Houston Minority Supplier Development Council 2017 Business EXPO Set for Sept. 6-7
“Rooted in Business, Growing in Diversity”
“Rooted in Business, Growing in Diversity” is the theme of the upcoming Houston Minority Supplier Development Council’s 2017 Business EXPO, set for Sept. 6-7 at George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston.
Rice U. Expert Available to Discuss Ban On Transgender Service in the Military
As the public reacts to President Donald Trump’s July 26 Twitter announcement banning all transgender individuals from military service, Tom Kolditz, director of Rice University’s Doerr Institute for New Leaders and a retired brigadier general, is available to discuss the topic.
Ventana BigSur Announces MultiMillion-Dollar Resort Re-Imagination With Fall 2017 Opening
First North American Property from Alila Hotels & Resorts
Ventana Big Sur, the celebrated California resort perched at the edge of the continent overlooking the Pacific coastline, announced a multimillion-dollar re-imagination to coincide with a fall 2017 reopening. The intimate 59-room resort will introduce distinctive experiences that invite guests to discover, inspire and create.
Aurora Pays $110K for Unlawful Detention and Tasing of Darsean Kelley
Police Tased Kelley in the Back as he Said, “I Know My Rights”
The City of Aurora will pay $110,000 to settle claims brought by ACLU of Colorado on behalf of Darsean Kelley, a young Black man who was unlawfully stopped, detained, and tased in the back by Aurora police just as he said “I know my rights.”
Houston Native Keeps Navy Wing Flying
A 2007 Ellison High School in Killeen, Texas graduate and Houston native is serving in the U.S. Navy aboard Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, the premier naval air installation in the Pacific Northwest region.
Mayor Sylvester Turner announces Nearly $3.5 Million in Arts and Cultural Grant Awards
Mayor Sylvester Turner has approved Fiscal Year 2018 grants for the arts, awarded through the Houston Arts Alliance.
Taraji P. Henson to Host BET’s 2017 ‘Black Girls Rock’ Awards Saluting Issa Rae, Yara Shahidi, Roberta Flack & More
Taraji P. Henson has been tapped to host BET’s 2017 Black Girls Rock Awards honoring “Insecure” creator, writer and star Issa Rae, “Black-ish” star Yara Shahidi and others. The ceremony will take place on Aug. 5 at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center in Newark. Rae is set to receive the Star Power Award while actress/activist Shahidi will take home the Young Gifted and Black honor.
NAACP Statement on the Senate Procedural Vote to Strip Healthcare from Millions of Americans
In reaction to the Senate’s procedural vote to debate amendments on the proposed American Health Care Act (AHCA) and repeal the Affordable Healthcare Act (ACA), Board Chairman Leon Russell and interim president and CEO Derrick Johnson of the NAACP have issued the following statement.
2017 Houston Texans Single-Game Tickets On Sale Thursday, July 27
Single-game tickets for the Houston Texans 2017 home games will go on sale Thursday, July 27, at 10 a.m. CT, the team announced today.
Fifth Ward Documentary Film Festival to Premiere at the DeLuxe Theater Aug. 4-6
The DeLuxe Theater and Texas Southern University will host the premiere of The Fifth Ward Documentary Film Festival. The event will be held August 4 through August 6, 2017 at the DeLuxe Theater on Lyons Avenue and I-59. The festival will screen three documentaries – I Am Not Your Negro, Porgy & Me, Mickey Leland: Citizen of the World – and discussions with documentary principals following selected screenings.
Houston-Area Finalists Announced for H-E-B Primo Picks Quest for Texas Best Contest
25 top culinary creators from Texas head to Austin finals, compete for $70,000 in prizes
Out of nearly 600 entries, eight local food artisans have been named finalists in the fourth annual H-E-B Primo Picks Quest for Texas Best search for new and innovative products. The Quest for Texas Best is a signature program for H-E-B’s Primo Picks brand, which labels best-in-store products, all unique, delicious, and new. Since its inception in 2014, the Quest for Texas Best competition has yielded more than 200 new products on H-E-B store shelves across the state.
Black-Owned Media Company Returns With 2nd Installment of its Award-Winning Animated Series That is Changing the Self-Perception of African American Children
Baltimore-based company, EdAnime Productions, produces “Meltrek” and creates worldwide buzz with this educational hip hop animated series which fosters self-awareness and self-esteem
Baltimore-based company, EdAnime Productions, is back again with the second installment of its award winning animated series created for children. Meltrek: Exploring the Pre-Columbian Americas was released on May 6, 2017 and educates viewers about the aboriginal cultures and African presence in the Americas prior to the arrival of Christopher Columbus. This spellbinding series inundates children with positive images and information about the history, culture and contributions of people of African descent from 3000 BCE to 2008. Meltrek seeks to:
African-American Businesses Need to See Clearly
Staying focused on profitability helps the community
I was invited to do a presentation on marketing strategy to a group of African-American entrepreneurs last month. As customary, each person was asked to stand and introduce themselves and describe their business. As they did so, I was struck by their stories:
PHEN Expands National Educational Outreach with Its 2017 Prostate Health Symposiums
With twelve symposiums in nine states completed from April through June, and another 13 scheduled through November, the Prostate Health Education Network (PHEN) is taking its educational efforts to greater heights. The Fifth Annual Symposia is a series of partnerships between churches and PHEN throughout the country. “The symposiums are a cornerstone of our efforts to increase knowledge and awareness for black men who have the highest prostate cancer incidence and mortality rates of all men in the United States,” says Thomas A. Farrington, PHEN president and founder.
Meet the Mother and Two Daughters Who Own 13 McDonald’s Franchises
Patricia Williams and her daughters, Nicole Enearu and Kerri Harper-Howie, have built an empire of McDonald’s franchises in the Los Angeles, California area. Combined, they employ more than 700 people in the community and generate annual revenues of almost $50 million.
Travel Blogger, Cultured Black Pearl, Empowers Women of Color to Travel Abroad — Bridges Diversity Gap in Travel & Tourism Sector
Cultured Black Pearl (CulturedBlackPearl.com) is a travel and lifestyle blog featuring musings from abroad by a woman of color. The digital platform encourages and inspires women, especially those from the African diaspora to travel.
12-Year Old Entrepreneur Convinces Ten NFL Players to Invest $810K into Her Lemonade Business
Mikaila Ulmer was only 4-years old when she started branding her Bee Sweet Lemonade. Now she is 12-years old and has just convinced ten NFL players to invest $810K in her lemonade business, now called Me & the Bees Lemonade.
Philadelphia Resident Vashti Dubois Turns Home into Museum Dedicated to Black Women
There is a museum like no other in Philadelphia. You would not have heard it, it is not listed anywhere and there are no signs from the motorway. Only the hand carved wooden sign in the garden hinted that the Victorian house was not like any other home in the world – and the woman who opened the door had the smile of someone who knew she was about to amaze you.
GBN “Unforgettable” Giveaway: Enter for Chance to Win Free Copy of Warner Bros. “Unforgettable” Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack
On Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD July 25th, Unforgettable is a thriller directed by Denise DiNovi and written by Christina Hodson and David Leslie Johnson. The film stars Katherine Heigl, Rosario Dawson, Geoff Stults, Isabella Rice, and Cheryl Ladd.
Black While Funny and Female: Comedic Actresses Speak on Working in Hollywood
Making it in Hollywood is no easy feat, and doing so as a woman is even more difficult. If that woman is black — or Latina or Asian or otherwise nonwhite — the odds just aren’t in her favor. But with the release of “Girls Trip,” four black women — Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett Smith, Regina Hall and Tiffany Haddish — attempt a takeover of the buddy comedy, possibly the first time black women have led such a picture.
“Girls Trip” Debuts with $30.4 Million at Box Office, Best Live-Action Comedy Opening of 2017
According to Deadline.com, Universal’s Girls Trip has earned director Malcolm D. Lee not only his second A+ CinemaScore following 2013’s The Best Man Holiday, but also the best opening of his career at the domestic B.O. with $30.4M, beating Holiday‘s $30.1M.
Local Comic Book Artist Staging First Ever Texas Latino Comic Con
By day, Hector Rodriguez is an unassuming fifth grade teacher at McKinney ISD. But by night, he has a whole other identity as an up-and-coming Latino comic book artist whose creation, El Peso Hero, has become an international sensation.
Essence and Toyota’s Future 15 Event
Essence celebrated a new class of innovators, creators and risk takers at its Future 15 event. During the invitation-only celebration, Essence spotlighted fifteen Black millennial disruptors who are creating a new definition for success from across a variety of genres including entertainment, fashion, tech, music, travel and more.
Girl Power! Area Girls Treated to a #YearofJoy Wonder Woman-Themed Bowling Party Sponsored By Bowlmor Houston and Yellow Cab
In a celebration of girl power, some 30 area girls from underserved communities of Houston will be treated to a #YearOfJoy Wonder Woman Bowling Party from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. on Monday, July 24, 2017 at Bowlmor Houston, 925 Bunker Hill Road (77042).
At UH, Creating the Country’s First Spanish-Language Creative Writing Program
Which country is home to the second-largest Spanish-speaking population in the world? It’s us—as in the United States, with only Mexico home to more who speak, write and think in the language.
SBA Disaster News - One Month Left to Apply for SBA Disaster Loans
District Director Tim Jeffcoat of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Houston District Office today reminded Texas businesses and residents of the Aug. 21 2017, deadline to apply for an SBA federal disaster loan for property damage caused by the severe storms in Brazoria County that occurred April 17-20, 2017.
An Unchecked Presidency Is a Danger to the Republic
On Saturday, Oct. 20, 1973, President Richard Nixon fired Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox because he refused to back down from his pursuit of the Watergate tapes. Nearly a half century later, President Donald Trump fired FBI Director James Comey because of, in the president’s own words, “this Russia thing with Trump and Russia.” And Wednesday, the president complained about Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ decision to recuse himself from the Russia investigation; Mr. Trump said he “would have picked someone else” to run the Department of Justice has he known that was coming.
Governor Abbott Announces Growing Support For Abortion-Complication Reporting Legislation
Governor Greg Abbott today announced that his call to improve abortion-complication reporting is generating growing support across Texas. Improving abortion-complication reporting is part of the Governor's 20-item agenda for the ongoing special legislative session.
LGBTQ Coalition Speaks Out Against Anti-Transgender Bills on Day of Testimony in Senate Committee
Today, the Texas Senate State Affairs Committee hears testimony on the anti-transgender legislation SB3 and SB91. Throughout the year — during the regular legislative session and now during the special session — thousands of Texans have spoken out against proposed anti-LGBTQ legislation, including: 27 Fortune 500 companies, nearly 500 faith leaders and 37,081 people taking action by signing petitions or testifying against these harmful bills. Despite all of this outcry, lawmakers such as Dan Patrick still aren’t listening to the concerns of Texans.
Grammy-Nominated, Stellar Award-Winning Sensations The Walls Group with New Single "My Life"
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GRAMMY®-nominated and double Stellar Award-winning sensations The Walls Group continues to shatter expectations as one of the most imaginative breakout artists in inspirational music today, as the hitmaking four siblings (Darrel Walls, Rhea Walls, Paco Walls, Ahjah Walls) release their new single “My Life” (Fo Yo Soul/RCA), available now at all digital providers and going out to radio. With eager high anticipation for new music, The Walls Group launches “My Life” as the first single from their upcoming new album THE OTHER SIDE, helmed by super producers Warryn Campbell and Eric Dawkins.
Rep. Reynolds Files HB211 Criminal Justice Reform Legislation
Jordan Baker. Mike Brown. Eric Garner. There are blatant problems with the criminal justice system, and many of you have demanded change. I want change as well.
Judges Will Rule On Racial Gerrymandering in Texas
Minorities are the majority in Texas, but state and district maps purposefully do not reflect this, according to a major redistricting court case. In a trial that could have major implications for other cases across the country—as well as for millions of Texans of color—three judges in San Antonio are spending this week listening to arguments alleging that Texas Republicans redrew the state’s district map in order to put minorities at a disadvantage.
Caddie Academy Returns for Sixth Summer With Opportunities for Employment & Scholarships
The Western Golf Association’s Caddie Academy will return for its sixth summer, providing a group of 89 female high school students from across the nation an opportunity to caddie at local golf and country clubs – and ultimately earn a shot at winning a full housing and tuition college scholarship.
Black Enterprise Lists Nation’s Largest Black Businesses to Offer Strategies to Grow Your Business
For 45 years, the BE 100s—the nation’s largest black businesses—have demonstrated enduring qualities of fortitude, dexterity, ingenuity, and, yes, swagger. Throughout it all, one word best describes their predisposition to forward momentum: Evolution.
Bengals' Adam Jones Suspended Without Pay For One Game For Violating NFL's Personal Conduct Policy
The NFL today notified Adam Jones of the Cincinnati Bengals that he will be suspended without pay for the first 2017 regular season game for violating the league's Personal Conduct Policy.
Ella Varner added to Houston 2017 Black Heritage Festival Line Up
Black Heritage Music and Arts Festival adds Grammy-nominated Ella Varner to the 2017 line up. Alongside Eric Benét, both icons will perform live at Discovery Green September 30, 2017 at Discovery Green from 4pm-10pm.
Statement by Mayor Turner about Curbside Recycling Contract
“After visiting with members of City CounciI about our effort to choose a curbside recycling company to handle Houston's needs, I have decided to re-open the process for the four companies that advanced to the interview stage.'
“Go-To” Black Voice Expands Into Missouri City
The Greater Houston Black Chamber (GHBC) and Ft. Bend County Commissioner Grady Prestage will host the Kickoff Meeting of the Missouri City Branch of the GHBC and share results of the Texas Southern University commissioned “Missouri City Business Needs Assessment,” Tuesday, July 25th from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., at the Fort Bend County Sienna Annex Building located at 5855 Sienna Springs Way, Missouri City, TX 77459. A reception will be held immediately following the event at B’s Wine Bar located at 8770 HWY 6, Suite 300.
Tourism Professional’s Distinguished Industry Certification Good for Houston
Visit Houston is proud to announce Jessika Alexander, international tourism and media specialist has attained her Certified Tourism Executive (CTE) designation from the Travel and Tourism College offered by the Texas Travel Industry Association (TTIA).
Teen Girls Stage Quinceañera Protest at Texas Capitol Against Anti-Immigrant Law
A group of 15 teenage girls, dressed in brightly colored gowns, stood in front of the Texas State Capitol to participate in one of Latin American culture’s most cherished traditions: the quinceañera.
Woman Wants to Reinvent Healthy School Meals in Houston
Houston ISD’s new nutrition officer Betti Wiggins has a lofty agenda ahead of her. She wants to shake up the way Houston ISD students eat lunch. Her success in the area has already been highly awarded as she has won the coveted Silver Plate Award from the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association for transforming Detroit Public Schools’ child nutrition program.
Subway Preps New Look for Tens of Thousands of Stores
The world's largest restaurant chain is getting a makeover.Subway restaurants, which boasts more than 40,000 locations globally, is rolling out a new look for its stores. The new design includes self-order kiosks that work with Apple Pay and Samsung Pay, and a more comfortable seating area with Wi-Fi and USB charging ports. The stores will feature a renewed emphasis on fresh produce, too, as whole tomatoes, onions and peppers will now be put on display, and will continue to be cut fresh at the store by the chain's "sandwich artists".
Chick-fil-A Rolls Out Family-style Meals with New Sides
Chick-fil-A is rolling out family-style meals and two new sides — mac and cheese and bacon baked beans — in three cities –with San Antonio being the on Texas test city.
Target CEO Warns That Hispanics May Be Shopping Less
Target Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Cornell is sounding alarm bells over the state of Hispanic shoppers in the U.S. -- a key growth demographic for many retailers and consumer brands.
Ebony’s Linda Johnson Rice Joins Board of Tesla
Elon Musk appears to be heeding the call of a group of disgruntled investors by bringing two new members onto Tesla’s board. One of them happens to be a black woman.
Rep.Thierry Brings Attention to High Mortality Rate of Texas Moms During Childbirth
Facts indicate that Texas is currently the most dangerous place in the United States for women to give birth. Rep. Shawn Thierry is committed to fixing this endemic. She has already authored HB 2403 that would have investigated the causes of why African American women in Texas are dying at three times the rate of other women during or shortly after childbirth but was not voted on due to Republican influence.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Looks for A Few Good African American Men
Big Brothers Big Sisters is looking for a few good African American male mentors in a new out-of the-box campaign, as the shortage is severe for the organization. Close to a 1,000 kids are in need of mentors of them 400 –plus are African American boys.
Longtime HISD Trustee Manuel Rodriguez, Jr. Dies
Long-serving HISD Trustee Manuel Rodriguez, Jr. passed away Wednesday morning from a massive heart attack, according to an announcement at City Hall. Rodriguez was first elected to the HISD board of trustees more than ten years ago in 2003. He represented HISD District Three, which covers the southeast part of the Houston and includes Chavez and Milby high schools
Hit Comedy Series Ballers, Starring Dwayne Johnson, Returns for Season Three July 23, Exclusively On HBO
Looking at the whirlwind lifestyles and real-life problems of former and current football players, BALLERS stars Dwayne Johnson as ex-superstar Spencer Strasmore, who has reinvented himself as a financial manager for today’s players in sun-soaked Miami. Created by Stephen Levinson (HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire”), the hit comedy series returns for its ten-episode third season SUNDAY, JULY 23rd exclusively on HBO.
