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Millennials On the Move: Building Inspiration Through Goal Setting

Getting started is the most important step in any process. Coming up with the idea and even the plans for it can be a smooth endeavor but actually taking the step to act on the plan and put it in the universe can be scary. Will it fail? Will it succeed? All sorts of thoughts swirl in your head until you finally have to stop all the noise, move out of your own way, and go for it. This is a struggle Kayla Starr Simmons is familiar with. Two years ago she made a decision to act on a plan that has changed the course of her life.

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From Courting to Dating: What Makes the Perfect Date?

The way we meet and date on our quest for that one true love today is vastly different than it was 100 years ago. Back then, a couple didn’t find a mate by swiping left or right. A guy didn’t send a text to a lady to let her know he was outside to pick her up. Of course, it is because cell phones, apps, and advanced technology were not even figments of our imaginations. But that is not the only reason. Before couples were even allowed to "court," as it was called in the early days, a gentleman had to meet the family first to get approval to court a lady. Courting was very formal, as the man would be given approval to come into the family’s parlor after being vetted. In the parlor, the lady sat waiting to greet the gentleman.

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There Is More to Life Than Gymnastics

Simone Biles puts her mental health first

Four years ago, her name dominated headlines across the globe. News feeds on the television, radio, and all over the Internet boasted about her idiosyncratic skill level to complete stunts that no other gymnast could do while defying gravity in the process. The world stood in amazement at the young 4 foot 10 inch woman who appears tiny in stature with power beyond belief. She can take the most difficult routines and effortlessly execute them with flawless precision. As she garnered win after win, earning 5 Olympic gold medals and a myriad of world championship titles she became the greatest, most dominant, most decorated American gymnast of all time.

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HBCUs Finding Avenues of Help with UNCF

Historically Black Colleges and Universities are in dire need of help. Their lifeline was promised to them this past February from the Trump administration when he paraded close to 100 HBCUs presidents to Washington, D.C. for that massive photo opp when he signed the new HBCU initiative. Announcing that the initiative would be a top priority for his administration, he moved it from the Department of Education to the White House with the new name Presidential Executive Order on The White House Initiative to Promote Excellence and Innovation at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Honoring Women Who Inspire

A person can be inspired by anything from anywhere. Inspiration can fuel our actions, thoughts, feelings, and takes us on a journey toward success. The women featured in this week’s cover story inspire little ones growing up but also adults in their various fields of expertise. We can learn from their missteps and act wisely based on their accomplishments. We can get behind causes to motivate the masses due to their influence. Read their stories and see if they have inspired you.

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Ruth E. Carter: Shining the Light on Superheroes

Imagination would have us believe that superheroes are fictional characters in capes, masks, and elaborate costumes with superhuman powers that either come to destroy or save life.

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Alpha Kappa Omega Presents 21 Young Ladies in Society Debut

The energy was electric as 21 young ladies jubilantly twirled in circles, nervously practiced their curtseys and carefully walked to ensure no missteps would be taken before they made their official debut at the biennial debutante ball hosted by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. – Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter. Each debutante’s brains, beauty, and benevolence were celebrated as “Royal Roses of Excellence” before a wall-to-wall crowd of onlookers and well wishers.

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Houston Health Officials Pause the Distribution of J&J Vaccine

Apprehension about getting inoculated for COVID-19 has just increased in many individuals after the administration of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine was paused by officials of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Federal Drug Administration (FDA). Research is being done to look into the cause of six women who developed dangerous blood clots with one of them dying after having received the single-dose.

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Toni V. Smith: 14 Years Later and Still Fighting

A boxer never steps into any ring ill-prepared. Muscles in their body must be trained for weeks to condition the body, build endurance, and enhance speed. The mind must be trained to focus. If a boxer believes they are stronger and faster than their opponent, they have already lost the fight. But how do you prepare for a fight when you know nothing about your opponent? There is no time to plan a strategy. It’s as if you are being sucker-punched from the get-go, leaving you confused – Is your on-the-defense mechanism to bob and weave or duck and jab? How does you prepare for the fight of your life?

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Boyce Family Values

Nothing brings more excitement to people than the news of a couple having a baby. Between all the congratulations, gifts, and advice the couple stands in the middle of it all in complete fear with questions swirling in their head. Are they ready for a baby? Do they have everything they need? Will they do a good job? Their shoulders are heavy because molding and shaping the life of another human being is a huge responsibility.

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Black Fathers: The Heavy Weight On Their Minds

“Dad changed the world,” said a proud six-year-old Gianna, the youngest daughter of George Floyd, the Houston man who was killed by a former Minnesota police officer after he put his knee on the neck of Floyd for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. Most children are like Gianna in putting their dads on pedestals believing that they are fearless, strong, and will protect them at all cost. However, in the eyes of America, Black fathers are viewed in a different light making them have a bad wrap.

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Money Talk: The Conversations Everyone Needs to Have

People tend to tiptoe around the subjects of politics, religion, race, estate planning, physical & mental health and finances. But why are so many silent on these very crucial topics. It is not as if not talking about them will diminish their importance or will make the need for the conversations to disappear from our life. In fact, not talking about finances just creates a larger problem. Stop skating around the issue of finances and start the money talk conversations that everyone needs to have during Financial Literacy Month.

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MMCA Honors "Sheroes in Media" Championing Media Diversi

The Multicultural Media & Correspondents Association (MMCA) hosted its exclusive 2024 Sheroes in Media Awards reception on Thursday, March 28, 2024, at the National Press Club near the White House, with leaders in media, philanthropy and communications gathered to uplift extraordinary women who exemplify diverse media excellence.

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Rep. Senfronia Thompson Honored for 50 Years of Service in State House

The Texas House of Representatives has been a better place for the past 50 years because of the presence of Representative Senfronia Thompson. First elected in 1972, she has served 26 terms in the Texas House and is the longest-serving woman and longest-serving Black lawmaker in the legislature. The 84-year-old legislator got a big surprise this week when she was honored for her historic career of service during the last session of the House of the 88th Legislature.

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The Emergence of Butterfly Ali

Butterflies are some of nature’s most beautiful creatures mainly for their various phases of life that allow them to transform through a process called metamorphosis. Humans are like butterflies too constantly changing to reinvent themselves.

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Revitalize Your Skin and Give Back: Join Hiatus Spa + Retreat's Earth Month Campaign Benefiting Charity: Water

Dive into a world of luxury and compassion this Earth Month with Hiatus Spa + Retreat's annual Spa for a Cause initiative, running from April 1st to April 30th. As the premier Texas day spa with eight exquisite locations across the Lone Star State, Hiatus Spa invites you to indulge in self-care while supporting a noble cause.

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Alpha Kappa Alpha Performs 29 Service Projects for International Conference in Houston

Wherever the ladies of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated go, one thing is for certain. Service will be rendered. Since 1928 when the first graduate chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Alpha Kappa Omega, was chartered, Houstonians have had a front row seat to the work of the first Greek-letter organization.

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Vote: It Is Up to All of Us

These are critical times in which we find ourselves. Besides living during this global pandemic, race relations are boiling over, immigrations issues continue to rip families apart, healthcare is not available for all, and issue after issue keeps mounting with more frustrations and less of viable solutions. America is in deep turmoil.

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Houston Native Lands Role in Tracy Morgan’s The Last O.G.

During the wee hours of the morning on June 7, 2014, Tracy Morgan almost lost his life after a Walmart trucker collided with his limo. But God was not ready for Morgan just yet. After eight days in a coma, many shattered and crack bones, severe brain injury, and a long recovery Morgan made his way back to life and back to the career he loves, comedy. Now he is set to star in his first major television role since that tragic accident and a Houstonian will be right along with him on set.

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Experience the Ultimate Wedding Journey with Velas Resorts: From Proposal to Honeymoon

Embark on an Unforgettable Wedding Adventure

Velas Resorts is revolutionizing the wedding experience with a groundbreaking offering that promises to redefine luxury celebrations. From the moment of proposal to the blissful honeymoon, couples can now embark on a seamless journey that spans Mexico's most coveted beach destinations: Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta – Riviera Nayarit, and Los Cabos. With a starting price of $450,000 USD, this exclusive package is a testament to Velas' commitment to excellence and unparalleled service, ensuring every milestone is a moment to cherish.