Houston Style Magazine vol 28 No 50 by Houston Style Magazine (HSM)

Dec. 07, 2017 - Dec. 13, 2017

Houston Style Magazine Houston’s Premiere Weekly Publication

Volume 28 | Number 50

Complimentary

Jesse Jackson

The American Plutocracy Gets Its Immoral Tax Bill

Congresswoman Lee Hosts CBCF 5th Economic Summit in Houston

Leela James Brings Love and Soul to Houston Words by Jo-Carolyn Goode Photo Courtesy of Meeno Paluce

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Mayor’s Holiday Tree Lighting

CoCo

Pixar Film Depicts Different View of Mexican Culture

Remembering Leland

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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Volume 28 | Number 49 | Nov. 30, 2017 - Dec. 07, 2017

Publisher Francis Page, Jr. Associate Publisher Lisa Valadez

Jose Altuve and J.J. Watt

Managing Editor Jo-Carolyn Goode editorial@stylemagazine.com Social Media Editor/Videographer Reginald Dominique reggiedominique@me.com

NATIONAL WRITERS

Jesse Jackson jjackson@rainbowpush.org Roland Martin www.rolandmartin.com

Andy and Anderson

Judge Greg Mathis www.askjudgemathis.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS VICKY PINK vhpink@gmail.com

William Ealy Williamealy1906@gmail.com Semetra Samuel semetra@artistikrebelcreative.com Mike Munoz artrepreneur91@gmail.com Robert Franklin editorial@stylemagazine.com

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COMMENTARY

The American Plutocracy Gets Its Immoral Tax Bill By Jesse Jackson, National Writer

“

I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just: that his justice cannot sleep forever.” Thomas Jefferson said that about slavery, but he might well have been talking about what is now happening in Donald Trump’s Washington. Republicans are putting the finishing touches on a tax bill that takes from the poor to give to the rich. Then they plan to turn to savaging federal programs for the poor to make up for the deficits they’ve created. Millions of vulnerable Americans will suffer for their greed and their folly. The tax bill -- cobbled together in secret meetings without a public hearing, passed with handwritten amendments in the columns, legislators forced to vote without reading it -- is simply a disgrace. According to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, lower-income people will end paying $5.3 billion more in taxes, while those earning $1 million or more will pay $5.8 billion less. The Tax Policy Center reports that nearly the top 1 percent will pocket two-thirds of its tax breaks. Ten years from now, when all the measures kick in, those earning $75,000 or less per year will end up paying on average more in taxes. This is a brazen expression of mon-

ey power, as the St. Louis Post-Dispatch put it, an example of American plutocracy -- a government of the wealthy, by the wealthy, for the wealthy. The vulnerable will suffer the costs. An estimated 13 million will lose health insurance. Those workers who get their insurance in the state exchanges will be hit with 10 percent increases in rates or more. Graduate students will be faced with massive tax hits, as the bill taxes tuition that universities waive (money that the students have never seen). Ten million low-income parents will be stripped of the child tax credit. This while the top one-tenth of 1 percent, who make over $4.5 million a year, pocket an average tax cut of $127,000. The plunder has become immoral. Now, the Republican Congress will turn to savaging programs for the poor to help pay for the tax cuts. Next “we’re going to go into welfare reform,” Donald Trump threatened at a rally last week. Sen. Marco Rubio reassured business leaders not to worry about deﬁcits; the next step will be “reducing spending. That will mean instituting structural changes to Social Security

and Medicare for the future.” The House Republican Budget Resolution makes their priorities clear. It projects 40 percent cuts in programs for low- and moderate-income Americans by 2026. This includes cuts in Medicare, which will be turned into a voucher, losing value over time; more than $1 trillion in cuts from traditional Medicaid; and 30 percent cuts in food stamps, leaving millions without food assistance. Hit hard will be Pell Grants that help low-income students pay for college, child nutrition assistance for the very vulnerable and SSI benefits for the disabled and impoverished elderly. Domestic services -- everything from education to transportation -- will be cut. Spending on low-income programs is already as low as a percentage of the economy as it was in 1970. Trump, of course, pledged that he would not cut Social Security and Medicare during the campaign. That pledge seems no longer operative. He promised a health care plan for “everyone.” Not true. He said the rich would not benefit from the tax cuts. Not true. He said that he would not benefit. A lie. Republicans claim the tax cuts will produce growth and jobs. They claim the spending cuts will reduce deficits and help

POLITICAL

Proposal to Impeach Trump Tabled in the House

resolution to start the process of impeaching President Donald Trump was tabled Wednesday, following a push from Democratic Rep. Al Green of Texas to force such a vote on the House ﬂoor.

ing Latinos, Muslims and African-Americans. Trump’s rhetoric, while not criminal, still “divides and damages the social fabric of our country in ways that obstruction of justice cannot,” Green wrote in his letter.

The vote was 364-58 and was not directly on the resolution, rather a vote to table the proposal. The move to impeach was not supported by Democratic leaders, who have pushed aside the idea of impeaching the President. “I love my country,” Green wrote in a letter to his colleagues Tuesday. “For this reason, I will bring articles of impeachment to a vote in the House of Representatives.” The vote happened under a process where lawmakers in the House can offer “privileged” motions on impeachment, which means they can force the House ﬂoor to consider the subject. Green argued that Trump should be impeached for his rhetoric against certain racial and ethnic groups in the US, includ-

sustain growth. These are but excuses for the immoral. The moral calculus is clear. We will be judged, the Bible says, by how we treat “the least of these.” In Isaiah 10:13, it is written: “Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees, to deprive the poor of their rights and withhold justice from the oppressed of my people, making widows their prey and robbing the fatherless. What will you do on the day of reckoning, when disaster comes from afar? To whom will you run for help? Where will you leave your riches?” But politicians respond not to what is moral but to what is popular. What will be the reckoning at the polls? Will Americans fall for the smoke and distractions? Or will they vote in large numbers against those who impose this folly? Only a political reckoning will curb the damage that is being done to this country. 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 stylemagazine. com.

By Daniella Diaz and Deirdre Walsh, CNN

He said that the founders wanted a way to be able to remove a President who was “causing harm to society,” adding that impeachment “was designed for a time such as this and a President such as Trump.” White House spokesman Raj Shah called Green’s effort “disappointing” in a statement to CNN. “It’s disappointing that extremists in Congress still refuse to accept the President’s decisive victory in last year’s election,” he told CNN. “Their time would be better spent focusing on tax relief for American families and businesses, and working to fund our troops and veterans through the holiday season rather than threaten a government shutdown.” Top Democratic leaders repeatedly urged Green to refrain from bringing this up on the ﬂoor, arguing this is not the time to push impeachment.

Dec. 07 - Dec. 13, 2017 www.stylemagazine.com

Congressman Al Green A senior House Democratic leadership aide told CNN that “Pelosi and Hoyer will vote to table,” referencing House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and Maryland Rep. Steny Hoyer, the second-ranking Democrat in the chamber. The aide added, “They’ve been clear and consistent that now is not the time for this vote and we should be giving time for

(special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation) to play out. “ In May, Green called for the impeachment of Trump, making him the first member of Congress at the time to ofﬁcially request leveling charges against the President from the House ﬂoor. This story has been updated.

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LOCAL & STATE BRIEFS

Hurricane Harvey

Hurricane Harvey Victims Say FEMA Application Denied Or Is Still Pending [Hufﬁngton Post]

onths after Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Texas, wreaking havoc on swathes of the state, almost half of affected residents say they’re still “not getting the help” they need, according to a new survey. Conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation and the Episcopal Health Foundation between Oct. 17 and Nov. 20, the survey found that many Harvey victims across 24 Texas counties were still struggling with ﬁnancial woes and health problems in the aftermath of the disaster. Almost 30 percent of impacted residents, for instance, said they’d fallen behind in paying their rent or mortgage after Harvey. One in four respondents said they were having problems paying for food.

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Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

The Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Receives “Marketer of the Year Award” [StyleMagazine.com Newswire]

he Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce was named the 2017 Marketer of the Year for the Economic Development category during the Annual Marketer of the Year awards ceremony celebrated on Monday night at the Houston Museum of Natural Science. The award ceremony was hosted by the American Marketing Association - Houston Chapter. This is the second time in a row the Chamber is awarded this honor and the third time in the last 10 years. The American Marketing Association’s Marketer of the Year Award (MOTY) recognizes marketing teams across Texas for their yearly marketing initiatives. MOTY distinguishes the top performers in the Texas marketing community for doing what they do best.

Twitter @HoustonStyle

Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez

The U.S. Supreme Court

Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez to Run for Texas Governor [NBCDFW.com]

allas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez announced Wednesday morning she will run as a Democratic candidate for governor of Texas. “I’m stepping up, for Texas, for everyone’s fair shot to get ahead. I’m in,” Valdez proclaimed in a news conference in Austin. “My name is Lupe Valdez. I’m a proud Texas Democrat and I believe in common sense government, that’s why I’m running for Texas Governor. I’ve dedicated my life to defending Texas and I’m not done yet.” The announcement comes after media reports and speculation last week that she would ﬁle as a candidate in the Democratic primary. Valdez signed the ofﬁcial paperwork before taking the podium at the Texas Democratic Party headquarters in Austin.

Jose Altuve and J.J. Watt

Jose Altuve and J.J. Watt Named S.I. Sportspersons of the Year [ESPN]

ouston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt was named Sports Illustrated’s co-Sportsperson of the Year along with Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve. The award is given annually to an athlete or athletes who best personify athletic achievement and sportsmanship on and off the ﬁeld. “It’s much more than just two people,” Watt said. “It’s a whole city. On my side, it’s over 200,000 people who donated money to help rebuild the city. It’s an award that’s so much bigger than sports.” After Hurricane Harvey hit Houston in August, Watt started a fundraiser to help those affected by the devastating ﬂooding in the area. In less than three weeks, Watt raised more than $37 million.

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Supreme Court Rejects Texas Case On Gay-marriage Beneﬁts [Austin Statesman]

he U.S. Supreme Court declined Monday to overturn a Texas ruling that raised questions about the rights of couples in same-sex marriages. The controversy arose in June when the Texas Supreme Court revived a lawsuit that sought to eliminate beneﬁts offered to the same-sex spouses of city of Houston employees, ruling that the right to a marriage license did not automatically entitle same-sex couples to spousal insurance beneﬁts. Houston appealed, arguing that the U.S. Supreme Court needed to step in to protect the integrity of its 2015 ruling establishing a right to same-sex marriage. The high court, however, rejected the appeal without comment, allowing the Texas ruling to stand.

Dec. 07 - Dec. 13, 2017 www.stylemagazine.com

he Board of Regents of the Texas A&M University System unanimously voted Monday to name Dr. Ruth J. Simmons, a nationally recognized leader in higher education, as the 8th president of Prairie View A&M University. Simmons will assume the presidency of Texas’ second oldest public institution becoming the ﬁrst woman to lead the university in its 140-year history. Simmons, a Houston native who served as president of Brown University from 2001 to 2012, had been the interim president at Prairie View A&M University since June. Since retiring from Brown, Dr. Simmons had turned down offers to lead other institutions of higher education, but Prairie View A&M University appealed to her because of its history, signiﬁcance, and mission.

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Thousands of Texas Children May Lose CHIP Health Coverage [NBCDFW.com]

Ruth J. Simmons

Ruth Simmons Ofﬁcially Named President of Prairie View A&M University [PVAMU.edu]

any North Texas families will soon learn whether their children will have health insurance next year. If Congress doesn’t act fast to renew money for the Children’s Health Insurance Program, or CHIP, the state will be forced to cancel coverage for tens of thousands of children. According to ForABetterTexas. org, the current CHIP caseload by county as of August 2017 lists 50,274 cases in Dallas County; 32,891 in Tarrant County; 7,659 in Collin County and 8,241 in Denton County. At the North Texas Area Community Health Center in Fort Worth, call center operators are busy with questions from concern parents. Fifty percent of the children who come the center are covered under CHIP.

US 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans

Federal Appeals Judges Question Challenge to Revised Texas Voter ID Law [TexasTribune.org]

n Texas’ bid to keep its voter identiﬁcation law intact, it was its legal foes — lawyers representing voting and civil rights groups and individual voters of color — who faced a tougher line of questioning Tuesday before a federal appellate court. In light of recent revisions to the state’s voter ID law, two judges on the three-judge panel of the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals raised questions about claims that lawmakers intentionally discriminated against voters of color when they passed rules on which photo IDs can be presented at the polls. That intentional discrimination claim, which a lower court afﬁrmed this year, is key to the case over the state voter ID restrictions.

Hilary Knight U.S. Women’s National Hockey Team

Winning gold is hard.

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Offer ends 12/21/17. Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. New residential customers only. Limited to X1 Internet Plus Choice with Limited Basic TV, choice of HBO or Showtime plus upgrade to Performance Pro 100 Mbps Internet. Early termination fee applies if all XFINITY services (except XFINITY Mobile) are canceled during the agreement term. Equipment, installation, taxes and fees, including Broadcast TV Fee (up to $8.00/mo.) and other applicable charges extra, and subject to change during and after the promo. After 24 months, regular rates apply to DVR service (including HD Technology Fee). After applicable promo, or if any service is canceled or downgraded, regular rates apply. Comcast’s monthly service charge for X1 Internet Plus Choice ranges based on area from $72.95 to $75.95, HD Technology Fee is $10.00, and DVR service is $9.95, and for upgrading from Performance Plus to Performance Pro Internet service is $15.00 more per month (subject to change). Service limited to a single outlet. May not be combined with other offers. TV: Access to Netflix on XFINITY X1 requires an eligible X1 set-top box with XFINITY TV and Internet service. Netflix requires streaming membership. Internet: Actual speeds vary and are not guaranteed. Call for restrictions and complete details. © 2017 Comcast. All rights reserved. The use of Olympic Marks, Terminology and Imagery is authorized by the U.S. Olympic Committee pursuant to Title 36 U.S. Code Section 220506. NPA210669-0001

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BUSINESS & NATIONAL BRIEFS American Airlines’ Workers

American Airlines Employees Must Take Anti-Racism Training [Good Black News]

merican Airlines is making employees undergo anti-racism training after the NAACP issued a “travel advisory” for the carrier in October. Starting in 2018, everyone at the company will need to complete annual implicit bias training, the company announced Thursday. The training program’s curriculum is still being developed, and will be conducted both in-person and through an online module, according to a company spokeswoman. Parker said that airline executives met with NAACP leaders earlier Thursday. In October, the NAACP issued a warning to black ﬂiers, urging them to be careful when ﬂying American Airlines. The organization said it had noticed “a pattern of disturbing incidents reported by African-American passengers.

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Macy’s National Believe Day

H-E-B

Macy’s Celebrates National Believe Day with Double Donations [Businesswire.com]

H-E-B Named One of the Best Places to Work in 2018 [SACurrent.com]

lassdoor.com just released its list of the best places to work in 2018, and our hometown heroes H-E-B have made the top 20... well, just barely at number 20, but that’s besides the point. H-E-B may have lost out to companies like Facebook and Google, but our fair grocery chain beat some serious competition to make it to the 20 spot. Check out the full list here to see which big names H-E-B beat out. Because honestly, who doesn’t love H-E-B? They have low prices (so affordable!), their products gives us life (even the Spurs think so), and they give back to the community all the time (just look at Hurricane Harvey and Sutherland Springs). So it makes sense that employees would love working there.

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Mentoring to Medicine

LL Cool J

s part of its 10th annual Believe campaign, Macy’s has declared this Friday, Dec. 8, National Believe Day – a day focused on spreading the beloved holiday program’s message of generosity and hope. Throughout the Believe campaign, Macy’s collects customers’ letters to Santa in-store and online at macys.com/believe. For each letter submitted from Nov. 3 through Dec. 24, Macy’s has pledged to donate $1, up to $1 million, to Make-A-Wish® to help grant the wishes of children with critical illnesses. In celebration of the ninth annual National Believe Day, Macy’s will again double its donation to Make-A-Wish, providing an additional $1 per letter, up to an extra $1 million, above the existing $1 million campaign goal.

“

What they see is what they’ll be” is the mantra for the 100 Black Men of Metropolitan Houston, an organization with the expressed purpose of improving the quality of life for African-Americans and other minorities. Karif Carroll has extended that motto into Mentoring to Medicine, a program that allows young African-American middle and high school students an opportunity to visit a medical school and see African-American physicians who have made the journey to become doctors. Motivated by the data from a 2014 report done by the Association of American Medical Colleges, which indicated the number of African-Americans applying to medical school was lower compared to what it was 40 years prior.

Rep. John Conyers

Dec. 07 - Dec. 13, 2017 www.stylemagazine.com

Oprah Signs New $70 Million Deal With Discovery Networks [Black Business Blog]

iscovery Communications has completed an agreement with Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo, Inc. to increase its ownership stake in its successful OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network joint venture. Under the terms of the transaction, Discovery paid $70 million to acquire an additional 24.5% stake in OWN from Harpo, Inc., after taking into account net debt at the network, increasing Discovery’s ownership stake to more than 70%. This transaction represents Winfrey’s ﬁrst payment from Harpo, Inc.’s ownership stake in OWN in the 10 years since forming the joint venture with Discovery. Winfrey’s Harpo, Inc. will retain a signiﬁcant minority interest in OWN and Winfrey will continue in her role as CEO.

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LL Cool J Becomes 1st Rapper to Re- Programs Committed to Helping MiJohn Conyers ceive Kennedy Center Honors Award nority See Opportunities in Medicine Resigns [TheGrapevine.TheRoot.com] [CNN/StyleMagazine.com Newswire] [BCM.edu]

L Cool J made Kennedy Center Honors history when he became the ﬁrst rapper to be a Kennedy Center honoree. The annual celebration was held Sunday night in Washington, D.C. Of course, for eight years President Barack Obama attended, but this year, President Orangina did not. Along with LL, other honorees included singer-songwriter Lionel Richie, TV creator Norman Lear, Gloria Estefan and dancer-actress Carmen de Lavallade. The rapper-actor LL took to Instagram to express his appreciation. “This one is for those who came before me and those who followed me. We were sent to this planet to love and inspire one another. Manifest our dreams and make them a reality.

Oprah Winfrey

acing mounting claims of sexual harassment and increasing pressure from Democratic leaders, Michigan Rep. John Conyers announced that he is resigning the Detroit-area seat he’s held since 1964. But, the way he did it suggests Conyers still doesn’t get the issue. Conyers made the announcement on Mildred Gaddis’ show in Detroit -- 102.7 on your radio dial. And, he spent the bulk of the ﬁrst part of the interview assuring Gaddis and her listeners that his family is doing “excellent” amid the allegations made against him by a number of former female staffers. Gaddis eventually pivoted the conversation to talk about Conyers’ legacy -- and whether it would be impacted by the allegations against him.

Scene from CoCo

How Pixar Made CoCo the Biggest Hit in Mexico’s History [Slate.com]

t’s ofﬁcial: Coco is the biggest blockbuster in Mexican history. Pixar’s story of Miguel, a small-town kid who longs to become a famous artist in spite of his family’s curious aversion to all things musical, has now earned more than a billion pesos—over $50 million—at the Mexican box ofﬁce, well more than previous record-holder The Avengers. Mexicans usually appear in American cinema either as killers, bandits, migrants or, well, the help. Coco is something else entirely: a movie set in rural Mexico, rooted in Mexican popular culture, and in which there is not one single mention of crime or migration (other than toward the afterlife). It is a highly accomplished interpretation of a version of Mexico made in the United States, a neighbor with which Mexico has a rather complicated history.

ENTERTAIMENT Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen Leaves Houston in Stitches

lind dates are hits or misses. Some end up becoming a fairy tale like that of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Others are a total misﬁt with no attraction, connection, or vibe of any sort. And then some can evolve into a 30 year friendship like that of Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen. Since opposite attracts it’s interesting that their blind date never made it past the ﬁrst phone call. The mere mention of Cooper’s mom, the famed Gloria Vanderbilt, by Cohen sent the convo into a nosedive. But what didn’t birth love birth a close bromance that now has a touring show, AC2: Deep Talk and Shallow Tales, giving more insight into these two amazing men. Cooper seems to always be the button up, direct, just the facts, newsman. While Andy is the fun and crazy guy that you want at all your parties. However, polar opp osite their personalities maybe is the same thing that makes them have magnetic chemistry on stage. With some help from his “liquid friends” (drinks), Cohen brings life and energy to the stage and Cooper removed his suit to let his hair down. Opening the show with a video montage of their lives from childhood to now the audience learns immediately about what shaped them into the men they are today. Cooper and Cohen then appear from behind the curtain, prepare a cocktail and the party is started. Encouraging the audience throughout the show to join them in their drinking fest, the two banter throughout the night with tale after tale that are mostly funny stories and comical jabs video highlights as backdrops to their stories.

By Jo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor

Topics of conversations range from Cooper’s ﬁrst job and what events in his life made him want to be a journalist to Cohen’s interesting interactions with celebrities and why he can ask people the craziest questions. It is almost like the two are just sitting back in their living room hanging out and the audience is just outside the window peering in on their conversation. I certainly don’t want to give away too much about the show. I think that is what makes the show more enjoyable if you don’t know the details. Just be prepared to laugh and have lots of fun. Cooper and Cohen really open up to the audience and you feel liked you are bonded with them at the end of the show. It was deﬁnitely an intimate night that wasn’t political. It was just straight fun, plain and simple. It is a show that you must see if it comes to your city or one near you. When it is time for the audience to ask questions, there were no limits on what was asked. Cooper and Cohen didn’t really shy away from any questions. As you can imagine, a lot of the questions geared towards Cohen were about the Real Housewives or the possibility of a Real Housewives of Houston edition. Someone even asked if a particular guest, which Cohen quickly answered, ever aroused them. At the end of the night, the crowd was left in stitches. I am sure they will return to Houston soon as they made it clear how much they love the city. Cooper has visited Houston so much that he has friends in the city. And Houston is growing more and more on Cohen with each visit to the point that he donned a Houston Astros shirt just to show his respect to the team for being World Series champs.

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Andy and Anderson

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FEATURE HBRW: Serving Up Black Businesses as the Main Dish

Leela James Brings Love and Soul to Houston

Words by Jo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor

aving soul is to be in touch with one’s self with a clear understanding of your value. A more perfect deﬁnition of the R&B crooner, Leela James, could have been better crafted. Since first appearing on the scene 10 years ago, the 33-yearold singer, mother of two, has been drawing audiences in with her smooth sound and raw honesty in her songs to allow her to connect with fans on a personal level. She keeps it real. Being true to myself translates over to the people because that’s the only way I know how to be,” said James in our interview before the start of her 18-city tour with fellow R&B chart-topper, Tank. With every performance, James 10 10

The tour kicked off in New York gives a piece of herself to the auin November of this year and made a dience. stop in Houston, her new hometown, Being so honest and open with over the weekend. Fans’ ears were her writings allows her to connect treated to performances of her #1 with her fans’ at their core. She single ‘Don’t Want You Back,’ ‘Hard ventures back to a familiar subject for Me,’ and ‘All Over Again’ from with her sixth studio album, Did It her latest album. For Love. Since moving to Houston James She focuses on everything one has really become one with the city. does for love. Her most mature al- She welcomed a new baby and surbum yet, James says that her music vived Hurricane Harvey. has evolved over the years and she Not wasting any time to help in reis now at a level where she is more conﬁdent in her skill set making covery efforts, James held a beneﬁt concert with several artists to help her a better artist. raise funds to aid her fellow citizens. She merges her talent with anOver$15K was raised to help other artist at the top of his game so much so that he considered a several affected families. She felt blessed to help the city that has savage. embraced her with open arms. AfOn the Savage and Soul Tour, ter her tour stop in the bayou city, James says it is a representation James tweeted, “Houston you were of their music, brands, and styles. magical and we thank you so much

Dec. 07 - Dec. 13, 2017 www.stylemagazine.com

for the love.” Some may not know that music is not James’ only passion. She has a love for interior design. She has been approached to pursue it further but don’t worry as James is sticking to music. Once she wraps up the tour this month, there is no time for rest for James as she will be back in the studio working on new music for an upcoming album. Although I tried to pry it out of her, no possible release dates have been set for the new project. But do know that it will be classic James as she keeps her sound consistent while always remaining honest and never losing sight of who she is.

SPORTS Same Story:

Texans Lose Another Close Game

he last time the Houston Texans and Tennessee Titans met in October, the Texans put on an offensive display that led them to a franchise record 57 points. Maybe they should have put some of those points in a safe deposit box to be used two months later. This past Sunday, the Texans lost to the Titans 24 – 13, and are 1- 4 since rookie QB Deshaun Watson went on injured reserve. Once again, the offense failed to produce points, even though backup quarterback Tom Savage had a career high of 365 yards passing to go along with one touchdown and one interception. Unfortunately, that interception came late in the game when the Texans were trying to make a comeback. “I mean it’s just one of those things. I was throwing it out there, to the outside, and the guy made a good play on the ball,” Savage reiterated after the game. His career numbers do not tell the complete story or progress he has made since the Watson injury, but it does shed some light on why the Texans offense can’t produce wins. Savage has had five touchdowns and

By Brian Barefield, Sports Writer

six interceptions in the games he has started this year (6). He has tied a franchise record by losing seven of nine fumbles and has been sacked a grand total of nineteen times. Head coach Bill O’ Brien stepped to the podium after the game and had to answer the same question that has become a recurring theme when it comes to Savage. What happened on the late game turnover? “I thought we were moving the ball pretty good there, and we called a double move and it just didn’t work out,” said O’Brien. One bright spot for Houston was the emergence of tight end Stephen Anderson, who was in the game due to another concussion suffered by tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz, his third of the year. Anderson set a single-game career high in receptions and receiving yards. He finished the game with five receptions for 79 yards and one touchdown. “He came up big for us. He made some tough catches and is a good player,” said Coach O’ Brien when speaking about the tight end. Houston was dealt a bad blow on Sunday with a plethora of in-game injuries. The offensive side of the ball, which was already

LOCAL

he Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) will be in Houston for their5th Executive Economic Summit. Chairwoman Sheila Jackson Lee is hosting the distinguished delegation to discuss relevant economic issues, especially during this current post-Hurricane Harvey period. The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Fifth Executive Economic Summit (EES V) “After Hurricane Harvey: Economic Lessons Learned and the Role of Business in National Disaster Relief Efforts” series typically focuses on mapping minority access to capital with business leaders and others in the financial services sector, however this Summit will also focus on those in our communities impacted by Hurricane Harvey. The summit will include a pre-Summit reception & VIP dinner on Sunday, December 10; the Summit from 8:00AM – 3:00PM on Monday, December 11 highlighting Houston residents’ recovery efforts following the devastation of Hurricane Harvey. The Houston Summit will feature a spe-

depleted, lost key components. Receivers Braxton Miller and Bruce Ellington along with running back Alfred Blue left the game with concussions. Cornerback Jonathan Joseph, who is the heart and soul of the defensive backfield, was also lost to a shoulder injury.

season record of 4 – 8, can be attributed to major injuries to key players such as Watson, Watt, Mercilus, and Foreman. With four games remaining, it may be time for the Texans to start evaluating some of the talent they have within the organization.

The loss to the Titans eliminated any playoff chances the Texans had. Houston’s

The Texans host the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday at 12pm CST.

CBCF 5th Executive Economic Summit in Houston - Dec 10-11, 2017 By StyleMagazine.com Newswire

cial issue town hall forum on the role of business and other relevant organizations in assisting African American communities with disaster relief. Other CBC members representing districts impacted by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma are being invited to discuss specific challenges black communities encounter when natural disasters occur.

Panelists and speakers will also offer practical tips and strategies, and local service organization relief providers will be invited to share guidance and direction on next steps. Some Guest Speakers/Panelists will include:

▪ Mayor Sylvester Turner The Summit will provide a platform to ▪ Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, Founder & Chair discuss the disproportionate impact because of income, employment, poverty, access to of Rainbow/PUSH Coalition ▪Texas State Representative Senfronia resources, human capital, and information. CBC members will offer observations and Thompson, Vice Chair of Economic Comperspective on federal recovery efforts and petitiveness Select Committee strategies. ▪John Mingé, Chairman & President, BP

Office of Business Opportunity, City of Additionally, the Summit will explore America, Inc. Houston the role of business in assisting hurricane ▪Robert F. Smith, Founder, Chairman, and ▪Gerald Womack, President and CEO, recovery efforts. In the aftermath of the CEO, Vista Equity Partners Womack Development & Investment Rehurricane, the rippling effect touches many ▪Donna M. Sims Wilson, President of aspects of an individual’s well- being. altors Smith, Graham & Co. Investment Advisors ▪Carla Lane, President and CEO, Lane ▪Colette D. Honorable, Partner, Reed A discussion will center on how Houston Staffing businesses can leverage their capital and Smith LLP other resources to assist African Americans ▪Julia Hogan-McNeil, Founder, Ju▪Courtney Johnson Rose, Chair, Houston in Houston with comprehensive strategies lia-Cooks Organic Super Foods that include immediate and long term path- Black Chamber of Commerce ▪Carlecia D. Wright, Director for the ▪Other City Officials ways to financial recovery.

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EAT WITH STYLE Christmas Cookie Party Perfection By Family Features

he next best thing to baking cookies for many home chefs is baking cookies with friends. Dust off your favorite recipes, create a festive playlist and fill your home with the tantalizing aroma of baked goodies for the ultimate Christmas cookie party. Turn things up a notch and swap classic sugar cookies for these festive Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies. Along with those tasty treats, don’t let your guests go thirsty. Add peppermint extract to a slow cooker hot chocolate so guests can sip and be merry throughout the party. Find more holiday recipes at McCormick.com. Red Velvet Crinkle Cookies 1 2/3 cups flour 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar 2 eggs 1 1/2 teaspoons McCormick Red Food Color 1 teaspoon McCormick Pure Vanilla Extract 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar nonstick cooking spray In medium bowl, mix flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt; set aside. In large bowl, beat butter and

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granulated sugar with electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs, food color and vanilla extract; mix well. Gradually beat in flour mixture on low speed until well mixed. Refrigerate 4 hours. Heat oven to 350 F. Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in confectioners’ sugar to completely coat. Place 2 inches apart on baking sheets sprayed with nonstick cooking spray. Bake 10-12 minutes, or until cookies are puffed. Cool on baking sheets 2 minutes. Remove to wire racks; cool completely. Slow Cooker Peppermint Hot Chocolate 1/2 gallon (8 cups) whole milk 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk 1 package (12 ounces) dark chocolate chips 1/2 teaspoon McCormick Pure Peppermint Extract Place whole milk, condensed milk, chocolate chips and peppermint extract in slow cooker. Cover. Cook 60-70 minutes on high, or until chocolate is melted and mixture is heated through, stirring every 15 minutes. Reduce heat to warm or low to serve.

Dec. 07 - Dec. 13, 2017 www.stylemagazine.com

HEALTH New Survey Reveals Hispanic-Americans’ Attitudes Toward Health

MedicalExpress.com/ American Heart Association

ispanic-Americans are less likely to seek health screenings or preventive care compared with their black and white peers, according to a new survey that provides a detailed and ongoing assessment of the Hispanic community’s attitudes toward health care. The Healthy Americas Survey, released Tuesday by the National Alliance for Hispanic Health and the University of Southern California, shows that 68 percent of blacks are vigilant about getting health screenings and checkups, compared with 60 percent of whites and 55 percent of Hispanics.

and great access to health care coverage [for Latinos].”

“This is dangerous for the long-term health of U.S. Latinos,” said Amelie G. Ramirez, Dr.P.H., a health disparities researcher at UT Health Science Center in San Antonio, Texas. “We need increased educational interventions, a more diversiﬁed health careworkforce,

Among the 869 American adults who participated in telephone interviews between Sept. 15 and Oct. 1, about a third were Hispanics of any race. The statistics indicate Hispanic participants were much less likely to have a college education. About a quarter said they earned more than

In the survey, Hispanic-Americans were more likely than black and white people Americans to say they don’t have significant control over their health, although the report doesn’t address why. Jane L. Delgado, Ph.D., president and CEO of the Washington, D.C.-based National Alliance for Hispanic Health, said she hopes public health ofﬁcials pay attention to the survey results because “people are doing all they can to stay healthy, but they need help from them.”

$50,000 a year, compared with 47 percent of whites and 30 percent of blacks. The survey questions addressed a variety of health topics, including nutrition, individual health and community health. In assessing lifestyle habits, black Americans were more likely to say they were making a signiﬁcant effort to maintain or improve their health—79 percent—compared with 69 percent of Hispanics and whites. Hispanics and blacks Americans were more likely than whites to say they were trying to limit portion sizes and working hard to reach or maintain a healthy weight. Yet most participants said they ate less than the recommended ﬁve servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Hispanics were more likely to say the cost of fruits and vegetables prevented them from buying the produce cost they couldn’t regularly buy fruits and vegetables during the past year. When it came to health care, fewer Hispan-

mwww.StyleMagazine.com oc.enizagaMelytS.www www.stylemagazine.com

ics thought access to affordable care had a strong impact on health: 67 percent compared with more than three-quarters of whites and blacks. Considering that U.S. Census estimates project that Hispanics will represent more than a quarter of Americans by 2060, the new survey provides important insights about the country’s largest ethnic group, said Eduardo Sanchez, M.D., chief medical ofﬁcer for prevention at the American Heart Association. For instance, beyond the assessments of their own health, the survey suggests “Latinos’ health is affected by insurance status and cost concerns,” he said. Indeed, Hispanics with health insurance are more likely than uninsured Hispanics to report that their health is excellent or very good—53 percent versus 37 percent. Plus, both Hispanic and black participants were signiﬁcantly more likely than white participants to report that cost prevented them from getting prescription medicines or seeing a doctor.

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2017

JESSE H. JONES CENTRAL LIBRARY ART GALLERY HOUSTON, TX

Mickey Leland Photography Exhibit Reception

Photography by Vicky Pink new photography exhibit is currently on display honoring the work and legacy of the late Texas Representative Mickey Leland. Twenty-eight years after Rep. Leland’s death the exhibit titled “Accentuating the Work of A Texas State Representative and Congressman,” showcases unseen photographs of Leland as a State Representative, along with Governor Briscoe and other members of the State House. A special reception for the exhibit was hosted by State Rep. Jarvis Johnson. Some in attendance were State Rep. Ron Reynolds, Former State Rep. Ron Wilson, Congressman Craig A. Washington, and Jew Don Boney.

2017

98th Mayor’s Holiday Tree Lighting Photography by Vicky Pink ayor Sylvester Turner kicked off the holiday season at the 98th Annual Mayor’s Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting presented by Reliant, an NRG company. This free holiday event has become a tradition for Houstonians to enjoy a night of music, ﬁreworks and family fun. An enormous 65’ holiday tree twinkling with energy-efﬁcient LED lights, striking ornaments and a sparkling star topper lit up downtown Houston. Special speakers and performers were Mayor Sylvester Turner; Elizabeth Killinger, President, NRG Retail and Reliant; Gospel recording artist Cheryl Fortune, and America’s Got Talent Kechi Okwuchi.

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Dec. 07 - Dec. 13, 2017 www.stylemagazine.com

HOUSTON CITY HALL @ HERMANN SQUARE HOUSTON, TX

2017

THE FOUNTAIN LIFE CENTER HOUSTON, TX

1st Winter Wonderland Gala Photography by Vicky Pink etired NBA basketball player TJ Ford and wife, Candace, are being a blessing to families affected by Hurricane Harvey by spreading some Christmas cheer with their 1st Winter Wonderland Gala. Using their non-proďŹ t organizations, the Fords hosted the gala to help provide necessities and resources to families still in need. During the festive affair, Pastor John & Aventer Gray, Pastors Remus & Mia Wright, Bun B, Ashley Turner, Wendi J. Turner and Duer Sharp were honored for their outstanding commitment to helping those affected by Hurricane Harvey. There were also special performances by Kenny Lattimore and a special appearance by Angela Yee. Some in attendance were Kim Roxie, Jalene Mack, Melinda Spaudling, Johnathan Martin, and Kim Gagne.

2017

HILTON HOUSTON POST OAK HOUSTON, TX

Jack and Jill, Inc. Breakfast with Santa Photography by Vicky Pink he members of Jack and Jill, Inc. Houston Chapter hosted their annual Breakfast with Santa to beneďŹ t the programs and mission of the Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Foundation. The event was created as a way for their families to gather socially and has become a warm-spirited holiday tradition for them. Those in attendance enjoyed an assortment of breakfast/brunch foods, holiday activities, vendor offerings, photos with Santa, and fellowship with other guests. Some in attendance were Melinda Spaulding, Roslyn Bazzelle, Dr. Camille Cash, and Anwahs Resuoic.

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