Houston Style Magazine Vol 25 No 8

Houston Style Magazine February 20-26, 2014

Houston’s Premiere Weekly Publication

Volume 25 | Number 8

Complimentary

Jesse Jackson Talks

About America’s Gun Culture

Ledisi

Tells The Truth

JORDAN DAVIS

MURDER & MISTRIAL Words by Brandon Caldwell & Lisa Valadez

Macy’s Celebrates Black History

2015 Cadillac Escalade Revealed

Charis Simms Leading Innovation with Aio Wireless

H-E-B Slims Down Houston

N E W S | C O M M E N TA R I E S | S P O R T S | H E A LT H | E N T E R TA I N M E N T

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By Jo-Carolyn Goode

09 Ledisi Jordan Davis 10

By Dawn Paul

Volume 25 | Number 8 | February 20-26, 2014 EDITORIAL

FEATURE WRITERS

Francis Page, Jr. Publisher and Editor fpagejr@stylemagazine.com

By Brandon Caldwell & Lisa Valadez

Rebecca Briscoe National Entertainment Susie Stillwell - Entertainment Jo-Carolyn Goode Lan– Arts Managing Editor Mical Roy – Feature editorial@stylemagazine.com Yolanda Pope – Culinary Tonja Ward – Health Lisa Valadez Hispanic Managing Editor Dr. Lovell Jones – Health Editor lisa@stylemagazine.com Dr. Latisha Rowe – Health Editor Kim Davis – Sports Brandon Caldwell Heather Nelson – Health Online Editor Aiaina Mayes – Blogger bcaldwell@stylemagazine.com Demez White – Feature Dawn Paul – Feature DESIGN/WEB Lindsay Buchanan – Fashion Trevor G. Piper Burt Levine – Political Creative Director/Graphics webmaster@stylemagazine.com Jade Gold – Entertainment Eric Ford – Editorial Intern Kermit Williams De’Neisha Bell – Feature Web Master webmaster@stylemagazine.com Tianyi Sun – Editorial Intern Cynthia Nevels – Business Jeffery T. Crump, Jr. Gabrielle Deculus – Chief Designer webmaster@stylemagazine.com Account Manager/Events Coordinator Dee Dee Wheaton – Blogger Keandra Scott – Entertainment NATIONAL WRITERS Marilyn Moore – Interior Design Cecilia Smith - Entertainment JESSE JACKSON Erynn Haskins - Feature jjackson@rainbowpush.org Yvonne Guidry - Entertainment ROLAND MARTIN Raegan Allen - Arts www.rolandmartin.com Mimi - Feature JUDGE GREG MATHIS Abimbola Farinde - Health www.askjudgemathis.com Sloan Houd - Sports CIRCULATION Jessica Crawford - Feature Benjamin Phagan PHOTOGRAPHERS Distribution Manager VIDEOGRAPHY Vicky Pink Willie D. Scott, Jr. vhpink@gmail.com Reginald Dominique – Distribution Team 281.857.7635 Video/Social Media reggiedominique@me.com ADVERTISING/SALES Roswitha Vogler 225.802.1593 photosbyrovo@gmail.com Lewis Miller 832.876.9541 advertising@stylemagazine.com Dale Lemar - Editing 713-748-6300 Antohny W. Morris anthonymorris@att.net 832.785.4855 William Ealy Williamealy1906@gmail.com Sametra Scott semetra@artistikrebelcreative.com Joe English englishhst@gmail.com 832-888-6922

Ledisi

Minority Print Media, L.L.C.

dba Houston Style Magazine and Stylemagazine.com Phone: (713) 748-6300 • Fax: (713) 748-6320 Mail: P.O. Box 14035, Houston, TX 77221-4035

©2014 Houston Style Magazine, a Minority Print Media, L.L.C. Company. All Right Reserved.

Reproduction in whole or within part without permission is prohibited. Houston Style Magazine has a 2007 audit by Circulation Verification Council (CVC). Houston Style Magazine is a member of the Texas Publishers Association (TPA), Texas Community Newspaper Association (TCNA), National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), Independent Free Paper of America (IFPA), Association of Free Community Papers (AFCP) and Members of Greater Houston Partnership(GHP). National Association of Hispanic Publications, Inc. (NAHP, Inc.), Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (HHCC), League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Latin Women’s Initiative (LWI), National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), Houston Association of Hispanic Media Professionals (HAHMP), National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ), and Members of Greater Houston Partnership(GHP)

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COMMENTARY America: Guarded, Armed and Afraid

By Jesse Jackson National Writer

A

merica’s gun culture costs lives and feeds our fears.

Consider the most recent injustice in Florida, the verdict in the Michael Dunn case, and the most recent news about America’s “guard labor.”

In Jacksonville, Florida, Michael Dunn, a 47-year-old white man, was aggravated by the loud rap music coming from an SUV filled with 4 black teenagers in a convenience store parking lot. An exchange of insults ensued. Dunn, who was armed and clearly dangerous, claimed that he was threatened

by Jordan Davis, a 17-year-old high

school senior, and later claimed he saw the barrel of a shotgun coming from the SUV. There was no shotgun; no other witness saw anything that might resemble a shotgun.

Dunn opened his door and fired 10 shots into the SUV as it drove away, killing Jordan Davis. Dunn then drove away without calling the cops, and without ever mentioning that the boys had a shotgun.

Under Florida’s inane “Stand Your Ground” law, however, Dunn had the right to use lethal force to defend himself if he “reasonably” thought his life was threatened. Dunn’s lawyer said, “I don’t have to prove the threat, just that Mike Dunn believed it.” The Jacksonville jury found Dunn guilty of three counts of “attempted murder” in his strafing of the car, but they couldn’t come to a decision on his murder of Jordan Davis. In Florida, it is increasingly dangerous to be young, black and male.

In the New York Times on Monday, Samuel Bowles and Arjun Jayadev report in “One Nation Under Guard,” that the U.S. now employs more private security guards than high school teachers. Tallying up all of what they call “guard labor,” including police officers, pris-

on guards, soldiers, etc., they come to a figure of 5.2 million, more than all teachers at all levels. The “guard labor” share of the labor force in America has risen dramatically since the 1970s, as inequality has reached new extremes.

Bowles and Jayadev find that guard labor and inequality are connected. We have four times as much guard labor as Sweden, a country of equal living standards but far less inequality. States with extreme inequality like New York and Louisiana have far more of their workforce employed in guard labor than states with less inequality like Idaho and New Hampshire.

Bowles and Jayadev discount race as a factor, but obviously Sweden, New Hampshire and Idaho are also far less diverse than the U.S., New York and Lousiana, respectively.

Bowles and Jayadev note that social spending seems to decline as guard labor grows. The U.S. is spending more of its money on guards and less on opportunity.

One haunting feature of South Africa under apartheid was the extent to which the homes of the affluent whites were protected by walls, barbed wire and private guards. Fear of crime and of majorA

2 0 1 4

ity revolt pervaded the country.

Our gun and guard culture is, at root, also about fear. We pride ourselves on being the home of the brave and land of the free. But increasingly we are the home of the fearful, and land of the armed. Michael Dunn’s murderous rage was grounded in fear. Our soaring guard labor reflects rising fear. As Jacksonville demonstrated once more, guns can make those fears deadly.

We would be far better off investing in opportunity rather than fear, making the country less unequal and more confident in its diversity. Contrary to the NRA, spreading concealed weapons around makes our streets more, not less, dangerous. Contrary to real estate agents, gated communities and armed guards offer more provocation than protection. In the end, real security comes not from guards or guns, but from justice.

You can write to the Rev. Jesse Jackson in care of this newspaper or by email at jjackson@rainbowpush.org. Follow him on Twitter @RevJJackson.

Share this story online at www.Style Magazine.com

S A L U T E

T O

MALCOLM X

May 19, 1925 – February 21, 1965

Black History Month

▲“Unveiling of historic bust of abolitionist and women’s rights activist, Sojourner Truth in U. S. Capitol Rotunda, April, 2009.”

HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT NOTICE TO PROPOSERS The Houston Independent School District located in the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center at 4400 West 18th Street Houston, Texas 77092 will accept proposals, until the stated date and time deadlines, in the Board Services Office, Level C1 Project 14-02-07 – Project Title: RFP – Integrated Library Management System – with a deadline of 3:00 p.m. March 26, 2014. A Pre-Proposal Conference will be held in room 2E02 on March 3, 2014 at 10:00 A.M. CST for this project.

Proposals are available on the HISD web-site at www.houstonisd.org.

The District reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, or, to accept the proposal that is most advantageous to the District.

The District sells obsolete assets on-line at www.PublicSuprlus.com.

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February 20-February 26, 2014

“Freedom should never be taken for granted.” ▲ Still marching to protect our voting rights.

“Our rich history continues”....

Re-elect

CO N G R E S S WO M A N

18 T H CO N G R E S S I O N A L D I S T R I C T O F T E X A S

Paid for by the Sheila Jackson Lee Re-Elect Campaign.

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BUSINESS

By Jo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor

B

Charis Simms Thinking Differently to Achieve More

eing different isn’t the easiest thing to do, as one has to have enough courage to stand out from the crowd and conviction in their ideas. Aio Wireless is a company with courage and conviction.

Shaking up the wireless industry by giving customers exactly what they want, innovative technology with no contracts, Aio Wireless is a welcomed change. Helping with that pioneering thinking is Charis Simms, Aio Wireless’ Director of Devices and Accessories.

Simms admittedly says that she never imagined herself in the technology industry but loves where she is today. It is her belief that is one of reasons some girls don’t go into the tech field. Telling me that one doesn’t necessarily have to go the science route to get immersed in the field. And she should know.

Taking a different route to the tech industry herself, Simms has a background in international relations, which has afforded her the opportunity to work in India, South Africa and Mexico. All of her international study has led her on a path to have a broader scope and think differently.

This train of thinking and the desire

to give customers more aligns perfectly with the mission of Aio Wireless and with Simms own personal life. “All of my life I have always tried to make things better,” she said in our recent interview.

Beginning her career with the company before it even had a name, Simms is considered to be one of the old heads at Aio Wireless. She was drawn to the concept that Aio Wireless wanted to give the customer everything they want at a price they could afford. And the added factor of no contracts was a bonus.

The desire of the customer is at the forefront of Simms’ mind each day she goes to work. Like many of us, she says she is dependent on her smartphone and recognizes its vitality in society. “A world without cell phones would be lot slower,” said Simms, who knows what a world is like without them since she has lived half her life without a cell. She continued by speaking about how cell phones have given us more opportunities to connect. Utilizing the example of how people check in at different places on Facebook, Simms said

cell phones let us see that others we know are there too and there is the opportunity to connect someone you had not anticipated seeing that

(Charis Simms, Aio Wireless Director of Devices and Accesories)

day.

Being a techie, I had to asked Simms what she thought was the best device right now. Hands down it is the Motorola Moto G. Described as the BFF that you wish you had, the device is good for browsing, productivity and great pics and video. After viewing the phone I can see why it is a favor-

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ite for Simms. I am most impressed by its resistance to scratches and splashes since that typically is a problem for me as I drop my cell a lot.

As much as she loves technology and telecommunications, Simms loves to give back to her community. She has managed to marry this with her career. Annually, she participates in Aio Wireless’ Junior Achievement and United Ways campaigns. Through these avenues, she has been able to organize events that have raised thousands annually for the organizations.

Simms is an inspiration to the male dominated technology field for her inquisitive mind and heart for the customer. Her vision is helping to make our world an easier place to work and play.

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LOCAL BRIEFS

5th Ward Theater Gets Renovated The doors of the historic Deluxe Theater in the heart of Houston’s Fifth Ward have not been opened since 1973.

But that will soon change as the City of Houston Housing and Community Development Department in partnership with Texas Southern University and the Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation are sponsoring a multi-million dollar project to renovate the theater with a new purpose. Once known as a place to see a good movie, it will have the new purpose of being a facility for the arts complete with a theater, laboratory, and classroom space.

The Community Development Block Grant Fund and Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone 18 are funding the $5.5 million that will be used for the restoration project. It is scheduled to open in the fall of 2014.

For more information, visit www.fifthwardcrc.org

art and a place where artists come to get inspiration. However, after 37 years it is being forced to close its doors due to new ownership of the shopping center in which it is housed. Community leaders and art lovers have rallied in attempts to give Black Heritage Gallery owner Robbie Sutton more time in the space to no avail. She has to be out by the end of the month. The new property owners told KTRK Channel 13 that they are not tearing down the building but giving it new life. In addition, he added that Sutton would be given first right of refusal on moving back in.

For more information, (Robbie Lee, Owner of Black Heritage Gallery) visit www.blackheritagehouston.com

the best.

For more information, visit www.disneydreamersacademy.com.

The House that Ching Built Houston Habitat for Humanity is saying cha-ching after former Houston Dynamo Brian Ching presented a sizeable donation in the amount of $130,000 for The House that Ching built. According to the official release, monies were raised through a variety of events in celebration of Ching’ s retirement from the Dynamos, culminating with the Brian Ching Testimonial Match presented by BBVA Compass. The house that is now under construction is located on Houston’s North East side and will be the future home of the Garcia-Andrade family. So much money was raised that Habitat for Humanity will have enough money to build a second home for a deserving family.

For more information, visit www.houstondynamo.com.

Houston Teen is Closer to His Dreams

(Mayor Annise Parker with Councilman Jerry Davis and other notables at ground breaking)

Black Heritage Gallery Closing Its Doors The Black Heritage Gallery is home for those who love

Page 6

All high school junior Darin McMahon wants to do in life is draw cartoons. He told KTRK Channel 13 he loves to draw and watch cartoons and simply figure out how they move. Thanks to Disney’s Dreamers Academy he is one step closer to his dreams. During his spring break this year, he will travel to Orlando, FL for an all expense paid weeklong trip to learn about the adventures of Disney World.

In the program, started by Steve Harvey, McMahon along with others will get the opportunity to learn what happens on stage and behind the scenes of Disney World. He will also get the opportunity to talk animation with the best of

February 20-February 26, 2014

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(Brain Cushing presenting Houston Habitat for Humanity $130, 000 donation)

Competitive Sealed Proposal Notice for Burbank Elementary School and Cullen Middle School Roofing Replacement

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Project Number: 14-02-04 Houston Independent School District The Houston Independent School District will receive Competitive Sealed Proposals from contractors for roofing replacement work at Burbank Elementary School and Cullen Middle School. The work includes, but is not limited to, existing roof replacement. These roofs have existing roof-top equipment that must be accommodated in the proposal.

Please note the phasing and timeframes for construction. Proposals are due no later than Tuesday, March 11, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. at 4400 West 18th Street, Office of Board Services, Houston, TX 77092. The price proposals will be opened and the amounts read aloud.

Burbank Elementary School is located at 216 Tidwell, Houston TX 77022-2046. Cullen Middle Schools is located at 6900 Scott Street, Houston TX 77021-4899.

The Request for Competitive Sealed Proposal (RFCSP), which includes plans and specifications, will be available beginning Monday, February 24 2014, and may be obtained from ARC Document Solutions-Ridgways-PBK, 11 nd Greenway Plaza, 22 Floor, Houston, TX 77046 v. 713-965-0608, f. 713-961-4571 upon refundable deposit of $150.00 for each set of plans and specifications. Documents in portable document format (pdf) are also available from ARC Document Solutions-Ridgways-PBK on disk for $50.00. Deposit checks should be made payable to HISD. nd Any questions regarding documents are to be addressed to PBK-Facilities Division, 11 Greenway Plaza, 22 Floor, Houston, TX 77046, Todd Spore, todd.spore@pbk.com, v. 713-965-0608, f. 713-961-4571.

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The Competitive Sealed Proposal process will be utilized as authorized in H.B. No. 628, Legislative Session 82 (R)-2011. The Competitive Sealed Proposal process enables HISD to select contractors on the basis of price and qualifications/methodology.

M/WBE Forms, Schedules and Statements, as required by Section AB of the RFCSP and in accordance with the Office of Business Assistance, will be received at 12:00 Noon, Thursday, March 13 2014, in the O f f i c e o f B o a r d S e r v i c e s , 4400 West 18th Street, Houston, TX 77092. PROPOSALS SUBMITTED WITHOUT M/WBE FORMS PROPERLY COMPLETED WILL BE CONSIDERED NON RESPONSIVE.

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A Pre-Proposal Conference will be held at 9:30 a.m., February 27, 2014, at Burbank Elementary School at 216 Tidwell, Houston TX 77022-2046. Site walks will be conducted at each school following the Pre-Proposal Conference.

For additional information rhooks@houstonisd.org.

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Drawings and Specifications for the RFCSP may be reviewed at the following Houston locations: Associated General Contractors, 3825 Dacoma Street, Houston, TX 77092, (713) 843-3700 HISD Construction Services Office (Bond), 3200 Center Street, Houston, TX 77007, (713) 556-9250 McGraw Hill Construction/Dodge, www.construction.com Virtual Builders Exchange, 3910 Kirby, #131, Houston, TX 77098, (832) 613-0201

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POLITICAL

E

By Burt Levine, Political Writer

arly voting began Tuesday, February 18 and last through Friday, February 28 for the increasingly important Tuesday, March 4 Texas Democratic and Republican Party Primaries that will decide who represents the main two parties in the November 4 general election for everything from US Senate and Congress, to Governor and many of the state’s other top spots to County Commissioner, Justice of the Peace and Constable critical in many issues.

The first position on everyone’s ballot throughout Texas will be for US Senate for the nomination for the seat held by Texas’ senior Senator John Cornyn since he won the seat to succeed Phil Gramm in 2002. Cornyn has Tea Party Republicans angry because they see his support for Texas’ Junior US Senator Ted Cruz as soft and are blaming him for not fighting in the fall hard enough against President Obama’s Affordable Healthcare Act. Cornyn has seven in his race on the Republican Primary Ballot including US Rep. for the Clear Lake area Steve Stockman.

No Democratic Party candidate has won statewide for 20 years in Texas but this year five have filed

African American Voters Pose Challenge To March Texas Democratic Party Primary hoping to face Cornyn in the fall.

Those five include Harry Kim, Kesha Rodgers, Dentist David M. Alameel, Attorney Michael Fjetland that ran as an independent and as a Republican numerous times years ago against Tom DeLay and Maxey Marie Scherr. Rodgers ran in 2012 and ‘10 as the Democrat for US House District 22 against Pete Olson.

She runs with posters that have pictures of President Obama made up to look like Adolf Hitler and campaigns with the theme that she wants to impeach President Obama for what she calls “High Crimes and Misdemeanors.” In 2012 she had two Democratic Party Primary opponents that had Anglo male names but it is believed because her name is Kesha Rodgers she won the Democratic Party Primary even with her anti-Obama campaign.

The most powerful law enforcement position in Harris County is District Attorney. The District Attorney charges the allegations

against suspected criminals and then prosecutes those that are accused. In 2012 the Democratic Party including most African American Harris County elected officials were hoping and pushing for a Democratic Primary win for Zach Fertita who is the nephew of restaurant owner Tillman Fertita and was a promising skilled prosecutor.

Lloyd Oliver is an attorney that spent almost no money in his campaign, admitted he had no interest in winning the general election for Harris County DA but said it would be advertising for his law practice for him to run and he did nothing in his campaign to win whatsoever. Oliver in the Democratic Primary for Harris County District Attorney won because it is believed African American voters that are the biggest block of the Democratic Primary identified more with the name Oliver than they would the ethnically exotic name Fertita.

This time famous crime fighter, the former executive di-

BOOK REVIEW

I’ll Take You There

or as long as you can remember, there’s always been someone in your corner.

A sibling watched out for you on the playground. A teacher took you aside for extra tutoring. A neighbor watched your home, so you’d be safe. Someone mentored you, someone fed you, someone put you on the right path.

For most kids, though, the first advocate was a parent. And in the new book “I’ll Take You There” by Greg Kot, you’ll see how one father’s push left a mark on his family and on music.

Born on a “cold Mississippi Delta” in 1915, Roebuck Staples knew enough to stay away from white folks. He also understood that his father’s sharecropping life wasn’t his own future. No, Roebuck was obsessed with the guitar at a time when guitarists could make good money so, at age 21, he moved to Chicago where he took a series of jobs to care for the family he’d had by then.

Before long, there were four children to feed: a boy and three girls (later, a fourth). There wasn’t much

money to go around, so the children sometimes spent school years with their grandmother in Mississippi – but when the family was together, Roebuck (now called Pops) taught his children to sing.

Singing was something the Staples kids did often. Their neighborhood friends included Lou Rawls, Johnnie Taylor, and Sam Cooke; Muddy Waters, Nat “King” Cole, and Duke Ellington also performed in the area, although Pops insisted that his family stick to gospel songs. By the late 1940s, churches on Chicago’s South Side were delighted to host the Staple Singers, headed up by 8-year-old Mavis.

By 1953, Pops had recorded his family’s performance and was shopping for record labels. When Mavis graduated from high school in 1957, the family began touring.

By the early 1960s, they’d performed many times in the South.

But the South wasn’t like it was when Pops left it during the Depression years, and neither was music.

Folk songs “merged” with the civil rights movement by 1963. Pops Staple, impressed with Dr. King’s

F

By Terri Schichenmeyer, Literary Writer

Page 8

February 20-February 26, 2014

by Greg Kot

work, started writing and performing songs to reflect society then.

And thus, says Kot, “The Staple Singers were unabashedly freedom fighters.”

Though it focused a little too much on dates and discography, I was overall impressed here. “I’ll Take You There” is a darn good story.

Whisking readers over a span of nearly 100 years, author Greg Kot presents a roller-coaster ride of the highs and lows of one of gospel and soul’s most iconic families. What I loved the best about it was seeing other singers and another time through the eyes of Mavis Staples, who is Kot’s main interviewee. That brought me back to my parents’ living room, a scratchy LP, and things I’d almost forgotten.

This is a great look at history, both musically and culturally, and though the dates-and-discography part can overwhelm, I think it’s worth reading. If you’re particularly a fan of soul, R&B, or gospel, “I’ll Take You There” is a book you’ll want to corner.

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rector of Crime Stoppers in Harris County Kim Ogg is running in the Democratic Primary and at the last minute Oliver filed again. Ogg has raised more than $100,000.00 and has appeared at parades such as the Martin Luther King and says she is taking nothing for granted but knows African Americans have voted for Oliver before despite his not being black, not campaigning for their vote or wanting to serve.

The Democratic Party and Democratic Party Officials including most African American officials tried tirelessly to distance themselves from Rodgers and Oliver after the primaries in 2012 but by then it was too late because more people voted for them than voted for their opponents.

Before voting in any election it is critical to learn as much as you can about the candidates.

c.2014, Scribner $26.00 / $29.99 Canada 309 pages

ENTERTAINMENT The Truth Behind Ledisi

W

By Dawn Paul, Entertainment Writer

hen you think of soul songstress Ledisi one of the first things that comes to mind of course is that stellar voice or those signature locs, but for me, I think about the woman behind the vocals. I think about the amazing spirit of Ledisi. Among Ledisi’s long list of accomplishments is deservingly receiving eight Grammy nominations including a nod for “Best New Artist” in 2008 and being invited to the White House more times than Oprah (we laughed). After all the accolades and much more to come, Ledisi still remains humble and true to her fans, her music and herself with her new album The Truth that drops March 11th.

Ledisi’s new album The Truth takes fans on her fascinating journey of self-discovery. At her exclusive listening event, I heard samples of this anticipated album and Ledisi does just that, she tells the real and raw truth about life and love. That Good Good and 88 Boxes are titles to some of the songs on The Truth album that were played and she received major applause. After getting out of a toxic relationship Ledisi could have done like other female artists and given fans a compilation of male bashing ballads, but she does just the opposite. She focuses instead on her

own journey of growth and shows us that fiery feminine side of Ledisi with fresh beats that have a lively tempo. Ledisi says, “I’m telling my truth, not his. If he wants to tell you his truth, he can.”

On Ledisi’s awe-inspiring journey of self love, it wasn’t just about the internal transformation, but the external as well. Late last year at Black Girls Rock!

Ledisi confidently rocked the BET stage with a sexy black cat suit showing off her fabulous new physique performing her hit single I Blame You. Her decision to lead a healthy lifestyle had nothing to do with promoting The Truth album. She decided to go back to one of her loves, which was dance.

She wanted to have fun losing weight and she was inspired by the confidence of the women in her dance class rockin’ it while embracing their shapes and curves. Ledisi is taking care of her body and feeling more beautiful than ever before on the inside and out. Ledisi says, “I got healthy for me.”

She’s got to be at her physical best with a major tour kicking off in April. Essence has partnered

23 March 4nned to ts are pla n e v e d n xhibits a ils.

Special e vent deta e r fo m o ohouston.c Visit rode

celebrate

with Ledisi for this 30 city tour promoting The Truth. Toronto, Las Vegas and New York are just a few of the cities where Ledisi will grace the stage singi n g

Ledisi songs from The Truth album.

Ledisi’s fans can expect the same intimacy she always brings to each performance with something a little new, different and unexpected.

ge Day,

Black Herita

Ledisi is definitely always a strong force on the stage and she guarantees that fans won’t be disappointed with this new album and tour. The Truth album is an amazing expression of Ledisi’s growth and with this new album and tour she will give fans the unique opportunity to continue to grow with her.

I’ve interviewed many newsmakers, but after interviewing Ledisi, I can honestly say that she has one of the most genuine spirits I’ve experienced. The interview was just that, an experience. Her welcoming presence and kind spirit made me feel like I have known her for years. Ledisi’s The Truth album highlights her new liberation, but she honestly admits that like the rest of us, she continues to grow. This latest project proves why she’s a major force in the music business that has the ability to not just entertain, but to genuinely connect with her fans.

The Truth album drops March 11th. For more information on Ledisi, her music and tour dates, please visit www.ledisi.com or follow her on Twitter and Instagram at @ledisi.

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FEATURE

What Is Life Worth?

On Michael Dunn, Jordan Davis and Stand Your Ground

By Brandon Caldwell, Online Editor & Lisa Valadez, Managing Editor

Jordan Davis

Michael Dunn

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S

ilence.

As Michael Dunn stood in front of judge and jury awaiting his fate last Saturday afternoon, his face writhed a bit when he heard the echoing sonance of the word “guilty”.

Guilt.

Some may have cheered in that Jacksonville, FL courtroom but the caterwauling outside of it told a much different story. Bitterness, curses, anguishes. “Again,” some muttered.

“It happened again.”

Dunn’s verdict, in the wake of the senseless killing of 17-year-old Jordan Davis didn’t really change how people view youths in our country, especially those of a minority complexion. It barely even registered as a puddle in the long river of pain and confusion that is young life extinguished over senseless acts of violence. Instead, the verdict gave somewhat of a “go ahead” on those who ever thought about provoking a black male and then shooting them dead.

Sure, that statement may be just a bit over the top but let’s face it, what did the Dunn trial prove? Provoke an unarmed black male into a confrontation, shoot him dead because of fear of life, claim the ‘Stand Your Ground Defense’, and get off on a murder charge all while tarnishing the character of a deceased black teen.

Every recent trial, from that of Trayvon Martin’s killer George Zimmerman to Dunn hasn’t completely zeroed in on the man on trial but rather the deceased. “What about him seemed so threatening?” the defense will argue. “What made him strike so much fear that the defendant had to use deadly force in order to protect himself?”

What Davis’ family got was a void still left as round as unfulfilled as when the case began. A “little bit” of closure in the words of the victim’s mother Lucia McBath but a little may not be enough.

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What Davis’ three friends received was something similar. The man who aimed a nine millimeter at them and fired 10 rounds, so unaware of the nature of his actions that he returned to his hotel room, walked his dog, ordered a pizza, was convicted of nearly killing them – they lost as well. Although Dunn was found guilty on charges of attempted murder, Michael Davis’ three friends – Tevin Thompson, Leland Bronson, and Tommy Stornes must carry with them each and everyday the fact that even their testimony wasn’t good enough to help convict the man that senselessly murdered their friend.

Those three young men now walk with a rather eerie feeling, that the attempt on their life may mean more to the courts and Florida’s dogged gun laws than the death of their friend in the backseat of that red SUV.

ca– just like the “Stand Your Ground” defense.

We’ve heard it over and over again but what exactly is the “talk” and why is it important? For years, parents of minority youth have taught their sons to not travel in packs—it may draw negative attention. Don’t walk too fast because someone might think you did something wrong.

However, make sure not to walk too slow because it may seem like you’re looking for trouble.

Don’t give someone reason to wrongly perceive your actions especially if you find yourself in in a neighborhood you’re not familiar with. Most importantly, do not ride around with your windows down blasting your music – it may anger others. Unfortunately, for Jordan Davis, this happened. He was with three other young men, the music in the vehicle was playing too loud and it angered someone – Michael Dunn.

The sad reality is that what happened to Martin, Davis and other teens across the county is that it could happen right at home. Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” laws only seem to benefit those who ultimately say they felt threatened well after the fact. Modifying those laws in the wake of these verdicts has yet to occur but it needs to “Tell me, what’s a life worth?” happen. Even if a minority tries to protect themselves before an incident occurs such as the case Davis was a student at Samuel W. Wolfson High of Florida mother of three Marissa Alexander, School, a magnet school in Duval County, FL. the cracks in the law are too visible to be ignored.

That platitude doesn’t completely justify why he was shot after a confrontation but it places more For parents have become way too numb to the context to this degree – no matter how high idea that the justice system will give their chilour youth scale, the most generic perceptions dren what they deserve. They’re only left to pray of them will be what they are judged on. That and grieve, while “the law” seems to only protect theory played heavily on the jury, who initially the aggressor. held a 10-2 verdict and eventually deadlocked at 9-3. In an interview with ‘Nightline’ earlier this Life, as it seems is only worth another court case, week, Juror #4 explained why such a decision impossible verdict and wonder if change is ever was made, “[the three holdouts] believed that truly going to come. regardless, Dunn believed he was in danger of great bodily injury or death.” To the jury members who swayed another, as long as Dunn said he felt threatened, regardless of evidence showing no weapon in the SUV– he was justified in shooting ten times.

And all it beckons to a simple question that need be answered: why are our minority youth deemed to be so threatening, even when they’re the ones provoked?

Provoke confrontation, end confrontation. Win. The “talk”. It’s a sad reality within Black Ameri-

February 20-February 26, 2014

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2014 H-E-B Slim Down Showdown Contestants Kick Off Photography By Roswitha Vogler

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n Friday, February 7, 2014, Houston Style Magazine was on hand at the H-E-B on West Alabama as the H-E-B Slim Down Showdown Contestants kicked off their 14-week weight loss journey with pantry makeovers. Contestants were treated to a complete makeover of their pantries during an in-store shopping tour led by an H-E-B dietitian. H-E-B selected a combination of 30 H-E-B Partners (employees) and customers from around the state to compete in the 2014 Slim Down Showdown, giving them a chance to win a $10,000 grand prize or a $5,000 “health hero” prize. The contest began Jan. 6 with an intensive, weeklong wellness program in San Antonio and will continue for the next 12 weeks. Anyone can follow their journey by visiting the website Heb.com/slimdown.

TSU Students Win $7,500 from Verizon Wireless

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Photography By Anthony Gordon

n Saturday, February 15, 2014, Houston Style Magazine was on hand at Texas Southern University’s Health and Physical Education Arena as Verizon Wireless named a Texas Southern University Student as the second place winner of the National Ultimate Reign Competition. Nathaniel Harris III, Homecoming King at Texas Southern University (TSU), was awarded $5,000 towards his community service initiative, a $2,500 personal scholarship and a Motorola 4G LTE tech pack in recognition of his efforts to creating a mobile app “Freshman First” that will support incoming freshman throughout their first academic year at Texas Southern University. In its second year, Verizon Wireless’ National Ultimate Reign Competition elected Queens and Kings of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) who submitted 1- to 2-minute videos about how they will use Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE technology and devices to promote their community platforms. The competition recognized the accomplishments of elected HBCU Homecoming Kings and Queens with a chance to win some great prizes and an opportunity to make a difference in the cause of their choice. This is TSU’s second time winning The Ultimate Reign Competition in second place. The check presentation was done during half-time of the Texas Southern University vs. Grambling State University men’s basket ball game.

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UNIVERSAL PICTURES AND STUDIOCANAL PRESENT A SILVER PICTURES PRODUCTION IN ASSOCIATION WITH ANTON CAPITAL ENTERTAINMENT S.C.A. AND LOVEFILM A JAUME COLLET-SERRA FILM LIAM NEESON “NON-STOP” JULIANNE MOORE SCOOT M C NAIRY MICHELLE DOCKERY NATE PARKER JASON BUTLER HARNER AND ANSON MOUNT MUSICBY JOHN OTTMAN EXECUTIVE STORY PRODUCED PRODUCERS STEVE RICHARDS RON HALPERN OLIVIER COURSON HERBERT W. GAINS JEFF WADLOW

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Macy’s Celebrates Black History Month Photography By Vicky Pink

n Saturday, February 8, 2014, Houston Style Magazine was on hand at Macy’s Galleria at Hidalgo as Macy’s celebrated Black History Month with a retrospect O on how African American fashion influenced pop culture through the decades. The event featured journalist and style expert Constance White and model and actress Beverly Johnson and was hosted by Houston Chronicle Fashion Editor Joy Sewing.

Following the discussion, attendees enjoyed a special reception and fabulous fashion. Plus, with any purchase of $50 or more during the event, attendees received a preview copy of the new book “Constance White Presents the Queens & Kings of Style.” Some in attendance were Macy’s Kristyn Page, Francis Page Jr., Julie Griffith, Rev. Leslie Smith, Nakia Cooper, Vernita Harris, and Andrea Bonner.

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2015 Cadillac Escalade Ride and Drive Reception Photography By Vicky Pink

On Monday, February 17, 2014, Houston Style Magazine was on hand at Stewart Cadillac for the exclusive invitation only 2015 Cadillac Escalade Ride and Drive Reception. The all new 2015 Cadillac Escalade was on-site for demonstration and test drives. Pre-production orders were taken for anxious customers at the affair. All in attendance had a great time. The 2015 Cadillac Escalade will hit showroom floors in the spring of 2014 and will have a starting price of $71,695.

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