Houston Style Magazine Vol 25 No 16 by Houston Style Magazine (HSM)

Houston Style Magazine April 17-April 23, 2014

Houston’s Premiere Weekly Publication

Volume 25 | Number 16

Complimentary

Jesse Jackson LBJ’s Legacy

MENTAL ILLNESS:

Transcendence

Takes Love For A.I. To The Next Level

THE MASK THAT IS HARDLY EVER NOTICED Words: Jo-Carolyn Goode | Photo of Karyn Washington by Persnickety Photography

Borris Miles Hosts Wendy Davis’ Meet and Greet

H-E-B Supports Food Bank’s Annual Chefs’ Dinner

T.W. Shannon

Bids For US Senate From The South

Maurice Hennessy Visits 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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06 07 Transcendence Karyn Washington 10

New HISD Mascots Local Briefs

By Cecilia Smith

Volume 25 | Number 15 | April 10-April 16, 2014 EDITORIAL

FEATURE WRITERS Rebecca Briscoe Francis Page, Jr. National Entertainment Publisher and Editor Susie Stillwell - Entertainment fpagejr@stylemagazine.com Lan– Arts Mical Roy – Feature Jo-Carolyn Goode Yolanda Pope – Culinary Managing Editor Tonja Ward – Health editorial@stylemagazine.com Dr. Lovell Jones – Health Editor Lisa Valadez Dr. Latisha Rowe – Health Editor Hispanic Managing Editor Kim Davis – Sports lisa@stylemagazine.com Heather Nelson – Health Aiaina Mayes – Blogger Brandon Caldwell Demez White – Feature Online Editor bcaldwell@stylemagazine.com Dawn Paul – Feature Lindsay Buchanan – Fashion Burt Levine – Political DESIGN/WEB Jade Gold – Entertainment Eric Ford – Editorial Intern Trevor G. Piper De’Neisha Bell – Feature Graphic Design webmaster@stylemagazine.com Tianyi Sun – Editorial Intern Cynthia Nevels – Business Kermit Williams Gabrielle Deculus – Web Master webmaster@stylemagazine.com Account Manager/Events Coordinator Dee Dee Wheaton – Blogger Jeffery T. Crump, Jr. Keandra Scott – Entertainment Chief Designer Marilyn Moore – Interior Design webmaster@stylemagazine.com Cecilia Smith - Entertainment Erynn Haskins - Feature Yvonne Guidry - Entertainment NATIONAL WRITERS Raegan Allen - Arts Mimi - Feature JESSE JACKSON jjackson@rainbowpush.org Abimbola Farinde - Health Sloan Houd - Sports ROLAND MARTIN Jessica Crawford - Feature www.rolandmartin.com Marcus Carter - Culinary Writer JUDGE GREG MATHIS Franceli Chapman - Entertainment www.askjudgemathis.com CIRCULATION PHOTOGRAPHERS

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©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

Jesse Jackson

National Writer

ifty years later, former President Lyndon Johnson got the tribute he more than earned. Four presidents praised his contribution. The Great Society, the War on Poverty, Civil Rights Act and Voting Right Act opened doors that had been locked. “I lived out the promise of LBJ’s efforts,” said President Obama, rejecting the cynicism of those who would dismantle Medicare and food stamps, signature LBJ achievements. Bill Clinton praised LBJ for demonstrating “the power of the presidency to redeem the promise of America.” Getting our history right is vital. For decades, LBJ’s achievements have been slighted. Liberals scorned him because of the war in Vietnam, and finally drove him to not seek re-election. Conservatives loathed him because of the Civil Rights achievements, with Republicans moving to

LOCAL BRIEFS

LBJ’s Legacy: Honored and Under Assault displace Democrats as the party of the South. The War on Poverty, which dramatically reduced poverty in America, was dismissed as a failure, as the anger of the cities exploded. New Democrats dismissed him for believing in big government, as they tacked to a conservative era. In fact, as the Civil Rights Summit at the LBJ Library in Austin, Texas recognized last week, Johnson was a giant, standing with Franklin Roosevelt and Abraham Lincoln as presidents who saved America. Under Johnson, the scourge of segregation was finally ended, and equal protection under the law moved from a lie to a promise. Millions were lifted from poverty, as the poor were provided a ladder up out of despair. Johnson’s reforms -- Civil Rights, Voting Rights, Immigration, Medicare, child nutrition, food stamps and more -- were nearly as great as those of FDR, and never matched since. Johnson was propelled by a massive movement for Civil Rights, as Americans moved at the courage and dignity of ordinary heroes willing to stand up or sit down, protest or march, suffer abuse and jail for their rights. He was helped by allies like Dr. Martin Luther King. In the wake of the assas-

the new mascots will cost an estimated $50,000 and $38,000 to change the mascots out on the schools’ properties.

New HISD Mascot Signage

Four HISD Schools Get New Mascots for 2014-2015 School Year

our HoustonISD schools will start the 2014-2015 school year with a new look with the reveal of their new mascots this past Tuesday. HISD Superintendent Terry Grier, along with the principals of the four schools, made the announcements of the switch from the controversial mascots to the new approved mascots. The change comes after the HISD Board of Education officially made a new policy against schools using any race or ethnic group as a mascot or nickname. Hamilton Middle School Indians are now the Huskies; Lamar High School Redskins were renamed the Texans; Welch Middle School Warriors will be known as the Wolf Pack; and Westbury High School Rebels will be called the Huskies. HISD has calculated that the cost of changing school uniforms with

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sination of JFK, he had a legacy that he could invoke. But his leadership, passion, energy and skill were indispensable. President Obama invoked one of LBJ’s famed lines: “what the hell is the presidency for if not to fight for causes you believe in?” Acknowledging Johnson’s greatness in our rear view mirror is important in part because it may help our vision looking forward through the windshield. Today, America is more unequal than ever. Our schools are segregated, by race and by class, separate and unequal. We rank second to the lowest among industrial nations in the assistance we provide to the poor. In LBJ’s time, we enjoyed a broad middle class --for many, there were good jobs and good benefits. Now the middle class is sinking; we suffer mass unemployment with the jobs that are being created too often low pay and part-time. The millennial generation is graduating into the worst economic straits since the Great Depression. And across the country, basic rights are under assault. State after state, particularly across the South, are passing measures to suppress voting -- limiting voting days, ending Sunday voting, demanding voter ID, stripping

he Stand in Eliminating Racism movement is a collaboration of over 100 YWCA Associations nationwide and their 3,000+ community partners. In 2013, over 30 million people took a Stand Against Racism, and that number is expected to increase 2014. The YWCA Houston is sounding the alarm and calling on all individuals to join them in taking a bold Stand in Eliminating Racism on April 25th by

Police with Immigrants

Police Find Over 100 Immigrants Held Hostage in a Houston Home

hen Houston authorities answered a call to help what they thought was one family in distressed turn out to be 110 undocumented immigrants who needed help. Smugglers were allegedly holding the immigrants in an attempt to collect money from the immigrants’ families for their freedom. Police were tipped off when one of those held hostage said a drop of more immigrants failed and were missing. After police surveillance, five suspects have been taken into custody.

The YWCA of Houston Takes a “Stand in Eliminating Racism”

April 17-April 23, 2014

wearing orange/persimmon and using their social media outlets to take a Stand in Eliminating Racism. In an effort to paint a clear picture of how racism involves a multitude of individuals, they will be hosting a panel discussion on racism, focusing on the fact that every woman has a journey. They will honor Charlotte Bryant of the Blue Triangle Community Center who has experienced racism first hand.

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the right to vote from non-violent drug offenders who have served their time, and more. The Supreme Court has weakened the Voting Rights Act, and is rolling back affirmative action. Republicans in the Congress want to turn Medicare into a voucher, gut Medicaid and turn it into a block grant, slash food stamps, Pell grants and other support for the vulnerable. A detailed analysis by the Center of Budget and Policy Proposals finds 69 percent of the cuts in the budget just passed by Republicans in the House come from programs from poor and low wageworkers. We do well to honor Lyndon Johnson. He understood the power of government to make America better. But it is not enough to honor his legacy. It is time to stir ourselves, as he pushed himself, to not simply defend his contributions, but to extend them to meet the challenges of our day. 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.stylemagazine.com.

Local Church School is at Odds with Realty Company Over $380K

or years church worshippers and students at the St. Thomas Episcopal Church and School have parked at the Meyerland Plaza parking lot for free. That may soon come to an end as the new owners of the parking lot now want the church to pay $380,000 a year to use the parking lot. Rev. David Browder told KPRC 2 that for the past 60 years the visitors to St. Thomas have use the lot since there is very limited parking in the area. Plus the church can’t afford the hefty price tag that is being presented to them. Currently church officials are trying to negotiate with the soon to be new owners, Fidelis Realty Partners, and exploring parking options on their church property.

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HEALTH

By Mimi LaRue, Feature Writer

Mastering the Basics of Working Out with Kira Stokes

orget the fancy workout gear. You need nothing more than your own body weight to keep your fitness routine intact – just make sure you are doing the moves correctly. Whether you’re new to the gym or a long-time fitness lover looking for a refresher course, one thing can’t be denied: mastering the basics is essential. While there are hundreds of different techniques you can use to train, some principles remain constant. Kira Stokes talks with Houston Style to help readers re-visit and re-learn the basics, carve out fitness goals, and help all feel confident that they are headed in the right direction. Kira’s focus is on innovative training. She has developed a signature training technique, The Stoked Method, which combines functional and traditional methods of working the body. Her personal training methods have evolved to include a unique combination of strength training, cardiovascular conditioning, sports specific drills, yoga and Pilates. Kira combines all of these disciplines into her proprietary “Stoked Series” of classes: Stoked360™, Stoked At The Barre™, Stoked Primal™, StokedAbs™, Stoked Cross-Core™, Stoked Uptown/Midtown™ and her indoor/outdoor boot camp style classes, Stoked F.I.T. Camp™. She also co-created the “RIP Ride” and revamped the “Body Ride” for Revolve’s New York debut. Houston Style: Thanks for joining us this afternoon, Kira. I imagine that you are in overdrive up there in New York. I’m excited that you’re encouraging people to implement exercises that gets us back to the basics like dips, squats, and lunges. What’s the work-

CULINARY

By Family Features

Kira Stokes

Read more about Kira’s advice online at www. stylemagazine.com.

Kira Stokes

Easter Brunch Made Easy

lan an Easter gathering everyone can enjoy with a make-ahead menu that includes crowd-pleasing brunch casseroles packed with everyone’s favorite flavors – and leaves you plenty of time to spend with the family. “Combine all-star breakfast ingredients like eggs, bacon and cheese into a single dish in this Cheesy Bacon & Egg Brunch Casserole, seasoned with ground mustard and nutmeg,” said Chef Kevan Vetter of the McCormick Kitchens. “The best part about this recipe is you can assemble it the night before – just add an additional 1/2 cup of milk – chill it in the refrigerator and bake it off in the morning.” Serve a spring-inspired dessert topped with an array of fresh fruit to complement your brunch casserole. Find everything you need to create a complete brunch menu and more easy Easter-themed recipes at www.McCormick.com, www.Facebook.com/ McCormickSpices and www.Pinterest.com/mccormickspices. Cheesy Bacon & Egg Brunch Casserole Serves: 12 8 slices bacon 1 medium onion, chopped (1 cup) 1 loaf (8 ounces) Italian bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (5 cups) 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Cheddar cheese 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1 cup cottage cheese 5 eggs 1 1/2 cups milk* 2 teaspoons McCormick® Mustard, Ground

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out plan? Kira Stokes: As a trainer with 20 years of experience, I have always wanted people to learn the building blocks of the basics. Too often people are told what to do instead of being taught. It’s the basics of doing the plank – I see people do it incorrectly all the time. It’s a big responsibility to have someone’s body in your hands. How are they going to feel in 20 years? HS: Fitness is a combination of exercise and eating clean and we know abs are made in the kitchen. What do suggest as a starting point for those wishing to lose 5 -10 pounds? KS: 5- 10 pounds is the hardest to lose. When you have 50 to lose, it may seem like a lot but it’s easier. The weight comes off much faster than the last five. There are a couple of things like constantly change up your fitness routine. I like to say, “You have to shock it to rock it”. You can’t do the same exercises every day. Your body begins to plateau and you have to keep your body guessing. Mix up the times of the day that you work out. Confuse your body and muscles. HS: What do you tell the clients who yo-yo in weight? KS: Small goals lead to big results. It’s a lifestyle. Look at the habits you have. If you lose 5 pounds that isn’t the time to reward yourself with food. Yoyo dieting is an internal thing and you have to look at yourself. Ask yourself if it’s worth it after all the hard work you put in the gym.

Delicious Make-Ahead Egg Casserole

1 teaspoon McCormick® Black Pepper, Ground 1/2 teaspoon McCormick® Nutmeg, Ground

into egg mixture until completely covered. Let stand 10 minutes. (*To prep the night before, add an extra 1/2 cup of milk and refrigerate overnight.)

Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook bacon in large skillet until crisp. Drain bacon on paper towels; crumble and set aside. Remove all but 2 tablespoons drippings from skillet. Add onion to skillet; cook and stir 3 minutes or until softened.

Bake 40 to 50 minutes or until center is set and top is golden brown.

Spread 1/2 of the bread cubes in 13x9-inch baking dish. Layer with 1/2 each of the onion, bacon, Cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese. Spread evenly with cottage cheese. Top with remaining bread cubes, onion, bacon, Cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese. Beat eggs in medium bowl with wire whisk. Add milk, mustard, pepper and nutmeg; mix well. Gradually pour into baking dish. Press bread cubes lightly

April 17-April 23, 2014

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////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Are you a cook with lots of style and flavor? Send us your best recipes with a photo and brief paragraph telling us what makes them the best to editorial@stylemagazine.com. Your submission could run in an upcoming issue of Houston Style Magazine. Please be sure to include your name, email address and phone number. ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

ENTERTAINMENT Transcendence Takes Film’s Love By Cecilia Smith, Entertainment

With AI to the Next Level

n an age-old battle between morality and the pursuit of advanced technology; there are often shaded areas of grey as to just how far mankind should delve into pushing the scientific envelope. Transcendence, the directorial debut from veteran cinematographer Wally Pfister serves an intellectual examination of humanity and our potential path to self-destruction. Freethinking Berkeley serves as an appropriate backdrop, as the film introduces Johnny Depp as Dr. Will Caster; a brilliant researcher renowned for advancing the study of artificial intelligence. Caster’s world is rocked after a radical extremist group, opposed to what they see as the attempted recreation of God, targets AI researchers in a series of synchronized attacks. Johnny Depp, Rebecca Hall and Paul Bettany (L toR) After surviving an assassination attack, Caster’s world continues to crumble after it is quest to technologically advance by any means. Is this an impostor of Caster created by an inrevealed that the bullet that failed to kill him outright, credibly intelligent machine playing on the emotions was laced with radioactive poison. of a grieving wife? Or is it a corrupted version of Now faced with impending death, Caster’s him, a man of good intentions that has simply fallen wife (played in earnest by Rebecca Hall) sets out to victim to the effects of too much power? continue her husband’s work; joining forces with his The audience will largely be left to draw it’s best friend Max to upload his dying conscious into a own conclusion; though the close of the film leans tosuper computer. ward the latter; opening further discussion about how What ensues next will make you pause and the inexplicable flaws of human nature can corrupt examine the spirit of man versus our nearly insatiable even the noblest of scientific intentions.

Transcendence opens on April 18th. Photo courtesy of Warner Bros.

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While loaded with philosophical food for thought, those anticipating more action will more than likely feel slightly let down; as the film won’t commit to pinning Caster down as a conventional villain, instead leaving the viewer to wonder his true intentions. Fans of seasoned actor Morgan Freeman will be slightly disappointed at his relatively sparse scenes, though his presence is felt whenever he is on screen, lightening the mood and assisting in moving the plot along. Depp supporters will readily add this film to his eclectic collection of great characters. He walks the fine line between calculating machine and tortured scientist, bringing depth to the character and forcing the audience to ponder the intertwining of faith and science. Hall’s portrayal of Evelyn Caster is a testament to unwavering love and devotion, as well as a cautionary tale of knowing when to finally let go. In comparison the Casters best friend Max, played by Avenger and IronMan alum Paul Bettany, shows the internal struggle between explaining life through science versus faith.

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POLITICAL

By Burt Levine, Political Writer

Shannon Bids to Become South’s First African American US Senator

.W. Shannon, the youngest-ever and first African American Speaker of the Oklahoma House, was among those that made the final filing last Friday for the primary to succeed US Senator Tom Coburn. If elected Shannon, part African American and part Chickasaw Indian, could become the first person of color elected to the US Senate from the conservative southern US. At age 36, Shannon is an up-and-coming star that will not shy in what he stands for and why he wants to get elected to represent his state in Washington, DC. “I’m concerned about the direction of the country. I’m concerned that if we continue the trajectory that we’re on, that my kids and grandkids are going to inherit a lower standard of living than I did. I hope to go to Washington, D.C., and teach the rest of the politicians there that conservative principles are what lead to prosperity,” said Shannon, a Republican, who before being elected to the Oklahoma House was a field director for US Rep. JC Watts, the only African American then in the Congress. Today there are none in the US House, however Tim Scott was appointed last year to the US Senate from South Carolina and is also up for election this year. Shannon is outspoken in having sponsored a measure to require able-bodied food stamp recipients to work 20 hours a week. He downplays his ethnicity, “Yeah, my heritage is a part of who I am but it doesn’t define who I am and it certainly doesn’t limit me. That’s what this

BOOK REVIEW

By Terri Schichenmeyer, Literary Writer

Senator T.W. Shannon

A Wanted Woman

f there’s one thing you’ve learned in life, it’s that the Boy Scouts were right: Always Be Prepared. Look ahead and get ready for what’s next. Don’t leave your guard down. Cover all bases and expect the unexpected. Still, as you’ll see in the new novel “A Wanted Woman” by Eric Jerome Dickey, there are some things you simply can’t foresee. She was known as MX-401. It wasn’t always that way; when she was born, she was named Goldilocks to spite her father, who refused to think a Bajan man and a black woman could have a white child with yellow hair. And yet, it was he who laid claim to her when her mother died, and it was he who taught her to fight with hands, feet, and brain. It was he, known as Old Man Reaper, who reluctantly allowed her into The Barbarians, an organization feared around the world. Few men had earned the M or the X before their agent numbers, but MX-401 had. She was a “woman with a thousand faces,” she was the best of her father but with her own style, much to the chagrin of her superiors. To them, she was a loose cannon but they sent her to Trinidad to do a job nonetheless. It was supposed to be an easy kill. Intel placed the target – a high-ranking politician – at a party held by the Laventille Killers, a gang of ruthless drug lords who practically ran the island. MX401 had her orders – to eliminate the target at all costs - but things went horribly awry. The target wasn’t where he was supposed to be and she had to kill him in broad daylight, along with three others, including two LK guntas. She knew it wasn’t sanctioned. It wasn’t according to

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country and the Republican Party is about. It’s about freedom and liberty,” he said. Shannon’s mentor Watts, spoke at a Comanche County barbecue, and said the Country and the GOP would be well-served by Shannon, because “most folks don’t know how to connect with black voters.” He compared it to Thanksgiving dinner. “Most white people eat pumpkin pie for dessert; most black people probably eat sweet potato pie. Now that doesn’t mean that we can’t be together on the main course, which is the turkey or smaller taxes, smaller government, strong education and strong national defense. I don’t eat pumpkin pie; I eat sweet potato pie. I don’t eat stuffing; I eat cornbread dressing but we all eat turkey,” Watts said. If he gives the impression of a young man in a hurry, Shannon says it’s because the stakes are high. “When I was elected as the Speaker of the House, I was elected the youngest Speaker of the Oklahoma House, elected the youngest speaker in state’s history. I think if elected to the Senate, I would be the youngest member of the U.S. Senate. I think that’s important. Because again, people from my generation and below — the ones I talk to — recognize that we were going to be the ones paying for this out-of-control entitlement mentality. We’ve got to change that,” he said.

by Eric Jerome Dickey from Trinidad, and the LK would never let things slide… Whooo-eee. “A Wanted Woman” is one of those books that gets so under your skin that you’re compelled to turn to the last sentence early, just to reassure yourself that the main character lives. (And don’t bother. You can’t tell). It’s Die-Hard-meets-Jackie-Brown-meetsChuck-Palahniuk, but with rocket launchers. It’s fastpaced, gruesome, and violent with wry veins of surprising humor and one of the smartest secret agents you’ll ever meet. Author Eric Jerome Dickey excels at making his thriller heroines over-the-top resourceful and steel-tough, and MX-401 is no exception. This book had me at the introduction, and it’s a miracle that I didn’t rip its pages because I was turning them so fast. You should’ve already figured out that this isn’t Beaver-Cleaver territory; “A Wanted Woman” is filled with bloodshed and profanity, but there’s nothing iller than a thriller like this. If an action-packed book is what you Eric Jerome Dickey need, grab it – and be prepared.

plan, which would anger her superiors, but she didn’t know just how angry they were until they hid her in Barbados - and left her there. Barbados was purgatory. It was an island-prison, and the Barbarians refused to send help. What’s worse: Barbados was a short Jet-Ski ride

April 17-April 23, 2014

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c.2014, Dutton $26.95 / $31.00 Canada 451 pages

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FEATURE By Jo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor

Mental Illness: The Mask That Is Hardly Ever Noticed

eople wear masks in life for different things. One might put on a mask for a whimsical masquerade ball. One might wear a mask as a protective shield when playing sports. One could put on a mask to shield themselves for germs in the environment. All of these situations for masks would catch the wondering eye. However, it is the invisible mask that people put on that is the most dangerous. The one people wear to hide what is really going on inside of them. This week many were saddend by the death of ‘For Brown Girls’ Creator Karyn Washington. Although this beautiful brown girl herself was a picture of inspiration for others with her personal quest for

My own mother died 17 months ago and it still feels like it was yesterday. During the really low times, it makes me feel a wave of emotions. I imagine these are similar feeling that Washington also felt. It was in the months following my mother’s death, when I begin to live my “new normal” that I truly understood why some choose to commit suicide. Now let me pause to insert a really big disclaimer. Even though I empathize with Washington’s choice to end her life I in no way have thought about or attempted suicide. (Just wanted to put that out there for those that know me) But I understand what Washington’s may have gone though when trying to function as a “strong person.”

Karyn Washington

all to simply love their brown skin, she wore an invisible mask. She wore a mask of mental illness and depression. Not knowing how to coupe anymore Washington took her own life. Her death is just another example of someone who puts on a mask daily to hide the tears that flowed on the inside when tragedy struck their core. Washington’s breaking point was the death of her mother. Sadly I know Washington’s pain all too well.

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When living the “strong life,” the only thing you are really doing is wearing an invisible mask of strength. But what if strong is not what you want to be? What if weak is what you need to be? I think among a number of things allowing myself to be weak is what has saved me. I cry, scream, question and do whatever I need to at the time to let it out. Don’t hold on to your emotions. It damages you more in the end. The other fact is my faith. I have a strong faith in God

April 17-April 23, 2014

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and know He does not put more on me than I can bear. Sometimes it is hard to rely on your faith, especially if you are mad at God for taking away your loved one or you are too weak. During these times you need the human factor. Family and friends that check on you in the weeks, months, and years to follow after tragedy strike to see how you are really doing. This is the missing piece for many since it takes time on both parties’ parts, something that no one has a lot of. Sure people have the heart and desire to be there for each other but having the desire vs. the actually time can be a stumbling block. Plus there is the block that technology presence. The advancement of technology has disconnected us from human contact therefore cutting off human emotions. We don’t talk anymore we text. We paint the picture of the good life through the smoke and mirrors of photos on social media in an attempt to get more likes and admiration daily. Life revolves around how many followers we have on twitter and instagram. All of this has caused peopled to be less focused on each other and more self-centered. Being self-centered is almost like a catch 22. In my eyes you have to be a little self-centered at times to have a successful family, career and life since it is a way to focus on your goal. But when one is so self-centered that they miss the opportunity to help others then we do that person and ourselves a disservice. I believe that no one is successful by themselves. We all got where we are in life, whether you want to admit it or not, because someone took the time to help us. I think continuing that cycle will help with those suffering from depression and mental illness. People can sense when someone is not right. Take time to talk to them. When someone is doing something out of the ordinary. Take time to notice them. People cry out for help all the time amongst us. We just have to take the time to put down the cell phone or iPad, stop running and slow down and just take a few minutes to ask, “are you ok?” Really ask and wait for the answer. Your gut will tell if it is an honest answer. These simply gestures could save a life. They could have saved Washington. I believe that we are all put on this Earth to be a benefit to one another. We need to start taking the time to look beyond people’s masks and see the real person. It is important to note that I am not a therapist, psychologist, or have any professional license to help people dealing with depression or mental illness. If you or someone you know is in need of professional help for depression or mental illness please seek medical attention and do rely on this article as treatment.

IVY EDUCATIONAL AND CHARITABLE FOUNDATION OF HOUSTON, INCORPORATED PRESENTS THE

33 Annual Scholarship Luncheon and Fashion Show LIFE, LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF FASHION rd

Sunday, April 27th, 2014 (2:00pm) Hilton Americas Hotel | 1600 Lamar, Houston, TX 77010

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Senator Wendy Davis’ Meet and Greet

Photography By Vicky Pink

n Monday, April 7, 2014, Houston Style Magazine was on hand at the Our Legends as State Rep. Borris Miles hosted a meet and greet for State of Texas gubernatorial candidate and Senator Wendy Davis. Voters and future voters were encouraged to talk with Senator Davis to get to know her better as Texas’ next potential governor. Some in attendance were Mayor Annise Parker, Stephen Brown, Gene Wu, State Rep. Sylvester Turner, Ashley Small, Jalene Mack, Dr. Alma Allen, Harold Dutton, Rhonda Skillern Jones, Houston City Councilmen Larry Green and Dwight Boykins.

Texas Southern University invites you to

"GROWING HOPE" with MSNBC.

Friday, April 25th 12 p.m. - 7 p.m. CT Texas Southern University - University Plaza 3100 Cleburne St., Houston, TX 77004

MSNBC is Growing Hope around the country, and inviting everyone to share your thoughts on issues that impact your community. You’re invited to: · · · ·

Appear on live TV with MSNBC Host Alex Wagner from 3-4 p.m. that day Visit the MSNBC booth at Texas Southern University to receive prizes Share your hopes and explore the hopes of others in your community Meet MSNBC celebrities and take pictures to put on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram · Capture video vines on your cell phones and post · Write your hope on a printed leaf and add it to the Growing Hope Tree · Add your voice to the conversation by using the Twitter hash tag #growinghope and including @msnbc To learn more about Growing Hope, visit msnbc.com/growinghope. Parking and the event is free and open to the public. Parking available in the University’s East and West Garages, located on Cleburne at Tierwester Street and Blodgett at Ennis Streets respectively.

Stay tuned for updates! For additional information, call (713) 313-7970 or (713)313-7288.

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Houston Food Bank’s 14th Annual Chefs’ Dinner Photography By Roswitha Vogler

n Wednesday, April 9, 2014, Houston Style Magazine was on at the Houstonian HoO tel Club & Spa for the Houston Food Bank’s 14th Annual Chefs’ Dinner. Chaired by Annette Dewalch Strake and Patricia Reckling Taylor, the event is a multi-course dinner prepared by five of Houston’s finest chefs. This year’s chefs were Host Chef Neal Cox and participating Chefs Jeff Axline, Mark Cox, Robert Del Grande, and Catherine Rodriguez. Some on hand were Houston Food Bank’s President and CEO Brian Greene, H-E-B’s President of the Houston and Central Market Division Scott McClelland and State Rep. Sylvester Turner.

Hennessy Media Lunch with Maurice Hennessy

Photography By Roswitha Vogler

n Wednesday, April 9, 2014, Houston Style Magazine was on hand at the Ibiza Lounge for a special media lunch soiree with guest of honor Maurice Hennessy. Coming straight from Cognac, France, Hennessy greeted Houston Style’s publisher Francis Page, Jr. Houston Style was at the exclusive affair sampling the $3,000 per bottle Hennessy Paradis Imperial that was created by Master Blender Yann Fillioux. Also in attendance was Houston Style’s own Yvonne Guidry aka Spoiled Latina, who is a Hennessy Brand Ambassador.

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BUSINESS BRIEFS Greater Houston Black Chamber Welcomes Leonard James, III as New President

feet to Memorial Hermann’s current campus that covers over 2.5 million square feet. This will be the system more beds, operating rooms, emergency rooms, and parking spaces. For more information, visit www.www.memorialhermann.org.

of Business. GM’s Chevrolet Corvette Stingray tied for No. 1 and 17 other GM vehicles tied for places in the Top 10. In addition to the Stingray, seven other Chevrolets made the Top Ten including: Traverse, Equinox, Express, Malibu, Impala, Suburban and Tahoe. Other GM vehicles that ranked in the Top 10 were the GMC Acadia, Acadia Denali, Terrain, Savana and Yukon; Cadillac CTS, Escalade and ATS and Buick Enclave and LaCrosse. To view the complete 2014 Kogod Made in America Auto Index, visit www.american.edu/kogod/autoindex/2014.cfm and www.gm.com.

W.K. Kellogg Foundation announces recipients of $13.7 million investment

Toyota’s Frumpy Camry Gets a New York Make-over

T Leonard James, III

he Greater Houston Black Chamber has announced the selection of Leonard James, III as its new president. A native of Tuscumbia, Alabama, who has made his home in Louisiana, Texas, and Washington, DC, James, comes to The GHBC from his work as the founder, CEO, and Chief Strategist of the J3 Advisory Group (J3 AG), a Houston-based communications and relationship-building consulting firm. “Mr. James’ experience, business acumen, and service to the African American community made him a standout among our candidates,” observes Board Chairperson Vernita Harris. For additional information visit www.ghbcc.com.

he W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF) is pleased to announce a total investment of $13.7 million to 30 exceptional organizations developing and implementing transformative family engagement programs in the field of early childhood education. The 30 organizations share WKKF’s commitment to family engagement, which: is defined as a shared responsibility between families, schools and communities for student learning and achievement; is a continuous process from birth to third grade and beyond that occurs in multiple settings where children learn; takes place in environments where empowered parents and families are leaders; and requires a shift in national conversations so that all families are viewed as powerful assets for their children’s education. For more information, visit www.wkkf.org.

uddath Relocation Systems, one of the largest relocation providers in the country, is actively recruiting for summer positions available across the U.S. Multiple positions include customer service support, billing support, operations support, movers, packing assistants, drivers and warehouse personnel. The Suddath Companies has more than 2,000 employees nationwide and operates in 22 locations throughout the U.S. and strategic partnerships in more than 150 countries around the world.To apply for available summer positions please visit http:// suddathrelocation.com/about-us/careers/seasonal-staffing.aspx

GM Leads Industry with Most American-Made Vehicles

2015 Toyota Camry

2015 Chevrolet Corvette

Suddath is Actively Hiring for Jobs in Houston

CNN Newswire n a bid to maintain its standing as America’s most popular car, Toyota unveiled a substantially redesigned -- and less conservative-looking -- Camry at the New York Auto Show Wednesday. For the most part, the Camry’s engineering remains unchanged from the current model, but the body style has been changed significantly. Changes have also been made to the car’s suspension to improve handling and responsiveness, making the new Camry feel sportier than the current version, according to Toyota. It’s also almost two inches longer than today’s Camry and almost a half inch wider. The interior has also been changed with a “more refined” design and

or the second year in a row, General Motors dominates the “Made in America” Automotive Index produced by American University’s Kogod School

higher-grade materials, Toyota boasts. Toyota also claims that this is the “quietest Camry ever” with more sound-insulating materials and side mirrors designed to reduce air turbulence and wind noise. For more information, visit www.cnn.com and www.toyota.com.

Memorial Hermann

Memorial Hermann Plans to Expand in the Texas Medical Center

s one of Houston’s largest health care system, Memorial Hermann officials are etching out plans for a $650M expansion in the Texas Medical Center. WHR Architects Inc. will be the orchestrators of the project that will add 1.34 million square

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