July 11 – July 17, 2019
Houston’s Premiere Weekly Publication
Volume 30 | Number 27
Complimentary
Jesse Jackson
“Equal Pay, Equal Pay, Equal Pay”
Macy’s
The Next Chapter Outdoor Story
z
Lil KeKe Salutes Houston-Based DJs for Annual 7Thirteen Day Words By Keandra Scott-Tatum and Photography by TW Visuals
Comcast NBCUniversal Awards $75K to Houston High Seniors
Sweat TX for Fit Kids
East End Women in Business
MLB All-Star Game
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06 Publisher Francis Page, Jr.
Meet Omazing Occasions Owner Ashley Odom
Associate Publisher Lisa Valadez
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Managing Editor Jo-Carolyn Goode editorial@stylemagazine.com Social Media Editor/Videographer Reginald Dominique reggiedominique@me.com
NATIONAL WRITERS
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Reasons to Try Home Chef Delivery Service
PHOTOGRAPHERS Vicky Pink vhpink@gmail.com
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July 11 – July 17, 2019
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COMMENTARY “Equal Pay, Equal Pay, Equal Pay” By Jesse Jackson, National Political Writer
for deciding not to sing the national anthem. She announced that she wasn’t interested in going to the White House. Her lavender hair symbolized her celebration of LGBTQ rights. She naturally became a target of some on the right. She dismissed charges that she was unAmerican: “I’m particularly uniquely and very deeply American. IF we want to talk about the ideals we stand for, the song and the anthem, and what we were founded on, I think I’m extremely American. She surely got that right. She also had the unified support of her teammates, who praised her as a “warrior” on and off the field, calling it a privilege to be her teammate.
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US Women’s National Soccer Team
s the exhausted and thrilled U.S. women’s soccer team celebrated its victory in the finals of the 2019 Women’s World Cup, the cheers of the crowd in the Stade of Lyon soon turned into a chant: “Equal Pay, Equal Pay, Equal Pay.” Even as they fought their way to the fourth U.S. Women World Cup championship, the U.S. team were waging a battle -- in the court of public opinion and the courts of law -- for equal treatment in wages, working conditions and investment in the women’s game. And if there is any justice or common sense in their employer, U.S. Soccer, they will be as victorious in the quest for equal pay as they were in their quest for the World Cup. These are truly American champions.
POLITICAL
S
Kamala Harris
en. Kamala Harris and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are teaming up to introduce legislation aimed at helping people with criminal records fairly obtain housing. The bill, which the lawmakers will introduce Wednesday in their respective chambers, pledges to change eviction and screening policies in housing so people with a criminal history can apply for federal housing assistance. Harris is the latest 2020 Democratic presidential candidate to attach her name to the star of the progressive left, entering
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It took immense courage -- and no small amount of moxie -- to file a class-action lawsuit -- joined by all 28 members of the team -- alleging gender discrimination by their employer only 93 days before their opening match in the World Cup. This only added immensely to the pressure on them to succeed on the field. They would be playing for their country, for themselves, but also for all those who will come after them One of their leaders -- Megan Rapinoe -- won the “golden boot” as the top scorer in the World Cup, as well as the Most Valuable Player Award. She accomplished this even while expressing her own values. Trump criticized her
As Christen Press put it, “it’s been beautiful to see her fearlessness as we get to the highest level and the highest stages, that she doesn’t back away, she doesn’t shy, but the opposite: She gets even bigger.” As did the entire U.S. women’s team. Inspired by the example set by Billie Jean King and Venus Williams in women’s tennis, they took on their employers, criticized FIFA for its unequal treatment of the women’s game, and stood up for equal rights, waging a fight that would benefit their successors if not them. As Alex Morgan, one of the team’s biggest stars stated, “My hope is that we have equality within football in my career, but I think ultimately it would be good in my lifetime. Even if I don’t reap the benefits, my hope is
that the next generation’s sole focus is what it’s meant to be: And that is to play football.” On Wednesday, the champions will be celebrated with a classic Manhattan tickertape parade through the “canyon of heroes” on Broadway. The cheers will be deafening; confetti will fill the air. Lavender hairdos will be seen throughout the crowd. And once more the chant will begin: “equal pay, equal pay, equal pay.” Let us all pay tribute to the skill, the courage and the grit of these remarkable young women. They won the cup, even as they waged the fight for justice. They have inspired an entire generation of youngsters who watched their epic play on the field. They have earned the respect of their peers across the world. Remarkably, the Dutch team posted its own tribute video to the American women before the final game, stating, “You showed us where dedication and ambition can bring you.” Inspired by the Americans, the level of play is rising across Europe and across the world. And now we must all support them to ensure that they gain justice at home even as they have gained victory abroad. (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.
Kamala Harris, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Team Up On Bill to Help Those With Criminal Records Get Housing By Jasmine Wright and Kyung Lah, CNN/StyleMagazine.com Newswire
Alexandria Ocasio Cortez
the so-called\AOC primary. Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders teamed up with Ocasio-Cortez to campaign for progressive candidates in 2018 after she upset the Democratic incumbent in her congressional primary. They have also co-sponsored legislation; on Tuesday, the pair, along with Oregon’s Rep. Earl Blumenauer, rolled out a resolution to declare climate change a national emergency. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren has paired with the New York congresswoman on a number of platforms, from legislation
July 11 – July 17, 2019
to a video deconstructing the last season of HBO’s “Game of Thrones.” Warren and Ocasio-Cortez have also had private lunches together. Ocasio-Cortez, herself, name-dropped both left-leaning senators in a CNN interview in May. “What I would like to see in a presidential candidate is one that has a coherent worldview and logic from which all these policy proposals are coming forward,” Ocasio-Cortez told CNN. “I think Sen. Sanders has that. I also think Sen. Warren has that. I also want to see us centering working people in the United States to stem income inequality (and) tackle climate change. Now Harris -- who has called herself a “progressive prosecutor” -- is wading into the circle angling for support from Ocasio-Cortez and signaling her ability to work with those on the left. Citing the effect the war on drugs had on mass incarceration, the Fair Chance at Housing Act of 2019 bill says it would ban blanket “one-strike” policies that allow eviction after a single incident of criminal activity and replace it with a review system. It would also ban “no-fault” policies that evict entire family units when there’s been an offense committed by a guest of the
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household, without their knowledge, and provide an addition $100 million in bonus funding for homeless service providers through the Continuum of Care program to serve ex-offenders. among other reforms. In a statement, Harris said, “Too many people become involved in our criminal justice system and serve their time only to return home to face additional barriers to employment, education, and housing.” She added, “As our country continues working toward much-needed reform of our criminal justice system, I am proud to work with Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez to ensure formerly incarcerated individuals and their families have access to safe and affordable housing as they transition back into their community. By requiring a higher standard of evidence and a more holistic review process, we are taking a significant step toward giving Americans a fair chance to succeed.” Ocasio-Cortez said in a statement: “I am proud to join Senator Harris in introducing the Fair Chance at Housing Act. This legislation is one of many steps that need to be taken to repair our broken criminal justice system.” Read the full story online at stylemagazine.com.
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July 11 – July 17, 2019
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6/26/19 5:20 PM
BUSINESS
Business Style: Meet Ashley Odom, Owner of Omazing Occasions By Jo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor
O
Ashley Odom
ne lick, two licks, three licks were all it took to get to the center of a Tootsie Pop. Knowing how the flavors would combine in your mouth, slow licking was not an option. You wanted the satisfaction now. However, I have found one lollipop that you will want to lick slowly to really savor and enjoy it. Ashley Odom, the owner of Omazing Occasions, talks to us about how she turned the everyday lollipop into an adult only experience.
Just in time for the upcoming National Lollipop Day, Odom has released a new product to her already tasty line of treats for all occasions. Candiliquors are lollipops infused with alcohol. Flavors include Crown Royal paired with apple or peach and Ciroc coupled with watermelon, mango, and green apple flavors. The Crown Royal pops are the most favored by customers including Odom herself. “My personal favorites are the Crown Peach and Ciroc Watermelon, but I enjoy them all!” she admitted. Going at $25 per dozen, Odom is happy to whip out a batch with your choice of alcohol and flavoring. Candiliquors maybe Odom’s new product, however, her signature item is her chocolate covered Oreos. Her ‘Omazing’ Oreos were the second product
Comcast NBCUniversal Awards $72,500 in Scholarships to 28 Houston High School Seniors Leaders and Achievers Scholarship Program Recognizes Students’ Achievements Both In and Out of the Classroom
C
omcast NBCUniversal today announced that it has awarded $72,500 in scholarships for the 2019-2020 school year to 28 Texas students as part of its annual Leaders and Achievers® Scholarship Program. Students are selected for their outstanding community service, academic performance, and leadership skills. The award, funded by the Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation, is a one-time, $2,500 scholarship to be used toward undergraduate education-related expenses. Since 2001, more than $33 million has been awarded to nearly 30,000 high school seniors across the country as part of the Leaders and Achievers program.
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July 11 – July 17, 2019
that she offered through her business that she started in 2013. She started out making diaper cakes as gifts for baby showers. Not wanting to limit herself she expanded her product line to include chocolate covered Oreos after seeing some on Facebook. At the time, Odom had not seen the item and didn’t know anyone who sold them. She did a little research on how to make the ooey, gooey sinfully good cookies and ran with it. “I like making treats that are unique and new to my customers. I like the idea of being able to provide items that few are currently making so I can add on to your event in a way that you may not have thought of before,” said Odom, who also makes chocolate covered strawberries, dipped pretzels, and chip and treat bags. Just recently to her title of candymaker, she added that of
t-shirt creator with a line of personalized t-shirts and bags. Although her product line is constantly expanding, Odom says customers return again and again for her chocolate covered Oreos. Add a personal touch to your Oreo design with a photo, company logo, ivy leaf and more. The cookies start at $25 and up per dozen. Odom feels honored when customers speak about how much guests loved her products. Laughing at the fact that some customers say the treats go so fast at their events they barely get a chance to eat them. Cleverly, they have learned to order a few extra treats or put some aside before serving to guests. Ordering any of Odom’s ‘omazing’ delectables are easy. Just log on to her website www.omazingoccasions.com
2019 Leaders and Achievers Scholarship Recipients STUDENT
HIGH SCHOOL
COLLEGE
Michael Balderas
Carnegie Vanguard High School
Texas A&M University
Shannon Buckfield
William B Travis High School
University of Houston
Douglas Caringer
Pasadena Memorial High School
University of Houston
Jared Clark
Bellaire Senior High School
Texas A&M University
An Hoa Dang
Alief Early College
Houston Baptist University
Esu Ekeruche
Westfield High School
Texas A&M University
Emily Galo
Alief Elsik High School
University of Texas at Austin
Ian Garcia
Spring High School
University of Texas at Austin
Mackeilla Garcia
Klein
Baylor University
Chandler Green
Glenda Dawson High School
Sam Houston State University
Carolyn Herrera
Pasadena Memorial High School
Texas A&M University
Maria Ibarra
Dulles High School
Case Western Reserve University
Aline Irafasha
Margaret Long Wisdom High School
Wellesley College
Alexander Jacobs
St. Thomas High School
Central Michigan University
Victoria Le
Alief Early College High School
U of H
Andrew Li
Bellaire Senior High School
Rice University
Eric Li
Glenda Dawson High School
Stanford University
Alejandro Nevarez
Yes Prep Southeast
Case Western Reserve University
Nkemasom Nwadei
Seven Lakes High School
Texas A&M University
Amanda Pham
Cy-Fair High School
The UT at Austin
Kala Pham
Michael E. DeBakey High School
Univ. California: Berkeley
Andrea Reza
Humble High School
Undecided
Angela Rocha
MacArthur Senior High School
The University of Texas at Austin
Michael Sanchez
Energy Institute High School
University of Texas at Austin
Carly Schneider
Pasadena Memorial High School
Trinity University
Jamal Seriki
Dulles High School
University of Southern California
Miguel Velasquez
Alief Early College High School
Middlebury College
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ENTERTAINMENT
Brian d’Arcy James on The Ferryman and Being Directed by Sam Mendes By Allison Kugel, Special to Style
A
Briand’arcyJames
ctor Brian d’Arcy James delivers a tour de force performance as dashing and tormented Quinn Carney in the Broadway ––play, The Ferryman, winner of four 2019 Tony Awards including Best Play, Best Author (Jez Butterworth) and Best Director (Sam Mendes).
In the acclaimed three-act play, d’Arcy James leads a magnificent tapestry of ensemble actors through a mid-twentieth century piece taking place in Northern Ireland during a time of conflict
between England and Ireland, against a backdrop of a family’s celebration of the season’s annual harvest. Casualties of war and forbidden love come to a head among emotionally charged, generational relationships playing out on a multi-textured stage. For frequent and occasional theatre goers, alike, The Ferryman is a can’t miss Broadway experience.
so happy to hear.
This year, d’Arcy James can also be seen in films like The Kitchen starring Melissa McCarthy and Tiffany Haddish, a West Side Story reboot directed by Steven Spielberg, and Dark Phoenix starring Jennifer Lawrence and James McAvoy.
Allison Kugel: In film, you can rest and re-generate between takes, but with theatre, and especially with such an intense play as this one, how do you sustain the life of your character on stage for three hours?
I sat down with Brian d’Arcy James to discuss his role in The Ferryman, being directed by the brilliant Sam Mendes, and having one foot on Broadway and the other in some of the coming year’s most anticipated films. Allison Kugel: Your show, The Ferryman, is such a flawless piece of theatrical art; one of the most incredible theatre experiences I’ve ever had. Brian d’Arcy James: That makes me
Allison Kugel: The play is three hours and fifteen-minutes with intermission, but I didn’t feel the time. Brian d’Arcy James: I hear that quite a bit. People go in acknowledging the time, but then they say that it was not a factor at all, which is such a testament to the storytelling.
Brian d’Arcy James: I would even take it a step further, by including the actual run of the show. Not only are you doing it nightly, for three hours a night, but you are having to keep that character alive for months at a time. Let me first give credit to the preceding cast who spent a lot more time in the shoes of these characters than we have. My hat’s off to them for that reason, alone. It’s a tall order, and you have to leave the pilot light on at all times, with the burner set on a low burn. That emotional
life, the complexity of the situation that my character, and all the characters for that matter, find themselves in, requires a connection to that emotional life continuously throughout the run of the show. You have to open up and let that flame burn higher when you are doing the show. In order to do that, you have to keep it on a low burn in your own life, so that you are not sitting by a fireside with two sticks rubbing them together, hoping you can spark a flame during each performance. Brian d’Arcy James is appearing in the Tony Award-winning Broadway play, “The Ferryman,” at the Bernard B. Jacobs Theatre at 242 W. 45th Street in New York City. For tickets and information, visit TheFerrymanBroadway.com. Allison Kugel is a syndicated entertainment columnist, author of the memoir, Journaling Fame: A memoir of a life unhinged and on the record, and owner of communications firm, Full Scale Media. Follow her on Instagram @ theallisonkugel and AllisonKugel.com. Read the full story online at stylemagazine.com.
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July 11 – July 17, 2019
7
FEATURE
Lil Keke Salutes DJs with the Day Slab 7Thirteen Holiday By Keandra Scott-Tatum, Feature Writer
that’s a good sign right there. Ke’Ke:Your music is timeless & therefore iconic & influential. What are some ways you are paying it forward on the Houston music scene?
I
f you ask anyone in the south who Lil’ Keke is, you might get a swift leg movement two times to the left and the right as they rub their head to do the “Southside” (“Don’t Mess With Texas”). The legendary Houston rapper is known for being one of the original members of the iconic collective S. U. C. (Screwed Up Click) and assisting in the creation of a nostalgic hip-hop scene the entire globe recognizes. Lil’ Keke is gearing up for his annual 713 (7-Thirteen) Day taking place July 13th at one of Houston’s popular breweries, 8th Wonder, and he wants everyone there. With over 20 plus years in the game, Lil’ Keke is the epitome of ‘Slfmade’ and he is 100% behind giving back to his community and providing insight to young rappers on the music industry. Former Mayor Annise Parker proclaimed Lil’ Keke’s 713 Day back in 2015 and Mayor Turner presented a proclamation to the legend on 7-Thirteen Day in 2018. The unofficial city holiday named in recognition of the city’s widely used area code 713 brings a proud energy of celebration in the city of Houston through art, entertainment, food, and fun. This year, Lil’ Keke’s goal is to put a spotlight on Houston’s DJs for their tremendous efforts to give Houston artists a platform. We got a chance to speak briefly with the H-Town trendsetter about his journey and what event goers can expect this Saturday, July 13th.
Ke’Ke: It’s because of you my nickname affectionately given to me by my grandmother was transformed into Lil’ Ke’Ke throughout grade school, ha-ha. (laughs) You were and still are the glue to a classic H-Town kickback or a quick turn-up at a local club. What are some key ingredients that keep you going? Lil’ Keke: You know, the appreciation and the opportunity to witness the chance of having people all over the city still celebrate what I did for the cause. For people to look at me as a legend is enough. To see people still coming out to enjoy the music and support keeps me pushing to make it apart of my life and my brand. That’s enough right there.
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Ke’Ke: Do you think your sons will follow your footsteps in the music industry? Lil’ Keke: (laughs) I give them the option to be whatever they want to be. Knowing what I do, they don’t have to impress me, and I say that not with just my kids, anybody. I’m not going to force it on them. If that naturally happens to where they have some type of music interest and their heart is in it, I’ll support them [no pressure].
Lil ’Keke: I’ve always loved 713, my city, and the opportunity to be a legend. Every year we try to do something with the event on July 13th. We bring a lot of artists out to perform. We host block parties every year. It’s overwhelmingly crazy out there. Matter fact, it’s a salute to all the DJs in the city; I just got a few DJs coming out. I’ll be performing with a live band. The event is FREE and there will be merchandise, limited edition souvenir glassware, an art show and more. Every year it gets bigger and bigger.
Ke’Ke: This will be your fourth year pulling this impactful event off for the city (minus the year Harvey hit-2017). What’s your drive behind saluting the DJs this round? Lil’ Keke: They always come out to support us rappers, especially when I was coming up. I wanted to change it around and make it about them. It’s downtown for everyone to feel apart. We will have my DJ Big Tho, Good Grief, DJ Mike 5000 Watts, Go Dj HiC, DJ SupaStar and Dj Gloss. The event will take place Saturday, July 13, 2019, from 6pm-10pm at 8th Wonder Brewery (2202 Dallas St, Houston, TX 77003). For more information on the Annual 713 (7-Thirteen) Day follow @DonKe713 on Twitter/Instagram and @LilKekeSeven13 on Facebook.
LEARN MORE. DO MORE. SHARE MORE.
Ke’Ke:Your lyrics have to be some of the most quotable. Every time somebody says “south side” you come to mind. Do you have a favorite verse from your own body of work? Lil’ Keke: No, I would say, all of it is in a way that I use to do what I do for some years. [Creating trendsetting chants and the Houston culture drive, it was the objective.] It all just played a part. All of the lyrics paid the cost of what I was trying to do. To make the real culture vultures pay attention to the city and to make people want to do it like us in Texas was the goal. Ke’Ke:What’s your vision for the management company? Lil’ Keke: Well, what I’m doing with that is I’m just taking it one- step at a time. Managing anybody’s career comes with a lot. Especially, the way things are today and artists expectations. I’m trying to let the artist be themselves with their hard work and my hard work and a little bit of my expertise. Marcus Crae is family; I’ve been knowing him for a really long time. He’s very talented and has matured over the years. I only wanted to step in if I could do anything better. He has the talent to do something different and with hard work, anything can happen. Ke’Ke: How do you feel about the new wave of Houston hip-hop? Lil’ Keke: I’m with it. Just make it work. I salute the ones who are taking it to the max. I think it’s going up and the opportunities are getting better,
July 11 – July 17, 2019
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HEALTH
Warning: New Disease Found in Pools Across U.S. By Derrick Lane/BlackDoctor.org
increasing 13% each year, and 7,465 cases of crypto infection were reported from 2009 through 2017. The number of outbreaks reached 444, according to the agency’s report released last week. But it’s not just crypto that swimmers have to be wary of. The CDC says 493 outbreaks of some kind of bacteria, parasite, or chemical between 2000 and 2014 were associated with recreational facilities, including pools, hot tubs, and playgrounds, and caused 27,219 cases and eight deaths. Most of those deaths were caused by bacteria or other pathogens, and 6% by chemicals.
D
Of the outbreaks caused by bacteria and viruses, 58% were caused by cryptosporidium, which causes diarrhea that can last for up to 3 weeks. Thirteen percent were from pseudomonas, which causes hot tub rash and swimmer’s ear. Another 16% came from legionella, which causes Legionnaire’s disease and a milder illness with flulike symptoms known as Pontiac fever.
Local and private pools Outbreaks of diarrhea-causing cryptosporidium are
Crypto is highly resistant to chlorine, which makes it hard to kill once it’s in the water.
uring the summer, it’s natural for kids and adults alike to want to go swimming, but who would have thought that this summer 2019 could be the most dangerous time for swimming.
“Swallowing just a mouthful of water with crypto in it can make otherwise healthy kids and adults sick for weeks with watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting,” says Michele Hlavsa, chief of the CDC’s Healthy Swimming Program. Every year, at least 15 to 20 outbreaks of diseases, like stomach bugs and diarrhea, are linked to swimming in public pools, according to the CDC. When entering a public pool, the scent of chlorine shouldn’t be a green light to jump right in. What you’re smelling isn’t clean water. It is, in fact, the opposite. “It’s really a problem because the dose to get infected is so small and the amount that can be excreted is so many many times larger,” Dr. Radhika Gharpure, an epidemic intelligence services officer with the CDC, told weather.com. The total number of outbreaks is likely higher than the actual count reported, the CDC says, adding that outbreaks – two or more infected indi-
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viduals linked to a single place – of the disease have risen roughly 13 percent per year. Crypto doesn’t just come from swimming pools and water parks, but it’s where you’re most likely to contract it. In the study,…such sites accounted for more than 35 percent of all outbreaks and more than 56 percent of all the infected people. It’s also the reason crypto outbreaks and individual infections peak in the warmer months of June to September, when more people are swimming. “The point to emphasize is this is a really tough bug to kill,” said Gharpure. “Crypto has this outer shell that allows it to survive in the environment and it’s not susceptible to chlorine or other disinfectants like alcohol. So, because of that, it can survive in these pools, even ones that are properly chlorinated.” Because of its potency, crypto is the single greatest source of waterborne outbreaks among humans in the U.S., the CDC notes.
July 11 – July 17, 2019
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EAT WITH STYLE Home Chef Offers Weekly Meal Service By Yolanda Pope, Culinary Writer
I
ts’ been about two years since I received an email invitation to try a home meal service that offered me $30 off my first meal and an additional discount for each referral I sent their way. My co-workers and I studied the website intensely at the menu offerings for the weeks that we would receive our orders.
on the front. This meal included: six small flour tortillas, crispy jalapenos, grape tomatoes, pineapple chunks, one lime, one red onion, seasoning, and the diced chicken thighs. The recipes are well-written and detailed, but I usually just glance at their words then, just go for it. In the photo collage included with this article is a snapshot of the chicken tacos. I added avocado pico de gallo to my plated dish. At most, that particular meal took me about 30 minutes to cook and plate.
Not only did Home Chef pre-package a week’s worth of food, but they also separated and labeled every ingredient that was listed on the recipe card. Additionally, we were able to view in advance all of the dishes that were available for an entire month. Also, we had the choice to swap out a meal that we didn’t for another meal choice that was available for that particular week. Moreover, the company allows the consumer to skip any weeks that they decide not to receive a delivery. The consumer also has a choice between dinner for two or four. Since we are single we chose the dinner for two, which we were provided with enough food for two meals. Most of the time, we found that we had enough food for three meals, depending on the dish.
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The food is delivered insulated and cooled with plenty of dry ice, and I have never received any food that was spoiled or not the correct temperature. This company distributes high-quality food and customer service. Check them out at www.homechef.com, and let us know what you think.
One of my favorite dishes that I have received so far was the Hawaiian
July 11 – July 17, 2019
Chicken Thigh Tacos. A hard copy of the online recipe card was also included in each box with the ingredients listed
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SPORTS
Superman Returns Home
Michael Brantley returns back to Cleveland as a starter in the 2019 MLB All-Star Game By Brian Barefield, Sports Editor
fighter by night. Now if you really know me and have interacted with me on a consistent basis you know that Superman is my favorite superhero of all time. At any given time, you can catch me with some sort of Superman paraphernalia on, so you can imagine the joy I must have felt when I saw the caped hero standing right in front of me. And yes. I did take a bunch of selfies.
A
s I prepared to exit the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, I was stopped in my tracks midstride and paused for a second. What I was witnessing was something I was not prepared for, but definitely had been waiting all my life to see. Walking out of the last door at the north end of the airport, there is a nice montage of my childhood hero Superman. The fictional character was created during the 1930s and portrayed as a working-class citizen by day and crime
Houston Astros outfielder Michael Brantley must have felt like he had seen his childhood hero as well when they called his name as a starter for the American League team in the 90th Major League Baseball All-Star Game played at Progressive Field in Cleveland, Ohio. A place he called home for ten seasons. As the 2014 Silver Slugger Award winner name was announced, the fans in attendance, mostly Cleveland Indians fans, stood to their feet with jubilation and gave him a standing ovation. Brantley paused a second before exiting the dugout to embrace the love from the city he once called home.
after the game. “It’s not easy to hide (emotions) when you have so much care and passion for these fans and you play so hard for them. For the welcome back, I was very appreciative.” “Uncle Michael,” as some of the younger players in the Astros clubhouse
likes to call him made his fourth AllStar appearance but this was his first as a starter and with a different ball club. Brantley relayed to the media that he had butterflies just coming back to
“It was great. Put a smile on my face and made it extra special,” said Brantley
Cleveland for the first time and how excited he was to see some familiar faces. “I’m excited to see the field, the staff, the people that work around the ballpark. Just to say hello to them.” One thing that helped Brantley ease back into the swing of things was having five of his current Astros teammates (George Springer, Alex Bregman, Gerrit Cole, Justin Verlander, and Ryan Pressly) with him for this game. In the second inning, Brantley brought the sold-out crowd to its feet when he drove in the game’s first run with a double that drove into Bregman, who had reached base earlier in the inning. That hit combined with the other two from Springer and Bregman made history as they became the first teammates in AllStar Game history to have their teams first three hits. On Tuesday night the fans of the Cleveland Indians came out to watch Michael Brantley go from Clark Kent to Superman one more time. He waved to them as he exited the field to simply say, “Thank you Cleveland.”
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11
COMMENTARY
How Will Identity Politics Impact the Upcoming Elections? By Nicole Lynne Gray, Commentator
of schools based on race. That is what was happening at that time. That’s why busing was mandatory at that time.” Biden, after expressing regret for his recent remarks about working alongside segregationists in the Senate, defended his opposition to busing and argued that segregated housing is the more pertinent target. Biden further stated that “[he doesn’t] believe a child should have to get on a bus to attend a good school. There should be first-rate schools of quality in every neighborhood in this nation.” From the exchange in debate and the following responses, my questions are as follows: 1) Will the race be used as bait this election cycle, per usual, or 2) Will we take an opportunity to get to the root causes of racial injustices and inequalities. Asking for a fellow voter.
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Nicole L. Gray
T
o be clear: I’m black and I’m proud! Some of you may recognize my intro from James Brown’s popular 1968 hit, “Say It Loud!” The song was an anthem with a call and response chorus that was not only infectious but also empowering. It starts with James Brown saying “Uh! Your bad self!” Then it jumps right into the call, “Say it Loud!” followed by a choir of children responding, “I’m black and I’m proud!” I remember singing the chorus as a child and feeling a sense of pride and connection as I and others who looked like me answered the call. It wasn’t until many years later that I actually ‘heard’ the lyrics and understood the struggle they represented. The song came near the close of a decade that began with two civil rights leaders at the helm of the black community, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X. Each leader had his own philosophy and action plan but shared the same goal, black equality. The decade began with student sit-ins to protest whites-only policies at various establishments, followed by freedom rides and more racial violence and unrest. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his “I Have a Dream” speech at the historic March on Washington in 1963 and the farthest-reaching federal legislation supporting racial equality was passed in the Civil Rights Act of 1964. At the time, for as many strides as blacks made, legally, they were met with more racial violence, church bombings, murders, and overall resistance. By the time James Brown’s song hit the airwaves, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Fair Housing Act of 1968 had been passed, but both leaders Malcolm and Martin had been killed. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s death was recent, occurring just months before the song was recorded, and the song’s lyrics expressed angst for true equality. Brown sang, “Some people say we got a lot of
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malice, some say it’s a lotta nerve/But I say we won’t quit movin’ until we get what we deserve/We’ve been buked and we’ve been scorned/We’ve been treated bad, talked about as sure as you’re born/ But just as sure as it takes two eyes to make a pair/ Brother, we can’t quit until we get our share.” The song gave a voice to those who had little more to offer the struggle than their chants but who desperately sought the social, economic and political equality that their comrades were fighting and dying for. Sadly, many of the issues, which spawn “Say it Loud!” in 1968, exist today. So, my wonder is how great of an impact will “black issues” have on the upcoming elections. Recent years have seen a resurgence of racial violence, widening achievement gaps between white students and chil- dren of color, and disparities in m i - nority home ownership for instance. But, of all the issues impacting the black community, the hot button issue of the moment is busing. The issue of busing came to the forefront of the Democratic debate when Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) criticized former vice president Joe Biden for opposing court-ordered busing in the 1970s. At the time, Biden was the first liberal Democrat to oppose court ordered busing which had been at that point a stance mainly held by segregationists in Congress. Biden, at the time, said of court-ordered busing that it was ‘an asinine concept, the utility of which has never been proven to me.” Harris capitalized on Biden’s stance on busing in the 1970s, insinuating that he is out of step on racial issues as we enter this election cycle. Harris later said of Biden, “[t]here were forces and individuals and supposed leaders in our country who actively worked against the integration
July 11 – July 17, 2019
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FASHION
Story at Macy’s Houston Galleria and Memorial City Introduces The Next Chapter Outdoor Story ing workshops to outdoor activities such as kayaking on the Hudson River. To bring some outdoor experts to the table, STORY at Macy’s teamed up with DICK’S and Miracle-Gro. What better way to bring the outdoors to life than through inspired, exclusive merchandise that calls you to get outside and then to bring the splendor of nature to your indoor spaces through a range of plants, indoor gardens and curated products.
O
utdoor STORY brings the outdoors indoors in partnership with DICK’S Sporting Goods and Miracle-Gro® –≠ Macy’s, the always changing “store to explore” within 36 Macy’s locations nationwide, including Macy’s Houston Galleria and Macy’s Memorial City in Houston, unveils its second experiential concept: Outdoor STORY. A collaboration with DICK’S Sporting
Goods and Miracle-Gro®, this adventure filled story opens today and runs until September, offering Macy’s customers an outdoor-inspired playground that places an editorial focus on entertaining, bringing the outside indoors, as well as recreational activities. STORY at Macy’s explores the theme through a mix of curated merchandise from more than 70 brands, dynamic store design, and community-focused event programming which range from indoor garden-
Outdoor STORY marks a set of firsts for Macy’s, as the national department store partners with the nation’s largest sporting goods retailer, DICK’S, and the category leader in gardening, Miracle-Gro to bring the theme to life. “When Rachel Shechtman founder of STORY came to me with the concept I paused, because I wouldn’t have thought about partnering with another retailer to sell outdoor products at Macy’s. However, as she presented her ideas and the merchandise her team was envisioning it made a lot of sense. I reached out to Ed Stack, chairman & CEO of DICK’S, knowing that this would be a first for them as well ? to share their exclusive private brand assortment in another ma-
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jor retailer ? but he also saw the creative vision and we had the deal done and partnership launched in less than two months,” shared Jeff Gennette, chairman and CEO of Macy’s, Inc. Outdoor STORY will further support the Macy’s brand experience team’s ‘test and learn’ approach via a variety of cross-merchandising strategies and event programming that showcases the community of each brand. “I think people may be surprised and intrigued by our partnerships, and that is exactly what we wanted. We want to show both consumers, as well as businesses, that collaboration is the new competition; bringing together brands as storytellers to add authority and authenticity to a subject matter, like we are doing with DICK’S and Miracle-Gro, benefits both the customer and the business,” commented Rachel Shechtman, Macy’s brand experience officer and founder of STORY. As the retail industry continues to evolve, Shechtman noted that, “The timing felt right to lean on each brand’s respective strengths to empower new modes of collaboration and learning.” DICK’S Sporting Goods
July 11 – July 17, 2019
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BOOK
“Women with Money” by Jean Chatzky
c.2019, Grand Central
$28.00 / $36.00 Canada
By Terri Schlichenmeyer, Book Reviewer
F
288 pages
ind a penny, pick it up.
it on.”
The rest of that little ditty promises luck but whatever. You don’t see a penny as worth much, but how do you perceive money as a whole? In the new book, “Women with Money” by Jean Chatzky, the answer to that question may lead you to a better relationship with your wallet.
Money: in one hand and out the other? Or are you more tight-fisted? You think you know yourself, but read “Women with Money” and you might think twice.
Statistics don’t lie: for every 100 men that graduate from college, there are more than 130 women graduates. Women inherit more money from their forebears, too, and within the next decade, women could control 75% of the world’s wealth.
layers were added to your money story, and understanding that narrative helps to show you why you have the financial attitudes you have.
The answers to those debates come when you figure out your money story.
Remember that money is an emotional thing, and there’s little we can do about that because a lot of our financial perceptions are biological, says Chatzky. Talk with your partner to understand how your money stories mesh (or don’t), so you can agree on what works for you both. Learn how to ask for help, and a raise at work.
Chatzky says that your money story likely started when you were a toddler, watching your parents and their attitudes on spending and saving, budgeting, and going into debt. As you grew up, more
And finally, remember that money is perfect when used “to bring more joy into your life and the lives of people important to you. You just have to be careful about how and what you spend
And yet, many of us don’t know the deepest answers about our finances. So, “what do you want from your money?” That’s the question Chatzky asks, because it’s one that most women don’t know and haven’t discussed. Ask yourself if you want “the four Ss.” (Safety, Shelter, Security, Stability). Would you use your money for freedom, or to buy time? Do you like the power you get from money? Or does spending it make
you feel guilty?
Indeed, digging deeper into your attitude towards moola is one of the more eye-opening things you’ll learn in this book, as author Jean Chatzky urges readers to examine why they spend or save as they do. Those unused to this kind of introspection may squirm at such navel-gazing – it requires stepping aside and looking at the warts of childhood – but Chatzky shows how understanding is the powerful beginning of action. Finances are not just things to tediously manage. Spending is permissible with this book and money, as it happens, is the root of much that is good. If you already consider yourself a money maven, then go ahead and pass here; you don’t need this book. If you hope to view money as another tool for happiness, though, find “Women with Money” and pick it up. Share this story online at stylemagazine.com.
HOUSTON COMMMUNITY LAND COMMISSION
HOUSTON COMMMUNITY LAND COMMISSION Photography by Vicky Pink
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uture homeowners were all ears at the Houston Community Land Trust Info Session. The independent non-profit corporation helps to make affordable home ownership obtainable for limited-income households within the city. They connect income-qualified home buyers with perpetually affordable homes in neighborhoods. Ashley Paige Allen currently serves as the Executive Director for the organization.
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July 11 – July 17, 2019
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2019
EAST END WOMEN IN BUSINESS 2019 LUNCHEON
EAST END WOMEN IN BUSINESS
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Photography by Vicky Pink
ll were invited to the 2019 East End Women In Business Luncheon presented by the East End Chamber of Commerce. Attendees had a space to roam allowing them to make connections to their network, learn more about how to do business, and grow into better business owners. Featured speakers included Denise Hamilton, founder of WatchHerWork; April Surratt, President of East End Transfer & Storage; Luz Damaris Rosario, general manager of Goya Foods Texas; Shelly S. Heuser, Senior VP of Supply Chain and It; and Sandy Tran, co-owner & CFO of Tout Suite. Others in attendance were CarrinPatman of METRO, Liz Carreno of Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, State Rep. Christina Morales, State Rep. Mary Ann Perez, and Frances Castaneda Dyess of the Houston East End Chamber of Commerce.
2019
SWEAT TX WORKOUT FOR KIDS EMANCIPATION PARK
SWEAT TX WORKOUT FOR KIDS
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Photography by Vicky Pink
ox 26 anchor Jonathan Martin traded in his suit and tie for shorts and a tank to get it in gear for s new fitness initiative aimed at getting Houstonians more active. Sweat TX Workout for Kids is a fun, boot camp styled workout aimed at building community, while promoting health & wellness to Houstonians. Founded by Martin, Sweat TX partnered with Houston’s Parks & Recreation Department to visit community centers across Houston engaging kids in fun fitness activities. Other trainers assisting Martin with the event were Aro of Almost Perfit, Tammy of Soul Grooves, and Jermaine of The Body Shop HTX. DJ Supastar provided the tunes. Mayor Sylvester Turner was even able to make it out to the community workout
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July 11 – July 17, 2019
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