Houston Style Magazine Vol 31 No 05

Houston Style Magazine January 28 – February 03, 2021

Houston’s Premiere Weekly Publication, Since 1989 -

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Volume 32 | Number 05

Queen Sugar Season 5 • February 5th H

Complimentary

Jesse Jackson Our System Is Rigged So That The Minority Party Can Rule

Dr. Judith Craven

Carol Mims Galloway

Sue Johnson

Dr. LaShondra Jones

Amanda Gorman

Houston Style Profiles The Brilliant Poet Laureate Princess

Dr. Beverly Nolan

Commissioner Grady Prestage

Dr. Vernus Swisher

Dr. Antonio D. Tillis

2021 COMCAST MAYOR’S HISTORY MAKERS AWARDS CORONAVIRUS – US NUMBERS: Cases: 25,186,773 Deaths: 440,063

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Norman Mitchell Bee Busy Wellness Receives $183K FCC Grant To Strengthen Outreach

Houston Blueprint For Adult Literacy Harriet Tubman $20 Bill Back On Track STYLE HAUTE SHOTS

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

Week of January 25, 2021 1. Villa Serena Communities 100 Glenborough Dr, 77067 Drive-thru | Nose self swab -January 26-30: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

No appointment required.

2. Assumption Catholic Church 901 Roselane St, 77037 Drive-thru | Nose self swab -January 26-30: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

No appointment required.

3. HCC - North Forest 6010 Little York Rd, 77016 Drive-thru | Nose self swab -Monday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Appointment not required but available via doineedacovid19test.com.

4. United Memorial Medical Center 510 W Tidwell Rd, 77091 Drive-thru | Healthcare nasal swab -Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

No appointment required.

5. METRO Addicks Park & Ride 14230 Katy Fwy, 77079 Drive-thru | Nose self-swab -Wed, Fri, Sat: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

-Tues, Thurs: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Call 832-393-4220 for access code.

6. HCC - Northeast 555 Community College Dr, 77013 Drive-thru | Mouth self swab Appointment not required available via docshealthtesting.com.

7. Memorial Park Running Trails Ctr 7575 N. Picnic Lane, 77007 Walk-up | Mouth self swab -Daily: 8 a.m.—5 p.m.

Appt. required via curative.com.

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January 28 – February 03, 2021

8. Minute Maid Park, Lot C 2208 Preston St. Drive-thru/walk up Mouth self-swab -Saturday-Wed: 8 a.m.—4 p.m.

-Thursday-Friday: 12 p.m.—8 p.m.

Appointment not required but available via curative.com.

9. LeRoy Crump Stadium 12321 Alief Clodine Rd, 77082 Drive-thru | Healthcare nasal swab -Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Appt. not required but available via texas.spartancovidtesting.com.

10. PlazAmericas 7500 Bellaire Blvd, 77036 Drive-thru | Healthcare nasal swab -Monday-Friday 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

No appointment required.

11. Southwest Multi-Service Center 6400 High Star Dr, 77074 Drive-thru | Nose self-swab -Monday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Appointment not required but available via doineedacovid19test.com.

14. Johnson Neighborhood Library 3517 Reed Rd, 77051 Drive-thru/walk up | Nose self swab -January 26-30: 9 a.m.—4:30 p.m.

No appointment required.

15. HCC - South 1990 Airport Blvd, 77051 Drive-thru | Healthcare nasal swab -Monday-Saturday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

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

16. Multicultural Center 951 Tristar Dr, Webster, 77598 Drive-thru | Nose self-swab -Tuesday-Saturday: 8 a.m.–3 p.m.

Call 832-393-4220 for access code.

12. Hou. Comm. College-Southeast 6815 Rustic, St., 77087 Drive-thru | Healthcare nasal swab -Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.

No appointment required.

13. Aramco Services Company 9009 West Loop South, 77096 Drive-thru | Nose self-swab -Wed, Fri, Sat: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

-Tues, Thurs: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Call 832-393-4220 for access code.

Rev: 01/22/21 1:20 p.m.

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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

NATIONAL WRITERS

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

PHOTOGRAPHERS Vicky Pink vhpink@gmail.com

#MASK UP!

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

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©2021 Houston Style Magazine, a Minority Print Media, L.L.C. Company. All Right Reserved. Reproduction in whole or within part without permission is prohibited. Houston Style Magazine has a 2019 Audit by Circulation Verification Council (CVC). Houston Style Magazine is a member of the Texas Publishers Association (TPA), Texas Community Newspaper Association (TCNA), National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), Independent Free Paper of America (IFPA), Association of Free Community Papers (AFCP) and Members of Greater Houston Partnership(GHP). National Association of Hispanic Publications, Inc. (NAHP, Inc.), Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (HHCC), League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Latin Women’s Initiative (LWI), National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), Houston Association of Hispanic Media Professionals (HAHMP), National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ), and Supporters of Greater Houston Partnership(GHP)

President – Joe Biden H V.P. – Kamala Harris

FIRST WEEK

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January 28 – February 03, 2021

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COMMENTARY

Our System Is Rigged So That The Minority Can Rule

By Jesse Jackson, National Political Writer

he majority does not rule in the United States. The foundation of any democracy -- one person, one vote -- is mocked by institutionalized impediments that allow the minority to win even when they lose at the ballot box. In this era, even when Democrats win, they lose. And the will of the majority of the people is frustrated by a system rigged to empower the minority.

Consider: Democratic candidates have won the popular vote in seven of the last eight presidential elections but have become president only five times. Trump became president four years ago despite losing the popular vote by nearly 3 million votes. Presidents who lost the majority of the votes have nominated five of the nine Supreme Court justices. The reason, of course, is the Electoral College, which tallies votes by state, not by voter. This institution is a legacy of slavery, designed by the Founders to ensure that the less populated slave states would be able to balance the free states that had nearly three times the population.

In frustrating the popular vote, the Electoral College puts the democracy at risk. Because of the Electoral College, Trump’s margin of defeat wasn’t 7 million across the nation, but about 65,000 votes in three states and the 2nd District of Nebraska. That helped empower him to mislead millions by claiming the election was stolen, despite Biden’s landslide popular vote victory.

But that’s not all. In the Senate, Democrats and Republicans each have 50 senators (with Vice President Kamala Harris the tie-breaking vote).

The 50 Democratic senators represent 41 million more voters than the 50 Republican senators. That’s because the Constitution allocates two senators per

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state. Smaller, more rural states with few people, like Wyoming or Idaho, have as many senators as large populous states like California and New York. To add insult to that injury, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, which have more voters than several states, are denied statehood with no final vote on any legislation as delegates.

That means, among other things that three Supreme Court justices -- Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh, and Amy Coney Barrett -- were all nominated by a president who lost the popular vote and confirmed by a bloc of senators who represent less than half of the country.

But that’s not all. In the House, Democrats have a small majority. But to win a majority, it is estimated that they must win 6 percent to 7 percent more votes than Republicans across the country, because Republican gerrymandering -- drawing districts to pack Democratic voters in a few districts (usually disproportionately people of color) while giving Republicans an edge in many -- has rigged the system against the party that represents the majority.

And worse, Supreme Court judges nominated by minority presidents have ruled that the federal courts will do nothing to protect against grotesquely distorted gerrymandering.

But that’s not all. The rightwing Supreme Court majority has ruled that money is speech and that corporations are citizens, so their ability to throw money into elections cannot be limited. The result, not surprisingly, is that American elections get more and more costly and big money and entrenched interests grow more and more powerful. I don’t believe that money is speech or corporations are people, but

January 28 – February 03, 2021

Former VP Mike Pence, center, walks back from the House Chamber there is no question that when corporate big money talks, politicians listen.

The fix is in -- and the results are ruinous. Today, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell is refusing to agree to rules to govern the Senate unless Democrats agree to sustain the filibuster. The filibuster -- the requirement that virtually any legislation receive not a majority of the vote but a supermajority of 60 votes -- is the instrument McConnell used to obstruct virtually everything President Obama sought to do, with the stated purpose of making him a one-term president. The result is a Senate that is frozen in the midst of cumulating crises. Even Joe Biden’s pandemic emergency rescue package is stalled. America becomes more and more dysfunctional as it becomes less and less democratic.

The Democratic majority in the House has passed legislation -- HR 1 in the last session of Congress -- that would remedy some of these inequities -- leaving redistricting to nonpartisan commissions, limiting the role of big money, forcing transparency in corpo-

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rate and individual funding and more.

The 51-vote majority in the new Senate wants this to be its first act. But, of course, if the filibuster is sustained the minority will block even these commonsense reforms.

The sacking of the Capitol sent a message around the world that America’s democracy is literally under siege. The reality is worse: our system is rigged so that the minority can rule.

The disconnect -- the frustration of the will of the majority -- is a clear and present danger.

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

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January 28 – February 03, 2021

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1/13/21 12:43 AM

Trustees Name Robert Glaser As New HCC Board Chair By www.StyleMagazine.com – Newswire

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he Houston Community College Board of Trustees has elected Trustee Robert Glaser as its chair for 2021.

The board also elected Dr. Reagan Flowers as vice chair and Dr. Cynthia Lenton-Gary as secretary.

“I want to thank my fellow trustees for giving me their support and having confidence in me to lead this board in the upcoming year,” said Glaser, who represents District V. “With your support, we will continue our work, together to increase student

success, promote diversity and equity, develop personalized learning, maintain academic rigor, expand community investment in our institution, and strive in making HCC the college of choice for all potential students in our service area.”

Flowers, who represents District IV, said the board and administration continue to position HCC as a vital educational resource to respond to current needs. “This is especially crucial in a time when so many people have been displaced by the COVID-19

pandemic,” she said. “Community Colleges like HCC have the responsibility to empower our constituents by offering innovative and affordable programs that position our students to respond to future industry demands.”

Lenton-Gary, who represents District VII, said HCC offers students more flexibility than ever before on when, where and how to attend classes.

“There has never been a better time to enroll,” she said. “Our passionate and dedicated faculty are here to support students in achieving their educational goals.”

HCC Chancellor Cesar Maldonado extended his congratulations to the newly elected board members.

White House Recommits To Getting Harriet Tubman On $20 Bill, After Trump Delay

By Donald Judd and Maegan Vazquez, www.CNN.com / www.StyleMagazine.com

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he Biden administration says it is “exploring ways to speed up” release of $20 bills featuring abolitionist Harriet Tubman after the Trump administration delayed the move first initiated by President Barack Obama.

“It’s important that our notes, our money -- if people don’t know what a note is -- reflect the history and diversity of our country, and Harriet Tubman’s image gracing the new $20 note would certainly reflect that,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki told reporters Monday.

A spokesperson for the Treasury Department confirmed to CNN that the agency is “exploring ways to resume” putting Tubman on the bill.

There are production factors that will need to be considered in order for the bill to be released before 2028 -when the Trump administration estimated the new note would be unveiled. For example, the Tubman bill will need to produced in a new, high-speed printing facility, which is currently scheduled to begin printing in 2025.

Tubman, the once-enslaved African-American woman who guided dozens enslaved people to their freedom through the Underground Railroad in the 1800s, would replace

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President Andrew Jackson on the $20 bill.

Tubman, born in Maryland, escaped the plantation where she was enslaved and went to Pennsylvania in 1849. Over the following decade, she made more than a dozen trips to Maryland to free enslaved persons, according to the National Parks Service.

During the Civil War, Tubman served as a US Army spy, scout, nurse and cook. And in her later years, Tubman was involved in the women’s suffrage movement.

January 28 – February 03, 2021

While campaigning in 2016, President Donald Trump called the decision to redesign the $20 with Tubman’s image front and center “pure political correctness.” He suggested at the time that Tubman be put on the $2 bill, which wasn’t being printed at the time, instead.

And throughout his presidency, Trump expressed appreciation for Jackson, visiting his grave, tweeting about Jackson, “We honor your memory. We build on your legacy” and displaying Jackson portraits in the Oval Office.

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Robert Glaser – Houston Community College Board Chair “I am looking forward to the opportunity to work with the board’s executive committee as we continue our progress toward education that drives student success,” he said.

www.HCC.org Different groups have criticized the glorification of Jackson’s legacy -- specifically for owning slaves, his record on racial issues and his decision to sign legislation that ultimately led to the deadly “Trail of Tears.” That legislation forced tens of thousands of Cherokees out of Georgia and moved to what’s now Oklahoma.

In a 2018 interview at the Economic Club of Washington, Trump Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin dodged when asked about progress with regard to the new bill, saying, “We haven’t made any decisions as to whether we’ll change the bill, or won’t change the bill.”

Mnuchin later said the bill wouldn’t be unveiled until 2028 because of “technical issues.” But The New York Times reported in 2019 that in fact the “basic design already on paper most likely could have satisfied the goal of unveiling” the redesigned note by 2020.

The paper said it obtained an image of the new note from a former department official, which “depicts Tubman in a dark coat with a wide collar and a white scarf.”

According to the paper, the design “was completed in late 2016.”

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This shouldn’t be how we say hello...or goodbye.

It’s our reality right now. But it won’t be if we do what it takes to beat COVID-19. Vaccines are coming, but until enough of us are vaccinated, we all still need to wear our masks, stay at least six feet from others, and avoid indoor social gatherings. The more we slow the spread, the faster we’ll return to normal hellos … and fewer goodbyes.

Learn more about vaccines and slowing the spread at cdc.gov/coronavirus

Brought to you by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

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January 28 – February 03, 2021

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his week, the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy (MOAL) and the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation (Foundation) announced a joint initiative to increase adult literacy rates and ensure more Houstonians have an equal opportunity to participate fully in our society and the workforce.

Underwritten by the Foundation, with the enågagement of Deloitte Consulting, LLP and support of EOG Resources, Greater Houston Community Foundation, and Phillips 66, the Houston Blueprint for Adult Literacy will delineate a first time strategic and coordinated city-wide plan to ensure that more adults in our community receive a second chance in life through the development of strong basic, language, and digital literacy skills, as well as essential workforce skills.

“With one in three Houstonians functionally illiterate, the combined efforts of the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy and the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation are essential to achieve transformational change in the lives of adults who cannot read,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “This public-private partnership will strengthen the capacity of our adult literacy provider network and our engagement with our city’s functionally illiterate, empowering these citizens to contribute to their community, their families, and their livelihood.”

“More than 30 years ago my late mother, Barbara Bush, began championing adult literacy across our nation, because she firmly believed that every illiterate adult deserves and second chance to live the American Dream and reach their fullest potential in life,” said Neil Bush, Founder and Co-Chair of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation.

“Maria and I, along with the rest of the Foundation’s Board of Directors, are pleased make this important investment and work alongside Mayor Turner, the staff of the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy, the Houston Public Library, and the multitude of community-based literacy organizations in our city to forever change the lives of so many adults who are currently living in the shadows and unable to fully participate in our society and global economy.”

“This is the time for the public and private sectors to come together to reimagine our efforts to address the literacy challenges of the 21st century,” said Federico Salas-Isnardi, Director of MOAL. “The pandemic has forced us to rethink the way we do business, but we are strong. Houston is the only major city in the country where the Mayor’s Office includes an Office for Adult Literacy; with that level of support, coupled with the Houston Adult Literacy Blueprint, literacy providers will be better positioned to implement creative solutions using digital technology to prepare adults for a better future.”

Literacy affects nearly every aspect of life.

Yet, one in three adults in Harris County are functionally illiterate and more than 130 million adults in the United States read below a commensurate fourth grade level, according to the most recent results from the Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) administered by the Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development.

The development of Houston’s Blueprint for

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January 28 – February 03, 2021

The Houston Blueprint For Adult Literacy

Will Provide Data, Strategies And Community Action Tactics To Equip Adults With Tools and Skills

By Chandelis Duster, www.CNN.com / www.StyleMagazine.com

(Left to right) Neil Bush, Founder & Co-Chair of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, Cat Tramuto, Manager of Deloitte, Federico Salas-Isnardi, Director of the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Dr. Rhea Brown Lawson, Director of Houston Public Library and Dr. Julie Baker Finck, Director of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation.

Adult Literacy will take place over a three-month period and will involve data and research analysis and a series of focus groups and interviews with cross-sector leaders – business, nonprofit, government, philanthropic and education. It will also build upon the special report, called Houston’s Literacy Crisis: A Blueprint for Community Action, released by the Foundation in 2014 and expand focus to include digital literacy and integrated workforce skills.

About the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy (MOAL) On September 17, 2019, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner officially launched the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy (MOAL.) The MOAL will focus on enhancing adult literacy advocacy and awareness and its impact on our economy, communities, families and individuals. For more information about the Mayor’s Office for Adult Literacy, visit www.houstontx.gov/ adultliteracy. You can also connect with the MOAL team emailing at AdultLiteracy@Houstontx.gov, or via Facebook at www.facebook.com/HoustonAdultLiteracy, Twitter: @adultliteracyh1, and Instagram: @HouAdultLiteracy.

About the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation The Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation is a charitable organization formed by Neil and

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Maria Bush to carry forth First Lady Barbara Bush’s legacy in the literacy cause and to focus deeply on breaking the intergenerational cycle of low literacy in the Bush family’s hometown. Founded on Mrs. Bush’s belief, “If you help a person to read, then their opportunities in life will be endless,” the Barbara Bush Foundation’s mission is to improve lives through the power of literacy – the ability to read, write, speak clearly and think critically. For more information, visit www.bushhoustonliteracy.org or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/bushhoustonliteracy on Twitter @bushhoustonlit and on Instagram @ bushhoustonlit.

About the Houston Public Library The Houston Public Library (HPL) operates 37 neighborhood libraries, three HPL Express Libraries, a Central Library, the Houston Metropolitan Research Center, the Clayton Library Center for Genealogical Research, The African American Library at the Gregory School, and the Parent Resource Library located in the Children’s Museum of Houston.

For more information, call the Houston Public Library at 832-393-1313 or visit:

www.HoustonLibrary.org

‘Essential’ takes on a whole new meaning with COVID-19.

I’m an essential worker because everyone needs food. You know what’s essential for me? Not getting COVID-19. Vaccines are coming. But until enough of us are vaccinated, we’ll still need to mask up to slow the spread.

That’s why there’s a smile behind mine when I see you wearing one.

Learn more about vaccines and slowing the spread at cdc.gov/coronavirus

Brought to you by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

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January 28 – February 03, 2021

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New Hope For Collaboration With New HISD School Board

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

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ouston ISD’s School Board is one for making headlines from their drama filled unprofessional board meetings to their racially divided votes.

There is hope now that the new board has been revamped and four new members have been added that they finally work together to make decisions based on the future of students and not racial lines. The nine member official policy-making body of HISD has elected their officers for the 2021-2022 and all are ready to work.

Already making history as the first all female board in the history of the district, there is a lot is on the table for the new board to deal with like campus security in the wake of the death of Bellaire High School’s Cesar Cortes and the state takeover of the district. In addition, the board has to decide on the fate of a multi-million bond package to approve facility assessment contractor.

New board president, Trustee Patricia Allen, is confident that the board can work together and collaboratively for the benefit of all in the district.

“I gratefully accept the honor of being elected to this position, and I thank my colleagues for selecting me,” Allen said. “I want to assure my fellow trustees and Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan that I will endeavor to do everything in my power to faithfully serve the children, teachers, parents and staff of this district.”

The new board’s racial breakdown is four Hispanic, three Black, one Asian, and one white.

The new officers are:

President – Patricia Allen (District IV)

Patricia K. Allen is a third-generation career educator who retired in 2015 after working for HISD for 35

years, most recently as principal of MacGregor Elementary School. Under her guidance, the school earned a “Met Standard” rating from the state and five of six state distinctions. Allen is a graduate of Madison High School. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from the University of Houston as well as a master’s degree in Education and a doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction.

First Vice President – Holly Maria Flynn Vilaseca (District VI)

Holly Maria Flynn Vilaseca was elected to a four-year term in November 2017 after being appointed to the position earlier that year to fill an unexpired term. She grew up in rural Ohio and attended public schools there.

She is the daughter of a Colombian immigrant and is the first in her family to go to college, earning bachelor’s degrees in Latin American and Caribbean studies, and in Sports Management and Communications from the University of Michigan. She has a master’s degree in Social-Organizational Psychology from Columbia University.

Holly Vilaseca– First Vice President

Judith Cruz – Second Vice President

Second Vice President – Judith Cruz (District VIII)

Judith Cruz is a native Texan and longtime Houston resident. Her mother is from Guatemala and she grew up in a bilingual, Spanish-speaking home. Cruz received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Latin American Studies from the University of Texas at Austin and a Master of Arts degree in Curriculum and Instruction, Bilingual Special Education from George Washington University.

Cruz has over 20 years of experience as an educator and volunteer in public schools.

Secretary – Kathy Blueford-Daniels (District II)

Kathy Blueford-Daniels is a lifelong Houstonian who attended HISD’s Dogan Elementary, Fleming Middle and Wheatley High Schools. She studied nursing at Houston Community College, and accounting/bookkeeping at Massey Business College before beginning a 28-year career with the U.S. Postal Service. She retired then became the community liaison for state Sen. Borris L. Miles. She founded Black,

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Patricia Allen – President

January 28 – February 03, 2021

Kathy Blueford-Daniels– Secretary Latino, Asian, Caucasian Mourners of Murder (BLAC MoM) to serve as a support group after the 2006 slaying of her 20-year-old son in a case of mistaken identity.

Assistant Secretary – Daniela “Dani” Hernandez (District III)

Daniela “Dani” Hernandez is a native of Houston’s East End and attended HISD schools. She is the daughter of immigrants, and a first-generation graduate from both high school and college. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from Boston University in 2011, she returned to Houston to become a bilingual teacher at the elementary school she attended.

Hernandez earned a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of St. Thomas. She then worked as an administrator in HISD for six years

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Dani Hernandez– Assistant Secretary before becoming a real-estate agent with Keller-Williams.

Find out more information about Houston ISD by visiting:

www.HoustonISD.org

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January 28 – February 03, 2021

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City Of Houston, Mayor Sylvester Turner and Comcast Partners Celebrate Houston History Makers During Black History Month

By Jo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor – www.StyleMagazine.com • Special Thanks To: Al Torres Photography Inc.

H 2021 Comcast Mayor’s History Makers Award Honorees and Nominating Organizations H H DR. JUDITH CRAVEN H Mayor Sylvester Turner Living Legend Honoree H CAROL MIMS GALLOWAY H NAACP – Houston H SUE JOHNSON H Family Service Center of Galveston County H DR. LASHONDRA JONES H South East Veterans’ Resource Effort – SERVE H DR. BEVERLY NOLAN H Holocaust Museum of Houston H COMMISSIONER GRADY PRESTAGE H Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston H DR. VERNUS SWISHER H Center for Pursuit

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Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner

hose who serve others don’t do it for accolades or other forms of praise. It is a sense of responsibility that compels them to think if I am richly blessed and my brother is not I must share my blessings with him. People who live by this thought are caring, compassionate, and charitable.

Comcast is a company of the same mindset.

Customers are not just citizens that they provide connectivity to but people that they feel accountable to serve in all aspects. According to their website, Comcast believes that a company that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive just makes them better. That is why they continue to support and promote initiatives that adhere to this through their diversity and inclusion program. In 2020, they launched a $100 million dollar multi-year plan to fight injustice and inequality against race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation or ability in addition to their many ongoing commitments to underrepresented communities.

Just as much as they give back to communities, Comcast knows that there are others doing the same. Since 2018, they have annually partnered with the city of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and the city to recognize those who share their commitment to serve at the Mayor’s History Makers Awards during Black History Month. Honorees are those whose service leaves a lasting impact that lingers long after they are gone. Comcast is proud to honored eight community volunteers who have made a vow to improve the lives of others in Houston and surrounding areas by their words and actions.

“This year’s honorees have dedicated their lives to serving the public, and they have contributed to making our community stronger and more resilient.

They deserve to be celebrated every day and especially during Black History Month,” Mayor Sylvester Turner said. “I am grateful to Comcast for shining a positive light on these exceptional individuals. Time and again, Comcast demonstrates why they are a leader in corporate citizenship through commitment and action.”

“The Mayor’s History Makers Awards give us an opportunity to recognize those who have played a vital role in positive change in their communities while

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January 28 – February 03, 2021

H DR. ANTONIO DWAYNE TILLIS H East End Chamber Foundation celebrating the diversity of this great city,” said Ralph Martinez, senior vice president for Comcast’s Houston region. “Although we are unable to meet in-person this year, we feel it is important to continue the tradition of recognizing these community volunteers.”

Meet the 2021 Mayor’s History Makers Awards recipients being honored for their outstanding volunteerism, mentorship, advocacy and/or civic engagement.

* Dr. Judith Craven

Nominated by the City of Houston as a Mayor’s Living Legend Honoree Judith L. Craven, M.D., was appointed to a six-year term on The University of Texas System Board of Regents by Governor Rick Perry in March 2001. Regent Craven serves as Chairman of the Student, Faculty, and Staff Campus Life Committee; is a member of the Audit, Compliance, and Management Review Committee; Health Affairs Committee; and the Academic Affairs Committee and is a Regental representative to the Board for Lease of University Lands which oversees the terms of lease of University lands for oil and gas exploration and development.

Dr. Craven serves on the Task Force on Admissions, Tuition, and Financial Aid and has served as Chairman of the Special Committee on Minorities and Women.

Dr. Craven is a native of Cleveland, Ohio. She earned an undergraduate degree from Bowling Green State University, an M.P.H. from The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Public Health, and she holds an M.D. from Baylor College of Medicine. She also studied in the Program for Senior Managers in Government at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Dr. Craven served as the president of the United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast. She also served as vice president for multicultural affairs and dean of the School of Allied Health Sciences at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, director of public health for the City of Houston, chief of Family Health Service for the City of Houston, and chief of

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Anesthesia at Riverside General Hospital.

Dr. Craven has also served as professor of Public Health Administration and professor of Interdisciplinary Studies at the U. T. Health Science Center – Houston, clinical assistant professor of Community Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, and a visiting professor of public health at Shanghai Medical University.

Dr. Craven is a member of the boards of directors at VALIC; A. H. Belo Corporation; Luby’s Cafeterias, Inc.; and SYSCO Corporation.

Carol Mims Galloway

Nominated by the NAACP A native Houstonian, Carol has maintained a lifelong commitment to education. She attended the historic Phyllis Wheatly High School, San Jacinto Junior College and the University of Houston. She began her career with Texas Instruments, served as a representative for Southwestern Bell (AT&T) and worked as an organizer with the AFL-CIO. Carol went on to serve as a teacher’s representative with the Houston Federation of Teachers.

She served on the Houston Independent School District Board, a member of the Texas Education Agency Advisory Committee for Technology, a PTA president and a member of the Houston Area Urban League (HAUL) Education Committee. Expanding her commitment to education, Carol was appointed to the National Commission for African-American Education by U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee for the 16th Congressional District. Throughout her career in education she was employed by additional educational entities and positively impacted, students, teachers and organizations.

A dedicated public servant, Carol’s contributions to the City of Houston have been remarkable.

She was a trailblazer in City government. Carol was the first African-American woman to represent City of Houston District II and the first African-American woman to represent the single-member Houston City Council District B seat, which she held and served

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Dr. Judith Craven for three (3) consecutive two-year terms. She uplifted her community and fought to provide her district with improved city services, paved streets, street lights and renovations. She represented the people and worked diligently to ensure the community was given equal access and resources to ensure the safety, well-being, and education of its citizens.

As mentee of A. Phillip Randolph, Carol was elected the President of the NAACP Houston Branch for two terms and currently serves as Vice President and Co-Chair of the Education and Membership Committees. Mrs. Galloway is committed to improving the lives of others, leading non-profits and civic organizations throughout the city of Houston. Carol served on the Board of Directors of Communities in Schools and the Northeast YMCA. Former Houston Mayor Kathy Whitmire appointed Carol to the position of Affirmative-Action Commissioner as well as Kashmere Gardens Redevelopment Commissioner for the City of Houston.

Carol Galloway is a member of the National Congress of Black Women, Inc. National Women of Achievement, Top Ladies of Distinction, National Council of Negro Women, American Leadership Forum Class X, Harris County Black Democrats, Harris County Black Caucus, Labor Council for Latin American Advancement, Northeast Concerned Citizen’s League and Kashmere Gardens Baptist church.

She has been the recipient of awards and honors for her exemplary commitment to educational excellence, social justice and civil rights. She received the UNCF Distinguished “Lou Rawls Parade of Stars” Leadership Award, the National NAACP Benjamin Hooks Keeper of the Flame Award and was selected as 1995 Top Lady of the Year.

Sue Johnson

Nominated by the Family Service Center of Galveston Cheryl “Sue” Johnson has worked tirelessly in the Galveston community – working for over 27 years at UTMB as the Assistant Director of Respiratory

Carol Mims Galloway therapy, and founding the Nia Cultural Center, a community-based non-profit organization, incorporated in 1992. Sue works to reinstate the role of family and community in their responsibility to strengthen and improve the quality of life for children and youth of color by preparing them academically, culturally, mentally, and physically to attain productive futures. Since 2007, Sue has ensured that Nia has been the sponsor on Galveston Island of the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom School, a six-week summer literacy, parent involvement, and social action program for you, ages 5-18. Nia also provides community-based training in diversity, events that celebrate Black History and Kwanzaa, and has a shared vision of successful development of all of Galveston’s children and youth. Sue is a tireless advocate for the advancement of individuals of color and takes an active role in planning and implementing Juneteenth and Black History celebrations on Galveston Island.

Dr. LaShondra Jones

Nominating by the South East Veterans’ Resource Effort (SERVE) Dr. LaShondra Jones is a Marine Corp Veteran, who served on active duty as a radio operator from 1994-1998. As she completed her doctoral research on Veterans in the justice system and the challenges faced post combat, she began serving as a Policy Associate during the 84th Texas Legislative Session. After the 84th session ended, she continued her advocacy by testifying on legislative bills for Texas Women Veterans. With a wealth of collegiate judicial academia and a heart of servant advocacy, Dr. Jones has supported Women Veterans and underserved populations both locally and nationally. One of her proudest moments in advocacy was House Bill 867, which created the Texas Women Veterans Program and her efforts for Senate Bill 805, which created Texas Women Veterans Day. Nonetheless, Dr. Jones through both her voluntarism and non-profit executive management background has supported hundreds of women Veterans through peer support, mental health coaching, financial resources,

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housing and most importantly, by being there.

Dr. Jones continues to work with elected officials on issues dealing with women Veterans and vulnerable populations in the community. She also works tirelessly each election to ensure that Veterans re-register voters. Currently she serves as Vice- Chairman of the armed Forces Committee of the Houston NAACP and is a member of the Women Marines Association. She continues to provide peer support groups to women Veterans through a program called WOVEN.

Dr. Beverly Nolan

Nominated by Holocaust Museum Houston Dr. Beverly Nolan sees herself as an educational advocate for children and a mentor for young adults who also need guidance, leadership and encouragement. Additionally, she is a conduit for creating opportunities for student successes.

Born in Beaumont, Texas where Dr. Nolan spent most of her life and career with 30 years in public education as a teacher, mentor, and administrator for Beaumont ISD, Dr. Nolan retired and moved to the Houston area in 2006. After a brief retirement, she started working for Harris County Juvenile Probation Department in 2007. Although she loved working in public education, she found her passion working in juvenile justice education, which was the primary focus of her dissertation, “Addressing School Failure and Recidivism Among 10-13 Year Old Incarcerated Juveniles: A Case Study.” She has worked in juvenile justice education for almost 14 years in both Harris and Dallas Counties. At Harris County Juvenile Probation Department, Dr. Nolan originally started as a teacher.

Since then she has been a training coordinator and presently is the Education Specialist for the Department, where she oversees professional development training for teachers, educational compliance based on local and state policy and guidelines, and audit preps for state agencies. Dr. Nolan also worked with Dallas County Juvenile Department as the Deputy Director of Education Services for a time, where she developed,

January 28 – February 03, 2021

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H 2021 Comcast Mayor’s History Makers Awards H

Sue Johnson

Dr. LaShondra Jones

Dr. Beverly Nolan

monitored and executed Education policies, budgets, programming and staffing decisions. She eventually returned to work for Harris County Juvenile Probation Department in her present position.

Dr. Nolan received her Bachelor of Science degree from Lamar University, a Master of Arts degree from Prairie View A&M University, and her Doctorate in Education from Walden University.

Dr. Nolan is a member of the Education Committee at the Holocaust Museum Houston and presently serves as the Chair. In addition, she is a member of the State Bar of Texas Advisory Board for Law Focused Education, Inc. where she serves as the Treasurer. She is also a member of the Silverlake Community Church in Pearland, Texas where she participates in the Women’s Ministry and Usher Ministry.

Dr. Nolan is the proud mother of three adult children – Demond (Jennifer) who live in Maryland, daughter Devon who lives in Miami and Leon who lives in Houston.

She is also the “Gramme” to one awesome grandson, Solomon.

that are privately operated by Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston. He identified a need for dependable safe havens for Fort Bend County youth and teens and forged a partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston. We depended on him to provide the space and he depended on us to provide the services. The value of both Clubs is estimated at over $8,000,000. In addition to construction costs, the Commissioner also provides over $210,000 annually in operating support.

Thanks to the Commissioner, we now provide Boys & Girls Clubs of America programs and services to over 4,000 youth and teens in Fort Bend County annually.

In 2017, the Commissioner built a new gym at the Stafford Boys & Girls Club. The new gym provided additional space for programs and activities and allowed the Club to increase average daily attendance from 200 to over 300 youth and teens daily.

The construction of the new gym is estimated at over $1,000,000.

Houston, Houston Food Bank, United Negro College Fund Advisory Board, College of Biblical Studies, Houston Graduate School of Theology, and the Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation Board.

Dr. Swisher served as the Executive Director for Hester House in the Fifth Ward and served as CEO for Career and Recovery Resources, Inc. He has received numerous awards such as: Houston Community Leadership and Success Honoree, Barrier Breaker Award, The Delbert and Carol Vaughn Alumnus Award from the Houston Graduate School of Theology, Mayor’s Disability Advocate of the Year, National Women of Achievement Visionaries of Excellence Award, and Texas Southern University Humanitarian of the Year.

Commissioner Grady Prestage

Nominated by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Houston Commissioner Grady Prestage is a member of the Fort Bend County Commissioners Court, representing Precinct 2 in Texas, which includes portions of Houston, Missouri City and Stafford. Prestage assumed office in 1991; marking the first time that an African American served on the Fort Bend County Commissioners Court since the 1880’s reconstruction period. During his tenure in office, the Commissioner has been involved in the development of numerous county facilities including parks, community centers, libraries, annex buildings and major mobility projects.

Most important to Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston and the reason for this nomination is the development of three Boys & Girls Clubs.

Commissioner Prestage has been a community partner of Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston for over 20 years. During this time, the commissioner has built two publicly owned Boys and Girls Clubs

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January 28 – February 03, 2021

Dr. Vernus Swisher

Nominated by the Center for Pursuit

Dr. Swisher has been dedicated to serving the community and beyond. He performed years of volunteer service with the United Way of Houston, was selected United Way Volunteer of the Year in 1985 and was one of the founders of Project Blueprint. He was one of the founders of Leadership Houston, which brings leaders from different communities to increase dialogue, and foster collaboration on projects that improve the quality of life for all Houstonians. This is vital now as leaders are exposed to civil issues that they may be unaware of and are inspired to expand their involvement within the community. Both of these organizations increase diversity within leadership roles on nonprofit and public sector board and committees to improve life for all Houstonians. He has served on numerous boards including Chair of the Mayor’s Public Safety Advisory Committee, United Way of Greater

View 2021 History Maker Videos at:

www.Houston.Comcast.com www.StyleMagazine.com

Dr. Antonio Dwayne Tillis

Nominated by Houston East End Chamber Dr. Antonio D. Tillis is currently serving as Interim President of the University of Houston-Downtown. Selected on July 2, 2020, to serve as the leader of the second largest university in the city of Houston, Dr. Tillis oversees the institution’s historic downtown campus, as well as UHD Northwest and off-site centers at Lone Star College campuses in CyFair and Kingwood.

In his role as Interim President, Dr. Tillis has embarked upon several faculty, staff, and student initiatives to support and sustain the dynamic surge in growth experienced by the university. In his short four months at UHD, Tillis has appointed a Presidential Taskforce on Diversity, initiated a Faculty Success Program to support research development, and established and implemented faculty cluster hiring and strategic hiring programs that will connect diverse faculty to the growing academic programs at UHD. Experiences as a first-generation student of color informs his leadership and was the foundation for forging a relationship with the City of Houston and the Houston Arts Alliance to create degree targeted internship experiences for UHD students and supplying the Call Me Mister program with student success funds to support the inaugural cohort.

Prior to his appointment at UHD, Dr. Tillis

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Commissioner Grady Prestage

Dr. Vernus Swisher

served as Dean for the College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences (CLASS) and MD Anderson Professor in Hispanic Studies at the University of Houston.

As CLASS Dean, his leadership extended across 13 academic departments, 10 academic areas and programs, 13 academic centers, six clinical service units, and more than 688 faculty members. Preceding his Deanship at UH, Tillis served as Dean of the School of Languages, Culture & World Affairs at the College of Charleston; Chair of African & African American Studies at Dartmouth College, and the inaugural Chair of Latin American & Latino Studies at Purdue University.

Dr. Tillis is an internationally acclaimed scholar and author with specializations in Latin American, Afro-Latin American and African Diaspora literature. He is the author of the books The Afro-Hispanic Reader and Anthology, Manuel Zapata Olivella and the “Darkening” of Latin American Literature, Caribbean-African Upon Awakening: Poetry by Blas Jiménez, (Re) Considering Blackness in Contemporary Afro-Brazilian (Con) Texts: A Cultural Studies Reader, Critical Perspectives on Afro-Latin American Literature, and Manuel Zapata Olivella e o escurecimento da literatura latino-americana. Dr. Tillis’ work has been featured in top journals, including Callaloo, Hispanic Journal, Mosaic, CLA Journal, and Transit Circle.

Dr. Tillis is the recipient of many prestigious honors and has served in various leadership roles.

He was named one of the Top 50 African American Professionals and Entrepreneurs in Houston by d-mars Business Journal, and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner declared March 7, 2017 “Dr. Antonio D. Tillis Day.” Dr. Tillis was named the 2012 Lorna Hill Professor of the Year at Dartmouth College, served as president of the College Language Association from 2008 to 2010, and received the 2007 University Faculty Scholar award at Purdue University. Dr. Tillis was a Fulbright Scholar to Brazil and a Visiting scholar at State University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Dr. Tillis is a sought-after lecturer who has served as a visit-

ing scholar at the University of the West Indies in Mona, Jamaica. He has developed relationships with numerous universities in Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, France, Peru, Trinidad, Jamaica, Sweden, France, England, Costa Rica, Peru, Ghana, China and Spain.

Dr. Tillis received his Ph.D. in Latin American literature with an Afro-Hispanic emphasis from the University of Missouri. He also holds an M.A. in Spanish literature from Howard University and a B.S. in Spanish from Vanderbilt University.

Dr. Antonio Dwayne Tillis

HIGHLIGHT INTRODUCTION VIDEO Starting at 9:00am • Monday, February 1, 2021

H Carol Mims Galloway H

Starting at 9:00am • Wednesday, February 3, 2021

H Sue Johnson H

Starting at 9:00am • Friday, February 5, 2021

H Dr. LaShondra Jones H

HONOREES WERE CHOSEN BY A PANEL OF JUDGES THAT INCLUDED Judge Lina Hidalgo, Harris County; Shannon LaNier Anchor, CW39, Blogger, Daddy Duty 365; Khambrel Marshall, Meteorologist, KPRC-TV; Francis Page, Jr. Publisher, Houston Style Magazine; Edward Pollard, Houston City Council Member, District

Starting at 9:00am • Monday, February 8, 2021

H Dr. Beverly Nolan H

Starting at 9:00am • Friday, February 12, 2021

H Commissioner Grady Prestage H Starting at 9:00am • Monday, February 15, 2021

H Dr. Vernus Swisher H

Starting at 9:00am • Wednesday, February 17, 2021

H Dr. Antonio Dwayne Tillis H

J; and Dr. Ruth Simmons, President, Prairie View

Starting at 9:00am • Friday, February 19, 2021

A&M University. Judges looked at the ways each

H Dr. Judith Craven H

honored made a personal impact to the community,

Starting at 9:00am • Monday, February 22, 2021

supported the mission of a nonprofit organization

The award recipients will be featured on www.houston.comcast.com, Twitter (@ComcastHouston), and Facebook (@Comcast) beginning to overcome personally.

Feb. 1. through Feb. 28. All vignettes will debut Comcast has opted to spotlight the honorees at 9am and will remain available for viewing virtually through a series of vignettes that began on the online. to further their mission, and any obstacles they had

first day of Black History Month, February 1st. Plus, Comcast will donate $1,000 to a nonprofit organization chosen by each honoree.

The virtual lineup is below:

View 2021 History Maker Videos at:

www.Houston.Comcast.com www.StyleMagazine.com

Comcast NBCUniversal takes great pride in its Diversity & Inclusion company-wide accomplishments and the dedicated efforts of Governance, Workforce, Supplier Diversity, Programming and Community Investment. As one of the world’s leading providers of entertainment, information, and communications products and services, Comcast believes it has the responsibility to reflect the customers and audiences it serves in all aspects of its business.

January 28 – February 03, 2021

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Who Is Amanda Gorman? www.StyleMagazine.com – NEWSWIRE

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he enterprise of creating a more perfect union still “stands before us,” to use Amanda Gorman’s words, from confronting persistent racial inequalities to banishing the reanimated forces of White supremacy that threatened the US Capitol on January 6, 2021.

The first National Youth Poet Laureate, 22-year-old Gorman recited her stunning poem, “The Hill We Climb,” at Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’ inauguration on Wednesday.

In portraying the US in aspirational terms – as a project that isn’t yet complete but is worth fighting for – Gorman roots her poem in a distinctly Black expression of love for country.

Among other things, the composition movingly articulates what it will take to attain the unity that’s been so vigorously called for since the deadly assault on the Capitol.

“Somehow we’ve weathered and witnessed / A nation that isn’t broken / But simply unfinished,” Gorman observes.

“We are striving to forge a union with purpose / To compose a country committed to all cultures, colors, characters and conditions of man,” she adds later.

Unfinished. Striving. While politicians and pundits tend to depict the US as a country that, save for the occasional aberration, is more or less fully formed – as a country that achieved democracy 244 years ago instead of, at best, 55 years ago, when Black Americans won the right to the franchise – Gorman isn’t in thrall to such lofty notions.

Born:

Amanda S. C. Gorman

Birthplace: Los Angeles, CA (Hometown) Current City: West Los Angeles, CA (Apartment) Birth Year:

March 7, 1998

Birth Facts: Born, premature with twin Gabrielle Zodiac Sign: Pisces Height:

5-feet, 4-inches

Undergrad: Harvard University, (cum laude)

Degree In Sociology in 2020 Honor Society: Phi Beta Kappa Non-Profit:

One Pen One Page (Founded in 2014 at 16 years old)

Disorder:

Auditory Processing Disorder (. . .Hearing Disorder)

Profession: National Poet and Activist Milestones: Will Perform at Super Bowl LV

(Pregame activities – 2021)

Signed with IMG Models in 2021

Youngest Poet to read at a Presidential Inauguration in United States history, in 2021

Secured ‘book deal’ with Viking Children’s Books for 2 books – The Hill We Climb (09/2021) – Change Sings: A Children’s Anthem (Both on Amazon’s Best Sellers List)

Named “Young Futurists” in 2019

by The Root Magazine

Named College Women of the Year 2018 – Glamor Magazine

Received a $10K Genius Grant in 2017 – OZY Media

1st Author Featured on XQ Institute’s Book of the Month in 2017

1st Youth Poet to Open the Literary season for the Library of Congress in 2017

Father:

Not Known

Sister:

Gabrielle Gorman (twin sister), Activist and Filmmaker

Brother:

Spencer Gorman (Older)

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January 28 – February 03, 2021

Dr. Joan Wicks, Gabrielle and Amanda Gorman

1st National Youth Poet Laureate in 2017

Published Book – “The One for Whom

Food Is Not Enough” in 2015

Education: K-12th Grade, New Roads Private School, Graduated Class Of 2016

Santa Monica, CA

Dr. Joan Wicks, Gabrielle and Amanda Gorman

Appeared in “Some Good News 2020” (…A Web Series)

Mother: Dr. Joan Wicks, 6th grade English Teacher

Religion: Black Catholic, a member of St. Brigid Catholic Church LA, CA

Amanda Gorman – Youth Poet Laureate

Gabrielle and Amanda Gorman – Twin Sisters

Youth Poet Laureate of LA in 2014 United Nations Delegate in 2013

Future Goal: Become President of the United

States of America Fan Club Members: President Joe Biden, First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, VP Kamala, Harris Barack and Michelle Obama,

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary

Clinton, Francis Page, Jr., Oprah

Winfrey…and many, more!

www.StyleMagazine.com

Dr. Joan Wicks, Amanda Gorman with 44th President Barack and Michelle Obama Amanda Gormans – Social Handles: @AmandaSCGorman www.TheAmandaGorman.com

Girls’ nights IN are gonna take COVID-19 OUT.

We don’t get enough laughs these days. But, wherever they are, our friends are as close as a click. Vaccines are coming. But until enough of us are vaccinated, we still need to slow the spread. We can watch our distance, and not let COVID-19 keep us apart.

Learn more about vaccines and slowing the spread at cdc.gov/coronavirus

Brought to you by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

www.StyleMagazine.com

January 28 – February 03, 2021

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2021

EVERY FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH

www.StyleMagazine.com

H 2021 Social Media Haute Shots + BLACK LIVES MATTER H

Madam VP Kamala Harris Received Her Second Vaccination

#Bess Birthday Couple

Kevin Funches – 2nd Vaccination

Kim Roxie Channeling Her Armanda Gorman Look

Crystal Brown #DateNight

Jeff Syptak. . .See Your Vision and Make It Plain

Amanda Gorman #Barbie

Vicky Pink W/ Joe Biden and Kamala Harris

Texas National Gaurd

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January 28 – February 03, 2021

www.StyleMagazine.com

You can distance and still be social.

Happy birthday, happy hour, or maybe just happy Tuesdays-at-seven. These days, the crew’s getting together without even heading out. COVID-19 vaccines are coming. But until enough of us are vaccinated, we’ll still need play it smart. We can stay close even when we’re miles apart.

Learn more about vaccines and slowing the spread at cdc.gov/coronavirus

Brought to you by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

www.StyleMagazine.com

January 28 – February 03, 2021

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2021

EVERY FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH

www.StyleMagazine.com

H 2021 Social Media Haute Shots + BLACK LIVES MATTER H

Beer To Go Here To Stay In TX

Happy Birthday Oscar McGarr

You Become What You Believe

Mrs. Boykins S.T.C.L. New Chair

Lina Hidalgo #RoomRater x2

Gen. Lloyd Austin Sworn In By Madam VP Kamala Harris

U.S. Black Chamber President – Ron Busby

Landon Dickerson, Jr.

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Mia Knight Wright TEDx Speaker

January 28 – February 03, 2021

www.StyleMagazine.com

Pastor Byron C. Stevenson

Bee Busy Wellness Awarded $183,000 FCC Grant To Strengthen COVID-19 Minority Outreach

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By Bill Siwicki / www.StyleMagazine.com – Newswire

ee Busy Wellness Center (MyBBWC) in Houston, Texas, like other community health centers across the country, struggled with efforts to offer telehealth services to patients when the COVID-19 pandemic hit.

THE PROBLEM

As a way to be creative and to extend its healthcare program to those seeking services via telehealth, Bee Busy Wellness Center purchased mobile phones for clinical staff and iPads for providers to engage with patients who had iOS or Android systems, but failed in attempts at expanding its EHR to be compatible to offer telehealth.

So providers engaged with patients via mobile phones, on iPads and on laptop computers to address their healthcare issues. Patients engaged with their providers from the comfort of their own homes, while waiting for the opportunity to have face-to-face visits. Patients did visit the community health center to access labs; however, they did not visit their provider in person in an effort to ensure their safety.

“Bee Busy Wellness Center provides services to patients who are immunocompromised,” said Norman Mitchell, CEO of Bee Busy Wellness Center. “The telehealth services were not sufficient as they didn’t allow communication with the company’s EHR, and were not adequate to offer as much continuity of care.”

MyBBWC targets the following areas: Southwest and Southeast Houston, Prairie View, Waller County, Montgomery County and the Clear Lake Area. The targeted population includes individuals living at or below 200% of the federal poverty line, homeless people, and those with limited or no access to the Internet.

PROPOSAL

Bee Busy Wellness Center developed a proposal to address the dilemma. The proposal sought to purchase telehealth equipment to outfit the health center’s complete network of locations and services to all patients accessing healthcare.

“The proposal was designed to address the HL7 compliance by offering the telehealth services via a closed-circuit system, complete with two-way broadcasting, protected health solutions and client safety,” Mitchell explained. “The system would have multiple access points and allow ease of use by providers and patients alike. The system would offer patients access to translation services, and alleviate connection issues.”

Further, the system would be offered on a Zoom medical platform, have access points in each exam room, give patients access via Android and iOS systems and provide secure licenses for capturing signatures via Docusign, he added. The proposal included adding training for staff to use the system and offering

Norman Mitchell – CEO Bee Busy Wellness access to send secure data to patients via hightail, he said.

MARKETPLACE

There are many vendors of telemedicine technology and services on the health IT market today.

Healthcare IT News recently compiled a comprehensive list of these vendors with detailed descriptions.

To read this special report, click here.

MEETING THE CHALLENGE

MyBBWC, with its makeshift telehealth setup, offers telehealth services, including remote patient monitoring, patient education, support services and provider visits. The provider visits include a review of systems, a diagnosis, treatment regimen, health literacy assessment and a discharge summary. Prior to COVID-19, Bee Busy performed minimal telehealth services; however, the pandemic encouraged the health center to increase capacity to offer telehealth services to a broader audience.

“Bee Busy Wellness Center has used our current makeshift telemedicine program to address the needs of the patients,” Mitchell said. “Providers used mobile phones and iPads, staff used mobile phones and laptops, and patients used their personal mobile phones. The system has not been integrated into the health center’s EHR and efforts to bill have been a nightmare.”

Mitchell said the center’s EHR, from vendor Aprima, is seldom heard of and not an easy system to use, which presented its own set of challenges.

“The makeshift telehealth setup all seemed to work, though far from seamlessly, and far from the expected outcomes expected by the providers,” Mitch-

www.StyleMagazine.com

ell reported. “Patients were given glucose and blood pressure monitors to check their vitals and then document and deliver those to the providers. This made it difficult to manage some patients who couldn’t adhere to the strict guidelines of our makeshift telemedicine program.”

RESULTS

Some of the accomplishments of the current telehealth program include: increased capacity for telehealth services; expanded hours of operation; and increase in area and number of patients. “ Bee Busy Wellness Center struggled to reach even the simplest metrics: increase in number of patients who access telehealth services, for example,” Mitchell admitted. “This was achieved by our rudimentary efforts at developing a telehealth platform to address our patient population. It was sticky at times, attempting to host a telehealth call and gather information from patients; however, the health center staff were aggressive as to … [managing] with the limited resources at their disposal.”

MyBBWC wanted to increase patient access to telemedicine by offering a simple solution to patients, provide them with glucose and hypertensive screening devices, offer them remote case management and care coordination, and develop a stronger relationship with the patients involved in their own healthcare. These were met with the makeshift telehealth program.

“Further, we wanted to address managing healthcare issues of critically ill patients who accessed our brand of telemedicine,” Mitchell said. “With the extreme stretch of our resources, deploying staff in areas where they needed additional training and supervision, the health center was successful in managing and improving health outcomes of patients who accessed our telehealth program.”

USING FCC AWARD FUNDS

In the spring of 2020, the FCC’s telehealth program awarded Bee Busy Wellness Center $182,854 to purchase video monitors and connected devices to provide primary and preventive medical services, including remote monitoring, diagnosis and treatment, to COVID-19 vulnerable populations in Houston and surrounding areas.

“With the funding received via the FCC award,” Mitchell explained, “Bee Busy Wellness Center plans to purchase an actual telehealth platform, including the following: 27 PolyCom Studio systems and 27 32-inch Samsung LED Health monitors, one to be installed in each exam room, medical Zoom licenses to ensure patient confidentiality, four 72-inch training screens to be used by staff to offer remote training to current and future staff as well as training for students on campus remotely, all further expanding our telehealth program.”

Busy Wellness Center hopes to Implement a certified telehealth program designed by providers and patients to increase access to healthcare services.

Offer a low-cost and efficient healthcare alternative to persons seeking healthcare services.

www.MyBBWC.org

January 28 – February 03, 2021

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2021

EVERY FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH

www.StyleMagazine.com

H 2021 Social Media Haute Shots + BLACK LIVES MATTER H

Happy Founders’ Day

$54 Million Worth Of New Voting Machines ordered

The Edwards Empowerment Talks

Madam VP First Week

Michelle, Kamala, Jill and Jennifer – Representin’

Antioch Baptist Church

Dr. Jill and Joe Biden

Ethnic Series Barbie Dolls Now Out - Bout Time!

www.Varlascooters.com

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January 28 – February 03, 2021

www.StyleMagazine.com

“Queen Sugar“ Returns With Real World Reflections In Season 5

By Jo-Carolyn Goode – www.StyleMagazine.com

Ralph Angel, Charley and Nova Bordelon

Y

our favorite family is back to claim your Tuesday evenings. Nova, Charley, and Ralph Angel start the fifth season of Ava DuVernay’s “Queen Sugar” living out all their family drama while also taking on the issues of the cornavirus pandemic, Black Lives Matter protests and political corruption.

DuVernay, along with showrunner Anthony Sparks and supervising producer Norman Vance, ditched previous scripts to revise storylines during the show’s hiatus to reflect the climate and culture of today in our virtual

environments. “Queen Sugar” keeps all the elements the show is known for but amps them up for the fifth season.

“Through it all, viewers will see the joy around the pain, and humanity’s ability to persevere and find light in the darkest of times,” according to the press release. “Led by the talented cast of Rutina Wesley, Dawn-Lyen Gardner and Kofi Siriboe, “Queen Sugar’s” storylines continue to delve into important topics such as police brutality, addiction and recovery, and systemic racism, among many others.”

It seems all things are well for the Bordelons at the end of season four. Everyone is happy with the state they are in. Nova has all the feels after moving in with boyfriend Calvin even though some have not completely accepted him. Charley is glowing after clearing her name for her arrest of arson and fraud making her city council win even sweeter. Her son Micah is exciting about his future at Xavier University,

especially since his girlfriend won’t be that far away.

Ralph Angel and Darla are so in love with each other and their family. So are Aunt Vi and Hollywood.

Season five will start with the Bordelons dealing with how the pandemic has negatively affected their farm. Another mother/son battle brews when Charley tells Micah to come home after the global virus hits Louisiana. Darla is laid off from her job causes more financial troubles for the couple. However, Ralph Angel doesn’t let that deter him. Ralph Angel and Darla have the difficult task of trying to explain racial profiling by police to a very confused Blue. Other cast members will have their bouts with COVID-19 personally and professionally. Grab your popcorn and your blanket because season five will be lit!

DuVernay will again showcase the talents of many new female directors throughout the season.

More goodness is before season five of “Queen Sugar” makes its return to the OWN network, it has already been picked up a sixth season.

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, February 5, 2021, at 8pm ET/PT for when “Queen Sugar” returns to dominate the airwaves once again.

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