Community Journal September 2013
Inspire, Inform & Educate
Refreshing Your Community Commitment
INSIDE
25th Edi tion If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else. ~Booker T. Washington
Prop Rock, Rocking H-Town with Jade By Sharon C. Jenkins Prop Rock will make your event dream a reality. They are one of Houston’s most notable lounge and furniture rental solutions. PAGE 14
Motivational Speakers By Rod “Storyteller” White There have been and continues to be some great motivational speakers among us. I have been fortunate enough to see and... PAGE 15
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Turner Construction Takes Action to Build a Better Community
Passion in the Community By Charlotte Jackson As I walk from my car to my office in the mornings, I hear the sound of the mighty Mustang Marching Band as they... PAGE 17
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Go to Work at Microsoft Day with The World Youth Foundation
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Ben In The Community
Early Inclusion For Children With Disabilities
By Patrick D. Quinn While it is true for all children that early education and developmental efforts go a long way to empowering healthy and fulfilled... PAGE 21
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Elgin Davis Honored at 34th Annual PVILCA Hall of Fame
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GREATER HOUSTON BLACK CHAMBER VIP Pinnacle Awards Nominee Reception
September 2013
Journal Behind The
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Publisher’s Message
Keith J. Davis, Sr.
SR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Sr.
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Kevin Davis
Fall is a time for renewing the good things in your life. Being committed to your community is a “good thing” that should be revisited during this transformational time of year. Getting rid of the old and putting on the new refreshes and revives the community as a whole. Finding your place in the “village” is imperative to its longevity. It is our goal with this issue to help you intentionally align yourself with community focus and realign yourself with your purpose as a community builder. As always again, thank you for your continued support of d-mars.com. When you support d-mars.com, you are supporting more than just our company; you are supporting the communities in which we live and work. Working together, we can succeed in making positive things happen.
VICE PRESIDENT Kim Floyd CONSULTING EDITOR Sharon Jenkins ACCOUNTING MANAGER Eugenie Doualla Administrative Assistant Angelle Gillum SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Johnny Ray Davis, Jr. C.T. Foster Eric D. Goodwine
Contents
VIDEOGRAPHY Tony Mitchell
Turner Construction Takes Action to Build a Better Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
PHOTOGRAPHY
Go to Work at Microsoft Day with The World Youth Foundation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
L.C. Poullard Grady Carter Tony Gaines
Why I Chose This Passion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Ben In The Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Prop Rock, Rocking H-Town with Jade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR Andrea Hennekes
Motivational Speakers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kevin Wright
Houston CEO to Host Mixer in Support of Mayoral Candidate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
DISTRIBUTION Booker T. Davis, Jr. Rockie Hayden
Passion for the Community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Greater Houston Black Chamber VIP Pinnacle Awards Nominee Reception . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 2013 OBAP Houston ACE Academy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Elgin Davis Honored at 34th Annual PVILCA Hall of Fame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Valerie Jones Sharon C. Jenkins Julian S. Rod “Storyteller” White Charlotte Jackson Patrick D. Quinn Vivian Johnson Alford
DEElicious Southern Cuisine Events and Ballroom, Southern Style Eating and Hospitality . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Diversity Ability 5k Walk/Run/Roll Kickoff & Health Resource Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Early Inclusion for Children with Disabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
MR. D-MARS Tip of the Month “Without community service, we would not have a strong quality of life. It’s important to the person who serves as well as the recipient. It’s the way in which we ourselves grow and develop...” -Dr. Dorothy I. Height
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September 2013
Turner Construction Takes Action to Build a Better Community
BUILDING LASTING RELATIONSHIPS By Valerie Jones Contributing Writer
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urner Construction Company was founded on the principles of teamwork, integrity, and commitment, as well as its dedication to key markets. It’s these same core values that guide the organization’s actions in its day-to-day operations and the reason why the company continues to thrive. So it was fitting that the company chose Houston as the host city for its recent community affairs conference. “All of the staff in Turner’s Houston office is excited to host our 45th Annual Community Affairs Conference here in Houston,” said Joe Glowacki, vice president and general manager for Turner. “We’ve been doing work in Houston since 1919, and a large part of our success stems from our relationships with Houston’s community leaders.” Through initiatives such as Minority Enterprise Development Week, which celebrates achievements of and advocates for minority-owned businesses; the ACE Mentor Program, which allows for industry professionals to mentor Houston-area high school students; and the Summer Internship Program, in which hands-on employment opportunities are provided to college students in certain fields; Turner is dedicated to bettering its communities. The company, which was founded in 1902, is committed to its social responsibility of bolstering opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses, and part of doing more means reaching out to the very communities in which they build. In short, Turner Construction Company isn’t content just being one of the nation’s largest commercial builders. They want to do more. For the past 19
years in Houston, Turner has offered the Turner School of Construction Management, a 10-week program that teaches the fundamentals of construction management. The City of Houston has recognized Turner’s contribution to the industry for the program’s longevity. “For the last three years, I have attended this school,” said Elmo Johnson, pastor of Rose of Sharon Missionary Baptist Church. “George Key and I became good friends and Turner came and did some work around the church. I think it’s a great partnership between a large construction company and a smaller church with about 150 members. We’ve talked about them being involved in future projects.” Rev. Johnson commended partnerships such as Turner and Rose of Sharon. “It’s wonderful when a minority church and big business get together and do something for the community,” he said. “Turner also built the beautiful Carnegie school around the corner. As a church community, we want to make sure we encourage our youth, and it would be wonderful for them to attend the school.” Glowacki said Turner provides opportunities for small and minority companies to do construction so that they can grow and develop from small- to medium-sized and large-sized companies. “Rev. Elmo is very much a part of the community in Houston, and Turner developed a relationship with him that has gone far beyond construction,” Glowacki said. George Key, community affairs director for Turner and good friend of Rev. Johnson, said it’s important to let individuals know that they are loved and cared about. “At Turner, we always say, ‘when we do the right thing, the bricks and mortar will come.’”
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HELPING FEED THE COMMUNITY Recently, Turner teamed with Rose of Sharon Missionary Baptist Church located in historical Fourth Ward to feed hundreds of homeless people in the community. Turner built Carnegie Vanguard High School, also located in Fourth Ward. Rev. Johnson has been active in his community for years, playing a large role in the project “Uplifting Fourth Ward.” He offers sack lunches to needy people in the community twice a week, and he is well-respected by community members. Community outreach is of great importance to Turner, so when the opportunity to partner with Rose of Sharon to feed the homeless was presented, the company jumped at the chance. “We built Carnegie Vanguard High School, and we like to be a part of the community in which we build,” said
Glowacki. “One of Turner’s strongest foundations is giving back to our local communities. Rev. Elmo has been doing this for a long time and we wanted to help him with that.” Turner has a long history of community involvement and outreach. “I’ve worked with Turner for 30 years,” said Janice Johnson, assistant engineer with Turner. “Growing up, I was always taught to give back, and Turner allows us to do that. That’s one of the reasons I joined Turner. We support the communities and we build communities.” Project manager Lesa Zahn echoed her sentiments and stressed the importance of community outreach, such as feeding the homeless. “It’s not just about making money,” she said. “I like the philosophy of supporting communities and small businesses.” “It’s not just about making money, I like the philosophy of supporting communities and small businesses.”
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HONORING THE BUSINESSES Turner Construction Company recently hosted an event at the Hilton Americas Hotel in Downtown Houston to honor local businesses. There were several notable attendees, including U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Houston. Lee, who had just traveled from Washington, D.C., was a speaker at the event. “I wanted to make sure that I was able to come here and acknowledge so many of the leaders that are being honored here tonight,” Rep. Lee said. “You haven’t lived as a business or you haven’t been honored if you haven’t been in d-mars.” D-mars.com recently recognized Turner Construction Company as one of the Top 25 Prime Contractors for Diversity & Supplier Diversity Champions for 2013.
Lee praised the work of Turner Construction Company, and said she was able to witness the construction company partnering with others to truly live out part of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s dream. “Some say that it can’t be done, that it’s not business-like to worry about minorities,” Rep. Lee said. “Even the Supreme Court, in its misdirection, wanted to cast doubts on affirmative action.” Instead, Turner Construction Company is doing the opposite – consistently working with minority-owned and women-owned businesses. That same community focus has helped Turner to consistently remain a global leader in the field of construction.
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• Sudden Death Pest Control - Entrepreneurial Award Global Momentum - Most improved TSCM Graduates • 4 City Steel - Growing Business Award • Bradlink - Business Excellence Award • MCA Communications - Excellence in Quality Performance • The Thibodeaux Group - Capacity Builder Award • HMSDC - Commitment & Pursuit of Excellence Award • Taurean Spratt - Hilton O. Smith award • City of Houston - TSCM Partner Award (for 19 YEARS) • Hill Brothers - Growing Business Award San Antonio • Con-Real - Partnership Award Dallas
MORE THAN BRICKS AND MORTAR... As one of the nation’s largest commercial builders, Turner is dedicated to providing avenues of opportunity for HUB Firms in Texas to achieve entrepreneurial success. Our commitment to social responsibility and fair play is not just on paper; it is ingrained in our corporate culture.
w w w. t u r n e rc o n s t r u c t i o n . c o m
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September 2013
Go to Work at Microsoft Day with The World Youth Foundation
By Sharon C. Jenkins & Julian S. Contributing Writer
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he World Youth Foundation had its inaugural "Go to Work at Microsoft Day " where students ages 8 to 21 spent half a day at the Microsoft Corporate office in Houston to learn about the latest in technologies, participate in leadership meetings with the field team (Sales, Technical Account Managers, Technical Solutions Specialists, etc.), and hang out with technology mentors. “Go to Work at Microsoft Day” is an initiative designed to assist students in discovering new technological advances in addition to increasing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) awareness amongst its young participants. This event was free to all of the students and friends. Breakfast and lunch were served. Some of the activities included Kids Beginner Programming Zone, Kids Group Mentoring Zone, Kids Conference Zone, Kids Interactive Xbox Zone, Kids Discovery Dome, and Little
Kids Activities. Some of the supporting local agencies were the Houston Museum of Natural Science and Children’s Museum of Houston. Karen Franklin, Chairman/CEO of WYF said, “STEM is not new for us. It’s all a part of helping a child to be complete and reach their full potential. With our new corporate partner Microsoft Corporation, being on the forefront of technology and innovation, we are just excited that opportunity became available and that we were able to link together and do what we do. We could not do this without Microsoft. We were very fortunate to work very close with them on “Go to Work at Microsoft Day.” WYF is a nonprofit organization, celebrating 21 years of community involvement. Their focus is to create a positive "mentoring gateway" for diverse groups of youth, and delivering effective programs that positively impact their future. WYF focuses on empowering their young leaders with knowledge in areas of
better health, improved self-esteem, improved decision-making skills, and other important skills required for our youth to achieve significant success in their family, educational, personal, and community lives. For more information about the World Youth Foundation, please visit their website at www.worldyouthfoundation.org. d-mars.com Intern’s Experience at “Go to Work at Microsoft Day” A Day at Microsoft Julian Sparks It was a rare chance being able to attend the “Go to Work at Microsoft Day.” Held at the corporate offices here in Houston off of Sam Houston Pkwy S, scheduled activities were designed to entertain everyone and teach us about where future technology is heading. A majority of the activities going on were for the younger audiences, but Microsoft had plenty of Xbox zones set up for all to play some of their popular games. The kids experienced a Discovery Dome from The Houston
Museum of Natural Science that showed 3D Planetarium videos, a beginner programing zone, and many others features. Even though the event was designed for the younger kids, older participants enjoyed themselves as well. The teenagers were able to learn from employees about the new technology being used at Microsoft, including SkyDrive and Window’s version of iCloud. The most exciting seminar especially for the older kids, was learning Kodu, the Microsoft program that teaches children a basic way to code. They were able to create their own computer programs. Trice Johnson was instrumental in planning this first event at Microsoft. Johnson is an architect at Microsoft, but also works as a senior VP for the World Youth Foundation. She was overseeing the event all day and was excited about the future prospect of Microsoft being involved in the Houston community with youth.
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WHY I CHOSE THIS PASSION By Vivian Johnson-Alford Contributing Writer I have a passion for helping others. I don’t know why, I just like helping people and teaching them how to do things. It’s like a gift. When I was a little child I liked organizing events and small programs in the community. I remember organizing a street parade for our street: “The Luke Street Parade.” I was always organizing something. My eighth-grade teacher predicted I would be an “outstanding teacher” when I grew up, and I did. She thought I’d be a Sunday school teacher. As a child, I could not wait for school to be out for the summer so we could go to Vacation Bible School, and I was always selected to teach the young kids. That’s where I got my real start teaching in the church – every summer teaching the youth Vacation Bible School. I was a Sunday school teacher all my life up until I retired from teaching in 2005. Even though I’m retired, I still find myself committed and very self-directed as an enthusiastic educator with a passion and commitment toward students who are developing their learning experience in order to become successful. I believe it’s important to help others who want to accomplish their goals and dreams. If you see someone trying, and they have potential, try and help that person develop that potential. Sometimes, all a person needs is for someone to believe in them and help motivate them, make them feel confident in themselves and assure them that they
can do it. I have speech impairment – I can’t pronounce my words correctly – but I didn’t allow that to hinder me from accomplishing my goals and dreams. God always places someone in my presence to assist me in the areas in which I am lacking. I am not a good speller nor am I good in math. Even as a teacher, the Lord always put a good student in my class every year – one that would come in early every morning with me, check my board, and rewrite or correct any misspelled words. I was blessed to have two good math teachers on my team as a department chair who would always help with my department budgets. They would never allow anything to go out that was incorrect or flawed. That’s why I came up with the idea to open up my own consulting firm “JAVACCS.” The acronym stands for: Johnson (my maiden name), Ann (my middle name), Vivian (my first name), Alford (my married name), and Computer Consultant Services (what we do). For the past ten years we served more than 200 students, and now we are opening up our own digital online private home school serving the economically disadvantaged. We are the alternative to the alternative schools system and the juvenile justice systems, desinged for those who are at-risk and/or have dropped out of school. We give them a second chance to get their life back on track by earning a high school diploma. You can visit our website www.myjavaccs.com and learn more about us and how we originated.
HOW WE DO…WHY WE DO…WHAT WE DO 1. Because we are a digital/home (private) learning school, it is suggested that each time the teacher meet with their student they have two periods of mathematics and two periods of reading/language arts; the extra emphasis helps students make up ground as needed and get ahead in these basics. Classroom practices promote continuity from one class to the next, which makes the home become a classroom environment. 2. Our instructional program is based on observation and review of our participant’s previous academic record, teacher’s knowledge of weakness and progress, and preand post-assessment done by Johnson Second Chance Self-Pace Digital Learning School. 3. We use Memletic Learning Style to pre- and post-test our participants. For more information visit www.memletics.com. • We use counselor, parent, and other student data feedback to outline a student course of study. • Our staff periodically informs our student participants of their progress in our program. • Our curriculum is tailored toward the State of Texas curriculum and other stateadopted material from Pearson Prentice Hall Publishing, Holt McDougal Publishing, Aldine & Humble ISD teachers, Copyright Activities from Triand, Inc., Texas Virtual School Network, and other creditable resources. • We believe in character development The Bible and developing a sense of respect
WHAT WE PROVIDE • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Individual online instruction GED Courses GED Preparation High School Diploma Tutorial Services Instruction and practice modules Workbooks and web activities We use Memletic Learning Style Inventory to evaluate our participants (preand post-tested (visit www.memletics.com for more information). Our curriculum is proven and correlated to the state standards, aligned with TEA and the Texas State Board of Education (TEKS, TAKS, STARR). We are accredited, pending accreditation with AdvancedED and National Association of Private Schools. We are listed with Texas Association of Non-Public Schools. Our curriculum is developed by a certified team of educators and curriculum development specialist focused on skills-based development and competencies for today and tomorrow. We include workbooks, teacher’s guides, manipulative, and other technical oriented resources Our students receive all materials and resources needed for a successful and engaging educational experience Our curriculum does motivate and foster a positive student learning environment and rewards students achievement We have successful graduated over 25 students in the past two years. JSCS-PDLS has been proven to be effective in improving academic achievement and in getting students back on course in the following school districts Aldine, North Forest, Humble and in the Northeast area. We have tutored and gotten over 200 students back on track with in the past seven years. Our programs work and have been piloted under Marque Learning Academy. We are successfully potentially seeking to adventuring out this fall with the Humble ISD and other distant learning companies.
Experience Our World of Marketing, Media and Communication
September 2013
HE HEARD MY CRY FELLOWSHIP
he heard my cry
Mission Statement HHMCF is dedicated to following the Word of God, feeding the flock the Word of God and fellowshipping with the saints. That the lost might be saved, the saved might be fed and equipped to edify the body of Christ.
Faith-Filled
Pastor Claude Cummings, Wife Joaquina Cummings & Daughter Jillian I love the Lord, for he heard my voice; he heard my cry for mercy. Because he turned his ear to me, I will call on him as long as I live. -Psalm 116: 1-2
Bible-Based
Family-Friendly
Sunday Morning Worship
Starts at 9:00 AM at the Communication Workers of America Building
1730 Jefferson St., Houston, Tx 77003
Phone: 713.581.0852 | Email: Info@hhmcf.com | www.hhmcf.com |
He Heard My Cry
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BEN HALL In The Community
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September 2013
BEN HALL In The Community
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Prop Rock, Rocking H-Town with Jade By Sharon C. Jenkins Contributing Writer
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rop Rock will make your event dream a reality. They are one of Houston’s most notable lounge and furniture rental solutions. They bring a vast selection of design options for your event, no matter what it is: weddings/receptions, showers, trade shows, club events, birthday parties, Bar mitzvah, graduations, quinceaneras, conventions, VIP rooms, hotel events, sports events, gallery showings, and nonprofit events for both corporate and private clients. Your dream can become an instant reality in the hands of the “Event Designer” Jade Gold and her team. Their business resume includes The Latin Grammy’s, NBA All-Star Games, and Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Shows. d-mars.com met with Gold to get an update on how Prop Rock is currently rocking Houston with their services. JENKINS: What has Prop Rock and Jade Gold been doing lately? GOLD: Originally we were just a rental house. We provided the props and the furniture. But now, we are definitely a full-service event planning company as well. Rather than call myself an event planner, I really call myself an “event designer.” Our new tagline encompasses the fact that we don’t just create events, we make them memorable. (“We don’t just
throw events, we transform them into experiences.”) Our product offering is so unique. The customer service that is provided to our brides and our clients really is more about the experience, not just the décor in a room. We feel like there isn’t a specific client for us. Our clients are not just corporate, not just event planners but it’s everyone. Because every client from a quinceanera to a wedding, to a Sweet 16 to an engagement party or a birthday party, presents an opportunity for Prop Rock to plan any event around any occasion. JENKINS: Why the design business? What started you on the pathway and how has it grown and expanded over the years? GOLD: Well this is my seventh year in the business and I am truly as organically grown as can be. I started this with eight pieces of furniture in my garage. I was a pharmaceutical representative for over 12 years and I opened my 401K investment in order to start this business, literally with $6,000. I had no idea that we would expand into three cities, (Houston, San Antonio, and Austin). We are looking to add two more in the upcoming future, (New Orleans and Atlanta). I began something that started off as a small idea in my mind and it has turned into something that actually may turn into a franchise. We are looking into franchising sometime next year. So we have gone from a garage based business to two 20,000 square foot
CEO Jade Gold warehouses and a showroom. But obviously the one that will always be closest to my heart is Houston because this is my baby. We have done events all over Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana, and we have also done international events because we do ship. We are able to literally do design services anywhere in the country. About the CEO/President, Jade Enjoli’ Gold Originally from Chicago, Jade Gold has been a native of Houston since 1977. Jade learned leadership skills at an early age. She dedicated over 10 years of her life to becoming a U.S. gymnast, mastering both artistic and rhythmic gymnastics. She has also served a tour of duty in the United States Air Force during Desert Storm. Raised in a family that taught the value of entrepreneurship, Jade learned the importance of free enterprise from both of her parents, who were business owners. Prior to owning her current businesses, Jade had an extremely successful career as a pharmaceutical sales representative, where she was honored twice as a platinum-tier sales rep and was one of the first African-American female regional directors to earn that status. Jade left her successful career in 1997, depleting all of her income to start her first venture: Jade started a home-based business out of her garage and named it Prop Rock. In 2008, she was awarded the contract to design the Latin Grammy Awards and in 2009 she was honored by the, International Entertainment Society for Best Event Decor and ‘Best Team Effort.’ In 2010, Jade was named one of “Who’s Who in Black Houston” and in 2011 she was honored by the Houston Sun as one of Houston’s “Future Business Legends” with an award
presented by Congresswoman Shelia Jackson Lee. Jade’s entrepreneurial efforts have caused her to be the center of attention in numerous articles and on magazine covers in several publications such as Modern Luxury, The Houston Sun, Houston Style Magazine and Go Local. Jade was selected for and won “Dancing with the Houston Stars” (in 2012) and has been featured on two reality TV shows. In 2012 Jade received the “Still Standing Award” with the Texas Business Alliance and was honored at the BMA’s Black Music Association & Academy of America with the highest honor as Entertainment Icon During the 12th Annual Los Angeles Black Music Awards Honors. Once Jade accepted her calling to the ministry, she has served in many areas that range from being a Teen Pastor, to Praise Dance Ministry, Mime Ministry, Creative Theater arts productions and President of Pastoral Support. Her teen program also offers her own T-shirt line called “The Truth Rocks,” which supports scholarships for education. Certified in business etiquette training, she uses this to not only develop and mentor teens in her community, but serves and mentors many business owners throughout the community. Her two latest ventures are just expansions of the gifts and talents Jade Gold has to offer. Along with being a motivational speaker and a fiction book author, she is the mother of two amazing children, Demi’ and Joshua Rock. For more information on Prop Rock, go to www.proprock.com or give them a call at 713-829-0703.
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Motivational Speakers By Rod “Storyteller” White Contributing Writer
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here have been and continue to be some great motivational speakers among us. I have been fortunate enough to see and meet some of them. One of my favorites was the late Zig Ziglar. What a showman Zig was! I also followed and continue (through CDs and videos) to follow the great philosopher, Jim Rohn. Another speaker that left an impression on me is Dr. Tony Alessandra with the “Platinum Rule.” One of the more influential philosophers in modern history is Napoleon Hill, author of “Think and Grow Rich.” All of these speakers/philosophers have something distinctive in common! Yes, they all have powerful messages, but what is interesting is the basis for these messages and philosophies. Napoleon Hill’s “16 Laws of Success” are wise and on the surface, original. However, close examination reveals that there is another book that was on the scene first: that has many similarities. One example is the “master-mind” theory.
(Excerpt from Wikipedia)The concept of The Master Mind, which Dr. Hill defines "as a mind that is developed through the harmonious cooperation of two or more people who ally themselves for the purpose of accomplishing any given task." Hill uses ideas from physics to illustrate the synergy that occurs between likeminded individuals. He also warns of the danger to the mastermind group of any single member who thinks negatively. Another key insight from Hill is that knowledge is not power – it is only potential power. He defines power as "... organized knowledge, expressed through intelligent efforts." The mastermind group makes this happen. Upon inspection, we can look to The Holy Bible and find parallels to Dr. Hill’s theory. 1 Peter 3:8-9 Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be com-
passionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. Am I over-reaching? I do not think so … Another example is Jim Rohn who spoke to sales teams about “sowing seeds.” Jim said, “The story of Sowing and Reaping is also the story of the Law of Averages.” The sower was ambitious and had excellent seed. The first part of the seed falls by the wayside and the birds get it. Metaphorically, this is the prospect that does not show up for the meeting. You could talk to the person who talked your prospect out of going to the meeting. However, you would have to leave the field and this would be a distraction. It is just one of those things. The best comment is “Isn’t that interesting?” The sower kept on sowing. That was the secret of his
September 2013 15. success. If you keep sowing, you can sow more than the birds can get. There are not that many birds. The Law of Averages will work for you. The seed falls on rocky ground where the soil is shallow. This is not of your making. The seed starts to grow. However, it withers and dies on the first hot day. The hot weather is going to get some. This is not of your making. Say “Isn’t that interesting?” What can you do? Don’t try to change it.” As in the previous story, we can again look to The Holy Bible and find eerie similarities. Matthew 13:3-8 “Behold, a sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some went by the wayside; and the birds came and devoured them. Some fell on stony places; where they did not have much earth; and they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. But when the sun was up they were scorched, and because they had no root, they withered away. And some fell among the thorns and the thorns sprang up and chocked them. But others fell on fell on good ground and yielded a crop: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” Readers, the bottom line is that I will continue to listen to these great speakers and philosophers AND as I continue my own journey to become a sought after motivational speaker, I will continue learning all I can from the single authority where much wisdom is revealed. I suggest that you do the same. Whenever you are looking for content, The Holy Bible is the only reference book that we will ever need! That is my story and I am sticking to it …
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September 2013
Houston CEO Hosted Mixer in Support of Ben Hall Velma Trayham, the business maven and Founder/CEO of Jazzy Girls Luxury Hair Collection, the company behind a luxury line of extensions to both celebrities and women of class, and Positive Strong Black Entrepreneurs, an organization of business owners who give back to their community, hosted a “Mix & Mingle” event titled “The Beauty of Politics” Affair. The purpose of the event was to increase awareness of Ben Hall’s platform, build mutually beneficial alliances among professionals and highlight the city’s ever-growing fashion and beauty industry.
GREATER HOUSTON BLACK CHAMBER VIP Pinnacle Awards Nominee Reception The Greater Houston Black Chamber (GHBC), the nation’s second oldest AfricanAmerican chamber, recently held their VIP Pinnacle Awards Nominee Reception. The Greater Houston Black Chamber will recognize the recipients at the October 11, 2013 Pinnacle Awards Gala. GHBC has provided value to members, area businesses and the community and has remained committed to assisting African-American businesses succeed within the local community. To purchase tickets, become a sponsor or for additional information regarding this year’s Pinnacle Awards Ceremony, visit www. ghbcc.com or call 832-350-4222.
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Passion in the Community
By Charlotte Jackson Contributing Writer
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s I walk from my car to my office in the mornings, I hear the sound of the mighty Mustang Marching Band as they prepare for football season to begin. I look around and see incoming college freshmen anxious to learn their way around campus, often too shy to ask for directions. I begin to feel the buzz of college faculty returning to campus after their summer break. And I stop to thank God for the many opportunities that He has allowed me to be a part of the community. Living in the fourth largest city in America could be overwhelming if I were not grounded in my community. For almost 42 years, I have enjoyed not only living out in the North Channel Community, but having the privilege to work,
worship and volunteer alongside some of the greatest people I would ever hope to meet. While at lunch today, I looked around the table, and here sat 19 very unique individuals of various ages, races, economic and educational backgrounds with one thing in common---a passion for the community. During the hour we spent together, we learned of new businesses that recently joined our Chamber. We shared about upcoming ribbon-cuttings, After Hour Mixers as well as Morning Coffee Chats. We discussed upcoming events in the community as well as how to get involved by volunteering, providing sponsorship funding, or simply by coming out with our family and friends to participate. I encourage each of you to look for your place to plug into your community and share your passion.
It’s your moment.
No matter your passion, HCC can help turn your dreams into reality. If you’re just getting started, or starting a new chapter, we have the skills and knowledge that meet your goals and your schedule. HCC has convenient locations andhundreds of programs and degree plans. What are waiting for? Go get it. It’s yours.
Your journey begins here.
visit hccs.edu to learn about our logistics program
Experience Our World of Marketing, Media and Communication Its your future D-Mars Fall 2013 .indd 1
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September 2013
2013 OBAP Houston ACE Academy
Elgin Davis Honored at
34th Annual PVILCA Hall of Fame Elgin Davis graduated from Dunbar High School in Livingston in 1963. He was a member of the 1958 state championship and the 1959 state runner-up teams which lost only one game in those two years. He also played on the 1960 basketball team which was a state finalist. In 1996, Davis originated the Dunbar Hall of Fame to recognize the school’s PVIL athletes.
On July 9-13, 2013, twelve High School students from the Houston area participated in the Houston Aviation Career Education Academy hosted by the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP). The purpose of the ACE Academy is to encourage students of all backgrounds to consider a career among the various opportunities available in the aerospace industry. This is accomplished by introducing the students to several different aerospace professionals including mechanics, flight attendants, air traffic controllers and of course pilots. We also invite professionals outside the aerospace industry including lawyers, docters, and accountants to show them all the opportunites that are available to them. They also took numerous tours around Bush Intercontinental Airport and each had the opportunity to fly one of United Airlines 737 flight simulators. But the
highlight of the academy is when the students got the opportunity to fly in an actual airplane, which took place on Saturday July 13th at Ellington Field. One one the graduates of this years camp wrote, "Choosing this academy was one of the best decisions I ever made! I learned a lot of new things. Being part of this academy really cleared up my career path for me…. Meeting and listening to all the professionals that came to talk to us really opened a golden door for me… I have already talked to all my friends about this Academy. Thank you again for everything." Lissette Carrera For more information about the OBAP Houston ACE Academy, contact Xavier Samuels or visitwww.obap.org.
Davis served in the Army and was honorably discharged with three purple hearts, a silver star, and the Army commendation medal. Afterwards, he graduated from Commonwealth College of Mortuary Science in Houston. He was manager of the Polk County Court House Complex for 28 years and was also a mortician at Duncan Funeral Home in Livingston. He served on the board of trustees in the Livingston School District for 24 years, and was a Master Mason in the Masonic Lodge. He was project director for the Dunbar Campus Restoration in 1990, and the campus was awarded a historical marker in 2008.
He has served as a coach in the little Dribblers Youth Basketball and in the Little League Baseball program for many years, and in 1996 was named an Outstanding Graduate in the Livingston Independent School District and is presently serving as an alderman on the City Council. He was married to Mary Lou King for over 30 years before her death in 2010. He has one son and two deceased children.
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September 2013
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DEElicious Southern Cuisine Events and Ballroom, Southern Style Eating and Hospitality By Sharon C. Jenkins Contributing Writer
C
hef Denitra Coleman, affectionately known as “Chef Dee Dee,” is the owner and head chef of DEElicious Southern Cuisine Events and Ballroom. Opened in June of this year, they host private events, wedding receptions, birthday parties or any celebration or corporate event. The new venue has a banquet facility, meeting rooms, outdoor pool for pool parties and a huge commercial kitchen. Coleman saids, “any event that you have, we can accommodate you at our venue.” They also do Sunday brunches every week from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. If you want to learn how to cook, you can also take a cooking class at DEElicious Southern Cuisine (DSC). They are starting a new venture called “Paint Connections,” beginning September 21st from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Bring your favorite bottle of wine or beverage, enjoy some amazing appetizers, invite your friends or significant other and enjoy step-by-step instructions on how to create your own masterpiece with their experienced artist! To the pleasure of some of Houston’s culinary experts, they still do outside catering. Coleman said, “of course we will continue to do it because that is where we started before we had the venue. So that is our first love, that in addition to providing personal chef services.”
Coleman decided to become a chef based on her experience in the kitchen at the end of her mother’s apron strings. They had a big family that required her mother to be in the kitchen quite a bit. It was one of the main catalysts that caused the family to bond. Out of the eight children, three developed a passion for cooking and she just happened to have the strongest passion out of the six girls and two boys. She did a lot of cooking with her mom as a little girl and developed an acute love for pleasing others at the kitchen table, so much so that she ended up managing a restaurant in Montgomery, Ala. right after college. When she moved to Houston, she didn’t have the support to continue pursuing her passion because she was a single parent with two little children to care for. The Bible states that “your gift will make room for you” Coleman’s supervisor was aware of her culinary arts background and hired her to do her son’s wedding reception. When that happened she said to herself, “Oh my God, I have to do this. I have to do this.” So she started doing catering, and 10 years later she has her own venue and created a frenzy in Houston over her famous red velvet waffles. They were in such demand that she started to sell the batter so that her customers could enjoy them at home. About a year ago she left her marketing position at Comcast to pursue her
passion fulltime. Coleman said, “it was so overwhelming, doing catering fulltime and with my clientele really picking up, I decided to make a move after praying and talking with my husband. God opened that door, so I left corporate America and here I am today.” She defines “Southern Cuisine” as something other than soul food. She said, “any chef from any background uses Southern Cuisine; it’s just the blending of culinary tradition and ingredients of foods that are derived from that region. I don’t care if you go to a Mexican, French, or American restaurant, you are still going to have something on that menu that was derived from the south. So that’s what southern cuisine is to me. It’s not
the typical soul food, even though we definitely love our soul food. We have a huge demand in our business for it, so starting on the first Sunday of October, we will also have Soul Food Sunday offering some of your favorite dishes, in addition to our regular cuisine.” It doesn’t matter what you have a craving for, Chef Dee Dee’s Southern Cuisine will bring your tummy “southern comfort.” DSC is located at 6535 Dumfries, Houston, TX, 77096. If you want them to cater your event, give them a call at 713-272-3700 or go to www.southerncookinggirl.com for more information about their venue. Don’t forget to “like” them on Facebook at DEElicious Southern Cuisine Events & Ballroom.
Presented by
SAV E T HE D AT E Join us as we celebrate some of Houston’s most impressive leaders!
October 4, 2013, 7pm The Houstonian Hotel 111 N. Post Oak Ln. Houston, Texas 77024
Tickets Now Available Email top30@dmars.com or call 713.272.9511 www.d-mars.com
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September 2013
Diverse Ability 5k Walk/Run/Roll Kickoff & Health Resource Fair
By Sharon C. Jenkins Contributing Writer
T
here has never been a 5k walk/ run/roll in support of the diverse population of people with disabilities. Mastermind Thelma Scott wanted to create a fundraising effort that would increase awareness and advocacy for ALL people with disabilities. Over the last 13 years, her organization, Barbara Jordan Endeavors, has supported students and parents in local high schools that reflect a diverse population with multiple “unique abilities.” When planning this event, she didn’t want to exclude anyone. The kickoff is October 12 at the Metropolitan Multi-Service Center at 1475 W. Gray, Houston from 11:00 am to 3:00pm. Barbara Jordan Endeavors (BJE) is a nonprofit organization that provides scholarships and services for students with emotional, mental, and physical disabilities. This organization encourages, empowers and equips students to become self-sufficient, discover their maximum potential and achieve their academic
goals. Thelma Scott (Founder of BJE), Rose Mary McGowan (Sister of the late Congresswoman Barbara Jordan and Advisory Board Member), Troyon Myree (BJE Board Chairman), Easy Ojonta, (Event Chair and Rotarian), and Andre’ Mohead (BJ Ambassador’s Coordinator) gathered with d-mars.com to discuss the significance of this event. JENKINS: What would Congressman Barbara Jordan think of the “endeavors” that BJE are accomplishing today, such as the Unique Abilities 5k Walk/Run/Roll Kickoff & Health Resource Fair? MCGOWAN: Congresswoman Barbara Jordan was an achiever against all odds; during the latter part of her life she suffered multiple sclerosis and this did not of course stop her continuous involvement in political speaking engagements and with helping the community anyway that she could. I am sure that the organization that we have here that was founded in her name would certainly be an honor to her. JENKINS: What have you seen in regards to growth and expansion in BJE towards fulfilling its mission? MCGOWAN: I’ve observed the growing of this organization, since its inception with Mrs. Scott, as well as with her husband at that time. And the number of lives that have been touched during this period has been miraculous and I know
that it has changed in regards to ambassadors and board members but there has been continual growth throughout the years. It is my dream that it will continue to touch more lives of students with or without disabilities, encouraging them to strive to be the best that they can be by striving for excellence and being an example for others. SCOTT: There is nothing that I can’t do without my dedicated team. We have changed a lot of lives for the kids and their families. We go above and beyond because we build a relationship with the kids and their families because we cannot do it without their families. We do case management as well. We go out and visit them to get a better understanding about their living arrangements so that we can better serve them. We go above and beyond to be a part of their life and encourage them to “Never Give Up, No Matter What.” We started out at Barbara Jordan High School and have expanded to eight other schools as a result of the work we have done for students with “unique abilities.” MYREE: We have identified the need and then made changes. We are trying to capture each segment of our mission. It’s a continual growth process; we will never cop out because the disabilities change or the mindset of the students change. The parents have to learn that this is my child now, but at some point, they will be an adult and you need the assistance of support systems in the community to help those parents to teach their child what they have to do as an adult with a disability. A young man with disabilities becomes an old man with disabilities; it is a continual process where there is growth. We have to dispel the stereotypes about people with disabilities. Even in the aging process, all of us eventually will need some help. As long as we take the time to keep the tools in placeand the support systems in place, nobody will fall through the cracks. And this is where BJE comes into place; we are the mortar that keeps the bricks in place. JENKINS: What is the Rotary’s role in this walk? OJONTA: I will be chairing the event as a representative of the Rotary District
5890. The Rotary Club is the largest volunteer organization in the world. We have about 1.2 million members and in District 5890 is made up of about 62 clubs, which is about 3,000 members. Our main focus is eradicating polio because the Rotary Club has been fighting this since 1985, and we are very close to making sure that polio is eradicated. And with what BJE is doing is a match made in heaven. So we are partnering with them to help educate people on what BJE is all about and what the Rotary is all about as well. JENKINS: What makes you confident that this walk will be a success? SCOTT: I just have in my heart that this walk will be a success because we are doing a “Diverse Ability Walk.” No one has attempted to meet the challenge of having a diverse inclusive walk. We are looking for an opportunity to partner with my church Lakewood’s Champion of Hope, (Pastor Craig Johnson) for children with disabilities who one day will be eligible for our senior ambassador’s program, which provides scholarships through a sponsorship for youth to attend college. Most of all, we are so honored to partner with Circle of Ten, Inc., Kathy Holdway & Authur Blount and the Rotary District 5890 & my Rotary Club Houston Northwest Sunset Rotary President Dr. Ben Thomas, who embraced our vision by accepting the project to change lives for person with disabilities, especially Polio throughout the world. We will also join other organizations that encompassed our mission by coming together for one “Great Cause” creating an annual amazing event that better fits our overall objective to work with youth “with emotional, mental, and physical disabilities,” which includes all disabilities, and that’s the reason that we are doing this walk: to be diverse inclusive, we don’t want to leave anyone or any disability out. The project is funded in part by the Texas Council Developmental Disabilities. TCDD is awarded monies by the Administration on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, U.S. Department of Health Human services For more information or to register for this event please contact Troy Myree at 832-488-8417 or bjendeavors@att.net.
Experience Our World of Marketing, Media and Communication
September 2013
Early Inclusion For Children With Disabilities
By Patrick D. Quinn
W
hile it is true for all children that early education and developmental efforts go a long way to empowering healthy and fulfilled adults, this particularly applies to children with disabilities. Despite more vulnerability to developmental risks, young children with disabilities often have insufficient access to mainstream programs and services. Difficulties stemming from inadequate government policy, negative attitudes and lack of physical access make a challenging situation even tougher. If these children and their parents are not provided with timely and appropriate early intervention, support and protection, there may be severe long-term consequences, increased poverty and profound exclusion. All children need support to reach their full potential, including parenting, play and educational efforts, to develop social skills, language, and physical and cognitive capacity. Many children with disabilities also require early medical, therapeutic and clinical intervention, which the United Nations has declared a right. The first three years of a child's life are critical in developing essential characteristics of future growth and for those with disabilities it is a window of time when the risk of future disability can be minimized. This is when partnerships and referral processes can be formed with health clinics and disability service providers. In the home, knowledge from a personal support worker course helps identify children who would benefit from further outside help. Self-help groups and organizations can be facilitated for parents to share information and seek training while a space is provided for the children to play. Early childhood inclusion can be promoted by increasing access to a variety of
organizational and community contexts, using a wide range of instructional approaches to foster participation in play and learning activities, particularly a sense of belonging, and developmental supports. It requires a fundamental shift in attitudes by society, ensuring primary schools are nurturing, welcoming environments and teachers have adequate training and support to encourage every child to reach their full potential. Inclusive pre-school and primary schooling necessitates additional investments in accessible facilities, flexible teaching methods and educational resources, which ultimately benefit all children. Current early intervention systems are highly fragmented with parents in rural communities often having to travel long distances to reach support from children's hospitals or specialized schools. There have been recent efforts to integrate the many support services (health, education, speech and language, therapists, etc.) to enable smoother transitions to the school system. With municipalities and school boards sharing responsibilities, there will be challenges to open communication and erode territorialism but also great potential to make lasting differences for children, their families and the school system as a whole. Elementary teachers without specific developmental training can be assisted by educators from an early childhood college working with this inclusive approach. Evidence suggests inclusive, family-based early intervention with a long-term focus significantly reduces the number of children in special education programs later in school and enables children with lifelong disabilities to become happier, more productive members of society. Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
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Experience Our World of Marketing, Media and Communication