Community Pillar Thelma Scott Celebrates 20 Years of Fighting for Diversity Inclusion and Equality For All Students
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Community Pillar Thelma Scott Celebrates 20 Years of Fighting for Diversity Inclusion and Equality For All Students

ByErica Ponder

Students and Family Empowerment Diversity Communities (S.A.F.E.), formally known as Barbara Jordan Endeavors Corporation, is celebrating 20 successful years of assisting high school students with disabilities attend college and beyond. The SAFE Diversity Communities is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization that focuses on stopping the stigma of bullying, reducing the dropout rates and increasing suicide…

Houston Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Awards $121,700 in Scholarships to More than 50 Students
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Houston Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Awards $121,700 in Scholarships to More than 50 Students

ByErica Ponder

During this time of critical financial need, Houston Alumnae Chapter supports deserving students pursuing higher education and has given more than $1 million in scholarships since 1997 Despite this moment of racial turmoil, health uncertainty and economic hardship, the Houston Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. awarded $121,700 scholarships this year. These funds…

Lucille’s is Serving Up Southern Cuisine with a Side of Hospitality
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Lucille’s is Serving Up Southern Cuisine with a Side of Hospitality

ByErica Ponder

In August 2012, brothers Christopher and Ben Williams founded their modern Southern restaurant, Lucille’s, inspired by traditions passed down by their great-grandmother, Lucille B. Smith. Executive Chef and Owner Chris Williams continues to pay homage to his great-grandmother by replicating some of her most famous recipes, including the iconic chili biscuits and hot rolls, as…

Being a Great Leader Means Serving, Learning, and Being Self-Reflective
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Being a Great Leader Means Serving, Learning, and Being Self-Reflective

ByErica Ponder

By: Reggie Collier There are obvious character traits that successful leaders should possess. We know that leaders should be hard-working and tenacious, that they should be self-motivated and have good problem-solving skills, and that they should be confident and move with integrity. Of course, these character traits helped me build the Reggie C. Fitness community,…

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HISD, Houston Food Bank host community food distributions on Fridays in August at NRG

ByErica Ponder

Families receive up to 60 pounds of food and a week’s worth of meals for each student  The Houston Independent School District, in partnership with the Houston Food Bank, is hosting mass community food distributions on Fridays in August at NRG Stadium. HISD Nutrition Services staff are expected to distribute 5,000 family food packages as…

Mayor Turner announces Virtual Town Hall Focused on Mental Health, Healing and Wellness in the Houston Community. Registration Now Open for Event with the H.E.R. Task Force.
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Mayor Turner announces Virtual Town Hall Focused on Mental Health, Healing and Wellness in the Houston Community. Registration Now Open for Event with the H.E.R. Task Force.

ByErica Ponder

Mayor Sylvester Turner and the Houston Health Equity Response (H.E.R.) Taskforce invite you to the Mental Health in Minority Communities During the Pandemic, a virtual town hall focused on mental health, healing, and wellness in our community. Hosted by the H.E.R. Faith-Based Subcommittee, this forum will take place on Friday, July 24, 2020 from 6 p.m….

A Life Dedicated to Service and Achievement EARL LEWIS THOMAS
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A Life Dedicated to Service and Achievement EARL LEWIS THOMAS

ByErica Ponder

The fourth of seven children born to Jimmie and Mae Frances (Thomason) Thomas, Earl Lewis Thomas was born on Monday, October 4, 1948 in Greenville (Hunt County) Texas. Earl attended the Booker T. Washington Elementary School and George Washington Carver and Greenville High Schools, graduating in 1967. He was recruited with a scholarship by the…

Taking Action: Houston’s Response to the Life and Death of George Floyd – June, 2020

Taking Action: Houston’s Response to the Life and Death of George Floyd – June, 2020

ByErica Ponder

A Special Message from our President and CEO On May 25, 2020, George Floyd was murdered after being pinned on the ground under the knee of a Minneapolis police officer for 8 minutes and 46 seconds. His last words, “I can’t breathe,” have become an infamous mark throughout the protests that erupted across the world…

Fifth Ward Nonprofit Helps Provide 21,000 Meals for the Elderly
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Fifth Ward Nonprofit Helps Provide 21,000 Meals for the Elderly

ByErica Ponder

The Julia C. Hester House (JCHH) is a 76-year-old nonprofit community center serving Fifth Ward residents with programs including Senior Services, one of their most utilized programs offered daily, Monday to Friday, at no charge. This community of older African Americans has come to rely on the JCHH as a source of health, wellness and…

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Public visitation, service for Dr. Thomas Freeman scheduled for June 16

ByErica Ponder

Texas Southern University will host a public visitation for Dr. Thomas F. Freeman on Tuesday, June 16, from 10 a.m.-12:45 p.m., with a memorial service to follow, in the Health & Physical Education (H&PE) Arena (3010 Wheeler Avenue, Houston, TX 77004). The event will also be live-streamed on www.tsu.edu and on TSU’s social media channels….

Houston-Based Film/ TV Production Company Will Host A Black Ride In Honor Of Juneteenth!
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Houston-Based Film/ TV Production Company Will Host A Black Ride In Honor Of Juneteenth!

ByErica Ponder

Local production company, KVK Productions is responsible for several notable reality shows on various networks, but their efforts to contribute to the celebration of the freedom of African-Americans is the reality they want to encourage others to be a part of. This Saturday, June 20, 2020 KVK Productions will host a Black Ride from Brookshire…

Houston artists create mural as tribute to 2020 high school seniors
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Houston artists create mural as tribute to 2020 high school seniors

ByErica Ponder

A new mural celebrating the Houston area class of 2020 has been added to the iconic collection of murals in Graffiti Park, 2102 Leeland St. in East Downtown (EaDo). Internationally recognized Houston artist, Gonzo247 collaborated with artists Nicky Davis, JoJo, Sy and Carolyn Figueroa to create a vibrant, colorful piece filled with uplifting messages to…

HISD Coach Goes Beyond the Call of Duty
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HISD Coach Goes Beyond the Call of Duty

ByErica Ponder

HISD Coach Austin Obeng from Black Middle School has gone above and beyond during school closures to ensure his students are maintaining a healthy workout routine. Obeng, an employee at Black Middle School, where he coaches football, basketball, track and strength and conditioning, as well as swim at Waltrip High School, has taken it upon…

Statements from the Edwards family and Mayor Turner on the death of former State Rep. Al Edwards

Statements from the Edwards family and Mayor Turner on the death of former State Rep. Al Edwards

ByErica Ponder

Former State Representative Al Edwards passed away recently at the age of 83. Edwards was a prominent civil rights activist and, during his 30 plus years as a state representative, was instrumental in passing the legislation to recognize the abolition of slavery in Texas as an annual holiday. The Edwards’ family statement is below, followed…

Over 200 Doctors, Nurses, & Physicians Received Free Ice Cream To Keep Spirits High Amid Covid-19 Pandemic!
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Over 200 Doctors, Nurses, & Physicians Received Free Ice Cream To Keep Spirits High Amid Covid-19 Pandemic!

ByErica Ponder

Houston-based co-owner of Boyce Kids Cream Machine, London Boyce has a heart as big as Texas. At only 7 years old, she is described as a powerhouse and a force to be reckoned with. This 1st grader is an Actress (co-star of Antebellum),  and author of ” Wonder London I Hate My Curls”. As the co-owner…

Mayor Sylvester Turner names Marvin Odum the City of Houston’s COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Czar

Mayor Sylvester Turner names Marvin Odum the City of Houston’s COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Czar

ByErica Ponder

Mayor Sylvester Turner on Monday named former Shell Oil Co. Chairman and President Marvin E. Odum as the city’s COVID-19 Relief and Recovery Czar. In this role, Odum will work with business leaders, chambers of commerce, employee groups, and nonprofit organizations on a plan to safely and responsibly restart Houston’s economy. Odum will also work…

HUEWEITT NAMED INTERIM PRESIDENT BY BOARD OF REGENTS

HUEWEITT NAMED INTERIM PRESIDENT BY BOARD OF REGENTS

ByErica Ponder

The Texas Southern University Board of Regents unanimously named Kenneth Huewitt as the Interim President of Texas Southern University during its regular meeting held Thursday, April 16, via telephone conference call due to the coronavirus pandemic.    “We are fortunate as a university to have someone with the skills and background of Mr. Huewitt during these critical times that…

Mayor Turner Appoints Office of Business Opportunity Director

Mayor Turner Appoints Office of Business Opportunity Director

ByErica Ponder

Houston City Council approves appointee Today, Houston City Council confirmed Marsha E. Murray as Director of the Office of Business Opportunity. She has filled the role as Interim Director since September 2019. Murray previously served as Deputy Director of OBO from 2012-2019. While at OBO, Murray played an instrumental role in the department’s growth and…

Over 200 Doctors, Nurses, & Physicians Received Free Ice Cream To Keep Spirits High Amid Covid-19 Pandemic!
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Over 200 Doctors, Nurses, & Physicians Received Free Ice Cream To Keep Spirits High Amid Covid-19 Pandemic!

ByErica Ponder

Houston-based co-owner of Boyce Kids Cream Machine, London Boyce has a heart as big as Texas. At only 7 years old, she is described as a powerhouse and a force to be reckoned with. This 1st grader is an Actress (co-star of Antebellum),  and author of ” Wonder London I Hate My Curls”. As the co-owner…