BlackDoctor.org

of the show.

Many wonder how pneumonia could be so deadly.

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs.

The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus (purulent material), causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. A variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses and fungi, can cause pneumonia.

Pneumonia can range in seriousness from mild to life-threatening. It is most serious for infants and young children, people older than age 65, and people with health problems or weakened immune systems.

Janice Freeman

A

nother young sister seems to have died too soon. Janice Freeman, who was a contestant on the NBC singing competition show “The Voice” in 2017, has died. She was only 33 years old.

A spokesperson for Freeman told CNN that the singer had an extreme case of pneumonia and that a blood clot had traveled to her heart. Freeman’s husband, Dion, performed CPR until an ambulance took her to a local hospital, where she died on Saturday.

“A survivor and fighter, and a beautiful force in this world, Janice gained

notoriety through her success on NBC’s ‘The Voice’ as a member of Miley Cyrus’ team,” the statement said. “Her story inspired fans nationwide, having successfully battled cervical cancer and living her life to the fullest while fighting lupus.”

Freeman was on the “The Voice” during season 13. She won over the judges and audiences alike with a powerful rendition of “Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons. Both Miley Cyrus and Jennifer Hudson offered her a place on their respective teams after hearing her sing during the blind auditions portion

Symptoms The signs and symptoms of pneumonia vary from mild to severe, depending on factors such as the type of germ causing the infection, and your age and overall health. Mild signs and symptoms often are similar to those of a cold or flu, but they last longer.

Signs and symptoms of pneumonia may include: • Chest pain when you breathe or cough • Confusion or changes in mental awareness (in adults age 65 and older)

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• Cough, which may produce phlegm • Fatigue • Fever, sweating and • shaking chills • Lower than normal body temperature (in adults older than age 65 and people with weak immune systems) • Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea • Shortness of breath See your doctor if you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent fever of 102 F (39 C) or higher, or persistent cough, especially if you’re coughing up pus.

Freeman as apart of Cyrus’ team and made it to the top 11 before she was eliminated.

The singer remained close with Cyrus even after the season ended. She revealed on Twitter last year that the pop star had helped her family cover some bills until they found permanent housing.

Freeman is survived by her husband, her daughter Hannah, her mother Janice, siblings and extended family. ‑‑‑

Mar. 7 – Mar. 13, 2019

13

SPORTS Clear the Launching Pad

By Brian Barefield, Sports Editor

Clark said after scoring 14 points against the Miami Heat (to win their fourth game in a row). “We have struggled all season with injuries and closing out games so for us to get this one tonight was huge.”

The streak started against the reigning NBA champions, the Golden State Warriors without their superstar, James Harden. Houston defeated them 118-112 and had total control the entire game. It was refreshing to see the team step up in the absence of Harden, but veteran point guard Chris Paul wants more than just a regular season win against these guys.

Rockets

D

on’t look now, but the Houston Rockets have quietly put together a quiet six-game winning streak. Their second longest streak this season. With all the attention focused on James Harden’s 30-point plus game coming to an end against the Atlanta Hawks, the Rockets have just gone about their business by making up ground in the Western Conference. They are currently in third place in the playoff standings and that means a lot from a team that was in 14th place earlier in the season.

“It’s huge for us,” Rookie forward Gary

“You can come in here and win on a Monday night in February or a Tuesday night in November or December,” Paul said. “But in the playoffs is when you have to beat a team four out of seven times. It’s great tonight that we won this but in two days y’all will forget this.”

That Warriors game also produced a milestone for Paul. The future Hall of Fame point guard passed the 9,000 mark in assist.

“When you get assists, I’ve got the easy part. I just pass it,” Paul said. “The other

guys are the ones who have to make the shots.”

Speaking of guys who have been doing their job and knocking down shots.

Forward Gerald Green has really given the Rockets a spark off of the bench with his offense and defense. He is currently averaging double digits in points during this streak and had 18 crucial points (11 in the fourth quarter) against the second-best team in the Eastern Conference, the Toronto Raptors.

Players like Green aren’t forgotten by the leaders of the team (Paul, Harden) as they know that their teammates are very important in order to make a championship run. In the aforementioned win over the Raptors, Harden was having a very bad three quarters (16 points) and the Rockets surrendered a 21-point lead before Harden went off for 19 points in the fourth and finish with a game high 35 points to seal the win. But he knows that it was the play of the second unit that kept them afloat.

“Our second unit did an unbelievable job of getting stops and creating opportunities on offense, and that was the game,”

The best music, dance, theater and more.

AND, ALWAYS FREE.

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Mar. 7 – Mar. 13, 2019

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said Harden who went over the 18,000 points in his career on Tuesday.

The Rockets look to extend their winning streak to seven games tonight against another good team from the Eastern Conference in the Philadelphia 76ers. If they do they will be creeping their way up further in the standings to try and land at least the second spot in the West behind the Golden State Warriors.

BOOKS “Inventing Victoria”

Tonya Bolden ©.2019, Bloomsbury $17.99 / $23.99 Canada 264 pages

By Terri Schlichenmeyer, Book Reviewer come as no surprise to anybody that she wanted to go live at Ma Clara’s house, where she never had to worry about food or “uncles.”

Half that, it was a movie. Now, this Pygmalion-like tale is set in the years after the Civil War, and your teen is going to love it.

At thirteen, Essie had enough.

Y

ou can be anything you want to be!

That’s what you were told, growing up: you could do anything, try everything, and be anybody you wanted to be, if you tried. Set your sights on something, and it was yours – so in the new novel “Inventing Victoria” by Tonya Bolden, a young girl wants a better life.

Five-year-old Essie was embarrassed half to death.

High in her attic room, she could still hear the noises of the “uncles” that her Mamma was entertaining but the “uncles” were all white men, which made no sense and Essie hated it. It should’ve

Ma Clara had helped nourish her mind and her soul, and Essie knew the time was right for her to leave Mamma by taking a job at Abby Bowfield’s boardinghouse. There, she made her first friend and she dared to dream of a happy future – as if, for a girl whose Mamma escaped from slavery, that wasn’t impossible.

And then the impossible happened.

Miss Dorcas Vashon, who had Room 4 at Miss Abby’s on permanent hold, took a liking to Essie and made her an offer she couldn’t refuse: She’d take Essie away from Savannah and make her into a lady, teach her, form her, correct her speech, and fix her slouch.

In exchange, Essie would have to give up everything she’d ever known.

And so, a girl named Essie stepped away from Miss Abby’s boardinghouse

Tonya Bolden

one day, and became Victoria.

At eighteen, Victoria tried not to look back at her life. Doing so was “excessively ill-bred” but she couldn’t help it.

With the guidance of Dorcas Vashon, she’d reinvented herself, but there were so many things she didn’t know: how, for example, could a new lady keep an old woman in her heart? How can a lady remember where she came from, without ruining where she was going?

How could Victoria keep living the lie she’d been given?

Absolutely, “Inventing Victoria” is a familiar story with a different twist: more than a century ago, it was a play.

Not only is it a great story, author Tonya Bolden also creates settings that invite historical figures to pass through her characters’ lives. Frederick Douglass is here. James Wormley is mentioned, as is O.S.B. Wall and John Mercer Langston, and Elizabeth Keckley makes dresses for Victoria. These people flow through the tale like it’s an everyday thing to nineteenth-century folks but for modern readers, Bolden makes their presence feel like visits from royalty.

Relevant, timely, and quietly informative, for a 12-to-17-year-old who enjoys gentle adventure plus romance wrapped in a fairy tale, this book is perfect. For her, “Inventing Victoria” is a book she’ll want to be near.

Share this story online at stylemagazine.com.

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Mar. 7 – Mar. 13, 2019

15

EAT WITH STYLE Fight the Cold with Better-for-You Comfort Foods

By Family Features

F

ew things go together quite like cold weather and comfort foods. However, those hearty dishes that are typically craved on blustery days are usually not classified as “healthy.”

With the right approach, though, you can put a better-for-you twist on some of your favorite dishes that can keep you cozy and satiated during the winter season.

For example, you can put a grown-up twist on grilled cheese and tomato soup with this recipe for Creamy Tomato and Roasted Pepper Soup with Cheddar Cracker Melts.

Pairing flavorful seasonal dishes like soups and stews with a wholesome snack cracker like gluten-free, non-GMO Crunchmaster Tuscan Peasant Crackers can help satisfy those comfort food cravings while also contributing to a healthy lifestyle. With 20 grams of whole grains per serving, these crunchy, robust baked crackers are also cholesterol-free, allowing you to take a back-to-basics approach to your diet using simple ingredients and no artificial flavors or colors.

For other seasonal recipes, coupons, tips and nutritional information, visit crunchmaster.com.

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Mar. 7 – Mar. 13, 2019

Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes Servings: 6 Creamy Tomato and Roasted Pepper Soup: 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 onion, chopped

1 carrot, chopped 3 cloves garlic, chopped 1 teaspoon salt, divided 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1/2 teaspoon paprika 1 pinch chili flakes 4 cups organic no-salt-added vegetable broth 1 can (28 ounces) no-salt-added diced tomatoes 1 cup chopped prepared roasted red peppers 2 bay leaves 1/3 cup 35 percent heavy cream 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives, divided 1 teaspoon cider vinegar Cheddar Cracker Melts: 24 Crunchmaster Tuscan Peasant Fire Roasted Tomato Basil Crackers 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese In Dutch oven or large saucepan over medium heat, heat oil. Cook onion, carrot, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, pepper, paprika and chili flakes about 5 minutes, or until vegetables are slightly softened.

Stir in broth, tomatoes, roasted red peppers and bay leaves; bring to boil.

Reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer

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15-20 minutes, or until vegetables are tender. Discard bay leaves. Let cool slightly. Transfer to blender; puree in batches until smooth. Stir in cream, remaining salt, 1 tablespoon chives and vinegar.

To make Cheddar Cracker Melts: Heat broiler to high and position rack in center of oven. Arrange crackers on parchment paper-lined baking sheet.

Sprinkle with cheese. Broil 1-2 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

Divide soup among six bowls. Sprinkle with remaining chives and serve with Cheddar Cracker Melts.

Tip: Use mild, medium or aged cheddar cheese. Smoked mozzarella can be substituted, if desired.

Nutrition information per serving: 250 calories; 15 g fat; 7 g saturated fat; 30 mg cholesterol; 730 mg sodium; 22 g carbohydrates; 2 g fiber; 11 g sugar; 6 g protein.

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17

2019

UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON HOUSTON, TX

UHBAA NETWORK MIXER Photography by Vicky Pink

M

embers of the University of Houston Black Alumni Association had their phones out and strong handshakes ready as they made business connections at their Network Mixer. The event featured keynote speaker Dr. George C. Fraser, founder of the Fraser Net Power Networking Conference. The P.N.C. is widely recognized as America’s largest continuous held conference in the world for Black executives, business professionals, and entrepreneurs. The conference has been named one of the “Top 5 Can’t-Miss” Conferences in America by Forbes Magazine. Some in attendance were Janelle Brown and Charlene Johnson.

2019

THE POWER CENTER HOUSTON, TX

IMANI SCHOOL’S 30TH KICKOFF RECEPTION Photography by Vicky Pink

T

he Imani School is celebrating 30 years of excellence in educating children. Festivities were kicked off with a reception under the theme “Portraits of Excellence.”

Lauren Anderson, Pastor Kirbyjon Caldwell, Michael Dee, and Paula McCann Harris will be honored at the 30th Anniversary Gala. Some in attendance were Melanie Flowers-Miles, Jackie Alton, and Marie Cosby.

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Mar. 7 – Mar. 13, 2019

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2019

THE ENSEMBLE THEATRE HOUSTON, TX

JUDGE ZINETTA BURNEY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

T

Photography by Vicky Pink

he shocker was on Judge Zinetta Burney as family and friends gathered for a surprise birthday celebration in her honor. A stun Judge Burney was both grateful and astonished by all the fuss over her birthday. The 78 year old blew out all the candles on her yellow and white decorated cake. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee presented Judge Burney with an American Flag in a special presentation. Some serving on the host committee were Laura Rous eve Allen, Council Member Dwight Boykin’s, Sylvia Brooks, The H orable Sharon Burney, Linda Kay Brown, Cindy Clifford, Alginate Scott Davis, James Douglas, Sydney Paul, Renee Logan’s, Gerald Womack, and Constable Mae Walker.

2019

REFLECTIONS BAY EVENT CENTERHOUSTON, TX

WOMEN’S INTERNATIONAL HISTORY SPOTLIGHT

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Photography by Vicky Pink

uring Women’s History Month, Diamonds and Pearls Mothers, Inc. continues to empower women with the 3rd Annual Women’s International History Spotlight Brunch. The networking and fundraising event featured a panelist of some remarkable women including Wanda Adams, Keva Horry, Carla Brailey, Connie Gomez, Malorie Bailey, and moderator, Latrice Turner. Guests also enjoyed food by Chef Timothy Saddler, music by Saxophonist Anthony Rejiv, and spoken word by Se7en the Poet.

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