Houston Style Magazine Vol 35 No 13

Da

Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

The Leader of Houston’s New Majority®

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

Graphic Design /Layout Editor

Cameron C. Lee thisiscam6@gmail.com

Political Editor

Burt Levine texascampaigns@gmail.com

Sports Editor

Brian Barefield brian barefield@yahoo.com

Arts Editor

Bianca Elam biancaelam777.be@gmail.com

Food Writer

Alex Jack alexandriajack1991@gmail.com

TotallyRandie Totallyrandie@gmail.com

NATIONAL WRITERS

Jesse Jackson jjackson@rainbowpush.org

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Vicky Pink vhpink@gmail.com

ADVERTISING/SALES

AdVertising emAil advertising@stylemagazine.com

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Mail: P.O. Box 14035, Houston, TX 77221-4035

©2023 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)

CELEBRATING A NEW MILESTONE: AAMA Sanchez Charter School’s North Building Inauguration

By Francis Page Jr for www.StyleMagazine.com

Chief Pena & Dr. Adolpho Melara

Houston Style Magazine’s readers, we’re thrilled to report an exciting development in the heart of our vibrant city!

The Association for the Advancement of Mexican Americans (AAMA) has recently unveiled its latest accomplishment: the opening of the new AAMA Sanchez Charter School North building. This milestone marks not just the growth of an institution but the flourishing of a community.

On a sunlit Wednesday, community leaders and education advocates came together to celebrate with a festive ribbon-cutting ceremony. The new building isn’t just a structure of brick and mortar; it’s a beacon of hope, symbolizing the commitment to education and the empowerment of Latino communities in Houston.

We were cordially invited into Ms. Claudia’s elementary class—a space brimming with enthusiasm and promise. Her students, the future of Houston, graciously offered refreshments, showcasing the warm, community-centric atmosphere AAMA cultivates.

Photos By AAMA Photography

Special recognition was bestowed upon the school by Frank Gonzalez, on behalf of Rep. Sylvia Garcia, who honored President, CEO, and Superintendent Dr. Adolfo Melara with a Congressional certificate. The accolade is a testament to AAMA’s pivotal role in enriching lives through education.

The event was made possible through the collective effort of many, including the architectural ingenuity of Collaborate Architects and the leadership of AAMA Board Chair Alexandria Hernandez. The diligence of Community Outreach and Events Manager Monica Vallejo , Student Recruitment and Community Engagement Specialist Mary Ann Garcia, and all AAMA and GIS staff was instrumental in the event’s success.

The AAMA George I. Sanchez Charter Schools are not just educational establishments; they are nurturing environments where each student is given the attention they need to thrive. They stand out by offering:

· Zero-cost tuition,

Open enrollment policies, A nurturing and safe educational environment, Manageable class sizes for personalized attention, State-of-the-art technological access,

· Comprehensive counseling and tutoring services, Tailored learning programs,

· Leadership development opportunities, Engaging monthly workshops for parents.

With a legacy stretching over half a century, AAMA has been a guiding force for the Latino community. From supporting youth to complete their education to enabling immigrants to integrate and contribute to society fully, AAMA has been at the forefront. Houston Style Magazine is honored to spotlight an organization that is truly sculpting the landscape of Latino education and empowerment.

COMMENTARY A FULL COURT PRESS TO GET THE LEAD OUT

There'snothing quite like seeing a kid who was born healthy but now suffers cognitive impairment and is prone to outbursts of anger. As a volunteer restoring six-story walk-ups in Harlem in the early 90s, I saw how lead paint chips and dust were wreaking havoc on the kids in those low-income buildings.

The kids not only lived in a cloud of despair but in a cloud of lead-infused dust. The former made achieving their dreams difficult. The latter made it impossible. Fast forward a few decades and the threat of lead poisoning has continued to manifest in public health crises. It was at the heart of the well-publicized water crisis in Flint, Michigan that started in 2014 … and the subsequent not-as-wellpublicized water crises in Benton Harbor, MI and Pittsburgh, PA just a few short years later.

Now, thanks to community organizers, advocacy groups, the federal government, and even some private companies, we’re seeing a major push to eliminate the lingering threat of lead. It is thanks to the hard work of activists like Gabriel Gray. Gray is an organizer with Pittsburgh United, a local advocacy group that works on clean water and housing issues. She came to this work during her own city’s water crisis.

Only finding out about the crisis once there was a run on bottled water in all the local stores, Gray applied with the Pittsburgh Water and Sewage Authority (PWSA) for a lead line replacement for her home and was denied. Then she started organizing with her neighbors. “Because of the work the Pittsburgh United Our Water Campaign did to hold PWSA accountable, it is now the only public water authority in Pennsylvania to be governed by the state’s Public Utility Commission (PUC).

However, my neighborhood borders an area with a different water authority not governed by the PUC – the Wilkinsburg-Penn Joint Water Authority. We’re now working with Wilkinsburg-Penn to stress the importance of

By Ben Jealous, National Political Commentator

equity in its lead line replacement plans, after finding that environmental justice communities had been slower to receive replacements than other communities in that authority’s jurisdiction.” The increased focus on stopping lead poisoning is also thanks to tireless advocates like my friend Ruth Ann Norton, who heads the Green & Healthy Homes Initiative (GHHI) in Baltimore.

GHHI was recently chosen to administer $50 million in grants across the mid-Atlantic under the EPA’s Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking program created by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Norton says, “We can make homes, schools, childcare centers lead-free, as long as we have a comprehensive approach and flexible funding. And we can do this simultaneously as we address climate work, with some of the same funding. It’s an opportunity we need to seize if we’re going to end lead’s toxic legacy.”

There are additional rays of hope thanks to healthcare providers like GHHI partner Penn Medicine’s Lancaster General Health. The Hospital put $50 million into a community health improvement initiative to eliminate childhood lead poisoning in Lancaster County, Penn-

sylvania. With a “goal of identifying and remediating lead hazards in at least 2,800 Lancaster County homes,” LG Health is setting an example for the private sector. And the Biden-Harris administration’s focus on environmental justice and access to clean and safe water is aiding the national effort.

The IRA and bipartisan infrastructure law offer a treasure trove of federal funding to clean up this mess. There are billions of dollars already flowing to states to improve water infrastructure and make drinking water safer. And billions more in environmental justice and energy efficiency investments that can be put towards lead abatement as well. Ruth Ann Norton described how states could apply for Climate Pollution Reduction Grants – a $5 billion program in the IRA – to take a “whole house approach” that makes lead abatement and other key remediations part of a comprehensive approach to building maintenance and electrification. Lead is a global problem.

A recent study by Lancet Planetary Health estimated “5.5 million adults worldwide died in 2019 from cardiovascular disease attributable to lead exposure – a toll more than six times higher than a previous estimate.”

That year, the combined price tag of the loss in IQ in children under 5 years old and cardiovascular mortality was an estimated $6 trillion. There is no cure for lead poisoning other than prevention. The investment in future health makes good economic sense for lawmakers, government agencies, and companies alike. Most urgently, states and municipalities need to take advantage of the funds available through IRA and the bipartisan infrastructure law.

And they need to work with community organizations like GHHI and Pittsburgh United, as well as private companies where appropriate, to make sure the funds are administered correctly and equitably. If there was ever a worthy cause for an “all hands on deck” approach, wouldn’t protecting our kids and their futures be it?

Ben Jealous is executive director of the Sierra Club, professor of practice at the University of Pennsylvania and author of “Never Forget Our People Were Always Free.”

You can write to Ben Jealous in care of this Newspaper or by website at:

www.BenJealous.com

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SPECIAL PRESS AND PUBLIC ADVISORY

Please find below a heartfelt plea for justice for Haiti, sent in a communique to The Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives on March 19, 2024. This communique addresses how Haiti became the poorest nation in the western hemisphere, it’s current need for aid, and the future need for mutually beneficial trade.

Please find below a heartfelt plea for justice for Haiti, sent in a communique to The Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives on March 19, 2024. This communique addresses how Haiti became the poorest nation in the western hemisphere, it’s current need for aid, and the future need for mutually beneficial trade.

The Honorable Mike Johnson

Speaker of the House of Representatives

U.S. House of Representatives

H-232, The Capitol Washington, D.C. 20515

The Honorable Mike Johnson

Speaker of the House of Representatives

U.S. House of Representatives

H-232, The Capitol Washington, D.C. 20515

Re: Justice for Haiti

March 19, 2024

March 19, 2024

Re: Justice for Haiti

Dear Speaker Johnson,

Dear Speaker Johnson,

Sadly, I send this communique with dire concern for Haiti emanating from the brotherly love people of goodwill have within their hearts. Dolefully, the hands of history have chronicled how Haiti’s contemporary condition as the poorest country in the western hemisphere emerged from Haiti having been blackmailed/extorted by its former slave master/owner France. Haiti suffered the injustice of being forced to agree to pay more than $20 billion in today’s dollars as reparations for liberating itself from France’s enslavement. This ‘agreement’ was made under threat of re-enslavement with an armed flotilla of war ships from France. It took Haiti over 100 years to satisfy this extortion. NPR has published an article that explains this shameful behavior styled, “The Greatest Heist in History: How Haiti was Forced to Pay Reparations for Its Freedom,” published October 5, 2021.

Sadly, I send this communique with dire concern for Haiti emanating from the brotherly love people of goodwill have within their hearts. Dolefully, the hands of history have chronicled how Haiti’s contemporary condition as the poorest country in the western hemisphere emerged from Haiti having been blackmailed/extorted by its former slave master/owner France. Haiti suffered the injustice of being forced to agree to pay more than $20 billion in today’s dollars as reparations for liberating itself from France’s enslavement. This ‘agreement’ was made under threat of re-enslavement with an armed flotilla of war ships from France. It took Haiti over 100 years to satisfy this extortion. NPR has published an article that explains this shameful behavior styled, “The Greatest Heist in History: How Haiti was Forced to Pay Reparations for Its Freedom,” published October 5, 2021.

Subsequently, the U.S. occupied Haiti from 1915 until 1934 and thereafter managed Haiti’s finances, according to the NPR article previously cited. In so doing (per NPR) the U.S. siphoned away around 40% of Haiti’s income for France and itself as debt service. Mr. Speaker, notwithstanding natural disasters, human failures, and other calamities, Haiti’s more than 100 years of being blackmailed/extorted has been the chief impediment to Haiti’s thriving. In truth, France, as the enforcer of the unjust extortion agreement, should pay Haiti back with interest on the more than $20 billion extorted.

Subsequently, the U.S. occupied Haiti from 1915 until 1934 and thereafter managed Haiti’s finances, according to the NPR article previously cited. In so doing (per NPR) the U.S. siphoned away around 40% of Haiti’s income for France and itself as debt service. Mr. Speaker, notwithstanding natural disasters, human failures, and other calamities, Haiti’s more than 100 years of being blackmailed/extorted has been the chief impediment to Haiti’s thriving. In truth, France, as the enforcer of the unjust extortion agreement, should pay Haiti back with interest on the more than $20 billion extorted.

Mr. Speaker, the Haitian interregnum notwithstanding, we need to release the $40 million available as security support for Haiti. According to Reuters, “Kenya’s government pledged 1,000 officers to lead an international security force last July, but the initiative has been tied up in court challenges and Kenya has asked to be paid upfront.” Please do not allow anything to prevent or delay our providing funds to help stabilize a country facing imminent chaos that is closer to the United States than Houston, Texas is to El Paso, Texas.

Mr. Speaker, the Haitian interregnum notwithstanding, we need to release the $40 million available as security support for Haiti. According to Reuters, “Kenya’s government pledged 1,000 officers to lead an international security force last July, but the initiative has been tied up in court challenges and Kenya has asked to be paid upfront.” Please do not allow anything to prevent or delay our providing funds to help stabilize a country facing imminent chaos that is closer to the United States than Houston, Texas is to El Paso, Texas.

Mr. Speaker, as Congress is poised to send scores of billions of dollars to aid Israel and Ukraine, please help Haiti during its time of dire need. One final thought, I believe that aid in the short run helps a nation in need to survive. However, in the long run, it’s trade that helps a nation in need to thrive. Mr. Speaker, given our past equitably inauspicious relationship with Haiti, I unflinchingly believe we should invest in the future of our Caribbean neighbor by perfecting more mutually beneficial trade with Haiti. This would be the just and righteous thing to do.

Mr. Speaker, as Congress is poised to send scores of billions of dollars to aid Israel and Ukraine, please help Haiti during its time of dire need. One final thought, I believe that aid in the short run helps a nation in need to survive. However, in the long run, it’s trade that helps a nation in need to thrive. Mr. Speaker, given our past equitably inauspicious relationship with Haiti, I unflinchingly believe we should invest in the future of our Caribbean neighbor by perfecting more mutually beneficial trade with Haiti. This would be the just and righteous thing to do.

Sincerely,

Sincerely,

Al Green Member of Congress

Progenitor of Aug. 20th As Slavery Remembrance Day Scion of Africans Enslaved in America

Progenitor of Aug. 20th As Slavery Remembrance Day

Scion of Africans Enslaved in America

On the auspicious occasion of National Vietnam War Veterans Day, Houston will witness Council Member Edward Pollard fulfilling a heartfelt promise to his father, a valiant U.S. Marine and Vietnam veteran. This Friday at 10 am, Club Creek Park will become the setting of a long-awaited tribute to the heroes of Houston who served in Vietnam.

Edward Pollard, a distinguished Houston City Council Member, has drawn inspiration from his parents' profound commitment to the nation and community. His father, Donald Pollard Sr., shared with young Edward the cold reception he faced upon returning from the Vietnam War. These stories of unappreciated sacrifice, coupled with his mother, Dr. Diane Jemison Pollard's, 40 years of dedicated teaching at Texas Southern University, propelled Edward toward a life dedicated to public service and law.

Having graduated with honors from Morehouse College and later from Texas Southern University’s Thurgood Marshall Law School, Edward has never forgotten the opportunities afforded to him through his father's honorable service. Donald Pollard Sr., like many Houston veterans, faced not just battlefields abroad but battles

By Burt Levine, Political Editor For www.StyleMagazine.com

at home—facing rejection, ridicule, and barriers to employment. Edward vowed to change that narrative.

This Friday's event at Club Creek Park, a serene environment apt for reflec-

tion, coincides with the Congressional declaration of March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day. The day marks the withdrawal of the last U.S. troops from Vietnam in 1973 and is distinct from Veterans Day, commemorated

on November 11. It will unveil a memorial honoring the ultimate sacrifice of 543 military members from the Houston area whose names are now immortalized.

The development of this park, which now houses a stunning pond, walking trails, and vibrant greenery, is the result of over three years of dedicated effort by Pollard's office. An investment of $15 million, inclusive of $1.3 million from the Southwest Houston Redevelopment Authority and $100,000 raised by Pollard, symbolizes the city's commitment to honoring its veterans.

Pollard's message to all veterans, and particularly to those of the Vietnam War, is a resounding "Welcome home." This tribute stands as a testament to Houston's reverence for their service, acknowledging the past while looking to the future with gratitude and respect.

www.StyleMagazine.com

Gwendolyn Tillotson-Bell

Houston Style Magazine is thrilled to announce that Mayor John Whitmire has made a pivotal move by appointing the acclaimed economic strategist, Gwendolyn Tillotson-Bell, as the City of Houston's Chief Economic Development Officer. Tillotson-Bell brings a wealth of experience, most notably from her 17-year tenure as Deputy Director of the Mayor's Office of Economic Development and is set to

CITY HALL: HOUSTON'S NEW ECONOMIC VISIONARY -

GWENDOLYN TILLOTSON-BELL TAKES THE HELM

By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com

administer the city's economic growth and maintain key partnerships that invigorate our vibrant communities.

As Houston enters a transformative phase, Tillotson-Bell's appointment comes at a critical juncture. Her predecessors have paved the way, and now, under Mayor Whitmire's progressive administration, Tillotson-Bell is poised to elevate Houston’s position on the global stage. The city's economic infrastructure, including the Tax Increment Investment Zones and various industrial and special districts, will thrive under her astute guidance.

Tillotson-Bell’s portfolio boasts high-caliber projects like the East River and Energy Corridor developments, which have reshaped the cityscape and infused life into our local economies. Her name is synonymous with inclusive growth, illustrated by her involvement in projects that span Houston’s diverse communities, such as the Meow Wolf, City Park Workforce Housing, and the West-on-West endeavors.

With her rich academic background, inclusive of an MBA and certification in public management, Tillotson-Bell is more than just a fi-

nancial steward. She is a vanguard in urban economic transformation, a distinguished ULI advisory board member, and an influential voice across various leadership boards like Bisnow's Diversity Board. Her insights have sparked dialogues on public-private partnerships and economic resilience.

Mayor Whitmire has lauded Tillotson-Bell as a visionary whose collaboration has earned the business community's respect. "Gwen's blend of experience, foresight, and strategic acumen is the beacon that will steer Houston's policies and partnerships toward fostering an investment-rich environment, propelling us to new heights," he remarked.

Tillotson-Bell's thought lead-

ership is not only transformative but also inspiring. Her published works and recognitions, including the 2019 accolade as one of Bisnow's Power Women in Commercial Real Estate, signify her impactful presence in the industry.

Houston, get ready to witness economic innovation like never before, with Gwendolyn Tillotson-Bell at the economic forefront, where her expertise meets the city's indomitable spirit to chart a course of prosperity for all.

For real-time updates on Houston’s economic developments and exclusive insights from Gwendolyn Tillotson-Bell, stay connected with Houston Style Magazine

www.StyleMagazine.com

Houston Style Magazine spotlights the exemplary “Reading Between the Wines” soirée, a literary and philanthropic highlight on Houston’s social calendar, splendidly backed by Comcast as a major sponsor. This event, held on the evening of March 22, 2024, at Safari Texas Ranch, blended the joy of reading with the warmth of community giving, all under the expansive Texan sky.

Comcast, in its pivotal role as a major sponsor, demonstrated a profound commitment to literacy and community enrichment, helping to amplify the event’s impact. The evening’s pages were filled with the compelling words of John Quiñones, the venerated ABC News veteran and event keynote speaker – whose narrative prowess captivated the audience. Together with the Fred and Mabel R. Parks Foundation, Comcast’s support was instrumental in propelling the fundraising event beyond its $150,000 goal, marking a milestone for the Literacy Council of Fort Bend County The philanthropic spirits of Kelli and Steve Metzenthin were duly celebrated as honorees, with Mayor Pro Tem Lynn Clouser of Missouri City, Texas, adding her

RAISING A GLASS TO LITERACY: COMCAST Champions “Reading Between The Wines”

By Francis Page Jr for www.StyleMagazine.com

esteemed voice as the emcee. The event’s menu read like a novel of flavors, featuring culinary chapters from Alings Chinese Bistro to Outback Steakhouse Stafford, each dish a narrative of taste, generously contributed by local culinary maestros and sweetened by the likes of Turtle & Birdy’s and Nothing Bundt Cakes John Quiñones, sharing wisdom from his show, “What Would You Do?”,

left a poignant note on the importance of lending a helping hand, echoing the sentiment that the evening’s gathering was about community, support, and the collective effort to reduce life’s hardships through education.

With the SEO-friendly hashtag #RBTW2024 garnering substantial traction, the event showcased the power of partnership in fostering literacy. As we anticipate

the unfolding of next year’s story, we remain grateful to Comcast and all the sponsors and participants who supported this grand narrative of literacy and camaraderie.

Engage with the literary legacy of Fort Bend County by connecting with Development Manager Alexandra S Martinez for details on future events. With a toast to the written word and a nod to digital connectivity, Houston Style Magazine invites you to join in next year’s celebration, underpinned by the unwavering support of community leaders like Comcast. Until we meet again between the wines, let us savor the aftertaste of success and solidarity that this event has left on our palates.

For more info., go to: www.FtBendLiteracy.org and to: www.Comcast. com

Speaker - John Quinones Photos

Kelli & Steve Metzenthin

Thomas Jones - Mayor Whitmire

Jones

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

FOR PROPOSED SERVICE CHANGES

Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO)

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Texas (METRO), will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 12:00 noon to receive public comment on the proposed June 2024 changes to METRO service. The public is invited to attend the hearing and provide comments in person.

The public may also join the hearing and provide comments virtually on Zoom at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85739405888 or by dialing: 346-248-7799 or 1-888-475-4499 (toll-free), meeting ID: 857 3940 5888. Additionally, if you do not want to provide comments during the public hearing, visit RideMETRO.org/LiveStream to view a livestream of the event. A video recording of the meeting will also be archived on METRO’s website at RideMETRO.org/Stream for review.

The proposed service changes may include:

The restoration of the 265 West Bellfort Park & Ride, route changes to the 5, 11, 152, 269 bus routes, and schedule changes to bus routes 36, 45, 49, 50, 65, 75, 82, 84, 86, 96, 102, 137, 151, 161, 270, 298, 314, 344, 363, 433, and Park & Ride corridors serving Downtown. METRO will continue to make temporary service adjustments in response to changing ridership and workforce availability.

Copies of proposed route maps and available timetables will be available beginning on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, for public review online and in the lobby of the METRO RideStore, located in the Lee P. Brown METRO Administration Building at 1900 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002, weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The public hearing will be held on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at 12:00 noon in the 2nd floor Boardroom at 1900 Main Street, Houston, Texas (served by bus routes 6, 11, 32, 44, 51, 52, 54, 82, 85, 102, 137, 160, 161, 162, and METRORail).

HOW TO COMMENT ABOUT THE SERVICE CHANGES

If you would like to make public comments in person or virtually, please register as a public speaker with the METRO Board Office at least 48 hours in advance of the hearing. Call 713-739-4834 or send an email to BoardOffice@RideMETRO.org and provide your name, address and telephone number. As explained above, you may attend the public hearing in person or virtually on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, to provide comments. If you pre-register, your comments will be heard first at the public hearing. Your name will be called at the appropriate time to make your comments.

You may also provide comments by:

• Writing to us at METRO, ATTN: June 2024 Service Changes, 1900 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002

• Faxing comments with a subject line referencing "June 2024 Service Changes" to 713-652-7956

• Calling or texting METRO Customer Service at 713-635-4000

• Submitting comments on the METRO website at RideMETRO.org

All comments should be submitted to METRO by 12:00 noon on Wednesday, April 3, 2024.

HELP FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES

For individuals with disabilities, assistive services or copies of public documents in an alternate format can be provided. Individuals with impairments may call 713-750-4271 a minimum of five (5) working days prior to the public hearing.

LANGUAGE ASSISTANCE

Upon request, METRO provides free language assistance to help patrons who have a limited ability to read, write, speak or understand English, in accordance with its language assistance plan. Please call 713-739-4018 or email METROPublicAffairs@RideMETRO.org to request language assistance or other accommodations at least 48 hours in advance of the hearing.

OTHER

1. This public hearing conforms to requirements described in the Federal Transit Administration's Circular 9030.1E, published January 16, 2014, page VI-7.

2. METRO does not discriminate based on disability in the admission or access to, or in treatment or employment in, its services, programs, and activities.

3. METRO is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of, its transit services based on race, color, or national origin, as protected by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

In the heart of Houston, a morning of purposeful dialogue brewed as city leaders and changemakers convened at the inspiring Bitty & Beau's Coffee. The gathering, graced by the presence of Houston Style Magazine’s esteemed publisher, Francis Page Jr., epitomized community synergy. The camaraderie was palpable, fostered by the exemplary hospitality of Bitty & Beau’s diligent staff, for which we remain heartily thankful.

Leadership Houston, a beacon for the city's visionaries, continues its pledge to unite and uplift through knowledge and shared dedication to Houston's prosperity. It's a commitment to nurturing the civic leadership that propels Houston forward, celebrating the diverse tapestry that is our strength.

Amidst this backdrop stands Bitty & Beau’s Coffee, a pioneering establishment that serves more than just coffee; it serves hope and showcases the beauty of diversity. Pioneered by Amy and Ben Wright, parents to Lillie, Emma Grace, Beau, and Bitty, who have brought their personal journey of empowerment to the forefront. They’ve crafted an inclusive haven that champions the potential within individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, reshaping the narrative on employability

LOCAL: BREWING INCLUSIVITY - BITTY & BEAU'S COFFEE AND LEADERSHIP HOUSTON FORGE A FUTURE OF OPPORTUNITY

By Francis Page Jr. For www.StyleMagazine.com

and community contribution. What began as a single location in Wilmington, NC, with a team of 19 remarkable individuals, has burgeoned into a national phenomenon with over 400 employed across the country.

Bitty & Beau’s is not just a coffee shop; it's a movement, where the message is as potent as the espresso - inclusion, opportunity, and unity. Each visit alters perceptions, turning customers into advocates for a world where everyone has a role to play. Missed this enlightening gathering? Worry not. Leadership Houston invites you to be part of this ongoing conversa-

tion. Discover how you can contribute to the city's narrative by visiting Leadership Houston for details on the next rendezvous in April.

Join us in the movement for a more inclusive Houston, one cup of coffee at a time.

For more inspiring stories and updates, stay connected with Houston Style Magazine, your source for the heartbeat of Houston.

Houston Style Magazine: Chronicling the Community, One Story at a Time.

www.StyleMagazine.com

SPORTS: WITNESS THE THRILL: HOUSTON ASTROS VS NEW YORK YANKEES 2024 SEASON HOME OPENER!

By Francis Page Jr. For www.StyleMagazine.com

Get set for a season starter like no other!

The Houston Astros are primed to launch their 2024 campaign with an epic showdown against the legendary New York Yankees. This electrifying clash is slated for the earliest season opener in Astros history on March 28th at the iconic Minute Maid Park — an event not to be missed. As these titans of baseball collide, secure your spot in the stands and be part of the magic. Discover tickets that cater to every budget,

be it a close-up of the action behind home plate or soaking up the atmosphere in the bleachers.

The anticipation for Major League Baseball has reached a fever pitch, and the wait is over. The stage is set for a monumental celebration as the 'Stros embark on their quest against the Yankees. Time is of the essence, so to witness the Houston Astros Opening Day 2024 firsthand this March 28th, make sure to book your tickets

promptly!

The Astros greet the new season with the enthusiasm of fresh leadership and remarkable talent. Joe Espada, adorned with his 2022 World Series ring, steps in as the new manager, embracing the role with gratitude and ambition. The arrival of fivetime All-Star closer Josh Hader from San Diego reinforces an already formidable lineup and bullpen. In contrast, the Yankees have bolstered their batting order with the acquisition of the three-time All-Star and four-time Silver Slugger, Juan Soto, setting the stage for a titanic battle of skill and strategy.

With Houston's sights set on reclaiming glory after a narrow miss in the last ALCS, and the Yankees aiming to bounce

back from a playoff miss, the stakes could not be higher. A matchup of this caliber to kick off the season promises to be a feast for baseball aficionados and casual fans alike. Tune in to the Astros broadcast on Space City Home Network or catch the Yankees on YES for an unforgettable start to the 2024 MLB season.

Celebrate the return of baseball; support your Astros in their pursuit of triumph and be part of the history in the making! Remember, this isn’t just a game; it’s the Astros on a mission for another World Series ring. So, Houston Style Magazine readers don your orange and blue, and let's fill the ballpark with the spirit and roar of Houston!

www.StyleMagazine.com

Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images

Campus Chronicles

Exciting developments have emerged from the Carver Theatre Department within the Aldine Independent School District! The talented ensemble has progressed to the Area competition after excelling in the Bi-District One Act Play contest with their performance of "To

Brianna Ponce, a senior at Aldine High School, clinched the gold medal in the unequipped division (165 pounds) at the recent Texas High School Women’s Powerlifting Association’s State Tournament. Ponce showcased impressive strength, lifting 280 pounds in the squat, 140 pounds in the bench press, and 355 pounds in the deadlift, totaling an impressive 775 pounds. With this achievement, Brianna has made history as the first student-athlete, male or female, from

Be Young, Gifted & Black, A Portrait of Lorraine Hansberry in Her Own Words," adapted by Robert Nemiroff. The next stage will be held on April 13 at Magnolia High School. Best wishes for continued success!

Two Aldine ISD students showcased their artistic talent at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) School Art Auction on March 10. Cristofer López from Anderson Academy and Martín Figueroa from MacArthur High School had their artworks featured in this esteemed event. Cristofer's piece was sold

for an impressive $47,000, highlighting his exceptional talent and the guidance of his art teacher, Tony McMillan. Meanwhile, Martín Figueroa's artwork, representing MacArthur High School, fetched $10,000, emphasizing the talent nurtured by his art educator, Hailey Williams.

Congratulations to the students of Aldine ISD G.W. Carver High School for advancing to the FIRST Robotics Super Regionals for the first time!

Aldine ISD to claim a state championship title in powerlifting.

H-E-B, for an enchanting evening of melodies and memories as the Da Camera Society cordially invites you to grace the 2024 Gala. Revel in the charm of Houston's Four Seasons Hotel on May 3rd, where the harmonious blend of classical and jazz will capture your soul. Esteemed KHOU 11 News anchor Len Cannon, a familiar face since 2006 and a beacon in the journalism community, will guide the festivities as the emcee. His accolades, including

LEN CANNON AND RENOWNED MUSICIANS AT THE DA CAMERA GALA 2024

By Francis Page Jr. For www.StyleMagazine.com

multiple Emmy Awards and the Columbia University Dupont "Silver Baton," are testaments to his impactful presence both on-screen and in our city.

As the evening unfurls, indulge in cocktail hour serenades by the DACAMERA Young Artists, paving the way to a gourmet seated dinner paired with the finest curated wines. The highlight of the night is set to be the stirring headline performance by jazz pianist Jason Moran and

the multi-faceted mezzo-soprano Alicia Hall Moran.

Da Camera stands as a pillar of musical innovation and excellence in Houston, driven by the passionate leadership of artistic director Sarah Rothenberg. Celebrating a remarkable tenure, Sarah embodies a commitment to invigorating classical and jazz music scenes, fostering accessible and transformative musical experiences.

In anticipation of the Gala, DA-

CAMERA extends an invitation to "Stop, Look and Listen!"—an intimate concert by the DACAMERA Young Artists at The Menil Collection Drawing Institute. This performance is inspired by the poignant “Ruth Asawa Through Line” exhibition, showcasing from March 22 through July 21, 2024. This is a complimentary event, ensuring that art remains accessible to all. Be part of a movement that envisions a world where lives are enriched and connected through music. This Gala isn't simply an event; it's a celebration of the unifying power of music. Keep abreast of the unfolding details by visiting the official Da Camera Gala webpage and secure your place in what promises to be an unforgettable chapter in Houston's cultural narrative.

Len Cannon - KHOU 11 Anchor

Photo by: Clay Patrick McBride

RENEE RHOTEN MORRIS, UNCLE FUNKY’S DAUGHTER ANNIE LEAL, I LOVE CHAMOY FLORENCE BUTT, H-E-B FOUNDER