Houston Style Magazine Vol 34 No 23

June 8, 202 20233 – June 14, 2023

Houston’s Premiere Weekly Publication, Since 1989

Volume 34 | Number 23

Complimentary

Jesse Jackson

The Woke Derangement Syndrome

IS AMERICA

READY FOR PRESIDENT WEST?

Mike Miles

Transparency Concerns Raised With TEA's Takeover of HISD

Words By Jo-Carolyn Goode

H Christian D. Menefee + Pride Parade + Grand Marshall H TAG US: #TeamStyleMag

Twitter: @HoustonStyle

Instagram: @StyleMagazineHTX

Harris County Health's New Uplift Program

Facebook: @HoustonStyleMagazine

Mayor Turner at US Conference for Mayors

Trill Burgers

Bun B Opens Houston's Newest Smashburger Location

Happy Birthday Gilbert Garcia!

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

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June 8, 2023 – June 14, 2023

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COMMENTARY

THE WOKE DERANGEMENT SYNDROME

By Jesse Jackson, National Political Writer

F

lorida Governor Ron DeSantis has been touted as the presidential candidate who offers Trump without the drama, a Trump who can win rather than lose. He was supposedly able to forge a majority by uniting Trump’s MAGA base with disaffected Republican suburbanites. In recent weeks, he’s rolled out his presidential campaign platform, promising Americans a “war on woke.”

Say what? Americans face declining life expectancy – a product of a health care system that is failing despite costing about two times per person what other industrial countries spend. We suffer a debilitating inequality and increasingly pervasive corruption – a product of the big money that distorts our democracy. We face a literally existential threat in catastrophic climate change already costing lives and billions from extreme weather.

We lost over 1 million people to a pandemic and ended with a public health system more discredited than when we started.

We’ve made college education and advanced training more and more unaffordable even as they are more and more important.

We are threatened by over 12 mass shootings a week, with schools now doing drills on how to escape. We’re spending more on our military than the next nine countries combined, and still find ourselves in wars without end and without victory.

T h e s e a r e n o t , h o w e v e r, what DeSantis thinks ails America.

Instead, he plagiarizes Winston Churchill taking on Hitler in World War II, saying: “We will fight the woke in education, we will fight the woke in the corporations, we will fight the woke in the halls of Congress. We will never, ever sur-

4

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks outside Okatie Ale his base), and outlaw acknowledgerender…”

W h a t i s “ w o k e ? ” D o n a l d ment of sexism, racism or nativism, Trump co m p l ai n ed t h at h al f t h e much less doing anything about people who use the term don’t know them. And he expects enough Amerwhat it means. DeSantis’ general icans to enlist in his war on woke to counsel, Ryan Newman, defined elect him president.

History, however, can’t simwoke as “the belief there are systemic injustices in American society and ply be erased. And reality can’t simthe need to address them,” adding ply be ignored. To deny that systemic that DeSantis doesn’t believe there injustices are part of the American are systemic injustices in American reality is to demand that justice be blind, not equal. society. Really?

DeSantis’ war on woke may Those who were once sleep, are now “woke” because of the press- succeed in dividing us, but it offers ing issues affecting their lives. For no answer to what ails us. Workexample, people adjusted to watching ing people aren’t the cause of our “Amos and Andy” until they became unaffordable health care system acquainted with “The Huxtables.” – insurance and drug companies Those who were told they could not are. LGBTQ Americans aren’t the vote became maladjusted until we defenders of catastrophic climate were given the right to vote. Now we change – big oil and King Coal are.

Working people aren’t losing ground are voting with deliberate speed.

For DeSantis “waging war because African Americans have on woke” has entailed launching at- gained civil rights, they are losing tacks on LGBTQ Americans, purging ground because corporations have books from schools, distorting the shipped good jobs abroad with the teaching of history, and taking on aid of conservative politicians in businesses like Disney that disagree both parties that they finance. Imwith him. He wants to cover up the migrants aren’t the cause of the gun history of slavery, put gays back in violence that terrorizes our children, the closet, ship out some immigrants the gun lobby and politicians like (not the Cuban Americans and Vene- DeSantis, who oppose common sense zuelan-Americans who form part of gun reforms, are far more responsi-

June 8, 2023 – June 14, 2023

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ble. Those who object to racism, sexism or nativism don’t cause the injustice; they seek to remedy it.

In the end, DeSantis’ war on woke is an ugly con. He opposes investing in people, lifting the minimum wage, giving workers the right to organize, curbing big money in politics. He opposes taxing the rich and corporations, rolling back subsidies to big oil, cracking down on pervasive corruption. As a congressman, he favored cutting Social Security and Medicare while defending tax breaks for the wealthy. He is the champion of the contented, the protector of the privileged.

That isn’t exactly an attractive agenda. So, DeSantis offers up his war on the woke, seeking to turn us on one another, peddling a big lie in the name of truth, cruelty in the name of morality.

Despite his multi-million-dollar war chest, his campaign to date has been a dud. In Florida, parents are mobilizing against his attempt to censor the curriculum, ban books, and terrorize teachers. His assault on Disney cost the state thousands of jobs and gave his wealthy sponsors second thoughts. More importantly, voters don’t seem to be buying what he’s selling. Even as Trump’s legal troubles deepen, DeSantis has lost ground in the polls. Perhaps Americans aren’t as dumb as he thinks they are. Perhaps hate isn’t as potent as hope.

You can write to the Rev. Jesse Jackson in care of this Newspaper or by email at: jjackson@rainbowpush.org

LOCAL: CONCERNS RAISED OVER TRANSPARENCY AS TEA TAKES OVER HISD: HISD HOUSTON TEACHERS UNION PRESIDENT SPEAKS OUT

By StyleMagazine.com - Newswire

T

HISD Superintendent F. Mike Miles

he recent appointment of Mike Miles as the superintendent of the Houston Independent School District (HISD) has sparked concerns about transparency and inclusivity. Miles has wasted no time in introducing a series of reforms, including the implementation of a pay-for-performance system and the New Education System (NES) program.

While these changes aim to improve instructional quality and address the needs of underperforming schools, there are apprehensions among

the Houston Teachers Union (HFT) regarding the lack of transparency in the decision-making process.

The NES program will initially focus on 28 of the lowest-performing schools in the district. Teachers, principals, and staff members in these schools will be required to reapply for their positions. By doing so, Miles intends to ensure enhanced instruction in schools with the greatest need, spanning from elementary to high school, based on specific neighborhood feeder patterns.

The chosen feeder patterns include Wheatley, Kashmere, North Forest, and three other high-need schools.

To incentivize faculty members to remain in these schools, pay raises will be offered, with an average salary of $86,000 per year, along with a stipend. Several of the 28 schools have experienced high rates of teacher turnover in recent years, and these higher wages aim to address this issue. Miles also plans to relieve some of the burdens placed on teachers by assigning certain tasks to newly hired support staff, such as teachers' apprentices and learning coaches. Additionally, the district will assume responsibility for lesson plan-

ning at NES schools, allowing teachers to focus primarily on instruction.

Miles proposes implementing a pay-for-performance model that financially rewards teachers based on student performance on standardized metrics. This strategy, previously employed during Miles' tenure as head of the Dallas Independent School District, has faced criticism from teachers' unions in the past. Critics argue that such models can incentivize teaching to standardized tests rather than promoting well-rounded learning experiences. Jackie Anderson, the president of the Houston Federation of Teachers, expressed skepticism about the novelty of these reforms, stating that previous attempts at full-scale reconstitutions in HISD have not yielded significant success.

Anderson emphasized the need for transparency and inclusivity in the decision-making process. She believes that for reforms to be successful, all stakeholders should be involved and have a voice. Anderson raised concerns about the lack of representation of the district's diverse communities and questioned the impact of these changes

on students, parents, and teachers in the 28 affected schools. She stressed the importance of listening to all perspectives before making crucial decisions and called for transparency from Miles and the newly appointed board of managers.

As the TEA takes over HISD and Superintendent Mike Miles implements the NES program and other reforms, concerns about transparency and inclusivity have been raised by the Houston Teachers Union. The union president, Jackie Anderson, highlighted the need for meaningful engagement with all stakeholders and expressed hopes for transparency throughout the process. It remains to be seen how these reforms will unfold and whether the concerns raised by the teachers' union will be addressed to ensure the best outcomes for students, educators, and the entire HISD community.

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June 8, 2023 – June 14, 2023 5

POLITICS: NEW HARRIS COUNTY PROGRAM HELPS FINANCIAL INSTABILITY STRUGGLING FAMILIES WITH By StyleMagazine.com - Newswire

H

arris County officials recently introduced a groundbreaking pilot program called "Uplift Harris" aimed at assisting low-income residents facing financial instability. This initiative, funded through the federal American Rescue Plan Act, will provide eligible individuals with a monthly stipend of $500 for up to 18 months. With an allocated budget of $20.5 million, the program will be overseen by the Harris County Public Health Department. If approved by Harris County Commissioners, this program will make Harris County the first in Texas to implement such an initiative, joining the ranks of other major metropolitan areas.

Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis revealed that up to 1,500 families living 200 percent below the federal poverty line will be eligible to apply for the program. For a family of four, this equates to a total income of $60,000, while for an individual, it is $29,000. The program is set to begin in September, pending approval.

During the press conference, Harris County Public Health Director

Judge Lina Hildago, Commissioner Rodney Ellis, and Congressional Representative Barbie Robinson explained that the distribution of funds would occur in two stages. The first phase will randomly select 1,200 families from the county's most impoverished areas. The second phase will target 200 to 400 families enrolled in the department's ACCESS program, which provides support to vulnerable residents.

Commissioner Ellis acknowledged the pervasive income inequality in Harris County, stating that neglect, inequality, and discrimination have destabilized generations of families and created barriers to prosperity. Census

Bureau statistics from 2022 indicate that over 16 percent of Harris County's 4.7 million residents live below the poverty line. Furthermore, a recent report by the Houston Chronicle highlighted that eight percent of county residents reside in areas with persistent poverty, characterized by a consistent poverty rate of 20 percent or more between 1989 and 2019.

A survey conducted by the Kinder Institute in 2023 revealed that 40 percent of Houston residents reported being unable to afford an unexpected $400 expense, such as a medical bill

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or car repair. The survey also found that this financial vulnerability disproportionately affects Black and Latino communities, with 70 percent of Black respondents and over 50 percent of Latino respondents expressing concerns about meeting such expenses.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo emphasized that while there is no singular solution to eradicating poverty, programs like "Uplift Harris" are crucial in breaking the cycle. Recipients will be chosen from the ten most impoverished ZIP codes in the county, where the median annual income is $35,000. The funds provided through this program will grant recipients the flexibility to allocate the money towards their most pressing needs, be it food security, healthcare, or educational expenses.

Judge Hidalgo highlighted that a local professional will oversee the evaluation of the program's impact on recipients.

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LOCAL: HOUSTON COUNCIL RACES ARE CROWDING

By Burt Levine, Political Writer

Houston City Council Chamber

by Jackson

W

hile most of the focus is on who is running for president in 2024 or even who is running for mayor this year, Houston has five at-large City Council members elected citywide, and 11 district City Council members who vote on the mayor's $6.2 billion budget, every expenditure over $50,000, city laws called ordinances, and the care for local citizens' needs.

Houston City Council Member at Large, Pos. 1, Mike Knox, is term-limited from running for another large four-year term.

He has announced his plans to run for Harris County Sheriff next year. He describes at-large council members as "mini mayors" because their constituents include all 2.4 million people throughout the city's 640 square miles.

The deadline to file for a place on the Tuesday, November 7 ballot is 5 p.m. on Monday, August 21, at the mayor's office. So far, the candidates to succeed Knox are the nearly three decades-long award-winning prosecutor Julian Ramirez, whom Knox supports; outgoing Houston ISD Trustee Kendall Baker; lawyer Melanie Miles; broadcaster Cassey Currey; and community activists Leah Wolfthal and Conchita Reyes.

In Houston at large, represented

by Pos. 2 City Council Member David Robinson, term limits apply. So far, the

candidates to succeed him are entrepreneur and lifetime Houstonian Marina Coryat; former Houston ISD Trustee Holy Flynn Vilaseca; Army Vet and Pastor Willie Davis; Council Aide Nick Hellyar; realtor Danielle Keys Best, who was defeated for State Rep by Jolanda Jones last year; and businessman Obiola "Obes" Nwabara.

Houston at Large Pos. 3 City Council Member Michael Kubosh is term-limited from running for another four-year term and has announced his candidacy for Houston City Controller, as the current Controller Chris Brown is term-limited.

The candidates running to succeed Kubosh are Ericka McCrutcheon, a real estate, insurance, and construction entrepreneur; Houston Community College leader and city civic volunteer Donnell Cooper; retired Astros Foundation Executive Director Twila Carter; Harris County Department of Education Trust-

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ee Richard Cantu; GLBT activist Ethan Ganz; and former District F Houston City Council Member Richard Nguyen.

Houston at Large Pos. 4 City Council Member Dr. Leticia Plummer earned degrees from Spellman College and Baylor University before building dental offices and raising sons. The Greater Houston Builders Association and the Houston Police Officers Association are backing Plummer. Her opponents so far are retired Air Force Lt. Col. Roy Morales and Aldine ISD educator John Branch.

In Houston at large, represented

by Pos. 5 City Council Member Sally Alcorn, African American vegan restaurant owner Chad Cossey is currently challenging her.

Early voting will run from Monday, October 24, through Friday, November 3, for the Tuesday, November 7 general election. The deadline to register to vote is Tuesday, October 10.

June 8, 2023 – June 14, 2023

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DR. CORNEL WEST'S PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDACY: A QUEST FOR TRUTH AND JUSTICE

By Jo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor

P

olitical activist, author, and professor Dr. Cornel West has made a bold announcement by declaring his candidacy for the highest office in the nation, the President of the United States of America. Running as a third-party candidate for the People's Party, Dr. West aims to elevate his lifelong pursuit of truth and justice.

In a campaign video posted on Twitter, Dr. West sat alone in a symmetrical, blurred-out room, donning his signature all-black suit, and shared his intentions to run for the presidency. He emphasized that his quest for truth and justice has been a lifelong endeavor, and the presidency is merely one vehicle to continue that pursuit.

In a nearly three-minute video, the 70-year-old outlined his vision to "reintroduce America to the best of itself."

His vision encompasses a better quality of life for all Americans, including guaranteed housing, healthcare, education, and living wages. His campaign will focus on six main platforms. Firstly, he aims to rebuild a true democracy, as he believes the current system has been deconstructed. Dr. West intends to combat government corruption by ending corporate lobbying and implementing

8

congressional term limits. Under his economic revitalization pillar, he plans to forgive student debt, support unions, and curb inflation. Additionally, he proposes comprehensive healthcare for all through the Medicare for All initiative.

He aims to redirect funds from wars to bring troops home, support veterans, disband NATO, ban nuclear weapons, and cease foreign aid.

Dr. West also seeks to expand civil liberties, ensuring equal rights for all by restoring free speech, ending mass incarceration, protecting choice, and addressing concerns related to CBDCs (central bank digital currencies).

Lastly, he prioritizes environmental protection through regenerative agri-

June 8, 2023 – June 14, 2023

culture, addressing climate change, and investing in clean energy.

Dr. West intends to empower marginalized communities with the truth, as he believes no political party is currently willing to address important issues related to Wall Street, Ukraine, the Pentagon, or big tech.

On a personal note, Dr. West is a devoted follower of Jesus, an early riser, and a jazz enthusiast who abstains from breakfast. He is an accomplished individual, graduating magna cum laude from Harvard University in three years.

He holds an M.A. and Ph.D. in philosophy from Princeton University.

As the current Dietrich Bonhoeffer Chair at Union Theological Seminary,

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he teaches courses on philosophy of religion, African American critical thought, and other subjects. Previously, he served as the Professor of the Practice of Public Philosophy at Harvard University and was a Professor Emeritus at Princeton University. The highly sought out political activist is an author of 20 books. Dr. West is married to Arab political science professor Annahita Mahdavi and is the father of Dilan Zeytun West and Clinton West.

Dr. West's candidacy is making waves in an already crowded presidential race, which includes notable figures such as Joe Biden, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Marianne Williamson for the Democrats, as well as Ron DeSantis, Larry Elder, Nikki Haley, Asa Hutchinson, Mike Pence, Vivek Ramaswamy, Tim Scott, Corey Stapleton, and Donald Trump for the Republicans.

In Dr. West's own words, "You can't lead the people if you don't love people." His lifelong mission is to pursue truth and justice as a testament of his love for America. However, the question remains: Is America ready to reciprocate that love and embrace him as its president? For more info, visit CornelWest24.com.

Health Department COUNTY: Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee Houston Expanding Opportunities for Statement Named Ally Grand Marshall for Houston Pride Parade Diverse Businesses

By StyleMagazine.com – Newswire

901 Bagby St. County Attorney Menefee will serve alongside 6 other Grand Marshals: Female Identifying Identificación Femenina Margarita Pérez Frinsco Honorary Grand Marshal Trendsetter Gran Mariscal Honorario Trendsetter

Cameron Samuels

Gender Nonconforming Género No Conforme Ethan Ganz

P

Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee

ride Houston 365 has announced that Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee will serve as the Ally Grand Marshal for the 45th annual Houston Pride Parade.

County Attorney Menefee issued the following statement: “I’m incredibly honored to serve as the Ally Grand Marshal for the 2023 Houston Pride Parade. Our LGBTQ+ community has achieved some amazing things, and I’m proud to celebrate with them in Houston, home to one the biggest Pride celebration in

the nation.

This Pride month, just like every month, I commit to standing with LGBTQ+ Texans and fighting to protect their rights.”

The 2023 Houston Pride Parade takes place on Saturday, June 24, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., starting at Houston City Hall,

Male Identifying Identificación Masculina Jeffrey Campbell Honorary Grand Marshal Grand Mariscal Honorario The Normal Anomaly Initiative Inc.

A

bbott-LISC Funding: This source of lending capital was made available nationally to support the growth of diverse companies in the healthcare supply chain. This inititative will provide diverse small business owners with the tailored solutions, support and resources they need to compete, grow and create jobs.

Please see the attached PDF with Contact information and QR code.

The PDF can be shared with your networks and interested MBEs. If you would like more information about Harris Health Contractor Diversity Program, please email us at contractordiversity@harrishealth.org.

www.HoustonHealth.org

Honorary Grand Marshal Grand Mariscal Honorario David Andrew Edmonson

www.cao.harriscountytx.gov/

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June 8, 2023 – June 14, 2023

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HEALTH: TAKE CONTROL OF BLOOD PRESSURE

By Family Features

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and kind to yourself and others you may be helping.

ffectively managing your blood pressure can help reduce your chances of life-threatening medical events, even death.

Gain confidence and learn how to take control of your blood pressure with these tips and resources from the American Heart Association.

The Silent Killer High blood pressure is often referred to as the “silent killer” because it typically has few, if any, noticeable symptoms but can lead to heart attack, stroke, heart failure and even death. Many people with high blood pressure don’t even know they have it. Some overlooked symptoms can include dizziness, facial flushing and blood spots in the eyes.

Understand Your Readings The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to regularly take an accurate blood pressure measurement. Understanding your results is key to controlling high blood pressure.

Blood pressure numbers of less than

120/80 mm Hg are usually considered within the normal range, yet it is important to talk to a doctor about your healthy range. Even if you fall within a healthy range, it can be beneficial to stick with heart-healthy habits like following a balanced diet and getting regular exercise.

Know Your Risk While many risk factors for high blood pressure may be related to your age, gender and family history, there are also risk factors you can change to help prevent and manage high blood pressure. People at added risk may be those who engage in lower levels

of physical activity, eat a diet high in sodium (particularly from packaged, processed foods), may be overweight or obese, drink excessive amounts of alcohol and may have multiple chronic conditions.

Talk About It Whether you’re making changes in your own life to combat high blood pressure or helping someone else, positive feelings and confidence are longer-term motivators to making health changes. If you’re talking with friends, loved ones or your doctor, be prepared to ask open-ended questions. Be curious

Lowering Your Pressure You can reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, heart failure and even death with lifestyle changes and medication.

Watching your weight, especially if you are overweight or obese, can bring health gains; losing as little as 5-10 pounds may help lower your blood pressure. Managing your stress by relaxing for short periods during your workday, at night and on weekends is another productive practice.

If you have diabetes, it’s important to work with a doctor to manage the disease and reduce your blood glucose levels.

If you think you could have sleep apnea, getting screened for and treating the condition can also reduce your risk for developing high blood pressure.

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ENTERTAINMENT BRIEFS

By CNN/StyleMagazine.com Newswire

Tyler James Williams: “I’m not gay”

The Fugees Reunite at Roots Picnic

Tyler James Williams

The Fugees

CNN/StyleMagazine.com - Newswire

CNN/StyleMagazine.com - Newswire

T

yler James Williams, known for his role in "Abbott Elementary," recently addressed the speculation surrounding his sexuality. In a note posted on his Instagram account, the 30-year-old actor expressed his thoughts on the matter.

Williams stated that while he is not gay, he believes the culture of trying to uncover hidden traits or behaviors in someone is dangerous.

He emphasized that overanalyzing someone's actions can contribute to the anxiety experienced by queer individuals who fear living their truth.

Williams also discussed how such behavior reinforces unrealistic archetypes for straight men and limits individual expression.

He concluded by affirming his commitment to using his platform to challenge these harmful messages.

Issa Rae On ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’

L

CNN/StyleMagazine.com - Newswire

auryn Hill surprised fans at the Roots Picnic in Philadelphia by bringing Wyclef Jean and Pras Michel on stage for a reunion performance of the Fugees.

However, it may be the last time the trio performs together. Pras Michel is facing potential prison time, having been found guilty on multiple criminal counts related to an international conspiracy.

Despite this, the Fugees delighted the audience with their classic hits, including "How Many Mics," "Ready or Not," "Killing Me Softly," and "Fu-Gee-La." The group had previously announced a tour in 2021 to celebrate their 25th anniversary, but it was later canceled due to the challenges posed by the ongoing Covid pandemic.

I

Issa Rae and Jessica Drew

ssa Rae takes on the role of a pregnant superhero in the upcoming Marvel project, "Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse."

Portraying Jessica Drew, also known as Spider-Woman, Rae brings a unique and powerful character to life in this animated film that explores alternate universes.

Known for her distinctive portrayals, the "Insecure" star expressed pride in playing such a cool and badass character. While voice acting presented its challenges, Rae enjoyed working with the talented cast and had fun reading scenes with Hailee Steinfeld, who voices Gwen Stacy. Anticipation is high for the film's release, with early buzz suggesting it could follow in the footsteps of its Oscar-winning predecessor.

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2023 2023

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TOQUE EVENT EVENT SPACE SPACE TOQUE

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H Gilbert GARCIA Mayoral Kick-Off & 60 Birthday Bash H th

H Presented By Gilbert Garcia For Mayor Of Houston H H TOQUE Event Space H 2025 Post Oak Blvd H Monday, June 05, 2023 H

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2023

SEE MORE +

HILTON COLUMBUS, OHIO www.StyleMagazine.com

H 91st Annual Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors H H Mayor Sylvester Turner Recognized by U.S. Mayors H H Columbus, Ohio H Hilton Hotel - Columbus H Friday, June 02 – Monday, June 05, 2023 H

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June 8, 2023 – June 14, 2023

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CULINARY: TRILL BURGERS WELCOMES FRIENDS AND FAMILY FOR FIRST LOOK AT NEW LOCATION BURGERS AND FRIES FLOW AS HOUSTON ATHLETES, MUSICIANS AND MEDIA PERSONALITIES FLOCK TO HOUSTON’S NEWEST SMASHBURGER DESTINATION

By StyleMagazine.com - Newswire

who brought Bun B a bottle of champagne to welcome him to the Montrose neighborhood. Other notables included vocalist and activist Kam Franklin of The Suffers, country singer Rich O’Toole, media personality Courtney Zavala, street artist Donkeeboy, sports radio pundit Lance Zierlein and attorney and radio host Charles “Big Angry” Adams.

“It was nice to invite some friends over to the new space and cut

F

riends and family of Bun B and Trill Burgers flocked to the corner of Shepherd Drive and Richmond Avenue to get an exclusive first look inside Trill Burgers’ debut brick-andmortar location at 3607 S Shepherd Dr. Guests included Houston rap royalty Slim Thug, Lil’ Keke, Willie D of the Geto Boys, and Le$. Luminaries from the sports world included Houston

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Texans legend Andre Johnson, Texans quarterbacks coach and former NFL signal-caller Jerrod Johnson, ex-Texans linebacker Daryl Sharpton, Houston Rockets legend Mario Elie, former Texans general manager Rick Smith and NFL agent Kennard McGuire.

Influential Houston restaurateur Johnny Carrabba was in attendance, along with chef Ryan Lachaine of Riel,

June 8, 2023 – June 14, 2023

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on the equipment for the first time,” Bun B said. “We learned a lot last night and realized we are a lot closer than we thought. Stay tuned, Houston, we might be open soon.”

Bun B’s wife Queenie Freeman, her mother and sisters, and the rap legend’s nieces, nephew and cousins also were among the special guests, along with Trill Burgers partners Nick Scurfield, Mike Pham and Fernando Valladares.

Le$, Bun B and Jorgey

CAST & CREW AND ENTERTAINMENT PARTNERS PARTNER WITH TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY FOR HISTORIC CERTIFICATE PROGRAM Kathleen Coleman, Arts Editor

A

Empowering Communities awareness of career opportunities Changing Lives that

new partnership with entertainEQUAL OPPORTUNITY DAY GALA exist in the ever-growing entertainment ment industry giants Cast & Crew SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2022 - 6:30 PM industry. If you are looking for a career and Entertainment Partners has HILTON AMERICAS HOUSTON change or have had a great interest in formed to create a vehicle that opens film and television entertainment this more opportunities in the Entertainopportunity could be for you” said Dr. ment Industry for All, including Texas Tyrone Dixon. Larry Robinson of Avatar Black Excellence in Sports Leadership Black Excellence in Education Southern University students.

Entertainment manages Tyrone Dixon.

The Center for Africana FuThe program will begin on July 15, tures Community Education Program, 2023. in partnership with Cast & Crew and “This program is an excellent Entertainment Partners along with leadopportunity for us to provide communiing film, television, and entertainment Dr. Reginald Lovie Smith focusedDesRoches on the future and Dusty Baker Dr. Loren Blanchard ty education Stephen Silas professionals, will provide a 16-week Head Coach President President Head Coach current employment in the entertainGeneral Manager Dr. Tyrone Dixon Dr.University Toniesha Taylor Houston Texans of Houston-Downtown Rice University Houston Rockets Houston Astros curriculum for a Production Payroll ment industry.

Accounting Certificate. The Futures Dr. Toniesha Taylor (Mellon zler, Sr. Manager, Product Education I am very excited about the grant recipient) and the program was will help guide the program from Cast partnership that we are able to participrogram will be offered quarterly. & Crew.

Cohorts will attend weekly sessions led born.

Quentin Mease Community Service Award pate in and look forward to many years “We are delighted to join hands Entertainment Partners VP of Market- of productive engagement ”said Dr. by faculty and industry experts.

The 16- week program will with TSU in a collaborative endeavor ing, Steve Wegner; Senior Director-Ser- Toniesha Taylor.

Dr.Kim LaTonya Goffney Dr. Millard House II Weddington culminate with the certification exam to empower individuals within produc- vices and Support, Superintendent Superintendent Enablement, and access to employment opportuni- tion accounting education,” said Ivana and Manger-LearningAldine ISD Houston ISD ties with some of the top industry firms, Malcolm, SVP of Client Services and Tyrone Robinson are excited and Customer Success Cast & Crew. committed to the success of the ProJeromeatLove studios, and production companies.

Expo & Wealong All Eatwith Campaign our Cus- duction Payroll Accounting Certificate Producer/ Director/ Professor Texas Black“Together, Dr. Tyrone D. Dixon developed this tomer Success and Product Education Program. team we are thrilled Award to embark on this “I am working in my passion program with his relationships with Hines Gerald Corporate Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young to create opporindustry leaders with the goal of filling partnership, eager to share our exper- and purpose and look Dr. Ruth Simmons President President tise, and support a diverse community tunities for others.

The entertainment the void of a shortage of accountants as Texas Southern University Prairie View A&M University well as participating in creating diver- of learners who will be a part of the industry is full of opportunities and sity, equity, and inclusion. Dr. Dixon digital production accounting transfor- avenues to enter but most people just For more information, please haul.org/eodgala don’tvisit know.

This program is one of shared the concept with his colleague mation.” or contact Brandi | bledet@haul.org | 713-393-8783 Ivana along with Ledet Lucas Dotmany we plan to share that will create and founder of the Center for Africana

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