Houston Style Magazine Vol 33 No 06

February 03, 2022 - February 09 2022

Houston’s Premiere Weekly Publication, Since 1989

Volume 33 | Number 06

Complimentary

Jesse Jackson

Fight Against Restrictive Voting Laws

MAYOR TURNER ONE SAFE HOUSTON

Brian Flores

Ex-NFL Coach Sues NFL For Alleged Racial Bias.

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Publisher Francis Page, Jr. fpagejr@stylemagazine.com Associate Publisher Lisa Valadez lisa@stylemagazine.com Managing Editor Jo-Carolyn Goode editorial@stylemagazine.com Social Media Editor/Videographer Reginald Dominique reggiedominique@me.com Sports Editor Brian Barefield

brian_barefield@yahoo.com Food Writer Alex Jack

alexandriajack1991@gmail.com NATIONAL WRITERS

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

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February 03, 2022 - February 09, 2022

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COMMENTARY

THE FIGHT AGAINST RESTRICTIVE VOTING LAWS

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By Jesse Jackson, National Political Writer

he right to vote is under attack in states across the country. A Republican filibuster has blocked legislation that would protect that right. President Biden can still act right now to help defend that right – by ramping up the Justice Department’s efforts to challenge those measures designed to suppress the vote.

The right to vote is the essence of a democracy. Yet, every expansion of the right to vote in this country has required struggle. And every step forward has always been contested by reaction.

Today, we witness the second great disenfranchisement effort in American history. The first came after victory in the Civil War freed the slaves and extended the right to vote to African Americans.

That sparked the reaction across the South that ended in the rolling back of progress, enforcing segregation and suppressing the right to vote for more than 100 years.

Now after the civil rights movement once more expanded the right to vote – with the Voting Rights Act providing federal protection against efforts at the state level to suppress it – another wave of reaction has begun. In states across the country, Republican officials acting in part from cynicism, in part from opportunism, in part from cravenness have passed measures to make it harder to vote, particularly for those in urban areas, and have pushed partisan redistricting schemes often aimed at discriminating against minorities.

The fight against restrictive voting laws and partisan gerrymandering is, as President Biden said, “the most significant test of our democracy since the Civil War.” The question is what can be done about it.

President Biden belatedly came out strongly for two measures that passed the House to protect the right to vote: the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act – which would revive the Voting Rights Act that was weakened by a right-wing

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majority of the Supreme Court – and the For the People Act, which would provide minimum standards for federal elections, curb the role of secret money in elections, and limit partisan gerrymandering. A Republican filibuster in the Senate blocked passage of these laws. And two wayward Democrats – Joe Manchin and Krysten Sinema – joined with Republicans to torpedo the effort to get around the filibuster.

Now it is up to the Biden administration – and specifically the Justice Department – to step up to meet the challenge, using the full range of their powers under the Constitution and under the remaining portions of the Voting Rights Act to roll back the efforts to suppress the vote.

The Department of Justice has taken the first steps. It has issued guidance documents that lay out its authority to act under the Constitution and the Voting Rights Act and put the states on notice.

In June, Attorney General Merrick Garland launched a task force to investigate and prosecute criminal threats to election officials. The Justice Department filed its first major voting rights lawsuit against Georgia for its passage of a massive voter suppression bill. In December, the Justice Department sued Texas under the Voting Rights Act for its discriminatory redistricting plans. These were merely the first of what must be a series of lawsuits and challenges to new disenfranchisement efforts.

The DOJ is limited because five rightwing Supreme Court justices appointed by Republicans gutted the pre-clearance section of the Voting Rights Act which gave the DOJ the right to clear election law changes and challenge those that were discriminatory before they went into effect. The DOJ still can sue on discriminatory effect, but that would come after the election. With pre-clearance blocked, the Justice Department must use the authority it has to challenge discriminatory reforms immediately and in court, if necessary, before the election, showing discriminatory intent and obvious effect if allowed to stand.

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Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King tomb in the Sweet Auburn district. (AP Photos) Biden can act to rebuild the capacity of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and to make clear that he wants the department to use the full scope of its powers. He needs to light a fire under a Justice Department that has yet to meet the challenges we face. He can also push once more to overcome the Republican filibuster, and to make clear who is standing in the way.

In the end, voting rights will be defended only by those who are the targets of efforts to suppress the vote. The movements on the ground to overcome barriers and to register people to vote, to ensure that they do vote must be supported and expanded.

The new obstacles put in the way must be exposed as the insult that they are – and used to motivate even more people to vote.

The systematic efforts to suppress the vote – to rig the rules so a minority can capture a majority of legislative seats – are testament to how important

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voting is in a democracy. The forces of reaction are mobilized and relentless. Now those on the side of democracy – the White House, the Justice Department, the citizens whose right to vote is being challenged – must demonstrate that they are even more mobilized and even more relentless. jjackson@rainbowpush.org.

Follow him on Twitter @RevJJackson

For more information visit:

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February 03, 2022 - February 09, 2022

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POLITICAL: TRUMP WHITE HOUSE RECORDS HANDED OVER TO JANUARY 6 COMMITTEE HAD BEEN RIPPED UP

By Ryan Nobles, Zachary Cohen and Annie Grayer, www.CNN.com

Justice Stephen G. Breyer, characteristically ebullient, spoke at the White House on Thursday. Credit Sarahbeth Maney/The New York Times

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n announcing Some Trump White House documents that have been handed over to the House select committee investigating January 6 had to be taped back together by National Archives staff because they had been ripped up, the agency said in a statement.

The Archives, in response to questions from CNN, said that "some of the Trump presidential records received by the National Archives and Records Administration included paper records that had been torn up by former President Trump."

The agency did not explain how officials know former President Donald Trump himself ripped up the records, but the Archives pointed to previous reporting that White House

records management staff had to tape together torn-up documents during the Trump-era.

"These were turned over to the National Archives at the end of the Trump Administration, along with a number of torn-up records that had not been reconstructed by the White House," the Archives said in the statement. "The Presidential Records Act requires that all records created by presidents be turned over to the National Archives at the end of their administrations."

The Archives pointed to media reports dating back to 2018. That's when Politico reported that the White House employed staff whose jobs partly entailed reconstructing White House communications and documents that crossed Trump's desk that

he would tear up.

A spokesperson for the select committee declined to comment.

The committee recently began receiving the documents from the Archives after winning a court battle that went all the way to the Supreme Court. Trump had sued to keep the documents secret, citing executive privilege. The Biden administration chose not to support Trump's privilege claims, and the courts sided with the committee, allowing the documents to be released.

Committee members have said they are still in the process of poring over hundreds of pages of documents as part of the release. While they have not disclosed all of what the documents reveal, court filings have shown the documents include White

House call logs, visitor logs, drafts of speeches and three handwritten notes of top advisers.

The committee has said the documents are a key part of their investigation.

"We're glad the Supreme Court ruled in our favor that we may have access to them" Democratic Rep. Bennie Thompson of Mississippi, who chairs the panel, told CNN earlier this month once the committee started receiving the documents it requested.

"And we look forward to the National Archives getting them to us."

For more Information visit:

www.CNN.com

POLITICAL: RNC LAUNCHES FIVE-FIGURE AD BUY FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH

By Brooke Singman, www.FoxNews.com

RNC Black History Month 2022 midterm elections political advertisement (RNC).

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he Republican National Committee is launching a five-figure television, digital and print ad buy for Black History Month to honor the "rich contributions" of Black Americans and is taking a "holistic approach" to engaging with Black voters ahead of the 2022 midterm election cycle, Fox News has learned.

An RNC official told Fox News the ad buy includes a 30-second commercial that will air on the Black News Channel 50 times over the

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course of the month. The buy also includes digital and print ads that will run in seven Black newspapers nationally and locally in battleground states, including Florida, Pennsylvania, Virginia, North Carolina, Ohio and Georgia.

This month, we honor the rich contributions of Black Americans throughout our country’s history.

Through their patriotism and perseverance, Black Americans have triumphed over injustice and enriched our Party and our nation," RNC Chairwom-

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an Ronna McDaniel told Fox News, touting the Republican Party as one of "freedom and opportunity."

"Republicans remain committed to championing inclusive conservative policies that empower and promote opportunity, liberty and justice," McDaniel said, noting that the RNC "celebrates the achievements of Black Americans not just during Black History Month, but year-round through our engagement efforts to connect directly with all Black Americans."

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An RNC official told Fox News that the RNC has invested millions of dollars to focus on its "strategic minority engagement efforts" so far for the 2022 midterm election cycle.

For more Information visit:

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BUSINESS: BLACK-OWNED COTTON FARM BECOMES SUPPLIER FOR TARGET’S BLACK HISTORY MONTH T-SHIRTS

By Ashton Jackson, www.CNBC.com

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The Fourth & Fifth Generation of Bridgeforth Farmers (Photo courtesy of Bridgeforth website)

Black-owned cotton farm becomes the supplier for Target’s Black History Month (BHM) shirts.

Bridgeforth Farms is a Black-owned farm located in Alabama that dates back to 1877.

It all started with George Bridgeforth, Sr., a former slave who began buying land in North Alabama following the Civil War. His goal was to establish a farm and begin growing his family with his wife Jennie.

By the 1900s, the Bridgeforths had welcomed nine children, their first son George Ruffin Bridgeforth making history as the first Black student to attend Massachusetts Agricultural College in 1897 and their second son Issac “Ike” Bridgeforth studying at the Tuskegee Institute. In 1902, the eldest Bridgeforth child had gone to study with Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver at the Tuskegee Institute and by 1910,

George Ruffin Bridgeforth was the largest Black landowner in Limestone County. He went on to found the Southern Small Farm Land Company which served as the basis for Beulahland, a North Alabama farming community.

The Bridgeforth family continued to grow their land holdings and perfect their farming capabilities, up through the third and fourth generation of Bridgeforth farmers. By 1988, Darden Bridgeforth, son of Issac Bridgeforth, and his 8 sons had made history as the largest cotton producers in the state of Alabama, boasting more than 4,000 acres of cotton along with soybeans and corn. Darden eventually retired in 1990, passing away just six years later and leaving the farm duties to his sons.

Today, their sons run the farm, many of the Bridgerton men returning home after pursuing careers in other major cities like New York and Washington, D.C. Now, the family owned and oper-

ated farm is taking on a new task, becoming a supplier for Target’s new collection of Black History Month shirts.

Recently, the social media page “Target While Black,” took to Instagram to highlight the Bridgeforth Farms shirts.

“Alright so I showed you guys the small Black brands that are in Target for their Black History Month collection, but did you know there is also Black-owned cotton inside the shirts?,” the user says.

She then proceeds to show the tag attached to each of the shirts that feature a picture of the Bridgeforth farmers alongside a little blurb about the farm's rich history, legacy, and the amount of total fiber they’ve contributed to each shirt.

The family also took to social media to highlight their new partnership, writing, “We are so proud to announce our arrival at Target! It’s an

honor for us to say that some of the BHM t-shirts have been made from cotton we raised. We’ve come a very long way to make this happen and we hope you enjoy it as much as we have during every step of the process!

In an era where Black businesses matter, sustainable sourcing matters even more. Supporting Black businesses from conception to production all the way to completion is the only way to truly be an ally. We hope other businesses follow Target’s lead in creating space for true inclusion.

For more Information visit:

www.BridgeforthFarms.com

STOP CHILD ABUSE. END NEGLECT. If you see any combination of the following signs in a child, please make a report!

• Displays of hunger, stealing, hiding, or hoarding food.

• Frequent injuries with a lack of parental communication or care.

• Poor hygiene, scrapes, bruises, and cuts left unattended.

• Clothing and belongings are dirty, worn, broken and clothes are inadequate for the weather.

• Frequent unexplained school absences.

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If you suspect a child is being neglected or abused contact Texas Department of Family and Protective Services at 1-800-252-5400 or txabusehotline.org

February 03, 2022 - February 09, 2022

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NATIONAL: ACCIDENTAL BELICHICK TEXT AT CENTER OF COACH'S NFL DISCRIMINATION LAWSUIT

By Ben Morse, www.CNN.com

Brian Flores, Ex-NFL coach speaks out about 'humiliating' Bill Belichick text. (Photo Screenshot from interview)

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n accidental congratulatory text message from New England head coach Bill Belichick to Brian Flores is at the center of a lawsuit that has rocked the NFL. Flores, the former head coach of the Miami Dolphins, filed the lawsuit on Tuesday against the NFL, the New York Giants, the Denver Broncos and the Miami Dolphins organizations.

The 40-year-old, who is Black, says in his lawsuit that the Giants interviewed him for their vacant head coaching job under disingenuous circumstances, as Flores had found out three days before his interview that the Giants had already decided to hire Brian Daboll.

Flores says he learned this after receiving a congratulatory text message from Belichick, whom Flores used to work for, that was sent in error.

The former Dolphins head coach says that his kids were the inspiration to fight the NFL and what tipped him over the edge

to file the lawsuit against the league and three teams alleging racial discrimination.

He said he went through a "wave of emotions" upon finding out that he was attending what he called a "sham interview."

"It was humiliating, to be quite honest. There was disbelief, there was anger.

There was a wave of emotions for a lot of reasons."

When asked how he'll feel if it turns out he's coached his final NFL game, Flores said: "If there's change, it'll be worth it."

Flores explained that as one of the few Black NFL head coaches, he felt different pressures to his White counterparts.

"It's hard to do what we're doing here because, in doing so, you risk doing what you love, which is coaching the game of football. But being a Black coach in the National Football League, you know that there's a little bit of a target on you and you know you have to be better than your counterparts."

Mistaken congratulatory text

came days before interview Flores says in his lawsuit that he before he interviewed with the Giants, he received a congratulatory text message from Belichick that was sent in error. Daboll, who also is a former Belichick assistant, got the Giants' job.

"Sounds like you have landed -- congrats!!" Belichick texted to Flores, according to screen grabs of the conversation presented in Flores' lawsuit.

"Did you hear something I didn't hear?"

Flores replied.

"Giants?!?!?!" Belichick texted.

"I interview on Thursday," Flores wrote.

"I think I have a shot at it."

"Got it -- I hear from Buffalo & NYG that you are their guy," Belichick replied.

Later, Flores sought clarification.

"Coach, are you talking to Brian Flores or Brian Daboll," Flores asked. "Just making sure."

"Sorry -- I f**ked this up," Belichick answered. "I doubled checked & I misread

the text. I think they are naming Daboll.

I'm sorry about that. BB" The NFL instituted the Rooney Rule in 2003 in an effort to increase diversity among the NFL's head coaching, general manager and executive ranks. The rule requires every team to interview at least two external minority candidates for open head coaching positions, according to the NFL's Football Operations website.

Currently, only one out of 27 head coaches employed in the NFL is Black, with five teams without a head coach, in a league where roughly 70% of the players are Black.

There are two other non-Black minority coaches -- one of Puerto Rican and Mexican descent (Rivera) and one of Lebanese descent (Jets coach Robert Saleh).

For more Information visit:

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STATE: HHSC ANNOUNCE EXTENSION OF EMERGENCY SNAP BENEFITS FOR FEBRUARY 2022

By Brooke Singman, www.FoxNews.com

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he Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) is providing more than $326 million in emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits for the month of February. The allotments are expected to help more than 1.6 million Texas households.

"Thank you to HHSC for working with the USDA to ensure Texans continue to have access to healthy and nutritious food," said Governor Abbott. "These emergency SNAP ben-

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efits continue to provide support to so many Texans."

“We’re thankful to provide the most vulnerable in Texas the ability to provide nutritious and nourishing foods for their families,” said Texas HHS Access and Eligibility Services Deputy Executive Commissioner Wayne Salter.

HHSC received federal approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to extend the maximum, allowable amount of SNAP

February 03, 2022 - February 09, 2022

benefits to recipients based on family size, and all SNAP households will receive a minimum of $95 in emergency allotments. This additional emergency allotment should appear in recipients’ accounts by Feb. 28.

The emergency February allotments are in addition to the more than $5.8 billion in benefits previously provided to Texans since April 2020.

Administered by HHSC, SNAP is a federal program that provides food assistance to eligible

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low-income families and individuals in Texas. Texans in need can apply for benefits, including SNAP and Medicaid, at YourTexasBenefits.com or use the Your Texas Benefits mobile app to manage their benefits..

For more Information visit:

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CULTURE: THE ENSEMBLE THEATRE CELEBRATES ITS 45TH ANNIVERSARY WITH “THE LAWSONS: A CIVIL RIGHTS LOVE STORY” By www.StyleMagazine.com

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he Ensemble Theatre continues its 45th Anniversary Season with the commissioned world premiere of The Lawsons: A Civil Rights Love Story book by Melda Beaty, music by Charrise Barron.

The Lawsons: A Civil Rights Love Story was commissioned to honor the life and legacy of Reverend Bill Lawson and Mrs. Audrey Lawson who were instrumental in the journey of not only The Ensemble Theatre, but also the local and national civil rights movement.

Written by Playwright Melda Beaty who first shared on The Ensemble Theatre stage with the regional premiere of Front Porch Society. Ms. Beaty is a professor of English at Olive-Harvey College.

The Ensemble Theatre welcomes music composer Charrise Barron who earned her Ph.D. in African and African American studies, with a secondary field of study in ethnomusicology from Harvard University. This world premiere will be directed by Artistic Director Eileen J. Morris.

“The Lawson story is so beautiful. This project began with the creation of an anniversary scene written from a few letters. It has blossomed into a wonderful work stemming from an art form of letter writing that chronicled life and captured hopes and dreams of a period.

This story will surprise, enrich, and uplift our community by revealing the beauty of the lives of the Lawsons and their rich contribution to the American historical landscape.” [Director, Eileen J. Morris].

About the world premiere of The Lawsons: A Civil Rights Love Story Is it possible to fall in love through a stack of letters? Bill and Audrey Lawson did. Sit-ins, arrests, and a bold move to start a church and change the landscape of Houston’s Third Ward not only threatened their lives but sealed their legacy in the Civil Rights Movement. The Lawsons is a visual history and musical journey of a time in African American history when courting

'The Lawsons' (Photos Ensemble Thetaer) .”

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was respectful, love transcended, faith superseded, and the fight for equality meant putting your life on the line for the greater good of humanity This play with music production is rated PG 13.

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February 03, 2022 - February 09, 2022

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MAYOR TURNER'S ONE SAFE HOUSTON

A PUBLIC SAFETY INITIATIVE TO COMBAT VIOLENT CRIME

By Jo-Carolyn Goode - www.StyleMagazine.com

Mayor Turner and HPD Chief Troy Finner were joined by community partners to unveil their new initiative on fighting crime.

The Associated Press

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ayor Sylvester Turner today released One Safe Houston: the Mayor's Public Safety Initiative to Combat Violent Crime., which focuses on four key areas: • Violence Reduction and Crime Prevention • Crisis Intervention, Response and Recovery • Youth Outreach Opportunities • Key Community Partnerships The plan outlines a commitment to put more officers on the streets through overtime and cadet classes and creates a $1 million gun buyback program. It also provides $1.5 million in additional funding to the Houston Forensic Science Center to address backlogs and funds domestic violence programs with an additional $3 million to provide more services for survivors and prevention efforts.

"This plan represents a holistic approach to combatting violent crime on the streets while being responsive to the needs of victims and building healthier communities in the process," said Mayor Turner. "Law enforcement efforts alone will not sufficiently address the symptoms of crime.

We are faced with a public health crisis, and it will require all of us, working together to overcome it."

Mayor Turner also announced: $2.5 million for the implementation of the CURE Violence program in targeted communities. The Cure Violence model trains and deploys outreach workers and violence interrupters to mitigate conflict on the street before it turns violent. T

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Increased support for the Community Re-Entry Network Program. The program helps formerly incarcerated individuals with successful community reintegration including workforce development, mental and behavioral health resources and housing and other basic needs referrals and resources. Reducing recidivism is critical for increasing long-term public health and safety and lowering corrections costs. The proposed $1 million dollar increase will allow a 50% increase in participants to grow from 500 to 750 annually.

A proposed ordinance for council approval requiring security cameras on certain classes of businesses where the increase in crime in concentrated.

A proposed ordinance for city council approval requiring that a bail bond company charge a premium which is equal to at least ten percent of the amount of the bail bond set by the court.

"This is a comprehensive approach to lowering the crime rate that focuses on police initiatives and touches on the true causes of violent crime such as social issues. I am grateful that Mayor Turner is committing not just to HPD but also to social service agencies in our city."

Mayor Turner's remarks as written.

I want to thank everyone for joining us today for an announcement that addresses violent crime in our City.

We have sought input from council members, community leaders and Crime Stoppers. Joining me today as speakers are

February 03, 2022 - February 09, 2022

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• Chief Troy Finner/Houston Police Department • Noel Rangel/Alcohol Tabaco and Firearms • Richard Collodi/FBI Houston Special Agent in Charge • Minal Patel Davis/Director, Mayor’s Office of Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence • Rania Mankarious/ Crime Stoppers Houston • Council Member Abbie Kamin/District C, Chair of Public Safety Committee • State Rep. Ann Johnson/District 134 Houston The City of Houston, like most major cities across the country, is experiencing a surge in violent crime. There are no easy answers and no singular initiative standing by itself that adequately addressing rising crime. but the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic cannot be ignored and requires a holistic and comprehensive approach and strategy.

Other factors contributing to the nationwide spike in violent crime include widespread social anxiety, economic uncertainty, mental health concerns, the increased presence of illegally owned firearms, and a strained court system plagued by criminal case backlogs that impact the pretrial release and prosecution of violent offenders.

As your mayor, is my responsibility to focus on the City of Houston.

Last year, the city launched a Violent Crime Initiative that resulted in the reduction of crime in many

identified hot spots. By the end of the initiative, all violent crime categories were reduced except homicide.

Unfortunately, the increase in homicides during the first month of 2022 including assaults on police officers and citizens is a sobering reminder that we must collectively strive for excellence as a community to combat our increasing crime challenges.

Houstonians, it is time to take our city back.

Every Houstonian deserves to feel safe. Safe at home, safe at work, safe while driving down the street, safe while shopping and safe with their families in our parks.

Since the beginning of the year, our city has felt anything but safe. At times, we have felt like a city under siege because of a violent crime wave that is sweeping across the country and impacting us in Houston.

Let’s be clear: Violent Crime is a public health crisis made worse by the pandemic and too many guns on our streets. Domestic violence cases have more than doubled since 2019 and more people are experiencing mental health distress …. leading to interactions with police resulting in dangerous or deadly outcomes.

Last week, three Houston police officers were shot and wounded by a suspect carrying a “fully automatic” weapon, who fired multiple rounds in a busy neighborhood.

The gunman, who was wanted on a felony warrant at the time of the shooting, was not concerned about the lives of law enforcement or the families living nearby.

It is understandable that many in our community are frightened and outraged because these violent crimes shock the conscious of our city and shake the foundation of a city that is known as a safe place to live, work and raise a family.

As I said at on the day the three officers were shot last week, we are living in inherently dangerous time. And it’s going to take all of us working together to keep our city safe.

Police officers cannot do it alone and it is important that we give them the tools to work with and join them in creating a comprehensive and holistic approach to combat violent crime.

To realize this vision, we are launching the One Safe Houston crime reduction initiative, which focuses on four (4) key areas: • Violence Reduction and Crime Prevention • Crisis Response Teams • Youth Outreach Opportunities • Key Community Partnerships One Safe Houston is a comprehensive violence reduction initiative that links research-based strategies to improve public safety and reduce the harms caused by violent crime. In this public safety ecosystem, HPD is a vital stakeholder. We appreciate our police officers, and we want them to safety return home to their families. They are on the front line. As we add more police through our cadet classes, we will also • We will begin by putting More Boots on the Ground now. I have authorized HPD to add an additional 125 officers per day on overtime. These additional officers will be deployed primarily based on data driven, evidence-based analysis of when and where the most violent crimes are occurring and to provide more visibility toward crime deterrence and rapid response to crimes in progress.

We have allowed $5.7 million to this initiative.

• To compliment HPD, the City will invest $1.9 million to increase the number of park rangers by 15.

They will work as partners with local law enforcement. We are committed to keeping our parks safe.

• There is no question there are too many guns on the streets. The City will invest $1 million in a robust gun buyback initiative to remove more illegal or unwanted firearms from the street that could ultimately be used as

crime guns.

• Identify Top Hot Spot Crime Neighborhoods.

We will focus on the most dangerous neighborhoods to address crime. HPD will provide added safety to our shopping areas, synagogues, mosques and other faith-based institutions. As a city, we must collectively condemn antisemitism and islamophobia. We must also collectively condemn violence against Asians, people of color, members of the LGBGQ+ community and other targeted groups. If not, our silence makes us complicit to these acts of violence.

• Identify and address Nuisance Locations Investigative Divisions within HPD and other city departments will work together to address night club and convenience stores where repeated crimes of violence have occurred.

As an example, on January 28, 2022, the City filed a common nuisance lawsuit against the operator of MVP Food Store at 4718 Lockwood, the property owner, and the property itself under state law, Chapter 125 of the Texas Civil Practices & Remedies Code (“Chapter 125”). The City’s lawsuit alleges criminal activity at MVP Food Store including rampant drug dealing, aggravated assaults, and shootings over the past year. MVP Food Store is a known drug haven located close to Kashmere Gardens Elementary School and has significantly impacted the health and safety of the community. The City’s lawsuit seeks injunctive relief and asks the court to compel the Defendants to abate the criminal activity at MVP Food Store.

Chapter 125 has been an effective tool in helping the City and HPD combat criminal hot spots where property owners and operators fail to take reasonable measures to address the criminal activity on their property. Even with pandemic restrictions, this past year alone, the City successfully closed 8 massage parlors with suspected human trafficking activity where 4 lawsuits were filed and have ongoing lawsuits with Chapter 125 claims against 2 sexually oriented businesses. The City will continue to use every available tool to rein in crime with its limited resources.

It is imperative that we continue our efforts to reduce crime at local business through increased crime prevention through environmental design. To that end, the Administration has asked the City Attorney to draft an ordinance for council approval requiring security cameras on certain classes of businesses where the increase in crime in concentrated. These cameras will survey the immediate and surrounding public areas.

• Court Backlog. Each major city faces similar challenges, but Harris County has the greatest number of backlogged court cases than any other city in Texas with more than 100,000 cases. It is undisputed that several factors have negatively impacted portions of the Harris County Criminal Justice process. In 2017, Hurricane Harvey caused major damage and disruption to the operation of our local court system and thus the ability of our local criminal justice system to adjudicate cases expeditiously. This unfortunate situation coupled with the global pandemic that followed has created a criminal court backlog.

• The City of Houston is poised to work collaboratively with the District Attorney’s Office to address these challenges; but the fact remains that the criminal court backlog is impacting the County’s ability to bring violent offender cases to completion. Accordingly, it is imperative that all criminal justice stakeholders work together to design a plan to clear the criminal case backlog, especially those involving offenders charged with violent crimes and who pose the greatest risk of harm to our community.

• The city will do its part. To that end, the City will provide $1.5 million in additional funding to the Houston Forensic Science Center to address backlogs.

But the simple facts are, we need more criminal courts, judges and staffing.

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Mayor Sylvester Turner. /AP Bond Company Protocols and Best Practices.

The Criminal Justice System does not operate effectively, efficiently or in the interest of victims when any part of the system is not functioning as designed. It is incumbent for us to recognize that the backlog of criminal justice cases and the delay in the adjudication of violent offenders can also be exacerbated if bail bond amounts are reduced to a nominal level. Bail bonding companies are in some instances now requiring substantially less than the customary 10 percent required to post bond.

I have instructed the City Legal Department to draft an ordinance for the consideration by the Houston City Council which would require that a bail bond company charge a premium which is equal to at least ten percent of the amount of the bail bond set by the court. This would require that the cost of a bail bond be equal to what the public generally believes to be the cost of a such a bond rather than some lesser amount. I also call upon the Harris County Bail Bond Board to adopt a regulation requiring that all companies issuing bonds within Harris County charge a premium equal to at least ten percent of the amount of the bond. If the Bail Bond Board were to adopt such a standard for the entire county, then the City would consider it unnecessary to move forward with the passage of the proposed ordinance.

Otherwise, the City must act.

CONCLUSION This is a public health crisis and as a City, we will and must address the crisis through law enforcement, public health practitioners and community partners working together. NO ONE CAN ESCAPE ACCOUNTABILITY. The strategy we outlined today is a blueprint for the City that can guide us beyond 2022.

With the collaboration of all stakeholders, including business owners, faith-based leaders, and organizations that work with those experiencing family violence and mental illness, I am confident that we will reduce violence and emerge as One Resilient City – One Unified City – One Safe Houston.

For more Information visit:

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February 03, 2022 - February 09, 2022

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LOCAL: 2022 BLACK HISTORY MONTH LINEUP AT AVENIDA HOUSTON By www.StyleMagazine.com

bands with a different genre highlighted each Saturday.

Saturday, Feb. 5 – Jazz 1:30 pm – Jalen Baker 2:45 pm – Kiora 4:00 pm – Patrick Williams Group Saturday, Feb. 12 – Blues & Zydeco 1:30 pm - James Boogaloo Bolden 2:45 pm – Choppa Law 4:00 pm – Step Rideaux Saturday, Feb. 19 – R&B and Neo-Soul 1:30 pm – Liz Vaughn 2:45 pm – Reggie Jamz 4:00 pm – Covington Richmond Band

T

he Houston First Corporation (HFC) is excited to share its 2022 Black History Month lineup at Avenida Houston, downtown’s convention and entertainment district. This year’s programming will feature art, music, vendors and educational activities for the entire family that reflect and celebrate Houston’s rich diversity.

HFC recognizes the importance of showcasing our city’s vibrant tapestry of cultures, as we fulfill our mission of promoting Houston as a global destination to residents and visitors alike.

We value diversity and inclusion and want our programming to reflect and celebrate the contributions of every race and ethnicity. Everyone is invited to participate in a number of free events and experiences throughout the month of February

as we highlight the heritage of African Americans.

Black History @ Avenida Houston – Every Saturday in February, 1-5 pm on the Plaza at Avenida (between the GRB & Discovery Green) BLCK Market For the third year HFC is partnering with J.O. Malone, founder of BLCK Market to present an outdoor market featuring 50 locally black-owned entrepreneurs each Saturday including artists, designers, and business entrepreneurs offering a wide variety of products.

Live Entertainment KTSU 90.9FM will be hosting the main stage at Avenida Houston which will feature live musical entertainment provided by various local

Saturday, Feb. 26 – Gospel & Inspirational 1:30 pm – Rhonda McLemore 2:45 pm – Gene Moore 4:00 pm – V. Michael McKay Art The Harris County Cultural Arts Council (HCCAC) will curate the art exhibit. The arts component of Black History Month at Avenida will honor and promote the work of Houston based African American fulltime professional artists, provide a platform for working emerging artist as well as for beginning artists from area schools.

Ted Ellis, an HCCAC Fellow, will headline the opening of the Exhibit. Other prominent professional artists who will participate include famous muralist Alice Patrick, Jean Mathieu-Baptiste,

Adonnia, Cecilie Nicole Baxter, Linda Simeon Kelly, Linda Luna, Madelyn McCraney, and Allyson Bryant Moon.

Educational Activities Learning and cultural entertainment activities will take place on the Wharf at Avenida Houston each Saturday. This will include fun and informative activities like historical storytelling.

• KoumanKe’le’ African Dance and Drum Ensemble will perform traditional West and South African cultural dances.

• Houston-based singer, Ki Kyham will share his soulful rhythmic vocal talents.

• Enjoy the unique acoustic sound of saxophonist Kyle Turner.

• Health education professionals from the Houston Health Department will be available to provide information to raise public awareness about a variety of health-related topics.

KTSU Daily Moments in Black History HFC understands the value and power of togetherness, so we are partnering with KTSU-FM, Texas Southern University’s as a presenting sponsor of “Daily Moments in Black History,” which will pay tribute to the legacy of African American legends from Houston.

Read the full story online at:

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LOCAL: DIVINC HOUSTON LAUNCHES 5G SPORTS TECH ACCELERATOR IN PARTNERSHIP WITH VERIZON By www.StyleMagazine.com

D

ivInc, the premier startup accelerator for people of color and women entrepreneurs, is proud to announce the launch of its first Sports Tech Accelerator made possible through support from title sponsor, Verizon.

DivInc’s 5G Sports Tech Accelerator in partnership with Verizon supports startups using

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technology to drive human performance, fan experience, the future of media, sports betting, esports, and gaming innovation. It was designed to identify and equip sports and esports startups with the resources they need to succeed.

“DivInc is extremely excited and proud to lead this sports innovation initiative because

February 03, 2022 - February 09, 2022

it represents the beginning of an unprecedented collaboration throughout Houston and Texas,” remarked Preston James, DivInc Co-Founder and CEO. “Houston is putting a stake in the ground to establish itself as a leading sports innovation hub in the US, and we’re making it authentically inclusive of underrepresented founders from the beginning, the way it’s a supposed to be.”

DivInc collaborates with professional sports and sports tech subject matter experts to serve as mentors, advisors, coaches, and investors to help cohort founders build businesses that are attractive to teams, leagues, and agencies. In total, 10 companies will be accepted to the 12-week program which will run from April through June 2022 and will take place at The Ion in Midtown Houston. Upon completion of the program, each participating company will receive $10,000

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non-dilutive seed funding provided by Verizon.

“Verizon is so pleased to continue its partnership with DivInc in Houston to support diverse and underrepresented founders, now expanding to the area of Sports Tech,” noted Carrie Hughes, Director of Social Innovation for Verizon. “We look forward to supporting innovators in this space, where Verizon has significant experience, and which has the potential to be transformed by 5G and leading edge technology.

Verizon will also collaborate with the DivInc team on programming and thought leadership initiatives throughout the accelerator.”

For more information visit:

www.DivInc.org

LOCAL: CENTRAL MARKET HONORS BLACK HISTORY MONTH A Celebration of Black-Owned Products and Virtual Cooking Classes Featuring Notable Black Chefs By www.StyleMagazine.com

C

entral Market is celebrating Black History Month through its annual Be the Change campaign to demonstrate its commitment to diversity in the workplace and in food culture. Be the Change is a company-wide initiative, which serves as a starting point for positive change in the world, and advances equity and inclusion across Texas. To kick off this year’s campaign, Central Market will be celebrating Black History Month throughout February by recognizing some of the great contributors to the food world and our culture.

In February, all Central Market stores will amplify the diverse voices of blackowned makers and share their stories by highlighting their products in departments throughout the store. The campaign will showcase new and existing black-owned makers and businesses, black winemakers and owners and will offer a lineup of renowned black chefs for a special virtual cooking class series.

In addition, February’s tear pad campaign will be dedicated to the Be the Change campaign. At checkout, customers will have the opportunity to add $1, $3 or $5 to their grocery bill to benefit non-profit organizations that support education, equity and empowerment in local communities.

This month will allow each store to showcase products which have been customer favorites for years as well as highlight those new-to-market products that our buyers have scoured the world to find. Black owners will be featured throughout the stores with signage near their products sharing the backstory to their success. Here are a few to look for in the upcoming weeks:

$100 million program will house more than 7,000 additional people by 2024 and build

Celebrating Black Owned Products: • Essie Spice: female owned and inspired by her Ghana culture. From cocktails to desserts to savory seared protein, veggies and soups, they add the perfect flavor.

• Basbaas: female owned and inspired by the clean ingredients of the Somalian culture; these condiments compliment any meal. Flavors include tamarind date sauce and coconut cilantro chutney.

• Mumgry: hand-crafted and ethically sourced natural nut butters rich in vitamin D, omega 3, iron and calcium. The nut butters come in three flavors including pistachio chocolate almond butter, smooth peanut butter and chocolate peanut butter.

• Yolele Fonio: fonio is a gluten-free ancient African grain that has many health benefits.

It’s light and fluffy with a slightly nutty undertone. It picks up spices and sauces beautifully.

Yolele was found in 2017 to create an economic opportunity for smallholder farming communities. Flavors include classic fonio, flavored fonio pilaf and chips.

• Cajou: Plant-based frozen desserts created by a family-owned business in Baltimore.

The product is cashew and almond based made from scratch using dairy- and chemical-free ingredients. Flavors include kulfi, baklava and sweet potato pie.

• Egunsi Foods: West African soup created by Nigerian-born and New York-raised owner.

All soups are made from preservative-free, whole, fresh ingredients sourced locally in New York and New Jersey.

• Kimma Lou’s Famous Banana Pudding: Made locally in Dallas, every dessert is crafted by hand using a family recipe passed down to Kimma Lou from her grandmother. A percentage of sales goes to deliver care packages to cancer patients. This is a Central Market exclusive.

• Black Coffee: A family-owned business run by Mia Moss and based in Fort Worth, Texas.

Blends include: the Eastside Blend and Poly Blend as well as a variety of single origin coffees. This is a Central Market exclusive.

• Askanya Chocolate: This is the first Haitian cacao available in Central Market. The cacao is grown in Haiti and then processed and packaged at their facility in northeastern Haiti.

The business was founded to create opportunities for cacao farmers and factory workers.

Askanya offers unique flavors like Bouquet Vert, a dark chocolate infused with lime.

• And dozens and dozens more …

These existing favorite brands will also be showcased during the month: Dozen Cousins, Pipcorn, Partake Cookies, J Lee barbecue sauce, Me & The Bees Lemonade, Grain4Grain, Ayo Frozen Meals, G.O.A.T. Fuel and Ollie & Otto Castille Soap.

For more information visit:

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February 03, 2022 - February 09, 2022

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CULINARY: BLACK HISTORY MONTH CHEF SPOTLIGHT: BLACK CHEF TABLE

By Alex Jack, Food Writer - wwww.StyleMagazine.com

Chef Fikisha Harrison (@forkandthymehtx)

W

e are officially in Black History Month!

The theme for Black History Month 2022 is health and wellness to explore from medical practitioners to herbalists. This is perfect for the black foodies out there because the original healers were the ones in the kitchen.

I love that here in Houston our culinary scene is one like no other in terms of diversity. I love that we are exploring the diversity in our culture through food. Bringing back our ancestors need to cook for healing and not just for taste.

The black culinary scene in Houston is one that we all must experience. Houston is one of the most diverse places to live in America, but our black culinary scene is just as diverse. With Creole-Cajun, West African, Caribbean, and everywhere in between to give influence on our food. As much as I enjoy collard greens and smothered pork chops, my goal here

Dish from Black Chef Table: Reggie Scott

at Houston Style Magazine is to bring awareness to the diversity in our blackness! I would like to start strong this Black History Month by giving you a hub for showcasing black chefs in Houston, Kulture: Black Chef Table.

Kulture: Black Chef Table is a dining experience that showcases "the transatlantic foodways from Africa to and through the Caribbean, Asia, Spain, Mexico and the Americas."

From the collaboration between Chef Keisha Griggs and Houston-based restaurateur, Marcus Davis the Black Chef Table was born. The thing that I love about Black Chef Table the most is that they have teamed up with local black fishermen, ranchers, gardens, and food purveyors to bring fresh seasonal ingredients for the chefs to use. They have teamed up with Edelman Meat, PPF Farms, and Captain Fred Seafood, just to name a few.

Marcus Davis, who is best known for

Chef Keisha Griggs (Photos A. Jack)

his restaurant The Breakfast Klub, is shifting his restaurant Kulture into what he calls the "optimal vehicle" to be a platform for black chefs. Kulture, located in Downtown Houston has been closed since the early days of the pandemic and I must agree it's perfect for showcasing these amazing chefs. A few weeks ago, I was able to see first-hand with Chef Reginald Scott. From the food to the overall vibe, we had a good time.

Chef Keisha Griggs, the curator for Black Chef Table, said that Black Chef Table will "provide an opportunity for BIPOC gastro artist to showcase their talents and illustrate their culinary perspective on the national platform." We need more platforms like this one to showcase our impeccable talents and history in the culinary world. I love how Chef Griggs works with the featured chefs to create these experiences that start conversations on sustain-

ability and history in our community.

With all of that being said, let's talk about how you can support this amazing mission in the future. Go to blackcheftable.com to see the featured chefs and buy tickets. Looking forward to this month's featured chef, Chef Fikisha Harrison who will be presenting Vegan Comfort Farm to Table Cuisine! So excited about that menu, especially because I am a vegan enthusiast. As always, I ask that you PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE Support this mission of Kulture: Black Chef Table. It shines a light on US as a people and our culture.

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CULTURE: "IMMORTAL VALOR: THE BLACK MEDAL OF HONOR WINNERS OF WORLD WAR II"

C

By wwww.StyleMagazine.com

ontemporary You'd need that pin to get in.

Put it on your chest and you'd get access to an exclusive club. The pin tells the world what you did, that you were elite, that you acted with honor. If you earned the pin, you'd wear it with pride. In "Immortal Valor" by Robert Child, it's a beribboned thing that you'd definitely deserved.

Almost since the birth of this country, soldiers who have exhibited bravery above and beyond their normal duties have been given medals for military merit. Says Child, almost 3,500 Medals of Honor have been awarded so far in the history of America; "Less than 3 percent... have been awarded to... African Americans..." Of the 500 Medals of Honor awarded for service during World War II, just seven of them went to Black soldiers.

That may not be a surprise. Racism was an everyday occurrence then and Black soldiers "knew only segregation" which "meant inequality." Even so, the men in this book didn't let racism stop them from serving their country. It didn't stop them from exceptional acts.

Charles Thomas was working at Ford in Dearborn, Michigan, when he was drafted into the Army. In the

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February 03, 2022 - February 09, 2022

midst of battle in Climbach, France, Thomas was injured but continued to lead his men.

If Vernon Baker hadn't seen much racism at home in Wyoming, he surely saw it after he enlisted in the Army. It was never as blatant, though, as it was when a white officer was given credit "for the actions [which Baker] performed..."

Willy James was killed trying to reach "his fatally-wounded platoon leader." Edward Allen Carter Jr. was fifteen years old and living in Shanghai with his missionary family when he volunteered to fight with the Chinese; four years later, he visited the American embassy and asked to be assigned to Abyssinia with the American troops.

George Watson lost his life attempting to save one. Ruben Rivers went into the Army with his younger brother. John Fox left a prestigious college to attend one with an ROTC program, so strong was his desire to serve...

So what makes these men unique? Author Robert Child explains the rest of the story: in 1993, a study showed that these men didn't get the honors for which they were recommended. It took another four years before they finally received their medals, more than five decades after wars' end.

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Child tells readers how this happened; he also says that other men are still waiting.

That all makes "Immortal Valor" part irritation, part history. The former lies waiting, wrapped in small biographies of those men, Jim Crow tales, and stories of valor so long unrecognized. The latter could be a bit of a challenge for civilians: along with tales of American society, it's a lot of battles-and-dates information that, even so, pulses with adrenaline, blood, screams, and jaw-dropping bravery.

Go into "Immortal Valor" knowing this and you'll burst with outrage and pride at nearly every word. Especially for veterans and their families, this is a book to pin down.

For more information visit:

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February 03, 2022 - February 09, 2022

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CULTURE: HOUSTON ARTIST COLINE CREUZOT NEW SINGLE SOMETIMES

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By Kathleen Coleman, Arts & Entertainment Editor - wwww.StyleMagazine.com

ince Hailing from the Lone Star state of Texas, born and raised in Houston, Coline Creuzot, a singer/songwriter has an astonishing voice. Coline fell in love with the arts at a young age and always knew she was destined for greatness. If it isn’t her dynamic personality or her creative drive, Coline’s angelic voice and her passion for music are captivating. Coline began performing at local competitions and continued to write and sing throughout her high school and college career. Coline is not only an incredible voice but also a scholar.

After the singer/songwriter turned boss completed her undergraduate degree in Business Management at Hampton University, she decided to move back to Houston to pursue music full time. During this time and while experiencing the growing pains of life, detailed in many of her autobiographical songs, Coline was introduced to Happy Perez, a fellow Houstonian, and producer who has worked with Miguel, Mariah Carey, and Frank Ocean to name a few. They collaborated on a song called, ‘Give and Take’, that went on to become an immediate hit.

‘Give and Take’ climbed to number 1 on the Houston Radio Charts. The success of the song granted Coline opportunities to open for some amazing artists such as Drake, Keyshia Cole, Monica, David Banner, and TI. She later attracted a publishing deal with EMI (now Sony ATV). Coline continued to grow as an artist and writer expanding her portfolio. Named “an artist

at the forefront” by Ebony Magazine, in 2016 Coline’s single ‘Truth Is’ peaked at number 24 on Billboard’s Urban A/C charts.

Coline’s music is covered by several blogs and magazines such as Vibe Magazine, Pynk Magazine, and Singersroom, critics praised her for her writing ability and solid resume working with some of H-Town's hottest artists such as Slim Thug, Lil Keke, Z-Ro, and Paul Wall.

Coline made the jump to Los Angeles to pursue her artistry full time. Known for her strong soulful pipes and lyrical storytelling, Coline pays homage to old-school R&B with a relevant swagger which she highlighted in 2017 at the Essence Festival debuting on the 'For the Love of R&B' stage. Coline re-released "Truth Is" with a feature from the diamond princess Trina in October 2019. Most recently Coline opened for Keyshia Cole, Tank, and K Michelle at the Arena Theater in Houston. On January 10th, 2020, Coline released “You Tried It”, which peaked at #19 on the Urban AC Billboard Charts and remained on the charts for several weeks.

Early 2020 Coline signed with BH Talent agency expanding opportunities with acting, fashion, and beauty partnerships.

"Alone", "I Still Love You", and "No Love" is Coline's latest releases after signing a distribution deal with Foundation Media.

Forever passionate about music, Coline is set to release "Sometimes" on November 12th worldwide.

Billboard acclaimed R&B artist Coline Creuzot new single is titled Entitled "Sometimes" the lyrics are honest with our true feelings The single features a warm, spellbinding melody, soulful vocals, and heart-wrenching lyrics, Coline confides, "Sometimes we hold back telling people how much we love them or miss them for many different reasons. The song has a refreshing honesty. The message is, if you love someone, let them know."

The song was co-written by Sam Hook (Ne-Yo, Ella Mai, Trey Songz, Keyshia Cole) and produced by renowned producer and longtime friend Happy Perez (Miguel, Mariah Carey, and Frank Ocean).

The celebrated songwriter has built a reputation as one of the most talented emerging artists, with songs "Truth Is" which peaked at #24, and “You Tried It” peaking at #19 on the Urban AC Billboard Charts. Articles written about Coline have been featured in several publications such as Essence, VIBE, Singersroom, and being "an artist at the forefront” by Ebony Magazine.

For more Information visit:

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TRAVEL: CELEBRATE SOULFULLY RETURNS TO WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT AS IT DEBUTS AT DISNEYLAND RESORT THIS FEBRUARY

S

By wwww.StyleMagazine.com

ince Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort invite guests to celebrate soulfully with experiences that honor Black History Month and pay tribute to Black heritage and culture through music, food, art and more.

Celebrate Soulfully is back for a second consecutive year, with new and returning offerings at Walt Disney World Resort throughout the year. And for the first time, Celebrate Soulfully is introduced at Disneyland Resort with experiences in February and beyond.

Celebrate Soulfully is one of the ways Disney Parks is reimagining tomorrow.

Music: Live Performances Energize Select Disney Locations with R&B, Gospel and More Celebrate Soulfully puts the spotlight on Black talent while inviting family and friends to enjoy experiences

16

that feed the soul.

“Celebrate Gospel” brings together award-winning Gospel Music stars Kierra Sheard on Feb. 19, and then Jonathan McReynolds and Mali Music on Feb. 26, for a powerful event at Disneyland Park in Anaheim, CA. Gospel singers and community choirs are also part of the show on both Saturdays, beginning at 3 p.m. on the Fantasyland Theater stage.

Throughout February, Downtown Disney District will celebrate with nightly outdoor concerts covering genres such as R&B, reggae, funk and jazz, plus Saturday afternoon Gospel performances. Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa offers nightly jazz.

Live performances of Motown favorites, jazz, R&B and pop hits return to Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Resort throughout February.

The Tam Tam Drummers of Ha-

February 03, 2022 - February 09, 2022

(Credit: YouTube screenshot) rambe will bring rhythms of the Congo to the Lion King, a Broadway-style show filled Mombasa Marketplace in Africa at Disney’s with pageantry puppetry and classic songs Animal Kingdom Theme Park at Walt Dis- from Disney’s The Lion King. ney World Resort.

Also at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, is A Celebration of Festival of

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www.DisneyParks.com

2022

SEE MORE + PHOTOS AND EVENTS

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H Texas Lunar News Year Celebration - Year of the Tiger H

2021

The Annual Texas Lunar Festival at the International Trade Center not only attracts visitors from all over Houston but also gathers together community, government and business leaders as well as community volunteers. Houston is the 4th largest city in the US and the most diverse— it is where 149 languages are spoken and more than a hundred countries are represented.

SEE MORE + PHOTOS AND EVENTS

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H Houston Public Library Celebrates Lunar New Year H Thank you to everyone that came to our Lunar New Year celebration today along with our partners Asia Society Texas Center and OCA Greater Houston, who helped us put on this wonderful event.

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February 03, 2022 - February 09, 2022

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SIGN UP AND GET FIRST 3 MONTHS OF HBO MAX ™ INCLUDED! Subject to change.HBO Max auto renews after 3 months at thenprevailing rates (currently $14.99/mo.for HBO Max), unless you call to change or cancel. Req’s you to select offers. Access HBO Max only through HBO Max app or hbomax.com. HBO Max also includes HBO channels and HBO On Demand on DIRECTV. Online account registration required. Data rates may apply for app download/usage.

*$19.95 ACTIVATION, EARLY TERMINATION FEE OF $20/MO. FOR EACH MONTH REMAINING ON AGMT., EQUIPMENT NON-RETURN & ADD’L FEES APPLY. Price incl. CHOICE Pkg., monthly service and equip. fees for 1 HD DVR & is after $5/mo. autopay & paperless bill discount for 12 mo. Pay $74.99/mo. + taxes until discount starts w/in 3 bills. New approved residential customers only (equipment lease req'd). Credit card req'd (except MA & PA). Restr’s apply. *ALL DIRECTV OFFERS REQUIRE 24-MO. AGREEMENT. $19.95 ACTIVATION, EARLY TERMINATION FEE OF $20/MO. FOR EACH MONTH REMAINING ON AGMT, EQUIPMENT NON-RETURN & ADD’L FEES APPLY. Price incl. All Included pkg, monthly service and equip. fees for 1 HD DVR & is after $5/mo. Auto Bill Pay with Paperless Billing discount for 12 mos.

New approved residential customers only (equipment lease req’d). Credit card req’d (except MA & PA). Restr’s apply. DIRECTV ALL INCLUDED OFFERS: Ends 1/22/22. Available only in the U.S. (excludes Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I.). Pricing: $64.99/mo. for ENTERTAINMENT All Included; $69.99/mo. for CHOICE All Included; $84.99/mo. for ULTIMATE All Included; $134.99/mo. for PREMIER All Included for first 12 mos. only. After 12 mos. or loss of eligibility, then prevailing rate applies (currently $102/mo. for ENTERTAINMENT All Included; $122/mo. for CHOICE All Included; $151/mo. for ULTIMATE All Included; $206/mo. for PREMIER All Included), unless canceled or changed prior to end of the promo period. Pricing subj to change. $5/mo. discount: Must enroll in autopay & paperless bill within 30 days of TV activation to receive bill credit starting in 1-3 bill cycles. First-time credit will include all credits earned since meeting offer requirements. Must maintain autopay/paperless bill and valid email address to continue credits. No credits in 2nd year for autopay/paperless bill. Includes: All Included TV Pkg, monthly service & equipment fees for one Genie HD DVR, and standard pro installation.

Additional Fees & Taxes: Price excludes Regional Sports Fee of up to $9.99/mo. (which is extra & applies to CHOICE and/or MÁS ULTRA and higher Pkgs.), applicable use tax expense surcharge on retail value of installation, custom installation, equipment upgrades/add-ons (min. $99 one-time & $7/mo. monthly fees for each extra receiver/ DIRECTV Ready TV/Device), and certain other add’l fees & charges. See directv.com/directv-fees for additional details. Different offers may apply for eligible multi-dwelling unit and telco customers. DIRECTV SVC TERMS: Subject to Equipment Lease & Customer Agreements. Must maintain a min. base TV pkg of $29.99/mo. Programming, pricing, terms and conditions subject to change at any time. Some offers may not be available through all channels and in select areas. Visit directv.com/legal/ or call for details. 2021 NFL SUNDAY TICKET OFFER: Subject to change. Package consists of all live out-of-market NFL games (based on customer’s service address) broadcast on FOX and CBS. However, games broadcast by your local FOX or CBS affiliate, and select International games, will not be available in NFL SUNDAY TICKET. Games available via remote viewing based on device location. Other conditions apply. 2021 NFL SUNDAY TICKET regular full-season retail price is $293.94. 2021 NFL SUNDAY TICKET MAX regular full-season retail price is $395.94. Customers activating CHOICE Package or above or MÁS ULTRA Package or above will be eligible to receive the 2021 season of NFL SUNDAY TICKET MAX at no additional cost. NFL SUNDAY TICKET subscription will not automatically renew. Only one game may be accessed remotely at any given time. Compatible device/operating system required for online/mobile access. Additional data charges may apply. Visit directv.com/nfl for a list of compatible devices/system requirements. Short Cuts are available from midnight Sunday ET through midnight Wednesday ET via the NFL SUNDAY TICKET App. For full Mix Channel and interactive functionality, HD equipment model H/HR 21 or later is required. NFL, the NFL Shield design and the NFL SUNDAY TICKET name and logo are registered trademarks of the NFL and its affiliates. NFL team names and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. Programming, pricing, promotions, restrictions & terms subject to change & may be modified, discontinued or terminated at any time without notice. Offers may not be combined with other promotional offers on the same services and may be modified or discontinued at any time without notice.

Other conditions apply to all offers. HBO Max: Access HBO Max through HBO Max app or hbomax.com with your DIRECTV log-in credentials. Compatible device or browser required. Use of HBO Max is subject to its own terms and conditions, see hbomax.com/terms-of-use for details. Programming and content subj. to change. Upon cancellation of your video service you may lose access to HBO Max. Limits: Access to one HBO Max account per DIRECTV account holder. May not be stackable w/other offers, credits or discounts. To learn more, visit directv.com/hbomax. HBO MAX is used under license. ©2021 DIRECTV. DIRECTV and all other DIRECTV marks are trademarks of DIRECTV, LLC. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

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