All results / Stories / Jo-Carolyn Goode
AKA Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter Donates Over $12,000 for Mammograms for Underserved Communities
One in every ten million women worldwide will be affected by breast cancer. It is one of the most common cancers with the highest number of deaths. Although causian women account for the most new cases per year, their rate of death is lower than that of African American and Hispanic women. With more research breast cancer death rates have decreased overall but still remain higher for African American and Hispanic women. The ladies of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®
City Council Votes Against Pappas at Hobby Airport
Money is one of the quickest ways allies can become foes. For over two decades, the Pappas family restaurant chain has considered itself a friend of Houston. However, bonds are being tested and may break in the latest battle of contract negotiations over who will reign as ‘king’ concessionaire at Houston’s William P. Hobby Airport.
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.
Eight Young Black Men Earned Highest Award for Boy Scouts
Our young black men struggle day to stay alive, not to fall to peer pressure of negative influences, and to stay on the successful rite of passage. Since this is such a treacherous for our young black boys and men successes should be celebrated to encourage and motivate them to continue on that right path. Such young men are being honored for an achievement that few have earned. It is the highest and the most distinguished honor for a member of the Boy Scouts of America, the Eagle Award.
Community Corner: Emancipation Park: An Historical Treasure of Houston
Tired of feeling captive, a group of former slaves utilized their resources and talents to raised $1,000 to buy 10 acres of land in Houston 147 years ago to create a space where they could just be free. The space would become Emancipation Park, the central hub of generations coming together with a sense of community. Passing years has seen the park at its ups and downs causing it to be revitalized in 2006 by TIRZ7 and again this year with a $33 million renovation.
Ride Into 2018 with the New Toyota Camry SE
Millions took to the road this holiday season. In fact, this year was the highest travel on record with an estimated 107.3 million traveling via four-wheels according to AAA. As America’s most popular sedan, the Toyota Camry is one of choice for families, especially on long road trips. They love it for its reliability, safety, and comfort. In 2018, drivers will love it for one more thing, its style.
COVID-10 Stays In the Air Longer Than First Believe
For four months we have been glued to any news source trying to learn everything about what COVID-19 is, what are the symptoms, how it is treated, and most importantly, how to prevent it from getting infected by it. Wearing a mask has become our new fashion statement. Staying six-feet apart from the next person is second nature. Washing our hands is now a ritual. And touching our face is strictly forbidden.
Don’t Be Discouraged – Vote
For months now we have heard how this would not be an ordinary election. Beyond the candidates and the issues, the hot topic has been how we would vote and be safe at the same time. All across the nation, there have been court hearings, lawsuits, protests, and marches with people interpreting laws to favor their side to either take away or add more voting restrictions all to discourage minorities from voting.
Breaking Barriers: CBCF and University of Oxford Forge Path for Black Scholars
In a groundbreaking move, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) has joined forces with the esteemed University of Oxford to introduce the CBCF Alumni Scholarship. This transformative endeavor aims to bridge financial disparities for Black students aspiring to pursue master’s degrees at this prestigious institution.
Coming Out of the Shadows of Human Trafficking
Human trafficking affects the most vulnerable among us. Potential victims could be the waitress who serves you at your favorite restaurant, the nurse who drew your blood at the doctor, or even your daughter’s friend on the cheerleading team. Traffickers exert such control and psychological manipulation that victims think they are nothing without their abuser. However, with the right help, victims can emerge from the shadows and reclaim their life and worth.
Statement from Congressman Al Green on Iran’s Attacks against the State of Israel
The Iranian government’s launching of hundreds of lethal drones and missiles targeting Israel was an egregious overreach that unnecessarily threatens peace in the region as well as the world.
Turner Sworn In for Second Term
Sylvester Turner officially began his second term as mayor for the city of Houston when he, City Controller Chris Brown, and Houston City Council were sworn in on January 2, 2020, before a packed house at the Wortham Theater. Mayor Turner won the honor of continuing to lead Houston after defeating opponent Tony Buzbee in the run-off election.
Houston PetSet and Mayor John Whitmire Spearhead New Era for Animal Welfare: A Path Forward for Houston's Homeless Pets
Houston PetSet, a dynamic nonprofit dedicated to eradicating Houston’s homeless animal crisis, orchestrated a pivotal event on Thursday, Feb. 22, 2024. The State of Animal Welfare Address, graced by the esteemed presence of City of Houston Mayor John Whitmire, illuminated the progress made, current challenges, and the roadmap ahead #ForTheAnimals.
Blck Market Gives Black Business Owners A Place of Their Own
A true sign that something is valuable is if everyone is chasing it. That could not be truer for the all mighty dollar. Everyone wants some mean green especially the black community. With money comes power. The power to build your community up, shape the lives of those who live there, and set everyone on a path for success. Every opportunity to catch that dollar must be seized.
African American Sorority Targeted In Racist Incident at American University
Bring first is certainly not easy. Taylor Dumpson is one who knows. What was supposed to be a wonderful time of celebration and feeling of great accomplishment was turned into something hateful and fearful.
HBCU Spotlight: Jarvis Christian College, Southwestern Christian College, and Texas College
As we end Historically Black Colleges and Universities Awareness Month, we conclude by taking a look at our last three HBCUs in Texas.
Reginald DesRoches Named 8th President of Rice University
One hundred and nine years after its founding and 56 years after the first African American graduate, the prestigious Rice University has named its first African American president. How ironic that a university established by a white rich slave owner would now have at the head an African American from one of the poorest countries in our nation. Talk about progress and achieving the American dream.
Get Ready to Vote: Harris County's First-Ever Joint Primary Elections Tomorrow, March 5!
Attention, Houstonians! Tomorrow marks a historic moment as Harris County hosts its inaugural Joint Primary Elections. With over 500 vote centers open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., voters have the opportunity to make their voices heard and shape the future of our community. Under the countywide polling place program, voters can cast their ballots at any vote center in Harris County. Check out www.HarrisVotes.com for a list of vote centers and wait times.
Hundreds of Students Get Academic Enrichment at AKA ASCEND Summit
The Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA) and other Houston area AKA chapters in partnership with The Dow Chemical Company hosted hundreds of high school girls and boys at an ASCEND℠ Summit where students had the opportunity to receive academic enrichment and life skills training to support their journey to college or vocational employment.
Staying Safe In the Wake of State Bombings
Houston and Austin are connected as cities and communities according to Houston Police Department Chief Art Acevedo. It is because of this bond that when something happens in one city the residents of the other feel affected as well. When three bombs were detonated in the Texas capitol over the course of ten days, residents in Austin were shaken and so were Houstonians.

