August 15 – August 21, 2019
Houston’s Premiere Weekly Publication
Volume 30 | Number 33
Complimentary
Jesse Jackson Peace Is A Process Not A Single Act
Comcast
Largest Ever Expansion Of Its Internet Essentials Program
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Money, Power, and Sex: The Imperfect Trifecta Words By Nicole L. Gray and Photography by Pixabay
Simone Biles
The Most Decorated Gymnast in U.S. History
CyFair 2025 Basketball Awards Banquet
2019 AKA Alpha Kappa Omega Debutantes
2019 NABJ Convention
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 Support Black Owned Businesses
COME TO THE THIRD ANNUAL PRAIRIE VIEW A&M FOUNDATION FUNDRAISING
Friday, August 30, 2019 – 6:30 pm Hotel of the Americas 1600 Lamar, Houston, TX
We’re honored to introduce this year’s keynote speaker:
Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings Chair of the Maryland Democratic Party and President and CEO of Global Policy Solutions, LLC
Silent Auction • Live Band • Dancing For tickets, or to reserve a table, go to www.pvamf.org and click on the Gala 2019 link. Discounted hotel rooms are available at www.pvamf.org/hotel. Prairie View A&M Foundation | www.pvamf.org | 800.707.8138
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August 15 – August 21, 2019
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06 Publisher Francis Page, Jr. Associate Publisher Lisa Valadez Managing Editor Jo-Carolyn Goode editorial@stylemagazine.com
Chevy Supports HBCUs
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Social Media Editor/Videographer Reginald Dominique reggiedominique@me.com Sports Editor Brian Barefield
NATIONAL WRITERS
Jesse Jackson jjackson@rainbowpush.org Roland Martin www.rolandmartin.com Judge Greg Mathis www.askjudgemathis.com
H-E-B Quest for Texas Best Winners
PHOTOGRAPHERS Vicky Pink vhpink@gmail.com
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William Ealy Williamealy1906@gmail.com Semetra Samuel semetra@artistikrebelcreative.com Mike Munoz artrepreneur91@gmail.com Robert Franklin editorial@stylemagazine.com
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August 15 – August 21, 2019
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COMMENTARY Peace is a Process, Not a Single Act By Jesse Jackson, National Political Writer versary of the armistice, I led a prayer vigil near the Demilitarized Zone that cuts across the Korean Peninsula. I prayed: “It is healing time -- a time to turn our pain into power. A power to bring about family reunification. A power to end this decades-long conflict and bring peace to Korea. It’s due time to step away from the brink of war and talks of nuclear strikes and seize this opportunity to push for talk of peace.”
J
uly 27 marked the 66th anniversary of the signing of the Korean War armistice, which brought an end to hostilities that killed nearly 5 million people, including almost 40,000 U.S. service members. The war ended in a temporary cease-fire, which is why the United States still maintains 28,500 troops in South Korea. Nuclear missiles ring the region and threaten the people living there. North and South remain divided, separating thousands of families. To this day, a formal peace treaty has not been signed. There has been no official end to the war. As a servant of God for civil rights and economic justice at home, and peace and human rights abroad, I believe we must take the path to peace, reconciliation and eventual reunification of the Korean Peninsula. Last year to commemorate the anni-
POLITICAL
Stacey Abrams
Former Georgia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams will expand the voting rights organization she founded ahead of the 2020 elections into
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The current peace process in Korea has both historic potential and challenges. At first Trump threatened to unleash “fire and fury.” This rhetoric has been replaced with dialogue between North Korean Chairman Kim Jong-Un and President Trump, although fundamental differences persist and a permanent solution remains elusive. Peace is a process, not a single act. I believe it’s time to turn the armistice into a formal, lasting peace agreement. This could be the catalyst to a phased approach to denuclearization whereby the United States and North Korea take mutual steps to eliminate their nuclear weapons in and around the Korean Peninsula and move toward normalization. Kim has halted nuclear weapons testing and offered to close the country’s nuclear test site. Last summer, North Korea returned 55 boxes of remains believed to be of U.S. troops killed during the Korean War. In a resolution following his speech to the North Korean ruling party’s Central Committee in April, Kim pledged North Korea would never “use nuclear weapons nor transfer nuclear weapons or nuclear technology under any circumstances unless there are nuclear threats and nuclear provocations against the DPRK.
It’s appropriate and desirable, in honor of the Panmunjom Declaration signed by South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean Chairman Kim Jong-un in 2018, to have, as the agreement states, “trilateral meetings involving the two Koreas and the United States, or quadrilateral meetings involving the two Koreas, the United States and China” to complete their unfinished business of “declaring an end to the War, turning the armistice into a peace treaty, and establishing a permanent and solid peace regime.” Many in South Korea, including President Moon, see this as the key to all other issues, including the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, normalization of relations and North-South reconciliation. I believe the current process can lead to a fundamental resolution of the U.S.North Korean conflict. It should not be thwarted by hawkish pundits who seek to keep the Cold War hot. Congressional leaders on both sides cast aspersions on the Trump-Kim summits and insist that North Korean denuclearization must be the first -- if not the only -- objective in U.S.-North Korean negotiations. Trump’s national security adviser, John Bolton, a war hawk who has argued for “regime change” -- has said North Korea should follow the “Libya model” in denuclearizing. And we must be ever-mindful of Trump, whose meeting with Kim holds promise and possibility but who has a propensity for head-spinning reversals of direction. Now the U.S.-South Korean military exercises scheduled for next month threaten to derail plans for working-level talks
between the U.S. and North Korea. Last week, the North Korean Foreign Ministry warned that North Korea may resume nuclear and long-range missile testing if the United States goes ahead with the exercise. By now, we should know there are no winners in war. Military exercises only increase the possibility of conflict and make progress toward peace more challenging. For the talks between the U.S. and North Korea to succeed, we must maintain the “freeze for freeze” -- a halt to both North Korea’s nuclear and missile tests, as well as the U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises. And declaring an end to the nearly 70-year-old Korean War should be a priority for both sides. According to James Laney, former U.S. ambassador to South Korea, “A Peace Treaty would provide a baseline for relationships, eliminating the question of the other’s legitimacy and its right to exist.” A reconciled and reconnected Korea would represent a new hope in the world. But it will require that we use all the tools at our disposal: moral persuasion, rational arguments, nonviolent direct action and protests, economic, political and diplomatic leverage, education and revival of hope among people of the world. In the 66th year of the armistice, I renew my prayer for an end to the Korean War. Let us have the courage, conviction and conscience to talk it out and not fight it out, and choose mutual co-existence over co-annihilation. Let us reunite families. Let us have peace, co-prosperity and a world without war.
Stacey Abrams to Launch Program Combating Voter Suppression in Battleground States TheHill.com
work against voter suppression in 2020, according to the newspaper. She is slated to announce the expansion Tuesday in a speech to the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades in Las Vegas. The former state legislator and voting rights activist will follow the announcement up with a weekend event in Georgia’s Gwinnett County, at an elementary school where voters were forced to wait in line for hours to vote in 2018 due to technical malfunctions, according to the newspaper. Abrams’s initiative, Fair Fight several battleground states, accord- 2020, will concentrate its efforts ing to the Atlanta Journal-Consti- on battleground states, helping Democratic candidates establish tution. voter-protection programs ahead Abrams’s plans include training of the election. staffers this year in 20 states to
August 15 – August 21, 2019
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In addition to working in battleground states, the $4 million initiative will also target Louisiana, Kentucky and Mississippi, three red states with gubernatorial elections in 2019, according to the newspaper. Abrams has frequently implied voter suppression enabled by her 2018 Republican opponent, then-Secretary of State Brian Kemp, contributed to his victory, citing the cancellation of thousands of registrations for voters who hadn’t voted in recent elections and hours-long lines. Abrams, who decided against challenging Sen. David Perdue (R-Ga.) in 2020, has refused to rule out either a run for president or running against Kemp again in 2022.
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August 15 – August 21, 2019
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8/9/19 3:53 PM
STATE
Chevrolet And Nnpa Host 2019 Discover The Unexpected Closing Ceremony With Fonzworth Bentley And Dj Envy Style Magazine NewsWire
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hevrolet and the National Newspaper Publishers Association hosted a ceremony on Aug. 1 celebrating the fourth year of the award-winning Discover the Unexpected program. The annual program has awarded nearly a half-million dollars in scholarships and stipends since its inception in 2016. It began with a select number of schools and, based on the overwhelming response, the submission process was opened to all students in their sophomore through senior years at Historically Black Colleges and Universities with an interest in journalism, communications, mass media or visual arts. The 2019 DTU Journalism Fellows were Tedarius Abrams (Bethune-Cookman), Tyla Barnes (Hampton University), Elae Hill (North Carolina A&T), Miana Massey (Howard University), Emani Nichols (Morehouse College) and Sharon Joy Washington (Florida A&M). The eight-week fellowship kicked off in Atlanta and culminated in Detroit at General Motors Global Headquarters. During the closing ceremony, the fellows received their $10,000 scholarships and certificates of completion. Lifestyle influencer and 2019 DTU Advisor Fonzworth Bentley (a graduate of Morehouse College), 2019 DTU Ambassador DJ Envy (“The Breakfast Club” and a graduate of Hampton University), Chevrolet leaders and NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. spoke, as did the fellows.
2019-DTU-Fellows-ClosingCermony
“Chevrolet was excited to partner with the NNPA to drive the importance of storytelling and finding new roads during their fellowship,” said Brad Franz, senior manager, Crossover Vehicles Advertising & Marketing, Chevrolet. “The fellows seized the opportunity to embark on this unexpected journey of professional and personal self-discovery while gaining new tools along the way.” NNPA publications the Atlanta Voice, Chicago Crusader, Houston Forward Times and The Washington Informer hosted the fellows during their internship road trip experience, allowing them to hone their print, broadcast, digital and photojournalism skills while driving the all-new 2019 Chevrolet Blazer to discover unexpected stories in the African American community. “The NNPA was excited to partner with Chevrolet for another year in support of these young journalists to amplify community voices across our country,” said NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. “Having these young journalists in our newsrooms working side by side with our publishers was inspiring, and we are committed to including young storytellers’ voices in our reporting.” The six students wrote several powerful pieces, produced video content, participated in press conferences and met Charles Muse, one of the Chevrolet
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Blazer engineers. The fellows’ stories were featured on the NNPA website (www.nnpa.org/chevydtu) throughout the program. Learn more about the Discover the Unexpected Journalism Fellowship at www.nnpa.org/chevydtu. ABOUT CHEVROLET Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is one of the world’s largest car brands, doing business in more than 100 countries and selling more than 4.0 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet
August 15 – August 21, 2019
provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com. ABOUT NNPA NNPA is a trade association of more than 200 African American-owned community newspapers from around the United States. Since its founding 75 years ago, NNPA has consistently been
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the voice of the black community and an incubator for news that makes history and impacts our country. As the largest and most influential Black-owned media resource in America, NNPA delivers news, information and commentary to over 20 million people each week. Americans from all backgrounds seek news from the Black perspective from the NNPA member newspapers around the country. In America, now among the most diverse countries in the world, the Black Press of America is more relevant than ever. To learn more visit www.nnpa.org/dtu
THE ALL-NEW CHEVROLET BLAZER DRIVING HBCU TALENT INTO THE SPOTLIGHT
TYLA BARNES
SHARON JOY WASHINGTON
MIANA MASSEY
TEDARIUS ABRAMS
EMANI NICHOLS
ELAE C. HILL
DTU FELLOW 2019
DTU FELLOW 2019
DTU FELLOW 2019
DTU FELLOW 2019
DTU FELLOW 2019
DTU FELLOW 2019
Follow these DTU Journalism Fellows through their summer internships. See the stories they’ve uncovered at nnpa.org/chevydtu.
@ChevroletDTU
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August 15 – August 21, 2019
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STATE
H-E-B’s Quest for Texas Best Dishes Out $80,000 and Shelf Placement for a Texas-Sized Win Five Texas Food Companies Claim Prize Money And Winning Titles In Sixth Annual Competition
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fter two days of intense deliberations and tasting a delicious mix of brats, brittle, sauces, and pickles, mixes, mixers, meats, cookies and crickets, H-E-B’s Primo Picks Quest for Texas Best names FIVE winners at the Houston Food Bank. The winners of the sixth annual event hail from Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Woodway and Atlanta, TX and received a combined $80,000 in cash prizes and coveted space on H-E-B store shelves statewide. “Each of these 20 competitors displayed unprecedented creativity, style and commitment to providing outstanding, unique products for our consideration. In fact, the entries were so good that we ended up with FIVE winners this year. We are delighted to share that diversity and ingenuity with our customers across the state,” said James Harris, Director, Diversity & Inclusion and Supplier Diversity, H-E-B.
for his coconut farm. But he knew there was more.
($10,000 each): To the Moon Family Foods, Nutty-Carrot Spread – Atlanta, TX To the Moon Family Foods’ Original Nutty-Carrot Spread is the newest crowd-pleaser from this northeast Texas town. Made with carrots, pecans and mouthwatering spices, its unique flavor matches its addictive appeal.
Grand Prize - Johannson Family 2 - 3 Sons Food
The 2019 H-E-B Primo Picks Quest for Texas Best Winners are: Grand Prize Winner ($25,000, featured placement as a Texas Best Primo Pick):‑‑
3 Sons Foods, LLC, Diablo Verde Sauce – Houston, TX 3 Sons Foods is a family-owned company operated by sixth and seventh generation Texans, Traci Johannson and her three sons, George (11), Luke (14) and Ayden (16). The mother-son company produces and sells a devilishly addictive creamy cilantro sauce.
First Place Winner ($20,000): Uncle Ray’s Peanut Brittle, Peanut Brittle – Austin, TX Courtney Ray Goodson’s Great Uncle Ray perfected his peanut brittle over the span of 35 years. It was his secret to charming just about everyone west of the Mississippi, creating community with every bite.
Grand Prize - Traci Johannson; Jody Hall, H-E-B; George Johannson; Winell Herron, H-E-B; Luke & Ayden Johannson; James Harris, H-E-B - 3 Sons Foods
Second Place Winner ($15,000): EVOKE, Collagen Drink Woodway, TX Fruit of Life’s story began seven years ago and 1,769 miles away with a dream to create a company capable of producing healthy drinks from coconuts using the entire fruit. Founder, Derrick Newball, bottled raw coconut water; handcrafted coconut milk soaps from the coconut pulp; and composted the coconut shells to create fertilizer Grand Prize - Traci, Luke, George and Ayden Johannson - 3 Sons Foods
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August 15 – August 21, 2019
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Grain4Grain, Low-Carb Flour and Mix – San Antonio, TX Grain4Grain was founded by Yoni Medhin and Matt Mechtly with a goal of enabling people to live healthier lives while improving the environment and giving back. They do this through recycling spent grains from local microbreweries to make a low carb, high protein, high fiber flour. The judges included: Cory Basso, Group Vice President of Advertising; Juan Alonso, Regional Vice President Houston Division, South Region and Mi Tienda; Justin Tippet, Director of Human Resources SA/West Division; Chef Charlotte Samuel, H-E-B Culinary Nutritionist & Product Development Chef; Tanji Patton, Good Taste TV Executive Producer; Greg Morago, Houston Chronicle Food Writer; and Winell Herron, H-E-B Group Vice-President of Public Affairs, Diversity and Environmental Affairs. The 2019 Quest for Texas Best competition drew more than 800 entries from nearly 140 cities and towns across the state after a call for entries in February of this year. Through two q‑‑‑ualifying rounds, submissions were judged on taste and flavor, customer appeal, value, uniqueness, market potential and differentiation from current products at most H-E-B stores. H-E-B Quest for Texas Best is a signature program for H-E-B’s Primo Picks brand, which labels the bestin-store products that are all unique, delicious, and new. Since its inception in 2014, Quest for Texas Best has yielded nearly 500 new products on H-E-B’s grocery, bakery, deli and market shelves across the state. As part of H-E-B’s commitment to providing local product options, H-E-B is the single largest retailer of the GO Texan program with more than 1,000 of its own brand items that include the GO TEXAN watermark in stores throughout the state.
BUSINESS
Comcast Announces Largest Ever Expansion Of Its Internet Essentials Program StyleMagazine.com Newswire
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omcast announced it is significantly expanding eligibility for its broadband adoption program Internet Essentials to include all qualified low-income households in its service area. Comcast estimates that more than three million additional low-income households, including households with people with disabilities, are now eligible to apply. It estimates a total of nearly seven million households now have access to low-cost Internet service, which literally doubles the total number of previously eligible households. To be eligible to apply to the program, low-income applicants simply need to show they are participating in one of more than a dozen different government assistance programs. These include Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Comcast already accepts applications from households that have a student eligible to participate in the National School Lunch Program, live in public housing or receive HUD Housing Assistance, including Section 8 vouchers, or participate in the Veterans Pension Program, as well as low-income seniors and community college students in select pilot markets. The Internet Essentials program includes: multiple options to access free digital literacy training in print, online, and in person, the option to purchase an Internet-ready computer for less than $150; and low-
cost, high-speed Internet service for $9.95 a month plus tax. This expansion is the culmination of an audacious goal Comcast set eight years ago, which was to significantly close the digital divide for low-income Americans. With this expansion, they will open the door to the transformative power of the Internet to millions of additional households – including people with disabilities, parents with children either too young for school, or whose children are in college, and adults without children who need a connection to learn digital skills, search and apply for new jobs, or research medical benefits. In addition, they announced that since 2011, Comcast has connected more than eight million low-income Americans – from two million households – to the Internet at home, most for the first time in their lives. Just to put that in perspective, eight million is larger than the populations of every city in America, except for New York City. Locally, in partnership with City of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner and Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia, Comcast NBCUniversal announced a $175,000 grant for the City of Houston’s Complete Communities initiative, as well as a $25,000 grant for the Precint2gether initiative. Nearly 300 laptops were given to seniors, veterans and teens in attendance at the events.
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InternetEssentials.com 1-855-8-INTERNET Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. Limited to Internet Essentials service for new residential customers meeting certain eligibility criteria. Advertised price applies to a single outlet. Actual speeds may vary and are not guaranteed. After initial participation in the Internet Essentials program, if a customer is determined to be no longer eligible for the program and elects a different Xfinity Internet service, regular rates will apply to the selected Internet service. Subject to Internet Essentials program terms and conditions. WiFi Hotspots: Available in select locations. Requires compatible WiFi-enabled laptop or mobile device. Limited to forty 60-minute sessions per 30-day period per person/account. If session is terminated before 60 mins. remaining time expires. Unused time does not carry over to subsequent sessions or 30-day periods. Not responsible for lost data resulting from terminated Internet session or any other reason. A maximum of up to 10 devices may be registered to a single Xfinity WiFi On Demand account. May not be combined with other offers. Call 1-855-8468376 for restrictions and complete details, or visit InternetEssentials.com. © 2018 Comcast. All rights reserved.
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August 15 – August 21, 2019
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FEATURE
Money, Power, and Sex: The Imperfect Trifecta, Which Enables Jeffrey Epstein’s of the World By Nicole Lynne Gray, Style Feature Writer
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o be clear: money, power, and sex have been longtime bedfellows. No matter where you look, on the blocks, in churches, schools, boardrooms, politics, Hollywood, the music industry, you name it and you will likely see them together. From the pimp on the street corner using his money and power to both dominate and dazzle ‘his’ women to the president admitting that powerful men can walk up to women and do whatever they want, in almost every aspect of life, you can find scenarios that validate the fact. So, when women began to come forward by the hundreds in the wake of the #MeToo movement, although the numbers and some of the profiles (celebrities, doctors, politicians, CEOs) were staggering, the fact that someone used their money and/or power to sexually exploit another was no surprise. In fact, the federal government has recognized a cause of action for workplace sexual harassment since the 1970s, as victims argued the harassment was a violation of their civil rights and thus actionable under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. So, again, although the numbers of victims who have come forward since the movements started in 2017 are alarming, the acts are no shock. It was also no shock that for just as many supporters of the #MeToo movement, there were detractors. Many of the detractors offered misinterpreted courtships and typical “she was asking for it” arguments to justify that which has been normalized in our society. This is not to be too down on those who do not support the #MeToo movement, because although sexual harassment, assault, and other improprieties are reprehensible, what is lost most times in their twisted arguments is the fact that sex has been widely used in the reverse to gain access to money and power. Take Cleopatra, the ancient Egyptian ruler and renowned temptress who used her sex appeal as a political weapon; Li Yang, the Florida entrepreneur from China with powerful connections to several GOP notables including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and President Trump who gained national attention after the arrest of New England Patriots’ owner Bob Kraft for soliciting prostitution at a massage parlor she once owned; or the infamous ‘groupie’ who exchanges sex for a temporary lavish living. Essentially, sexual exploitation goes both ways. So, beneath the flawed reasoning of many who oppose the movement lies this alternate fact. But irrespective of ‘who’s ‘zoomin’ who,’ you would think all bets would be off when it comes to children. One would think, as a society, we would ‘pull out all of the stops’ to protect our children from such exploitation. Sadly, that’s not the case. Instead, there is an
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people who are supposed to protect children, not harm them. Families, churches and schools routinely cover-up child sexual abuse rather than risking reputational injuries to their names or organizations. Child protective services are largely inadequate, and the criminal justice system often hands out slaps on the wrists for sexual assaults of any kind. So, when children find themselves in the midst of this trifecta and attempt to get out, many times they feel out-numbered or over-powered. But, can you blame them? While R. Kelly awaited trial for his 2002 Illinois child pornography case, he released his sixth album which went double-platinum, won a BET award for best male R&B artist, won 4 Billboard Awards and was nominated for an NAACP Image Award. While each of these men remained accused, and in Epstein’s case convicted, their affluence and influence remained, if not increased.
invisible infrastructure supported by a societal blind-eye and silence that perpetuates this grotesque behavior. So, as disturbing as the details are, which are steadily developing following the apparent suicide death of Jeffery Epstein in a Manhattan jail earlier this week, there is no shock that the rich and arguably powerful man used his money and influence to sexually exploit children. Epstein was a wealthy financier and convicted sex offender with a high-profile social circle. At the time of his death, he was being held without bond on federal charges in New York, accused of operating a sex-trafficking ring involving dozens of victims, some as young as 14. In 2008, facing similar allegations, Epstein pled guilty to two lesser prostitution-related charges and served 13 months of an 18-month prison sentence in a Palm Beach County jail. There he was granted work release where he was allowed to leave the jail for 12 hours a day, 6 days a week. The 2008 plea deal surfaced following Epstein’s most recent arrest and was heavily criticized for its leniency and favor toward the offender. The deal led to the resignation of President Trump’s labor secretary, R. Alexander Acosta, last month, amid growing questions about his handling of Epstein’s case when he was a federal prosecutor in Florida. The FBI is currently investigating Epstein’s death as conspiracy theories swirl, from everything to the event being staged to that floated by our own president involving the Clintons and some kind of murder for hire theory. Despite the gory details of his life and death, Epstein remains notorious, garnering headlines even this week
August 15 – August 21, 2019
of “Jeffrey Epstein, explained” and “Jeffery Epstein’s world of wealthy and powerful friends.” Everyone is intrigued by Epstein’s story and media outlets are finding no trouble feeding the public’s fascination with the life of an alleged child predator who lived a life of affluence and influence. R. Kelly is another example of this phenomenon. Kelly is currently being held without bond in a federal correctional facility on two separate federal grand jury indictments in Illinois and New York. In both cases, Kelly is being accused of preying upon “young women and teenagers whose dreams of meeting a superstar, soon turned into a nightmare of rape, child pornography, and forced labor.” In 2002, R. Kelly was charged with 21 counts of making child pornography in Illinois. While awaiting trial in Illinois, Kelly was charged with 12 counts of making child pornography in Florida in 2003. Subsequently, he was acquitted of all of the Illinois charges while the Florida charges were dropped due to a procedural issue. As Kelly sits in jail awaiting trial his story has too made headlines, just earlier this month it was reported, “R. Kelly’s Lawyer Says He Couldn’t Find Client Ahead of Court Appearance” and “R. Kelly Calls His Alleged Victims ‘Disgruntled Groupies’ In Legal Docs.”’ Kelly’s and Epstein’s cases are amongst the most notorious, but unfortunately, aren’t isolated incidents. Their cases provide the perfect examples of how the invisible infrastructure has supported decades of child sexual abuse, right out in the open. The first brick of the infrastructure, which supports this type of behavior is normally laid by
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So, in this world where money, power, and sex permeate our existence, we must begin to deconstruct the infrastructure, which allows sexual predators to prey on children. Because as is the children victims are out-powered.Å Money, Power, and Sex: The Imperfect Trifecta, Which Enables Jeffrey Epstein’s of the World By Nicole Lynne Gray, Style Feature Writer To be clear: money, power, and sex have been longtime bedfellows. No matter where you look, on the blocks, in churches, schools, boardrooms, politics, Hollywood, the music industry, you name it and you will likely see them together. From the pimp on the street corner using his money and power to both dominate and dazzle ‘his’ women to the president admitting that powerful men can walk up to women and do whatever they want, in almost every aspect of life, you can find scenarios that validate the fact. So, when women began to come forward by the hundreds in the wake of the #MeToo movement, although the numbers and some of the profiles (celebrities, doctors, politicians, CEOs) were staggering, the fact that someone used their money and/or power to sexually exploit another was no surprise. In fact, the federal government has recognized a cause of action for workplace sexual harassment since the 1970s, as victims argued the harassment was a violation of their civil rights and thus actionable under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. So, again, although the numbers of victims who have come forward since the movements started in 2017 are alarming, the acts are no shock. It was also no shock that for just as many supporters of the #MeToo movement, there were detractors.
HEALTH
Improve Academic Outcomes through Access to Health Care Coverage By Family Features
How do I know if my child is eligible? In most states, children and teens up to age 19 are eligible to enroll. Depending on your income, many families qualify for free or low-cost health coverage. Once enrolled, how long is my child eligible for coverage? Children and teenvs can stay covered for as long as they qualify. You’ll need to renew their coverage once a year.
W
ith each school year, parents dust off their annual checklists that help them organize their needs as their kids head back to the classroom. This school season, make sure one priority at the top of your to-do list is ensuring your children have health insurance. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, studies have shown that children who have health coverage miss fewer classes and perform better in school than those who are uninsured. With the proper health coverage, children can get the immunizations, check-ups, eye
exams, dental visits and preventive care they may need to fully participate in school and remain engaged both in the classroom and extracurricular activities. Health coverage can also prove beneficial when a child is sick or injured. In fact, millions of children and teens already qualify for free or lowcost health coverage, including dental coverage, through Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). These programs can help those who qualify get the coverage they need to excel in the classroom.
To help ensure their kids make the grade, parents need to first do their homework when it comes to health coverage. To make sure you have assessed your coverage options, keep in mind these health care coverage questions and answers: What do Medicaid and CHIP cover? Medicaid and CHIP provide comprehensive coverage for children and teens navvtionwide who qualify. This includes routine check-ups, doctor visits, prescriptions and immunizations, dental and vision care, and e ency se mily.
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How do I apply? You can apply online, over the phone, by mail or in-person with your state’s Medicaid or CHIP agency or visit the “Find Coverage for Your Family” section on InsureKidsNow.gov. For more information, call 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669). When can I apply for enrollment? Since there is no special open enrollment period for Medicaid or CHIP, you can enroll at any time. For more information, and to learn about the coverage options available for you and your family, visit InsureKidsNow.gov or call 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669). Information provided by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
August 15 – August 21, 2019
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ENTERTAINMENT Film Review: Brian Banks By BlackPressUSA.com
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n this #MeToo age, a biofilm abou\ a wrongfully convicted high school football player, who was accused, tried and imprisoned for rape, is timely.
his conviction is overturned, his future is bleak and he’s hit a wall. That’s a galvanizing setup. Sympathetic protagonist, wrongly accused, innocent and determined yet filled with self-doubt. He’s the David. A California judicial system that rarely—if ever—overturns cases against convicts is the Goliath. Audiences like to watch a “good fight” against injustice. Bring it on.
The real Brian Banks, the subject of this movie, lived through an ordeal that was tragic, inspiring and often profound, something is lost in this one-dimensional retelling of his life experiences. Something turns his extraordinary story of resilience into a decent but ordinary made-for-TV-like movie. In 2002, Brian Banks (Aldis Hodge, Straight Outta Compton, Hidden Figures) is a junior at Polytechnic High School in Long Beach, California and a linebacker football player. He has verbally committed to attending USC based on his football prowess. The future looks bright for him and his single mom Leomia (Sherri Shepherd). One day at school, Banks runs into coed Kinnesha Rice (Xosha Roquemore), and they decide to hook up in a secluded school building where kids go to make out and get down. While in their secret place, Brian has a change of heart, leaves Kinnesha behind and she is forced to explain to a security guard why she is in a notorious spot. Flustered, the student fabricates a story about being raped. Her lie leads to Banks’ arrest, a too-hasty plea deal, trial, imprisonment, a tough parole and a sex offender label that haunts him.
Simone Biles Won Her Sixth National All-around Title and Landed a Triple Double
By Hollie Silverman, CNN imone Biles made history more than once this weekend during the US Gymnastics Championships in Kansas City, Missouri.
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The five-time Olympic medalist and 14-time world champion became the
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Screenwriter Doug Atchison (Akeelah and the Bee) fit all the characters and pieces of Banks jumbled life into an easy-to-decipher script. Maybe too easy. Son, mom, accuser, mentors. The California Innocence Project (CIP) is also in the mix. It’s a non-profit that helps wrongfully convicted prisoners and is headed by Justin Brooks (Greg Kinnear). Other supporting characters (new girlfriend, skeptical prosecutor, accuser’s stubborn mom) augment the cast. But the focus is on Banks—his sorrow, integrity, courageousness and perseverance.
Aldis Hidge (lt) Brian Banks (rt)
b Actor Aldis Hodge as Brain Banks
Banks can’t live, work or be near places that children gather—including schools,
parks and malls. He’s lost any academic or professional football opportunities. Unless
first woman to ever land a triple-double in competition during her floor routine Sunday night.
in the air -- that wowed judges and fans alike.
She also snagged her sixth national all-around title with a score of 118.500, nearly five points ahead of second place finisher Sunisa Lee. Biles’ stunning floor routine Sunday included several astounding flips and jumps but it was her insane triple-double -- two backflips and three twists while
August 15 – August 21, 2019
And that wasn’t the reigning Olympic and world all-around champion’s only history-making moment of the competition. On Friday, the 22-year old became the first gymnast to attempt and land a double-double dismount off of a high beam. The move involves two twists and two
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Given a story that sells itself, and a quest that provides innate momentum, you’d think filmmaker Tom Shadyac (The Nutty Professor) would have an easy time directing a film that’s powered by its own natural thrust. Yet, his plodding direction slows things down. The footage (Ricardo Diaz, cinematographer) is bland, lacks style and eye-catching composition.
somersaults while dismounting. Biles had attempted the triple-double the same day she landed her double-double but just missed the landing. Now, she’s nailed the landing, made history twice, and won her sixth national title all in one weekend. Next, it’s onto the 2020 Tokyo Olympics which, Biles said, will be her last.
LOCAL
Campaign Launched to Pass METRO Bond Initiative By StyleMagazine.com Newswire
• Improving service on 260 miles of bus routes Creating new Metro Rapid high-speed bus lines which have many of the same advantages as rail The funds would be provided by the sale of up to $3.5 billion in bonds over 20 years with no new taxes. METRO would also apply for federal matching funds – up to an additional $3.5 billion – to increase METRO’s investment to a potential $7 billion for transit improvements. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, a proponent of the plan, said:
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oving to the Future, a political action committee formed to pass the METRO Proposition on the November 2019 ballot, launched its campaign today. Carrin Patman, chair of the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO), said: “The METRO Proposition is a bold new plan for sustainable transit solu-
tions that will provide more transportation choices for more people, connecting them to jobs, education and healthcare – all while improving our economy, environment, quality of life, and competitiveness with other urban areas.” The METRO Proposition provides funding to implement the METRONext Moving Forward Plan, which increases high-capacity rapid transit services,
including: • Providing more than $4 billion over 20 years to fix our streets and sidewalks • Extending existing light rail lines and adding a light rail line to Hobby Airport • Expanding park & rides and commuter service on most major freeways
“There are so many reasons to vote FOR the METRO Proposition. It helps seniors and people with disabilities, provides sustainable transportation options and keeps Houston competitive with other major American cities. And it’s the best plan to manage traffic congestion as our region continues to grow.” Voters can learn more about the campaign at www.VoteForMetro.org and about the METRONext Moving Forward Plan at www.METRONext.org.
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August 15 – August 21, 2019
13
EDUCATION
Alpha Kappa Omega Presents 21 Young Ladies in Society Debut By Jo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor
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2019 Debutantes of Alpha Kappa Omega
he energy was electric as 21 young ladies jubilantly twirled in circles, nervously practiced their curtseys and carefully walked to ensure no missteps would be taken before they made their official debut at the biennial debutante ball hosted by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. – Alpha Kappa Omega Chapter. Each debutante’s brains, beauty, and benevolence were celebrated as “Royal Roses of Excellence” before a wall-to-wall crowd of onlookers and well wishers. Group vice president of public affairs, diversity and environmental affairs for
Simple Steps for Back-to-School Success
By Family Featurestures inding new clothes and gathering pens, pencils, notebooks and other supplies are always part of the back-to-school fun, but there are other needs and wants to consider when another school year rolls around.
F
This year, make sure you send your student to the classroom with everything he or she requires for a successful transition at any age. From providing cleaner water and better at-home or dorm room organization to nutritious snacks and the latest tech, consider these all-important ideas for enhancing the schooltime experience. Find more tips for a smoother, simpler back-to-school season at eLivingtoday. com. Drink Smarter
Ensure your kids drink smarter this
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H-E-B Winell Herron and the dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences and the M.D. Anderson Professor in Hispanic Studies at the University of Houston Dr. Antonio D. Tillis introduced each debutante during the evening of grandeur. Willie Mae Evans served as general chairman with Dorothy Jean Booker and Pamela Michelle Evans as co-chairmen of the elegant affair. Cherise Story serves at the chapter president. For 16 years, Alpha Kappa Omega has fined tuned young ladies to prepare them for adulthood during the transformationschool year by providing cleaner, healthier, great-tasting water from an option like the PUR Advanced Faucet Filtration System. It’s certified to reduce more than 70 contaminants, including 99 percent of lead – more than any other brand, according to NSF. Filling up a reusable water bottle with filtered water is also an economical, environmentally friendly way to help your kids stay hydrated all day long. Learn more at PUR.com Seating and Storage
During school season, odds and ends can tend to clutter living spaces. Clean up your child’s shoes, toys, books, school supplies and more with an option like ClosetMaid’s Cubeicals 3-Cube Bench, perfect for adding extra storage for home organization, especially in areas like entryways, playrooms and bedrooms. With a multi-functional storage space featuring three cubbies, the bench is available in multiple colors and can act as both a seating area and organizer. Find more
August 15 – August 21, 2019
al debutante season where a young girl flourishes into a confident woman. Over several months high school seniors and college freshmen have been immersed in workshops to cultivate their character, develop their social skills, polish their outward appearance and nurture their servant’s heart. This debutante season has been especially rigorous with fashion and image workshop at Tootsies presented by Style On Demand’s Andrea Bonner; worship services at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, where Rev. Dr. Marcus D. Cosby is pastor; and a plethora of teas, affairs and highly sought events to add the finishing touch to these already enchanting debutante class. Of course, with every gathering presented by the AKAs an element of philanthropy must be had. These debs were deeply moved by the service they were able to render to ensure that their fellow citizens had food to eat at the Houston Food Bank. Indeed the highlight of the season was the opulent debutante ball complete with tall ornate candle arbors cascading with pink flowers of different hues, textured linens with golden chargers, and lots of candlelight. Wearing pristine white ball gowns of the finest fabrics the class of 2019 debutantes looked angelic as they beamed with pride walking on the arm of their father. Mothers of the debs were presented with a single rose to information at ClosetMaid.com. A Desirable Lunchtime Dip
Packing an everyday lunch is part of the back-to-school routine, and you can make it a fun and flavorful one for your little learner with options like Sabra Hummus Singles, a plant-based snack perfect for kids. Ideal for pairing with lunchbox classics like carrots, cucumbers, tortilla chips or pretzels, they’re available in Classic and Roasted Red Pepper flavors to make lunchtime a cinch or simplify after-school snacking. Find more lunchbox inspiration at sabra.com. Customizable Dorm Room Storage
If you’re looking for extra storage space
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show their daughter’s appreciation for her. Following the official presentation, the debutantes glided across the floor performing a series of dances in unison with their dapper escorts, doting fathers, and one just for the girls. It was magical. The 2019 debutantes were Mikayla Adeeko, Mia Billingsley, Monet Calhoun, Mycah Clay, Gabrielle Cochran, Taylor Crawford, Kendall Dutton, MacKenzie Everette, Kennedy Gamble, Cydne Harrell-Malveaux, Courtland James, Kennedy Johnson, Whitney Johnson, Alexandra Lee, Shyla Lofton, Kalyn Prothro, Reylon Robinson, Laurryn Sells, Dawnyale Smith, Jaleah Walker, and Regan Williams. Williams, Prothro, and Crawford won first, second and third place, respectively, as top ad sellers and all received a scholarship. Debutantes also participated in a video essay contest where they had to answer this prompt: If you had an opportunity to start a movement to positively change our world what movement would start? Focusing on how she would affect the homeless population by teaching and reaching them and working with the Covenant House and the Pink Giraffe House, Harrell-Malveaux was awarded first place. Adeeko came in second place. A three-way tie for Miss Congeniality was had between Williams, Crawford, Harrell-Malveaux. in your dorm room, consider an option like the Closet Maximizer from ClosetMaid. Featuring four shelves and an adjustable, double-hang rod, the system takes about 30 minutes to install and requires no tools. You can further customize the system to fit your needs with accessories like decor ative fabric bins and wire baskets, plus it’s portable enough to be reused in another room if you move. Find more information at ClosetMaid.com. Today’s Tech Necessity
While schools and universities across the country become more advanced and reliant on technology in the classroom, make sure your child is up-to-date with a laptop that fulfills his or her educational needs. Available in multiple sizes with varying capabilities, there’s almost certainly a laptop that fits your student’s specific requirements. Between internet research, completing coursework, notetaking and far more, the right laptop can aid in the educational experience while making you an A-plus parent.
SPORTS
Texans Training Camp Day 14 Texans hold joint practice with the Detroit Lions By Brian Barefield, Style Sports Editorv
ist. x e I ere. r. h I am matte I
DeAndre Hopkins
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ouston, TX- The Houston Texans resumed training camp, with a joint practice with the Detroit Lions who are currently town early for their preseason matchup with the Texans on Saturday at NRG Stadium. With the fans looking on, the competition got a little heated at times with trash talking by both teams being heard by fans, but it was all in fun. Here are a couple of things I noticed from practice. Kalil Returns After sitting out of practice on Monday, Kalil returned and looked better than he did on Sunday. The eight-year veteran who did not fare well against rookie Charles Omenihu the last time he practiced protected QB Deshaun Watson’s blindside against the rush of the Lions. He constantly kept Lions linebackers from getting penetration into the backfield during the 11-on-11 drills. One of the highlights of Kalil’s day was his ability to get out and throw a crucial block on a WR screen for DeAndre Hopkins. If he keeps that up the Texans won’t have any worries on Sunday’s. “I think he’s had a very consistent camp,” head coach Bill O’Brien said. “He’s a really good guy to coach, very smart player, good guy in the room. He’s got everything you’re looking for.” JJ Watt Is Good Once again, the All-Pro proved that the title of one of the top defensive linemen to ever play the game fits him perfectly. Just like last week in the joint practices against the Green Bay Packers, Watt was constantly putting pressure on the Lions quarterback, Matthew Stafford. There were times when it was if he knew the snap count or the play the way he was moving around offensive lineman Rick Wagner who like Watt played at Wisconsin.
I7 Secondary Woes The secondary had a rough go of it yesterday as a complete unit against the Lions wide receivers. During the one on one drills that had NFL officials involved, some of the defensive backs were flagged for pass interference and defensive holding. They looked a little better in the team scrimmage but allowed the opposing team to get open entirely too much. Individually, rookie Lonnie Johnson Jr., Bradley Roby, and Jahleel Addae were some of the bright spots from the defensive backfield. Tag Team Texans linebackers Brennan Scarlett and Whitney Mercilus were causing all kinds of problems on the field during the team scrimmage. The Lions offensive coaches could be seen talking to offensive tackle Taylor Decker as he allowed what would have been sacks on consecutive plays. Style Points Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins made the catch of the day against Pro Bowl defensive back Darius Slay in the back of the end zone from a seated position. QB Deshaun Watson put the ball exactly where it needed to be as it went through the arms of Lions DB Quandre Diggs and ended up in the hands of Hopkins. “Darius is one of the best doing it right now, and he matched up against me well,” Hopkins said. “So, I feel like going out against him today, I learned some things and I feel like we kind of bounced knowledge off each other.”
PrEP UP before you play.
Take PrEP daily to be safe. houston I amLife.com
Texans head coach Bill O’Brien squashed the trade rumors of holdout Jadeveon Clowney to Miami in his press conference after practice.
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“Nope,” said O’Brien when asked asked if he wanted to elaborate on the rumors.
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August 15 – August 21, 2019
15
EAT WITH STYLE
School Day Solutions Family-friendly recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner By Family Features
you can keep your loved ones fueled for everything the school year brings your way. For more back-to-school recipes, visit Culinary.net. Freshen Up Family Breakfasts A truly beneficial start to the day is usually centered around breakfast. Start your family on the right foot with a meal that delivers sweet flavor along with nutritious fruits.
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orning routines, homework, practices and more are all part of back-to-school season, and even when time is short, flavorful meals can be, too. Whether it’s breakfast and dinner together as a family or sending your little learner out the door with a nutritious lunch, making tasty recipes in your own kitchen doesn’t have to be a drain on an already busy schedule. With dishes like a new take on French toast to a quickly packed lunchbox and bolder burgers,
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This Honey Leches French Toast recipe swaps out syrup for hot honey combined with the crisp taste of raspberries, blueberries and strawberries. Visit honey.com for more family-friendly recipes. Honey Leches French Toast Recipe courtesy of chef Rob Corliss on behalf of the National Honey Board Servings: 4 Honey Leches: 2 tablespoons blueberry honey 1/4 cup evaporated milk 1/4 cup light coconut milk
August 15 – August 21, 2019
3 large eggs 1 teaspoon pure vanilla 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon Berry Garnish: 1/2 cup fresh raspberries 1/2 cup fresh blueberries 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, sliced Hot Honey: 1/2 cup blueberry honey 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper Pound Cake: 8 small slices premade pound cake nonstick cooking spray To make Honey Leches: In mixing bowl, whisk blueberry honey, evaporated milk, coconut milk, eggs, vanilla extract and cinnamon to evenly combine. Keep chilled. To make Berry Garnish: In mixing bowl, lightly toss raspberries, blueberries and strawberries to evenly combine. Keep chilled. To make Hot Honey: In small mixing bowl, whisk blueberry honey and cayenne pepper to evenly combine. Keep warm so hot honey is pourable.
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Heat electric griddle to 375 F. Arrange pound cake slices, side by side, flat, in casserole dish or pan with sides. Pour Honey Leches over and around pound cake slices; soak 1 minute. Lightly coat griddle with nonstick cooking spray. Remove pound cake slices from Honey Leches, allowing liquid to drain off, then place each slice on hot griddle. On griddle, cook pound cake slices approximately 2 minutes on each side until golden crispy and hot throughout. To serve, place two overlapping pound cake slices on plate (four plates total). Top each with approximately 1/4 cup mixed berries then drizzle each with approximately 2 tablespoons hot honey. A Healthy, Happy Midday Meal Back to school means back to packing daily lunches, and for parents aspiring to send healthier options with their children, look no further than a bento box loaded with the nutritional values of fruits, dairy and protein.
BOOK
“Surrounded by Idiots” by Thomas Erikson
c.2019, St. Martin’s Essentiala
E
$27.99 / $37.99 Canada
By Terri Schlichenmeyer, Book Reviewer
very day of the week, you want to pound your head against your desk.
What is wrong with the people you work with? One thinks he’s always right, one is an unrealistic optimist, another actually lines up his paper clips. Argh, you can barely stand it, but read the new book “Surrounded by Idiots” by Thomas Erikson and you’ll see that the situation is not so black and white. Five days a week, you grit your teeth and deep-breathe. That’s thousands of hours per year, spent with co-workers who really bug you. So how can you get along with them? Says Erikson, the first thing to know is that the listener controls communication. You can talk until you’re crimson-faced, but it’s all up to he who hears it. Furthermore, though you may think your co-workers are downright weird, “every kind of behavior is normal.” Knowing that makes it easier to move forward and to understand. Next, using a method of communication called DISA (or DISC), which stands for Dominance, Inducement,
304 pages
Submission, and Analytic ability (or Compliance), you can categorize people in your mind by colors correlating to “primary personality types.” This helps you see why people act as they do. Reds, for instance, are the quick-reacting folks who are dominant and decisive and not always good in making relationships. Greens, who make up the biggest subset of people, are calm, supportive, and they generally hate change. Yellows are the sunniest of people and try to always look on the bright side. Organized blues are the Sheldons of the world, and require complete knowledge on issues before committing. To build your best staff and to foster cooperation, says Erikson, awareness of
these personality types is key. Having an office full of Reds, for instance, may be a recipe for disaster. Putting a Blue in the wrong position won’t make anyone happy. Locking a Yellow in a corner office is a terrible idea, and making big changes before preparing Greens is likewise not good. Recognizing these things – and knowing where you are on the DISA - will help your office achieve balance, diversity, and success. The first thing astute readers may notice is that this book seems similar to the MMDI and Myer Briggs tests. It’s not identical, but alike enough to see parallels. The second thing you may notice is that, while author Thomas Erikson admits that no one is purely one “color” or other, there are a lot of overgeneral-
izations inside “Surrounded by Idiots.” So why seek this book out, then? Like other tests, Erikson uses science to back up his methods of personality assessment, but his presentation here applies that directly to businesses, particularly in staffing and team-building issues. This book is more casual in its approach, more anecdote-based, and more on the lighthearted side, too, which makes it fun to read. That should also make it more fun to share with your team, especially if you’re all suffering from oversniping and lack of motivation. Get “Surrounded by Idiots” and put your business in the pink. Share this story online at stylemagazine.com.
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August 15 – August 21, 2019
17
2019
NABJ 2019 CONVENTION MIAMI, FL
NABJ 2019 CONVENTION Photography by Vick Pink
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he National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) overtook Miami, Florida for their annual 2019 NABJ Convention & Career Fair. Student and professional members of media attended workshops and mixers all in the name of bettering themselves as journalists. Winners in more than 20 categories were honored at Excellence Awards. Celebrity sightings like that of Ne-yo, Roland Martin, Kevin Frazier, David Oyelowo, and more. Dorothy Tucker was elected at the 22nd President to lead the association. Some Houstonians in attendance were Mary Benton, Erica Simon, Isiah Carey, and Nakia Cooper.
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August 15 – August 21, 2019
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2019
CYFAIR 2025 AWARDS CEREMONY GALLERY FURNITURE
CYFAIR 2025 AWARDS CEREMONY
T
Photography by Jo-Carolyn Goode
2019
he sixth grade girls basketball team of the Nike CyFair Elite 2025 Carroll had one amazing season because of their hard work and dedication from head coach Dexter Carroll. Both the coach and team celebrated their winning season with an end of the year awards banquet. Emcee Pat Tucker Wilson lead attendees through an afternoon that featured inspiring speeches from former WNBA player Marla Brumfield, Dr. Michelle Simpson, Rodney Lewis, Dr. Tiffany Ballard, and Jamila Lloyd. Awards were given for the Team Dad of the Year, Team Mom of the Year, and each team member received a certificate and gift basket. The team is looking forward to an even better season next year.
EAST END CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEETING HOUSTON EAST END CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OFFICE
EAST END CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEETING Photography by Vicky Pink
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he business company was invited to create new business relationships, lend their expertise, help the Chamber and their personal network grow at the East End Chamber of Commerce Business Development Meeting. The Business Development Committee, which helps identify current topics facing business owners, growth opportunities, business expansion and coordinate business networking events, was beneficial to all business minded individuals.
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August 15 – August 21, 2019
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