Houston Style Magazine vol 30 No 13

Mar. 28 – Apr. 3, 2019

Houston’s Premiere Weekly Publication

Volume 30 | Number 12

Complimentary

Jesse Jackson The Return of the Poll Tax in Florida?

Kamala Harris

Reveals Teacher Raise Plan in Houston

Weighing In On the Healthcare Debate: Hot Button Issue of 2020 Election

By Jo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor Follow Us #TeamStyleMag

Twitter @HoustonStyle

HHCC Women’s Business Expo 2019

Houston ISD

Instagram @StyleMagazine

Facebook: @HoustonStyleMagazine

Macy’s Perfect Prom Look 2019

TEA Stops Search for New Superintendent

Imani’s 30th Gala

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

Walk with us into your future.

Your weekly urban news companion.

LIKE US ON

visit www.stylemagazine.com 22

Sept 13 - Sept 19, 2018

twitter.com/houstonstyle

www.stylemagazine.com

11 Publisher Francis Page, Jr. Associate Publisher Lisa Valadez

Prom 2019 - Get the Perfect Look at Macy’s

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

NATIONAL WRITERS

Jesse Jackson jjackson@rainbowpush.org

13

Roland Martin www.rolandmartin.com Judge Greg Mathis www.askjudgemathis.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS Vicky Pink vhpink@gmail.com William Ealy Williamealy1906@gmail.com Semetra Samuel semetra@artistikrebelcreative.com Mike Munoz artrepreneur91@gmail.com

‘Us’ - Surprises Hollywood Bringing $70 Million

15

Robert Franklin editorial@stylemagazine.com

ADVERTISING/SALES

advertising@stylemagazine.com 713-748-6300

Minority Print Media, L.L.C.

dba Houston Style Magazine & StyleMagazine.com Phone: (713) 748-6300 • Fax: (713) 748-6320 Mail: P.O. Box 14035, Houston, TX 77221-4035 ©2015 Houston Style Magazine, a Minority Print Media, L.L.C. Company. All Right Reserved. Reproduction in whole or within part without permission is prohibited. Houston Style Magazine has a 2007 audit by Circulation Verification Council (CVC). Houston Style Magazine is a member of the Texas Publishers Association (TPA), Texas Community Newspaper Association (TCNA), National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), Independent Free Paper of America (IFPA), Association of Free Community Papers (AFCP) and Members of Greater Houston Partnership(GHP).

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

James Harden - Could He Get His Second MVP?

COMMENTARY

The Return of the Poll Tax in Florida?

By Jesse Jackson, National Political Writer

U

So Republicans use various tricks to suppress the African-American vote -- gerrymandering, restrictive voter ID laws, cuts in early voter hours and opposition to same-day voter registration -- all to make it harder for the poor and minorities to vote.

ntil 2018, Florida -- the state vital to the presidential victories of George Bush and Donald Trump -- deprived one in 10 voters, and 2 in 10 African Americans, of the right to vote with a constitutional provision banning felons from voting, even after they had fulfilled their sentences.

Many with nonviolent drug felonies, enforced by a systematically biased criminal justice system, are kept from the polls. The discriminatory effect and intent of this exclusion is obvious.

In a stunning act of decency in 2018, Floridians voted overwhelmingly to amend their constitution and restore the voting rights of Floridians with felony convictions “after they complete all terms of their sentence, including parole or probation.” According to the Tallahassee Democrat, the “Voting Restoration Amendment,” would “grant most of the 1.7 million convicted felons the right to vote and help select their leaders for local, state and federal offices.”

Voting rights activists drew up plans to help contact and register them, with the charismatic young leader, former Democratic gubernatorial candidate, Andrew Gillum committed to leading the effort.

POLITICAL

O

ver the weekend in Houston, Sen. Kamala Harris unveiled her first major policy proposal as a presidential candidate, pledging to boost teacher pay.

Introducing a bold campaign promise -- aimed squarely at women and people of color, her target zone for voters -- the California Democrat pledged to make the largest federal investment in history toward teacher salaries, which would close the wage gap between teachers and similar professionals, by the end of her first term.

According to a CNN review of the policy proposal, released by the campaign Tuesday morning, Harris has pledged to provide teachers with an average raise of $13,500, which would amount to a 23% average increase in salary.

The plan would cost approximately $315 billion over 10 years, according to the outline of the policy.

Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, emphasized she believed that governors would be hard-pressed to turn their backs on federal funding, given the number of teacher strikes the country has seen in recent months from coast to coast.

“There are schools in every single county and community in America. Governors would turn their back on funding in their schools? There would be consequences for that sort of action,” Weingarten said.

The proposal outlines how the financial benchmarks of the plan would be reached.

The federal government would provide the first 10% of funding needed, and states

4

Mar. 28 – Apr. 3, 2019

Now Republicans in the state legislator are moving to frustrate the will of citizens, adding a new burden to exclude voters, a new form of one of the most loathsome Jim Crow tactics -- the poll tax. Republicans in a House committee have voted -- contrary to the intent and the text of the referendum passed by voters -- to exclude from voting those who haven’t paid their fines (even including those on a court-approved payment plan). Fines are imposed not by judges as part of the sentence, but by administrative clerks. They do not block any other voters from voting. If Republicans have their way -- and they have a majority in the House legislature -- they will likely use these fines to block a substantial portion of African Americans from voting. Despite the will of its people, Florida Republicans want to impose a racially biased poll tax to strip citizens of the right to vote -- and to tilt elections in their favor.

Beginning in the 1890s, the poll tax was central to enforcing segregation in the South. Most of the laws had a “grandfather clause” that exempted those whose parents or grandparents had the right to vote prior to the Civil War. In 1964, this foul measure was outlawed for federal elections in the 24th Amendment to the Constitution. In 1966, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional even in state elections.

So states like Florida found other tricks and traps to limit the vote. Now, after the citizens of Florida have thrown out felony exclusion, Republicans threaten to impose a new Jim Crow poll tax.

There is no justification -- except partisan zealotry built upon race-based politics. Republicans, from Trump on down, have chosen to make themselves the party of racial division. African Americans, not surprisingly, tend to vote overwhelmingly against them.

But imposing the modern-day version of a poll tax is a new low.

If Republicans do succeed in passing this injustice, it will be challenged in the courts or in another referendum.

But none of this should be necessary.

The real question is to the Republican congressional majority in Florida: Have you no decency? Are you so blinded by partisan self-interest that you would maliciously deprive a million Floridians of the right to vote? Are you so arrogant as to ignore the 65 percent of the voters who voted to erase this injustice from Florida’s constitution? Have you no shame?

(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.

Inside Kamala Harris’ Plan to Raise Teacher Salaries

By Annie Grayer and Kyung Lah, CNN/StyleMagazine.com

Sen. Kamala Harris unveiled her teacher pay plan in Houston.

would be incentivized to close the remainder of the teacher pay gap. For every dollar a state contributed toward increasing a teacher’s salary, the federal government would invest $3.

Pressed on whether the plan is practical, Catherine Brown, a senior fellow for the Center for American Progress, told CNN, “It’s kind of like Medicaid expansion, in the sense that states would have a very strong incentive.”

Still, such a model could face resistance from the states. While the Affordable Care Act made it possible for states to receive federal money to pay for adding people to Medicaid, the program for low-income Americans, 14 states have resisted.

“It’s a good point,” Brown told CNN. “She’s recognizing that this is a national problem that demands a national solution, and I’m not sure she is saying this will be enacted overnight or a panacea, but she’s putting a solution on the table.”

In addition to universally raising teacher salaries to close the wage gap, Harris’ plan intends to make additional targeted investments toward public schools that are most in need, which disproportionately serve students of color. The plan would also support programs dedicated to teacher recruitment, training and professional development, particularly at historically black colleges and universities.

Aligning with unionized teachers and historically black colleges and universities, the Harris campaign has indicated its intention to shift from the traditional Democratic base of the Midwestern union worker and focus on those hit hardest by the teacher wage gap: women and people of color.

According to the Economic Policy Institute, public school teachers earn 11% less than those of similar professions with

www.stylemagazine.com

college degrees and are more likely than non-teachers to work second jobs.

This wage gap is even greater for women and people of color. According to the Center for American Progress, female teachers earn on average $2,000 less per year than male teachers and African-American teachers on average earn $2,700 less per year than white teachers.

With teachers now at the front and center of her campaign, Harris has tapped into an energized and organized group of voters who have already proved to be a political force on this issue by striking across the country.

“This is going to be as important in the upper Midwest as Oakland, California, because it’s investing in our future,” Weingarten said. “This is an issue in all communities. It is a woman’s issue. It affects people of color. These issues of education and health care are front and center in this election.”

Jotina Buck, an African-American woman who teaches third-grade math and science at North Belt Elementary School in Humble, Texas, was in the audience listening to Harris’ policy rollout in Houston.

“As a teacher it means a lot,” Buck told CNN. “To be honored in pay would be a great opportunity for us as teachers. And I think it would encourage future teachers to choose teaching as a career.”

Share this story online at stylemagazine. com.

www.stylemagazine.com

Mar. 28 – Apr. 3, 2019

5

NATIONAL & STATE BRIEFS

2019 Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame Class

Haley Taylor-Schlitz

DallasWeekly.com he African American Museum and Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame added another chapter to their legacy of preserving the history of those who have trail-blazed and achieved in the world of sports, despite efforts to suppress their talent. Hosted by journalist and the radio host Jean-Jacques Taylor, the 2019 induction was every bit as entertaining as this year’s Academy Awards. A proud alum of Dallas Skyline High School and the Ohio State University, Taylor guided his audience through the ceremony with the smooth and comedic style that has made him a staple in north Texas sports media for decades. This year’s ceremonies were also particularly special for title sponsor, Roland Parrish. The event marked Parrish’s tenth year as the Hall of Fame’s chief contributor. Parrish marked the milestone by handing out the Hall’s first ever Parrish Restaurants Legends Award to his personal sports hero.

Ebony.com aley Taylor Schlitz, a college senior at Texas Women’s University, has been accepted into nine law schools. The 16-year-old appeared on Good Morning America and shared her educational journey. The road to excellence was a challenging one for the teen. She struggled in a traditional classroom setting. Her parents decided to home school her in the fifth grade once they noticed a decline in her grades. Being taken out of a traditional classroom provided Schlitz the opportunity to soar academically. Schlitz’s academic experience played a large role in her decision to pursue law. She is slated to graduate with a bachelor of science in interdisciplinary studies in May, according to her website.

Schlitz, a newly licensed driver, revealed she’ll be driving herself to Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law.

Commemorating Courage with the Texas Black Sports Hall of Fame

16-Year-Old from Texas Accepted Into 9 Law Schools

Nicolas Kanellos

Harris County County Court credit HPM

ExpressNews.com he San Antonio Express News reports that a New York audience was moved to tears as the staff of Arte Público Press — the nation’s oldest and largest publisher of U.S. Hispanic literature — accepted a lifetime achievement award from the National Book Critics Circle. Five representatives of Arte Público, including founder Nicolás Kanellos, stood before the nation’s top publishers, agents, reviewers and others in that rarefied world and delivered an inspiring statement about U.S. Latino literature. The team skillfully crushed the myths that Latinos don’t write, don’t read and represent too small or too risky a market. Arte Público, it should be noted, first published “The House on Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros, an American classic read the world over.

In receiving the Book Critics’ Ivan Sandrof Lifetime Achievement Award, Arte Público became only the fourth institution to be so honored in 37 years.

Houston Public Media he Harris County Commissioners Court voted unanimously to sue Intercontinental Terminals Company (ITC) for the massive fire and aftermath at its Deer Park petrochemical storage facility. The fire burned for most of last week, shut down class for over 100,000 students in the region and led to a breach in the dike wall that spilled toxic chemicals into the Houston Ship Channel. The company has received 300 written claims and 2,000 calls to its claims hotline. The Harris County Attorney’s Office will hire an in-house auditor to review ITC’s actions during and after the fire. We’ll be requesting the appointment of what’s called a third-party auditor, who will come in and review all the actions of ITC in what led up to this event,” Robert Soard, First Assistant County Attorney told commissioners Tuesday. “We will also be seeking recovery on behalf of the county for all the costs incurred by the county itself.”

Texas Publisher Honored for Putting Great Latino Literature On Shelves

Harris County Prepares to Sue Over Fire At Deer Park Facility

T

H

Michelle Obama

Marijuana-Denver

Facebook

Mammogram

Blavity.com ichelle Obama may soon break a major record in the publishing industry. Her memoir Becoming, which recounts her childhood in Chicago, life in the White House and motherhood, could become the highest-selling memoir in history, according to her publisher. Becoming, which was released on November 13, was published

by German media giant Bertelsmann SE’s publishing company Penguin Random House. Bertelsmann’s Chief Executive Officer Thomas Rabe raved about the book’s success to reporters on Tuesday in Berlin. “We believe this could become the most successful memoir ever,” Rabe said.

Book sales have reached an astounding $10 million, which resulted in Bertelsmann’s total sales reaching $20 billion, its highest since 2007. In 2017, Penguin Random House agreed to pay $65 million to publish separate books by the Obamas.

CBSNews.com ive years after Colorado first legalized marijuana, a new study shows pot’s bad effects are sending more people to the emergency room. Inhaled marijuana caused the most severe problems at one large Denver area hospital.

Marijuana-infused foods and candies, called edibles, also led to trouble. Patients went to the ER with symptoms such as repeated vomiting, racing hearts and psychotic episodes. The study, published Monday in Annals of Internal Medicine, stemmed from tales of tourists needing emergency care after gobbling too many marijuana gummies. “It was hard to know if these were just anecdotes or if there was a true phenomenon,” said lead author, Andrew Monte, of UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital. Three deaths in Colorado tied to edible products also prompted the study.

BlackAmericaWeb.com acebook is extending its ban on hate speech to prohibit the promotion and support of white nationalism and white separatism. The company previously allowed such material even though it has long banned “white supremacists.” The social network says it hadn’t applied its ban to expressions of white nationalism because it previously linked such expressions with broader concepts of nationalism and separatism — such as American pride or Basque separatism, both of which are still allowed. But civil rights groups and academics called this view “misguided” and have long pressured the company to change its stance.

Facebook says it concluded after months of “conversations” with them that white nationalism and separatism cannot be meaningfully separated from white supremacy and organized hate groups.

CNN/StyleMagazine.com Newswire he US Food and Drug Administration announced proposed changes to mammography standards Wednesday. These are the first changes to the regulation of mammography screening in more than 20 years, aimed at improving quality and modernizing breast cancer screening, FDA Commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb said. The key changes include providing patients with information about breast density, in the form of a letter, with screening results. Mammograms of dense breasts are known to be more difficult to read and interpret. “The dense tissue can obscure signs of breast cancer and lower the sensitivity of the image,” according to the FDA. Dense breasts are also known to be a risk factor for breast cancer. More than half of women over age 40 have dense breasts, according to the FDA.

Michelle Obama’s ‘Becoming’ May Become Historic Memoir

M

6

Mar. 28 – Apr. 3, 2019

Marijuana-related ER Visits Climb at Colorado

F

T

Facebook Extends Ban On Hate Speech to ‘White Nationalists’

F

www.stylemagazine.com

T

FDA Proposes First Changes to Mammography Standards

T

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Shaquille O’Neal

Krispy Kreme

Michael Avenatti

GM Plant

CNN/StyleMagazine.com Newswire haquille O’Neal is joining the Papa John’s board of directors and has inked an $8.25 million deal to be the Louisville-based company’s brand ambassador. “In addition to his business acumen, Shaquille understands how to build lasting connections with consumers and energize employees,” said Papa John’s president and CEO Steve Ritchie. O’Neal, who is the board’s first African-American member, is joining the company as it continues to remake its image in the wake of scandal. The company was rocked in July 2018 after news reports surfaced that founder and chairman John Schnatter used a racial slur during a media training session.

CNN/StyleMagazine.com Newswire he family that owns well-known consumer brands like Krispy Kreme doughnuts, Keurig Dr. Pepper and Panera Bread say their Nazi ancestors used slave labor during World War II. The Reimann family, which owns the controlling stake in JAB Holdings and is reportedly one of the richest families in Germany, will donate €10 million, or $11 million, to a yet-undisclosed charity after a three-year investigation that it commissioned discovered details of their ancestors’ behavior. A family spokesperson said Albert Reimann Sr., who died in 1954, and Albert Reimann Jr., who died in 1984, used Russian civilian prisoners and French prisoners of war as forced labor in their factories during the war, and that they were anti-Semites.

CNN/StyleMagazine.com Newswire ederal prosecutors in Manhattan and Los Angeles charged attorney Michael Avenatti nearly simultaneously in two criminal cases Monday, unsealing complaints that alleged he attempted to extort more than $20 million from Nike and that he committed wire and bank fraud. Avenatti was arrested Monday afternoon in Manhattan, law enforcement officials tell CNN. He was released on a $300,000 bond Monday night and said outside federal court that he is “highly confident” that he will be “fully exonerated.” The criminal complaint unsealed in the New York case describes rapid investigation that unfolded over the course of just the past six days, beginning March 19.

CNN/StyleMagazine.com Newswire eneral Motors, which has been under fire for plans to close four plants in the United States, said Friday it would add 400 jobs as part of its bigger push into electric and autonomous vehicles. The jobs will be at GM’s assembly plant in Orion Township, Michigan, where the company is building its all-electric Chevrolet Bolt, its answer to upstart electric car maker Tesla. The plant is also working on GM’s self-driving vehicles that are now in development and yet to debut, as well as the Chevy Sonic.

GM said Friday the new workers at Orion will build an as yet unnamed, all-electric Chevy. But those jobs won’t be added until next year at the earliest. GM also said it plans to add 300 other jobs nationwide.

Shaquille O’Neal Will Be the New Face of Papa John’s Pizza

S

Krispy Kreme Owners Admit to Family History of Nazi Ties

T

Michael Avenatti Charged with Trying to Extort Money From Nike

F

GM Will Hire 400 Workers at Michigan Electric Vehicle Plant

G

MEMBER FDIC

The key element in every personal loan?

The person.

Unmatched service. Multiple loan options.

And a trusted partner to help you find the right one.

Talk to a Frost banker at (800) 51-FROST or visit your nearest financial center.

www.stylemagazine.com

Mar. 28 – Apr. 3, 2019

7

LOCAL BRIEFS

HISD Admin. Building - Credit HSM

TEA Instructs HISD to Stop Superintendent Search

StyleMagazine.com he Texas Education Agency issued an order on Monday to the Houston ISD Board to stop the search for a new superintendent. Currently, Dr. Grenita Lathan has been serving as interim superintendent since the departure of Richard Carranza last year. The board had already paid $75,000 to a company to conduct a nation wide search, done interviews and was about to name a lone finalist before this order was issued. This news splits the board once again on racial lines with Hispanic board members not supporting TEA’s decision feeling it is in bad timing and black board members and political leaders in favor of their decision since they want Dr. Lathan to be HISD’s permanent superintendent. TEA is also investigating allegations of violating the Texas Open Meetings Act. If the board does not follow the order, TEA can remove board members and appoint a board of managers.

This puts the issue of the state taking over the Houston ISD back in the forefront.

UH and TSU Logos - Credit HSM

UH and TSU Have Sweet Successes

StyleMagazine.com t has been 35 years since University of Houston fans could cheer on their favorite cougars in the NCAA Tournament in the sweet 16 spot. But thanks to players like Corey Davis II, Galen Robinson Jr. who added to that 74-59 win over Ohio State they can. Houston is #14 and will play #13 Kentucky on Friday. A watch party being held at the Fertitta Center at 6pm. Across the street Texas Southern University’s basketball team has advance in the CollegeInsider. com tournament after defeating Texas Rio Grande 94-85. Tyrik Armstrong and Jalyn Patterson sealed the deal for the tigers for the lead. According to HBCU Sports, this was TSU’s sixth consecutive road game and their 12th road win of the season. Next the guys will play Louisiana on Thursday.

Make plans to cheer on the UH cougars at the Sweet Sixteen Watch Party on March 29th at the Fertitta Center. The doors open at 6pm and the game starts at 9pm.

Credit HSM

Houstonians in College Cheat Scandal Appear in Court

StyleMagazine.com Newswire earland ISD is mourning the loss of Shadycrest Elementary School librarian Belinda Hernandez after she was found shot dead in her home.

Her husband, Houston Police Sgt. Hilario Hernandez is accused of her murder. He is currently inside the Brazoria County Jail with a bail of $800,000. Relatives discovered the body after checking on Belinda’s whereabouts when communication went unanswered. It is said her husband was angry with her for allegedly flirting with someone at a gathering at the family home the night before. Her husband was later found less than 100 miles from the Mexico border. Grief counselors, as customary, were immediately sent to the school for students and faculty. Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo issued a statement of sympathy.

cation to excellence in customer service and their positive impact on co-workers.

I

H

H-E-B Salutes Women in the Workplace During Women’s History Month in Houston

their devotion to excellence and civic responsibility during a special celebration known as the H-E-B Women of Distinction. Since the program’s inception 19 years ago, more than 4,000 female Partners throughout the state of Texas have been recognized and celebrated for their contributions to both the company and to their community. This year, approximately 400 more female Partners will join the ranks to receive the esteemed award.

represent the diversity of our workforce, and although they each have different backgrounds and life experiences, they are all bound by a commitment to leadership,” said Sonia Quirino Canales, H-E-B Diversity & Inclusion Manager.

“We hope that honoring our Partners with this award will inspire more women to pursue leadership opportunities at H-E-B for years to come.”

D

On March 28, H-E-B will honor 75 local female Partners (employees) for

8

Mar. 28 – Apr. 3, 2019

“The women being honored today

Houston Police Sergeant Accused of Murdering Wife in Pear Land

StyleMagazine.com igh school teacher and34 test proctor Lisa Williams and tennis academy president Martin Fox had their day in court Monday for their involvement in the national college cheat scandal. The two Houstonians were among the group of defendants who pleaded not guilty in the Boston courtroom. Court documents indicate that Williams took money for students to have better SAT and ACT scores. Fox is accused of taking money to use his network to the most elite colleges to get students accepted. Furthermore court documents connect the pair to William “Rick” Singer, founder of The Edge College & Career Network. Williams is accused of taking money from him and Fox is charged with redirecting money.

The Department of Justice is charging both with racketeering and conspiracy.

T

StyleMagazine.com Newswire uring Women’s History Month, women throughout the United States are honored and celebrated for their contributions to society and continued leadership that often shapes our communities.

Belinda and Sgt. Hilario Hernandez

Winners were nominated by their peers and were selected based on a variety of qualities, including their dedi-

www.stylemagazine.com

P

The award was inspired by H-E-B’s founder, Florence Butt, who opened a small grocery store in Kerrville, Texas 113 years ago. Women of Distinction events are an example of H-E-B’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. It is befitting to honor the women of H-E-B who, like Florence, work so hard to make a difference in our community.

LOCAL

Fashion and Fellowship Bring the Faithful to the 2019 Audrey H. Lawson IMPACT Awards

By Jo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor

Fashion Show. For 56 years blessings have poured out of this organization to provide scholarships for college students, help for the homeless, housing for the elderly, and other philanthropic projects following the ideals and heart of visionary founder Audrey H. Lawson.

C

hurch folks are known are stepping high wearing their Sunday’s Best for the Lord on His day. Well, the family and friends of the Wheeler Avenue Inner City Visions Women’s Guild prove that Sunday’s Best can make a Saturday appearance, as well as the fashions, were fierce at the annual the 2019 Audrey H. Lawson IMPACT Awards Luncheon and

Fellowship and fashion were being served at the annual sold-out affair that followed the tradition of honoring women from the community who has outwardly shown their commitment to support the community with their time, talents, dollars, and skills to positively change someone’s life with faith, style, and grace. The six distinguished IMPACT honorees included Dr. Grenita Lathan, interim superintendent, Houston Independent School District; Dr. Adena Williams Loston, 14th president of St. Philip’s College, San Antonio, Texas, our nation’s only Historically Black College and Hispanic Serving Institution; Mrs. Cydonii Miles, executive vice president and general counsel, Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas; Mrs. Courtney Johnson Rose, principal broker, George E. Johnson Properties, Houston, Tex-

as; Ms. Sumara M. Thompson-King, general counsel and chief legal officer, NASA, Washington, DC; and Pastor Mia K. Wright, author, inspirational speaker and co-pastor, The Fountain of Praise, Houston, Texas. Along with that exceptional group, successful business owners of Mr. and Mrs. Richard and Aundrea Young were served as honorary chairpersons.

mouche. Melanie Lawson, aka daughter of William A. and Audrey Lawson and KTRK-TV Channel 13 News Anchor, emceed the program as usual.

H-E-B was the official presenting sponsor and H-E-B Group VP of Public Affairs, Diversity, and Environmental Affairs Winell Herron was in attendance to present $10,000 from the Texas-based grocer for scholarships to WABC’s senior pastor Rev. Dr. Marcus D. Cosby, WAICV’s Executive Director Rev. Preston Allen, Women’s Guild President Rhonda Williams, and other dignitaries.

Other sponsors on the platinum level included St. Phillip’s College, The Church Without Walls, and Richard and Aundrea Young.

Close to 1,000 people packed the Hilton Americas ballroom to view the stylish fashions of clothier Dillard’s down the catwalk that featured models from the church congregation. Children stole the show with their abundance of cuteness as they modeled the hottest fashion for the pint-size circuit. Men and women gave a preview to spring Kudos to the dynamic team of Danfashion that will have a lot of black and white plaid with pops of color. Favorite ielle Keys Bess, Susan N. Bynam, Gayla scenes were those that highlighted the Gardner and their team for their hard charter members of the church show- work to not just produce a that embraced ing they still know how to work it as their vision of style but one that resulted well married couples who know dating in going beyond their fundraising goals. your mate doesn’t stop after marriage. This year’s luncheon had more than Other applause worthy moments were 1,000 tickets sold coupled with funds performed by the WABC’s Ministry inT:5” from sponsors, silent auction and the Motion and popular jazz artist Joe Car- raffle garnered over $100,000.

LEGAL NOTICE These Texas Lottery Commission scratch ticket games will be closing soon:

Tax reform questions?

Block has answers.

Block has your back.

COME BY, CALL, OR MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TODAY.

5247 GRIGGS RD HOUSTON, TX 77021 713-643-2100 OBTP#B13696 ©2018 HRB Tax Group, Inc.

2018 2035 2094 2076 2101 2098 1877 2069 2070 2092

Game Name / Odds

Super 7’s Overall Odds are 1 in 3.45 777 Overall Odds are 1 in 4.74 Veterans Cash Overall Odds are 1 in 4.41 Casino Action Super Ticket® Overall Odds are 1 in 3.51 Holiday Cash Drop Overall Odds are 1 in 4.55 Holiday Word Blast Overall Odds are 1 in 4.12 Super Loteria Overall Odds are 1 in 3.77 Cowboys Overall Odds are 1 in 3.99 Houston Texans Overall Odds are 1 in 3.98 Día de los Muertos Overall Odds are 1 in 3.52

$

Official Close of Game

End Validations Date

$10

4/18/19

10/15/19

$2

4/21/19

10/18/19

$2

5/15/19

11/11/19

$10

5/15/19

11/11/19

$2

5/29/19

11/25/19

$3

5/29/19

11/25/19

$5

5/29/19

11/25/19

$5

5/29/19

11/25/19

$5

5/29/19

11/25/19

$5

5/29/19

11/25/19

Txlottery.org is the official source for all pertinent game information. Game closing procedures may be initiated for documented business reasons. These games may have prizes unclaimed, including top prizes.

In addition, game closing procedures will be initiated when all top prizes have been claimed. During closing, games may be sold even after all top prizes have been claimed. Must be 18 or older to purchase a ticket. For help with a gambling problem, ncpgambling.org. © 2019 Texas Lottery Commission. PLAY RESPONSIBLY.

www.stylemagazine.com

Mar. 28 – Apr. 3, 2019

9

T:6.5”

Tax reform impacts virtually all returns this year. If you're confused about what the changes mean for you, you're not alone. With more than 60 years of experience, making sense of new tax laws isn't new to H&R Block.

Game #

FEATURE

Weighing In On the Healthcare Debate: Hot Button Issue of 2020 Election

By Jo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor

A

bout fifteen years ago, I became painfully aware of how crucial the healthcare topic is. After all, something is not on top of your priority list until it hits you close at home right.

Before being diagnosed with an incurable autoimmune disease, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, I viewed health insurance as something all Americans had for those “just in case something happens moments.” I only really used my health insurance for check-ups and prescriptions for antibiotics for common viruses and bacteria. I thanked God that I never really had anything too serious growing up. As the saying goes, we are all one moment from a tragedy or sickness.

My turning point came when I was told I had SLE, a disorder that has multiple symptoms and can affect your body organs, joints, and skin. Over the years, the disease has caused me to be in and out of the hospital, take multiple drugs, miss school, and work, and adjust my life in other ways. It has been a crazy battle but I am still standing and winning.

When I was first diagnosed I was still on my mother’s insurance. The problems came when I had to seek insurance on my own. Because I was now seeking insurance as a person with a pre-existing condition, insurance companies took my misfortune as their gain to want to charge me crazy high prices to obtain health insurance or outright deny me coverage altogether. They would be out too much money doing the very things they exist for…provide quality health insurance for people to use when they are sick or for preventative care. So what’s a girl to do? Go without health insurance and pray that my Lupus doesn’t flare up, For a few months, that plan worked.

I lived at home with my mother so my expenses were low and the majority of the money I made went to out-of-pocket costs for specialty routine doctor visits and medications to keep my Lupus in a remission type condition. However, that didn’t last. My Lupus flared up, attacked one of my organs hard, and the next thing I was doing was shelling about $1,000 plus for monthly treatments to get it I check in addition to all the previous money I was spending on my health. Being a young professional just started out in my career that was an expense I couldn’t keep up with.

Advance to the day when a man named Barack Obama came into power with the passage of his signature legislation of the Affordable Care Act and I thought the heavens had opened. I finally would be able to get affordable healthcare for a preexisting condition.

Obamacare, as it came to be called, was expanded overall coverage for all with a single payer plan. Of course, nothing

10

Mar. 28 – Apr. 3, 2019

would make all Americans happy, but it did help out millions who had been either forgotten or abused by health insurance companies tactics; more so than any health care bill in recent history. The passage of the bill was both historic and triumph.

Despite the good in brought, some political minds were just burning at that thought that is was Democratic

vides, Democrats are fiercely defending the law of the land and protecting all Americans’ health care.”

And all of this comes just after Pelosi said she was willing to work with Rep. Pramila Jayapal introduction of Medicare for All bill, H.R 1384, last month.

In that bill, Rep. Jayapal said to stop putting health care over profit. It is a single payer proposal that allows states

insurance but is more focus on lowering drug costs. If a drug costs more in America than other foreign countries, Booker says that manufacturer should be penalized. He supports giving Americans the option to also import drugs from other countries. Booker said during his CNN Town Hall, “Too many Americans put aside life-saving drugs because they can’t afford them.”

Julian Castro has vowed to make access to quality health care his first priority if elected as president. “American lives depend on defeating Donald Trump,” Castro tweeted. He backs the Medicare-for-All. Senator Elizabeth Warren supports Medicare for All and has co-sponsored the bill.

legislation. And it became the goal of Republicans to repeal and replace it as soon as they got in power. That time has come.

This week the man in the White House struck the biggest blow to health care by saying that the entire legislation should be struck down after citing with a federal Texas judge ruling that invalidated Obama health care legislation. Per his usual stance on almost everything goes against what he previously during his presidential campaign run to not touch federal health care programs. Doing away with this law would affect millions of Americans’ current health coverage.

This shocking move has shaken political leaders on both sides of the aisle. Republican Sen. Susan Collins expressed her disappointment and opposition to reporters about the announcement. “If the administration is opposed to the ACA, and clearly there are provisions of the law that do need to be fixed, the answer is for the administration to work ... with Congress and present a plan to replace and fix the law. Not to, through the courts, seek to invalidate it altogether.”

While House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is motivating the Democrats to get ready for battle to defend and protect Obamacare in a released statement, she said, “On the very first day that the Democratic Majority held the gavel, the House of Representatives voted to intervene against Republicans’ monstrous health care lawsuit to defend people with pre-existing conditions and the health care of all Americans. While the Trump Administration broadens its monstrous ambitions from destroying protections for pre-existing conditions to tearing down every last benefit and protection the Affordable Care Act pro-

to create Medicaid buy-ins giving Americans more choice in their healthcare with lower costs and possibly better quality of care. It focuses on how Americans pay far higher costs for medical coverage than other countries. But, of course, it is not perfect as well.

However, with Donald Trump’s stance to support the Department of Justice and federal ruling what is the plan to take care of America health wise?

Well, he doesn’t really have one. “The Party of Healthcare” won’t have plans or anything in place if the Affordable Care Act starts is deemed unconstitutional.

Health care once again will be a hot button issue of the presidential campaigns of 2020. In the last presidential election, Senator Bernie Sanders was in the Democratic in the forefront speaking the loudest. Today, presidential hopefuls all have the opinion about the issue.

Kamala Harris has already voiced her opinion via Twitter. “We must fight back again with everything we’ve got. And in 2020, we need to elect a president who will make health care a right.” She previously supported Senator Bernie Sanders’ Medicare for All bill in 2017 saying, “health care should be a right.”

In particular, she favors eliminating private health insurance. “The idea is that everyone gets access to medical care, and you don’t have to go through the process of going through an insurance company, having them give you approval, going through the paperwork, all of the delay that may require,” Harris said in a town hall in Iowa on CNN. She favors for the public to have more options.

Like Harris, Senator Cory Booker supports Medicare for All. But has different views. He is not necessarily in favor of eliminating private health

www.stylemagazine.com

She has owned ideas as well as introducing her healthcare plan called “The Consumer Health Insurance Protection Act.” Her plan puts more controls on private insurance companies, allows people to have more access to tax credits, and protects folks from policy changes and price hikes. Warren took to Twitter to state, “We need #MedicareForAll – and until we get it, there’s no reason private insurers can’t provide coverage that lives up to the high standards of our public health care programs.”

Another presidential Democratic candidate in favor of Medicare-for-All is Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. As a co-author of the bill, she supports Americans buying into Medicare. She knows it is time Americans had something better.

Gillibrand via Twitter tweeted, “If it’s a fight for healthcare this administration wants, it’s a fight they’ll get-and we will win.”

“All Americans should have access to affordable healthcare through Medicare or a public option,” said presidential candidate Tulsi Gabbard. Noting that the current healthcare system benefits the big insurance and pharmaceutical companies instead of the people who need it, Gabbard wants to empower the government to bring down prescription costs through price negotiations.

Her website says she believes that the Affordable Care Act was a step in the right direction, but points out that issues remain with the number of uninsured and high costs related to deductibles, copayments for medical services, and prescription drugs.

Healthcare is always a major issue in politics. The road to the White House won’t be won without a succinct plan in how to best address this for all Americans to have superiority care coverage at a reasonably priced rate where healthcare companies are not taking advantage of people.

FASHION

Macy’s Partners with Becca’s Closet and Enhances Prom with Bold Accessories StyleMagazine.com Newswire

INC International Concepts, I.N.C. Gold - Tone Hematite Crystal Leaf Wrap Ring\ Created for Macy’s, $179

INC International Concepts, I.N.C. HematiteTone Crystal Necklace, 16’’ + 3’’ Extender Created for Macy’s, $41.65

Say Yes to the Prom Trendy Plus Size Embellished Halter Gown Created for Macy’s, $179

The Gown Adrianna Papell Beaded Shirred Gown, $319

INC International Concepts, I.N.C. Nichole Lucite Clutch Created for Macy’s, $79.50

Shoppers still looking for the perfect dress? Macy’s has stylish looks from two-piece gowns to head-totoe sequins available in all sizes and price points. Complete any prom look with the perfect finishing touches. Macy’s has a curated collection of prom accessories that will compliment any style including statement necklaces and earrings, hair clips, handbags and more. Additionally, any regular-priced prom or social dress purchased in-store and on macys.com on Saturday, March 30, Macy’s will donate a new prom dress, up to 5,000 dresses, to Becca’s Closet to give to a girl in need. In select Macy’s stores, customers will receive an invitation with dress purchase to book an appointment to have a prom make-up session.

Material Girl, Blaire Two-Piece Dress Sandals Created for Macy’s, $59.50

www.stylemagazine.com

Mar. 28 – Apr. 3, 2019

11

EAT WITH STYLE Brenda’s is Serving 24 Hours a Day

By Yolanda Pope, Style Culinary Writer

W

hat a relief it was to find out that another eating establishment which featured tacos, nachos, soups, and tortas has opened its doors less than a mile from where I shop, work,

Southwest Freeway in Stafford, Texas.

In fact, this is the fourth location in the Greater Houston Area.

My co-workers and I rushed to our

tional. For breakfast, we had our choices of eggs and chorizo (Mexican pork sausage), eggs with ham, bacon, and/or potatoes. Each taco was hot off the grill and we had our choice of a corn or flour tortilla. Each order came with red salsa (red tomatoes) or the salsa verde (green salsa, made from tomatillos).

The restaurant is very clean, the staff is super friendly, and the service is fast.

Moreover, another good thing about the Stafford location is the very visible police presence. So, if you decide to get up in the middle of the night to visit this establishment, you will likely see a few police cars parked in the lot.

Our savory selection featured: chicken, stewed or fajita, beef fajita or ground, Baracoa (beef cheeks), lengua (beef tongue) and Chicharrón (fried pork belly). My favorite of the group was the Baracoa, which came with cilantro and onions on a corn tortilla.

The meat was savory, tender, and very filling.

For those who love soup, Brenda’s offers some of the traditional Mexican soups, such as Caldo de Res, (beef soup) Pollo, (chicken), Tortilla, and Pescado (fish) among a few more. For example, on the weekends they serve Menudo (beef tripe) and Pozole (hominy and pork).

Others favored the beef fajita and chorizo with egg, which was proven by our frequent visits after the initial opening of this location.

and live. Since July of 2018, Brenda’s

first taste of Brenda’s food by ordering a

Taqueria opened a location at 12550

medley of tacos, breakfast and the tradi-

.Brendas T collage.jpg

12

Mar. 28 – Apr. 3, 2019

Additionally, the location is right off the Southwest Freeway and Kirkwood, it was previously the home of the 59 Diner, so this spot is very spacious, has plenty of parking and no matter where you park, it’s not a far walk from the front door.

www.stylemagazine.com

If you’re feeling a little blue or had a few too many cocktails, I highly recommend the Menudo.

It is seasoned well, it’s spicy, but not too much heat, and for me, it just settles well in my stomach.

Thanks for reading, and check out Brenda’s full menu at www.brendastaqueria.com. Keep following Team Style Magazine on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

ENTERTAINMENT

Scene from ‘Us’

Jussie Smollett

Pastor John Gray

Former Dalla Cowboy Michael Irvin

CNN/StyleMagazine.com Newswire ordan Peele’s new horror film terrified audiences and shattered expectations at the box office this weekend. “Us,” the director’s second film, made an estimated $70.3 million in North America — more than tripling its production budget of $20 million. It exceeded industry expectations in a big way. The film was initially projected by industry experts to bring in closer to $45 million this weekend. The R-rated film stars Lupita Nyong’o and Winston Duke as parents trying to fend off an attack from evil Doppelgängers.

The film has made $87 million worldwide. “Us” is another hit for Peele and Universal.

CNN/StyleMagazine.com Newswire hicago police on Wednesday released a portion of their investigative reports in the case of actor Jussie Smollett, a day after prosecutors dropped all charges that had accused him of falsely reporting a hate crime against himself. The reports, which police released after Freedom of Information Act requests from the media, do not appear to offer many major revelations about what investigators alleged was a hoax that the “Empire” actor perpetrated with the help of two acquaintances -- brothers Olabinjo Osundairo and Abimbola Osundairo. But the 61 newly released pages do shed light on investigators’ interactions.

BlackAmericaWeb.com astor John Gray has been in the headlines for the past few weeks regarding his alleged affair and the subsequent fall out from it. Last week, the woman who had the alleged affair with Gray released voicemails stating that the Lakewood Church and Relentless Church pastor had her and his wife in the same hotel and more. The woman at the center of the affair also discussed her sex life with Gray and stated that the two had sex. In a lengthy Instagram post on Monday night, Gray came to the defense of his wife and once more denied the “emotional affair”, asking those that are critical of him leave his wife and his children out of it.

BlackAmericaWeb.com ormer Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Irvin posted a photo of himself in a hospital bed on Instagram Tuesday, saying he is worried he may have throat cancer and has been undergoing tests for the disease. Irvin reveled in the post that his father died from throat cancer at 51, and after having persistent throat issues for two months, he decided to get tested. The post says: “Spent Sun & Mon in LA at UCLA medical Health (Ronald Reagan Hospital) doing health test. I would not usually do this but this I need to share. Growing up in the ghetto of Ft Lauderdale the one thing you have to conquer to get out is FEAR. I did!

Jordan Peele ‘Us’ Brings in $70 Million

J

Chicago Police Release a Portion of Smollett Investigation

C

Pastor John Gray Again Denies Sexual Relationship, Defends His Wife

P

Michael Irvin Posts Photo From Hospital

F

The best music, dance, theater and more.

AND, ALWAYS FREE. www.stylemagazine.com

Mar. 28 – Apr. 3, 2019

13

HEALTH

Breaking: How HIV Is Being Used to ‘Cure’ Sickle Cell Disease BlackDoctor.Org

S

ixty Minutes recently reported on a gene therapy trial that may be a cure for patients living with the bone-crushing pain of sickle cell disease. Gene therapy locates and fixes the genes responsible for different diseases.

The gene that causes sickle cell anemia evolved in places like sub-Saharan Africa because it protects people from malaria.

There, millions have the disease, and it’s estimated more than 50 percent of babies born with it die before the age of five.

Jennelle Stephenson

Pain from sickle cell can occur anywhere blood circulates. That’s because red blood cells, normally round-shaped, bend into an inflexible sickle shape, causing them to pile up inside blood vessels. The resulting traffic jam prevents the normal delivery of oxygen throughout the body, leading to problems that include bone deterioration, strokes and organ failure.

14

Mar. 28 – Apr. 3, 2019

In the United States, it affects a hundred thousand people, mostly African-Americans, including sickle cell warrior, Jennelle Stephenson. Jennelle had tried a number of different treatments and had even made the decision to give up being able to have children because of the debilitating disease. But doctors at the National Institutes of Health have discovered

another way to attack combat sickle cell.

Here’s a partial transcript of the conversation between Dr. Jon Lapook and Jennelle: DR. JON LAPOOK: I think– from everything that it looks like, it looks like a cure. And for me, it’s especially emotional because from 1976 to 1986 — ten years when I was seeing a lot of people who had sickle cell anemia. And I could tell you their names still, but I won’t for HIPAA reasons. But one after the other, they died.

All you could do was give them pain medicine. So it was a very helpless feeling. So I was taught first, it was, like, the first month of medical school “Someday we’re gonna have a cure for sickle cell anemia.” That was 1976. And so for me to see that– that patient, right in front of my eyes, who’s cured: Jennelle Stephenson. I didn’t know if it was gonna work. Jennelle hadn’t gotten any treatment yet. Her whole life she’s been a sick person.

JENNELLE STEPHENSON: It’s a very sharp, like, stabbing, almost feels like bone-crushing pain.

DR. JON LAPOOK:: She thought she was gonna die early. She had a lot of friends who died early.

www.stylemagazine.com

Then Dr. Lapook went on to describe the risks of gene therapy and that the sheer “newness” of this treatment can make way for so many unknown variables and side effects, including death.

DR. JON LAPOOK:: …No matter how you’re doing it– I mean, you’re fiddling with the genes of a human being.

Once you put that gene into somebody, you can’t un-put that gene into somebody, at least not now. In the future they talk about having a kill switch, so that if things go wrong you can somehow turn the gene off. But that’s one of the big fears and there have been real calamities. Death from gene therapy in the past. Well, you talk to Jennelle, she knew all this.

Advertise Your Business with

Houston Style Magazine

Special Rates, For Small Business! advertising@stylemagazine.com

(713) 748-6300

SPORTS

No Doubt: James Harden Is On Pace to Win His Second NBA-MVP Award

By Brian Barefield, Style Sports Editor

week is impressive, so is 50.0% from the field and 52.8% from 3-point range. The fans also got a chance to witness him become the first player in NBA history to score at least 30 points against each of the opposing 29 teams in a single season since the NBA expanded to 30 teams in 2004-05. Oh, and did I mention he scored 118 points in two games versus the Memphis Grizzlies (57) and the San Antonio Spurs (61).

.James Harden

T

here was a pretty big game on Wednesday night between the Houston Rockets and Milwaukee Bucks. It was a showdown between two of the hottest teams in the NBA. The Bucks have the best record in the Eastern Conference and the Rockets are in a dogfight for third in the West behind Golden State Warriors and Denver Nuggets. But that’s not why there was a sold-out crowd at the Fiserv Forum in Wisconsin. Fans have had this game circled on the calendar for a very long time to see the marquee matchup of the Rockets guard James Harden

and Milwaukee power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo. Luckily for them, they also got a chance to see the real MVP up close and personal in Harden.

Is there any doubt in the voters’ minds at this point that Harden, the Western Conference Player of the Week for March 18 – 24th, his fourth of the season, does not have the award already wrapped up? He led the Rockets to a 3-1 record last week in a four-game span while averaging 44.3 points a game.

Although the scoring average for that

most total team wins in the NBA. Any other year outside of this one those numbers would be enough to win the MVP award, but James Harden is on pace to become the first player in NBA history to average 35.0 points per and 7.0 (currently he is at 36.4 points and 7.5 assists) assists per game. So, in my eyes, it is virtually a lock for the reigning MVP.

“Whoever was in the gym tonight probably witnessed something they have never seen before. There’s no way.

That was one of the best performances in his career and due to the magnitude of the game, we needed it. I don’t know how many points he got in the last four minutes, but we were down. The guy was playing,” Head coach Mike D’Antoni said after Harden’s 61-point performance against the Spurs in the Toyota Center.

I do want to go on record by saying that Antetokounpo is having a great season and his improvement in his fifth year in the league is incredible. You can tell that he really worked hard in the off-season to put on some muscle to sustain the bumps and grinds of having to play in the paint. The “Greek Freak” is averaging 27.4 points and 12.6 rebounds for the season while having the

www.stylemagazine.com

.James Harden

“I’ve seen a lot of basketball in my life, played against a lot of people, and his talent level is just something that I’ve just never seen before,” said teammate Gerald Green when describing what he sees watching Harden play.

Mar. 28 – Apr. 3, 2019

15

HBCU SPOTLIGHT

HBCU Spotlight: Jarvis Christian College, Southwestern Christian College, and Texas COllege

By Jo-Carolyn Goode

A

G. P. Bowser (educator and minister) in Fort Worth, TX under the name Southern Bible Institute with 45 students in the initial class. Later when the land that Texas Military College became available, the school relocated and changed its name in 1949.

s we end Historically Black Colleges and Universities Awareness Month, we conclude by taking a look at our last three HBCUs in Texas.

According to its website, Jarvis Christian College is private, co-educational, church-related college but it didn’t start out that way. In fact, the soon-to-be-university’s first students were actually twelve elementary school students.

The school was founded in 1912 with program instruction beginning in 1913.

However, plans for the school started way before that in 1904. A group headed by Mrs. Mary Alphin with the State Organization, Christian Women’s Board of Missions (who contributed $10,000), and Negro Disciples of Christ (who contributed $1,000). Virginia Hearn, State Secretary of Women’s Work, convinced Ida Van Zandt, wife of Major James Jarvis, to donate the 456 acres that the

SwCC’s website states that students are offered a holistic educational program that will motivate the student to value and achieve academic excellence within the context of a commitment to moral and spiritual values. In 1973, SwCC became accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award Associate and Bachelor-level degrees.

.Jarvis Christian College

For a brief period from 1909-1912 Texas College was renamed Phillips University after Bishop Henry Phillips. However, the name was officially changed back in May 1912.

SWCC

campus currently sits on. Major Jarvis donated the land under the condition the school would be built to educate head, heart, and hand of blacks and to produce useful citizens and earnest Christians.

Throughout the years the school began offering high school programs before those were drop during the 1920s when it became a junior college. From there it went on the 1930s to become a senior college and finally becoming a four-year college in 1939 with the formal charter of Jarvis Christian College.

Major recognition came in the 1940s by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. JCC gained membership into the association for its accreditation in 1966. It is the only HBCU if the Disciples if Christ Church. Today the school continues to educate with Christian values with the adoption of these guiding principles: scholarship & lifelong learning, service, integrity, respect, responsibility, and Christian ethics.

Today, the college continues to strive by operating on several core values that include academic excellence, integrity, perseverance, social responsibility, tolerance, and community service.

Take time out to support all of these wonderful institutions of higher learning. They are in need of your time, dollars, and connections to benefit students today and in the years to come.

Texas College

Advertise Your Business with

Houston Style Magazine

Special Rates, For Small Business! advertising@stylemagazine.com

(713) 748-6300

Southwestern Christian College is just east of Dallas, TX in Terrell, TX. The private college is operated by the Churches of Christ. When the college first opened its doors in 1948 it was by

16

Mar. 28 – Apr. 3, 2019

Keeping on the Christian track a group of ministers of the Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church established Texas College in 1894 with plans for the education of blacks that had been segregated by the Texas education system. The charter issued in 1907 deemed the school as Texas College with the purpose of being an institution that was “designed to operate under the supervision care and ownership of the CME Church in America. The exclusive educational direction was to include the education of youths, male and female, in all branches of a literary, scientific and classical education wherein [all] shall be taught theology, normal training of teachers, music, commercial and industrial training, and agricultural and mechanical sciences.”

www.stylemagazine.com

SMALL

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Advertise Your Business with

Houston Style Magazine Special Rates For Small Business!

advertising@stylemagazine.com

(713) 748-6300

www.stylemagazine.com

Mar. 28 – Apr. 3, 2019

17

2019 HHCC 2019 WOMEN’S BUSINESS EXPO Photography by Vicky Pink

O

ver 500 members of the business community across industries came together for the 2019 Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 2019 Women’s Leadership Conference and Business Expo. The sold-out conference was kicked off by HHCC President & CEO Dr. Laura Murillo and featured workshop presenters Bridgette Ramirez, Sergeant First Class Maria Barrientos and Sergeant Frist Class Flois Martinez, Melody Meyer, Jennifer Cox, Michelle Acosta, Mayor Annise Parker, Heidi Cruz, Sydney Kimball, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, and Isabel Longoria.

The speakers discuss making the next move in business, positioning yourself for the right opportunities, and balancing your professional and personal life.

2019

THE POWER CENTER

IMANI SCHOOL 30TH ANNIVERSARY GALA Photography by Vicky Pink

T

he Imani School celebrated 30 years of educating children to have bright futures at their anniversary “Portraits of Excellence” gala. Guests were transported from the school’s early days with founder Pastor Kirbyjohn Caldwell and director Patricia Hogan Williams to today with reflections from students, alumni, faculty, parents, and community partners. Current Imani students entertained the audience showing off their many talents. Some spotted in the crowd of distinguished guests included honorary chairs Cydonni and State Senator Borris Miles, Congressional Members Sheila Jackson Lee and Al Green, Anita and Gerald Smith, Dr. Marcus Cosby, Dr. James Dixon, Marcus Davis, former Houston Mayor Lee P. Brown, Rev. Suzette Caldwell,

18

Mar. 28 – Apr. 3, 2019

www.stylemagazine.com

BOOK

“Black is the Body: Stories From My Grandmother’s Time, My Mother’s Time, and Mine”

By Emily Bernard

© 2019, Knopf

$25.95 / $34.95 Canada

By Terri Schlichenmeyer, Style Book Reviewer

223 pages

the successes she’s had, the people she’s known, and the stories she carries inside her. These become tales that recall her mother’s unhappiness before she died, that lent Bernard’s grandmother the strength to stand up to misogynistic rules, and that shape Bernard’s stories to come.

Like any good story, though, there are catches to the telling.

Y

our mother dealt with things you can’t imagine.

It was a different time when she was your age, with societal issues you’d never tolerate and rules you wouldn’t abide.

Same with your grandma: scrapbooks, history books and museums are the only places you’ll see what she lived. So what will your children know?

As in “Black is the Body” by Emily Bernard, what’s your story?

In 1994, while sitting in a quiet coffee shop and wresting with a college paper

Rice’s Veterans Business Battle Invites 20 Entrepreneurs to Compete for Prize Money and Investments

StyleMagazine.com Newswire wenty veteran-owned companies from across the country will pitch their business ideas at the 2019Veterans Business Battle at Rice University.

T

The semifinalists will present to a panel of investors April 12, and judges will select the top five, who will present their pitches again April 13 for a chance at prize money and investment offers.

The competition includes new ventures and owner-operated businesses, both seeking investments to launch

Take, for instance, the way we deal with “the n-word.” And how Black women can sometimes hate their hair.

And how we let “the absurd and illogical nature of American racial identity” tell us who we are or should be.

.Emily Bernard

she was writing, Emily Bernard was stabbed “in the gut” by a white man with a hunting knife.

That’s her story to tell and she’s recited it often in the last two-decades-plus, though it’s told differently by others who were there. It’s a story that kicks off her book, but she insists that it does not define her.

Nor does racism. Bernard is proud of her Black body.

She’s also proud of her experiences,

No, Bernard lets family do that.

Her husband is white, a fact that some in her mother’s family hated – although they ultimately bonded with him through food, as though it were a new language. Her grandmother disliked the Civil Rights Movement. Her mother died too young. Bernard’s adopted twin daughters were born in Ethiopia and she calls them brown girls who are “’growing up in a house with a white person who loves them.”’ They, too, will have experiences their mother won’t have,

or expand. All semifinalists have the potential to receive investment offers.

Investments come in the form of loans, equity investments and partnerships.

“We are very excited about the great group of companies that are coming to Houston next month,” said event co-chairman Asad Akram. “It’s our goal to introduce them to a network that can help their businesses grow and succeed.”

The two-day event also includes information sessions about financing and entrepreneurship as well as networking with investors and business leaders.

The event is hosted by Rice’s Veterans in Business Association, a student organization for military veterans pursuing Master of Business Administration degrees at Rice’s Jones Graduate School of Business.

The Greater Houston business community has shown its support for the Veterans Business Battle, organizers said. This year’s key sponsors are The William Stamps Farish Fund, Bellatorum Resources and Schlumberger.

Since the competition’s inception in 2015, more than $3 million has been invested in veteran-owned businesses.

The semifinalists are: And I Like It, Dallas City Gym, Dallas Gotta Have It Fan Foams, Springfield, Va.

www.stylemagazine.com

and stories to tell.

“Black is the Body” is one of those books that’ll make you wish you had a Time Travel machine. Devour this book, set the machine for twenty years into the future, and see what author Emily Bernard’s daughters would write in a sequel…

This memoir has a lot of launching points for that, in tales that quietly demand that you pay attention and in anecdotes that highlight racial issues while also minimizing them. Readers are likewise invited to examine a variety of ideas with a certain amount of wonder and curiosity, and to follow Bernard to see both sides. That open, often-placid viewpoint provides a gentle way of leading readers to think about human differences and similarities, which resonates throughout and makes this memoir one to keep on your shelf.

Indeed, “Black is the Body” is a book you’ll want to read again because it’s engaging and just plain enjoyable. It offers thoughts you’ll want to turn over in your own head.

This is a book to tell about.

Share this story online at stylemagazine.com.

Family Proud, San Diego FeedMe Fitness, Houston Harvard Telemedicine, Floresville, Texas Harvest Returns, Fort Worth, Texas High Country Air Service, Albuquerque, N.M. Knifehand Nutrition, Syracuse, N.Y. Maco, New York Off Duty Blue, Syracuse, N.Y. Power Polymer, Wimberley, Texas Randian, Los Angeles Reimbi, Portland, Ore. Rock N Roe Aquaponics, Corpus Christi, Texas Safe Stamp, Nashville, Tenn.

SEE ID, Newcastle, Wash.

Welcome Connect, Houston Zanbazan, Bryan, Texas \Winners will be announced at a dinner April 13. The objective of the competition is to launch as many businesses as possible.

For more information, visit https:// business.rice.edu/vbb.

Mar. 28 – Apr. 3, 2019

19

®

®

11 in 5 items!

Get up to

$

meal deal!

save more than

$

6

FREE

items!

X two (2) Fresh! in

with in-store coupons

Hill Country Fare, BUY H-E-B, or Mi Comida Thighs or Breasts, Beef, or Pork for Fajitas regular pack

3

BUY

09

Monster Energy Drinks

4 pk., 16 oz. cans assorted varieties

• Kraft Natural Shredded Cheese 7 or 8 oz. assorted varieties

• H-E-B Texas Tough® Aluminum Foil 25 sq. ft. roll

GET

free! with in-store coupon

11 oz. assorted varieties

Save up to

$

1.98!

BUY

Hill Country Fare Taquitos, 33 ct., chicken or beef

Llévatelo

¡gratis!

GET

free! with in-store coupon

H-E-B Picante Sauce

16 oz. assorted varieties

Save up to

1.62!

BUY

16 oz. assorted varieties

with in-store coupons

H-E-B Wavy Potato Chips

$

• Mark’s Good Stuff Salsa

FREE

H-E-B Texas Tough® Value Pack Gallon Freezer Bags, 60 ct., Quart Freezer Bags 80 ct., or Sandwich Bags, 300 ct.

Llévatelo

¡gratis!

GET

free! with in-store coupon

H-E-B Specialty Series Barbeque Sauce 13 - 14 oz. assorted varieties

Save up to

$

2.00!

BUY

Mi TiendaTM

by H-E-B Diced Meats

assorted varieties

Llévatelo

¡gratis!

GET

free! with in-store coupon

Hill Country Fare Smoked Sausage 13 - 14 oz. assorted varieties

(excludes Hill Country Fare Beef Smoked Sausage)

Save up to

$

3.49!

BUY

H-E-B Fully Cooked Popcorn Chicken 24 oz. assorted varieties

Llévatelo

¡gratis!

GET

free! with in-store coupon

H-E-B Flyin’ Saucy Sauce

12 oz. assorted varieties

Prices Good Wednesday, March 27 Thru Tuesday, April 2, 2019 At Your Neighborhood H-E-B Stores.

Some items may not be available in all stores. Items not valid at Central Market. Due to the popularity of our Extra Low Prices Every Day, we reserve the right to limit quantities. Limit Rights Reserved. We Accept Lone Star Card, WIC And Manufacturers’ Coupons. ©2019 HEB, 19-3939 visit www.heb.com

20

Mar. 21 – Mar. 27, 2019

www.stylemagazine.com

Save up to

$

2.00!

Llévatelo

¡gratis!