New statistical table and analysis available on the American Banking Institute’s (ABI) SBRA Resources website show that 471 small businesses have elected to file for bankruptcy relief under new subchapter V to chapter 11 of the Code since it was enacted. The Small Business Reorganization Act of 2019 (SBRA) took effect on February 19, 2020, to provide a…
Texas is one of the best states for businesses to weather economic challenges brought on by COVID-19. As reported by InnovationMap, a new study from Fit Small Business ranked Texas #3 when it came to business owners weathering the economic fallout from the pandemic. Ohio and South Dakota ranked #1 and # 2 respectively. New York was last. The…
Chyna “The Roofing Lady” Gragg has a long history of setting herself apart…
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…
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…
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….
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…
George Floyd’s death was a wake-up call for me and others. This was a wake-up call because the people (the police), who are here to protect the citizens are doing the harm…
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…
During the uncertainty of the COVID-19 crisis, people are searching for ways to connect with experts, co-workers, friends, neighbors and their community. They are accomplishing this by using technology including virtual meetings, webinars and conference call services. Everyone is making sacrifices during this time and adjusting their regular routines and habits. TownSq, an all-in-one…
While you take care to limit social interactions and wash your hands to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, you also need to take steps to protect your finances and identity. Scammers are now taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic to lure victims in with new phishing scams. “We know consumers are managing their…
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…
In the U.S. alone, 28.1 million people are living with diabetes, and an added 7.2 million are living with undiagnosed diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Additionally, the American Diabetes Association reports that 84 million American adults have prediabetes, but nearly 90 percent of them don’t even know it. …
Getting proper nutrition can be challenging for everyone, but especially as we age for a variety of reasons, including changing tastes, physical or dental conditions, and lack of access to healthy foods. “It’s critical that people of all ages get proper nutrition, but especially seniors, and particularly now with the spread of COVID-19 in…
Spring cleaning is a tradition that often includes dusting, mopping, decluttering and organizing homes for a fresh start. Many families may be cooking more while home right now, so this is a great opportunity to refresh your kitchen staples by filling the fridge with foods that support a healthy diet. Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist…
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…
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 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…
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…
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…