Houston Style Magazine Vol 32 No 01

Houston Style Magazine December 31 – January 06, 2021

Houston’s Premiere Weekly Publication, Since 1989 -

Volume 32 | Number 01

Complimentary

H Top Ten Events In Marijuana Policy H

WHAT TO WATCH IN

Jesse Jackson Americans Looking For Bold Leadership From Joe Biden

Rodney Ellis

Harris County Disparity Study Identifies Opportunities

#MASKUP H #STOPCORONAVIRUS H #TEAMSTYLEMAG

STAY HOME H WORK SAFE CORONAVIRUS – US NUMBERS: Cases: 18,622,808 Deaths: 330,563

TAG US: #TeamStyleMag

Twitter: @HoustonStyle

Instagram: @StyleMagazineHTX

Terri Picks Her Best Of Best Books Of 2020

Facebook: @HoustonStyleMagazine

Houston Texans Miscues Cost Texans Another Victory At Home

The Fat Flush Detox Water Drink STYLE HAUTE SHOTS

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

Week of December 28, 2020 1. Villa Serena Communities 100 Glenborough Dr, 77067 Drive-thru | Nose self swab -Dec 28-30: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

-Dec. 31: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

-Jan. 2: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

No appointment required.

2. Food Town - North Sam Houston Pkwy 2770 North Sam Houston Pkwy W, 77038 Walk-up | Mouth self swab -Daily: 8 a.m.—5 p.m. (Closed Dec31-Jan1) Appointment required via curative.com.

8. Minute Maid Park, Lot C 2208 Preston St, 77002 Drive-thru and walk-up Mouth self-swab (Closed Jan. 1) -Sat-Wed: 8 a.m.— 4 p.m.

-Thurs-Fri: 12 p.m.—8 p.m.

Appointment not required but available via curative.com.

15. Aramco Services Company 9009 West Loop South, 77096 9. Kroger-Voss Drive-thru | Nose self-swab 1801 S Voss Rd, 77057 -Dec. 28, 30, 31: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Walk up | Mouth self swab -Daily: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.(Closed Dec31-Jan1) -Dec. 29: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

-Jan. 2: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

3. Houston Comm. College — North Forest Appointment required via curative.com.

Call 832-393-4220 for access code.

6010 Little York Rd, 77016 10. LeRoy Crump Stadium Drive-thru | Nose self swab 16. HCC - Southeast 12321 Alief Clodine Rd, 77082 -Mon-Sat: 10 am-7 pm (Closes at 3 p.m.

6815 Rustic, St., 77087 Drive-thru | Healthcare nasal swab Dec. 31| Closed Jan. 1) Drive-thru | Healthcare nasal swab Appointment not required but available via -Dec. 28-29: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

-Mon-Fri 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Closed Jan. 1) Appointment not required but available doineedacovid19test.com.

No appointment required. via covidtest.tdem.texas.gov.

4. United Memorial Medical Center 17. Park Place Regional Library 11. PlazAmericas 510 W Tidwell Rd, 77091 8145 Park Pl Blvd, 77017 7500 Bellaire Blvd, 77036 Drive-thru | Healthcare nasal swab Drive-thru and walk-up | Nose self swab Drive-thru | Healthcare nasal swab -Mon-Fri: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Closed Jan. 1) -Dec. 28-31: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

-Mon-Fri 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. (Closed Jan. 1) No appointment required.

No appointment required.

No appointment required.

5. METRO Addicks Park & Ride 18. HCC - South 12. Southwest Multi-Service Center 14230 Katy Fwy, 77079 1990 Airport Blvd, 77051 6400 High Star Dr, 77074 Drive-thru | Healthcare nose swab Drive-thru | Healthcare nasal swab Drive-thru | Nose self-swab -Dec. 28, 30, 31: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

-Dec. 28-30: 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

-Monday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

-Dec. 29: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

-Dec. 31: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

(Closes at 3 p.m. Dec. 31|Closed Jan. 1) -Jan. 2: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

-Jan. 2: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Appointment not required but available via Appointment not required but available Appointment not required but available via doineedacovid19test.com. covidtest.tdem.texas.gov. via covidtest.tdem.texas.gov.

13. Kroger-Bissonnet 6. Memorial Park Running Trails Center 19. Multicultural Center 9303 S Texas 6, 77083 7575 N. Picnic Lane, 77007 951 Tristar Dr, Webster, 77598 Walk up | Mouth self swab Walk-up | Mouth self swab -Daily: 8 a.m.—5 p.m. (Closed Dec31-Jan1) -Daily: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.(Closed Dec31-Jan1) Drive-thru | Nose self-swab -Tue-Sat: 8 am-3 pm (Closed Jan. 1) Appointment required via curative.com.

Appointment required via curative.com.

Call 832-393-4220 for access code.

14. Higher Dimension Church 7. HCC - Northeast 9800 Club Creek Dr, 77036 555 Community College Dr, 77013 Drive-thru | Nose self swab Drive-thru | Mouth self swab -Dec 28-30: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

-Dec. 28-30: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

-Dec. 31: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

-Dec. 31: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

-Jan. 2: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

-Jan. 2: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Appointment not required but available via No appointment required. docshealthtesting.com.

Rev: 12/27/20 10:15 a.m.

Rev: 11/09/20 11:15 a.m.

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December 31 – January 06, 2021

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Publisher Francis Page, Jr. fpagejr@stylemagazine.com Associate Publisher Lisa Valadez lisa@stylemagazine.com

PRESIDENT-ELECT BIDEN’S ECONOMY NOMINEES AND APPOINTEES… LOOKS LIKE AMERICA

Managing Editor Jo-Carolyn Goode editorial@stylemagazine.com 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

PHOTOGRAPHERS Vicky Pink vhpink@gmail.com

#MASK UP!

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

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©2020 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 2019 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 Supporters of Greater Houston Partnership(GHP)

Office Of President-Elect – Joe Biden

ECONOMY TEAM www.BuildBackBetter.com

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December 31 – January 06, 2021

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COMMENTARY

Americans Looking For Bold Leadership From Biden A

By Jesse Jackson, National Political Writer

s we turn to a new year, the spotlight shines on the new president and the new administration. Even as he assumes center stage in Washington, profound questions still remain about Joe Biden’s plans. His initial appointments have been solid, diverse, experienced and capable, drawn overwhelmingly from the established center of the party.

He has recognized that the nation faces crises of a scope similar to the Great Depression, calling for bold action. He has repeated his commitment to work across the aisle and seek bipartisan support, despite Republican legislators refusing even to recognize his victory. While recognizing the need for executive action, he has lectured civil rights leaders on the limits of his powers. As he prepares for what is likely to be a virtual inaugural, it is time for the president-elect to put his cards on the table.

What’s needed now is an aspirational agenda -- an agenda that reveals the scope of action needed to meet the challenges we face, and that provides hope and galvanizes support. There are many sources to draw on. As Bernie Sanders said, Biden ran on the most progressive platform of any Democratic nominee in memory. The Poor People’s Campaign and the Congressional Progressive Caucus have put forth The People’s Agenda, providing a roadmap for the administration. Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren have detailed 100-day plans for the administration.

Biden ran largely by offering a return to sanity in contrast to the Orange Menace in the White House. Now it is time to speak to Americans about the scope of the crises he inherits and the first steps he will take to fulfill the promise that “help is on the way.”

COVID and the pandemic induced economic collapse pose the first test. The rescue package just passed by the Congress is too small to provide

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much more than a temporary life raft that is already leaking air. Biden should announce clearly that the vaccines will be provided free to all, and that distribution will be based on need -- the most vulnerable first -- not on privilege, connections or wealth.

The economic rescue package will need to be bolstered and extended, but more importantly, Biden should lay out his plan to make this economy work for working people once more.

That should begin with a bold plan for rebuilding our decrepit infrastructure.

This imperative, which should have bipartisan support, was Trump’s greatest broken promise. A bold plan will create millions of jobs while addressing the climate crisis with a focus on energy efficiency and renewable energy. Biden should describe the program in bold strokes and summon the Congress to meet the challenge.

The promise of jobs in rebuilding America should be accompanied by a broad workers bill of rights to ensure that workers share in the profits and productivity that they help to produce.

Begin with a call for a $15 minimum wage, a measure already passed by a supermajority of Florida voters, even as they voted to re-elect Donald Trump. Champion the Essential Workers Bill of Rights that guarantees a living wage, paid health care and sick leave, safety protections and more to essential workers. Call for a new era of worker organizing, providing both labor law reform legislation and executive orders to require federal contractors to respect the right of workers to organize and bargain collectively, while giving priority to those without an extreme gulf between CEO and worker pay.

This should be combined with a call for bold reforms to make health care a right, not a privilege. Call on Congress to lower the eligibility age for Medicare to 50, and to cover children

December 31 – January 06, 2021

up to 25. Empower bulk negotiation on drug prices across the board. Use executive authority to set reasonable prices for essential drugs.

To fulfill his promise to address structural racism in our society, Biden could begin by reviving and strengthening the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights to report on areas in dire need of reform. He could add to that a major initiative from the Department of Justice to negotiate reforms with police departments across the country.

He could use his pardon power early to free those held on nonviolent drug offenses, particularly as marijuana becomes legal in more and more states. He can not only revive the protections for the DACA generation, but also launch immediately a review and reform of our immigration practices, even as he puts forth legislation for comprehensive immigration reform.

The election once more dramatized the need for democratic renewal.

Biden should push Congress to strengthen the Voting Rights Act, end all secret money in politics, make registration automatic, and roll back the various voter suppression tactics that so scar our politics. He should push to limit the role of big money in our politics, and to bolster the power of small donations. Biden

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should crack down on the real swamp -- the bog of lobbyists and fixers, of compromised revolving door regulators and political appointees that corrupt our government for their own profit.

This list can go on, of course, but clarity of intent is more important than comprehensiveness.

Biden must make it clear that he has a mandate and plans to use it. That the crises we face demand bold action.

And that he will drive the change. Americans are looking for bold leadership.

Biden must provide that from day one.

You can write to the Rev. Jesse Jackson in care of this newspaper or by email at: jjackson@rainbowpush.org Follow him on at: Twitter @RevJJackson Share this story online at:

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December 31 – January 06, 2021

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Have A Safe And Happy New Year

Houston Fire Department (HFD)

Expands COVID-19 Vaccinations

By www.StyleMagazine.com – Newswire

By www.StyleMagazine.com – Newswire

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or the past week frontline-firefighters have voluntarily been receiving the Covid-19 vaccine. HFD recently received 3,000 additional vaccines. This week, the HFD will be expanding the distribution opportunity to internal staff.

The expansion will include only those that qualify under Phase 1 approved by the CDC/DSHS.

“Providing a COVID-19 vaccine to HFD firefighters is a momentous first step in protecting our first responders, their families’ and the community they encounter”, says Fire Chief Sam Peña.

The Houston Fire Department has been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 virus. To date, the HFD has had over 11,000 reported exposures, 465 positive cases, 192 firefighters are cur-

rently in quarantine, and tragically have lost three members due to Covid-19.

Methodist Hospital of Houston allocated 1,500 doses of the initial vaccination for first responders. Vaccinations began on December 20th and an HFD internal survey reflected more than 60 percent of HFD personnel were

HFD Chief – Sam Pena with Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner interested in receiving the vaccine.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states vaccines have undergone a rigorous review of laboratory, clinical, and manufacturing data to ensure the safety and effectiveness of these products. There are no traces of COVID in the vaccines and no serious or long-term side effects have been reported.

HFD encourages all firefighters and the community to get vaccinated as they become available. www.HoustonTX.gov/Fire/ www.StyleMagazine.com

Dr. Loren J. Blanchard Named Sole Finalist For Position Of UHD President

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#HappyNewYear #NoFireworks #NYE2021 #DontDrinkandDrive #NoCelebratoryGunFire

By www.StyleMagazine.com – Newswire

r. Loren James Blanchard has been named the sole finalist to become the 7th president to lead the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD). Blanchard currently serves as Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs at California State University, the largest and most diverse system of higher education in the United States.

“Dr. Blanchard comes to us as a proven leader, an accomplished administrator and a talented scholar,” said Dr. Renu Khator, Chancellor of the UH System. “Since UHD plays such an important role in Houston, we are fortunate to have an educator of Dr. Blanchard’s caliber to lead this institution.”

A thorough and exhaustive national search was conducted during the past six months to find a visionary, forward-thinking leader who could fill the UHD presidency. Chaired by Dr. Robert Glenn, University of Houston-Victoria President and aided by a search firm, the presidential search

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e want everyone to have a safe and happy celebration to welcome the #NewYear. Police and Fire joined me in encouraging #Houstonians to practive these safety measures this #NewYearsEve: #DontDrinkAndDrive, No #CelebratoryGunfire, and No #Fireworks within Houston city limits. Let's create some good memories this #NYE2021!

committee — comprised of faculty, deans, alumni and other supporters — delivered a strong and diverse pool of experienced candidates with four finalists emerging.

“I look forward to helping UHD continue the great progress it has been making and to fully realize the even greater potential it clearly has,” said Blanchard, who is scheduled to take office March 15. “UHD must maintain the momentum it has been gathering and provide the city of Houston with a dynamic educational resource at the very heart of its urban center.”

In his current role, Blanchard develops and oversees educational and student ​affairs policies for the 23-campus system; guides and supports campus administrators on curricula, program design and student services matters; and serves as the Chancellor’s designee to the CSU’s Academic Senate. Blanchard leads the CSU’s Graduation Initiative 2025, an ambitious effort to increase graduation rates for all students while

December 31 – January 06, 2021

eliminating equity gaps and preparing more students to meet California’s projected workforce needs by 2030.

Prior to joining the CSU, he was Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs at Xavier University in Louisiana for seven years directly following Hurricane Katrina.

Blanchard also served as Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic and Multicultural Affairs at the LSU Health Sciences Center – New Orleans as well as the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Vice President for Accreditation, Leadership and Accountability within the University of Louisiana System.

Blanchard holds a bachelor’s degree from Xavier University, a master’s degree in Education from McNeese State University, and a Ph.D. in Education Psychology from the University of Georgia.

As a first-generation college graduate, Blanchard fully embraces the life-changing value of higher education in reaching beyond race and social class to provide a path to success. As President of UHD, Blanchard will continue to lead the University on its successful path to excellence.

UHD is a comprehensive, His-

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Dr. Loren J. Blanchard – Sole Finalist For UHD President Position panic and Minority Serving, urban public university committed to providing quality academic programs through its five degree-granting colleges that serve the needs of the diverse population of Houston and the surrounding region. It is one of the most diverse institutions in the nation and enrolls over 15,000 students, making it the second-largest university in the Greater Houston area.

Texas law requires that 21 days must pass before the UH System Board of Regents can formalize the appointment.

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2020 YEAR IN REVIEW: Top Ten Events In Marijuana Policy

of life. “These results are to be expected,” NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano said. “Many seniors likely experimented first-hand with cannabis during their youth and are now returning to it as a potential therapy to mitigate many of the health-related symptoms associated with older age, including chronic pain. Many seniors are well aware of the litany of serious adverse side-effects associated with available prescription drugs, like opioids, and they perceive medical cannabis to be a viable alternative.”

By Carly Wolf, State Policies Coordinator – www.NORML.org / www.StyleMagazine.com

#1: Advocates Run the Table on Election Day Voters approved every statewide legalization measure put before them on Election Day. Voters legalized the possession of marijuana by adults in Arizona, Montana, New Jersey, and in South Dakota.

They additionally approved ballot measures legalizing of medical cannabis access in two states, Mississippi and South Dakota.

Commenting on the Election Day victories, NORML’s Executive Director Erik Altieri said: “These results once again illustrate that support for legalization extends across geographic and demographic lines.

The success of these initiatives proves definitively that marijuana legalization is not exclusively a ‘blue’ state issue, but an issue that is supported by a majority of all Americans — regardless of party politics.” #2: House of Representatives Votes to Repeal Federal Marijuana Prohibition

Members of the United States House of Representatives voted in early December to approve the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment, and Expungement (MORE) Act, HR 3884, which removes marijuana from the federal Controlled Substances Act — thereby eliminating the existing conflict between state and federal marijuana laws and providing states with the authority to establish their own cannabis laws free from undue federal interference. The vote marked the first time in 50 years that a chamber of Congress has revisited the classification of cannabis as a federally controlled and prohibited substance.

Following the historic vote, NORML’s Executive Director Erik Altieri said: “By going on the record with this vote, House members have set the stage for a much-needed legislative showdown in 2021 when we will have the Biden administration in office — one that has publicly expressed an appetite for advancing the restorative justice remedies outlined in the MORE Act. We are primed and ready for this legislative debate and we expect, ultimately, to win it.” #3: Tens of Thousands Have Their Marijuana Records Expunged

Tens of thousands of citizens previously burdened with the stigma of a lifelong marijuana conviction had those convictions expunged in 2020.

In California alone, over 100,000 citizens had their records expunged. In several other states – including Colorado, Nevada, Illinois, and Washington – public officials granted pardons to tens of thousands of citizens with cannabis convictions. In addition, lawmakers in various states, like Michigan and Vermont, enacted legislation in 2020 explicitly facilitating the expungement of low-level marijuana records – joining over a dozen other states that have passed similar legislation. According to 2020 polling, 70 percent of Americans now favor expunging the criminal records of those with marijuana-related convictions.

Said NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armen-

tano: “Millions of citizens unduly carry the undue burden and stigmatization of a past conviction for behavior that most Americans no longer believe ought to be a crime, and that in a growing number of states is no longer classify as a crime by statute. Our sense of justice and our principles of fairness demand that officials move swiftly to right the past wrongs of cannabis prohibition and criminalization.” #4: Sales of Retail Cannabis Products Reach Historic Highs

State-licensed marijuana retailers sold an unprecedented volume of cannabis products in 2020, bringing in record levels of tax revenue. Commenting on the historic sales trends, NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano said: “The dramatic rise in retail marijuana sales is likely not so much a reflection of increased consumer demand, but of consumers shifting from the illicit market to the above-ground legal marketplace. As these legal markets continues to mature, consumers are going to continue gravitate toward it and away from the underground marketplace.” #5: No Uptick in Youth Marijuana Use Following Legalization

Self-reported marijuana use by young people has either stayed stable or fallen during the time period that numerous states have adopted adult-use cannabis legalization. That’s according to findings compiled by the federally-sponsored Monitoring the Future study and others. Data compiled by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention similarly reported that the number of adolescents admitted to drug treatment programs for marijuana-related issues has fallen precipitously in states that have legalized and regulated its adult-use.

Commenting on the results, NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano said, “These add to the growing body of scientific literature showing that legalization policies can be implemented in a manner that provides access for adults while simultaneously limiting youth access and misuse. Furthermore, these findings stand in sharp contrast to the sensational claims often made by legalization opponents, claims that thus far have proven to be baseless.” #6: Vermont Lawmakers Legalize Retail Marijuana Access

Vermont lawmakers enacted legislation this fall establishing rules and regulations overseeing the commercial production and retail sale of marijuana to adults. Commenting on the passage of the law, NORML State Policies Coordinator Carly Wolf said, “This is a victory for those who wish to disrupt the illicit marketplace and move forward with an aboveground, regulated cannabis marketplace.”

Prior to the passage of the law, Vermont had been the only state to depenalize marijuana possession without providing adults with legal, above-ground access to cannabis and cannabis products via state-licensed retailers.

#8: Cannabis Retailers Designated as “Essential Businesses”

In dozens of states this spring, lawmakers and regulators designated marijuana producers and retailers to be “essential services” – explicitly permitting them to remain open during pandemic lockdowns and loosening rules so that they could expand their operations to include services like curbside pick-up and home delivery. Writing in an op-ed, NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano said, “Regulators’ actions acknowledge that for many Americans, and for chronically ill patients especially, cannabis is not some alternative on-the-fringe therapy option, but rather an essential medicine – one that must be recognized and protected accordingly, particularly during a time of crisis.” #9: Studies Show Off-The-Job Cannabis Use No Threat to Workplace Safety

Adults who consume cannabis in their offhours are no more likely to suffer injuries at work than are those employees who abstain from the substance, according to the findings of several studies published in 2020 – including those here, here, and here.

Commenting on the findings, NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano said: “Suspicionless marijuana testing in the workplace is not now, nor has it ever been, an evidence-based policy. Rather, these discriminatory practices are a holdover from the zeitgeist of the 1980s ‘war on drugs.’ But times have changed; attitudes have changed, and in many places, the marijuana laws have changed. It is time for workplace policies to adapt to this new reality and to cease punishing employees for activities they engage in during their off-hours that pose no workplace safety threat.” #10: Virginia Ceases Arrests for Marijuana Possession

After years of lobbying and pressure by Virginia NORML and others, lawmakers this year abolished its strict criminal penalties for marijuana possession offenses – replacing them with a $25 fine, no arrest, and no criminal record. “NORML is proud to have worked … to bring about these needed changes to Virginia law, said NORML development director, Jenn Michelle Pedini, who also serves as the executive director of Virginia NORML. “Virginians have long opposed the criminalization of personal marijuana possession, and the enactment of this legislation turns that public opinion into public policy.”

Following this legislative victory, NORML immediately pivoted to push for the enactment of adult-use legalization in Virginia – a push that spurred the state’s Governor and Attorney General in November to publicly endorse the policy change.

www.Norml.org

#7: More Seniors Report Using Cannabis to Improve Their Quality of Life A growing percentage of seniors are engaging in the use of cannabis to mitigate symptoms of old age and to improve their overall quality

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December 31 – January 06, 2021

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H o u sto n S tyle M a g a z i ne

WHAT TO WATCH IN 2021

By Jo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor – www.StyleMagazine.com

Leave all the events of 2020 in 2020. Don’t look back. Just look forward and push toward to the future of 2021. This is the year where we all will transform in one way or another.

Our world will also change with us. This is why we must keep our eyes on the ones leading change. Take a look at a few things and people to keep a lookout for in 2021.

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris

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ost of the world is on pause waiting for January 20th when Joe Biden takes the oath of office to become the 46th President of the United States. Then we will all take a deep breath as we watch in awe as the first African American woman is sworn into the highest office that any woman has ever held. When Kamala Harris is officially the Vice President of America that will be the ultimate display of Black Girl Magic. We are on pins and needles in anticipation of what the Biden administration will be.

Biden is already making sure he has the most diverse administration putting African American in highranking posts and even said there will be an HBCU office in the White House. He is known to get work down across party lines. We will look to Biden and Harris to see if he can turn our world around from the debacle of the Trump administration.

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HBCU’s In America

hristmas seemed like a yearlong holiday for HBCUs as they collectively received $348 million in donations with Texas universities Texas Southern University and Prairie View A&M University receiving $25,000,000 and $57,850,000 respectively. Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have all received the largest donations in their university’s history. Many of these schools have earmarked funds to go toward endowments to fund scholarships for students, graduation and retention programs, and other programs to promote the education of those at HBCUs. Various philanthropists like Mackenzie Scott, Reed Hastings, Patty Quillin, and other organizations are giving donations to HBCUs. It will be great to see how all these donations benefit students.

Harris County Disparity Study

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arris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis knew minority owned businesses were getting short-changed in getting support for business contracts from the county but, he didn’t know how wide the margin was until the disparity report he requested in 2018. The two-year long study showed for every $100 a private owned business received, a Black owned business got a mere 50 cents. This was unacceptable on all levels. Ellis wanted immediate action. The Harris County Commissioners Court approved an affirmative action program and recommended an Office of Economic Opportunity be created to build a blueprint for equitable contracting. In 2021, we shall see if minority businesses in Harris County start getting their just share of county expenditures.

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December 31 – January 06, 2021

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H o u sto n S tyle M a g a z i ne

WHAT TO WATCH IN 2021 www.StyleMagazine.com

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Black Lives Matter

ast year among the top things killing Americans like COVID, cancer, and etc., ranking high was just being Black. Numerous Black men and women were senselessly killed around the country by police officers. Whether police officers felt threatened, ill prepared, misread the situation, or whatever many cops were shooting first and assessing the situation last, calling for Americans to ask for police reform.

Mayor Sylvester Turner created a 45-member task force to develop tough recommendations to transform the police department to bring about accountability, transparency, and clarity. When this plan gets solidified it will definitely reach the desired goal of building trust between the community and officers for better relationships and ensuring that Black lives matter.

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Houston ISD School Board

he Houston ISD School Board has been stricken with problems for a long while. Hence, why a Texas Education Agency takeover looms over the board. The strife caused national attention especially when the rate of student failure almost reached 50%.

The board showed their true colors and the source of why they were failing students, they couldn’t get along due to the great brown vs. light skin debate. It was clear that race played a major factor in decision making when the voted to exclude Dr. Grenita Lathan from consideration for the permanent role of superintendent.

The vote was racially divided, despite the success the district has seen under the leadership of Lathan. The board is one to watch as they continue the search for the next HISD Superintendent.

Houston Rockets

ll eyes are on the Houston Rockets with a specific focus on James Harden and where he will go. His alleged actions of being late to training camp, ruled out of the season opener, and an appearance at a local nightclub are glaring signs that he is ready to leave them team. Despite everything that is going on, Harden is still racking up points every time he is on the court. Also, getting some stares is the team’s new head coach Stephen Silas. As the 14th head coach for the franchise, Silas comes with a wealth of experience with 19 seasons as an assistant head coach under his belt. His most noted success was with the Dallas Mavericks where he was tasked to improve their offense. He did so in a history making way helping the team have the highest offensive rating in NBA history for 2019-2020. Houstonians are on edge to see how he will lead the home team.

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Lynn Clouser

ome residents in Missouri City have long complained that their concerns and grievances have fallen on deaf ears with former city councilman Chris Preston in office, Well, come 2021, someone will finally hear them. Clouser won the runoff election against Preston on a campaign to be visible, accessible, trustworthy, responsive, and transparent. Beyond this, Clouser also promised to support small businesses, uphold the city’s diversity and safety. She will attend HOA meetings, community events, and town halls to ensure that she leads in the way Missouri City residents want her to do so. It is fair representation for all.

Houston Texans

ormer head coach Bill O’Brien is rumored to have created a toxic environment in the Texans franchise. Players often commented on how unprofessional the organization was. Romeo Crennel was a welcomed sight as interim head coach since he was well liked, had experience, and calmed down the situation. However, he was ruled out earlier on being named the head coach likely due to his age. He is 73 and is the oldest head coach in the league. Three names have been circulating as top candidates – Brian Schottenheimer of the Seattle Seahawks, Jim Caldwell of the Detroit Lions, and Eric Bienemy of the Kansas City Chiefs. Bienemy is said to be the lead contender with backing from a lot of the highest paid players including Deshaun Watson.

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ou’ve got a little extra time this month, and you don’t want to waste it.

You want to read something good, the possibilities are endless, and the best place to begin is with these Best Books of 2020 titles...

FICTION: “Anxious People” by Fredrik Backman starts out kind of weird, as if it consists of half-thoughts. Stick around a few more pages, though, and you’ll be rewarded with a hilarious, sweet, wild tale of a robbed bank, a real estate open house, and heart. Put this at the top of your list, if you love novels.

Both “Beheld” by TaraShea Nesbit and “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” by V.E. Schwab involve women in situations that are dark and dangerous: In the Nesbit book, a Pilgrim village holds secrets that are not discussed, and the wife of the town troublemaker knows too much. In the Schwab novel, a headstrong young woman makes a decision she might regret for the rest of her very long life. There’s a hint of feminism in both books, and they’ll both give you shivers for months after you finish them.

Fans of thrillers will eat up “The Last Flight” by Julie Clark, a tale of an abusive husband, swapped identities, and murder – or maybe not. If you like heart-pounding cat-and-mouse tales, this is your book... only here, you sometimes don’t know which is the cat and there’s an extra, menacing mouse.

A wide, sweeping experiment in tolerance is at the heart of “Under the Rainbow” by Celia Lasky. Acceptance Across America, an LGBTQ organization, is about to see if they can change the hearts and minds of bigots in Small-Town America by moving a handful of gay men and lesbians to Big Burr, Kansas. This novel, told from the

Best Books Of 2020 #ReadBooks #ReadBooksGainKnowledge

By Terri Schlichenmeyer, Book Reviewer – www.StyleMagazine.com

volunteered to take a beer to each of the hometown neighborhood “boys” in Vietnam. Finding them was half the problem; war was the other half. This is the consummate buddy book, and it can’t be missed.

Anyone who’s a sucker for a good Mother-and-Child book will love “Like Crazy: Life with My Mother and Her Invisible Friends” by Dan Mathews, who renovated a Victorian house and moved his mentally-ill, elderly mother in with him. She’s charming and funny, but she’s also a handful. Read it. Bring tissues. Enough said.

CHILDREN’S BOOKS:

POV of the town’s residents, is full of humor, love, secrets, haters, strife, and everything else you want in a novel.

NONFICTION: “How to Astronaut: Everything You Need to Know Before Leaving Earth” by Terry Virts is fun and lighthearted, and will put you back in touch with your inner child, the one that really wanted to grow up to be an astronaut. It’s filled with inside information, fun facts, a bit of memoir, and it’s timely. Space Force, anyone?

Pet lovers absolutely should not miss “Good Boy” by Jennifer Finney Boylan, a memoir of life and family told in seven dogs that Boylan lived with and loved. What lands this book on the list

is that Boylan will make you reminisce about all the Good Boys (and Girls) you’ve loved and lost, too.

Speaking of books that make you think, “We’re Better Than This: My Fight for the Future of Our Democracy” by Elijah Cummings with James Dale is the perfect book to read at the end of a tough political year. Written literally as Cummings was dying, this book is full of calming words that can help heal. If you feel beaten up by the past few months, this book is a balm for your soul.

While “The Greatest Beer Run Ever: A Memoir of Friendship, Loyalty, and War” by John “Chick” Donohue & J.T. Molloy may seem like a romp, it’s much more. Back when Donohue was a merchant seaman, he

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Readers shouldn’t be surprised that two of this years’ Best of books are from author Nic Stone. First, “Clean Getaway” is the story of a young boy whose grandmother takes him on a cross-country tour of places that held meaning for her – but there’s more than just a “tour” involved in this great middle-grade novel. Then, older teens will love Stone’s “Dear Justyce,” a story told in letters from a young man in prison to his friend, who chose another life path.

And finally, 8-to-12-year-olds will absolutely adore “Skunk and Badger” by Amy Timberlake, with pictures by Jon Klassen. It’s the story of Badger, an introvert, who allows Skunk, a definitely outgoing soul, to move in to his quiet house as a favor to Badger’s Aunt Lula. Kids will love the humor in this book, as the two of them learn to adjust to one another’s peccadilloes and become friends. Hint: you’ll love it, too.

And there you have it: a baker’s dozen of can’t-miss reads to get you through the winter. Season’s Readings!

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December 31 – January 06, 2021

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It Is What It Is: Late Game Miscues Cost Texans Another Victory At Home

By Brian Barefield – Sports Editor – www.StyleMagazine.com

I

n 1982, American R&B singer Richard “Dimples” Fields released the biggest hit single of his career titled, “If It Ain’t One Thing, It’s Another.” The chorus of the song literally sums up the last four weeks of the Houston Texans season.

“I’m making this song for all the people who at times in their lives feel bad You know when you feel like even your blues have blues If it ain’t one thing it’s another”

On Sunday, Houston lost their third game in the last four weeks by turning the ball over late in the fourth quarter with a chance to win or tie the game.

Houston (4-11) lost to the Cincinnati Bengals (4-10-

1) by a score of 37-31 at NRG stadium after Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson was hit during a passing attempt that forced the ball to come out of his hands.

The play was ruled a fumble on the field and the Bengals recovered to basically seal the game.

“Fumbles that occur at any point in the game, you don’t like them, but when they occur in situations when you have a chance to win, I think that’s a double whammy in that case,” said Texans interim head coach Romeo Crennel. “Like you say, we’ve had several of those this year. If we were able to make the plays, then the outlook on the season would be different, but we didn’t make the plays, and so it is what it is.”

It has been a very good week for the Bengals who beat divisional rival Pittsburgh Steelers on

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Monday and won their first road game in two years by defeating the Texans, which also counted as the longest winning streak they have had this season.

Despite another strong performance by Watson, who finished the game with 324 yards passing and three touchdowns to break former Texans QB Matt Schuab (29 in 2009) team single season touchdown record with 30, it was the Texans defense that let them down. Bengals backup quarterback Brandon Allen threw for a career-high 371 yards and two touchdowns to lead Cincinnati to victory.

Allen’s performance was not received well in the Texans locker room, which led defensive end J.J. Watt to release his frustrations surrounding his team’s effort not just on Sunday, but the entirety of the season.

“We played horrendously,” said the future NFL Hall of Famer. “It’s harsh, but that is the fact of what we did today, and it is extremely frustrating.”

When asked about ending the season on a positive note, Watt did not hold back or mince words on his feelings towards certain things he disliked about the Texans this season.

“We’re professional athletes getting paid a whole lot of money,” said Watt. “If you can’t come in and put work in in the building, go out to the practice field and work hard and do your lifts and do what you’re supposed to do, you should not be here. This is a job.”

Houston plays its final game of the season at home this Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.

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December 31 – January 06, 2021

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The Fat Flush Detox Water Drink Start The New Year Off With The Right Drink

By Mary Toscano, BDO Nutritionist – www.BlackDoctor.com / www.StyleMagazine.com

W

hen it comes to weight loss, most articles focus on the foods you eat or don’t eat, but what isn’t talked about enough is

the drinks.

What drinks help you actually get rid of fat.

Well, this drink can help you do that. Drinking it combined with moderate exercise, and you’ll start to see results in pounds dropped.

Ingredients: 1 half-gallon (Pitcher) 1 1/2 cup cranberry juice 1 handful of strawberries 3 lemons (Sliced) 1 cucumber (Sliced)

Why it Works:

Cranberry juice is a natural diuretic and packed with flavonoids, enzymes, and organic acids such as malic acid, citric acid, and quinic acid which have an emulsifying effect on stubborn fat deposits in the lymphatic system.

The lymphatic system — the body’s “garbage

collector” — transports all kinds of waste products not processed by the liver.

With the help of the organic acid components, cranberry juice digests stagnated lymphatic wastes.

This explains why so many Fat Flushers report that their cellulite disappears!

Lemons have long been used as a way to not only curb your appetite but also suppress and break down fat, specifically around your belly.

Strawberries are rich in anthocyanins, which help boost the body’s production of a hormone called adiponectin.

This hormone further helps in boosting metabolism and aids weight loss.

You combine all these ingredients together and bam! There you go, on the road to turning your body into a weight loss machine.

Even if you’re not following a specific diet or trying to lost weight, you can sip this tart and refreshing beverage daily to help flush out water weight, balance blood sugar, improve cellulite and keep your liver and lymph in optimum cleansing mode.

Many people have reported that this Fat Flush has helped them lose weight.

Cranberry Juice

This isn’t surprising, because any diet that creates a calorie deficit can promote weight loss.

What’s more, the diet promotes weight loss methods such as cutting refined carbs and added sugars and increasing intake of protein and fiber.

All of these actions have been associated with fat loss and improvements in body composition.

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