Houston Style Magazine vol 28 No 8

Houston Style Magazine Feb 16, 2017 - Feb 22, 2017

Houston’s Premiere Weekly Publication

Volume 28 | Number 8

Complimentary

Jesse Jackson

Civil Rights Will Suffer Under Sessions

Ryan Destiny

Boy Scouts

Eight Young Black Men Earned Highest Scouts Award

The Rise of a Star

Nike

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By Jo-Carolyn Jo-Carolyn Goode, Goode, Managing Managing Editor Editor // Photo Photo By

By FOX FOX

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Terry McMillan’s Book Signing

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The Mary Griffin Experience

Nike Uses Sports to Stand Up for Equality

J Balvin Sets Record

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2/8/17

Volume 29 | Number 8 | Feb 16, 2017 - Feb 20, 2017

‘Deplorable’ Prison Conditions 06

10 Sevyn Streeter 14 Ryan Destiny

FEATURE WRITERS

EDITORIAL

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

DESIGN/WEB

Kermit Williams Web Master webmaster@stylemagazine.com Jeffery T. Crump, Jr. Chief Designer webmaster@stylemagazine.com Wil Pharaoh Web/Graphics

NATIONAL WRITERS

JESSE JACKSON jjackson@rainbowpush.org ROLAND MARTIN www.rolandmartin.com JUDGE GREG MATHIS www.askjudgemathis.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS Vicky Pink vhpink@gmail.com 281.857.7635

Roswitha Vogler photosbyrovo@gmail.com 832.876.9541 William Ealy Williamealy1906@gmail.com Semetra Samuel semetra@artistikrebelcreative. com Mike Munoz artrepreneur91@gmail.com Robert Franklin

Rebecca Briscoe National Entertainment Brandon Caldwell Feature Writer/Entertainment Mical Roy – Feature Yolanda Pope – Culinary Dr. Lovell Jones – Health Editor Kim Davis – Sports Erick Cork - Feature Aiaina Mayes – Blogger Demez White – Feature Burt Levine – Political Eric Ford – Fashion Writer De’Neisha Bell – Feature Keandra Scott – Entertainment Cecilia Smith - Entertainment Raegan Boutte - Arts Dr. Abimbola Farinde - Health Franceli Chapman- Entertainment Dr. Kimberly McLeod - Education Parish Blair - Feature Writer Lan– Arts Brionna Rivers - Feature Writer Kim Roxie - Beauty Writer Brandi Neal - Travel Writer Destany Rainey- Feature Writer Andrea Bonner-Fashion Writer

CIRCULATION

Martin Troupe Distribution Manager 832.884.6716 Willie D. Scott, Jr. Distribution Team 832.343.2992

Minority Print Media, L.L.C.

Jay Weber Distribution Team 312.330.3866 Burt Levine Distribution Team 832.496.0003 Vernon Nelson Distribution Team 832.665.0979 VIDEOGRAPHY Reginald Dominique – Video/Social Media reggiedominique@me.com 225.802.1593 Dale Lemar - Editing ADVERTISING/SALES Lisa Valadez advertising@stylemagazine.com 713-748-6300

dba Houston Style Magazine & StyleMagazine.com Phone: (713) 748-6300 • Fax: (713) 748-6320 Mail: P.O. Box 14035, Houston, TX 77221-4035 ©2015 Houston Style Magazine, a Minority Print Media, L.L.C. Company.

All Right Reserved. Reproduction in whole or within part without permission is prohibited. Houston Style Magazine has a 2007 audit by Circulation Verification Council (CVC). Houston Style Magazine is a member of the Texas Publishers Association (TPA), Texas Community Newspaper Association (TCNA), National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), Independent Free Paper of America (IFPA), Association of Free Community Papers (AFCP) and Members of Greater Houston Partnership(GHP). National Association of Hispanic Publications, Inc. (NAHP, Inc.), Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (HHCC), League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Latin Women’s Initiative (LWI), National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), Houston Association of Hispanic Media Professionals (HAHMP), National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ), and Members of Greater Houston Partnership(GHP)

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COMMENTARY

Civil Rights Will Suffer Under Sessions

By Jesse Jackson

D

onald Trump’s first three weeks in office have left Americans reeling from what Republican speechwriter Peggy Noonan called his “cloud of crazy.” His cabinet nominees seem intentionally perverse: an education secretary who has no clue about public schools; an energy secretary who wanted to eliminate the department; a treasury secretary from Goldman Sachs who ran a home foreclosure factory. So when a white nationalist sympathizer, Sen. Jefferson Beauregard Sessions III, was confirmed to be attorney general, it passed by as just another absurdity.

The coverage of the confirmation battle focused primarily on Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s outrageous muzzling of Sen. Elizabeth Warren as she tried to read a 1986 letter from Coretta Scott King criticizing Sessions.The muzzling was an unforgiveable indignity.

Lost in the furor was the thrust of King’s letter. She was writing to urge the Republican-led Senate of the time to reject President Reagan’s nomination of Sessions to the federal bench because he had “used the power of his office as U.S. attorney to intimidate and chill the free exercise of the ballot.” Sessions had opposed the Voting Rights Act, made racist statements and falsely prosecuted black civil rights leaders seeking to register people to vote in Alabama. He was an ardent and unrelenting opponent of civil rights. The Republican Senate rejected his nomination.

Sessions views have not changed. He opposed Supreme Court decisions striking down laws banning homosexual sex and same-sex marriage. He voted against equal pay for women and against reauthorizing the Violence Against Women Act, and he argued that it would be a “stretch” to call grabbing a woman’s genitals -- as the president boasted of doing -- assault. He is leading opponent of immigration reform and supported Trump’s ban on Muslims.

On civil rights he learned, as Strom Thurmond’s late operative Lee Atwater put it, that “you can’t say ‘nigger’ -- that hurts you. Backfires. So you say stuff like ... states’ rights and all that stuff.” Sessions remains a fierce advocate of states’ rights over civil rights. Even as he joined 97 senators in voting to reauthorize the Voting Rights Act in 2006, he gave a speech

declaring its enforcement sections unconstitutional. When the Supreme Court’s conservative gang of five gutted the law, he praised their decision, saying preposterously, “(I)f you go to Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, people aren’t being denied the vote because of the color of their skin.” Even as he was saying that, states across the South were preparing a raft of laws to make voting more difficult for African-Americans and the young. Striking down the voter ID law in North Carolina, the federal appeals court found that the new provisions “target African-Americans with almost surgical precision,” while providing “inept remedies” for an alleged problem of voter fraud that is nonexistent.

Now Sessions will take his states’ rights views to the Justice Department. He will have more power than George Wallace ever had. Wallace had state power. Sessions has national power with a state agenda, with thousands of lawyers under his command. He will help shape the Supreme Court.

Every senator who voted for this nomination shares the shame. This isn’t or should not have been a partisan question. This is a question of whether the Constitution that Lincoln fought a Civil War to forge and Dr. Martin Luther King led a movement to enforce will be respected.

Donald Trump and the Republican Senate have put in office someone who is committed to undermining that Constitution. He is in position to poison the well of justice for a long time.

On the campaign trail, Donald Trump wooed African American voters, saying given disproportionate unemployment and poverty, they should vote for him. “What have you got to lose?” he asked. By making Sessions attorney general, Trump has shown us what we have lost: a Department of Justice committed to equal rights, ready to defend the right to vote.

People of color, immigrants, the LGBT and women are likely to experience justice denied directly, and the country as a whole will suffer as justice is defiled.

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

POLITICAL

Rep. White Wants Texas Fathers’ Role Valued in Texas Law

By Burt Levine, Political Writer

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ep. James White, Houston native and former teacher at Third Ward’s Cullen Middle School, was elected to his fourth term last fall as the only African American to represent Texas’ Piney Woods in the Texas Legislature. Today he’s fighting for Texas families with his House Bill 453.

“I’m motivated as I was last session and am every session to strengthen families and fathers’ roles in their children’s lives. HB 453 will make it Texas law to give children equal time with both fathers and mothers after a family separation,” said White, a family man, businessman and east Texas rancher that and graduated from Houston ISD schools. White earned bachelors and masters degrees from Prairie View A&M in political and military science, his commission as an infantry officer in the US Army and served in combat arms overseas. He served in the Berlin Brigade during during the fall of eastern European Communism. White taught and coached at Houston and Fort Bend ISD and in college before completing his University of Houston doctorate.

“This pro-Texas family legislation follows legislative efforts in other states. For years, custody arrangements favored children growing up primarily in their mother’s care but a growing body of research shows children grow up healthier mentally and physically when they spend more time with their fathers. I now chair the Texas House Committee on Corrections and know for us to have less adults in Texas Corrections we need to have more children being with the their fathers and their mothers as much is possible,” he said.

White beat incumbent Democrat Jim McReynolds with 57.6 percent or 20,958 votes to 42.4 percent or 15,405 votes in 2010 and then after redistricting “paired” him with incumbent Mike “Tuffy” Hamilton he beat Hamilton in 2012. White beat Hamilton with 54.5 percent.

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White has voted to ban abortion after 20 weeks of gestation; the measure was approved 9649. He co-sponsored companion legislation to increase medical and licensing requirements of abortion providers. Texas Right to Life has rated him 78 percent pro-Life. Being “ProParent,” he voted against the bill to require immunization of minors without parental consent, and being a “Pro-Business” legislator he co-sponsored a law to extend franchise tax exemptions to certain businesses. White opposed the measure to prohibit texting while driving and voted to require testing for narcotics of those receiving unemployment compensation. He has voted against the state from enforcing federal regulations of firearms and in support of the college and university officials in Texas’ right to carry concealed weapons in the name of campus security.

Young Conservatives of Texas has ranked him 80 percent, Texans for Fiscal Responsibility has scored White with a 100 percent ranking and Texas Association of Business gave him a score of 87 percent. He’s hit a bullseye 92 percent from the National Rifle Association.

According to a recent analysis by the Pew Charitable Trusts, there have not been any significant reforms to state laws on custody arrangements for more than 40 years. In 1970, the Uniform Marriage and Divorce Act established five criteria to determine the “best interests” of the child. Groups like the National Parents Organization have rallied repeatedly for reforms that respect a child’s right to be nurtured by both parents.

White wants Texas fathers and mothers to rally for this bill. A group will rally in support of HB 453 is scheduled for Tuesday, March 13 on the south steps of the state Capitol in Austin.

Keep in the know on Texas politics and Texas election issues with Burt Levine. Share this story online at www.stylemagazine.com.

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LAFAYE BAKER STUNTWOMAN/COORDINATOR FIRST SUNDAY

Breaking Barriers With over 20 films to her credit, LaFaye Baker is living proof that whatever a stuntman can do, a stuntwoman can do, too… and in high heels. Join us as we celebrate women who are making magic behind the scenes. To see LaFaye’s work and more, visit Black Film & TV on XFINITY On Demand, where Black History is always on.

Visit xfinity.com/CelebrateBlackTV

Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. XFINITY TV with On Demand required. © 2017 Comcast. All rights reserved.

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LOCAL & STATE BRIEFS

HPD Chief To Unveil New ‘Cite And Release’ Marijuana Ticketing Policy [Fox 26 Houston] Small amounts of marijuana—mainly for personal use— have landed lots of people behind bars in Houston. But if HPD’s top cop Chief Art Acevedo gets his way, things will change. The chief received a draft proposal from the DA’s office that has been working with different stakeholders.

That proposal would be the blueprint for HPD’s cite and release program.

It would specifically target people who are caught with four ounces of marijuana or less. Instead of taking them to jail for possession those people will receive a citation from Houston officers and told to appear in court at a later date. The goal is to free up officers and reduce jail overcrowding.

NFL Warns Texas Over Bathroom Bill

[The Hill] The National Football League waited just a week after the Super Bowl in Houston to warn the state of Texas that a proposal to limit transgender access to bathrooms could impact future decisions about the location of major sporting events.

In a statement, the league hinted that Senate Bill 6, introduced last month by conservative lawmakers, would become a factor in the NFL’s future decisions about event locations.

Texas might also be in jeopardy of hosting big games from the NBA and NCAA as North Carolina when similar legislation was passed in that state.

Texas First State to Support Trump Travel Ban with Ken Paxton Brief

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Local Leaders Unveil First-of-Its-Kind Partnership Improve Healthy Food in Houston Sunnyside Neighborhood

[Style Magazine Newswire] The Sunnyside neighborhood in South Houston will soon have better access to fresh, healthy food thanks to a new United Health Foundation $675,000 grant presented to the Recipe for Success Foundation. United Health Foundation unveiled the unique partnership at a ceremony at Hope Farms recently with retired NFL Wide Receiver Ricky Sanders serving as M.C. The grant will help Recipe for Success expand its work to address obesity, food insecurity among South Houston residents and unemployment among U.S. veterans. The organization will train veterans to become urban farmers, provide the community with fresh food, and deliver on-site and in-school nutrition education to children and their parents.

Texas Families Rallying Against ‘Deplorable’ Prison Conditions

[KXAN] Hundreds of Texas families will rally at the State Capitol on Monday. They want lawmakers to reform the criminal justice system. According to the Texas Inmate Families Association and Texas Voices for Reason and Justice, some sentences are too harsh.

Additionally, the believe prison conditions are deplorable.

The families will also rally for the state lawmakers to make it easier for inmates to get a job, housing, or education after they are released.

Organizers say allowing a person to be released on parole would save taxpayers money and shrink prison populations.

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Houston Ballet’s First African American Principal Dancer Honored with State Award [Style Magazine Newswire] Poised and full of grace, Houston Ballet alum and native Houstonian, Lauren Anderson, amongst the legends and rising stars to be honored Wednesday, February 22nd at the esteemed 2017 Texas Medal of Arts Awards in Austin, Texas.

Slated to receive the coveted Texas Medal of Arts Award in Dance, Anderson epitomizes excellence and admiration in performing arts.

She began dancing at 7 and joined the Houston Ballet in 1983. She retired from dancing in 2006. In the next year, she assumed a new role as Outreach Associate with Houston Ballet’s Education and Community Engagement program.

Texas Woman Claims Popeye’s Served Her Flesh-eating Worms – Chain Denies [Fox2now] A San Antonio woman’s got a bone to pick with Popeye’s.

The Texas woman is suing for a million dollars after she says her rice and beans from Popeye’s were infested with flesh-eating worms, specifically New World Screwworms.

The plaintiff claims after eating the food that the worms ran through her digestive systems, laid eggs that hatched, then the worms infested her body and began to eat her from the inside out. Due to this the plaintiff lost her business, house and cars. Popeye’s said in a statement that it was aware of the plaintiff’s claims and that the franchisee has been working with her for more than a year to “to address her concerns.

The statement continued on to state that Popeye’s makes food safety a top priority.

HISPANIC BRIEFS

Sammy Hagar and Adam Levine Partner for World’s First Mezquila

[PR Newswire] Marking a first in the spirits industry,Sammy Hagar and Adam Levine announce the launch of Santo Mezquila, a premium blend of two distillates - 100% Blue Agave - commonly known as Tequila, and Espadin Agave, used to produce Mezcal. Born from a creative revelation that Sammy and Adam shared one night in Cabo San Lucas, and honed over two years, Santo represents the first quality blend of different agave distillates to hit the market. Santo is crafted by third generation master distiller, , and is being distributed in select markets nationwide, launching in Las Vegas, California, New York, Texas and Florida in the first quarter of 2017.

J Balvin Earns Guinness World Record for His Song ‘Ginza’

[NBC News] Colombian singer, J Balvin, can add Guinness World Record holder to his long list of accomplishments. J Balvin has earned a Guinness World Record for the “Longest stay at number one on the US Hot Latin Songs chart by a single artist,” for his song “Ginza.”The catchy reggaeton song was on the US Hot Latin Songs chart for 22 weeks. The single, was released in 2015 as part of J Balvin’s album “Energía.” It reached the top of the charts on October 11, 2015 and stayed at number one until March 12, 2016. J Balvin was also selected as an ambassador for 2017’s New York Men’s Fashion Week, making him the first Latin music artist to hold this title.

Mexican Government Issued a Warning to Its Citizens

[Latino Loop] The Mexican government issued a warning to its citizens in the U.S. after Guadalupe Garcia de Rayos was deported last week after showing up for a routine check-in with immigration officials in Phoenix, AZ. The government statement says: “The case of Mrs Garcia de Rayos illustrates the new reality for the Mexican community living in the United States, facing the most severe.

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BUSINESS BRIEFS

Meet Annie Malone - The First Ever Black Woman Millionaire

[BlackBusiness.Org] Annie Malone took an interest in hair styling, in particular, developing a better way to straighten African American hair without damaging it. By the early 1900s, she developed a formula that worked and called it “The Great Wonderful Hair Grower,” which she began to sell door-to-door after moving to St. Louis, Missouri. During the 1904 World’s Fair, she opened a retail outlet where she sold her hair care product to out-of-town visitors to the city. Her idea was to hire and train other women to serve as local sales agents.

They would, in turn, recruit others.

Nike Uses Power of Sport to Stand Up for Equality

[Style Magazine Newswire] Nike has a long history of speaking up for causes that reflect its values. That continues today with the launch of EQUALITY, in which Nike encourages people to take the fairness and respect they see in sport and translate them off the field.

EQUALITY is centered on using Nike’s voice and the power of sport to inspire people to take action in their communities, with Nike leading by example with its recently announced partnerships with world-class organizations dedicated to advancing this work.

Russell Simmons Closes $167 Million Deal For His RushCard Debit Card Business

[BlackBusiness.org] Green Dot and RushCard are two of the oldest prepaid debit cards in the marketplace. Russell Simmons’ RushCard increased popularity for prepaid cards while Green Dot pioneered the reloadable prepaid card and is the largest provider in the U.S., according to Forbes Magazine. The two companies are now joining forces, merging Green Dot’s 4.5 million card holders with RushCard’s more than 750,000.

Together, these two promise to not only revolutionize the banking industry but also increase customer services to marginalized communities across the country.

The 4th Annual H-E-B Primo Picks Quest For Texas Best is on the hunt for the best that Texans have to offer!

Do you produce a food or beverage (non-alcoholic) in Texas that you think is the best in the state? Then enter your product to be a part of the 2017 Primo Picks: Quest For Texas Best!

Mark your calendar for this informational meeting where you can learn more about the Primo Picks: Quest For Texas Best and how to apply.

Date: Tuesday, March 21 Time: 9:30 - 11:30 a.m.

Location: H-E-B Windfern Training Center, 4301 Windfern Rd., Houston, TX, 77041 Register here: https://2017questhouston2.eventbrite.com Questions?

H-E-B contact: James Harris, Director - Diversity & Inclusion and Supplier Diversity harris.james@heb.com Location Contact: Sheila Jackson, 713-329-3930 or jackson.sheila@heb.com 88

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LOCAL

Eight Young Black Men Earned Highest Award for Boy Scouts

By Jo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor

O

ur young black men struggle day to stay alive, not to fall to peer pressure of negative influences, and to stay on the successful rite of passage. Since this is such a treacherous for our young black boys and men successes should be celebrated to encourage and motivate them to continue on that right path. Such young men are being honored for an achievement that few have earned. It is the highest and the most distinguished honor for a member of the Boy Scouts of America, the Eagle Award.

The eight scouts of Troop #242 are as follows: • Darryl R. Smith, a senior at the High School for Law Enforcement, helped to relieve stress felt by the families of officers with the Houston Police Department with a teddy bear drive for his project.

• Benjamin Avery Brown, a senior at Strake Jesuit High School, created a safer environment by landscaping a traffic area near the Varnett School for his service project.

Eight young men in Boy Scout Troop #242 are feeling a since of pride after recently earning their Eagle Scout award.

• Gerald Barnett II, a freshman at Texas Tech University, used his skills in STEM to create an irrigation system for the residents at Madge Bush Transitional Center.

The award is given to scouts after completing projects that significantly demonstrate leadership and illustrate services demanded. Before the Eagle Scout award can even be earned, young scouts have to complete at least 21 merit badges and demonstrate Scout Spirit ( ideal attitude based upon the Scout Oath and Law, service, and leadership).

• Titus Bryant, a sophomore at Prairie View A&M University, made a center that is a pillar of the community better by renovating a pool storage area at the Blue Triangle Community Center.

Then the scouts use higher level thinking to plan, organize, led, and manage an extensive project of service that benefits any religious institution, any school, or his community but not the Boy Scouts of America. According to Wikipedia, only 4% of Boy Scouts are granted the Eagle Scout award.

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• Christopher Bryce Houston, a sophomore at Early College High School, helped to clothed the less fortunate by hosting a clothing drive where people donated clothes as an entry fee to a basketball tournament. He collected over 250 items.

• Steven Francis Wright, a senior at Jack Yates High School, addressed the need for vegetables in his community by constructing a raised vegetable garden bed at an Assisted Living facility.

• Adrian Larone Earle started something that will be an ongoing project for the entire troop. Earle adopted seven METRO bus stops and cleaned them. The troop will continue to do maintenance at these stops.

• Evan Alexander Remington Lord, a freshman at Chapman University, helped students know their history through an education. He taught kids about Black History and included a variety of speakers.

The scouts were officially presented their Eagle Scout awards during the formal Eagle Court of Honor ceremony during December of 2016. And are being recognized again at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church during Boy Scouts Sunday. The troop, which marked its 50th anniversary, in 2015 meets regularly at the church and was first youth organization established by founding pastor William A. Lawson and his wife Audrey.

Since its creation in 1965, over one thousand boys and young men have gone through the church’s Scouting program. Troop 242 is proud to report that more than 173 of their own have attained the rank of Eagle Scouts; one of the largest number of Eagles to come out of an African American troop in the country. Troop 242 Scouts are trailblazers in business, education, medicine, politics and other professions. There are many, many stories of boys who have been provided support, training and positive role models.

The Car Accident That Almost Ended My Life But Saved My Writing Career

By Demez White, Feature Writer

or as long as I can remember I’ve told people that writing was the most important aspect of my life. No matter how much I loved my family, my woman, my life, they all revolved around writing. At least that’s what I said but it wasn’t until June 22, 2016, that I realized I’d been lying to myself and everyone else.

The morning was clear and there wasn’t a lot of traffic, driving down the highway I’d driven down hundreds if not thousands of times before I looked in my rearview mirror only to see a truck bearing down on me. I’m not sure what happened in the seconds following but it overtook my world forever.

The truck slid and I thought, “I’ll be okay” and then the truck started to flip. Once! Twice! Three times! Four times!

I closed my eyes and asked God to take care of my family, to forgive me for my sins and I waited for my truck to crash into the train tracks or be hit my another car.

Waking up to men yelling at me, “Are you okay?” And the smell of gasoline and metal I looked around and realized I was still alive. A feeling that has never left me, a feeling that changed my life.

The entire passenger side of my truck was smashed in; so were the hood and the back. The only part still intact was my driver’s seat. Having watched countless episodes of Law and Order and football games I wiggled my toes to see if I still had feeling. I wriggled my fingers and my right hand looked fine but my left hand was mangled. Further examination revealed that my fingers were broken, nails

hanging off, adrenaline fading and the throbbing taking over. Fading in and out on the way to the hospital my phone was smashed so there was no way they could get in touch with anyone. I couldn’t remember any phone numbers by memory so all I could think was, “Who’s going to know?”

Sitting in the hospital room, my mother, my girlfriend, and co-workers were all around me I couldn’t help by cry.

For the first time since my grandmother died I cried like a baby wondering why I was still alive, wondering why didn’t that truck crush me. Going home, my shoulder throbbing, my hand wrapped, it hit me. It hit me that I would never be able to write the same again. I’d tried voice activated writing in the past and my Texas accent wasn’t having it.

So here I was, sitting at my desk writing with one hand and as slow as I was going I couldn’t help but smile because I still had my mind. I still had the ability to tell stories and put out books.

All these years I said writing was everything but I’d neglected my talents, taken her for granted and in a matter of seconds I was reminded that life is fleeting and short and if you don’t love her and the gifts she gives you.

They can be taken away at a moment’s notice.

Since that day seven months ago I’ve ghost written three novels and have almost finished two novels of my own.

I’m not where I was when it comes to typing and my hand will never be the same but I’m alive.

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FEATURE

Ryan Destiny: The Rise of a Star

By Jo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor

Ryan Destiny

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ee Daniels has struck television gold again with his newest series airing on Fox, Star. Just knowing that it was a Lee Daniels’ project was enough to generate excitement of its release. Adding the star power of Queen Latifah and Benjamin Bratt made it one of most anticipated shows of the season. As teasers came out, Daniels’ fans were quick to compare it to another hit Empire. One look at the first episode of Star and one quickly understood that music and family were the only things the two shows had in common.

“It’s (Star) not like Empire where they already started out making it and then they kind of rewind some parts about their past and everything,” said co-star Ryan Destiny, who plays Alexandra Crane on Star. “You see like the beginning of this story so it’s cool.” Destiny added, “This show is about three girls and a whole bunch of other things, of course, but three girls trying to make it through the industry and trying to make it period. And it’s about family. And it’s a more, I think, raw twist on it. You really see the girls start from the bottom and just their whole families and their different stories throughout the whole thing.”

Set in Atlanta, GA, Star follows the lives of three girls – Star Davis (Jude Demorest), Simone Davis (Brittany O’Grady) and Alexandra Crane (Ryan Destiny) - on their journey to stardom. I like the fact that these girls’ journey is sort of old school as they use their connections and hustle to make it big and not technology. I believe the only technology they have use was Instagram to meet each other. After gelling, they dish out some killer performances using a strong set of pipes and moves to match. The show’s soundtrack is almost a character by

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itself. Headlines are also being made by one of the show’s costars, Amiyah Scott. Her television debut makes her the second openly trans person to play a major character in a scripted television drama series.

Destiny’s character aka Alex is one that has lived a privileged life because of her famous rock legend father Roland Crane (played by Lenny Kravitz). It has not been a smooth life as she also had to deal with the trouble her alcoholic mother, Rose Spencer-Crane (played by Naomi Campbell), brings to any situation. Alex is trying to leave the protected shelter of her parents to stand on her own feet and chase her dreams.

Having a famous father is probably the other thing Destiny has in common with her character. Destiny, whose legal last name is Irons, is the daughter Deron Irons of the former 90s R&B group Guesss. “We really do have different lives,” said Destiny in our one-on-one interview. Since Destiny’s own life is so different from that of her character’s life she uses a lot of her imagination to portray the role. A process that she thinks is fun. “I try to give her a little bit of me at times and I think that comes out as she unfolds throughout the story as she becomes more human and you see her walls fall,” explained Destiny.

Destiny shares a lot of on screen time with sexy Quincy Brown, her character’s love interest. I made sure to ask about their relationship just for our readers. With a laugh, Destiny said that her work relationship with Brown is always a popular question. “Quincy is great. We have become close now and we are friends. The relationship is fun and it makes it easy to work with a person like that.”

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Besides growing a relationship with Brown, she has also grown one with Queen Latifah. Queen plays Carlotta Brown, the owner of an Atlanta beauty salon and surrogate mother to the girls in the group. I asked Destiny what advice she has learned about the industry from La as she calls her since Destiny has aspirations of being a big singer in the biz.

“Her being her period is a lesson in itself,” said Destiny as she described the humble and genuine personality of the rapper turned actress. “I think I just learned from that. No matter how far you have come you can just be a person at the end of the day and just human and really connect with people regardless of where you are in life. And I think that is a huge thing I have learned from her,” commented Destiny.

Acting is not Destiny’s only talent. In fact, acting is her second talent with singing being her first. She was once was part of a girl group called Love Dollhouse that mutually disbanded just before she got the role on Star. The 22-year-old Detroit native has experience with songwriting as well and is working on her own music for an anticipated solo album. However, her focus right now is on Star so personal projects are taking a bit of a backseat.

Just like Destiny is focused on her career so is her character, Alexandra. In future episodes, Destiny said she looks forward to how her character will develop by becoming more human, continuing to be strong, and personal growth as an individual.

Stay in tune with Ryan Destiny aka Alexandra Crane on Instagram.com/Ryan_Destiny.

ENTERTAINMENT

TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION

By Kevin E. Taylor

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How Marginalized People Paid the Price to Be Upset About “Lemonade” Losing Grammy Album of the Year and Excited About “Hidden Figures” and “Moonlight”

’m a native of Washington, DC. Not the DMV or some surrounding area that people reference because they partied in DC or went to swanky events there. I am from there—Chocolate City of Old. I am a rare breed of brother from the Nation’s Capital, who lived in all 4 quadrants (Southwest, Southeast, Northwest and Northeast) before moving out of state for work. I bring this up because DC’s bold license plate motto is “TAXATION WITHOUT REPRESENTATION,” speaking directly to the fact that Washingtonians pay full taxes as any other US citizen but don’t have a voting member of Congress or Senate to speak for them beyond symbolism. They have no legislative voice. I know what it’s like to live a life without a voice that speaks for me.

I was thinking of that when as I read about Taraji P. Henson’s chagrin at not knowing the story of Catherine Johnson, the Black woman who was a math genius and helped to get The U.S. and John Glenn into orbit in 1962 and who she portrays masterfully in “Hidden Figures,” the breakout hit of the Oscar season. She says it could have changed what she thought she could do as a young girl.

Many Black women talk about how Beyonce’s “Lemonade” project (both audio and visual) played a huge role in conversations among women, especially women of color and Black women in particular, as it relates to relationships, pain, struggle and healing.

I was personally thinking about how many times I have paid to go into the movie theater to see “Moonlight,” the story of a young boy in the projects of Liberty City in Miami, struggling with his mother’s addiction and his own self-discovery as a queer colored boy trying to find his way and his own skin.

I have seen people of every race, color and orientation love on the movie’s tenderness, but Black boys who lived it shed tears and revisit the theater time and again, some like me as many as a dozen, because we paid the price to finally be able to sit in a public space and engage our private pain. Each of these masterpieces are pivotal imperatives to people who are hungry for the kind of soul food that feeds those places in us that simply wanted to be affirmed and not approved, lifted even when they’re not liked.

When “Lemonade,” didn’t win Best New Album at this year’s Grammys, the chagrin from women of every race, including the woman who beat her, UK singer Adele, was rooted in feeling like this project had championed people who are marginalized, but who look at magazines and TV shows and all media, desperately seeking self.

When you download music or buy cd’s, as many still do, or pay for cable and theater tickets and DVDs, bootlegged or from Best Buy, you are hoping to escape the world you

live in and go somewhere that forces you not to think, to struggle. You think you want to get away UNTIL you hear lyrics that go to those places in yourself that you’ve kept hidden, like hurt and pain, betrayal and denial. You think you’re good until you see a little boy on the screen who doesn’t look anything like you but whose story is ripping off the layers of your elaborate hiding places and you feel free and exposed all at once.

As a nerd, a little Black boy who used to read the dictionary for fun and who memorized every phone number my Momma ever gave me so that I could regurgitate them at will, I walked out of “Hidden Figures” feeling like I could now be proud of my uncanny ability to recall information from everything I’ve ever read and to be able to articulate facts about things that make people wonder why I held onto the data. When women and men, gay and otherwise, gather to listen to “Lemonade” like it’s a church service, it’s because there’s music and messaging in it that speaks to some space, something that felt vacant and void for too long.

But how many songs have you listened to trying to find your own story? How many movies have you watched, not knowing that you were hoping for a glimpse of or a glance into a world that looked like or felt like where you wanted to be?

I’ve spent plenty a dollar hoping for a Black male nerd as the lead or hoping for a love song that didn’t mess up the pronouns so that I could dance with my bae to at our wedding, not that that’s legal and we’re still standing, living a life that our ancestors couldn’t have ever imagined?

I’ve paid the price—through admission, through subscription and support of artists and actors and advocates—hoping that someone would tell my story or at least tell stories so genuine that I could see myself in them.

That’s why this season is so sweet. Not just because the #OscarsSoWhite “curse” is broken, but because it was broken by smart Black women doing math and #BlackWomenMagic on the screen and because I was able to sit in a theater, watching a boy struggle to find his way and his voice and I realized that my living isn’t in vain and that little boy who becomes a man before our very eyes might just get to walk in the moonlight holding the hand of someone who isn’t afraid or ashamed to love him and the soundtrack isn’t the angst and heartbreak of “Lemonade” that got her through the pain, but the “Champagne” soundtrack that somebody felt inspired to finally create because they saw themselves in all of these characters and heard their stories in all the music and decided that they had finally and fully paid the cost to be free.

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FASHION

Macy’s Launches YYigal, An Exclusive Limited-Time Collection

By Style Magazine Newswire

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he new line of architecturally feminine blouses, dresses and jackets is available now at 149 Macy’s stores and on macys.com

Macy’s announced the release of an exclusive, new collection by famed designer Yigal Azrouel. YYIGAL, an architecturally-influenced, limited-edition line, embodies the sophisticated and feminine spirit of the Yigal Azrouel brand through signature tops, blouses, faux-leather motorcycle jackets, intricate dresses and a statement jumpsuit. YYIGAL is available at 149 Macy’s stores and on macys.com today.

“YYigal represents the effortless style, cool confidence and modern sophistication that is at the core of my brand,” said Yigal Azrouel.

“From the intricate lace detailing and architectural silhouettes, to the delicate draping that has become signature to my design; each piece was created to stand out and make the wearer feel empowered.

This is my first collaboration with Macy’s, and they’ve been an incredible partner in helping bring my point-of-view to their customers.”

The dynamic line taps into the core aesthetic of Yigal Azrouel’s design DNA—as it combines delicate draping with expert construction, resulting in a collection that

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is fresh and modern, but also exudes the timelessness inherent in high style. Vivid prints are rendered in a refined color palette of black, white and blush, and lace embellishments, inserts and bodices are new and edgy interpretations of the traditionally hyper-romantic and feminine fabric.

“Yigal Azrouel is an iconic New York designer known for his impeccable attention to detail and designs that make women look and feel amazing,” said Cassandra Jones, senior vice president of Macy’s Fashion.

“He is a master at drawing inspiration from his various interests in travel, architecture, and of course, New York City, and creating breathtaking clothing that speaks to the modern woman.

We’re bringing this seasoned, fashion-first practical approach to every day dressing to the Macy’s customer in a new way through this collection, and she’s going to love it.”

The pieces are reflective of Azrouel’s New York roots and global vision, and thoroughly embody today’s woman and her life.

day-to-night dressing. The effortlessly cool collection projects confidence, style and an ultra-chic urbane flare.

The exclusive, limited-edition collection retails between $69 and $199, and is available in 149 Macy’s stores and on macys.com.

The clothing is bold and powerful, yet sophisticated and continental, and clean silhouettes make for easy wearing,

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HEALTH

Breathing Exercises for Asthma Relief & Stronger Lungs

By BlackDoctor.org

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edical professionals are big on encouraging exercise as a way to improve heart function while also strengthening muscles for overall health. So why wouldn’t similar exercises apply to people living with asthma?

There are breathing exercises that, like aerobic exercises, can strengthen the lungs to relieve asthma symptoms or, in some cases, even prevent the recurrence of asthma attacks.

According to the American Lung Association, the lung of an asthma patient loses springiness over time. Therefore, their lungs aren’t capable of returning to its original wide position, which causes air to get trapped in the lungs.

As that stale air builds up, there’s less room for fresh oxygen to enter the lung. Thus, oxygen levels get lower and lower and lead to the wheezing and puffing associated with asthma.

To make up for the lessened functionality of the lungs through asthma, the body uses other muscles for breathing – such as your neck, back and chest. This, however, doesn’t assist with breathing; it only adds more stress to your body, which is not good for people living with asthma.

With the following breathing exercises, asthma patients can strengthen their lungs and, thus, improve their breathing. With enough practice and retraining of the lungs, it’s possible that these exercises can also reduce the risk of an asthma attack.

Pursed-Lip Breathing

During this exercise, the number of breaths you take is reduced which causes your airways to remain open longer, insuring more airflow in and out of the lungs.

With a pursed lip, breathe into your nose and breathe out at least twice through your mouth.

Belly Breathing

This exercise requires you to pay close attention to your belly and how it fills up with air. Breathe into your nose and breathe out through you mouth at least two times.

Make sure that each exhale is as long as your inhale.

While doing this exercise, it’s good practice to relax your neck and shoulders. This helps with training your diaphragm to do most of the work while breathing, which builds up the strength to fill and empty your lungs.

If you begin to feel dizzy while practicing any of these exercises, stop immediately. Your body may not be used to breathing in these ways, or taking in so much air during inhaling, so take the time to rest in between repetitions.

Once you feel better, try again. If the dizziness continues, you should contact your physician for help.

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ENTERTAINMENT Sevyn Streeter Talks Girl Disrupted with Houston Style Magazine

By Keandra Scott, Feature Writer

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evyn Streeter recently touched down in Houston for her Girl Disrupted tour as she several other cities in anticipation for her debut album drop this spring.

When it comes to creating hits, Sevyn is definitely not a newbie to music entertainment.

From her earlier career touring and performing with TG4 and Rich Girl to writing for popular artists like Alicia Keys and Chris Brown, fans can expect a really solid project.

The project has features from Gucci (“Prolly”), The Dream “D4L”) and hot coincided visuals to tell her story.

We got a chance to speak with Sevyn Streeter in an exclusive interview about Girl Disrupted. Check it out.

Ke’Ke: What does Girl Disrupted mean?

Sevyn: It’s what happened to me... the girl in me became disrupted! This album forced me to stare at myself in the mirror and become a better version of myself. Each song represents a change I made within myself.

Ke’Ke: Reflecting back to Warehouse live-Houston in 2013 on the ‘Rebellious Soul’ tour with K. Michelle, there was a feministic energy in the building that spoke loud and proud. Many messages were spoken through your lyrics. Surrounding recent events with the Women’s March on Washington and inauguration of our 45th president, what is your standpoint on women rights?

Sevyn: I’m all for women supporting women! Today, it is extremely important that woman’s are preserved & protected! I’ve never been more proud to be a woman than I am right now!

Ke’Ke: Each song from the album gets a compelling visual, what are your hopes for your fans by using this concept?

Sevyn: I loved the idea of doing visuals for each record I put out, simply because I just wanted to give my fans more! They deserve it! They’ve been patiently waiting for an album, so finding a cool way to present new records was imperative for me.

Ke’Ke: Let’s talk “Before I Do” (a single definitely showcasing your melodic vocals) what/who was your inspiration and the creative process behind this track?

Sevyn: Before I do was definitely inspired by Aaliyah! It’s my ode to her! It also has an Isley brothers sample in it, the kind of record you could drive to all day!

Ke’Ke: Where is your favorite place to go when you are getting into your creative/songwriting zone?

Sevyn: For me there’s only one place to go, the studio. It’s my therapy, my place is solace! Where I go to clear my head & live outside the box!

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Sevyn: Like any other craft, you just have to keep at it.

You won’t love every song & that’s ok. I just continued to write & the records got better & better! You can’t give up on yourself; you have to trust the process!

Ke’Ke: Will there be other performers or surprise guests joining you on the tour?

Sevyn: You never know who may hop on the Girl Disrupted stage! You just have to get your tickets & come ready to have a great time!!!

For more tour, music and video information visit: http://www.sevynstreeter.com/

LEGENDARY PICTURES AND UNIVERSAL PICTURES PRESENT A LEGENDARY PICTURES/ATLAS ENTERTAINMENT PRODUCTION A FILM BY ZHANG YIMOU MATT DAMON CO“THE GREAT WALL” JING TIAN PEDRO PASCAL WILLEM DAFOE AND ANDY LAU MUSICBY RAMIN DJAWADI PRODUCERS ERIC HEDAYAT ER YONG ALEX HEDLUND PRODUCTION DIRECTORS OF VISUAL EFFECTS COSTUME SUPERVISOR PHIL BRENNAN DESIGNER MAYES C. RUBEO EDITORS MARY JO MARKEY ACE CRAIG WOOD ACE DESIGNER JOHN MYHRE PHOTOGRAPHY STUART DRYBURGH ASC EXECUTIVE ZHAO PRODUCEDBY THOMAS TULL p.g.a. CHARLES ROVEN p.g.a.

ZHAO XIAODING PRODUCERS JILLIANSTORYSHARE ALEX GARTNER E. BENNETT WALSH LA PEIKANG ZHANGSCREENPLAY JON JASHNI p.g.a. PETER LOEHR p.g.a. BY MAX BROOKS AND EDWARD ZWICK & MARSHALL HERSKOVITZ DIRECTED

BY CARLO BERNARD & DOUG MIRO AND TONY GILROY

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Ke’Ke: How did you evolve into a successful singer-songwriter? What keeps you going?

BOOKS “Never Caught”

by Erica Armstrong Dunbar

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un, run, run. Some days, it feels like that’s all you do. Run the kids to school, dash to work, rush with errands, and run yourself ragged before bed. You’re always on the go, always moving, and in the new book “Never Caught” by Erica Armstrong Dunbar, your breath isn’t the only thing to catch.

Twenty-one-year-old Mulatto Betty must’ve breathed a sigh of relief. When Martha Custis married George Washington, slaves were shuffled as the mistress moved to Mount Vernon; miraculously and notably, Betty moved and was allowed to keep her baby son with her. She was pregnant, too, by a white man with an “indenture agreement” and an eye for opportunity; their eldest daughter was born in mid-1773, and given the unusual name of Ona Maria.

At age ten, “Oney” Judge was brought inside the Washington household, in service to Martha Washington. There, the illiterate girl learned to care for Martha’s clothing, to bathe the mistress, tend her grandchildren, and soothe anxieties – one of which was that Martha’s husband had been asked to be the nation’s first president, a post that Martha Washington wasn’t keen on – and neither was Judge.

But, of course, Washington did take the position, which meant a household move from Virginia to Manhattan (the site of the first Executive Mansion) for the family and a handful of slaves, including Judge. It’s there, says Dunbar, where Judge most certainly tasted freedom through rare autonomy.

She was undoubtedly unhappy, therefore – but couldn’t speak her mind – when the Executive Mansion was relocated to Philadelphia in 1790. But there was a twist, for Judge and for the Washingtons: laws in Pennsylvania mandated freedom for any slave living in the state for six continuous months, meaning that the Washingtons would shuttle their slaves between Philadelphia and Virginia, to “reset” their status. Judge surely knew what was going on, but when she learned that she would be permanently gifted as a wedding present to Martha’s moody granddaughter, she could stand things no longer.

And so, as the Washingtons dined on a Saturday evening in May, 1796, Oney Judge slipped out the door and ran…

It’s been a long time since I’ve read a thriller as heart-pounding as the one I found in this book. The difference is that “Never Caught” is all true. But Judge’s astounding, audacious story isn’t the onlything author Erica Armstrong Dunbar brings to vivid life: she also sets the tone by explaining the times in which Judge lived, and what life was like for slaves and whites alike. Thanks to Dunbar, it’s easy to feel the busyness of Manhattan, to absorb the fear Judge surely felt, and to picture the elegant drawing rooms of the Washington home. On that note, we learn some not-so-savory things about George Washington, which makes the meat of this story an even bigger reason for gleefulness.

Now you have to find out what happened. If you love biographies, history, stories about remarkable women, or really exciting thrillers, “Never Caught” you need to read this book. Run for it. relatable, juicy, and inspiring; it’s a hood story, it’s a love story, it’s a story of hope, strength, and tenacity.”

The book’s main character is in love with her mother and wants to redeem her family and be the one who makes it. The character also deals with various struggles and overcomes insecurities throughout the novel.

“My mother never sat down and talked to me about self-esteem, or how to be beautiful, or how to conduct myself around men,” Shelton said. “It’s a great piece for people that are looking to build self-esteem.”

Author Rahkal Shelton Paves the Way for Impoverished Youth with “Dreams Bigger Than Texas”

By Destany Rainey, Feature Writer

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ahkal Shelton, author of the recently released novel, “Dreams Bigger Than Texas”, knew her journey to success was rough and all-too-common. Born to a drug- addicted mother in South Side, Chicago, Shelton refused to be complacent with the harsh realities of her upbringing. She learned that there was more to life than getting her GED and entering the workforce. Shelton grew into her calling, and realized that part of her life’s purpose was to offer a realistic guide to success for impoverished youth following her path.

Nine years in the making, “Dreams Bigger Than Texas” is an autobiographical view into Shelton’s life, and was written with the sole purpose…to inspire. “It’s an incredible story about a young woman coming of age, overcoming adversity, her strive toward success, purpose, faith and growth into womanhood,” Shelton said. “It’s revealing,

Shelton graduated from Texas Southern University with a journalism degree in radio, television, and film in 2007. A large part of her growing into adulthood took place here, shown in her novel.

Shelton began writing her book right before graduation, as she reflected on the emotions that came along with being a first generation college graduate.

“I just wanted share my story to encourage someone and let them know that your past doesn’t have to depict your future. You can be more, you can dream bigger,” she said.

While attending TSU, Shelton received a three year scholarship from KTSU. She also received a Tavis Smiley scholarship, which earned her an internship in Los Angeles.

“TSU saved and changed my life,” Shelton said. “It built my confidence, I gained independence, and I also gained my passion for people and mentorship and also honed my media skills.” Shelton put her book on hold a few times after graduation as she pursued her career, but picked it back up in 2009 after finding her purpose as a mentor tutoring underprivileged high school students in South

Share this story online at www.stylemagazine.com. c.2017, Atria $26.00 / $35.00 Canada 254 pages Side, Chicago. There, Shelton met youth from underprivileged backgrounds that she was able to share her story with. “I was able to identify with the youth effortlessly, so I’ve been mentoring ever since.” A major football and basketball fan, Shelton originally wanted to be a sports reporter. “I really thought I was going to be the next Pam Oliver,” she joked.

Shelton was the lead sports reporter at KTSU, and also hosted for TSU’s football and basketball teams. She later ran an award-winning high school sports show in Chicago for three years, and relocated to Atlanta to work in marketing for Clear Channel communications.

She then moved into her current role at CNN’s Atlanta headquarters, where she works in technical operations.

Shelton also worked technical operations at NBA TV for three years, but left in 2016 to pursue her book full-time.

Shelton’s successes are a demonstration of what remaining focused on one’s dreams can manifest.

“I truly believe our lives are not about us, it’s about being a light to other people,” she said. “What you’re created to do just trickles down to others. Other people can benefit from you being your unique self.”

Shelton says if someone wants to be successful, mentorship is key. “Get a mentor that is 10-12 years older than you to help you navigate,” she said. “Seek information, be thirsty, hungry, and ambitious because only you can get those opportunities, you have to desire them.”

“Dreams bigger than Texas” is available on amazon.com and dreamsbiggerthantexas.com.

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EAT WITH STYLE

Local Food Trucks Rule at Annual Home and Garden Show

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By Yolanda Pope, Culinary Writer

or the past seven years, the Sugar Land Home and Garden Show has grown into a major event in the Houston Metropolitan Area. Once a year, many residents converge on the grounds of The Stafford Centre to take advantage of the Home Improvement seminars, demonstrations, and gardening displays.

Each year, the crowds have gotten larger, the variety of home services have increased along with the local food vendors that appear to showcase their talents.

While this year’s event featured an array of Home Window treatment companies, builders, and security monitoring firms; one of the main attractions was an internationally known gardener by the name of Pearl Fryar.

He is recognized all over the world for his topiary garden located in Bishopville, South Carolina.

In fact, Mr. Fryar’s home is a major tourist attraction, and is documented in a film called “A Man Named Pearl.”

During his visit to The Home and Garden Show, he displayed his topiary cutting techniques by giving a brief demonstration to the audience.

Moreover, Fryar shared a few of his gardening secrets as well as his wisdom on creating a rewarding and fulfilling life. He emphasized the importance of reaching out to the students who are under-performing in our schools.

“Those are the individuals who need the most help.” Fryar practices what he preaches by giving out scholarships to “C” students. After many demos, the next order of business was the food; and this writer was not disappointed.

St. John’s Fire Food Truck was my first stop where I visited briefly with Chef Joel St. John who is the owner and Head Cook who was trained at home at an early age.

I started with the “Tortilla Crusted Fish Tacos” with Mango Jalapeno glaze, and finished with an order of “Tex-Mex Fries”.

The tacos were crunchy, light, and seasoned perfectly; the heat was subtle and did not bury the flavor the fish which had a sweet brine flavor. The hand-cut fries had cheese, jalapenos, sour cream, and cilantro. The potatoes were golden brown, crunchy, cooked, and seasoned perfectly.

After a savory meal, my eyes landed on “Cupcake and a Smile” who was almost sold out for the evening. I demolished a “Wedding Cake” dessert, which is a vanilla and almond flavored cupcake that has a light almond frosting. This was the right sized portion, the cake was light, moist and slightly sweet; the almond flavor finished smooth on the palate without lingering.

Thanks for reading, and to learn more about Pearl Fryar visit his website: www.PearlFryar.com; to find St. John’s Fire’s Food Truck, visit: www.stjohnsfire.net, and Cupcake and Smile’s web is: www.cupcakeandasmile.com.

As always, please continue to follow Team Style Magazine on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

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COMMUNITY Houston Black Real Estate Association Installation, Awards, and Scholarship Gala

By Style Magazine Newswire

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he Houston Black Real Estate Association (HBREA) held its 68th Installation, Awards, and Scholarship Gala in January at The Power Center. The Gala consisted of the installation of Kimberley Barnes-Henson as the 2017-2018 President and incoming officers; a Key Note Address by Roland Martin (host and managing editor of TV One’s News One Now daily morning show, journalist and author); scholarship presentations; and an awards ceremony. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner was the Honorary Chair and spoke about the state of homeownership in the Houston area. Isaiah Carey from Houston’s Fox 26 news was the host for the evening. President Kimberley Barnes-Henson revealed her vision for the organization.

Her vision incudes (1) Implementation of a nation-wide Initiative: Over two-million new homeowners in the next 5 years- This includes 4,500 new homeowners in the Houston Area per year (22,500 for Houston over 5 years).

There are 93 chapters nation-wide and if they all did their equal share we would have 2,092,509 new homeowners by the year 2022.

(2) Increasing membership for the organization to 500 or more; and (3) Building a legacy of wealth. Roland Martin exhorted the attendees about the “March to Economic Freedom: Preserving wealth as Black-Americans”. This involves rebuilding black wealth through: increasing black businesses, increasing home ownership, managing and protecting your income and savings.

“African American homeownership is at an all-time low. The National Association of Real Estate Brokers has started an initiative to get 2 million new African-American homeowners over the next 5 years.”

HBREA President - Kim Barnes- Henson.

Our goal for the event was to bring together individuals not only to celebrate, but also to educate and inform about our purposes and philanthropy. Additionally, this event served as a fundraiser to support our various community initiatives that educate and help current and potential homeowners in the Houston region.

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2017

THE HOBBY CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING AR HOUSTON,TX

DBDT’s Relentless Excellence Photography by Vicky Pink

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2017

ith Relentless Excellence, the Dallas Black Dance Theatre has been bridging cultures and communities through contemporary dance and educational programs for the last 40 years. They brought the Energizing Tribute to Black History performance to Houston especially for audiences to celebrate Black History. Before the performance a short program was held with the Texas Brass Ensemble, U.S. Marine Corps JROTC, Cadet Solangy D. Betancourt Torres, Cadet First Sergeant Rudy Batz, Paula McCann Harris, Roger Harris, Council Member Jerry Davis, Kevin Nain Argueta, and Tobius Errol-Dewayne Winfree, II.

Houston Super Bowl Mural Photography by Vicky Pink

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uper Bowl LI may be over however, the Houston Super Bowl Host Committee is still at work and Houston is still reaping the benefits. The landscape of our city is becoming more beautiful by highlighting the arts in four public art murals in collaboration with local influencers including Council Member Amanda Edwards, Ashley Turner (First Daughter) and award-winning artist Reginald C. Adams. The last of the four murals entitled “Heart of a Champion” was recently unveiled. The theme of the mural speaks to the spirit of athletics and features stellar athletes from the greater Houston area. Thirty children and ten adults were participants in the project design and the community selected the athletes included in the mural by casting their opinions via social media. Some in attendance were Zina Garrison and Carl Davis.

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THE SIGNATURE KAFE HOUSTON, TEXAS

2017

ALLEY THEATRE HOUSTON, TEXAS

T. McMillanGowns Book Signing

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Photography by Vicky Pink

2017

he Houston Public Library Foundation in partnership with the Alley Theatre hosted author Terry McMillan for a book signing and presentation. As part of the Houston Public Library Quarterly highlighting notable books each season, McMillan promoted her latest novel, “I Almost Forgot About You.” It is a bold, inspiring story of second chances and next chapters. Her lead character, Dr. Georgia Young, makes some major life changes and ends up on a journey that may or may not include a second chance at love. Deborah Duncan interviewed the author before she signed copies of her book at a meet and greet.

Some at the signing were Dr. Rhea Lawson, Melanie Lawson, Rhonda Williams, Michelle Floyd, Brenda Davis, Andrea Bonner, Jay Mack, and Sharon Owens.

BLUE BOX THEATER HOUSTON, TEXAS

The Mary Griffin Experience

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Photography by Vicky Pink

t was a night for lovers as Mary Griffin serenaded couples at the Mary Griffin Experience Valentine’s Dinner Show. Complete with a full band, Griffin set the mood for a night of love with special guests Christie Campbell. All over the room couples could be seen cozying up to each other as enjoy the melodic sounds of Griffin and delectable Pappas catered 4-course “New Orleans Style” buffet dinner. During the night, a vacation to Mexico with Fiesta Americana was raffled off to benefit the Orlando Griffin Surgery Fund.

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