Essence Empowerment Conference
Heavy-Hitters Lined Up
The daytime 2017 Essence Festival Empowerment Conference at the New Orleans Morial Convention Center will feature the cream of the crop in social media, entertainment, politics and inspiration.
Sprite Announces "Summer Sprite Cold Lyrics Series" Featuring Vince Staples
Sprite® is helping fans stay cool and refreshed this summer with the Summer Sprite™ Cold Lyrics Series™ featuring cold-inspired lyrics from six of the hottest rappers in the game.
International Asian American Hotel Owners Association Assists Nora's Home in Facility Expansion
Association Provides Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment for Nora's Home New Construction
The Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) has stepped up to support Nora's Home, Houston's haven for organ failure and transplant patients receiving care in the Texas Medical Center, by providing furniture, fixtures and equipment for its recently announced facility expansion. The expansion will double the existing lodging capacity to include 16 additional guest rooms, which will allow the home to provide an additional 10,800 lodging nights per year to organ transplant patients and their families.
County Attorney Vince Ryan Obtains Order Shutting Down Unlicensed After-hours Bar in Brays Oaks
Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan obtained a court order shutting down an unlicensed, after-hours bar known as Insomnia at the corner of Bissonnet Street and the Southwest Freeway.
Investigation into Female Found Deceased at 6400 Bissonnet
Houston police are awaiting autopsy results in the death of a female found at 6400 about 8:20 a.m. on Saturday (June 17).
Houston police are investigating a fatal auto-pedestrian crash at 7600 Bywood about 3:20 p.m. last Friday (June 16).
Houston police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred at 6300 North Freeway (North Interstate Highway 45) about 5:30 a.m. on Saturday (June 17).
Investigation into Fatal Crash at 7600 Bywood
Houston police are investigating a fatal auto-pedestrian crash at 7600 Bywood about 3:20 p.m. last Friday (June 16).
Investigation into Fatal Shooting at 4805 Lyons
Houston police are investigating the fatal shooting of a man at 4805 Lyons about 2:25 p.m. last Friday (June 16).
Investigation into Fatal Shooting at 6210 Gaston
Houston police are investigating an apparent murder/suicide at 6210 Gaston about 3:50 p.m. last Friday (June 16).
Investigation into Fatal Shooting at 10603 South Wilcrest
Houston police are investigating the fatal shooting of a man found at 10603 South Wilcrest about 10:40 p.m. on Saturday (June 17).
40% Of Travelers Contract Infectious Disease On Vacation Tips To Help You Return Unscathed
Dr. Brent W. Laartz thought he was in for the ride of his lifetime when he set out on a horseback riding excursion in Costa Rica.
Statement from President Donald J. Trump on Juneteenth
Melania and I send our warmest greetings to all those celebrating Juneteenth, a historic day recognizing the end of slavery.
Alejandro Sanz Named 2017 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year
Proceeds from the tribute gala and concert will benefit the charitable work of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation®
The Latin Recording Academy® today announced Spanish singer/songwriter and musician Alejandro Sanz will be honored as the 2017 Latin Recording Academy Person of the Year during a prestigious gala held on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2017 at Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas. An 18-time Latin GRAMMY® and three-time GRAMMY winner, Sanz will be honored for his artistry and substantial philanthropic contributions to organizations such as Doctors Without Borders, Save the Children and Greenpeace, among others.
More Than $82 Million Awarded for Arts Projects Nationwide
Includes $15,000 awarded to Gemini Ink
National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Jane Chu has approved more than $82 million to fund local arts projects across the country in the NEA’s second major funding announcement for fiscal year 2017. Included in this announcement is an Art Works award of $15,000 to support Gemini Ink’s Creative Writing Classes programming and the annual summer Writers Conference. The NEA received 1,728 Art Works applications and will make 1,029 grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000.
Sporting Events on a Budget – It's Possible with a Plan
Season ticket holder or first timer, watching your team take the field or visiting new teams in a different venue, gripping your seat tightly during the finger-biting last minutes of a close game or cheering on a decisive win – sports can certainly be some of the best entertainment possible.
Investigation into Fatal Crash at 11000 Homestead Road
Houston police are investigating a fatal crash that occurred at 11000 Homestead Road at about 4:40 p.m. on Sunday (June 18).
Be The Match® To Rally Black And African American Marrow Donors
Marrow donor registry teams up with Mike Conley to launch new campaign, Heritage Holds the Cure
Be The Match®, the organization that operates the world's largest and most diverse donor registry, and Memphis Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley, have teamed up on a new public service announcement campaign, Heritage Holds the Cure, to urge Blacks and African Americans to register as potential marrow donors.
Join Representative Coleman To Celebrate Juneteenth
This weekend, join Representative Coleman for the Emancipation Park Rededication Ceremony on Saturday, June 17th and the ribbon cutting ceremony for Emancipation Avenue, Juneteenth Emancipation Celebration, and a Gulf Coast Junettenth on Monday, June 19th. ALL EVENTS ARE FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
Governor Abbott Signs Sandra Bland Act Into Law
Governor Abbott signed SB 1849, known as the Sandra Bland Act into law. SB 1849 by Senator Whitmire is the Senate companion to HB 2702 that Representative Garnet Coleman (D-147) wrote in the House. Rep. Coleman released the following statement:
Two Nigerian Sisters Create Sunscreen for Black Skin
Finding black owned beauty products can be a hassle in itself. Let alone, sunscreen, a product most black people don't even think that they need.
Be Part of the Growth in African-American Business Ownership With a 7-Eleven Franchise
African-American owned businesses are on the rise in the US, and 7-Eleven continues to be a leader in supporting that trend.
Central Houston Launches Learn Central Website
Central Houston announces the launch of Learn Central, an online portal developed to help parents evaluate the K-12 education options available in the central city. The interactive website is now live at www.learncentralhouston.org.
The Amazon Prime Food Stamp Discount Is All About Enriching Amazon
An apparent effort to siphon more business from retail competitors, the online ordering giant Amazon is offering discounts to welfare recipients, though experts say it’s unlikely that many will sign up.
Dump the Pump with METRO and Save
METRO wants you to Dump the Pump and save. On Thursday, June 15, 2017, METRO will offer free rides on our system.
Cricket Wireless Launches Cricket Cares
New Corporate Social Responsibility Platform Aligns All Cricket Community Initiatives Under One Umbrella
Cricket Wireless announced today the launch of Cricket Cares to boost its commitment to bettering communities where you live, work and play.
Project Lead The Way and Verizon Take Major Step in Expanding Access to Computer Science Education
Students in more than 150 middle schools across the U.S. will have access to computer science courses for the first time, thanks to more than $3 million in grant funding made possible by a partnership between Verizon and Project Lead The Way (PLTW).
Southwest Airlines First African American Pilot Retires
When 25-year-old Louis Freeman started as a pilot for Southwest Airlines in 1980, he didn’t know he was the first black pilot hired by the airline (he later became the first black chief pilot at a major American airline).
Miss Black Texas’ Arrest Was Not Racially Motivated, Investigation Finds
Charges have been dropped against the 2016 Miss Black Texas Carmen Ponder, and a Texas police chief has been cleared of racial allegations in the controversial arrest last month.
Houston’s Role In U.S. Mexico Relations
Proposed changes to NAFTA have many Texans thinking about their southern border. Professor Alfonso Lopez de la Osa Escribano, who is Director of the Center for U.S. and Mexican Law at The University of Houston Law Center, explained to Houston Public Media how Houston fits into U.S. Mexico relations.
Street Olympics Officials Kick Off Summer Games
Children from Precinct One’s youth programs joined Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Street Olympics officials and sponsors on June 7 for the official kick-off of the 31st annual Summer Games and the celebrated lighting of the Olympic flame.
How to Best Cope with Summer Heat: Be Weather Ready
Summer can be hot, sticky and downright uncomfortable. It can also be dangerous if you are not prepared.Summer can be hot, sticky and downright uncomfortable. It can also be dangerous if you are not prepared. Cope with the heat this summer and stay healthy and safe with these helpful tips.
The History of Juneteenth
Juneteenth is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. Dating back to 1865, it was on June 19ththat the Union soldiers, led by Major General Gordon Granger, landed at Galveston, Texas with news that the war had ended and that the enslaved were now free. Note that this was two and a half years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation - which had become official January 1, 1863.
Houston Health Department to Block Walk Neighborhoods to Protect Residents Against Zika, Mosquito Diseases
HHD employees will visit more than 1,600 homes to teach residents how to protect themselves against Zika and other mosquito borne diseases. They will go door to door through the neighborhoods to hand residents information packets with flyers, brochures, mosquito repellent and condoms and educate them about reducing mosquito breeding sites.
Dance Houston Announces 4TH Annual H-Town Get Down
The Largest Hip-Hop/Pop Culture Dance Festival In Houston
Dance Houston, Houston’s Premier Producer of Dance Events, announces the 4th Annual H-Town Get Down, the largest hip hop/pop culture dance festival in Houston, to be held Saturday, June 17, 2017, at Miller Outdoor Theatre.
Astros Get Back to Their Winning Ways with Texas Rangers Series
Most avid baseball fans would agree that there is only one inning they really care about and that is the seventh inning. Usually referred to as the “seventh inning stretch,” where fans sing “take me out to the ballgame,” and eat a good ol’American hotdog. Extra time is allotted for the players and fans to prepare for the final three innings. Well, the Houston Astros (45-22) decided that they would give their fans that break a little early by putting up nine-runs in the sixth inning for a 13-2 win over in-state rival and winner of the two previous games, Texas Ranger (32-33).
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Offers Prayers In The Aftermath Of The Shooting Targeting Congress Members At a Congressional Baseball Practice
Jackson Lee: “My deep concerns and prayers are with the wounded and families of the members of Congress, their staff and Capitol Police and other law enforcement, whose rapid response this morning saved lives.”
Ryan Coogler to Direct and Michael B. Jordan to Star in ‘Wrong Answer’ Written by Ta-Nehisi Coates
Director Ryan Coogler and actor Michael B. Jordan will reunite once again for an adaptation of a 2014 essay in The New Yorker titled “Wrong Answer,” written by Rachel Aviv, which explores an adult standardized test cheating scandal at Atlanta Public Schools through the lens of one middle school. If Coogler reteaming with Jordan wasn’t thrilling enough, Ta-Nehisi Coates is attached to write the screenplay based on Aviv’s article.
Aretha Franklin Honored with Aretha Franklin Way in Hometown of Detroit
Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, was honored with a street named after her in Detroit this weekAretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, was honored with a street named after her in Detroit this week.
Ice Cube Honored with Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame
It’s hard to think that after roughly 30 years in the music industry and blessing the culture with hits like “F**k the Police” and both the Barbershop and Friday series’, that Ice Cube hasn’t already gotten a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. But in reality, he actually hasn’t. That is, until today (June 12), when the hip hop icon was honored with his very own star on Hollywood Boulevard.
Family in New Jersey Wins $429 Million Lottery, Uses Money to Fight Poverty
Last year, the Smith family in Trenton, New Jersey, won the $429 million Powerball lottery, and they planned to use all that money to help fight poverty. Pearlie Mae Smith and her seven children meant what they said at a press conference when they promised to give that money back to their community.
George Wright Stepping Down as President of Prairie View A&M
Dr. George Wright announced today he is stepping down as President of Prairie View A&M University and will return to teaching history full-time after an interim President is named.
Research Shows Teen Girls' Interest in STEM Careers Continues to Lag Boys' InterestResearch Shows Teen Girls' Interest in STEM Careers Continues to Lag Boys' Interest
Junior Achievement & EY survey of 13-17 year olds shows teens are changing plans based on the economy; surprising 91 percent know their future field of study
New research conducted on behalf of Junior Achievement and EY shows that a surprising 91 percent of teenage boys and girls ages 13-17 know what kind of job they want after they graduate from high school. That’s where the similarities between boys and girls end.
Sheryl Crow Announces New Tour Dates Supporting Latest Album Be Myself
Sheryl Crow has announced additional dates on her tour in support of her latest album Be Myself. She is performing a series of headlining shows and appearing at several festivals, as well as taking part in Willie Nelson's Outlaw Tour. Crow will also perform at this year's Farm Aid.
Three Budget Friendly Tips for Your Next Grocery Shopping Trip
Many of us are trying to eat cleaner these days. We look for non-GMO on labels. We pay attention to our foods’ country of origin. But some of these precautions can really add up at the cash register, without improving the nutritional value of what we’re eating. “It’s time to minimize some of the fear mongering,” comments registered dietitian nutritionist Felicia Stoler, who has traveled the world investigating food origins.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Applauds Unanimous Decision By 9th Circuit Court of Appeals Upholding The Freeze on President’s Anti-Muslim Ban
Jackson Lee: “In denying the President’s request to lift the order enjoining enforcement of the President’s executive order banning Muslims from entering the United States, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals delivered another stinging rebuke to the President’s order, and made clear that religious liberty, equal protection, and due process of law are fundamental constitutional guarantees beyond the power of even a President to abridge.”
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Remembers Victims of Pulse Nightclub Shooting One Year Later
Congresswoman Jackson Lee: “This horrific act against innocent people shattered lives and left a community reeling from the heartache and devastation caused by gun violence.”
States Help Minorities Enter Marijuana Industry
Some cities, states with legal pot are trying to make up for the toll marijuana enforcement took on minorities by giving them a better shot at joining the growing marijuana industry.
Mexico Closes 7 Gas Stations Allegedly Selling Stolen Fuel From Pemex Pipelines
Mexico closed seven gas stations for allegedly selling gasoline and diesel stolen from state-run pipelines, the first confirmation that large amounts of fuel siphoned from illegal pipelines taps are being sold through officially sanctioned gas stations.
Latino-Owned Businesses May Be the U.S. Economy’s Best Bet
They’re called LOBs for short, but they’re working on a fastball. Latino entrepreneurs are starting small businesses faster than the rest of the startup population and becoming a bigger part of the total U.S. market every day.
How This Latina Turned the Ice Cream She Made In Her Dorm Room Into Her Full-Time Career
Luisa Santos owns the business everyone has at one point daydreamed of owning themselves – she’s the Latina powerhouse behind an ice cream shop. Lulu’s Ice Cream, which served its first cone at the beginning of 2014, started in Luisa’s Georgetown dorm room.
