Houston Style Magazine vol 30 No 47

November 21 – November 27, 2019

Houston’s Premiere Weekly Publication

Volume 30 | Number 45-

Complimentary

Jesse Jackson The Right to Vote Is Fundamental to Any Democracy

Detria Marie Ward

Mourning the Loss of Houston Award-Winning Actress

Lizzo Winning On All Levels Words By Jo-Carolyn Goode Photography Courtesy of FB/LizzoMusic

Friendsgiving

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State of Black Houston Symposium

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Maxine Waters

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

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Novmber 21 – November 27, 2019

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06 Publisher Francis Page, Jr. Associate Publisher Lisa Valadez Managing Editor Jo-Carolyn Goode editorial@stylemagazine.com

Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Complete Communities

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Social Media Editor/Videographer Reginald Dominique reggiedominique@me.com Sports Editor Brian Barefield

NATIONAL WRITERS

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

Manage Grief with Grace this Holiday Season

PHOTOGRAPHERS VICKY PINK vhpink@gmail.com

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

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November 21 – November 27, 2019

3

COMMENTARY

The Right to Vote Is Fundamental to Any Democracy

By Jesse Jackson, National Political Writer

At-large elections are only one of the tactics tried by the Republican power structure in Alabama.

T

he right to vote is fundamental to any democracy. Protecting that right -- and making it easier to exercise it -- ought to be a priority across partisan lines. Instead, in states across the country -- particularly in the five years since the Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act -- it has become a pitched battle.

The basic reality is clear: Republicans, increasingly a party of older, white voters, have chosen not to reach out to Hispanics, African Americans or the young, but instead seek ways to make it harder for them to vote -- or for their votes to count. Backed by right-wing think tanks, Republican state legislators and governors push a slew of measures

POLITICAL

A

Congresswoman Maxine Waters

head of the first day of oral arguments in the Supreme Court case Comcast Corp. V. National Association of African American-Owned Media (NAAOM), Congresswoman Max-

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to suppress the vote of targeted populations. These are increasingly challenged in courts and protested on the streets.

Alabama, for example, is a state that is over one-fourth African American. Yet it has had all white appellate court justices for a quarter-century. This was locked in by requiring at-large statewide elections for both appellate and Supreme Court judges instead of district elections where African American candidates would have a good chance of being elected in some areas. This practice -- followed in Texas against Hispanic voters -- is now being challenged in a lawsuit filed by the Alabama State Conference of the NAACP.

Since the Supreme Court’s Shelby decision that ended federal pre-approval of voting rights changes, Alabama has passed measures to require a photo ID to vote while seeking to close driver’s license offices disproportionately in black areas. They sought to impose a “proof of citizenship” mandate to register to vote in state and local elections.

Dozens of polling places were closed, disproportionately in areas with large African American populations. Get out the vote efforts were made more difficult with the passage of a ban on financial transfers from one PAC to another, an act aimed at the leading organizations working on African American turnout, which got much of their revenue from other political entities. Alabama has also begun the process of purging the voting rolls. When the state legislature passed a measure giving felons who had served their sentences the right to vote, the state government refused to do anything to inform people that their rights had been restored. Some of these measures have been stalled by judicial decisions, but the effort to constrict the vote continues.

Across the country, instead of making voter registration automatic and adopting same-day registration, Republican-led states are making registration harder. Instead of expanding days to vote, they are limiting them. Instead of encouraging voter registration drives, they are adopting various measures to

criminalize the activities of voter registration groups. Partisan gerrymandering gets ever more sophisticated. Hackable voting machines pose a true threat of even getting an honest count. Closing polling stations forces some -- again, disproportionately those from minority or poor districts -- to travel longer and wait in long lines to vote.

The only way to counter these measures is massive citizen mobilization -- and to elect leaders who will make the right to vote a priority. In 2018, efforts to restrict the right to vote overwhelmed a voter turnout that was the highest since 1914. In 2020, with the fundamental direction of the country at stake, another record turnout is vital.

Upon gaining the majority in the House of Representatives in 2018, Democrats immediately passed HR 1, the most extensive election and democracy reform bill since the Voting Rights Act. Among other things, it would adopt same-day voter registration, limit the role of big money in elections, curb political gerrymanders and much more. That bill sits on the desk of Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who won’t even allow it to come to a vote. If voters overcome the tricks and traps designed to make voting difficult and vote in large numbers in 2020, fundamental democratic reform is teed up to move.

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.

Rep. Waters Leads House in Affirming the Civil Rights Act of 1866 & Its Section 1981

POLITICAL

BlackPressUSA.com

ine Waters (CA-43) led her colleagues in introducing a resolution that affirms the vital role that the Civil Rights Act of 1866 – particularly Section 1981 of the Act – has played in prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race or ethnicity when making and enforcing business contracts.

Should Comcast Corporation, the plaintiffs in the case, prevail at the Supreme Court, it will be nearly impossible for entrepreneurs, innovators, and creators of color who have been victims of racial discrimination to bring forth lawsuits and have their rights protected and enforced in a court of law. Congresswoman Waters’ resolution that makes clear that the U.S. Congress strongly opposes this, and any other attack, on equal rights protections for people of color and marginalized groups under the Civil Rights Act of 1866.

“More than a century after the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, it is absolutely outrageous that one of the largest media companies in the world would have the audacity to petition the U.S. Supreme Court to hear arguments in a case that undermines this vital law,” said Congresswoman Maxine Waters. “Nearly ten years ago when Comcast sought to merge with NBC Universal, both companies were forced, under pressure from my efforts in Congress and the FCC,

Novmber 21 – November 27, 2019

to commit to credible diversity and inclusion initiatives as a condition for the merger. Today, they are seeking to effectively destroy one of our nation’s oldest civil rights statutes dating back to Reconstruction. In doing so, Comcast is opening the flood gates to disXlegal remedy or recourse. Those of us who know our history, understand all too well the harmful impact this could have on future generations of entrepreneurs and creators of color. I am proud to lead my colleagues in a resolution that makes clear that any and all assaults on civil rights protections for Americans – particularly people of color and other marginalized groups – will not be tolerated by the U.S. Congress.”

In the aftermath of the Civil War, African Americans suffered through a tumultuous integration. They were systematically and routinely subject to laws, such as the Black Codes, which were designed to restrict African American’s freedom and keep formerly enslaved persons from thriving in society. In response, Congress enacted the Civil Rights Act of 1866.

Since their inception, the Civil Rights Act of 1866 and Section 1981 of the Act have made it unlawful for any citizen to be denied equal rights and equitable treatment on the basis of race; protected people of color from discrimination when forming business contracts; and provided a legal pathway for

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those who have been racially discriminated against to seek justice.

Congresswoman Waters’ resolution is supported by Reps. Karen Bass (CA-37), Andre Carson (IN-7), Yvette Clarke (NY-9), Danny Davis (IL-7), Al Green (TX-9), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), Barbara Lee (CA13), and Bennie Thompson (MS-2), and acknowledges the history and significance of the Civil Rights Act of 1866 and Section 1981 of the Act, and their integral role as a key pillar of civil rights jurisprudence.

Throughout her career in public service, Congresswoman Waters has been a leading advocate for diversity and inclusion in the media. Her years-long efforts during the Comcast-NBC Universal merger review – which included holding congressional hearings, urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to extend the public comment period, filing comments on behalf of independent minority producers, directors, and writers, and leading the congressional efforts to ensure that the terms of the merger included voluntary commitments and proposals for media diversity – led to the creation of four independently minority-owned channels: Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Revolt, Magic Johnson’s Aspire, Robert Rodriguez’s El Rey, and Constantino “Said” Schwarz’s BabyFirst Americas television networks.

LOCAL

Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Complete Communities: Major Accomplishments Since April 2017 Launch

By StyleMagazine.com Newswire

“Every community will be a community of opportunity.”

Mayor Sylvester Turner Across the 5 neighborhoods • 3,500 people participated in 14 community engagement meetings • All the Complete Communities Action Plans support and reinforce each of the 32 citywide goals identified in Plan Houston.

• Community stakeholders identified more than 365 projects and programs to complete in the five neighborhoods: Acres Home: 91 Gulfton: 61 Near Northside: 71 Second Ward: 67 Third Ward: 77 All Neighborhoods: NeighborhoodLIFT Down Payment Assistance Program • Wells Fargo and its national nonprofit partner NeighborWorks America provide access to down payment assistance grants and homebuyer education through local nonprofits Avenue, Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corp. and Tejano Center for Community Concerns.

• At the two-day event, potential homebuyers learned if they qualify for the down-payment assistance program - $15,000 grants for eligible homebuyers earning under 80% of

the area median income (AMI) and 100% AMI for military.

• Qualified military, veteran, surviving spouse, law enforcement, firefighter, emergency medical technician or teachers can receive an additional $2,500.

• Wells Fargo committed $6.1 million and limited this round of funding to applicants residing within the limits of the City of Houston All Neighborhoods: Microsoft support for STEM education and economic development • Microsoft will coordinate and host YouthSpark in Schools events to provide technology educators with the most up-to-date information and tools to prepare youth for tech careers • Microsoft will coordinate and host 4 DigiGirlz Camps to encourage high school girls to consider, prepare and train for tech careers • Microsoft will coordinate and host 2 start-up and hack-a-thons and 4 digital literacy workshops for adults • Microsoft will adopt at least one middle or high school in a Complete Community neighborhood.

• Acres Home: Construction of affordable homes on land acquired by the Houston Land Bank

City of Houston develops homes on lots owned by the Houston Land Bank and the Houston Land Bank sells the homes to income-eligible buyers.

• Goal = build 250 homes that cost $200,000 or less in Acres Home in 2019 and 1,000 more over the next 5 years • Progress toward the goal: 17 homes are completed and listed for sale, 1 home is under construction and projected to be completed by the end of June, and 37 homes are in pre-construction and scheduled to start construction in the third quarter of 2019.

Partnership between the Houston Land Bank, the Housing and Community Development Department, and the Houston Community Land Trust.

• Gulfton: Inauguration of the Gulfton Story Trail Mural Project • A self-guided tour of 12 new murals created by Houston-based artists and inspired by poetry written by Houston youth • the murals and tour showcase the ethnic, cultural and culinary diversity of the Gulfton neighborhood • $75,000 project is the result of a partnership between nonprofit Culture of Health Advancing Together (CHAT), the Houston Arts Alliance, and the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs

Near Northside: Construction of the 5.5-miles Hardy and Elysian portion of the Houston Bike Plan • The first parking-protected bike lane in Houston is being built now • $1.3 million project is a collaboration with Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis’ Precinct One office with additional support from Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia’s Precinct Two office, Public Works and Planning and Development Near Northside: Avenue Center funded • $3.4 million in project funding from the City of Houston to local nonprofit affordable housing developer Avenue to build or Avenue Center, a new mixed-use community resource.

• Avenue expects to break ground on Avenue Center in the second quarter of 2019. The development is estimated to open in early 2020.

Second Ward: Grand opening of two new soccer play spaces at Eastwood Park • The first two of 100 soccer play spaces that Target has committed to building with the U.S. Soccer Foundation across the nation by 2020

Pol. adv. Sylvester Turner Campaign

Thank you!

WORDS ARE NOT ENOUGH to express my gratitude for the support of our community that propelled me to a first-place finish in the November election — nearly 20 points ahead of my nearest challenger.

NOW WE MUST FINISH THE JOB by coming back and voting one more time in the runoff election on Saturday, December 14.

WE HAVE A SIMPLE CHOICE: An experienced leader who has delivered results for more than 30 years or a Donald Trump imitator who will say, do, or spend anything to get elected.

I PUT MY TRUST IN YOU.

In the runoff election on Saturday, Dec. 14,

With gratitude,

VOTE ONE MORE TIME! VOTE EARLY NOV. 27 AND DEC. 2–10 SYLVESTERTURNER.COM www.stylemagazine.com

November 21 – November 27, 2019

5

LOCAL

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Congratulates Attendees and Successful Applicants From This Weekend’s Job Fair in Cuney Homes with H-E-B Grocers

C

ongresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a Senior Member of the House Committees on Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Budget, issued this statement following a job fair she hosted on Saturday in Cuney Homes: This past weekend, on Saturday, I was pleased to host a job fair in Cuney Homes, with participation from HEB Grocers, a storied Texas business. The need for the job fair was manifest: As the employment rate hovers around 3.7% for all Americans, this is an incomplete number for some Americans. Many of the available jobs are unfilled because many lack the skills to fill them. And, it is an imprecise number because the number is higher for Latino communities and almost two full points higher for African American workers. This is as much a function of racial minority as it is socioeconomic status. And here in Harris County, Texas, the demographics speak to the opportunities needed for minority communities. In Harris County, over 60 percent of the population is either Hispanic and Latino or African American. Thus, it follows that communities of color are distinctly susceptible to downturns in the economic market. More precisely, the African American community continues to fall behind in their efforts to make the gains of their white counterparts. In fact, the

it was measured in 2000. And, a recent statistic by the University of Chicago indicates that the gap between whites and African Americans is nearly as big as it was in the 1950s. And, according to the National Center for Education Statistics, the percentage of college-aged undergraduate students were employed was higher among part-time students, 81%, than among full time students, 43%. These numbers are lower in 2017 than were in 2005. This is attributable to many reasons, not the least of which is the dearth of jobs that can be filled by these Americans.

The participation rate of attendees at this weekend’s job fair in Cuney Homes was overwhelming. There were close to 100 people who attended and over a third that number—34—signed up for jobs with H-E-B. Furthermore, and indicative of the interest that this event generated, while many individuals did not inquire of jobs for themselves, they did so for either children, grandchildren or other relatives looking for employment. The success of this event suggests a demand for future such events. In the coming days, I will be seeking opportunities with other valued businesses, like H-E-B, with which to partner, in order to secure employment for those seeking it.” – Jackson Lee

chasm between these groups is widening. According to the Economic Policy Institute, in a report from earlier this

year, the median black worker made just 75% of what an equivalent white worker did, and that number is lower than when

The participation rate of attendees at this weekend’s job fair in Cuney Homes was overwhelming. There were close to 100 people who attended and over a third that number—34—signed up for jobs with H-E-B. Furthermore, and indicative of the interest that this event generated, while many individuals did not inquire of jobs for themselves, they did so for either children, grandchildren or other relatives looking for employment. The success of this event suggests a demand for future such events. In the coming days, I will be seeking opportunities with other valued businesses, like H-E-B, with which to partner, in order to secure employment for those seeking it.

Pol. adv. Sylvester Turner Campaign

Thank you!

WORDS ARE NOT ENOUGH to express my gratitude for the support of our community that propelled me to a first-place finish in the November election — nearly 20 points ahead of my nearest challenger.

NOW WE MUST FINISH THE JOB by coming back and voting one more time in the runoff election on Saturday, December 14.

WE HAVE A SIMPLE CHOICE: An experienced leader who has delivered results for more than 30 years or a Donald Trump imitator who will say, do, or spend anything to get elected.

I PUT MY TRUST IN YOU.

In the runoff election on Saturday, Dec. 14, 6

Novmber 21 – November 27, 2019

With gratitude,

VOTE ONE MORE TIME! VOTE EARLY NOV. 27 AND DEC. 2–10 SYLVESTERTURNER.COM www.stylemagazine.com

FASHION

The NBA Fashion Mavens: Rockets’ Harden and Westbrook Are In!

By George Lewis, Special to Style

I

t is that time of the year once again.

The 2019-2020 NBA season is in full swing, which means players, fans, and everyone in between will be treated to some of the flashiest, most heart-pounding basketball actions in the world. Of course, part of the excitement this year is seeing the newly revamped Houston Rockets live up to their potential and raise the stakes both on and off the court. All the Xs and Os aside, Mike D’Antoni’s team brings a lot to the table, especially when it comes to their flashy entrances.

The past off-season saw former league MVP and perennial triple-double machine, Russell Westbrook, joining an already potent Houston Rockets team bannered by another former MVP in James Harden. Together, the two dynamic guards form a lethal partnership that not just brings rabid enthusiasm on the floor, but breaks the barriers of fashion off of it as well.

Russell Westbrook and James Harden are, hands down, two of the most stylish basketball players in the NBA. Night in and night out, they showcase a distinctively creative, somewhat out-of-this-world fashion sense, which puts many high-profile models to shame. At first glance, Westbrook leans toward the old-school, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air vibe, whereas Harden’s is more of a sleek dresser.

tronics, and Pepsi Co. Many even consider him one of the faces of the Jordan Brand line of basketball shoes. Harden carries brands such as BODYARMOR, State Farm, and Foot Locker. In addition, he has a highly successful roster of signature shoes from Adidas.

In our post on ‘The Fall of Sagging Pants Era is Upon Us’ fashion writers, even local lawmakers, have been lobbying for the total extinction of the so-called “droopy drawers” movement. Russell Westbrook, for his part, elevated this sort-of loose, urban street style. As soon as he struts into the arena before a game, cameras either see Westbrook wearing baggy and outlandish outfits that seem to be a product of a late night shopping spree, or a simple shirtand-jeans get up with personalized Jordan brand kicks.

can get away with these quirky pieces, as they, along with Westbrook, have some of the most lucrative contracts on the planet.

Currently, LeBron James is the highest paid basketball player in the world and second highest earning sportsman on the planet.

The Houston duo are not far behind, with Westbrook pocketing $82.8 million this season and Harden netting $80.9 million from salary and endorsements combined.

No wonder these stars can splash out on creating their own unique style without caring what anybody thinks.

James Harden’s style, on the other hand, is a bit similar to another former MVP in LeBron James. Last season, for example, Harden and LeBron famously wore shorts and suit ensemble that kind of blurred the line of casual and formal. These players

Speaking of getting a huge chunk of money from endorsements, similar to LeBron James, Russell Westbrook and James Harden’s marketability is off the charts.

Westbrook signed huge deals with the likes of True Religion Apparel, Samsung Elec-

In order to be one of the most fashionable man in the NBA, James Harden formed a winning partnership with in-demand celebrity stylist Kesha McLeod.

Aside from styling other professional athletes like Victor Cruz, Andre Iguodala, and Serena Williams, she has been providing valuable stylish insights to Harden, most notably during the 2018 Paris Fashion Week. McLeod even has fellow Houston Rocket, P. J. Tucker, in her roster of clients.

With their high-octane brand of basketball, there is no doubt the Houston Rockets is must-see TV this season. Now with Russell Westbrook joining James Harden and company, they can further stake their claim and solidify their place as the most stylish NBA team.

Along with being a self-proclaimed professional backyard hooper, George Lewis always finds time watching live NBA games inside Toyota Center or at home.

One of his aspirations in life is to see his beloved Houston Rockets capture another title in this lifetime.

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November 21 – November 27, 2019

7

FEATURE

Lizzo Winning On All Levels

By Jo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor

I Lizzo

n a race, everyone sets out to be the winner. Although there is only one official winner once the race is done there are many ways to win a race. One can win by beating their previous score or time. One can win because they never gave up. Winning can be as simple as entering the race in the first place. However, you define a win makes you are a winner. R&B rap artist Lizzo is having one winning year racking up awards, accolades, and acclaims everywhere she goes.

What is the best way to react after finding out that you have been nominated for 8 Grammy Awards? Speak in all caps of course. Right on the cusps of her Soul Train Awards wins, Lizzo is floating after receiving the Grammy news while on tour. “THIS HAS BEEN AN INCREDIBLE YEAR FOR MUSIC AND IM JUST SO THANKFUL TO EVEN BE PART OF IT,” tweeted the excited singer. “We ARE ALL WINNERS.” Winning she is. Lizzo is winning as an entertainer, role model, and entrepreneur with her message of self-love and positive body image. She is in love with herself and the world is in love with her.

Since making her debut, Lizzo has been on an elevated plane that keeps taking

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Lizzo

her up. This year she reigns supreme at this year’s Grammies with nominations for Album of the Year for “Cuz I Love You,” Song of the Year for “Truth Hurts,” Best New Artist, Record of the Year, Best Pop Solo Performance, Best R&B Performance, Best Traditional R&B Performance, and Best Urban Contemporary Album.

This year has been a dream for the Detroit born, Houston raised entertainer.

Starting off with songs that have been slow to gain popularity soaring on the charts having two songs on Billboard Hot 100 plus her album being on the list as well. Lizzo has gained all this no-

Novmber 21 – November 27, 2019

toriety as a rapper and singer when she started out wanting to be a professional flutist. The self-proclaimed band geek who was a super nerd in school was obsessed with being the best flute player there is. In her pursuit of excellence, she brought a new sense of cool to a very nerdy activity, according to her. When others didn’t the instrument, Lizzo stuck with it; a decision that proved highly successful for her. Lizzo has said that she dreamed of traveling the world playing the flute, now she is traveling the world using her other gifts her freestyle ability with powerful vocals.

Her Grammy-nominated “Cuz I Love

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You,” is Lizzo’s personal truths in full blast for all to hear as well as an anthem of love of one’s entire self to women.

Having as much confidence and sass as Lizzo has is nothing short of years of working on herself to grow into this confidence. Learning this lesson started 10 years when Lizzo made the decision to love herself. In an NPR.org interview, she said, “That was the beginning of my journey with learning how to love my body…You have to find that love for yourself deep down inside, underneath all of that questioning and ickiness.” A struggle that many girls go through no matter their size.

Each time Lizzo sets foot on a stage in all her sexiness, she helps to raise the self-esteem of Black girls, overweight girls, girls with dreams, girls who are not afraid of working hard, and girls who know to see more people that look like them; they have to do their part to go further than the role models of today. During her concerts, Lizzo pours out this same kind of love for fans. It is electrifying, infectious, and empowering. When her fans have this kind of confidence they are shinning and as she tweeted after learning about her Grammy nods, “If I’m shinin everybody gonna shine.”

ENTERTAINMENT

Mourning the Loss of Award-Winning Actress Detria Marie Ward

By StyleMagazine.com Newswire

T

he Ensemble Theatre, family, and Fiends mourn the loss of veteran award-winning actress Detria Marie Ward who transitioned Sunday, November 17, 2019. Her memorial service and funeral arrangements are pending. =She was an almuna of Texas Southern University where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts (B.F.A.) degree in theatre and went on to direct several plays in the theatre department. She was a proud member of St. Luke the Evangelist Episcopal Church and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. which she acknowledged with the sorority pinky hand gesture during the bow at the closing of every performance.

Detria’s sultry voice was known by many through her work as a former radio talent with KTSU 90.9 FM and announcer for the half-time performances at Texas Southern University football games. She later served as General Manager of Music World Entertainment Management (former home of Beyoncé), and was most currently the Theatre Arts Coordinator at Energized for ESTEM High School.

Her artistic voyage with The Ensemble Theatre began in the mid 1980’s with the

Detria Ward.

Detria Ward

play It’s Showdown Time directed by The Ensemble Founder George W. Hawkins, and continued up to her final performance in the theatre’s “The Rhythm of Life’s Journey” 2019-2020 season opener, School Girls: Or; The African Mean Girls Play. She was the recipient of the 2013 Best Actress Houston Press Theatre Awards and many Giorgee Awards, an honor affectionately named after the theatre’s late founder. Her top audience favorite performances on The Ensemble stage include: Sassy Mamas, Fences, What I Learned In Paris, The Old Settler, Knock Me A Kiss, TheNacirema Society, and many more.

Detria’s other theatre credits include Shaking the Mess Out of Misery at

Stages Repertory Theatre, and The Maceba Affairs touring production of the play The Girl Who Chose Abortion.

She was represented by the Houston talent agency Pastorini-Bosby and will be seen in the upcoming film Lilianby Molly Vernon. She was a well-known host of Bace Productions’ annual Miller Outdoor Theatre Dancin’ in the Streets...

Motown and More Revuefor 22 years.

She recently returned from The National Black Theatre Festival (2019) held in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, performing in The Ensemble’s sold out production of Front Porch Society.

Her loving spirit and multi-talented ability to articulate stories through the various characters she played will be

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missed. She was humble and generously expressed her love for The Ensemble Theatre.

“I’m so blessed to be a performer!” ~ Detria Marie Ward The Ensemble Theatre was founded in 1976 by the late George Hawkins to preserve African American artistic expression and enlighten, entertain and enrich a diverse community. It is the oldest and largest professional African American theatre in the Southwest, it also holds the distinction of being one of the nation’s largest African American theatres that owns and operates its facility with an in-house production team.

The Ensemble Theatre produces a main stage season of six contemporary and classic works devoted to the portrayal of the African American experience by local and national playwrights and artists. The theatre’s Performing Arts Education program provides educational workshops, Artist-in-Residence experiences and live performances for students both off-site and at the Theatre.

The Young Performers Program offers intensive summer training for children ages 6 to 17 encompassing instruction in all disciplines of the theatre arts.

November 21 – November 27, 2019

9

HEALTH

Manage Grief with Grace this Holiday Season

By Family Features

H

olidays are filled with traditions, but when someone you used to share those moments with has died, managing grief during the holiday season can be particularly challenging.

manage numerous thoughts and emotions, but physical expressions of your memories and feelings can help process it all. A package like the Remembering A Life Self-Care Box contains several resources to help you take care of yourself. It includes a journal, a rose quartz stone that promotes relaxation, a water bottle to remind you to stay hydrated, a jar to hold written memories of your loved one, a soothing candle, a dragonfly keychain symbolizing hope and comfort, and a soothing essential oil roller.

Mental and physical preparation are your best tools for managing the feelings that may accompany holidays. While family members, particularly children, may want things to be as they’ve always been, the reality is things have changed.

It can also be a time to create new traditions and memories that honor your absent loved one.

Verbalize how you’re feeling. Manage expectations by telling family and friends how you’re feeling about the holiday and what they can expect from you. Also let them know what you need from them. If talking about your loved one brings comfort, let those around you know you appreciate the stories and reminiscing. If it hurts, ask that they refrain.

Consider this advice from the National Funeral Directors Association to help navigate grief this holiday season.

Get plenty of rest. The holiday season pulls people in many directions, and that can mean getting less sleep than you need. However, being tired not only has a physical impact on how you feel, it can affect your ability to process emotions.

Give yourself permission to take a break. No two people process grief and loss the same way; only you know your limits. Even in a season filled with obligations and commitments, know that it’s OK to set boundaries and remove yourself from holiday reminders and triggers. That may mean flipping the

channel on the TV or bypassing the holiday display at the store. Taking care of yourself when you’re grieving isn’t just about finding comfort, it’s also about avoiding discomfort.

family’s holiday celebration every year, but if others offer to take responsibility, let them. Allow loved ones to help, and if they don’t volunteer, don’t be afraid to ask.

Be realistic with your commitments.

You may be the one who hosts your

Look for tangible ways to express feelings. So much of grief is internal as you

Honor your feelings and needs. As most who have experienced loss know, grief comes in waves. The only way to process grief is to ride one wave to the next. That may mean putting off your holiday shopping for a day when you’re feeling less emotional or bowing out of an event you planned to attend.

MEDICARE PLANS CHANGE YEAR-TO-YEAR. Use the new Plan Finder at Medicare.gov to more easily compare: • Part D prescription plans for cost, coverage, and convenience.

• Medicare Advantage Plans for extra benefits, changes in network providers, co-pays, and more.

• Supplemental (Medigap) plans for costs and benefits.

Is your current plan still your best choice for 2020, or could you do better? Compare plans now.

Use the new Plan Finder at Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE. TTY 1-877-486-2048.

An Important Message from Medicare

“WE SAVED ON PRESCRIPTION COSTS. IT PAYS TO COMPARE PLANS.” 10

Novmber 21 – November 27, 2019

Limited resources? You may qualify for Extra Help to pay prescription drug costs.

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HEALTH Kicking It on The Hill

Prairie View A&M Women’s Soccer Team 2019 Captivating Season Gives Them Something To Build On In 2020.

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ou may not have payed attention to what went on off 290 this year, but Prairie View A&M University women’s soccer team assembled a group of young ladies looking to make a long run for years to come. The Lady Panthers set a record for most wins in a single season at 13 and brought home the first Southwestern Athletic Conference Women’s Soccer Tournament Championship with a 1-0 victory over Howard.

each year she was there.

Before working as the Regional Manager for Player Development at the Ontario Soccer Association in Canada in 2017 she was at Cleveland State as the head coach of their women’s soccer team guiding them to the Horizon League Tournament twice in three years. For as fierce as she is guiding her young ladies to victories during matches, Curvelo uses that same tenacity to preach the importance of maintaining a good grade point average in the classroom.

Unfortunately, they watched their great season come to an end with a first round loss to the No. 1 seeded Stanford Lady Cardinals in the First Round of the 2019 NCAA Women’s Soccer Tournament. It was the second time in school history that the Lady Panthers made the tournament. The first was back in 2014 in a loss to Texas Tech.

“This is an exciting moment for our student-athletes, our soccer program and our entire department of athletics,” PVAMU Athletics Director Alicia Pete said in an interview with pvpanthers. com after the SWAC Tournament.

“Coach Curvelo was a great hire for the Prairie View A&M Athletics Department. We knew she was the right choice to lead our soccer program to

The Lady Panthers put together a season for the ages in 2019. Outside of winning their first SWAC tournament, they also set a program record for conference wins at nine. They displayed dominance in the conference by putting together a winning streak of 10 or more matches led by a group of seniors who made the best of their last year on the team. the next level. It’s wonderful to see that confidence rewarded with a championship, and I’m confident that this is only the beginning for our soccer program.”

Prairie View knew exactly who they

were getting to lead the Lady Panthers soccer team when they hired Sonia Curvelo in August 2018. The former SWAC Coach of the Year in 2012 spent five seasons at Mississippi Valley State leading them to the SWAC Tournament

Even with the loss of four seniors, the team returns 2019 SWAC Tournament MVP, midfielder Kalia Brown and all-tournament center back, Andrea Nugent. Combine those players with first team All-Conference forwards

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November 21 – November 27, 2019

11

EAT WITH STYLE How to Host a Friendsgiving Feast

By Family Features

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s one of the most popular holiday traditions in the United States, families have celebrated Thanksgiving for decades. However, as more and more hosts look to put a new spin on the festivities, Friendsgiving continues to grow in popularity.

While the two “holidays” generally involve the same ideals – showing appreciation for loved ones, whether family or friends – cooking for both can be a challenge during this busy season.

Consider these quick and easy ideas from the Friendsgiving experts at Sabra to celebrate this vibrant event with your closest friends.

Decorations Plenty of planning and preparation goes into Thanksgiving festivities, which makes Friendsgiving an opportunity to take a step back and focus on simplicity. Keep your table decor clean and modern, like an understated blackand-white design, where food and fun can take center stage.

Attire Friendsgiving strikes a delicate balance between a reunion of companions and just an excuse to spend time with your closest cohorts, which can make a normally tricky decision even more

over medium heat about 30 minutes, or until fork tender.

Drain potatoes and place back into pot over medium heat until moisture comes out and potatoes appear dry, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.

difficult: what to wear. Try aiming for the more casual look, or try something low-key and fun like a pajama party.

mus, available in more than a dozen flavors, with pita chips or baby carrots may be your party-perfect appetizer.

Food Because Friendsgiving is usually celebrated within a week or so of Thanksgiving, whether it’s before or after, most guests will be tired of turkey and stuffing – meaning it’s time to think outside the box. For just enough of a twist on traditional seasonal taste, try making plant-based versions of your childhood favorites.

Find more Friendsgiving inspiration at Sabra.com

This Hummus Mashed Potatoes recipe is a perfect example – creating a dairyfree and gluten-free version of the classic dish that’s bursting with unexpected flavors. Alternately, if you’re hosting this year, these Sweet and Savory Cranberry Hummus Bites can hold over a hungry crowd. For another simple snacking solution, pairing a dip like Sabra Hum-

Hummus Mashed Potatoes 5 cups yellow potatoes (about 6 potatoes), peeled and cut into 1 1/2-inch cubes 1/4 teaspoon salt, plus additional, to taste, divided 1 1/3 cups Sabra Classic Hummus 2 tablespoons olive oil or coconut oil fresh pepper, to taste 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh parsley Place potato cubes and 1/4 teaspoon salt in medium-sized pot with enough water to cover. Bring to boil and simmer Maybe Mama’s make-up would help make her skin lighter but it just made a mess.

She tried to eat bananas, white bread, and other light foods but that just made her full.

Praying didn’t work, either, and when Mama saw that Sulwe was sad, she tried to help. Mama reminded Sulwe that her name means “Star” and that a star’s brightness comes from the inside. Beauty comes from inside, too, and “it begins with how you see yourself...”

“Sulwe” by Lupita Nyong’o, illustrated by Vashti Harrison

c.2019, Simon & Schuster $17.99 / $23.99 Canada 48 pages

By Terri Schlichenmeyer, Book Reviewer ther kids can be so mean.

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In your classroom, they call you names and whisper bad things. On the playground, they tease you, and it hurts your feelings. You wish you had more friends, and that things were different. But inthe new book “Sulwe” by Lupita Nyong’o, illustrated by Vashti Harrison, life can change, and it starts on the inside of you.

12

For a long time, Sulwe hated her skin.

It was dark as midnight and because of it, she didn’t look like anyone else in her family. Her mother’s skin was as bright as the day. Sulwe’s father was like sundown, and her sister was like “high noon.” Almost nobody at school was dark-skinned likeSulwe, either, and they called her names for it.

Sulwe’s sister had all kinds of friends.

Sulwe had almost nofriends, and it wasn’t fair.

Maybe, she thought, she could scrub the dark away but ouch!

That didn’t work.

Novmber 21 – November 27, 2019

All that day, Sulwe thought about what Mama said. Could it be that there was light inside her darkness? Was there beauty in skin like midnight? She thought and she thought, and she fell asleep thinking about Mama’s words.

Not long after Sulwe’s eyes closed, they opened again! There in the middle of her room was a shooting star, inviting her on a journey where dark and light were sisters and the people learnedthat everything was wrong if they didn’t have both.

Was that a lesson Sulwe could use?

Definitely, yes. And if your child has started to notice skin tones, this is a book she can use, too. “Sulwe” tells a wonderful tale of differences and loving the skin you’re in.

You aren’t going to see that, though, until later. No, much like the story itself, the first thing you’ll see is the outside of

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In same pot using potato masher, mash potatoes. Mash in hummus and oil, followed by salt and pepper, to taste.

Serve topped with fresh parsley.

Sweet and Savory Cranberry Hummus Bites 9 teaspoons whole berry cranberry sauce 12-14 tablespoons Sabra Classic Hummus 24 slices French-style baguette, sliced about 1/4-inch thick 5 teaspoons fresh chopped herbs, such as parsley (optional) Open cranberry sauce can and stir well.

Spread about 1/2 tablespoon hummus on each baguette slice.

Place 3/4 teaspoon cranberry sauce on top of hummus on each baguette slice.

Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired.

“Sulwe,” and it’s absolutely beautiful.

Indeed, the illustrations by Vashti Harrison almost glow, and you may have a hard time keeping your hands off.

Go ahead, though, and open the book. There, author Lupita Nyong’o tells a child’s tale that, she says in her end-of-book author note, is somewhat autobiographical: like her character, she was teased for being “night-shaded.” Nyong’o goes on to offer advice to children who wish to be lighter-skinned, or who are bullied for being who they are. Not only is this comforting, but it could serve as a great conversation-starter.

Give this book to your child, read it aloud, and enjoy the gorgeous artwork, too. “Sulwe” is a book you’ll both love, as a beautiful story loaded with meaning.

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AUTO

Chevrolet Blazer: The Personality Equalizer

By Jo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor

S

electing a team to be suit your personality is half the battle in any fight.

Team luxury is always dressed like they are stepping off the runway heading somewhere exotic. Team Laid-back is carefree wearing whatever is comfortable taking life as it comes. A vehicle that can meet the needs of Team Luxury and Team Laid-back has a lot of versatility to address the needs of multiple personalities. The new Chevrolet Blazer is the personality equalizer.

The grill with ultra thin LED lamps centers the classic Chevrolet logo giving the SUV a slight hard-hitting exterior. Moving along the sides and your hands and eyes just glide down the body following the natural curvature of the vehicle’s frame. Silver Ice Metallic is definitely the color to go with to really put the best features of this SUV on full display. I also fancy the Oakwood Metallic color too that looks a bit pinkish.

Besides those two options, the Chevrolet Blazer has eight more color choices.

The Exterior Look Originally, the Chevrolet Blazer was a 2-door large SUV that was a boxy clunker. Thanks for modernization that has smoothed out the lines to form curves, new paint colors give it needed shine, and engineering has given it techno boost. It has gone from taking up the entire road to just a small portion to allow for a more controlled driving experience.

Personalize the Blazer to your liking even more by selecting one of three trim levels – Regular, Premier, and RS. Loaded with so many standard features, the regular trim level gives you everything and then some. However, for a little more luxury and sophistication upgrade to the premier trim for more chrome accents, premium leather appointed and suede microfiber seating. Get a true rush of pure adrenaline every time when you get the RS trim level. Black and red are the highlight colors for the custom mesh grille, front air dam, bowtie emblem, and accent color of the seats.

All the changes are very attractive. Starting from the swooped front end with the contrasting two tone grill which is more like a shadow of the overall body color.

The Interior Cabin Midsize SUVs seemed to have a hard time finding the balance with ample legroom and cargo space. The Chevrolet Blazer also falls victim to that. Adults will have more than enough room whether they are front or backseat passengers.

However, their luggage may not make it. On the smaller side than most SUV, the Blazer’s cargo space is 30.5 cubic ft and when the second row is folded flat it doubles.

Sitting in any seat in the Blazer is comfortable. Usually reclining seats with heat and ventilation capabilities are reserved for the front seat passengers but not with the Blazer.

I have to admit that I never really thought of the Chevrolet Blazer as a luxurious vehicle. I never thought it as a workaholic one either. It was just that in between kind of everything you need type of ride. However, the styling of this new model has changed my opinion. Maybe it’s the all black color with chrome accents that up the ante from its casual appeal to its classier upgrade.

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The Drive It has been a while since I have been behind the wheel of an SUV so I was really excited to drive the Blazer. Handling was so smooth. I moved with a lot of ease when trying to fit in tight spaces. Bumps and dips in the road were barely felt. So the shocks were working.

Gas mileage was good for me. I didn’t have to fill up once during my weeklong review. The Blazer gets 22 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. I just drove by gas stations without ever looking at the price because I knew my tank was full. Such a great feeling!

No matter where I went in the Chevrolet Blazer I was ready. If I was in a casual mode, the Blazer matched my personality with its laid back feel that met all my needs. And when I kicked it up a notch, its finer touches of upgraded technology, killer curves, and unique design came right along with me. The crossover sport utility vehicle is based priced at $29,995 and is worth every penny and more.

Check it out at your local dealer or visit Chevrolet.com for more details.

November 21 – November 27, 2019

13

2019

HILTON 31ST UNCF AMERICAS HOUSTON HOTEL GALA LOCATION- HILTON AMERICAS HOTEL

31ST UNCF HOUSTON GALA PHOTOGRAPHY BY VICKY PINK

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2019

he 31st UNCF Annual Gala is the signature annual fundraiser for the UNCF Houston area office and a highly anticipated affair. This gala garners the support of corporate leadership and sponsors, dignitaries, civic leaders, public officials, alumni and other guests who support the UNCF mission. Belinda from Midnight Star provided this year’s entertainment. The affair was a huge success thanks to a bevy of gala co-chairs that included Michael Alvarez, Byron Keith Ellis, M.D., Valentine A. Emeish, P.E., Julie Fitzpatrick, Michael S. Hoyt, Bryce Hairston Kennard, Bruce Ruzinsky, Mark Wawro, Jeffrey Webber, Devorah Wilkins, and Terry Williams.

STATE OF BLACK HOUSTON SYMPOSIUM THE AFRICAN AMERICAN LIBRARY AT THE GREGORY SCHOOL

STATE OF BLACK HOUSTON SYMPOSIUM

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMIR PINK

he Houston Public Library celebrated 10 years of preserving Houston’s African American history and culture by hosting the “State of Black Houston Anniversary “ Symposium. Scholars, activists, practitioners and artists helped to explore various aspects of life in the city of Houston through the lens of the Black community. An event highlight was viewing the “Ben Desoto: For Art’s Sake” Documentary followed by a QA with Desoto. Food was provided by Soulcat Cuisine, Cool Runnings Jamaican Grill, Roco’s Grill and Smokehouse food trucks.

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Novmber 21 – November 27, 2019

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2019

SANKOFA SAT PREP UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON

SANKOFA SAT PREP

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY VICKY PINK

rs. Kevin Thompson and Crystal Edwards are helping students prepare for the future today with the Sankofa SAT Preparation Initiative. Funded by a grant through the National Council of Black Studies, the professors have developed a curriculum that utilized guided practice and peer and individual learning to walk high school seniors through each section of the SAT. They use food and conversation to build camaraderie which is reflective of African American culture. Accomplishments achieved by students are celebrated by presenting them with certificates of completion and draping them with kenté stoles.

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November 21 – November 27, 2019

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