Weekly Report 2-10

Celebrating Women’s History Month

By Edward Pollard Contributing Writer

March is Women’s History Month – a month that gives us the opportunity to commemorate and celebrate the vital role of women in American history. There are so many women who never make headlines or evening news coverage, but accomplish heroic feats on a daily basis and contribute to the overall progress of women everywhere. As a boy being reared by a single mother, every day I witnessed my mother being superwoman. She had to provide for two children (one with autism), as well as take care of household responsibilities. She was a college professor during the day, a student studying for her doctorate in the evenings, and still had time to make it to every one of my basketball games, school performances, and everything else in between. From the outside looking in, she never displayed any worry or doubt; she never communicated any of her struggles or barriers, but I’m certain she had many. In classic woman form, she leaned on her strong faith, pressed forward, and did not make excuses. She made it happen.

As a Houston City Council Member, I have the privilege to serve with nine extraordinary women. When I was elected in 2019, I was the only male joining an incoming class of eight other women. On the campaign trail, I rarely heard people talk about the possibility of electing more women to council than men, but at our council freshman orientation, we all looked around the room and noticed, “wow, other than Pollard, it’s all women.”

For the first time in our city’s 183-year history, we have a majority of women on city council, serving in 9 of the 16 seats, each elected solely on intellect, merit, and hard work. Also, for the first time, we have five black female council members. In each of the historically African American districts (B, D, and K), all three are represented by black women. In the long history of District F, which represents primarily Alief, residents there have never elected a woman or black person before, until now. Additionally, we also have the first Muslim woman serving on council in our city’s history.

We are seeing a political shift all over the nation, but especially locally here in Harris County. Women are outvoting men at the polls, and women are winning many bids for public office traditionally held by men. Not only do we have more women than men on city council, we also have more women than men serving on judicial benches in our Harris County courts, as well as the first woman being elected Harris County Judge, our county’s highest ranking elected official. However, for all the strides women continue to make in every space in society, they still face many barriers that need to be permanently knocked down, such as pay inequity, motherhood penalties, sexual harassment, and others. Many of the challenges women face have a foundation laid with a lack of respect for them and what they have to offer. The contributions of women must be not only acknowledged and celebrated, but they must be seen and felt in a tangible way from the living room to the board room. And in the words of the late Supreme Court Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made.”

In my own life, the contributions and sacrifices of my wife – the first in her family to graduate from college, then earn her law degree – have allowed me to pursue many of my own ambitions. Moreover, every person can likely think of many women who have poured into their lives to shape you into who you are. We must value women, for without them there would be no us. Women are phenomenal, and I am honored to recognize them for Women’s History Month, where I have no doubt that as the history book continues to be written, the pages will be filled with more progression, accomplishment, and success.

10 Tips To Support Small Businesses

By d-mars.com News Provider

The COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult on small businesses. Whether it's a local eatery, service provider, retail store or another type of business, when you shop small, you're supporting a real person who is striving to keep his or her entrepreneurial dream alive.

"Small businesses are the heart of our country and Ball® home canning products business," says Kris Malkoski, CEO of the Food Business Unit at Newell Brands. "We have been moved by the love our small business customers have shown their communities this past year. Still many small businesses are facing hardships and they need our support now more than ever."

You can personally help make a difference by considering 10 simple ways to support small businesses:

Shop now: No need to wait for a sale or special event. By shopping now you're putting muchneeded funds into a small business that is

depending on income each month to make ends meet and keep doors open.

Reverse shopping: Rather than thinking of the recipient and then where to shop for a gift, think of the shop first and then the recipients that would most like items from that particular business.

Go online: For small businesses that offer e-commerce options, be sure to consider online orders that ship directly to your home. This is a safe and convenient way to support your favorite businesses.

Shop in person: For businesses with physical locations, visit shops in person if you can use proper safety measures. If you know what you want, many businesses let you order ahead and opt for curbside or doorway pickup as well.

Consider gift cards: Not sure what to buy? Gift cards are always one of the most desired gifts, so if you need to send a little love to a loved one, wrap up a gift certificate in a beautiful card and feel good about your present choice. Leave reviews: Online reviews can make a big difference for small businesses in expanding clientele. Go online and leave rave reviews for your

favorite stores and why others should support them as well to help spread the word.

Be vocal: In addition to online reviews, talk up your favorite small businesses among friends. From independent restaurants to local service providers, use your voice as a powerful tool to build their reputation and support growth.

Partnerships: Look for small businesses who partner together to offer products or services that complement each other in packages, such as a gift basket bundle featuring your favorite local treats. You'll support multiple businesses at once and often get a discount compared to buying separately.

Double up: For businesses like independent coffee shops or bakeries, consider a larger order. For example, go with that grande latte and order two dozen cookies to share with your neighbors.

Be patient: Small businesses are dealing with a multitude of challenges these days, from supply chain holdups to sluggish shipping and beyond. Your kindness is valued and your patience is crucial during these times.

"Actions big and small will help make a difference," says Malkoski. "This is our time to give back to the businesses that help build our culture and communities, and we at Newell Brands want to give back too."

Source: BPT

BYRON ALFRED

FOUNDER | BOARD CERTIFIED TRIAL LAWYER

Obtained a $44 Million jury verdict in a Refinery

Wrongful Death case. #1 Work Injury Verdict in Texas for 2018

Secured Largest Settlement in Texas History for a School District Sexual Assault Case in 2019

First African-American Lead Counsel Inducted to Texas Verdicts Hall of Fame

Over $100M in Verdicts and Settlements since 2015

Inducted into Multi Million Dollar Advocates Forum

Super Lawyers Rising Star Since 2016

TYPES OF CASES

Refinery Injuries

Work Injuries

Oilfield Injuries

Car Accidents

Bus Accidents

Wrongful Death

Truck Injuries

Insurance Claims

Dangerous Products

Defective Products

Jones Act Injuries

Maritime Injuries