3 Presidents Who Shaped Our Food System and the Role of African Americans In It
Many of our past presidents were farmers or ranchers at some point in their lives, but a handful of them significantly changed how we grow our food and eat it. We can’t examine that history, however, without also acknowledging the legacy of slavery. This Presidents Day, let’s consider how three presidents shaped our food system—and how their interventions impacted African Americans:
Governor Abbott Sets Date For HD-13 Special Election
AUSTIN – Governor Greg Abbott today issued a proclamation announcing May 5, 2018 as the special election date to fill the House District 13 seat recently vacated by Representative Leighton Schubert.
Continuing the Work: Rep. Thierry Brings Maternal Mortality Film to Houston
On Tuesday evening, February 20, 2018, State Rep. Shawn Thierry will host and moderate a discussion on the documentary screening of “Death By Delivery”, in partnership with Legacy Community Health, and Texas Southern University to address the maternal mortality crisis in Texas and nationwide.
Houston Black McDonald’s Give 200 Bikes to Local Children
Two hundred local children received new bicycles courtesy of the Black McDonald’s Owner/Operators Association of Greater Houston (BMOA). The children and their families took pictures with Birdie, Hamburglar, and Grimace, and got an up-close look at the Ronald McDonald Shoe Car with the chance to pose in front of it for a photo.
Houston Winery Creates Selena Inspired Wine Bottle
Need a refreshing idea for Valentine’s Day? Why not indulged in a bottle of wine with a label inspired by the late tejano singer Selena tribute artist, Amanda Solis.
Dr. David Blackwell, UC Berkeley’s 1st Tenured Black Scholar, Has a Building Named in His Honor
The University of California Berkeley is naming its newest residence hall in honor of David Blackwell. Dr. Blackwell, an accomplished statistician, was the first African American to be grant tenured at the university. He joined the mathematics department at Berkeley in 1954 and stayed on the faculty there until retiring in 1988. Dr. Blackwell died in 2010.
Senator Miles Hosts Town Hall on Fort Bend Oil Well Blowout
In December 2017, an oil well blew out in Fort Bend County and emitted a foul odor that permeated throughout local neighborhoods. Senator Miles is hosting a Town Hall to discuss the oil well blowout and has personally invited Railroad Commissioner Ryan Sitton and TCEQ staff to provide the community an update, explain the health impacts, the status of the clean-up and discuss how we move forward to reduce the chances of this event from ever occurring again.
NABJ Remembers Journalist and Historian Lerone Bennett, Jr.
The National Association of Black Journalists recognizes the exceptional life of journalist and historian Lerone Bennett, Jr. who transitioned on Wednesday. Bennett was a former editor for Ebony and Jet magazines, and spent decades exemplifying excellence in journalism.
AFT President Randi Weingarten on Senate Immigration Votes
Statement of AFT President Randi Weingarten on the Senate immigration votes:
Mayor Announces New Grants for Artists Pushing the Boundaries at the Grassroots Level
Mayor Sylvester Turner announces the first grants by Let Creativity Happen!, which supports innovative ideas that redefine artistic boundaries and can provide new ways for Houstonians to experience art.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Condemns Senate Failure to Advance Legislation Resolving the Trump-Made Crisis That Now Threatens 800,000 Dreamers with Deportation
Jackson Lee: “It is unconscionable that the Senate today blocked adoption of two bipartisan proposals that would have provided relief to the 800,000 Dreamers who are desperately awaiting action before the March 5 deadline to end the crisis created by President’s unnecessary, irresponsible, and callous rescission of DACA.”
Yara Shahidi on What It Means "To Be a Black Girl"
To be a black girl is to be one of the reasons the universe thrives. Our lineage has taught me that I am integral, that we are important, even when society dismisses us, hiding the wonder of our presence, a trail set for and before us by generations of powerful and empowered Black women.
To My Brilliant Black Daughters, Nobody Can Take Away Your History
To my beautiful, brilliant Black daughters: I have so many hopes and dreams for you, that if I tried to say them all, they would run longer than the entire Harry Potter series!
NFL Announced as Presenting Sponsor for the 2018 HBCU Battle of the Brains™ "hackathon"
The National Football League Sponsorship Supports Judging, $50,000+ in College Scholarships
The HBCU Battle of the Brains, LLC in partnership with the National Black MBA Association – Austin Chapter is pleased to announce the National Football League (NFL) as its presenting sponsor for the 2nd Annual HBCU Battle of the Brains (HBCUBOTBrains) competition to be held Friday, March 9 – Saturday, March 10, 2018.
New Statistics Released on Youth Suicide
In January 2018, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released new statistics for the 2016 year. For the State of Texas, suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death for youth ages 10-24.
Flood Risk Reduction Grant Programs
Federal grants can be used to fund the buyout, elevation or reconstruction of eligible residential properties. The City applies directly to the State for funding on the community's behalf. There are different flood risk reduction grants depending on:
Governor Abbott Extends Disaster Declaration For Texas Counties Impacted By Hurricane Harvey
Governor Greg Abbott today issued a proclamation extending the State Disaster Declaration for Texas counties affected by Hurricane Harvey. This proclamation will ensure that all Texas counties declared disaster areas will continue to be eligible for assistance as they recover and rebuild after Hurricane Harvey. There are currently 60 counties included in the state disaster declaration.
Houston NAACP Celebrates Its 100th Year by Giving “100 Homes for Christmas”
The Houston chapter of the NAACP turns 100 this year. As part of the celebration, the chapter is launching a program with the goal of providing 100 African-American families their own piece of the American dream: home ownership.
Travis Scott Receives the Key to His Hometown, Missouri City, Texas
Travis Scott is having a wonderful month. On February 1, his daughter Stormi with Kylie Jenner was born. Just a few weeks later he received the key to his hometown. The mayor of Missouri City, Texas, Allen Owen presented the Elkins High School graduate with the key to the city at Missouri City’s annual Black History Month Celebration of Culture and Music.
First Black Woman to Owned a Billion-Dollar Company
Janet Bryant Howroyd is a 65-year-old entrepreneur, businesswoman, author, and educator. Howroyd is also the founder and CEO of Act 1 Group.
