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BUSINESS JOURNAL

Entrepreneur | Business | Education and Career | Finance | Legal | Real Estate | Technology | Insurance

October 2020

Re-Elect Robert Johnson Judge, 177th Criminal District Court

Elect Cheryl Elliott Thornton For 164th Judicial District Court

Elect Lynn Clouser For Missouri City At-Large Posistion #2

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Inspire, Inform & Educate

Re-Elect Ron Reynolds State Representative, District 27

Re-Elect Borris Miles State Senate District 13

Re-Elect Al Green 9th Congressional District of Texas

Re-Elect Allison Drew FBISD Trustee, Position 5

Elect Joe Biden President of the United States

Re-Elect Jarvis Johnson State Representative, District 139

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Re-Elect Lizzie Pannill Fletcher Democrat For Congress

Elect Kamala Harris Vice President of the United States

Re-Elect Shawn Thierry State Representative, District 146

158th Edition

Elect MJ Hegar State Senate

Re-Elect Sheila Jackson Lee 18th Congressional District of Texas

Re-Elect Senfronia Thompson State Representative, District 141

Elect Tenisha Hudspeth Harris County Clerk

Re-Elect Kim Ogg Harris County District Attorney

Re-Elect Teana Watson For Fort Bend County Judge, County Court At Law #5

INSIDE

Find Your Harris County Early Voting Locations Here 26

VOTE: Quentin Wiltz for Pearland Mayor

10-11

Chris Hollins, Harris County Clerk: Leading With Integrity for Your VOTE To Count

14

MaskThePeople2020 Helps Combat COVID-19, One Mask at a Time

October 2020 | 3

PUBLISHER’S MESSAGE

MR. D-MARS CERTIFIED:

HMSDC

d-mars.com is proud to continue our partnership with the community, publishing positive content and success stories promoting the advancement of our African American businesses, civic, and community leaders.

Now you may support entrepreneurs and local businesses. You may even donate to nonprofits that are giving back to the underserved. But also exercising your right to vote is vital for the firm foundation contributing to our community’s prosperity.

Are you promoting growth in our communities by participating in the voting process? Are you educated on the candidates before voting in order to make an informed decision?

Remember, where our communities gain power is at the polls.

Port of Houston

BEHIND THE JOURNAL PUBLISHER & CEO Keith J. Davis, Sr. COO & MANAGING EDITOR Kimberly Floyd ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla ART DIRECTOR Angel Rosa DISTRIBUTION Rockie Hayden PHOTOGRAPHY L.C. Poullard Grady Carter CONTRIBUTING WRITERS d-mars.com

“The vote is precious. It is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have in a democratic society, and we must use it.”

METRO

—The late Rep. John Lewis

City of Houston

As change starts at the local level, this month‘s cover highlights Houston’s candidates running for office.

Get to know each candidate by visiting their website and researching their experience and platform. And this month’s cover story shines light on Chris Hollins, Harris County Clerk, and the importance of his role in the election process. Hollins is the administrator of elections, working diligently with the Commissioners Court, the Tax Assessor Collector, major political parties, and other stakeholders to establish an election infrastructure facilitating access to the voting process to Harris County citizens.

As always, thank you for your continued support of d-mars.com, progressing our publication’s efforts to highlight the communities in which we serve, live, and work. Partnering together, we succeed in making positive things happen. We will see you at the polls!

HISD

CONTENTS

VBE

DBE

OUR SERVICES

04 BUSINESS 04 3 Critical Ways Businesses Can Prepare for the Unknowns of a Post-COVID-19 World 06 Small-Business Retirement Accounts 101 08 5 Steps Companies Might Consider Before Reopening Their Office Spaces

ADVERTISING | MARKETING MEDIA | COMMUNICATION

09 COMMUNITY 09 CRL Statement on the Federal Reserve’s Plan to Revamp the Community Reinvestment Act 21 The Greater Houston Black Chamber Announces Pinnacle Award Finalists in Honor of the 26th Annual Celebration of Black Business Excellence 10-11 COVER STORY 10-11 Chris Hollins, Harris County Clerk: Find Your Harris County Early Voting Locations Here 13-20 HEALTH & WELLNESS 14 Breast Cancer Is the Most Imperative Health Issue Facing African American Women 16 Shelbi Campbell, Owner of MaskThePeople2020 18 Why It’s Now, More Than Ever, Important To Get a Flu Vaccine 19 OP-ED: Black Americans and COVID-19 Clinical Trials

HUB

10-11

27 FINANCE 27 Focus Areas To Get Your Finances Back on Track 28 TECHNOLOGY 28 New Normal: Remote Work Forces Call for Strong IT Security Strategies

• Business Journal • Health & Wellness Journal • Community Journal • Black Pages Online Business Directory • Top 50 Black Health, Medical & Wellness Professionals • Top 50 Black Professionals & Entrepreneurs • Top 30 Influential Women of Houston • Top 25 Prime & Subcontractors for Diversity • Business Connection • Business Development • Business Consulting • Graphic Design • Photography • Printing • Web Design • Online & Email Marketing • Public Relations • Social Media • Advertising • Writing • Promotional Marketing

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4  |  October 2020 BUSINESS

VOTE YOUR WAY

By d-mars.com News Provider

R

unning a business is no small feat.

Add to that the evolving uncertainties with COVID-19, protests, rioting, a recession and more, and any business is on high alert. Preparing for unknowns is difficult despite the organization's size, but it can be even more difficult for small and medium businesses.

Whether you're running a booming startup with a network of teams, have a small business with a dedicated core of employees or are a solo act making your dream come true, it's important to be proactive during these challenging times. Here are three steps every business owner should take to ensure they are protected in the future:

coverages such as property, general liability, professional and specialty liability including excess medical and commercial auto (available in most states). You'll be covered from frivolous lawsuits and won't have to worry about gaps or exclusions in your policy.

From tow companies to amusement rental organizations to stunt performers and so much more, you'll get the coverage you need for any risk. This can include considerations for crisis situations as well, such as communicable disease liability coverage (including COVID-19), civil commotion liability coverage (such as riots and looting), active shooter liability coverage, and more. Learn more at www.xinsurance.com or call 877-585-2853.

Step1:1:Have Haveaacrisis crisisaction actionplan plan Step What would happen if your store was ransacked during a riot? What would you do if someone broke into your business accounts?

What if you or your employee was injured on the job? It's important to set up at minimum a basic crisis plan to deal with scenarios that could cause trauma to people and stress to your bottom line.

Crisis plans are written procedures that serve as guidelines to follow when an incident occurs. They can include training information that's helpful to prepare for different situations. This also should include important contact information such as police and emergency numbers as well as insurance contact information.

Step2:2:Secure Securethe theright rightinsurance insurance Step Many businesses struggle to get adequate coverage, especially liability coverage for unique situations. Consider contacting XINSURANCE, which provides insurance that other providers can't or won't. With more than 30 years of diversified underwriting experience for difficult risks in all 50 states, you'll find what you need.

The company has a unique approach that provides all risks with a $10 million limit in-house, with higher limits available. They can offer an all-in-one policy that can include

Step3:3:Expect Expectthe theunexpected unexpected Step If nothing else, 2020 has been the year to expect the unexpected. It's important that you be prepared for anything. In addition to being proactive with a crisis plan and ample insurance, you want to set money aside in an emergency fund should your business need to access it.

Whether it's suddenly having to integrate PPE into your business procedures, adding layers of security to your digital platforms or having the funds to cover payroll if you need to suddenly halt production, having the resources to make it through a rainy day is essential, especially for small businesses that run tighter budgets and schedules.

Being a business owner is a source of pride for many people. By taking these three steps, you'll ensure the wellness of the business and help it thrive for years to come.

Source: BPT

Vote by Mail Vote In Person Early Voting Drive-Thru Voting 24-Hour Voting Last day to register to vote: October 5 Vote by Mail applications due: October 23 Early Voting: October 13-30 Election Day: November 3

HarrisVotes.com

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October 2020 | 5

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6  |  October 2020 BUSINESS

Small-Business

Retirement Accounts 101 By d-mars.com News Provider

I

f you're a small-business owner - whether your business consists of just you and your spouse or a handful of employees - and you're emerging from the pandemic into your new normal, it may be time for you to think about setting up retirement accounts, not just for your employees, but for yourself, too. That may be a surprising statement, considering many small-business owners do not currently offer retirement benefits to their employees, let alone take the time to set up an account for themselves.

There are myriad reasons why smallbusiness owners put off saving for retirement, including investing every last dollar back into the business so funds for things like retirement weren't available, anticipating selling your business when you retire so there's no need to save now, and, a reason every business owner can relate to, there are just not enough hours in the day to think about it.

But the reality is, it's easier than you think. A good financial advisor can explain the ins and outs of retirement accounts to you in an afternoon and help you decide on the plan that makes the most sense for you, your business, and your employees. Your retirement-age self will thank you, and offering those benefits will make it easier for you to hire and retain employees now, too.

Until you make that appointment with your advisor, here's a primer in Small Business Retirement Account Options, 101.

SEP SEP(Simplified (SimplifiedEmployee Employee Pension) A SEP is designed for self-employed individuals or small businesses, ideally with fewer than 25 employees. If you earn a self-employment income, you are allowed to save more for retirement using a SEP plan than a traditional IRA or Roth allows. A SEP is less complex and costly than a 401(k), allows employers to contribute larger amounts than a traditional or Roth IRA, and may qualify for larger tax deductions.

SIMPLE IRA (Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees) A SIMPLE IRA is ideally suited as a start-up retirement savings plan for small employers who have 100 or fewer employees, and who are not sponsoring a retirement plan. Contributions are taxdeductible, and earnings within the account are tax-free until withdrawn.

Solo401(k) 401(k) Solo A Solo 401(k) is for those who are

self-employed and offers the same benefits of a regular 401(k), but it is designated for a business in which only the owner (and their spouse) is an employee. You can choose to make after-tax salary deferrals (adding a Roth component), with the tax advantages of withdrawals being tax-free when the time comes.

know the market extremely well. With a self-directed account, you can put your knowledge and your dollars together in a tax-advantaged way.

It's also about paving the way for what you want to do after retirement. For that same real estate agent, it means retiring

Thepower powerofofself-directed The self-directed accounts accounts What's the difference between a traditional and self-directed 401(k) or IRA? Where you're allowed to put those investment dollars. Especially in uncertain economic times like the ones we're living through right now, that choice couldn't be more important. With a self-directed 401(k), you can invest beyond the stock market.

So, if not the stock market, So, if notdothe stock market, where where you put those dollars? do you put those dollars?

With With a self-directed 401(k), you acan self-directed 401(k), youdifferent can choose from many choose from many different areas, areas, including: including: * Real estate * Private debt like corporate debt offerings, notes secured by deeds of trust or mortgages * Private equity like stock of C-corporations, limited partnerships, LLCs, and REITs * Precious metals, including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium * Cryptocurrency like Bitcoin

Whyself-directed self-directedaccounts accountsare areso Why so attractive to investors attractive to investors The beauty of this type of retirement investing isn't just about having options other than the stock market. It's about following your passions and using your own expertise to guide your investments.

Let's say you're a real estate agent. You Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

from selling properties and living on the income from the ones he or she owns via these investments. Equity Trust Company has seen investors use their knowledge of medical technology sales to fund their retirements and people involved in home restoration tie their retirement to the activity of their business.

Whatever retirement account option is right for you, investing now means peace of mind later for yourself and for your employees. Equity Trust specializes in helping people make decisions about their retirement accounts. To find out more, visit https://www.trustetc.com/ contact-us/.

Equity Trust Company is a directed custodian and does not provide tax, legal or investment advice. Any information communicated by Equity Trust is for educational purposes only, and should not be construed as tax, legal or investment advice. Whenever making an investment decision, please consult with your tax attorney or financial professional.

Source: BPT

October 2020 | 7

RE-ELECT DISTRICT ATTORNEY KIM OGG "Reforming our system while protecting you. "

D.A. Kim Ogg's Record of Common Sense Reform

Public Safety Officials Agree:

RE-ELECT KIM OGG

Increased the hiring of Latino, African American, and internationally diverse prosecutors by 100% to better serve all crime victims.

Increased police accountability by investigating and prosecuting 35 officers and jailers for offenses ranging from theft to murder.

Collected and/or returned $30 million in restitution to victims of violent, financial, and environmental crimes

Harris County Sheriff

ED GONZALEZ

Harris County Commissioner and Former Sheriff

ADRIAN GARCIA

Former Houston Chief of Police and Mayor

LEE P. BROWN

Former Houston Chief of Po5lice

CHARLES MCCLELLAND

Saved taxpayers $28 million dollars each year by not prosecuting misdemeanor marijuana.

Redirected over 3,000 + non-violent mentally ill offenders to treatment instead of jail.

Constable

Exonerated 5 wrongly convicted individuals through evidence-based prosecution.

SHERMAN EAGLETON

Former Houston Chief of Police

C.O. "BRAD" BRADFORD

Pol. Adv. paid for by Kim Ogg for Harris County District Attorney, Scott Poerschke, Treasurer.

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

Constable

Constable

ALAN ROSEN

MAY WALKER

8  |  October 2020 BUSINESS

5 Steps Companies Might Consider Before Reopening Their Office Spaces By d-mars.com News Provider

A

fter weeks of having employees work remotely whenever possible, many organizations are developing plans to reopen their physical workplaces. For many business leaders, this is a challenging time as they try to determine how to reconfigure their offices after quarantine. Putting a plan in place may be the best solution. A return-to-work plan may mitigate the closure of offices for additional and more enhanced cleanings, help prevent lost productivity and help reduce absenteeism. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that lost productivity due to absenteeism in the U.S. cost employers $225.8 billion annually - or $1,685 per employee - through a combination of direct and indirect costs.

To help position your business for a successful reopening, Stephen Mohan, EVP, Business Solutions Division for Office Depot, Inc., recommends considering:

Siteassessment assessment Site Partner with a business solutions provider and conduct a site assessment. Details derived from an assessment of the site can help develop facilities plans, and programmatic cleaning strategies. It may help guide your change management strategies and your reconfiguration of the workspace

with tools and equipment like physical barriers, entrance screening stations, space dividers, floor markings, and signage outlining traffic flow to facilitate social distancing.

such as stronger and more durable disinfectant wipes, DIY cleaning stations, low or touchless motion-activated solutions, and consider whether antimicrobial products or furniture may benefit your workplace.

High-touchsurfaces surfaces High-touch Assess key areas used regularly by employees, including the lobby, work areas and offices, restrooms, cafeterias, elevators, storage spaces, high-traffic hallways and stairs, auditoriums, break rooms, classrooms/training rooms, parking garages, gyms and conference rooms. These areas may require additional cleaning or separate strategies.

Socialdistancing distancing Social Currently the CDC recommends a minimum of 6 feet between people for proper social distancing. This will likely mean reconfiguring many work areas, including cubicles, small-group collaboration spaces and larger meeting rooms with appropriate seating, capacity limitations and traffic pattern signs.

Touch-pointsand andcleaning cleaning Touch-points Determine how to limit touch-points in the workplace and enhance cleaning and disinfecting practices. Identify what cleaning products are appropriate for your business,

Communications Communications Consider how to have ongoing and transparent communication with your employees as you work through the phases of welcoming everyone back into the office. Provide employees with clear communication about safety and cleaning protocols through the use of digital and print signs, posters and literature. You may want to maintain an open-door policy for employees to voice their concerns or ideas for improving the workplace.

Learnmore moretoday today Learn Thoughtful planning and proactive action today will help build confidence with employees. Learn more at business.officedepot.com about how Office Depot can help organizations keep their businesses running smoothly while employees across the nation begin the process of returning to the workplace.

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Source: BPT

October 2020 | 9 COMMUNITY

CRL Statement on the Federal Reserve’s Plan to Revamp the Community Reinvestment Act By d-mars.com NNPA Provider

T

he CRA is a civil rights law designed to expand financial opportunity.

The law requires banks to meet the credit needs of the communities in which they are chartered. The CRA was created to be a key driver in financial equity, helping to spur hundreds of billions of dollars of investment in underserved areas. Yet, the CRA requires strengthening to evolve with the changing banking landscape and to fully meet its statutory mission.

CRAmust musthelp helpaddress addresssystemic systemicracial racialbarriers barriersand andinequality, inequality,and CRA and it must benefit LMI and families of color it must benefit LMI and families of color WASHINGTON, D.C. – Recently in a board meeting, the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve approved its draft Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) on the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). In May, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency finalized its CRA rule, while the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. (FDIC) has yet to join an agency in finalizing a CRA rule.

The CRA is a civil rights law designed to expand financial opportunity. The law requires banks to meet the credit needs of the communities in which they are chartered. The CRA was created to be a key driver in financial equity, helping to spur hundreds of billions of dollars of investment in underserved areas. Yet, the CRA requires strengthening to evolve with the changing banking landscape and to fully meet its statutory mission.

Center for Responsible Lending Executive Vice President Nikitra Centerreleased for Responsible Lending Executive Vice President Nikitra Bailey the following statement: Bailey released the following statement: “Unlike the OCC’s approach in finalizing a deeply misguided rule without stakeholder support, we appreciate the Federal Reserve’s commitment to a datadriven process that solicits broad input. The Federal Reserve should ensure that updated regulations account for the harsh realities of discrimination that still plague today’s financial marketplace.

“CRA was designed to undo the injustices created by the horrific practice of redlining and to expand financial opportunity, equity, and help spur investments in underserved areas. Our nation’s most recent reckoning with racial injustice has elevated the recognition and urgency to enact significant reforms to address structural racial barriers and provide opportunity to LMI families and people of color. CRA must be one of the major tools to provide these long overdue reforms.”

Source: NNPA Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

10  |  October 2020

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

October 2020 | 11

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

12  |  October 2020

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

d-mars.com

October 2020 | 13 June 2020 | 13

FREE

® ®

HEALTH & WELLNESS JOURNAL

BIOTECH | BUSINESS | CAREER | EDUCATION | HEALTHY LIFESTYLES | MEDICAL | MENTAL HEALTH | POLICY | RESEARCH | SPORTS MEDICINE

October 2020

|

Inspire, Inform & Educate

|

99th Edition

MaskThePeople2020 Helps Combat COVID-19, One Mask at a Time Shelbi Campbell

16

INSIDE

14

Breast Cancer Is the Most Imperative Health Issue Facing African American Women

18

Why It’s Now, More Than Ever, Important To Get a Flu Vaccine Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

19

OP-ED: Black Americans and COVID-19 Clinical Trials

14 | October 2020 HEALTH

Breast Cancer Is the Most Imperative Health Issue Facing African American Women By d-mars.com News Provider

T

hough Black women get breast cancer at a slightly lower incidence rate than white women, Black women are 42% more like to DIE of breast cancer than white women. That is an astounding number and indicative of a variety of factors, many reflecting racial disparities.

Women do not need to DIE from breast cancer. It can’t be prevented but early stage breast cancer (meaning it has been localized within the breast) has a 99% 5-year survival rate. Note the inequity here: the overall 5-year relative survival rate for breast cancer diagnosed is 81% for black women versus 91% for white women. And, 54% of breast cancers in black women are diagnosed at a local stage, compared to 64% in white women.

To add more fuel to the fire, Black women under age 35 get breast cancer at two times the rate of white women and DIE from breast cancer three times as often as white women.

So, what’s the problem?

Why are Black women dying unnecessarily?

Higher death rates among Black women reflect the following: 1. Black women are not taking action. While 92% of black women agree breast health is important, only 25% have recently discussed breast health with their family, friends, or colleagues. And, only 17% have taken steps to understand their risk for breast cancer.

2. Black women lack information about the severity of breast cancer, breast cancer symptoms and the need for screening.

3. Black women take care of others at the expense of their own health.

4. Black Women are often at a more advanced stage upon detection.

5. Black women may not have access to health care or health insurance so may have lower frequency of and longer intervals between mammograms.

6. Because they may not have health insurance, Black women may not follow up on abnormal mammogram results because they can’t afford the diagnostic testing.

7. Black women often don’t have access to the same prompt high quality treatment that white women have.

They express that they are often feel disrespected by physicians and staff 8. Black women face logistical barriers to accessing care (such as transportation issues or not being able to miss work or arrange for child care).

9. Black women fear a cancer diagnosis.

• Black women have the highest odds (2 times more likely) of getting Triple Negative Breast Cancer, a kind of breast cancer that often is aggressive and comes back after treatment. It has the highest mortality rate and is the only breast cancer sub-type that does not have a therapy to prevent recurrence. Note that younger women and women diagnosed at later stages are more likely to get Triple Negative Breast Cancer.

We Must Stop The Silence!

Early detection saves lives. Black women of all ages need to check their breasts monthly. We need to know what our “normal” feels like so if there is some abnormality, immediate action can be taken.

Black women need to understand the severity of this health crisis. We need to be talking about our health,

our family histories, and educating all of the women in our lives.

The ongoing conversations in this country around access to affordable health insurance must include acknowledgement and action regarding the inequities for Black women.

Black women need to demand the attention and care of health care professionals.

Sisters Network, Inc. is a sisterhood of survivors and thrivers. They will continue to fight like girls and be the voice of Black women. They are committed to increasing local and national attention to the devasting impact that breast cancer has in the African American community. They are working diligently to reduce the mortality rate of breast cancer among Black women by generating awareness, garnering attention, providing access to information and resources, and supporting research efforts in the ecosystem.

AboutSisters SistersNetwork® Network®Inc. Inc. About Sisters Network® Inc. founded in 1994 by Karen Eubanks Jackson, 25-year and three-time Breast Cancer Survivor. SNI is the only national African American breast cancer survivorship organization in the United States and a leading voice in the fight against breast cancer in the African American community. Sisters Network is governed by an elected Board of Directors.

Membership includes over 20 survivor-run affiliate chapters nationwide. To learn more about Sisters Network Inc., please visit www.sistersnetworkinc.org.

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Source: NNPA

October 2020 | 15

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

16 | October 2020 HEALTH

Shelbi Campbell,

Owner of MaskThePeople2020 By d-mars.com News Provider

A

fter 20 years, d-mars.com continues to give back through our media platform, publishing content and success stories highlighting our business leaders and entrepreneurs. We are proud of our feature, the Young Entrepreneur Spotlight, shining light on our young African American adults in ent r e p r e n e u rship who are already starting to leave a footprint in their industry. What makes these rising stars so special is t heir commitment to business a nd t he community at such a young age. This month’s spotlight is shined on Shelbi Campbell, owner of MaskThePeople2020.

Shelbi, a native Houstonian ea rned her A ssociate of A r ts degree from Houston C om mu nit y C o l l e g e (HCC). She is currently enrolled at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and due to COVID-19, will resume in-person classes in 2021. Her company creates fashionable, but high-quality masks effective in helping reduce the spread of the coronavirus. Being just as invested in serving her community, for every five masks purchased, one is donated. Read the Q&A with Shelbi below, learning more about MaskThePeople2020.

Q&Awith withShelbi ShelbiCampbell: Campbell: Q&A Q: What inspired you to start your

company and what detail goes into each mask?

A: My company, MaskThePeople2020, was birthed during this pandemic. I wanted to design a mask that was fashionable, but also made with highquality materials, helping protect the wearer from COVID-19. Inspired by protective N95 respirator masks worn

this business full-time. I now have a very supportive community of followers/customers who are loyal and give me honest feedback that helps my business grow.

Q: Who do you admire in your industry?

A: I currently look up to all of the

new, up-and-coming African American designers being recognized by the Council of Fashion Designers of America, Inc. (CFDA) and Vogue this year. They make me believe that anything is possible.

Q: Where do you see yourself in the next few years?

A: In the next few years, I see myself owning my own luxury fashion brand worn by top influencers and recognized worldwide!

Q: Is there anything else that you want to share with our readers?

A: MaskThePeople2020 has been such a blessing. It’s mainly helping pay for school. So, I am appreciative and grateful for each and every purchase and all of the support.

by essential workers in health care, I make my masks lined with two layers of polypropylene, an air filtration material.

Q: How long have you been designing/

working in fashion and how have things been since you started your business?

A: I have been sewing for more than five years now. I am happy to design, using my skills and talents to create something that helps people. With the support of friends and family, I was able

to achieve the goal of starting my mask business. I was surprised at how many people were in need of masks. There is a high demand for them. I’m happy that my business can meet the need.

Q: How is your business growing?

A: Today, many people want safe and

stylish masks for the 'new normal' that COVID-19 has brought. My business is running smoothly. I have made over 600 masks so far and am able to work on

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We congratulate this fashionista for not being defeated during this pandemic, but instead realizing how her passion and purpose could meet a need, which in turn is making profits to help fund her education. To purchase your stylish, highquality mask, please visit www. maskthepeople2020.com or email contact@maskthepeople2020. com. You can also follow Shelbi and her business on Instagram: @maskthepeople2020 and @shelbi_campbell.

October 2020 | 17

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

18 | October 2020 HEALTH

Why It’s Now, More Than Ever, Important To Get a Flu Vaccine By d-mars.com News Provider

F

lu causes millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations, and tens of thousands of deaths in the United States yearly. This year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever to get a flu vaccine to protect yourself, your family and your community from flu and its potentially serious consequences.

Both f lu and COVID-19 are respiratory illnesses that are thought to spread mainly by droplets when people who are infected cough, sneeze or talk. Both flu and COVID-19 can be spread to others before infected people know they are sick.

There are also some key differences between flu and COVID-19. COVID-19 seems to spread more easily than flu and causes more serious illnesses in some people. It can also take longer before people show symptoms and people can be contagious for longer. Another important difference is there is a vaccine to protect against flu. There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus.

While what will happen this fall and winter is uncertain, CDC is preparing for flu and COVID-19 to spread at the same time. Besides making people sick, this could result in a dangerous public health situation because both diseases can cause serious illness that might require hospitalization. Getting a flu vaccine provides the best protection against flu and is particularly important

this year. Flu vaccines help reduce the risk of developing potentially serious flu complications. This is especially important for people with certain long-term health conditions like diabetes, asthma and heart disease. Flu vaccines are also important for people who are 65 years or older who are more likely to get very sick from flu.

Reducing the number of people who are sick with flu also can reduce the burden on our medical systems. More people getting vaccinated can mean that fewer people will need to go to doc-

tors' offices for f lu treatment and testing, and fewer people will need to seek urgent medical care or be hospitalized with flu. These reductions in doctor visits and hospitalizations can help save medical resources needed for the care of COVID-19 patients.

CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get their flu vaccine in September or October, or as soon as possible after that. Talk to your healthcare provider, pharmacy, or health department about getting your flu vaccine.

Doctors, pharmacists and other health professionals are putting new procedures in place to keep people safe from COVID-19 during vaccination.

It's also important to continue social distancing, wearing a mask and washing hands often - all these actions help slow the spread of respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 and flu.

Not sure where to get a flu vaccine?

Visit vaccinefinder.org to find a vaccination location near you.

Source: BPT

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October 2020 | 19 HEALTH

OP-ED: Black Americans and COVID-19 Clinical Trials

By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. NNPA Newswire

T

he unrelenting spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) throughout the United States of America in 2020, continues to pose an unprecedented public health crisis for all Americans, but in particular for Black Americans and other people of color who are disproportionately negatively impacted

by COVID-19 As the trusted voice of Black America, the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) in March of 2020 established the NNPA Coronavirus Task Force as a means of increasing public awareness about the overall preexisting health disparities in Black America and the disproportionately fatal consequences of COVID-19 for Black Americans and other people of color.

In fact, the NNPA and our Coronavirus Task Force were the first to issue a national “State of Emergency” declaration on April 3, 2020 to warn Black Americans and others about the evolving dangers and public health risks of COVID-19.

Earlier this year, there were just too many myths and other misinformation circulating primarily via social media falsely asserting that “Black people and people of African descent were immune to COVID-19 because of the presence

of melanin.” Of course, that assertion is not true. Yet, unfortunately, too many people in our communities began to risk infection to COVID-19 because of falsehoods and misinformation.

Themedia media has has a The responsibility to research responsibility research andreport report the the truth. and truth.

This year marks the 193rd year of the Black Press of America. Since Freedom’s Journal was first published in March of 1827, the Black Press has remained on the front lines of publishing and speaking truth to power by demanding freedom, justice and equality.

All of this brings me to state categorically, “Black Americans have to be involved at all levels of responding to the COVID-19pandemic. We cannot afford to be silent, detached, denied, or prevented from being at the decision-making tables in terms of COVID-19-based public health policies, research, clinical trials, remedies, and vaccine development. Our lives and future are at stake.”

The good news is that today there are many Black American physicians, infectious disease scholars, clinicians, medical researchers, nurses and others on the front lines as first responders and as leaders inside the major pharmaceutical companies that are striving to develop a safe and effective vaccine for COVID-19.

We are profoundly aware that within our communities there has been a historical and contemporary distrust of medical research. However, the challenge today is for more Black Americans to be involved at every point of the development of a COVID-19vaccine to ensure that the medical rights and interests of Black Americans are thoroughly protected, respected, and addressed effectively and truthfully.

In other words, Black American engagement is crucial and critical in the development of a COVID-19 vaccine

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— including participation in clinical trials — to make sure that the new vaccine is effective to prevent Blacks and others from COVID-19 infections.

Three years ago, the NNPA, Howard University and Pfizer collaborated to do a national landmark poll and study of awareness of Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) among Black Americans. This was important because Black Americans are disproportionately impacted by SCD across the nation.

Included in that NNPA-Howard University-Pfizer poll was the issue of Black Americans’ willingness to participate in clinical trials with respect to SCD. We were pleased to learn and to document that 76% of the Black American poll respondents had positive or neutral attitudes toward SCD clinical trials, and a majority indicated a willingness to participate in future clinical trials for SCD, given appropriate knowledge and recommendations from health care professionals.

It is urgent that in the strategic rush to develop an effective COVID-19 vaccine for all people, that Black Americans are not left out of the process. The health of our families and communities necessitates our involvement to raise all the questions that need to be raised, and at the same time to participate responsibly in the COVID-19 clinical trials.

20 | October 2020

Need to return your mail in ballot?

N

Drop it in the mail

OR Deliver in person to NRG

www.harrisvotes.com

2020 Elections

Election Day November 3, 2020 Vote Early October 13 – October 30

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October 2020 | 21 COMMUNITY

The Greater Houston Black Chamber

Announces Pinnacle Award Finalists in Honor of the 26th Annual Celebration of Black Business Excellence

T

he Greater Houston Black Chamber (GHBC) announced the finalists for its coveted Pinnacle and Upstart Awards honoring excellence among African American business owners in Houston. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s event is being hosted virtually on Saturday, October 24, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. The ceremony will stream live on the GHBC YouTube channel, and there will be a replay on Quest Channel 55 on Thursday, Oct. 29 and Saturday, Oct. 31, both at 7:00 p.m.

The GHBC has selected ten businesses as finalists for the Pinnacle Award; five will ultimately be named winners at the October ceremony. For the Upstart Award, there are three finalists, with one winner to be announced.

The GHBC Pinnacle Award recognizes leading Black entrepreneurs for their success in business and their positive impact on the communities and industries they serve. The 2020 Pinnacle Award finalists include TNR Accounting, Total Wellness Assessment and Counseling, Mpulse Healthcare and Technology, Lucilles, Hillday Public Relations, BJackson Enterprises, LLC, Bright Learners Academy, J. Archer Insurance Group, LLC, Nuksy's Fine Catering, Remax Legacy Living-Remax 1st Class.

Upstart Award finalists include Optimize Health, Gingerbread School, and Office Pride Commercial Janitorial.

In addition to these prestigious honors, the GHBC will bestow several other awards to accomplished businesses and entrepreneurs including: • Lifetime Achievement Award • Excellence Award • Larry V. Green Advocate of the Year Award • Mickey Leland Entrepreneur Public Leadership Award • Young Entrepreneur of the Year The event is free, however, donations are encouraged and viewers will have the option to purchase tickets that include food and champagne packages for the ceremony, along with a raffle ticket. After the ceremony, the celebration continues with the “Drop the Beat” DJ Battle via Zoom, featuring several of Houston’s leading DJs. For more information, visit the GHBC website at www.ghbcc.com or call (713) 660-8299.

About The Greater Houston Black Chamber Founded in 1935 as the city’s first African-American civic organization, the GHBC has evolved into an active participant in the city of Houston’s socioeconomic process. The organization is a 501(c)(6), not-for-profit, private, member-driven organization that serves the Greater Houston Area.

The GHBC helps its partners and members navigate Houston’s large, diverse population, industries and the many nuances, which are unique to the city.

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22  |  October 2020

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October 2020 | 23

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24  |  October 2020

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October 2020 | 25

TH E

E X P E R T

N E TW O R K

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26 | October 2020 COMMUNITY

USAGov Answers FAQs About Voting

By d-mars.com NNPA Provider

T

he coronavirus pandemic makes the 2020 election season different than any before it. And it's leaving a lot of people looking for information on how, where, and when to cast their vote.

This year, like every other election year, USAGov provides clear, reliable information about voting and elections.

Explore answers to some frequently asked questions we receive on social media and through the USAGov Contact Center.

They can help resolve your own voting questions ahead of November 3.

Question: How does voting by mail work, and what are my options?

Answer: Sometimes, life events make it hard to vote in person on Election Day. Each state has mail-in absentee voting, but some allow you to take part only in certain circumstances.

To find out if you can vote absentee this year, visit your state election office website or contact your local election officials.

If you plan to vote absentee, here are some steps you may need to take: • Before you can vote absentee, you have to be a registered voter. Check or change your registration at Vote.gov.

• Request an absentee ballot from your state if you do not receive one automatically.

• Be aware of your state's specific deadlines to return your ballot.

• To find out how to return your absentee ballot, check with your local election office. This could be by postal mail, dropbox, or returning directly to your local election office.

Q: What happens if I get an absentee ballot in the mail? Can I still vote in person on November 3?

A: If you received an absentee ballot

in the mail, but want to vote in person, hold onto that ballot. Typically, you can exchange your uncast absentee ballot for an in-person ballot, or complete your absentee ballot and hand it in at your polling place. Rules are different in each state. Check with your state or local election office for the specific procedures for where you live.

Q: How do I know who and what will be on the ballot on Election Day? A: Voter guides and sample ballots can show who the candidates are and any state or local measures up for a vote.

Reviewing them before Election Day can help you decide who to vote for and speed up your time in the voting booth.

• Voter guides provide background information on candidates and ballot measures. They typically list the candidates for each office and offer details on each one's experience and goals. They'll also explain ballot measures, which are specific questions or issues you have the choice to approve or reject.

• Sample ballots show you the candidates and any ballot measures as they will appear on your real ballot. These will not include detailed information as voter guides do.

• You're welcome to bring your notes and these tools with you to the polls on Election Day. Have more questions about the 2020 election season?

• Check out USA.gov/Voting for helpful resources.

• Subscribe to USAGov's Voting and Elections email for updates straight to your inbox.

• Follow Vote.gov on Twitter and USAGov on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter as your official election season guides.

Source: USAGov

Final HEB Diversity Red ads.qxp

4/7/08

11:24 AM

Page 5

At H-E-B, each and every Partner is responsible for upholding our commitment to diversity. Our daily actions value both the differences and similarities that make our Customers, Communities and Partners so unique.

®

For more information on diversity at H-E-B, visit

www.heb.com

©2008 H-E-B Food Stores

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October 2020 | 27 FINANCE

Focus Areas To Get Your Finances Back on Track By d-mars.com NNPA Provider

T

he COVID-19 pandemic has hit many people hard financially. From furloughs to job loss and from strict budgets to depleted savings and much more, people are making adjustments as needed. It's important to stay focused on your financial well-being and take simple steps so you can recover and thrive in the future.

"Many people who have experienced financial disruption need some help to get their savings back on track," says Andy Harmening, Consumer and Business Banking director at Huntington.

"Even in a strong economy, managing everyday finances can be stressful. Fortunately, with a little diligence and some digital tools that make it easier to save, people can find the financial peace of mind they're looking for."

Harmening says it is possible to improve your finances in a post-COVID world by focusing on three key areas:

Createan anupdated, updated,agile agilebudget budget Create Your income may change, so it's important to understand your spending habits and create a realistic budget.

Track all your spending for a month and separate out necessities versus nice-to-have items. You can also input your income and expenses and let an online budget calculator do the math.

Keep in mind variables due to the pandemic that may impact your budget. For example, a shorter work week, lower gas prices, more money on groceries and perhaps

less money eating out. You'll want to incorporate these positive and negative changes, and if possible, leave some wiggle room for future changes. Additionally, some things like gym memberships and parking passes may have paused when the pandemic started but are now being charged again. Sophisticated online banking solutions, such as a spend analysis tool, can give you an eye-opening look into

you in a better position to handle the potential of future financial challenges.

Small amounts over time - even just $5 - can add up to a robust emergency fund that provides peace of mind. Money Scout by Huntington is a new tool customers can enroll in that analyzes spending habits, income, and upcoming expenses and finds money you're not using in your checking account. Then, it moves that money, from $5 to $50, automatically to your savings, up to three times a week. Bit by bit, it will help you build savings.

Automate bills bills and and pay pay down down debt debt Automate

how your spending adds up so you can make smart adjustments.

Replenishemergency emergencyfunds fundswith withsmart smarttools tools Replenish Many people have tapped or even drained their savings to make ends meet as the pandemic hit. By updating your budget and getting ahead of spending, you can start to replenish emergency funds. Saving even a small amount regularly can help create an emergency fund that will put

To keep your credit healthy, take steps to pay your bills on time and start reducing debt. A good first step is to automate wherever possible. Direct deposits and automatic bill payments ensure nothing gets overlooked or falls through the cracks in spending and saving.

If you've leaned on your credit cards during the pandemic, pay down the debt with the larger interest rate first to avoid wasting dollars on paying interest, even if that means paying smaller debts first. This will help you save money in the long run.

Keep in mind, it can be tempting to tap into money set aside in a retirement plan to cover expenses, but even if that can be done without a penalty, it can rob you of potential financial security down the road.

If you need to pause contributing to a retirement plan temporarily to get finances back on track, that's OK. But avoid borrowing from these accounts and start contributing to them as soon as you're able to set yourself up for a bright financial future.

Source: BPT

PAID FOR BY MJ FOR TEXAS

Black and Brown communities have been hit hardest during this pandemic.

I’ll fight to make sure no Texas family is left behind.

I’M MJ HEGAR. During my third tour in Afghanistan, I was shot, and we went down. After being rescued, I returned fire as we flew to safety. We fought like hell to get everyone home safe that day.

My mission isn’t over. Texas families are still in danger. Texas is facing a public health crisis from the COVID-19 pandemic — and it’s hitting Black and Brown communities the hardest.

In the Senate, I will: Fight for solutions to help Black communities facing a public health crisis that’s been made even worse by the coronavirus Make sure no one has to wait until payday to see a doctor or get their medicine Protect Medicare and Social Security for Texas seniors

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28  |  October 2020 TECHNOLOGY

New Normal: Remote Work Forces Call for Strong IT Security Strategies By d-mars.com News Provider

W

ith so much of the workforce now officing from home, many companies' IT departments are working overtime to adopt the strategies and toolkits that will empower their employees to work productively and safely while remote.

The more proactive companies can be about these strategies the better, since a good portion of the nation's workforce will not be returning to centralized work locations anytime soon. In fact, a recent survey by economists at Harvard Business School found that one in six workers nationwide will continue working from home or coworking at least twice a week - even after the pandemic comes to a halt.

Before COVID sent everyone home, many companies had basic strategies in place for enabling off-site work, including providing employees laptop c omp ut e r s , optimizing online collaboration tools and empowering their IT departments to complete software installations and upgrades remotely.

Those measures are still important.

What's changed is that employees from different companies and sectors are working in close quarters more frequently than before. Some families now have in-laws, adult children and other family members working from the same locations, and some are managing other companies or looking for jobs. In my own company, the privacy issues my team members face in many of their households have challenged us to tighten up security measures.

One concern for many companies is that there aren't enough controls in place to keep people from viewing the data displayed on other people's computer screens, whether inadvertently or on purpose. In the worst-case scenarios, there could be data leaks between people who are working in close proximity and employed with competing firms. And unfortunately, the shift to widespread remote working has

opened doors even further for those who would steal data for nefarious purposes.

In the new normal, employers need to make sure they're protecting their data no matter where their workers live, and whether they're working from home or at a coffee shop.

So what are some steps IT managers can take to help keep proprietary company data private and secure? * Implement privacy screens as a key part of the toolbox to help protect your screen from being seen when you're working in areas with other people.

These screens are a company's first line of defense against visual hacking, which can lead to costly data breaches. And, they add value by protecting users' eyes from the UV rays that can create glare on their computer screens, sometimes adding to visual fatigue. * Ensure your IT staff has the training and tools it needs to handle software upgrades remotely and ship new communications technology equipment quickly and efficiently. * Create guidelines and policies for presentations, content exchanges and other elements of communications made possible through collaboration tools such as Zoom and Teams * Reinforce routine safeguards such as two-factor authentication; strong and frequently changed passwords; encryption software; strong firewall; antivirus software and anti-malware. * Ensure employees are keeping their work computers separate from others used by family members. * Keep employees informed about the most common phishing scams.

As U.S. companies increasingly migrate to remote work models, it's more important than ever to have strong corporate policies in place to protect against data breaches. Take time now to ensure your employees have everything they need to protect your firm's proprietary information.

Source: BPT Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

October 2020 | 29

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30  |  October 2020

VOTE YOUR WAY Vote by Mail Vote In Person Early Voting Drive-Thru Voting 24-Hour Voting

Last day to register to vote: October 5 Vote by Mail applications due: October 23 Early Voting: October 13-30 Election Day: November 3

HarrisVotes.com

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October 2020 | 31

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