Houston Style Magazine vol 28 No 52 by Houston Style Magazine (HSM)

Houston Style Magazine Dec. 21, 2017 - Dec. 27, 2017

Houston’s Premiere Weekly Publication

Volume 28 | Number 52

Complimentary

Jesse Jackson

Race, the South and American Politics

Robert Washington

Remembering the Legacy of a Houston Radio Legend

Mental Health: Don’t Have a Blue Christmas Words by Jo-Carolyn Goode Photo Courtesy of NAMI Austin

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Honoring Harvey’s Houston Heroes

Wells Fargo

Big Winner with Tax Bill Reform

Coca-Cola Summit

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 52 | Dec. 21, 2017 - Dec. 27, 2017

Restaurant Blackface

Publisher Francis Page, Jr. Associate Publisher Lisa Valadez

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

Helping Heroes

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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dba Houston Style Magazine & StyleMagazine.com Phone: (713) 748-6300 • Fax: (713) 748-6320 Mail: P.O. Box 14035, Houston, TX 77221-4035 ©2015 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 Race, the South and American Politics

By Jesse Jackson, National Writer

iberating the South is the key to liberating the nation. The key to liberating the South is the black vote. Recent black turnout in elections in Virginia and Alabama demonstrate this point. There are 4 million unregistered black voters in the 11 former Confederate states. Florida has more than 555,000 unregistered blacks (and some 200,000 Puerto Ricans moving to the mainland around Orlando after the recent devastating hurricane). Georgia has 618,000 unregistered blacks and North Carolina 463,000. Massive voter registration efforts must be the priority in those three states, with other Southern states to follow. If African-Americans and Latinos register and vote in large numbers in the South, there will be a new politics in America. In the most recent Alabama Senate race, voters were offered a stark choice: The Republican nominee, Roy Moore, had praised slavery and viliﬁed immigrants, and had been twice removed from judicial posts for elevating his religious beliefs over the laws and the Constitution. His opponent was

Democrat Doug Jones, a lawyer famed for prosecuting the Klansmen who murdered the four little girls in the infamous 1963 Birmingham church bombing. Jones prevailed, but Moore might well have won if he were not been credibly charged with preying on teenage girls when he was in his 30s. Although it was close, the race represents a turning point. African-Americans -- particularly women -- turned out in record large numbers. Jones won the Iron Bowl vote, winning in the hometowns of Auburn and the University of Alabama. He fared best among the young. That vote represents the potential future of politics in Alabama, in the South and in the country. The race-bait politics that have deﬁned the Republican Party since Nixon’s “Southern strategy” in 1968 may well be reaching its end date. Trump renewed the strategy with his posturing on immigrants, his blustery nativism against Muslims and his divisive stance on the haters in Charlottesville, Va. But in the governor’s race in Virginia and the Senate race in Alabama, Republicans trying to recycle Trumpism were defeated

-- in large part because African-Americans turned out in record numbers. Trump’s viliﬁcations clearly mobilize the vote of people of color, of the young and increasingly of women. Their vote cannot be inherited; it must be earned. If Democrats want to succeed, they have to put political energy and resources into opening up our elections, making it easier for working people to register and vote, and putting new energy on the ground to persuade and organize people of color to vote. They will also have to stand up for an agenda that will speak to the pressing needs of the African-American community. At the core of that agenda are policies needed by working and poor people of every race -- affordable health care, decent paying jobs, quality schools, affordable college or technical training, clean water and air, retirement security and more. Equal opportunity and equal justice -- particularly an end to mass incarceration for nonviolent crimes -- are claims not for special treatment but for basic citizenship. Democratic Party Chair Tom Perez says

POLITICAL

What’s In the GOP’s Final Tax Plan

he tax overhaul -- which will affect all corners of the U.S. economy and everyone in it -- will have crossed the finish line in just 7 weeks since first being introduced.The final bill still leans heavily toward tax cuts for corporations and business owners. But it also expands or restores some tax benefits for individuals relative to the earlier bills passed by the House and Senate.

spouse and each of your dependents. Doing so lowers your taxable income and thus your tax burden. The GOP tax plan eliminates that option.

The individual provisions would expire by the end of 2025, but most of the corporate provisions would be permanent. One important note: The bill would not affect 2017 taxes, for which Americans will start ﬁling their returns in a month or so.

FOR INDIVIDUAL FILERS

1. Lowers (many) individual rates: The bill preserves seven tax brackets, but changes the rates that apply to: 10%, 12%, 22%, 24%, 32%, 35% and 37%. Today’s rates are 10%, 15%, 25%, 28%, 33%, 35% and 39.6%. 2. Nearly doubles the standard deduction: For single ﬁlers, the bill increases it to $12,000 from $6,350 currently; for married couples ﬁling jointly it increases to $24,000 from $12,700. 3. Eliminates personal exemptions: Today you’re allowed to claim a $4,050 personal exemption for yourself, your

that African-American women are the “base of the Democratic Party.” Yet neither African-American women nor men have been the center of the party’s efforts or the focus of its resources. What Alabama showed is that there is a new energy outside of the party structures -- in organizations such as Black Votes Matter, Woke Vote and more -- that can make a difference. Democrats need to walk the talk, to wake up and catch up. African-Americans are clear about who their foe is; what is yet to be proven is who is for them, who stands on their side. What Alabama and Virginia suggest is that candidates who make that clear may well be able to transform the South -- and in doing so, transform the 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 CNN Money/Stylemagazine.com Newswire

4. Caps state and local tax deduction: The final bill will preserve the state and local tax deduction for anyone who itemizes, but it will cap the amount that may be deducted at $10,000. Today the deduction is unlimited for your state and local property taxes plus income or sales taxes. 5. Expands child tax credit: The credit would be doubled to $2,000 for children under 17. It also would be made available to high earners because the bill would raise the income threshold under which filers may claim the full credit to $200,000 for single parents, up from $75,000 today; and to $400,000 for married couples, up from $110,000 today. 6. Creates temporary credit for non-child dependents: The bill would allow parents to take a $500 credit for each non-child dependent whom they’re supporting. 7. Lowers cap on mortgage interest deduction: If you take out a new mortgage on a first or second home you would only be allowed to deduct the interest on debt up to $750,000, down from $1 million today. Homeowners who already have a mortgage would be unaffected by the change.

Dec. 21 - Dec. 27, 2017 www.stylemagazine.com

8. Curbs who’s hit by AMT: Earlier bills called for the elimination of the Alternative Minimum Tax. The ﬁnal version keeps it, but reduces the number of ﬁlers who would be hit by it by raising the income exemption levels to $70,300 for singles, up from $54,300 today; and to $109,400, up from $84,500, for married couples. 9.Preserves smaller but popular tax breaks: Earlier versions of the bill had proposed repealing the deductions for medical expenses, student loan interest and classroom supplies bought with a teacher’s own money. They also would have repealed the tax-free status of tuition waivers for graduate students. 10. Exempts almost everybody from the estate tax: Unlike the House GOP bill, the

final bill does not call for a repeal of the estate tax. But it essentially eliminates it for all but the smallest number of people by doubling the amount of money exempt from the estate tax. 11. Slows inflation adjustments in tax code: The bill would use “chained CPI” to measure inflation, which is a slower measure than is used today. The net effect is your deductions, credits and exemptions will be worth less. 12. Eliminates mandate to buy health insurance: There would no longer be a penalty for not buying insurance. Read the full story online at stylemagazine.com.

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BRIEFS HPD Chief Art Acevedo

Acevedo Says Protecting Dreamers Makes Sense [HoustonPublicMedia.org]

rt Acevedo, chief of the Houston Police Department (HPD), said it is “critical” that the Congress passes legislation to protect from deportation undocumented immigrants who arrived in the United States as children because, otherwise, some of them could be at risk of being recruited by criminals. The HPD chief –who stressed he has more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement— added that if Congress doesn’t act soon by passing the Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act or some other legislation that would shield ‘Dreamers’, there could be “potential” for some of them “to succumb to radicalization process.”

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Wells Fargo

Why Wells Fargo Could Be One of Tax Reform’s Big Winners [CNN Money/StyleMagazine.com]

ome of Wall Street’s largest banks stand to win big from the tax bill now hurtling its way towards the president’s desk — but among them, Wells Fargo will make out the best. That’s according to an analysis released by the equity research team at Goldman Sachs, which ran the numbers from the compromise measure that was revealed by Congress. The bill, which could be enacted within days, will give the country’s seven largest banks — not including Goldman itself — an average 14% increase in earnings, Goldman found. That’s because of the plan’s big cut in the corporate tax rate -- from 35% to 21%. Wells Fargo would make out the best, with an 18% boost, in large part because it derives nearly all of its proﬁts from the United States.

Houston Bullet Train Moves Ahead with Completion of Federal Report [Jacksonvilleprogress.com]

he Texas Bullet Train made a huge push forward Friday as federal regulators for the ﬁrst time outlined a preferred route between North Texas and Houston, and identiﬁed passenger station locations, including one in rural Grimes County. The Federal Railroad Administration’s analysis, completed after nearly four years of work, provides a path for the high-speed train’s planning, design and pre-construction phases, and it ensures the safety and environmental well-being of counties and communities along the 240-mile route. The Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS), the result of an extensive, public process required for major infrastructure projects.

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Restaurant Blackface

Dallas Interim Sheriff Marian Brown

Texas Restaurant Under Fire for ‘Racist’ Vintage Neon Sign [TheDailyMeal.com]

restaurant in Texas is facing backlash after a photo of a sign posted in one of its rooms went viral on social media. The vintage neon sign at Cook’s Garage in Lubbock features a caricature of an African-American man with “Coon Chicken Inn,” written across his teeth. Many are demanding the sign’s removal, calling it racist in comments circulating via social media and Yelp. According to KCBD, a local MSNBC afﬁliate in Texas, the issue arose after a person attended a holiday party at Cook’s Garage and later posted a photo of the sign to Facebook. Owners of the restaurant responded to the complaint by writing back: “We did not put this sign up to be derogatory, racist or to offend anyone.

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Dallas Gets First Black Sheriff [DallasNews.com]

allas County commissioners appointed c to be interim sheriff, making her the county’s first black sheriff. Brown, 52, a Democrat who is running for the office, was Sheriff Lupe Valdez’s third-in-command and recommended choice for successor. Valdez technically will remain sheriff until Brown is sworn in Jan. 1. Brown will serve as interim sheriff until voters elect a new sheriff in November. Brown said her first priority will be to talk to the staff and learn more about issues in the jail. Brown has been with the Sheriff’s Department for three years, most recently overseeing criminal investigations, warrants and traffic. Earlier, she worked her way up over 26 years with the Duncanville Police Department, from a cop to an assistant chief.

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Qqdoba Mexican Grill

Debra Lee

Photo By Angela Wang, Daily Texan Staff

Jack in the Box Sells Qdoba Mexican Chain for $305 Million [OCRegister.com]

pollo Global Management is getting into the Mexican food business. The private equity ﬁrm, run by co-founder Leon Black, agreed to buy the struggling Qdoba chain from Jack in the Box Inc. for about $305 million in cash. Apollo is taking over a business that has posted declining same-store sales in three of the past four quarters. Jack in the Box has been weighing a sale of the chain, which has about 725 locations in the U.S., since May, when the company said that having two different business models — a Mexican chain and its burger-focused ﬂagship business — could be weighing down its valuation. Jack in the Box gained as much as 4.4 percent to $104.75 in New York Tuesday.

Dec. 21 - Dec. 27, 2017 www.stylemagazine.com

BET Making Numerous Changes to Stay No.1 [Hollywood Reporter]

ccording to the Hollywood Reporter, BET is making a lot of changes to stay at the top. There latest was the removal of Debra Lee as BET President. She will remain in her role as chairman and CEO while Scott M. Mills will take over the day-to-day operations of the company. And those have not been the only executive changes. This summer BET moved its headquarters from Washing, D.C. to New York and Los Angeles. In addition, Tyler Perry is ending his contract with Oprah Winfrey’s OWN network to partner with BET and promises nearly 100 hours of annual programming to the African American-focused cable network in 2019.

Latinx: First US Latino & Latina Oral History Journal [Dailytexanonline.com]

ohn Trevino, Austin’s first Mexican-American city council member, can be seen pictured on the cover of the first issue of the US Latino & Latina Oral History Journal, the first professional academic journal of its field. The Center for Mexican American Studies hosted a celebration of the launch of the journal, which is a research publication exploring experiences of Latinas and Latinos in the United States through interviews. Maggie Rivas-Rodriguez, journalism professor and founding editor of the journal, said the significance of the journal relies on its emphasis of oral storytelling. Rivas-Rodriguez also said oral history can be used to fill in the gaps left by lack of archival information such as diaries, letters and memoirs.

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LOCAL Shell Honors Heroes of Houston with National Ad Campaign By Jo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor

urricane Harvey was a storm that changed us. Whether directly affected or indirectly Harvey changed Houstonians and those around the world emotionally, mentally, and physically. Our values of what was important changed. Our concerns for our fellowman broke color lines as well as challenge our thoughts on how one person can make a difference if they just have the desire. First responders constantly extended aid and put themselves in harm’s way to help another for which we are very grateful. I think Houstonians’ gratitude grew after we literally were working side-by-side with first responders to render aid, offer them relief, and come together as a city. And I don’t want to leave all those non-Houstonians who came from across the country or sent supplies and money to help with Harvey relief out.

Right there in the thick of it all was Shell. Being there to help is a familiar place for Shell. The oil and gas company has donated a million dollars to the American Red Cross, $250,000 to the United Way, $250,000 to the Mayor’s Hurricane Relief Fund and an additional $200,000 to local charities. Shell also matched employee donations for Harvey relief efforts, as well as throughout the year, totaling more than $24 million in 2017. Having made monetary donations and lending their time to aid Harvey victims,

Shell wanted to go further in their service to recognize area volunteers, who like them, didn’t shy away to help citizens. Through their ‘Heroes of Houston’ campaign, Shell honors the generosity of six individuals through a series of advertisements that are currently running through December 2017. “We are humbled by the selflessness and courage these heroes showed during Hurricane Harvey relief efforts, and it is our pleasure to recognize them for their acts of service,” said Bruce Culpepper, Shell Oil Company President. “The collaboration we’ve seen among individuals, charities and the businesses that call Houston home has been greatly inspiring.” Enrique and Julia Uresti were blessed in the wake of Hurricane Harvey as they did not receive any damage to their home. But they knew they had not been spared just to sit at home so they immediately got to work to see what they could do to help their neighbors at the BakerRipley House. Enrique would finish a hard day at work and then meet his wife Julia at BakerRipley. Enrique’s job was to prepared and delivered donation bags directly to people waiting in cars, and was instrumental in moving donations, as many who were seeking help were physically unable. While Julia welcomed people as they arrived at the center and helped them fill out

LOCAL

As with everything the prolific poet produces, her new CD delivers. Aptly named it is the pure, raw embodiment of a woman’s heart and soul; sophisticated feminism interlaced with a warrior’s spirit and the grace and dignity of Queens.

The Chester, Pennsylvania native (who proudly proclaims she is “Chester-made”) debuts her CD at a special exclusive event hosted by Sol-Caritas powerhouse comedian and television personality Liz Faublas at Chester Culture Arts and Technology Center, 2300 West 4th Street, Chester, PA 19013.

We’re so proud of our community,” said the Uresties. “Whether it’s helping with Cancer Awareness month or hurricane relief efforts, we try to provide a friendly smile and be a glimmer of hope during dark, confusing and sad times.” Baker Ripley nominated the Uresti family for their overwhelming support of the center over the years. 2017 marks their fourth year of volunteering at Baker Ripley. “We do this for the community. We know that the center needs a lot of help. We have the time and want to do something with it, something

good,” the couple said. Though they provided much needed comfort and emotional support to those who they assisted, the Uresti felt as if they received something as well through their service. Because they had to do a lot of listening to effectively communicate, the pair feels that their communication as a couple was heightened. Their ability to listen is just one of the reasons Baker Ripley representatives nominated them for such a distinguished honor.“We enjoy helping others, so we will keep going and volunteering,” Julia said. “We will continue to help, I love this. I love to help.”

By StyleMagazine.com Newswire

sheer magnificence of Kanei’s groundbreaking solo album. Sol-Caritas hosts the official CD release party on December 27, 2017 at 8:00 p.m. at Improv Houston, 7620 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77024. Next, Kanei heads home.

Now you can experience first-hand the

the necessary paperwork. She also helped individuals determine what they needed and how the center could serve those needs.

Lakia “Kanei” Mitchell Releases New Book

akia “Kanei” Mitchell set her sights on revolutionizing the album experience, focused on leaving listeners breathlessly anticipating the pulsing intensity of every note and profundity of each verse.

The ambitious project reflects artistic expression culled from the recesses of her pain and pleasure and is an extension of the woman she has learned to love, imperfections and all. stirs the senses of all women yearning for a voice and of men who long to hear what they say and understand what they mean. literally, cracks the code.

Enrique and Julia Uresti

performers in the U.S and a fierce trailblazer who has set her sights on ensuring poetry is at the fore of the entertainment industry and that women are recognized as a poetic force to be reckoned with. A gifted writer with a keen intellect, her pieces expose matters of the heart with incisive perspective and blunt truth. Her command of complex composition solidifies her reputation as an exceptional Poetess who explores the breadth and depth of the human psyche to give her performances life.

Kanei submitted to poetry early in life. Shortly after making a name for herself Kanei reaches people at their most vulin Houston’s vibrant underground poetry nerable and serves generous portions of scene, Kanei, a nurse by profession, juggled knowledge, compassion and authenticity. a career and motherhood travelling across the country honing her craft, sometimes at She by Kanei is available on all major great personal sacrifice. streaming platforms including Tidal, iTunes, Spotify, Rhapsody, Slacker Radio and YouShe is now one of the most sought-after Tube Music. Lakia “Kanei” Mitchell

Dec. 21 - Dec. 27, 2017 www.stylemagazine.com

LOCAL Remembering Houston Radio Legend Robert “Bassman” Washington By Jo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor

oustonians are mourning the loss of a Houston radio legend. Robert “Bassman” Washington died Sunday morning at the age of 48-years-old. For the past 24 years Bassman, as he was widely known, has been a staple of the Radio One Houston family. He was ﬁrst associated as a radio personality with 97.9 FM the Box and then branched off to MAJIC 102.1 FM and Praise 92.1 FM. In his later years, he even used his voice on the Tom Joyner Morning Show.

manager and program director Terri Thomas says, “He was light, he was laughter and he was love.” Bassman is survived by his wife, Keisha, many family and friends, and, of course, a host of loyal listeners. During most of his time on the radio, Bassman would end his segments with his catch phrase of “I love ya and there ain’t nothing you can do about it.” To that I say, “Bassman, Houston loves ya and there ain’t nothing you can do about.”

Family and friends describe the Houston Ross Shaw Sterling High School grad as the very personable and the life of any party. “He was a man who never met a stranger and always had an encouraging word and a smile,” says Vice President and General Manager of Radio One Houston, Pam McKay. Always with an encouraging word, he was an inspiration to many. Operations

Robert “Bassman” Washington

MARCUS USED TO STAY LATE AT SCHOOL TO WORK ON HIS HISTORY REPORT. NOW HE DOES HIS RESEARCH FROM HIS BEDROOM.

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FEATURE HBRW: Serving Up Black Businesses as the Main Dish

Mental Health: Don’t Have a Blue Christmas By Jo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor

nce a taboo subject, Mental Health has become one of the most talked about health crisis in recent years. With the increased conversation comes an increase of people seeking help to deal with their own mental health issues. One in every ﬁve adults experiences some type of mental health episode in a year according to statistical data collected by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Although there are various causes and triggers for mental health episodes, the holidays are a big trigger for the added stress it causes some people. Mental health professionals Abbie Steele, MA, LPC-S and Dr. Jinneh Dyson give us a better grasp of this critical health illness.

What is Mental Health?

“Mental health is not just the presence of illness but it is also the absence of wellness,” says mental health advocate Dr. Dyson. She believes that by adopting certain healthy mental habits and incor-

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porating more wellness type activities into your daily life one can prevent many cases of mental illness. On the ﬂip side is the more medical or clinical deﬁnition of mental health that is the condition or state of someone experiencing something that’s abnormal or out of the ordinary for two weeks or longer. For example, when someone close dies, it is normal for people to lose or gain weight, sleep more or less, lose the ability to concentrate and cry a lot. But if that behavior persists outside the realm of what’s “normal” (i.e. longer than two weeks) then that person may be depressed and suffering from a mental health disorder. Something to be aware of during these winter months from November through February is a type of mental illness known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). According to Steele, who is the Director of Outpatient Services at Kingwood Pines

Dec. 21 - Dec. 27, 2017 www.stylemagazine.com

Hospital and is a psychotherapist at her own practice Steele Minds Counseling, SAD happens as the weather changes and affects one’s mood. Occurring at the same time each year, SAD is more common in the winter months when days are longer and darker due to the time change. Darker days means that people are getting less exposure to the sun and have a lack of vitamin D and serotonin in their system. Vitamin D is crucial to brain and body function and when the supply it is low people may feel symptoms of depression. Holiday Blues are especially prevalent in December as well for the same reasons as stated above. Not only is one still dealing with the daily stresses of life itself but compiled with that are ﬁnancial stresses with gift buying, family stresses with everyone coming together, maybe the loss of someone dear that has passed on, and so on. Dr. Dyson breaks mental health triggers down into three categories. “We have the

seasonal times of the year, holidays and special occasions, and especially this time between November to February.” Signs and symptoms of most mental illnesses generally exhibit as the same for most illnesses. A person may show feelings of sadness, fatigue, weight loss, weight gain, hallucinations, lack of energy, unexplained pain, scared or confused feelings, mood swings, isolation, or thoughts of suicide. These signs and symptoms may not be recognized by the person suffering themselves that is why it is important for family and friends to be educated about mental health to recognize them in others.

Treating Mental Health

If one sees signs or symptoms of mental illness, Steele suggests that family friends do spot checks to check on the person by calling them or visiting with them at their home. Dr. Dyson adds that during those checks ask questions like, “Are you feeling ok?” Suggest that the person talks to you

or another trusted person about how they feeling or go to a support group. Dr. Dyson suggests adopting mental health behaviors to create your best self. In her opinion, mental health disorders are brought on because something is missing from one’s life. So to properly come out of that state one must examine themselves to determine what their best self looks like and how do they become that. Translating that into action may mean limiting your time on social media so you don’t compare your life to others. Or it may mean that you increase your activity to lose weight to like your appearance. Or you go out with your girls or guys once a week to distress. It is part of Dyson’s stop, think and act method where you stop as soon as you feel yourself getting blue or depressed. Next, you think what is triggering that feeling and ask are these feelings helping or hurting me. Then you act accordingly to make the feelings go away. Every time it works, If the behavior persists, professional help is advised. Steele suggests first seeing your primary physician to see if there might be a vitamin deficiency or if it is the beginning stages of mental health disorder. Depending on that outcome, the next move can be made to take certain medications or receive other types of help from a mental health professional.

Stopping the Stigma

Both ladies agree that compared to the past; the stigma surrounding mental health is improving. People are no longer remaining silent. With more and more celebrities like Michelle Williams, Jennifer Lewis and others telling their own tales of struggling with mental health disorders they are removing the shame once associated with it and making it more acceptable to seek treatment. “There is something about the human brain where there is an association of shame,” stated Steele. “A lot of times people are sticking to those stigmas (of being ashamed about mental health disorders) because they have not done their own personal research. But once they do their own personal research or they speak with a professional the anxiety or the shame associated with those ideas it begins to dissipate and you feel empowered vs. afraid.” The worse thing anyone can do is not seek help. Mental illness is like any other illness. Untreated its bad. Treated it is good and one can overcome it. Connect with Dr. Jinneh Dyson on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @drjinnehdyson or visit her website jinnehdyson. com. Connect with Abbie Steele by calling Kingwood Pines Hospital at 281-404-1001 or her private practice, Steele Minds Counseling, at 832-317-6565.

BOOKS

ho do you look up to? Who is the person you most want to be like when you grow up? The one you go to when you need advice, a kind word, or new direction? Is it a parent who puts your head on straight? Or a teacher that always knows what to say? Do you look up to someone close to you now or, as in “Time for Kids: Heroes of Black History,” is it someone much bigger than that? If you had to make a list of everything that happened in Black History, you’d have to put the year 1500 on the top of your list because that’s where African American history began. On your list, there’d be a lot of names and dates, too, but four names may stand out for you… Born in 1820, Araminta was a slave because her parents and grandparents were slaves. Called by her mother’s name, young “Harriet” worked hard at everything she did but she was beaten because she was also “rebellious.” It was that rebellion – and fear

Abbie Steele

“Time for Kids: Heroes of Black History” by Editors at Time for Kids Magazine By Terri Schlichenmeyer, Book Reviewer

of being sold – that made her escape from but one will turn into four when you’ve got her master. It was freedom that made Harriet “Time for Kids: Heroes of Black History” Tubman want to help others to escape, too. on your shelf. When Jackie Robinson began playing baseball, there were “rules” that told him where he could eat, live, and even get a drink of water. But Robinson wanted to play ball and so he smashed a few rules to be the first African American major-leaguer.

The first thing kids will notice about this book is its easy-to-understand narrative and easy-to-read print; it’s just enough of a challenge, but not overly so. Kids will also like the artwork in this book, including photographs from different eras in history.

The four subjects here are examined with Even before he was born, “Barry” Obama’s mother believed in him: Barry’s a young audience in mind: each mini-chapreal name is Barack, which means “blessed” ter includes a bit about the childhoods of Tubman, Robinson, Parks, and Obama, in his father’s native language. which keeps the information relevant for Barry was a good student, and had a sense children. of humor, but he was teased because he was Parents will appreciate that there’s a the only Black kid in his school. That was all just a memory when Barack Obama became glossary and thumbnail bios of other Black heroes for plenty of further learning. President of the United States. know a child like that, you might as well find it now. It’s a book your kids will want And “On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks Though it can surely be read by anyone, to look up. stepped onto a bus – and into history.” So “Time for Kids: Heroes of Black History” your child has been given an assignment to is really meant for kids ages 8 and older, Share this story online at stylemagazine. read one biography this winter. Just one – especially those who love history. If you com.

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GIFT GUIDE Urban Hydration Coconut Oil & Vanilla Bean

Taitu’s Botanicals Tea Tree & Lavender Bundle

Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey Line

Urban Hydration’s Coconut Oil & Vanilla bean line includes body wash, body cream, sugar scrub and salt soak. The soothing beneﬁts of vanilla help with acne, inﬂamed skin and aging while the coconut oil removes oil and moisturizes skin. Price: $12.99 and up Available at: urbanhydration.com, Sally Beauty, Target, Walmart, Jet, Amazon, Bealls, Exchange, and Macy’s Backstage

Taitu’s Botanicals Tea Tree & Lavender bundle includes body cream, body wash, sugar scrub and hair and body oil. These products have a calming lavender scent, are all natural, organic and vegan. Price: $59.00 (for full set) Available at: taitusbotanicals.com

Mielle Organics Pomegranate & Honey bundle includes the Leave-In Conditioner, Twisting Soufﬂé, Curl Smoothie and Curling Custard. Perfect for 4C textures, these products give long lasting moisture for dry thirsty curls. Price: $7.50 and up Available at: mielleorganics.com, Sally Beauty, and CVS Pharmacy

CULINARY Helpful Holiday Recipes for the Home Chef By Family Features

ith everything that goes into creating a full holiday menu for guests of different ages and palates, taking on that task can be a challenge for any host. However, simple recipes that please the masses can help make life easier for home chefs. From the main dish all the way to dessert, plus the drinks in-between, put these recipes to the test to help make your holiday gathering a breeze. Put your adult guests at ease with a cranberry-flavored cocktail, followed by a main course made sweet thanks to this turkey brine. As things come to a close, finish off any leftover appetites with a quick cookie recipe. To help make your holiday hosting easier, find more tips and recipes at Culinary.net.

A Sweeter Centerpiece A holiday meal is only complete with the centerpiece of the table: a tender turkey that side dishes and desserts can complement for guests of all palates. For a new twist on a holiday classic, add some sweetness to your main course with a Sweet Tea Turkey Brine, featuring Milo’s Famous Sweet Tea. It’s freshly brewed from real tea leaves using simple, quality ingredients free from preservatives, colors or added acids. The family- and certiﬁed women-owned business offers a multitude of beverages, all with the same dedication to quality and excellence. Find more information and recipes at drinkmilos.com.

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Milo’s Sweet Tea Turkey Brine Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 15-20 minutes per pound 1 1 3 4 8 5 10 1.

gallon Milo’s Sweet Tea cup kosher salt large sweet onions, quartered lemons, sliced garlic cloves, peeled sprigs rosemary cups ice turkey

In large stock pot over medium heat, combine tea and kosher salt. Stir frequently until salt is dissolved. Add onion, lemon, garlic and rosemary. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature. When brine has cooled, pour into foodgrade, 5-gallon plastic container. Stir in ice. Wash and dry turkey. Remove innards. Place turkey, cavity-side up, into brine, making sure cavity gets ﬁlled. Cover and place bucket in refrigerator overnight. Heat oven to 350 F.

give guests a twist on a classic with this Cranberry Kiev Mule made with Nemiroff Original Vodka. This premium vodka is bold with a smooth, full-bodied ﬁnish that hints of citrus and fruit. Combined with cranberry juice and ginger beer, it’s an ideal holiday cocktail. Find more holiday cocktail options at nemiroff.vodka.

Cranberry Kiev Mule

part Nemiroff Original Vodka part cranberry juice cocktail parts ginger beer tablespoon lime juice Cook turkey 15-20 minutes per pound, ice orange wedges, for garnish or until internal temperature reaches 165 (optional) fresh cranberries, for garnish (opF on instant-read thermometer, reserving tional)rosemary sprigs, for garnish (optional) drippings for gravy. Remove turkey from brine, draining excess, and pat dry. Discard excess brine.

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Pour vodka, cranberry juice cocktail, ginger beer and lime juice into copper mug ﬁlled If holiday cocktails are on your menu,

Cranberry Cocktail Cravings

Dec. 21 - Dec. 27, 2017 www.stylemagazine.com

with ice. Gently stir to combine. Garnish with orange wedges, fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs, if desired.

HEALTH Sleeping With Your Phone Can

Cause Cancer, Infertility & More

By BlackDoctor.org

bility that long-term, high use of cell phones may be linked to certain types of cancer and other health effects, including:

has suggested that our frequent and closerange exposure to mobile phones means it could be enough to put us at risk.

– brain cancer and tumors of the acoustic nerve (needed for hearing and maintaining balance) and salivary glands

In fact, some smartphone manufacturers like Apple agree and even include an ‘RF exposure’ notice in the iPhone’s settings.

– lower sperm counts and inactive or less mobile sperm – headaches and effects on learning and memory, hearing, behavior, and sleep

Apple explains that the iPhone’s RF emissions were tested at 5mm from the body, and fall within the US standards of safety, as well as providing advice for reducing exposure like using speakerphone or hands-free accessories.

Some scientists and public health ofﬁcials believe RF energy may affect human health.

The notice comes after several cities, including Berkeley and San Francisco, issued local warnings that people should make some distance between their phones and their bodies.

Previous studies have shown evidence that mobile phone exposure may cause tumors in the brain or ears, while psychologists have warned it could also be linked to poor mental health, attention and sleep in teenagers.

Although the science is still evolving, some laboratory experiments and human health studies have suggested the possi-

While the RF from mobile phones remains at relatively low levels compared to large scale industrial instruments, research

The California guidelines warn against close contact when phones have two or fewer bars of signal, when moving in a car, or if you’re try-

e do everything with our mobile phones. We order gifts, we ﬁnd directions, we check on family pictures, we share our ups and downs…oh, and of course we call people too. We are on them so much, many of us fall asleep with cell phones in our bed. Now, it’s how often we are using these phones that we are at risk of certain diseases. According to the California Department Of Public Health, it’s because mobile phones put out radio frequency (RF) energy.

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

ing to receive or send large quantities of data. Instead of leaning your head on your phone or sleeping with the phone in your bed, the study also suggests using headsets, sleeping with your phone away from you like on a night stand or across the room and carrying them in a bag instead of in your pocket.

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2017

MINUTE MAID HOUSTON, TX

Coca-Cola Summit Photography by Vicky Pink mployees of Coca-Cola would agree that nothing quenches your thirst better than a Coke product. The company honored their top 200 employees for producing those quality products that people crave at their summit held in Houston. The best of the best of Coca-Cola were rewarded with a day at the ballpark to live out their baseball player fantasies throwing out balls and making strikes. The event was held in partnership with Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages and Houston Astros. Some in attendance were Coca-Cola CEO’s Mark Schortman and Houston Astros’ Manager A.J. Hinch.

2017

DST Houston Alumnae’s Jazz Soiree Photography by Vicky Pink t was a jazzy affair at the Houston Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. 16th Annual Scholarship Fundraiser, Jazz Soiree. The organization has a special interest in the education of youth. Thus, they host this signature fundraiser where proceeds have afforded the local chapter to provide more than $100,000 in scholarships to deserving students. During the affair, the ladies also honored songstress Kathy Taylor with the Thelma Patten Law Award of Excellence. Some in attendance were Tina Jones, Dante Johnson, April Sloan-Hubert, Angela Sterling, Gwendolyn Drumgoole, Freddie Chapel Wright, and Annetra Piper.

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Dec. 21 - Dec. 27, 2017 www.stylemagazine.com

MARRIOTT MARQUIS HOUSTON HOUSTON, TX

2017

KAY DAVIS & ASSOCIATES OFFICE HOUSTON, TX

Kay Davis & Associates Annual Masquerade Holiday Party

Photography by Vicky Pink he holidays are all about fun with family and friends. Kay Davis & Associates annually celebrate the spirit of the season with their holiday party. The event has a dual purpose of also capping off a year of good work by the company and its workers. It is a chance for workers to have a festive time with clients and supporters. Some in attendance were Dannette Davis, Rosa Wiggins, Jessica Rivers, Elisha Allen-Morris, Jeffrey Boney, Reagan Flowers, and Lalou Davies.

2017

JULIA IDESON LIBRARY HOUSTON, TX

Harvey Heroes Breakfast Photography by Vicky Pink ayor Sylvester Turner is never a man that is shy about showing his gratitude and appreciation for the good works of others. He did that at the Harvey Heroes Faith Leaders and Community Breakfast where he honored those individuals and faith leaders who stepped up when Hurricane Harvey hit Houston. Several organizations received proclamations for their service from Mayor Turner. Some in attendance were Trae da Truth, Brian Courtney Wilson, Pastor Rudy Rasmus, Gerald Womack, Pastor James Dixon, and Deavra Daughtry.

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