Community Journal
FREE
Faith-based | Non-Profits | Foundations | Community Organizations | Entertainment | Fashion | Lifestyle | Sports
Inspire, Inform & Educate
April 2014
INSIDE
Connect With Us
facebook.com/dmarsmarketing
32nd Edition @dmars_com
@dmars_com
Making Your Mark in the Community
In the Community… d-mars.com spotted at local events PAGE 8
Changing Lives through Truth, Training and Transformation
Fresh Face: Noel Pinnock Wants to Serve as Mayor of Missouri City By Valerie Jones PAGE 12
page 4
The College of Biblical Studies: Under New Leadership Dr. William Blocker, President
The Importance of Determining Your Legacy By Rev. John Fields PAGE 15
page 11
Join our e-mail list for the latest updates @ d-mars.com
Insight Productions Presents “Bag Ladies: The Play”
page 14
The Fountain of Praise Metamorphosis Women’s Conference 2014
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
– Maya Angelou
April 2014
Journal Behind The
3.
Publisher’s Message
Keith J. Davis, Sr.
SR. PUBLISHER Keith J. Davis, Sr.
SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Kevin Davis
VICE PRESIDENT Kim Floyd
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Valerie Jones
ACCOUNTING MANAGER
If there’s one thing I know for certain it’s that how you treat people will make an everlasting impression on them. The same goes for what you do for your community. There are numerous ways to help serve your community – starting a nonprofit, establishing a foundation, volunteering your time, or mentoring – to name a few. When you are doing great work in the community, you are creating your legacy…whether you realize it or not. So, how are you making your mark? This issue will explore how to make your mark in the community. I challenge you to begin working in your community and if you already have, help someone else get started. Take the initiative and begin your legacy…TODAY!
Eugenie Doualla
Office Manager
Johnny Ray Davis, Jr.
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES C.T. Foster Eric D. Goodwine Tiffany Black
PHOTOGRAPHY L.C. Poullard Grady Carter Tony Gaines
MULTIMEDIA DIRECTOR
Contents The College of Biblical Studies: Under New Leadership Changing Lives through Truth, Training and Transformation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Motivated by Imagination and Expectation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 “Just Love” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 LAMIK Beauty Celebrates 10 Years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Andrea Hennekes
In the Community… . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
LAYOUT & GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Insight Productions Presents “Bag Ladies: The Play” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Angel Rosa
Fresh Face: Noel Pinnock Wants to Serve as Mayor of Missouri City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
DISTRIBUTION
Booker T. Davis, Jr. Rockie Hayden
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Valerie Jones Dr. S. Terri Smith Charlotte Jackson
The Fountain of Praise Metamorphosis Women’s Conference 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 The Importance of Determining Your Legacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Guests are Treated to Gourmet McDonald’s Meals by Chef Rey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Rev. John Fields
MR. D-MARS Tip of the Month
“In order to effect great change, we need to look at how we can help those in our own communities as well as globally.” – Christina Aguilera
Are you Ready to Take Your Business to the Next Level? 499.99 .99 2991year
Presents
BLACK PAGES ONLINE BUSINESS DIRECTORY What this means to you,
The Business Owner: • The ability to stimulate money in our communities • Publicity at an affordable price • The professionalism it provides to black-owned businesses
It’s time we put our future finances into our own HANDS! We must encourage members to patronize black-owned businesses to further expand the economic power of African American merchants and the households that support them.
ADVERTISING | MARKETING | MEDIA | COMMUNICATIONS
Call today 713.272.9511
It’s Just That Simple!!!
www.d-mars.com
contact@d-mars.com
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
4.
April 2014
The College of Biblical Studies
Under New Leadership
“Although the school was started by an African American, there had not been an African American president since its inception. I looked at the school’s mission and it grabbed my heart.” – Dr. William Blocker
Changing Lives through Truth, Training and Transformation By Valerie Jones
A
Associate Editor
s a child, William Blocker’s father was a leader in the church and instilled in his children a work ethic which was three-fold: 1) Love God; 2) Support your family in the right way; and 3) Do something for the community. This advice has guided Blocker throughout his life. After graduating from college, Blocker had his eyes set on being an attorney and moved to Connecticut. It wasn’t until the early 90s, when Blocker was in the height of his career, that one moment defined his future. “I was sitting in the room with my best buddy as he was doing a deposition for a man about 62 years old,” Blocker said. “As my friend is giving the man a deposition, the man has a heart attack, falls over, and dies in the chair. My heart just dropped.” Shocking enough on its own, what got to Blocker the most was what happened after the man’s sudden death. “You’d think with it being one of the largest law firms in New England, they would have taken the time to call the man’s wife,” he said. “They called
the paramedics who pronounced him dead. That afternoon, they cleaned the floor, shampooed the chair and went back to doing business. That’s when I told myself, ‘this is not for me. I can’t do this.’” TRUE CALLING True Calling “My wife and I and our five kids packed our bags and moved to Chicago,” Blocker said. “We just stepped out on faith. I didn’t have a job; I didn’t have anything.” Blocker was able to make friends in Chicago and use his technological skills—this was around the time of Y2K—to open a firm. His firm began to blossom. It paid the bills and allowed him to attend school. His father’s advice resonated in his head. “The more I was elevated, I asked myself, ‘what am I doing for the community?’” Blocker said. “I found myself in the same situation as before. So I said ‘this is it.’ I closed down my firm and enrolled in one of the largest Bible schools in Chicago, Moody Bible Institute of Chicago. I felt my calling was the ministry.” Blocker excelled there and was placed in charge of global ministries and started the school’s first distance learn-
ing program. He earned his doctorate degree. Eventually, a recruiter reached out to Blocker and encouraged him to consider a position with another college. Dr. Blocker wasn’t interested, but the man was persistent and continued to call. “Finally, I accepted this man’s invitation. He was flying to Chicago and wanted to meet my wife and me,” he said. “He said if after 30 minutes of my time I still didn’t like what he had to offer and didn’t feel God was behind this, then he would never bother me again.” Dr. Blocker met with the recruiter and was told about The College of Bib-
lical Studies (CBS) in Houston. “He said God had designed the school for me. Although the school was started by an African American, there had not been an African American president since its inception,” Dr. Blocker said. “I looked at the school’s mission and it grabbed my heart.” CBS was founded by Dr. Ernest Mays, an African American who had a desire to see other African American pastors receive a college education – regardless of their income. He understood the need for pastors to possess the biblical knowledge to lead a community as well as the organizational skills necessary to effectively run a church. “The mission of CBS is to provide a biblically-based education to the body of Christ with a primary focus on African Americans and other ethnic minorities and equips its students for Christian service to the church and the world,” Dr. Blocker said. “I spent almost 11 years in higher education trying to increase diversity. And here’s CBS – a college that was founded on unity in diversity.” Realizing that Houston is now a minority-majority city and minorities generally have some connection with the church, Dr. Blocker knew he want-
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
April 2014
ed to be a part of a college that exists to equip people of all ethnicities with the biblical and academic knowledge needed to transform their lives, families and communities. “My family and I packed our bags, left Chicago and moved to Houston and I took the position as President at The College of Biblical Studies.” NEW LEADERSHIP New Leadership Dr. Blocker saw his new position at CBS as a wonderful undertaking. CBS lays the foundation, equipping students with the tools to succeed. “Our main tool is the Bible and it’s filled with knowledge pertaining to how to live your life, how to raise your family and more,” Dr. Blocker said. “Most people don’t know the proper approach to the Bible. At CBS, we train them.” Students at CBS are able to pursue a variety of academic programs in areas such as leadership and counseling. “A lot of people think we just train pastors, but that’s not the case,” Dr. Blocker said. “We also train people who are in various careers such as missionaries, doctors, business leaders, teachers, etc.” One aspect of Dr. Blocker’s vision is reaching out to the women of the church. One of the most neglected areas in the church is the ministry of women. Women make up two-thirds of the church and carry much of the burden. CBS has a vision to provide a special degree program just for women in ministry, with an emphasis on pastors’ wives. Along with this specialized degree, CBS would also host events with notable women’s leaders. “So much is expected of these women, yet most have little or no training,” he said. “While knowledge is key, we want to nurture the relational side of women’s ministry as well.” One of the areas that makes CBS unique, Blocker said, is rather than hand students information and tell them to learn it, CBS staff sits with each student and asks them what their needs are and what they are trying to accomplish. “We can then take these tools and come alongside the students to help them be successful. We don’t abandon our students. We assign a professor to mentor them through the process,” Dr. Blocker said. “The only thing we ask is that after graduation, students reach into the community and help others. It’s not just about you.” HELPING STUDENTS DISCOVHelping Students Discover Their ER THEIR LIFE’S PURPOSE Life’s Purpose On the walls of offices and hallways of CBS is their tagline, ‘Truth. Training. Transformation.’ “Our core is the Bible, but we connect the Bible to your life. Transformation takes place when students understand that they’re somebody and there’s a purpose for their life,” Dr. Blocker said. “The truth is God cares about you. The truth is you are gifted. The truth is you have enough divineness placed in you to be something.
5.
out to the younger generation, particularly young men, is the foundation for his vision. “I want to capture young men in their sophomore or junior year, pull them in, give them a foundation and have significant people who are successful in life come alongside and mentor them,” Dr. Blocker said. Dr. Blocker encourages parents to give their children a foundation at CBS in which they will grow spiritually and academically while gaining practical skills that will help them succeed in life. “A lot of young people are going to college and have no idea what they’re doing. They enter these big schools but get caught up in a whirlwind and their lives spiral out of control and many end up dropping out of school,” Dr. Blocker said. “I want to appeal to the parents now. Let me have one summer with them to give them some structure and connect them with mentors. “
That’s what we help you discover. That’s where the training comes in.” The school’s student center, located on campus, is a place for weekly worship as well as a place in which students congregate to play instruments, study or simply fellowship. “I’m a minister and I came to CBS thinking I was Bible literate, but I found that I was actually biblically illiterate,” said Rickey Williams, a firstyear student. “I like that CBS is not connected to any one denomination; it’s faith-based. I’ve been in church all of my life, but this is the first time I’ve seen different faiths together and working toward a common goal.” Other first-semester CBS students Dottie Collins and Julie Russell agreed CBS was the best fit for them. “This school is a blessing to me,” Collins said. “My mentor convinced me to attend the school because of the new leadership. The camaraderie is like nothing I’ve ever experienced in my life.” Russell was extremely impressed with the environment at CBS. “When I walked through the door, the hospitality and friendliness I received let me know I wanted to attend school here,” she said. Dr. Blocker likes to share the story of David Harrison, an example of someone who enters CBS with hope and leaves with destiny. “David Harrison was a young man who was very disciplined in the military. His life fell apart, completely in shambles. He came to the point where he decided he wanted to take his own life,” Dr. Blocker said. “He put a shotgun to his chest and said ‘God, if you’re real, you’ll save me from dying.’ He then pulled the trigger and blew half his chest off. Miraculously, he survived. There’s probably shrapnel still in his chest.” Harrison came to one our seminars
and said he knew God had a purpose for him – he didn’t know what it was, but wanted to be trained. “Our dean told Harrison if he was serious about this, to meet him every single Monday,” Dr. Blocker said. “Harrison was dedicated. He came every single Monday, finished the program, went on to get his graduate degree, and guess what? He’s one of our best adjunct professors. Right here, right now, he’s making a difference in the lives of students.” REACHING TO THE Reaching Out OUT to the Younger YOUNGER GENERATION Generation Part of Dr. Blocker’s vision for CBS is for students to understand the times and how generations change. “The new generation is not of the same cloth. They’re not using the same types of things we’re using. How do you relate to them?” Dr. Blocker said. “We don’t have an age-specific limit in our classrooms. It’s a dichotomy because we’re putting people together – anywhere from 18 to 67 – to learn from each other.” Using this method, CBS has the younger generation infusing with the older generation. “One of my students said recently ‘how can you have a youth pastor who is 50 years old? They don’t know how to connect with us.’ At CBS, we’re not only training the older generation to have the understanding of the younger generation, but we’re giving the younger generation the tools as well.” Dr. Blocker explained how to deal with Millennials who may have the narcissistic “me, myself, and I” mentality. “You tell them now they have to go out and serve. That’s the critical part,” he said. “How do you serve? In the communities, for not-for-profits, prison systems, etc.” Dr. Blocker’s passion for reaching
“I like that CBS is not connected to any one denomination; it’s faithbased. I’ve been in church all of my life, but this is the first time I’ve seen different faiths together and working toward a common goal.”
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
– Rickey Williams
“When I walked through the door, the hospitality and friendliness I received let me know I wanted to attend school here.” — Julie Russell CBS is also involved in Restorative Justice – a community-wide cause to bring restoration to those in prison, those recently released from prison, and their families. Restorative Justice and CBS are not only trying to prevent African Americans from ending up in the prison system, but also giving hope and a future to those who do. “We’re in the business of bringing hope through truth, training and transformation to everybody who is willing to come and allow us to work with them.”
6.
April 2014
Motivated by Imagination and Expectation
I
By Dr. S. Terri Smith Contributing Writer
magination – the faculty of imagining, or of forming mental images or concepts of what is not actually present to the senses. As a child, you had a fabulous imagination. You imagined yourself bigger, better, richer, faster and stronger than anyone else you knew. You spent hours seeing yourself differently. Then as you grew up, you allowed those mental images to be ripped away from you. You were told by those you trusted that it was all foolishness or it would never happen for you. And you believed them; that’s why as an adult you have settled for a life you were never meant to live. Jeremiah 1:5 – (AMP) – “Before I formed you in the womb I knew [and] approved of you [as My chosen instrument], and before you were born I sepa-
rated and set you apart, consecrating you; [and] I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” In this passage you can see that before you were formed or conceived God knew you and approved of you. What God knew about you and approved of was the plan that He had for your life. And more than likely it was one of the things you imagined yourself doing as a child. It is your imagination, your ability to see yourself doing the thing that God placed inside of you, which can become your greatest asset in this hour. It is time for you to awaken the child on the inside of you and allow this childlike ability access to the adult you have become. You must give your imagination permission to show you yourself as God sees you. This will allow you to see yourself doing what you were put here to do and being who you were created to be. From this point forward, you will overlook the naysayers and allow your imagination to run free. Once you have reignited your imagination, it is then time to open yourself up to your expectations. More than likely you have not been taught to expect good things to happen to you, especially from God. But there is an unwritten law that holds true today and it states: ‘whatever
you are expecting is expecting you.’ In other words, it is not up to God; it is up to you. You must understand that without any prompting from you, your expectations (good or bad) will eventually show up on your doorstep. Expectation – the degree of probability that something will occur. This definition can leave you with the idea that your expectations are left to chance. But you have the capability to turn the “degree of probability” in your favor. You accomplish this when you stop getting up every day doing only what the day demands of you, but in turn, you begin each morning by putting a demand on your day. You should put a demand on the day to show up and reveal to you more about who God created you to be. You should also demand of each day to help you discover more about what you are actually capable of doing. This means that you can’t continue to go through each day like you went through all of your yesterdays. Therefore, you must now discipline yourself to adhere to the dictates of your imagination and expectations. Discipline – activity, exercise or a regimen that develops or improves a skill; training. Your discipline, or daily activities, must
begin with what you have been imagining and expecting from God and from yourself. You discipline yourself because as soon as you turn your imagination loose, begin expecting change, and putting a demand on your expectations to show up, something will inevitably try to steal what you have begun to do. It is your daily discipline that will turn the table on those assigned to steal your dreams. It is discipline that will help you bring to fruition what you have been imagining and expecting. It is your ability to discipline yourself that will get you through the tough times. God has a plan for your life, one of peace – and not of evil – to give you an expected end. In other words, something good is going to happen today; the question is – will it happen to you? Begin to use your imagination to see yourself walking in God’s plan for your life. Then you can begin to expect what you see to come to fruition. And finally, you should begin to act on what you are imagining and expecting out of life, which will create the good life you were meant to live. Dr. S. Terri Smith is the author of Developing the D.I.V.A. in You! Visit www.lmfc. org to find more information about other materials from Dr. Smith.
“Just Love”
A
By Charlotte Jackson Contributing Writer
t some point in 2013, I met a young man who I had seen on the campus of the community college where I work, yet had never taken the time to get to know. Late one afternoon as he walked down the hall, I looked up from my work and we made eye contact. He smiled and I spoke to him. I think it startled him that I spoke his name, as he had lived a life trying not to be noticed. He stepped into the doorway of my office and asked how I knew his name. I explained that I had seen him on campus for a few semesters and that we had several mutual friends who had mentioned him to me from time to time. Suddenly a big smile broke out on his face. It was as if he was amazed that people cared enough to mention him by name. It was during that first visit that he noticed a picture of my daughter from her Army Basic Training. He asked who the person was in the picture. When I ex-
plained that she was the youngest of my three children, he suddenly looked perplexed. Those next words he spoke are some that I will never forget. “Ms. Charlotte, you are not ashamed or embarrassed to have her picture on your desk?” Now it was me with the bewildered look. He went on to explain…“Ms. Charlotte, look at her. She and I have the same skin tone. All of my life, I tried to scrub the black out of me so I would look like my mom. But it never worked.” That was the first of many late afternoon chats which led me to love him as a son. (Those who know me know I have a special place in my heart for young adults who have lost a parent or are on a journey where they do not have a healthy relationship with a parent). On Monday, March 31, 2014, I ran into him on campus. When I asked how he was doing, he broke out with the most amazing smile and shared with me that he had started a new job and before long he would be able to do something he had been waiting to do. I asked if that was to buy some furniture for his new apartment and again, that smile broadened. “No, when I get my paycheck, I am
going to put aside some money and take you out to eat for Mother’s Day.” With that, I gave him a hug and told him that he did not have to do that and that I was so proud of his accomplishments. I told him that my daughter is due to get out of the Army sometime around Mother’s Day which was all I wanted, but his offer to take me out to eat would be like icing on the cake. He was all smiles and then he
morning while riding his bicycle to work. My heart broke. Many emotions filled my head. As the tears flowed over the next several days, I heard so many people talk about how unfair it was that someone like him, who never wanted to be a problem or an inconvenience to anyone, had their life cut so short. While reflecting on the brief friendship we shared, several songs came to mind. Elton John’s
“I told him to always remember that no matter how much I loved him and how proud of him that I am, God loves him even more and is surely one proud Dad of the man he has become.” — Charlotte Jackson asked, “Do you think she would mind if I went with you to pick her up from the airport? You know, I may not have met her yet, but I think of her like a little sister—a little sister that I am proud of.” I laughed and hugged him again and told him that he was welcome to go with me. And then I told him to always remember that no matter how much I loved him and how proud of him that I am, God loves him even more and is surely one proud Dad of the man he has become. Painfully, I received a phone call just three days later. He had been killed that
“Like a Candle in the Wind” seems to be on a soundtrack playing over and over in my head, but a very special song titled “Just Love” by Brian Courtney Wilson is the one that brings peace to me. The song talks about unconditional love and acceptance. That truly was all my friend ever wanted—unconditional love and acceptance; and sadly, as he was finally finding it, his candle was blown out. He may be gone from this earth, but his legacy of being a quiet, respectful person seeking love and acceptance will live on until we meet again someday.
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
April 2014
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
7.
8.
April 2014
LAMIK Beauty Celebrates 10 Years
In the Community…
To View More Photos, Visit Our Website www.d-mars.com and Click on ‘Photo Gallery.’
Houston Black Real Estate Association
Wheeler Avenue Women’s Guild Impact Awards
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
April 2014
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
9.
10.
April 2014
In the Community…
To View More Photos, Visit Our Website www.d-mars.com and Click on ‘Photo Gallery.’
1000 Men in Black
A Roast & Toast w/ Sen. Rodney Ellis
Rep. Borris Miles Hosts Meet & Greet w/ Wendy Davis
100 Black Women of Houston Speed Networking and Mixer TSU Grad Student Networking Mixer
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
April 2014
Insight Productions Presents
“Bag Ladies: The Play”
“Bag Ladies – The Play” is a phenomenal and extraordinary work which attempts to explore, engage, entertain, and examine the journey of women of our time while connecting the dots back to the future. It raises questions about many issues facing our country today— abortion, rape, and abuse—while dabbling in our universal quest for love and relationships. It is also a peek into the strong religious influences our churches have. The message is national. The story concept, by Producer/Director Dannette K. Davis and Bukky Rojugbokan, reminds one of a modernday “For Colored Girls,” except it is not for colored girls only. It is a woman’s story, which goes beyond any one ethnicity and deserves discussion. We welcome the conversation because it’s time for women to discuss these issues as a community and speak in an intergenerational manner…sharing information and thoughts. The play was a way to reach out to woman and men. The play, presented by Insight Productions, was purposely premiered during the celebration of Women’s History Month, placing the spotlight on the uniqueness of a woman’s journey while entertaining audiences along the way. Some conversations were sparked immediately after the show and during intermission. Keith “MR. D-MARS” Davis, an Insight Media Partner, was in attendance and spoke with producer Dannette Davis at intermission. “You just jumped right into the big issues right away, didn’t you?” he said. He also said advocate agencies should really get behind the Bag Ladies – The Play production because it speaks to the heart of their messages. “Bag Ladies – the Play is not just a show, it is a movement,” Dannette Davis said. “The story will continue to change and grow as the concept of ‘unpacking’ baggage from childhood is explored. It is a play about real women and men in realistic situations. It is my belief that the conversation is the message. I feel very strongly about these issues and their solutions, so I am compelled to continue presenting the Bag Ladies Story.” The play was successful and reached audiences with great intensity. It ran March 22 and 23 at the Talento Bilingüe de Houston (TBH) and plans for an encore performance later in the year are underway.
Beneficiaries There will always be agencies highlighted during a Bag Ladies Production because of the relevancy of the message. Interested partners are welcome.
Angela House Mission - To successfully transition women into society after incarceration Angela House was founded in 2001 as a transitional, residential facility for women upon their immediate release from incarceration. The program was identified as a “Special Work” of the St. Vincent de Paul Society (SVDP), Archdiocese of Galveston/Houston at the behest of Bishop Joseph Fiorenza. Located in Houston, Angela House serves women released from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) prison and state jail system and county jails. In July 2006, Angela House became an independent non-diocesan owned, nonprofit, 501c3 entity. The Rose – Board Certified Radiologists, specialized technical staff, two Mammography and Diagnostic Imaging Centers, plus a fleet of Mobile Mammography vans offer advanced breast cancer screening and diagnostic services—including mammograms, ultrasounds, biopsies and access to treatment—to nearly 33,000 women annually. Since its launch in 1987, The Rose has served more than 355,000 patients and is now the leading nonprofit breast health care organization in southeast Texas. For information on future shows and/or partnerships, call 713-705-8833 for more information.
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
11.
12.
April 2014
Fresh Face:
Noel Pinnock Wants to Serve as Mayor of Missouri City
average household size of five, with two parents in the home; a median houseAssociate Editor hold income of $85,000 to $100,000; oel Pinnock has good schools; an even distribution called Missouri City among all ethnicities; and an average home for almost 20 education level between a bachelor’s years and he and and master’s degree…Missouri City is his wife have two a strong middle class community that children who at- best represents the diversity of America. tend school in Fort Bend Independent d-mars.com: Do you feel your prior School District. Pinnock wants to run Public Management experience has prefor Mayor of Missouri City – under pared you for the position of Mayor? the core values of integrity, respect, ac- How? countability, humility and transparPinnock: Yes, my 25 years of expeency. rience in Public Management and ad“My creator Jesus Christ inspires me vance training in the public manageand provides me fuel every day to keep ment industry has not only prepared fighting the good fight in serving the me for this role, but it has also provided public,” said Pinnock. “I will continue me a variety of perspectives that will ento fight always for what is right for hu- able me to be more open-minded, commanity, to make it more perfect and to petent, motivated, cooperative, and make it a place that everyone is proud creative in executing my role as mayor to call home, raise in accordance a family, have “I am proud to have put to Section 3.05 plenty of fun, and of Missouri make great mem- my name in the hat to City’s Home ories for decades Rule Charter. serve humanity and give My role as the to come.” Pinnock shared of my talents, treasures city’s legislahis plans for Mistive facilitator souri City and and time to improve it! is not to creexplains why his After all, the greatest ate policy but past experience to see that all has prepared him gift of all is love, and ordinances, byfor the position laws, motions of Mayor of Mis- I do care about our and resolutions souri City. of the council community that we call d-mars.com: are faithfully Missouri City has home. Join me!” obeyed and enthriving residenIt is very – Noel Pinnock forced. tial and commerimportant to let cial development. the voters know How do you plan to foster continued that I will not be paid to perform my economic development in Missouri role as mayor; it is a volunteer role. City? d-mars.com: If elected as Mayor of Pinnock: The City of Missouri City Missouri City, what would be on the is a STRONG CITY MANAGER form forefront of your agenda for your twoof government, and I plan to work with year term? the city managers to attract more busiPinnock: During my first two-year ness development which will attract term, I will focus on several key issues worldwide attention. We are one of the that I outlined on my website www.pinmost diverse cities in Fort Bend County nockformayor.com. I will fight for the and they are counting on true leader- following: ship that will think outside the box • Term limits and make future economic develop• Homestead tax exemption for all ment just as diverse as the community qualifying residents in which we live, play, work and shop. • November elections We have struggled in the past to keep d-mars.com: Tell me one thing people up with our ever-evolving stakeholders may be surprised to know about you. and it is time for that to change. I bePinnock: People may be surprised lieve in turnkey business solutions that to know that I have an identical twin will streamline the way we bring new brother and three other siblings. My businesses on board. Simple is always twin and I were one of the first set of better! twins born in Brookdale Hospital in d-mars.com: What do you think is Brooklyn, New York. I was once a cheerMissouri City’s greatest strength? Why? leader in middle school and competed Pinnock: The strength of Missouri in advance gymnastics for years and also City lies in our diversity. With the aver- coached gymnastics at SOKOL, a local age age of residents between 35-38; an gymnastics organization.
By: Valerie Jones
N
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
April 2014
2014 Annual Scholarship Banquet African American Studies
45th Year Celebration
Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Marguerite Ross Barnett
Dr. Marguerite Ross Barnett University of Houston President 1990-1992
Waldorf Astoria Ballroom Hilton University of Houston Hotel Friday, May 2, 2014 7:30 p.m.
Amy Ross Barnett,
Daughter of Dr. Barnett Editor–in–Chief Ebony Magazine
Keynote Speaker: Amy Ross Barnett
45th
2014 AWARD RECIPIENTS Byron Alfred, J.D.
Wayne Luckett
Vujasinovic & Beckcom, PLLC
Founder & CEO, Branwar Wine Distributing, Company
Cheryl Creuzot, J.D., L.L., MBA
Dr. Clara Meek, Retired
President & CEO, Wealth Development Management Strategies L.P.
Judge Hillary Green, J.D. Justice of The Peace, Precinct 7
John Guess, Jr.
Chief Executive OfficerHouston Museum of African American Culture Managing Consultant of the Guess Group, Inc
Vinson & Elkins Firm Friends of African American Studies
Eronn Putman, Esquire
Managing Attorney, The Putman Firm
Dr. Sarah Trotty
Texas Southern University, Assistant Professor Department of Visual & Performing Arts, Community Awardees
For more details contact, L. Williams, Program Manager 713.743.2814 Visit our website: http://www.uh.edu/class/aas/news/annual-scholarship-banquet-2014/index.php Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
13.
14.
April 2014
The Fountain of Praise
Metamorphosis
Women’s Conference 2014
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
April 2014
15.
The Importance of Determining Your Legacy
By Rev. John Fields
W
Contributing Writer
ho is this guy? He’s always there, following quietly behind as a shadow on the wall. Who is he? He never takes the lead, however he is very suggestive about what one will do predicated on past behaviors. This silent spokesman attends the footsteps of every man and institution; his name is legacy. Webster says that one’s legacy is that which is handed down to the next generation, something that one’s ancestors pass on. Often the expression which is heard about one’s predecessors concerning the life lived and the legacy left behind is for encouragement to those left behind. The legacy of a community, city or church is defined by the behaviors of those whom are within its geographi-
cal, ideological, or philosophical boundaries. With this understanding, the pointed question is what are you doing that contributes to a positive perspective? If your motives are balanced on ‘I, me, and mine,’ then your contribution is probably very small. A lack of spiritual perspective will cause one to miss opportunities to build a quality legacy. If one engages this matter of legacy with truth, then our attention must be
arrested and brought to comprehend that one shapes his legacy by what he does as well as by what he doesn’t do. Do nothing and, the spokesman says, he did nothing. If one’s legacy is filled with negativity, then when the spokesman speaks, people frown. If one spends a lifetime trying to make a difference, the spokesman will make people smile. According to the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus had been on the mountain with
Peter and the sons of thunder (James and John), and he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. Peter suggested that they build three tabernacles, one for Moses, one for Elijah and one for Jesus. What they saw altered their understanding, however the matter was cleared up when suddenly a voice came out of the cloud saying, ‘this is my son in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!’ Jesus and these disciples came down from the mountain and a man came to Jesus and said, ‘I brought my son an epileptic to your disciples and they could do nothing to help him.’ Jesus condemned their lack of faith. Why couldn’t they come together as a community of men of faith and heal this boy? Could it be that they had some misdirected thoughts in their heart that would come out as where they would sit in the kingdom? The issues of the disciples sound very common to many groups today. Folks who can show up only when their name is going to be called – is that you? Is there something wrong with being nice to others? What’s wrong with helping someone else? Must you be paid for everything? What story will your legacy tell? Your story will be told the silent spokesman, he will speak.
Guests are Treated to Gourmet McDonald’s Meals by Chef Rey
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
16.
April 2014
Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
April 2014
17.
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 and hundreds of programs and degree plans. What are you waiting for? Go get it. It’s yours. Your journey begins here.
Register today at hccs.edu
Learn about our logistics program, and many more at HCC.
Experience Our World of Advertising,ItsMarketing, Media and Communication your future D-Mars Spring 2014 .indd 1
12/13/13 4:46 PM
18.
April 2014
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 | Experience Our World of Advertising, Marketing, Media and Communication
He Heard My Cry