Business Journal 138 by d-mars.com

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BUSINESS JOURNAL

February 2019

Inspire, Inform & Educate

138th Edition

LEGALLY SPEAKING The Cox Pradia Law Firm Story

16, 25

INSIDE

12 Comerica Bank SVP, Irvin Ashford, Jr., Honored as 2019 AACSB Influential Leader

Imani School “Super Hero Dads!”

33 Emmanuel Cares Community Fundraiser

Justice Belongs to all.

We demand justice for our clients!

services Personal Injury Auto Accidents Premise Liability 18 Wheeler Accidents Wrongful Death

Why Choose Us? • Substantial recoveries for clients • Trial Experience • Passionate & Dedicated • Work directly with the attorneys

TROY J. PR ADIA JONATHAN H. COX

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February 2019 | 3

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d-mars.com is proud to share the success stories of African American businesses and civic and community leaders. We know that success does not always come easy and it is not always measured in money. How have you helped your fellow entrepreneur? Have you supported your locally-owned African American business? Have you donated to a nonprofit that is working in our underserved communities? Questions to think about and actions to take.

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BEHIND THE JOURNAL PUBLISHER & CEO Keith J. Davis, Sr. COO & MANAGING EDITOR Kimberly Floyd EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Tiffany Brown ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla STAFF WRITER Carly Hammack ART DIRECTOR Angel Rosa

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greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members." — Coretta Scott King

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10 Community 10 Giving Back to Your Community 10 Texas motorists: Slow down or move over for stopped emergency vehicles 11 Black History Month: Two Centuries of Black History and the Black Press 26 Old Folks Saying/Did You Know?

16,25 Cover Story 16,25 Legally Speaking: The Cox Pradia Law Firm Story

PHOTOGRAPHY L.C. Poullard Grady Carter

18 Health 18 5 fitness trends on the rise in 2019 20 Technology to the rescue 20 5 Self-Care Tips for Parents in the New Year 32 Politics 32 How to protect your data from cyberattacks 32 Houston is getting safer

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12 Education 12 Comerica Bank SVP, Irvin Ashford, Jr., Honored as 2019 AACSB Influential Leader 27 Why Vocational Education is Critical for Many Young People 27 Is business school really worth it? Important factors to consider 30 Equity vs Equality

DISTRIBUTION Rockie Hayden

HUB

OUR SERVICES

04 Business 04 Are You Taking Full Advantage of Your Workplace Benefits? 04 Tips to Tackle 2019 with Greater Financial Confidence 08 Leaders Aren’t Born…They’re Trained

PROJECT COORDINATOR Lindsey Ford

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Noel Pinnock Naomi Shelton Stacey M. Brown (NNPA) Charlene Crowell (NNPA) Mayor Sylvester Turner

HISD

CONTENTS

32 Finances 32 How Families Today are Paying for College 28 COMMENTARY: Don’t Let Predatory Tax Loans Take Your Refunds

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kendra Wiseman

This month’s issue highlights The Cox Pradia Law Firm, founded by Troy Pradia and Jonathan Cox. These two attorneys began working together in 2010 and have been building their firm ever since. The Cox Pradia Law Firm treats every case with the intention that it will be tried in front of a jury, pushing them to work their hardest for every client. They also place high value on bettering the community here in Houston. They are involved in several community outreach and improvement efforts and plan to do all they can to help.

09 In the Business Community… 09 The Imani Dad's Club: 2nd Annual Super Hero Day 22 Go Healthy Houston Get Engaged Exhibit 33 Emmanuel Cares 2019 Fundraiser

• 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

16,25

34 Real Estate 34 Tips and tactics for buying a home in a seller 32 Technology 32 How to protect your data from cyberattacks

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4 | February 2019 BUSINESS

ARE YOU TAKING full advantage of your WORKPLACE BENEFITS?

BUSINESS

Tips to Tackle 2019 with Greater Financial Confidence By d-mars.com News Provider

any Americans will start the New Year with specific goals or resolutions in mind. While resolutions are often broken where your finances are concerned, they don’t have to be. Use these tips to tackle 2019 with greater financial confidence.

Set a specific goal. Setting goals for the year may actually boost your confidence about achieving them. In fact, those who set a financial goal for themselves in 2017 were more likely to feel that their finances had improved over the course of the year, compared to those with no financial goal, according to research from Lincoln Financial Group. Whether it’s saving more for retirement or paying off a debt, setting a goal is a great place to start.

Make a plan

By d-mars.com News Provider

illennials are a generation with unique financial challenges. Seven in 10 possess student loan debt, according to the Institute for College Access and Success’ “12th Annual Report, Student Debt and the Class of 2016.” Combined with car loans, housing expenses and entry level salaries, it’s no surprise to learn that many young workers lack the savings necessary to cover unexpected medical costs. To help strengthen their financial situation, experts say that this generation should take a closer look at their available workplace benefits to see if they have access to voluntary benefits, often also referred to as supplemental health insurance policies. “Having health insurance is not always enough. Someone with a serious injury or illness can face large deductibles or significant out-of-pocket expenses even with health insurance. If your employer offers the opportunity to obtain supplemental health insurance policies, such as accidental injury, critical illness or hospital care coverage, take a few moments to become familiar with what these options provide. They can help you create and personalize your financial safety net,” says Jim Boyman, president and general manager of Cigna’s voluntary benefits business. All Cigna products and services are provided exclusively by or through operating subsidiaries of Cigna Corporation, including Life Insurance Company of North America, Cigna Life Insurance Company of New York (New York, NY) and Connecticut General Life Insurance Company. Sixty percent of millennials are worried they’re unprepared for medical costs, according to Cigna’s Voluntary Benefits Consumer Survey, yet many aren’t taking advantage of obtaining voluntary accidental injury, critical illness and hospital care benefits when they are offered in the workplace. When asked how they would pay for expenses if a

serious injury or illness struck, millennials were more likely than older employees to say they would borrow from friends and family, take out a bank loan or get a second job. However, these choices can often be accompanied by other drawbacks: borrowing money can sometimes impact personal relationships, and borrowing from the bank means paying interest on top of the original expense. Getting a second job may not be realistic depending upon the nature of the health condition and could also impact the ability to succeed at the primary job. Voluntary benefits or supplemental health insurance policies can help with those unexpected medical expenses. It is important to take the time to learn what is available in the workplace. Many employers offer educational tools and resources to help individuals understand how voluntary benefits work and how to tailor coverage to provide the most value for personal situations. Read the benefits materials and consider attending informational learning sessions that may be offered. An employer’s human resources department can also be a source for assistance. Or, use online tools to learn more. Whether employer-funded or employee-paid, workplace benefits can help provide additional financial protection and help deliver greater peace of mind. (StatePoint)

Having a financial plan in place can help you prepare for life’s surprises and face them with confidence. A financial plan doesn’t need to be complicated, but it should cover everything that’s important to you at this specific stage of your life. A financial advisor can provide an objective voice to help you stay focused on your goals while balancing your risk preferences and time horizon. They can also provide education to help determine if and when to fine-tune your plan. If you already have a relationship with an advisor, the New Year is a great opportunity to schedule time to review your plan and make any necessary adjustments.

Consider sources of protected lifetime income. Eighty-two percent of pre-retirees are concerned about what will happen to their investments if the market drops. Build diversity into your retirement income plan by incorporating different sources of lifetime income in addition to Social Security. Do you have a pension? Have you considered incorporating an annuity as a portion of your plan? “Diversifying your portfolio to include a source of protected lifetime income, like an annuity with optional benefits, can help to safeguard savings and provide for predictable income in your retirement,” says John Kennedy, head of Retirement Solutions Distribution, Lincoln Financial Group.

Strategize taxes. Recent changes in tax laws have some concerned about how taxes will impact their finances and retirement income this year. Discuss tax-smart strategies with your advisor to help increase your income and keep you on the right track. More information, tips and resources can be found by visiting www.lincolnfinancial.com. To make 2019 a financial success, stay focused on your goals and don’t work without a plan. Also, consider consulting a professional who can provide financial and tax advice, and can help you strategize ways to be successful. (StatePoint)

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6â&#x20AC;&#x201A; |â&#x20AC;&#x201A; February 2019

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8 | February 2019 BUSINESS

Leaders aren’t born…

They’re Trained By Noel Pinnock Contributing Writer

eadership begins with you and success rests in the arms of those who you lead inspire, and develop.” I express this with my team daily. When I serendipitously constructed this statement, I did not truly realize its impact and cascading effects. Productivity and morale increases when people possess ownership and it is this dynamic that drives organizational transformation, community buy-in, and personal success. Leadership is a process by which a person influences others to accomplish a pre-determined objective and directs the organization in a way that makes it more cohesive and coherent. Success can be defined in many different ways. According to the Merriam Dictionary, success is the achievement of something planned or attempted. Obtaining success is not an insurmountable task but it is intentional; it is not an enigma, but it is predicated by leadership. Are leaders born? Well, this is a highly debated question because so many perspectives are floating around. Which of the following statements about leadership are true?

– Leaders are born with a natural ability to lead. – Leaders are individuals who have been assigned positions of authority. – The terms “leader” and “manager” essentially define the same role. If you answered ‘no’ to all the statements, then you are correct. Some believe that in order to be a leader and promote intentional success, the person must have the genetic fortitude or work in a position of authority. While others believe that individuals can be trained to function in a leadership capacity. Well, these perspectives

are not very inaccurate because it is my personal belief that great leaders have an innate desire to selflessly serve as well as develop themselves on an ongoing basis to keep their saws sharpened. As we approach a new tomorrow today, new and seasoned leaders need to be encouraged. When they arrive in new situations, they encounter many changes and undergo many changes themselves. Encouragement helps them reach increased potential; it empowers them by giving them energy to continue when they make mistakes. Use lots of positive reinforcement with your people to promote success. Don’t take acceptable work for granted; and thank people for it. Praise a person every time you see improvement. And personalize your encouragement any time you can. Remember, what motivates one person may leave another cold or even irritated. Find out what works with each of your people and use it. UCLA basketball coach John Wooden told players who scored to give a smile, wink, or nod to the player who gave them a good pass. “What if he’s not looking?” asked a team member. Wooden replied, “I guarantee he’ll look.” Everyone values encouragement and looks for it – especially when his leader is a consistent encourager.

have followers. Followership is an elected function as people have to elect to follow you and in return you must develop a bond of trust with those who share in your vision. Trust is a two-way street. A leader shows that he or she is willing to entrust part of the vision to others in order for them to carry it out (remember my coined phrase). By empowering others to do their part, a leader earns their trust, and success is only inevitable. So, how do you spell success? Well, my response is simply, L-E-A-D-E-R-S-H-I-P! Remember, the harvest is plentiful but the laborers {leaders} are few; therefore, pray to the Lord (God) of the harvest, that he will send forth laborers into his harvest (Matthew 9:37-38 NIV). The harvest is ready and there is much work to do! If you are leading, inspiring, informing, and educating, then keep up the good work but if you are not, then it is never too late to start. Remember to there is no success without successors. Someone has to be able to steward your vision and be able to carry the torch after you have left the scene. In fact, I believe like the late Dr. Myles Munroe, in that we have to make ourselves, as leaders, unnecessary and afford others opportunities to lead and move into position. Let’s face it readers…to be successful, one has to:

LEADERS LEAD BECAUSE THEY: Look at possibilities and visualize what might be; Elevate the expectations of those working

• Understand self (strengths and weaknesses)

with him or her;

Activate commitment by defining the way; and Develop trust. Are you looking to be a leader in your community, job, or home? If your response is yes, then there is not one formula to make the transition. Remember, the leader that positions him/herself too far in front of his/her troops begins to look more and more like the enemy, which means in order to be a leader you must

• Learn and grow continuously • Set clear expectations and execute So there you have it, who are you pouring into…in your organization, community, or home? This is the true question that must be answered when demystifying SUCCESS to achieve SUCCESS! #getatit!

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10 | February 2019 COMMUNITY

GIVING

COMMUNITY

TEXAS MOTORISTS Slow down or move over for stopped emergency vehicles

back to your

COMMUNITY

By d-mars.com News Provider

n the world we live in, many people “leave home” and never return to their community. There are bankers, doctors and educators among others who have graduated high school from the east side of Houston and after graduating from college, they will not return to the community. Often, Class Reunions are planned for a downtown location or something more centrally located to an airport. I know several of my high school classmates who have parents that moved and the classmates feel there is no reason to come back to our community. I may be different but I believe you owe something to where you came from. And I must say that late in 2017, one of the young men that I have watched grow up and is now a successful business owner and what he had to share with me was so exciting that I know the people in offices down the hall heard me shouting. This amazing young man, Cedric Washington, wanted to introduce me to Kevin Williams and they wanted to share with me that they were the proud owners of the most recent American Basketball Association (ABA) team. In the time since Cedric first told me, I cannot tell you how many times I have found myself sharing with someone else about the upcoming inaugural season opening weekend. I knew of the ABA as the late Moses Malone was a friend of mine who had shared that he started with them, before the ABA and NBA joined together. He also shared that the ABA had reformed in 2000. Once the community learned of the sad news that San Jacinto College would be discontinuing their basketball programs in 2018, several groups in Houston had an interest to

purchase a team and perhaps rent the facilities. When Cedric, Kevin and others who had grown up in East Houston started talking about it, they put their money and the hearts where their mouths were. And now, we are just a few weeks away from not only seeing homegrown team owners but many of the young men who will be playing on the East Houston United team are from this area as well. These men are not just looking at owning a team or playing on a men’s professional basketball team, but they are deeply rooted in the North Channel Area. Most of the guys still live out here, their children attend schools on the east side and they attend church out here. Most of the guys are entrepreneurs and active volunteers in our community. These are the men who have coached youth sports, served as mentors to many young people and are married to women who give back all of the time to the community. One example I often think of is Cedric’s wife Dynita. Not only does she have a very successful child care business, but is always one of the first to volunteer when there is a need in the community. It doesn’t matter if there is a homeless person living in their car or a grandparent wondering how they are going to feed the grandchildren, Dynita is cooking as soon as she hears of the need. To know that families will be able to come out and watch a professional basketball game in their own community for less than they can park for a game downtown is a huge incentive. Knowing that the young children and teenagers can sit and watch as the East Houston United take on a team from Japan for the Opening Game and recognize the men on the court is something that excites me. For more information on the team, the owners and the players, please visit www.ehunited.com (StatePoint)

fter a recent outbreak of fatality and injury incidents involving tow truck drivers and other first responders, Texas motorists are asked to slow down or move over for stopped emergency vehicles including tow trucks, police cars and fire trucks. “Our tow truck licensees work hard every day to help people who are stranded on the side of the road. And, like everyone else, they are anxious to return home safely each night,” said Brian E. Francis, executive director for the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. “Please obey state law and slow down or move over when you see emergency vehicles stopped on the side of the road.” In the past few months, at least three Texas tow truck drivers and a towing customer have been struck and killed while on the side of the road. That statistic doesn’t include several Texas police officers who have been seriously injured when they were hit. Texas law requires drivers to slow down at least 20 miles per hour under the posted speed limit or, if able, to change lanes when they’re passing a first responder stopped on the road. “Please help us make sure emergency personnel including tow truck operators are safe when they’re trying to help people on our roadways. Slow down and move over. You can help prevent another tragedy just by taking the time to obey the law,” Francis said. About TDLR TDLR provides oversight for a broad range of occupations, businesses, facilities, and equipment in Texas. The agency protects the health and safety of Texans by ensuring they are served by qualified, licensed professionals. Inspections of individuals, businesses, and equipment are done on a regular basis to safeguard the public. Currently, the agency manages 39 business and occupational licensing programs with more than 800,000 licenses across the state. Visit TDLR’s website at www.tdlr.texas.gov for more information and resources. You can search the TDLR licensee database, and also find past violations in which a final order was issued against companies or individuals. TDLR’s Customer Service line is available anytime between 7 a.m. until 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 1-800-803-9202. TDLR representatives are fluent in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean and Chinese. (TDLR)

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February 2019 | 11 COMMUNITY

TWO CENTURIES OF BLACK HISTORY

Black History Month AND THE BLACK PRESS By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Contributor

n the March 2018 story, “Race News: Chronicling the Black Press and fight for Justice,” journalist Tony Pecinovsky noted that the rocky relationship between journalism and the struggle for African-American equality, like any other courtship, is full of ebbs and flows, fluctuations that often times mirror larger societal changes. “Exploring this relationship, in all its nuance and complexity, is especially important today as we try to discern and understand contemporary reality, a reality the Trump Administration increasingly attempts to obscure and mystify with its reliance on “alternative facts…’ ‘… facts’ that oftentimes lack quantifiable, tangible evidence,” Pecinovsky said. In that context, he said Fred Carroll’s book, “Race News: Black Journalists and the Fight for Racial Justice in the Twentieth Century,” is a welcome addition to the understanding of both journalistic and African-American history. Some historians have rightly begun to see the struggle for African-American equality through the lens of the “long Civil Rights revolution.” “Thankfully, Carroll also sees the role of ‘race news’ through the lens of a long struggle and notes that early twentieth century commercial publishers proudly traced their lineage back to black journalism’s beginnings… to its very first newspaper, Freedom’s Journal, which was founded in 1827,” Pecinovsky said. He also noted that the “black news industry was owned, produced, and consumed primarily independent of white oversight,” thereby enabling black journalists to “package their mission of ending racial discrimination and securing citizenship rights within a profit-oriented, objective presentation of current events designed to cater to the many interests of the largest possible black readership.” The Black Press remains as viable as ever. “The Black Press is an aspect of the fabric of the Black existence in America that is not getting enough attention or support from the community,” Kisha A. Brown, the founder and CEO of Justis Connection, told NNPA Newswire. Justis Connection is an organization committed to connecting top legal talent of color to local communities and Brown said the Black Press plays a large role in telling

the stories of those communities. She said African Americans need to honor that. “We rally to support athletes and artists who are ‘wronged’ by the system but what we fail to honor is the voice of the Black Press that has been capturing our stories for centuries,” Brown said. “Long before Black Twitter and online blogs … and so the Black Press is not only an essential voice, but it is also a historical and cultural archaeological goldmine that we must preserve.” One of the oldest Black-owned business industries in America, The Black Press began more than 191 years ago. On March 16, 1827, the first edition of “Freedom’s

Journal” was published, thrusting African-Americans into the bustling publishing business. At the time, Blacks in America weren’t even considered citizens, most were slaves and forbidden to read or write. However, John Russwurm and Reverend Samuel Cornish rose up bravely, declaring that, “We wish to plead our own cause. Too long have others spoken for us.” Dorothy Leavell, publisher of the historic “Chicago Crusader” newspaper and Chairman of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), said in an earlier interview that when Russwurm and Cornish established the Black Press by publishing “Freedom’s Journal,” they wanted to provide a voice for Black people. The Black Press became one of the only means of communication between Black people. “Black men and women were vilified in the New York press in the 1800s,” Leavell said. “Some White newspaper

publishers sought to defend the dignity, honor and character of Black people, however, Russwurm and Cornish said they, ‘wish to plead our own cause.’” Without the Black Press, genuine stories of AfricanAmericans would go untold, Robert W. Bogle, the publisher of the “The Philadelphia Tribune,” said during a recent NNPA conference. Bogle said that only Black people can tell their stories accurately. “We are as relevant today as we were when the ‘Freedom’s Journal’ said they wanted to tell our story in our words,” said Bogle. NNPA, the Black Press of America, represents more than 215 African-American owned newspapers and media companies around the country with a combined weekly subscribership of more than 22 million. When celebrating the 190th anniversary of the Black Press in 2017, NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr., said that March 16, 2017 is a sacred historical day in the long, multidimensional freedom struggle of African people in America and throughout the world, because of the courage of Russwurm and Cornish who dared first to publish the “Freedom’s Journal.” Chavis said that the Black Press in America has been on the frontlines of social change in the United States for [more than 190] years. “Today, more than ever, the Black Press remains the trusted and audacious voice of Black America,” said Chavis. “Today, the NNPA continues this irrepressible tradition of publishing truth to power. Our freedom fighting publishers are all united as we reaffirm the vital importance and relevance of the Black Press now and into the future.” And, as African Americans and others observe Black History Month, Brown said she’d like to see the Black Press continue to capture current events that aren’t borne from reports done by other media outlets. “Tell the story of the Black entrepreneur. There are so many people who are reconnecting with the spirit of our ancestors to get our own bootstraps to pull ourselves up with,” Brown said. “Black entrepreneurs are daring to defy the business norms in an effort to explore financial freedom and chart new territory that we can call our own.” (NNPA)

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12 | February 2019 EDUCATION

Comerica Bank SVP, Irvin Ashford, Jr., Honored as 2019 AACSB Influential Leader By d-mars.com News Provider

rvin Ashford Jr. serves as senior vice president of external affairs and as the national director of financial education for Comerica Bank. In these positions, he leads Comerica’s financial education initiatives and oversees community development and external affairs for the bank’s Arizona, California, Florida and Texas markets. He also manages the bank's micro-investing loan pools and builds and maintains relationships with ethnic chambers of commerce throughout the country. In his 18 years with Comerica, Ashford has developed several program to empower members of multicultural communities in sustaining thriving personal, professional and financial lives. Two of his most successful programs, that have helped reach over 50,000 people, are the EMPOWER series and the Comerica Money $ense Program.

The EMPOWER series provides free financial coaching and counseling workshops to Dallas-Fort Worth area residents, through a partnership with the National Association of Black Accountants and the City of Dallas. The Comerica Money $ense Program provides innovative computer-based financial literacy, STEM programs and other banking services to elementary school children and their families through school districts and nonprofit organizations. In response to his groundbreaking work with Comerica Bank, Ashford was recently honored by his alma mater, the University of Dallas,

in the 2019 Class of Influential Leaders by the Association to Advance Collegiate School of Business - the world’s largest business education alliance - for his inspirational work that sets an example for the next generation of business leaders. “I am humbled that the University of Dallas Satish & Yasmin Gupta College of Business would bestow such an honor onto me and my family,” Irvin Ashford, Jr., Comerica Bank Senior Vice President, External Affairs and National Financial Education Director said. “Even though this is an individual honor, I’m fortunate to have the support of my company that values integrity and character, while always striving to deliver on the promise of raising expectations of what a bank can be. This accolade is a testament to the work we’ve accomplished together over the past 18 years. During that time, we’ve been able to pour into thousands of lives by investing our time, talent and corporate contributions in the communities we serve.” Ashford has dedicated his career to serving his community and using business to bring change. He has helped thousands of individuals in Texas become financially literate and more fiscally responsible. Ashford’s community involvement with organizations like University of Dallas Gupta College of Business, The Webb School, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas, Kym’s Kids, Focus on the Teens and the Texas Women’s Empowerment Foundation also earned him a spot in the Gupta College of Business Hall of Fame. “My goal has always been to help people succeed and obtain knowledge—about themselves, their communities, and their customers, and about businesses and how they are managed,” Ashford said. “The University of Dallas taught me how to attain those goals, so I am forever grateful for the lessons and courses I took that still are applicable to my career today. It has allowed me to flourish professionally and personally, and the opportunity to be recognized by a prestigious organization like the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.”

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February 2019 | 13

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14 | February 2019 POLITICS

Government Shutdown Hits

HOUSTON

is getting SAFER By Sylvester Turner Houston Mayor

African Americans THE HARDEST

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Contributor

ith over 50,000 federal employees, the fourth congressional district in Maryland represents the fifth largest number of workers, and Maryland likely counts as the third-largest impacted state by the government shutdown, according to Democratic Rep. Anthony Brown. “So, I’m hearing about this, like my colleagues, each and every day from my constituents while this shutdown is set to become the longest in the nation’s history,” said Brown, who joined Congressional Black Caucus Chair Karen Bass (D-Calif.); Rep. Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), and Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), on a media conference call on Friday, Jan. 11. The CBC members said they were calling for an end to the shutdown so that workers can again begin to collect their paychecks and critical government services can resume. During the call, the members discussed the debilitating effects of the ongoing government shutdown as thousands of federal employees are unable to collect their paychecks. They also denounced President Donald Trump’s threat to declare a state of emergency if Congress refuses to fund a border wall – one in which the president claimed during his campaign that Mexico would pay for. “This shutdown and the whole issue of the wall is a fake crisis,” Bass said. “At the end of the day, even if he had all the money, it would still take eminent domain to build his wall. That process will take years. This is further evidence that this is a fake crisis and, in my opinion, just an attempt to change our attention away from the numerous impending investigations,” she said. Thompson, the chair of the Homeland Security Committee, said the shutdown is taking its toll on workers and government operations. “It is a challenge for us in Homeland Security. We have 80 percent of the workforce not being paid. That goes from TSA employees in airports, to the Coast Guard, to the Secret Service, to Custom Border Protection individuals, and all of those individuals who have sworn to keep us safe, are not being paid,” Thompson said.

“That’s not fair and we are compromising our national security strategy by reducing the morale of the employees.” On Saturday, Jan. 12, the shutdown entered its 22nd day, a record. NBC News and other outlets estimate that 800,000 federal employees are furloughed or working without pay because Trump and Congress cannot reach a deal to reopen the government. They are at an impasse over $5.7 billion for construction of a wall along the southern border. The number of furloughed employees does not include federal contractors, according to a report by NBC News. It’s unclear how many contract or grant employees are affected by the shutdown — or even how many there are in total — but a Volcker Alliance report estimated that nearly 5.3 million worked as contractors in 2015. Unlike furloughed federal employees, who have received assurances that they will be paid once the shutdown ends, contractors are not owed back pay and that has left them in an even murkier economic position. Further, communities of color are probably the hardest hit by the shutdown, said Lee, who co-chairs the Steering and Policy Committee and serves on the House Committee on Appropriations. Black people comprise 12 percent of the country’s population but are 18 percent of the federal workforce, according to the Partnership for Public Service. “We know that communities of color are disproportionately affected by this irresponsible Trump government shutdown. And today is especially painful for so many workers because it should be payday,” Lee said. Without these paychecks, many federal workers are hanging on by a thread, she said. “I know there are hundreds of thousands of families out there who are grappling with the anxiety, and really fear, of not being able to pay the bills as this shutdown drags on. “Let’s be very clear: what’s happening here is President Trump is holding this government hostage and holding people hostage in order to get his useless, wasteful wall,” Lee said.

Houston is getting safer, as the police chief and I recently announced. Reported violent crime fell 10.4 percent in 2018 compared to 2017. But we will never relax our public safety work, which requires residents and HPD to work together. The public’s role includes neighbors watching out for neighbors and reporting suspicious activity to the police. There are concrete ways to do this. If you feel unsafe around our home or your business, you can request increased patrols using the following link: https://www.houstontx.gov/police/alert_slip/ With your help, the police can be in the area and stop crimes before they start. If you suspect gang activity in your area, I urge you to contact the Gang Division tip line: www.stophoustongangs.org If you have information on a crime and want to report it without giving your name, please call Crime Stoppers at (713) 222-8477. All tipsters will remain anonymous and could be eligible for a cash reward. Of course, if you witness a crime in progress, remain calm and dial 9-1-1 immediately. Be prepared to stay on line with the emergency dispatcher and inform them about where the crime is taking place, any suspect or vehicle descriptions, weapons involved, and any other useful information. Stay on the line until told to hang up by the dispatcher. As a reminder, please do not use 9-1-1 for non-emergency situations; doing so causes delays in answering emergency calls. To request non-emergency police services for locations within the city limits of Houston, please call (713) 884-3131. As our population grows, the potential for crime may grow as well. We need hundreds of more police officers patrolling our city, and limited resources are getting in the way expanding the force. But even when we beef up the ranks, we still need all Houstonians to be our eyes and ears. No law enforcement agency can be everywhere at once, so police officers need your guidance on where to be. Hurricane Harvey showed us that Houston comes together in times of crisis. But we need to come together and be vigilant when there is no crisis. There is no single reason why crime rises or falls in a big city like ours, but together we can contribute to moving the statistical numbers even lower.

(NNPA)

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February 2019â&#x20AC;&#x201A; |â&#x20AC;&#x201A; 15

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

16 | February 2019

By d-mars.com News Provider

he Cox Pradia Law Firm sets itself apart from other law firms in several ways, but its most prominent difference is the value it places in giving back to the community. The Cox Pradia Law Firm was started in 2010 by Jonathan Cox and Troy Pradia. Cox is a graduate of Prairie View A&M University, where he received a bachelor’s degree in political science. He then went on to attend Southern University Law Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Upon graduating he moved back to Houston and began his career as a prosecutor in Galveston County. After three years with the Galveston County District Attorney’s office he went into private practice where he remained until he and Pradia joined forces. Pradia attended Texas Southern University, where he received a degree in political science with a minor in history. He then attended law school at Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Immediately after law school Pradia started his own private practice, working on criminal cases, personal injury cases, and then joined forces with Cox. Pradia is also currently on the Thurgood Marshall School of Law Alumni Board and the City of Pearland Planning and Zoning Commission.

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

“I leased an offi cases, trying crim giving each other to form The Cox P Now in its nint range of legal ser civil rights cases In whatever typ cremation lawsui the same idea in “We work on al is, we try our bes an investigation d Another aspect well-known radio marketing brand advertising law f under the “BigCit Majic 102.1 and 97 Pradia Law Firm “We created [B largest city in th occur daily,” Prad Advertising on Houston commun Pradia since the

“We

February 2019 | 17

JONATHAN H. COX

TROY J. PR ADIA

The Cox Pradia Law Firm Story

ice space at the same building [as Cox], and we started working on criminal minal cases together with great success , and naturally, we just started r a helping hand,” Pradia said. “We saw that it was a good fit and decided Pradia Law Firm, PLLC.” th year of operation, the Cox Pradia Law Firm has grown to cover a wide rvices including auto accidents, wrongful death cases, slip and fall cases, s, employment cases and much more. pe of case they are working on, whether it is a $50 million dollar wrongful it or just a simple auto accident case, Cox and Pradia treat every case with n mind: any case could one day go to trial and be argued in front of a jury. ll our cases as if they could one day go to trial,” Cox said. “What that means st to be very meticulous about the evidence we gather and get as much of done on our own, so we can have all of the facts as we prepare our cases.” t of The Cox Pradia Law Firm that puts them ahead of other firms is their o advertisements. They created the tagline “BigCityAccidents.com” as a d to make their firm more memorable and recognizable in a sea of other firms. In the early phases of starting their firm, they began advertising tyAccidents.com” brand on popular, predominantly black radio stations like 7.9 The Box. These advertisements directed interested parties to The Cox website and created more brand exposure. BigCityAccidents.com] because we understood that Houston is the fourth he U.S., and so much happens here, so many accidents and injuries that dia said. “Big City Accidents just kind of jumped out at us.” the radio gave The Cox Pradia Law Firm a great deal of recognition in the nity and reaching out to the community has been a priority for Cox and beginning. Both attorneys have called Houston home their entire lives,

and they wanted to make sure they got involved and invested back in the community as much as possible. “It comes from our families and backgrounds,” Pradia said. “We both grew up in really tight knit families who taught us the value in giving back to people.” Cox and Pradia are involved in a number of community outreach efforts. Some of the things they consistently participate in are back-to-school drives, Christmas toy drives and school sponsorships, and they both serve on the board of an organization called Students of Strength, which provides test prep and tutoring for middle school and high school students to help increase their grade point averages and overall test scores. They also participated in a Thanksgiving meal program with Bread of Life, a homeless shelter formed by St. John’s United Methodist Church Downtown. There, they were able to donate money, supplies and time to help feed the homeless all during Thanksgiving week. Another major project they sponsored was a concert at the Woodlands Pavilion, where they held a contest for people to call in and talk about their fathers in order to shed positive light on fathers and father-figures in the Houston community. The winners won front row seats to the show, a golf outing with the firm and an opportunity to grace the stage with artists. “We wanted a way to honor fathers because the good ones can kind of get overshadowed,” Pradia said. “There are a lot of good fathers out there despite what some people think.” The Cox Pradia Law Firm has placed a significant amount of value on meeting the needs of their clients and community, but they are not limiting themselves to just the people in the area. They have plans to expand outside of Texas and have already begun working on cases elsewhere in states like Louisiana, Tennessee, Georgia and New York. They have gained a lot of ground in their practice and have a goal to reach the entire nation one day. “We work on growth every day,” Cox said. “We are trying to expand our profile and really find a way to be more visible and add what we can to make the community better.”

e work on growth every day,” -

JONATHAN H. COX

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18 | February 2019 COMMUNITY

THERE’S MORE THAN ONE WAY TO SKIN A CAT

The end of the school year is approaching and all of the students are ready for summer vacation to begin. Traditionally high school seniors are required to execute a final project to close out their last year of school. Reginald and Holly were assigned to be partners for the final assignment. The assignment was to create a visual representation of their academic growth from the start of grade school until now. Both Reginald and Holly were in disarray about how they would capture their individual lives into one with some form of visual representation. With today’s technology you could design a PowerPoint, a timeline, a social media account, or even use a tri-fold board. Many of the students decided quickly how they would accomplish the assignment but

DID YOU KNOW

Reginald and Holly struggled. They brought their challenges to the instructor, hoping she could steer them in the right direction, but she did not. She replied, the students of their generation are so creative and have so many opportunities, it would be unfair for her to intervene. She told them, “There’s more than one way to skin a cat.” Both students decided to reflect on the evolution of educational resources from books, to the internet and smartphones and how that has shaped them as students and soon to be college kids. There are many ways to achieve a goal, they just had to identify what works for them.

FLOY D E. NOR MA N ANIM ATOR, W R ITER AND COMIC BOOK ARTIST

Floyd E. Norman is an American animator, writer and comic book artist who is infamous for having an insightful point of view. Norman got his start with Katy Keene, a comic book under the publishing of Archie Comics. In 1956, he made his mark as the first African American animator to work under Mr. Walt Disney himself. His first animation was Sleeping Beauty as an inbetweener. His notable works include The Jungle Book, Robin Hood, Josie and the Pussycats, Mary Poppins, Super Friends, The Smurfs and Robot Chicken. Norman’s career expanded from Disney Company to Hanna-Barbera Productions, Ruby-Spears, Film Roman and Pixar. But his work doesn’t stop there. Norman also co-founded Vignette Films with another African American animator/director, Leo Sullivan. The duo created various projects for Sesame Street as well

as the 1969 television special Hey, Hey, Hey, It's Fat Albert and the Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids. Retirement has not slowed down this talented artist. Norman was inducted into the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame 1979, became a Disney Legend in 2007 and received awards from the African-American Film Critics Association. Did I forget to mention he’s 83 years young. Fans can find him still causing havoc on his blog, at conventions such as Comic Con and D23 Expo and at various campuses giving lectures around the world. Fans can find out much more about this talented “Mr. Fun” by watching his documentary “Floyd Norman: An Animated Life.”

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February 2019 | 19 EDUCATION

Why Vocational Education is CRITICAL for many YOUNG PEOPLE By d-mars.com News Provider

n this high-tech era where a college degree is positioned as a necessity for success, vocational education is often overlooked. But experts say that a vocational education provides the right experience for many jobs that are currently vacant. Indeed, there are 30 million jobs nationwide that don’t require a Bachelor’s Degree that pay an average of $55,000 annually, according to the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. Whether it’s a student that doesn’t fit the traditional high school-to-college path or someone who is interested

in mechanics, a vocational education can prepare that individual for a well-paying, real-world career right out of high school. Indeed, many students learn from industry professionals and participate in internships and other unique programs that serve as a springboard to careers after they graduate. For example, over the last two decades, derelict farm equipment has provided high school-aged students with the tools they need for life through the Chevron’s Delo Tractor Restoration Competition, an annual event that is open to high school-aged tractor restorers. The program provides a national platform for students interested in careers in agriculture or diesel mechanics on which to shine, mixing the hands-on vocational experience of restoring an antique tractor with the business skills needed to detail,

manage and communicate the process. On top of valuable experience and national exposure at industry events, the Delo Grand Champion receives a $10,000 prize. The process of restoring an antique tractor to like-new condition involves commitment, determination, teamwork, project management, budgeting, planning and even a little marketing. It’s a very hands-on experience and those familiar with the program say that participants come out prepared for the real world. “I can’t count the number of kids that have been exposed to excellent career opportunities through this program,” says Rick Elmore, career and technology education coordinator at Dubiski Career High School. “I have been an advisor and mentor to participants in the competition for over a decade and have seen the impact it can have on their lives.” Indeed, many participants have gone on to careers in mechanics, or have used the experience to launch them into careers outside of agriculture or mechanics. “The vocational aspects of the Delo event provided critical context that led to my study of automotive restoration at McPherson College,” says Tabetha Salsbury Hammer, two-time competition winner (‘03 and ‘04) and the first female to win the event. “The business skills helped prepare me for a career in the classic car industry. To say this event changed my life would be an understatement.” For those interested in a vocational education, such programs abound, representing a number of industries and careers. It’s only a matter of learning more about these opportunities. So, whether you have an aptitude for mechanics or you are not sure if a traditional four-year college degree is the right path for you, visiting the career center at your school as well as looking into vocational internships, programs and competitions, can expand your horizons about what’s possible for your future. (StatePoint)

EDUCATION

Is business school really worth it? Important factors to consider By d-mars.com News Provider

f you've ever considered getting your MBA, you've probably asked yourself: Is it worth it? It's a fair question, particularly as going back to school as an adult often requires shuffling your priorities so you can make time for class and assignments. Ultimately, business school should help you accomplish your academic goals and propel your career forward. Some business schools can be expensive, so depending on your needs, it may be a good idea to find programs that are flexible, so you have the ability to work while taking classes. With so many programs and schools offering MBAs and business courses, it's important to know what resources to turn to and what features to look for in a program to ensure you receive a measurable return on your investment - financially and professionally.

1. Consider business schools that are ranked by reputable organizations and publications. Any way you look at it, rankings are critical. A well-regarded business school can help you while networking, job searching and applying for promotions. These rankings are often determined by student surveys and criteria including faculty, technical platforms and career outcomes. Resources like The Princeton Review, Poets & Quants and CEO Magazine deliver helpful annual rankings to guide prospective students.

2. Look for program options that meet your needs. The ability to take online classes can be a game changer, particularly for working adults who cannot afford to stop working to go to school. Instead of committing yourself to a traditional, brick-and-mortar program, look to see if online courses or other flexible program options are available. For those who consider a salary increase to be the primary reason for enrolling in an MBA program, a recent survey conducted for the Jack Welch Management Institute shows that an online MBA program may be the way to go. Out of the 648 MBA graduates surveyed, 468 reported receiving some kind of raise. Of the 291 online MBA graduates who received a raise, 90 percent reported at least a 10 percent increase in salary. Online students fared slightly better than traditional students - 85 percent of the 177 traditional MBA graduates reported a raise of 10 percent or more.

3. Search for programs that go beyond theory. Adult students who are working and attending business school can bring an important value to their job. Depending on the school, students can apply what they learn in the classroom directly to their workplace. Choosing a program that integrates current business trends and content with practical application helps ensure students have nearly an immediate return on their investment. Faculty can also play a big role in this approach. Consider programs that provide opportunities to learn directly from faculty with practical experience in business, not just a mastery of theory or research experience.

4. Prioritize programs that build leadership and other soft skills. According to a LinkedIn survey, the most in-demand soft skills sought by companies are leadership, communication and collaboration, with leadership being the most critical skill. Mary Carr, Dean of Curriculum at the Jack Welch Management Institute, says, "Many careers often stall because while people may have technical competencies and strong business acumen, they lack basic people management skills needed to move up. It's important to consider a program, such as JWMI, that focuses on leadership development. Our students learn critical lessons often overlooked by traditional business education such as hiring the right people, building great teams, managing conflict and developing an executive presence." Bottom line: Businesses are looking for skilled employees who can lead people. By selecting a business school that focuses on organizational dynamics, influence and strategic thinking, you will be better prepared to have a positive impact in the organizations and companies you're a part of throughout your career. (BMT)

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

20 | February 2019 FINANCES

DON’T LET

PREDATORY TAX LOANS TAKE

YOUR REFUNDS COMMENTARY By Charlene Crowell NNPA Newswire Contributor

or many consumers, the New Year brings an annual effort to file taxes early enough to help pay off big bills, replace major appliances or tuck away a few bucks for the proverbial ‘rainy day’. With a continuing federal shutdown, this year there are also an estimated 800,000 federal workers who have not had a payday since December. For these consumers, an early tax refund could cover basic living needs like housing, food, child care and utilities. And across the country, advertising – particularly on urban radio – tempts listeners with easy ways to get a loan against anticipated tax refunds. But just like other predatory lending products, what is advertised is not quite what consumers receive. Convenient tax-related loans almost always come with a price that takes a big bite out of consumers’ money. The bigger the refund, the more attentive and helpful “tax preparers” will be in helping with e-filing, the electronic processing that typically results in refunds in two to three business days. Once the size of the refund is known, these preparers encourage unsuspecting consumers to take out a short-term loan like a Refund Anticipation Loan (RAL). Depository institutions like banks sell a ‘service’ known as a Refund Anticipating Check (RAC) that is most appealing to consumers who lack a bank account. Neither product is as helpful as they appear. RALs are usually marketed as an ‘advance’ instead of a loan. Instead of interest, many of these loans come with “fees” or a “finance charge.” Conversely, a Refund Anticipation Check or RAC is sold as a temporary bank account that exists exclusively to receive the IRS refund. Once the refund reaches the consumer’s bank account, either a prepaid card or a check is issued by the

depository institution. And once again, fees taken out of the refund reduce the amount of monies that consumers actually receive. The biggest target for both of these products are consumers with the largest refunds, especially those who are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs), one of the few tax break programs available to low-tomoderate income consumers, and/or the Additional Child Tax Credit. To be eligible for EITC, earned income and adjusted gross income can be as low as $15,270 for a single filer or head of household to as high as $54,884 for a married couple with three dependent children. This year, eligible EITC consumers could receive as much as $6,431 for families with three or more qualifying children to $519 for single filers. Similarly, the Child

face consumer protection challenges,” noted Chi Chi Wu, staff attorney at the National Consumer Law Center. “They need to avoid incompetent and abusive preparers and decide whether to choose financial products of varying costs.” So how much financial sense does it make to purchase an ‘advance’ or open a temporary bank account when the Internal Revenue Service can deposit the full refund into a checking account within two to three business days? Just because a refund-advance product isn’t called a loan, or doesn’t have an interest rate, doesn’t mean it’s free, said Scott Astrada, the Center for Responsible Lending’s Director of Federal Advocacy. “Carefully read the terms and conditions and ask plenty of questions”. Everyone who works for a living should be entitled not only to a paycheck but 100 percent of their tax refunds. Charlene Crowell is the Center for Responsible Lending’s Communications Deputy Director. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org.

Tax Credit is available to eligible filers with children under the age of 17. For each dependent child meeting the age requirement, filers receive a $2,000 credit that like EITC reduces the amount of taxes owed. In 2017, 1.7 million RALs were sold, and another 20.5 million RACs valued at a half billion dollars were also sold, according to the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC). “Tax-time is hard enough for most Americans, but they also

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Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

22 | February 2019 EDUCATION

Equity vs Equality Giving Students the tools they Need to Succeed By d-mars.com News Provider

quity has been a huge buzzword in the field of education this year. Education advocates and politicians alike have called for an increase in educational equity, but what does the term really mean? Equity is not Equality. Equity creates equality by prioritizing resources to students who need them the most. For example, think of a typical track meet. There are five runners – each in their own lane. Each runner must run one lap around the track. The first runner to complete the lap, wins the race. Now let’s use this analogy to inform our understanding of equity. Equality would mean that every runner would start the race at the exact same spot in their lane. However, the track is oval-shaped. If each runner began at the same spot, each runner’s distance to the finish line would be different. The runner in the innermost lane would run a shorter distance than the runner in the outermost lane. Sure, they would both start in the same spot (EQUAL), but the runners in the innermost lanes would have an advantage – in distance – than their counterparts in the outermost lanes. This is precisely why track meets do not operate this way. Since the track is oval-shaped, each runner begins the race in their own lane, at different, equal distance, spots along the track; ensuring that each runner, runs the exact same distance needed to complete the race. Now, think of our current public education system in this same context. Students – regardless of race, geography, household makeup – start on the same marker on the track. Some students, like the runner in the outermost lane, have to run harder and faster to get to the finish line. The barrier here is distance. In the real world, barriers include low-income, resource deprived neighborhoods, disabilities that require additional expertise, culturally negligent curriculum, outdated technology, inexperienced

teachers or access to critical supportive services. Meanwhile, the runner in the innermost lane has it a lot easier. They don’t have to run as fast or as hard to get to the finish line because of their initial position in the race. The barriers here are fewer in number. In terms of education, these innermost runners attend schools in affluent neighborhoods with a surplus of resources. These

students have the advantage of local tax-based funding formulas, parent lead fundraising efforts and/or private funding, and state-of-the-art technology. What we need is education reform that promotes fairness. Fairness equals equity. As Debby Irving in her book Waking Up White: And Finding Myself in the Story of Race states, “Equality means giving all students the exact same thing to meet the same expectations. Equity means holding people of differing needs to a single

expectation and giving them what they need to achieve it.” In other words, the playing fields need to be leveled. It’s critical that our public educational system undertakes reform – changes so that each student is given what they need to succeed. Our education system should support students by allocating the most resources to students who are most in need, just as track athletes arrange themselves for fairer competition. The national education law, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) targets dollars to the highest poverty schools and districts. Under No Child Left Behind, schools could lose funding if they failed to meet statewide standards. But under ESSA, states cannot reduce funding by more than ten percent from year to year despite school performance. ESSA also attempts to ensure that low-income students are not disproportionally taught by ineffective, inexperienced, and/or out-of-field teachers. ESSA requires that state and district report cards include the percentage of inexperienced teachers, principals, and other school leaders as well as teachers with emergency credentials, and teachers teaching subjects out of their range of expertise. ESSA also seeks to relieve some teacher angst surrounding evaluation systems by ending the requirement for state teacher evaluation systems to focus significantly on student test scores. ESSA gives power back to the states to control education policy. Now, members of the community must hold their school leaders and elected officials accountable to implement system-wide and school-specific measures that ensure equity in our schools. Furthermore, UNCF’s 2017 community resource, Lift Every Voice and Lead Toolkit: A Community Leader’s Advocacy Resource for K-12 Education, offers step-by-step analysis of African American Education and highlights organizations that have effectively engaged in education efforts at a local level to support efforts in improving the quality of education for all students. (BPT)

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In the Business Community…

February 2019 | 23

To View More Photos, Visit Our Website www.d-mars.com and Click on ‘Photo Gallery.’

The Imani Dad's Club: 2nd Annual Super Hero Day The Imani Dad’s club held their 2nd Annual Super Hero Day recently. d-mars.com was excited to be a part of this event, where everyday dads, dressed up as super heroes and surprised students in Pre K through 2nd grade to show off their reading super powers! “This is an opportunity for fathers to show kids they can be super heroes,” Teeba Rose, president of the Imani School Dad’s Club said. “The dads read to kids and let them know the right path to go on. Dads putting on the super hero costume is really a figurative way to show our kids that dads are real super heroes.”

Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication

24 | February 2019 FINANCES

How Families Today

ARE PAYING FOR COLLEGE By d-mars.com News Provider

he way families pay for college is a good indicator of how much planning takes place before the first tuition bill arrives. A new study by Sallie Mae suggests that while families are feeling confident in their decision making, nearly 40 percent do not have a plan to pay for college. Last year, family income and savings covered 47 percent of all college expenses, according to “How America Pays for College 2018,” the national study from Sallie Mae -- the nation’s saving, planning, and paying for college company -and Ipsos, an independent global market research company. The annual report examines how families pay for college, how much they spent, and how they made their funding decisions. The average amount spent on college in 2017-18 was $26,458. While income and savings cover the largest portion of college costs, scholarships and grants cover 28 percent of

college costs, and students and parents use loans to account for 24 percent of college costs. Extended family and friends paid an additional 2 percent of college costs. While no single resource is used by all families, the most prevalent college funding sources -- scholarships, grants, and parent income -- are each used by about three in five families, with scholarships being the single most-used resource. In addition, 57 percent of families used scholarships last year, paying for almost a fifth of total college costs. Unfortunately, about a third of families don’t even apply for scholarship opportunities. More than half of families, 53 percent, borrowed money to help pay for college last year and two-thirds of these families said they had always planned to borrow to pay for college. When it comes to planning to repay loans, however, 39 percent of families say they haven’t researched any repayment topics. “It’s gratifying that families are so confident in the financial decisions they make regarding paying for college,” says Raymond J. Quinlan, chairman and CEO, Sallie Mae. “Still,

there’s more work to do to equip families with the tools and information that will help them manage education expenses, whether it be applying for financial aid earlier in the process or taking steps to minimize student loan financing costs.” When it comes to completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, (FAFSA), three-quarters of families report filing the form last year. However, the majority of them are not taking advantage of the earlier availability of the form: 69 percent of families are waiting until January or later to complete the FAFSA, which is now available on Oct. 1, and are potentially missing out on aid that’s awarded first-come, first-served. The complete report and other resources are available at SallieMae.com/HowAmericaPaysForCollege. To join the conversation, use #HowAmericaPays. For more information, or to start your plan to pay for college, visit SallieMae.com. Experts say that with the right tools and knowledge, families can develop a smart strategy for paying for college. (StatePoint)

TECHNOLOGY

personalized emails to gain your confidence or replicate the style of a well-known financial services company. If an email or link looks the slightest bit suspicious, don't click it. Go directly to your bank or other online account to confirm the information independently.

4. Back up your data

By d-mars.com News Provider

rime used to mean things like break-ins and thieves swiping packages from your doorstep. But now there's an increasing number of cybersecurity threats that are also crimes of opportunity. With more and more people using unfamiliar networks and doing lots of online shopping, bad actors have plenty of targets to choose from. By following these simple steps for data protection, you can keep your digital information secure.

1. Be careful when using insecure Wi-Fi networks If you're traveling or out shopping, you may find yourself on an unfamiliar Wi-Fi network. Many stores, airports and rest stops offer free Wi-Fi as a convenience, but often those networks aren't secured. That makes it especially risky to make online purchases because the traffic from your device can be easily monitored and stolen. If you are using public Wi-Fi networks, then browsing to any website, make sure your connection is encrypted and secure by looking for the lock icon in the top left of the address bar. Also, always double check

that the address you are navigating to is what you expected. Many modern devices, like the ASUS NovaGo, now feature built-in LTE, which offers a more secure experience for your online shopping.

2. Don't rely on passwords alone Passwords and user IDs are a staple of cybersecurity, but they can only get you so far. To further ensure your data stays protected, consider using password management and verification apps. They let you use your face, fingerprint, eyes or other methods to access your data across devices. For example, the Microsoft Authenticator app adds an extra level of security with two-step verification that allows you to access your Microsoft account and apps quickly and securely without having to remember a password.

3. Avoid phishing scams With so many companies emailing promotions, it can feel like your inbox is under assault. In fact, it very well could be. Some of those emails may be phishing scams designed to steal your private information. To protect your data, don't click on any unfamiliar links and carefully review all notifications from your bank to catch any potentially fraudulent activity. Remember, scammers can be sophisticated. They may use

If all your data is stored in one place, it's vulnerable. Bad actors can lock up your device and demand payment to release your files. That's why backing your data up to the cloud is critical for protecting your files against ransomware attacks. The cloud allows you to safeguard your data and access it from multiple devices. Cloud storage services are secure and can also let you easily transfer your data if you're upgrading to a new device.

5. Utilize privacy screens Preventing people from looking over your shoulder and stealing your information is the simplest and easiest way to protect your personal data. When online shopping in public, use privacy screens to hide your information. Some devices, like the HP EliteBook x360 and HP Spectre x360, have integrated privacy screens that instantly shield your screen with the push of a button. If your device doesn't come with one built in, you can purchase a privacy screen.

6. Keep software current Using a modern operating system with the latest security updates and built-in anti-virus protection is the best way to ward off unwanted intrusions. Major tech companies continually upgrade software to account for the latest cybersecurity threats so you can be confident your data is protected. By keeping your software current, you can avoid many cyberattacks before they cause problems. (BPT)

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In the Business Community…

February 2019 | 25

To View More Photos, Visit Our Website www.d-mars.com and Click on ‘Photo Gallery.’

Emmanuel Cares Community Development Corporation Emmanuel Cares Community Development Corporation hosted its 2nd Annual Fundraising Gala at the Hilton Houston North Hotel. The funds raised from this year’s event are to continue the efforts to open Emmanuel C.A.R.E.S Academy, a school committed to academic excellence and enhancing social skills by providing safe, affordable and compatible programs for the youth of this community. Neil Bush was the special guest speaker. He is the chairman of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation, which he and his wife founded to advance Barbara Bush’s literacy legacy in the Houston area. The evening’s musical guest was dynamic mother-daughter duo, Jacqueline Beck and Tangy Reed.

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26 | February 2019 REAL ESTATE

TIPS AND TACTICS

for buying a home in a seller's market

By d-mars.com News Provider

f you've been in the process of buying or selling a home this past year, or even considering it, you know it's been a seller's market for the most part. Inventory of homes available for sale has been low, creating more demand than the market can supply. Couple that with low interest rates, which make it a great time for prospective buyers to get more bang for their mortgage dollar, and you've got a marketplace in which buyers have been competing for nearly every listing. The forecast for 2019 is rolling in, and RE/MAX and others are predicting the seller's market trend will continue throughout the coming year, with millennials fueling the home-buyer pipeline. If you're selling your home, that's great news. But it makes the homebuying process trickier. That doesn't mean you should wait to grab your slice of the American dream, however. An experienced, knowledgeable Realtor® can help you navigate this marketplace and find a great deal on the home of your dreams. Here are some tips from the pros at RE/MAX for what you should be thinking about when considering buying a home.

Prequalification vs. preapproval. They're not created equal. Prequalification is basically preapproval light. In a mortgage preapproval, you do all of the paperwork upfront. Your bank verifies the amount you can safely afford to pay, and boom, it's done. Preapproval is attractive to sellers because it means you're more likely to get the loan. It's faster, too, because a large chunk of your paperwork is already done. It gives buyers a competitive edge in this tight market. An experienced Realtor. Don't even think about starting the process of buying a home in a seller's market without an experienced Realtor in your corner. It matters in every market, but it's critical when the sellers are holding all the cards. A savvy real estate pro is much more than someone who shows buyers homes for sale. They've got valuable insights, insider knowledge and advice, and can counsel you through the entire process. Realtors have tips and tactics for finding the perfect home, and have the know-how to negotiate a great deal. Interest rates. The Fed continues to raise interest rates, and financial experts

predict we'll see a few more increases in 2019. Higher interest rates may lower some homebuyers' purchasing power, which is all the more reason to get out there now if you want to buy.

Low inventory. It's currently a seller's market because there isn't a glut of homes available for buyers to choose from. During the winter months, the inventory of available homes tends to drop even further. But this shouldn't discourage potential buyers from making offers on homes they love. An experienced Realtor is a huge ace in the hole for buyers when there is low inventory. He or she can guide you through the process, knowing exactly how much to offer to get the deal done. Speed. Be flexible enough to get to showings quickly, shortly after the home goes on the market. If you love it, make an offer as soon as you can. Your best offer. In a tight market, it's go big or (don't) go home. This is not the

time to be cagey about negotiations. Figure out the best offer you can afford and go with it up front. Buying a home in a tight market can be a challenge, but with a knowledgeable Realtor in your corner, you can still grab your slice of the American dream. (BPT)

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February 2019 | 27

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28 | February 2019

T H E

E X P E R T

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If you are a business or a corporation and would like to advertise in our directory or become a sponsor of the event, please contact us by phone at (281) 748-8111 or email contact@d-mars.com. Serious inquiries only please. For general questions about the directory of the event , please call (713) 272-9511.

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