Houston Style Magazine Vol 26 No 8

Houston Style Magazine February 19 - February 25, 2015

Houston’s Premiere Weekly Publication

Volume 26 | Number 8

Complimentary

Jesse Jackson

Illinois’ Billionaire Governor’s First Act Against Workers

‘LOCKE’-ING IN ON HOUSTON’S

Judge Ed Emmett

Excited About the Future of Harris County

EMPIRE CONNECTION Words by Jo-Carolyn Goode | Photo by FOX/Stephen Schofield

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Ali’s Ex Discusses Black Women’s Roles

KNOW Autism Inaugural Gala

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African Film Festival Boasts Major Audience

Iggy Azalea

Was She Married to a Houston Rapper in the Past?

N E W S | C O M M E N TA R I E S | S P O R T S | H E A LT H | E N T E R TA I N M E N T

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February 19 - February 25, 2015

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04 06 08 Attica Locke Ed Emmett Iggy Azalea

Volume 26 | Number 8 | FEB. 19 - FEB. 25, 2015

EDITORIAL

FEATURE WRITERS Rebecca Briscoe Francis Page, Jr. National Entertainment Publisher and Editor Susie Stillwell - Entertainment fpagejr@stylemagazine.com Lan– Arts Mical Roy – Feature Jo-Carolyn Goode Yolanda Pope – Culinary Managing Editor Tonja Ward – Health editorial@stylemagazine.com Dr. Lovell Jones – Health Editor Lisa Valadez Kim Davis – Sports Hispanic Managing Editor Erick Cork - Feature Writer lisa@stylemagazine.com Aiaina Mayes – Blogger Demez White – Feature Brandon Caldwell Dawn Paul – Feature Online Editor bcaldwell@stylemagazine.com Lindsay Buchanan – Fashion Burt Levine – Political Jade Gold – Entertainment DESIGN/WEB Eric Ford – Editorial Intern De’Neisha Bell – Feature Trevor G. Piper Cynthia Nevels – Business Creative Director/Graphics trevor@tpipermedia.com Gabrielle Deculus –

Account Manager/Events Coordinator Kermit Williams Dee Dee Wheaton – Blogger Web Master webmaster@stylemagazine.com Keandra Scott – Entertainment Cecilia Smith - Entertainment Jeffery T. Crump, Jr. Erynn Haskins - Feature Chief Designer Yvonne Guidry - Entertainment webmaster@stylemagazine.com Raegan Allen - Arts Mimi LaRue - Feature Abimbola Farinde - Health NATIONAL WRITERS Sloan Houd - Sports Jessica Crawford - Feature JESSE JACKSON jjackson@rainbowpush.org Marcus Carter - Culinary Writer Franceli Chapman - Entertainment ROLAND MARTIN CoCo Dominguez - Reporter www.rolandmartin.com JUDGE GREG MATHIS www.askjudgemathis.com

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Reproduction in whole or within part without permission is prohibited. Houston Style Magazine has a 2007 audit by Circulation Verification Council (CVC). Houston Style Magazine is a member of the Texas Publishers Association (TPA), Texas Community Newspaper Association (TCNA), National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), Independent Free Paper of America (IFPA), Association of Free Community Papers (AFCP) and Members of Greater Houston Partnership(GHP). National Association of Hispanic Publications, Inc. (NAHP, Inc.), Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (HHCC), League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Latin Women’s Initiative (LWI), National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), Houston Association of Hispanic Media Professionals (HAHMP), National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ), and Members of Greater Houston Partnership(GHP)

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COMMENTARY

Jesse Jackson

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National Writer

n November, Illinois voters narrowly decided -- after one of the most expensive gubernatorial elections in the nation’s history --- to elect Bruce Rauner, a man who amassed nearly a billion dollars running a private equity firm, to lead the state. Consider it an experiment in class politics. How would a man of the 0.01 percent address Illinois’ many challenges?

Rauner donned populist garb for the campaign. Pumping some $27.5 million of his own money into the campaign, he promised voters what he knew they wanted:

“We’ll get a booming economy with more jobs. We’ll get the best schools in America. We’ll bring down the tax burden. And we’re going to rip this patronage system, and this cronyism system out of Springfield.”

Voters wanted someone who would clean up the corruption. Rauner

POLITICAL

By Burt

Levine, Political Writer

H

arris County Judge Ed Emmett couldn’t hide his excitement about the third largest county in the country with more than 1,000 business and civic leaders at his 8th State of the County Address held Friday, February 13th at the NRG Arena. His excitement focuses on the future of the Astrodome and the challenges and awesome opportunities he sees ahead for his increasingly diverse and urban county.

Judge Emmett shared his excitement with attendees at the annual Greater Houston Partnership affair by breaking away from the traditional settings of hotel and convention ballrooms to that of the NRG Arena to showcase the historic Astrodome area. Further surprising attendees, Judge Emmett lead them on a walk across the aging Astrodome floor for all to stand in awe with him.

Let your imagination just soar a little bit as to what could become of this, Emmett said. The crowd looked with nostalgia and snapped pictures with phone that weren’t even imagined when most last entered the storied wonder of the world that was and is the world’s first domed sports stadium.

The Astrodome looks nothing reminiscent of its pasts. Most of the seats that were filled by bodies enjoying the many world famous concerts, football and baseball games, rodeos and

4

The Billionaire Governor Goes After Workers was an uneasy choice, partly because his private equity firm was a leading investor of Illinois’ pension funds, a line of business infamous for corruption and rip-offs. And partly because the promises didn’t add up: better schools, better infrastructure, less debt, and lower taxes -- how does that work? But enough voters decided to take the risk.

So what is Rauner’s first act? He declared war on Illinois’ public unions.

He devoted his state of the state address blaming unions for Illinois’ problems. Public employees had the nerve to negotiate for decent pay and pensions. Their retirees expected that the contractual promises of compensation would be honored. Their unions contributed volunteers and money to political campaigns. They were bankrupting the state.

So Rauner urged localities to pass so-called “right to work” laws, which would disembowel unions. Then he issued an executive order -- declared illegal by the Illinois attorney general -- to weaken state unions by barring them from assessing fees on some of the workers they represent -- and benefit -- in collective bargaining.

In a unionized workplace, union-negotiated wages and benefits apply to workers who aren’t members of the union. Non-members -- about 15 percent of the unionized workplaces --

don’t have to pay union dues or support union political activities. But under Illinois law, they pay a fair-share fee, to cover the cost of collective bargaining and enforcement from which they directly benefit.

Fair share fees don’t contribute to Illinois fiscal problems. Rauner is waging a war on unions. He hopes to cripple those who opposed him in his last election. But the stakes are larger than that: What Rauner is proposing is to inflict trickle-down economics on Illinois.

We haven’t seen Rauner’s budget yet, but we know what is coming. Income taxes will be lowered on the rich; sales taxes extended on working people, making Illinois’ already regressive state tax structure even more unfair.

Rauner has already frozen all “non-essential” state spending and hiring, with an exemption, apparently, to hire a $100,000 a year chief of staff for his spouse.

The war on public workers will be accompanied by a continued assault on public schools. The piecemeal privatization of public education will be accompanied by piecemeal privatization of more public services. Rauner has already teed up Medicaid -- health services for the impoverished -- for cuts. Pension funds imbalances, caused by irresponsible officials refusing to

make promised contributions and by Wall Street geniuses pocketing big fees for paltry returns, will be corrected by breaking the contractual promise to retirees. Rauner clearly would lower the minimum wage if he could.

Rauner will peddle this toxic potion as a charm for Illinois’ ills. Austerity, he’ll argue, will unleash jobs and growth. Breaking unions will balance budgets. Charters will lift kids. Medicaid cuts will focus on the unworthy.

Everyone will sacrifice; everyone will benefit.

But the reality is predictable, as Wisconsin and Kansas have discovered.

The wealthy -- a leading source of the corruption that plagues Illinois -- will get tax breaks. The middle class will get pay cuts. The poor will get less help. The schools will be cut; good teachers will leave.

Illinois voters were sensible enough not to give Rauner a free rein: Democrats still control the legislature.

Rauner is making it clear where he stands. Now Democrats will have to decide which side they are on.

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.

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Emmett Awed by Astrodome and County Diversity

Judge Ed Emmett

political conventions have been ripped out and the rainbow view of colors that once dominated the dome have given way to a concrete gray. The bright green Astroturf that once lined the dome floor is gone, too.

I used to bemoan the fact that I had to deal with the Astrodome,» Emmett said in his address. “But no more.

Emmett admitted that in the fall of 2013 he was too distracted by other issues that kept him from campaigning for the initiative voters rejected to convert the dome into a vaguely defined multi-use convention center and event venue but now Emmett enthusiastically

February 19 - February 25, 2015

is championing converting it into the world›s largest indoor park.

His earlier idea pitch was just a concept without specific plans or a price tag but now he’s met with planners with the Urban Land Institute that have given him a report to essentially raise the dome›s sunken floor to create two stories of underground parking.

“With this you could provide some parking underneath, that provides some revenue and other uses,» Emmett said. And then, you have the green space at ground level to have about nine acres. Livestock show and rodeo, for example, could move its kiddie rides

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and other food service in here,” he said.

He also suggested the county would assume responsibility for the green space, leaving the rest of the park open to other attractions like museums and recreational sports venues.

A national biking group has already expressed interest with Judge Emmett in turning part of the dome into an indoor mountain bike facility.

He admitted the biggest unanswered questions are how much the conversion would cost and who would pay for it.

Answers to those questions may come from a detailed ULI report expected any day now.

“More people live outside Houston in Harris County than Houston. The area from Beltway 8 to the county-line is more diverse and urban.

Areas from Cypress in the northwest and Sagemont in the southeast are not in any city, are aging and are now majority minority areas that Harris County is responsible for providing municipal services to we›re not set up to provide,” he said about the county that in 10 years has gone from 60 percent to 30 percent white.

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BOOK REVIEW Black Broadway: African Americans on the By

Terri Schichenmeyer, Literary Writer

A

remote control and five hundred channels.

That’s what you’ve got for entertainment, and there’s still nothing on TV. That doesn’t keep you from looking, though, and wishing for something different.

Finding entertainment shouldn’t be such a big production – but in decades past, that’s exactly what it took for African Americans, in more ways than one. In the new book “Black Broadway” by Stewart F. Lane, you’ll find out why.

When William Alexander Brown decided to retire, he knew where he’d do it: in the two-story home he’d purchased in lower Manhattan. It was 1821 and Brown, a free black man, knew that there were few places for black actors to perform for black audiences, and he planned to allow performances there.

The popularity of those performances spurred Brown and a friend to “go a step further” with a 300-seat establishment they named the African Grove Theatre. It, too, was successful, until Brown was forced out of business by a local white theatre owner who feared competition.

Great White Way

Not long after the African Grove Theatre was closed, minstrel shows began attracting crowds of both races.

Many shows featured white and black entertainers in burnt-cork blackface, as well as comedy sketches and dancing – including many skits satirizing black life and culture.

“It’s not clear,” says Lane, “why the African Americans of the era turned out to see” those shows – but they did, perhaps to laugh “at the absurdity of the caricatures…”

By the late 1800s, vaudeville and burlesque had become popular, and that added increasing diversity to shows.

Black entertainers were often included on-stage, and entire productions were created with black troupes, for black audiences. White people, of course, were welcome and did attend; one theatre owner even gave them their own section… in the back of the house.

Throughout the years, African Americans – both performers and audience members – made strides, but slowly and with help from the NAACP and the Harlem Renaissance.

By the 1930s, Broadway shows

included racial issues; by the 1940s, interracial marriage was a common theme. In the 1950s, audiences enjoyed performances dealing with poverty and racism – but it wasn’t until well past the Civil Rights years that black faces became a non-issue on the Great White Way.

Loaded with pictures, playbill reproductions, advertisements, and drawings, “Black Broadway” is a theatre-goer’s delight.

But I was equally happy to see that there’s plenty for the historian, too: in addition to a rich narrative on equality for African Americans on Broadway (and off), author Stewart F. Lane includes a running timeline of national and world history to put the main body of this book into perspective. We’re also treated to dozens of short-but-comprehensive profiles of influential performers and people who, though many haven’t graced a stage in decades, are still familiar to followers of theatre, jazz, dance, and music.

With all that’s inside this book, give yourself time to browse, read awhile, then browse again and enjoy. “Black Broadway” is perfect for fans of stage and screen and, of course, when there’s nothing on TV.

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by Stewart F. Lane

c.2015, Square One Publishers $39.95 / $49.95 Canada 288 pages

Tickets are still available for the following performances: Tuesday

3 Eric Church Value Wednesday

Hunter Hayes Thursday

5 Miranda Lambert Friday

6 John Legend Saturday

7 Alan Jackson Sunday

8 Fall Out Boy Monday

9 Justin Moore

Celebrate Black Heritage Day,

Tuesday

10 Tim McGraw Value Wednesday

with special exhibits and events,

11 Brantley Gilbert

Friday, March 6,

12 Zac Brown Band

Thursday

sponsored by Kroger.

1

rodeohouston.com

15

Saturday

Billy Currington Sunday

La Arrolladora Banda El Limón and La Maquinaria Norteña

Monday

John Legend

16 Dierks Bentley Value Wednesday

18 Florida Georgia Line Friday

20 The Band Perry

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LOCAL BRIEFS

Educators Under Investigation for Misbehavior

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ducators are making headlines for inappropriate behavior with students. Harmony School of Fine Arts and Technology’s Milton Cole has been charged with two counts of aggravated sexual assault against a child. Cole was arrested on school grounds Wednesday and is now being held at the Harris County Jail while he waits for his arraignment hearing. Over at Sharpstown High School, principal Robert Gasparello has been reassigned after complaints from students that he was physically abusive to them. Four students reported to authorities that Gasparello struck them as a form of punishment.

An investigation is under way and Gasparello is set to meet with Houston Independent School District police.

For more information, visit www.stylemagazine.com.

TSU Student Releases New Film on the Family Structure of Blacks

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exas Southern University graduate student Keenan Morgan has recently release a film that focuses on the family structure of black lives according to Fox26. The new film called “If It Ain’t Broke” took Morgan over 2 years to finish and follows the life a single woman with three kids by three different men. It focuses to answer one main

question “Why are families no longer headed by a mother and father? This is the second project from Morgan who is studying music and film at TSU. For more information, visit www.tsu.edu.

Was Iggy Azalea Married to a Houston Rapper?

W

ith more fame, come more problems, just ask Iggy Azalea. A Houston man named Maurice Williams aka Enzo Weinberg (or Wine-O, NuWine, Jefe Wine) is claiming to be the common law husband of the rap star. Their relationship started in 2008 when Williams housed Azalea when she was low on money in Houston. During that time Williams says that he married Azalea even though she denies all marriage claims. It was also during her stay with Williams that Azalea claims her “common law husband” stole unreleased music off her computer.

Furthermore, he later tried to claim the rights to said music. Azalea, of course, sued the man. Fast forward to 2015 when Williams is currently battling multiple cases due to a lengthy criminal record and he attempts to divorce Azalea to gain money. His lawyers are now saying Azalea’s team wasn’t happy about the trouble he is causing and they fought back by having his bond revoked. It is complicated. Find out what happens next by visiting www.stylemagazine.com.

Hispanic Community Upset Over HLSR’s Go Tejano Day

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any in the Hispanic community are sick and tired of the artist line up for Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s Go Tejano Day not reflecting

true Tejano music. Citing that chosen artists are not Tejano musicians so the music performed is not represented of the culture.

While HLSR has said Go Tejano is not about a specific genre of music but a nod to a slogan from the 1950s.

Key spokesperson in the community that are against the music are encouraging area Hispanics not to buy HLSR tickets for that day to show the rodeo how upset they are since Go Tejano past days have had record numbers. There have been a number of protests and even an online petition to gain more support to bring Tejano music back to the rodeo.

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Deputies Off the Job for Alleged Racist Behavior

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he Harris County Sheriff’s Office is investigating two of its own after a pair of deputies were caught on tape u s i n g o ff e n s i v e actions and words during a traffic stop. The victim, Torrance Valentine, recorded the deputies after experiencing similar incidents with law enforcement. Valentine has enlisted the help of community activist Quanell X who said the deputies sounded like “thugs in uniform.” A search of Valentine’s car turned up nothing and the deputies did not issue him any citations. The deputies are now on administrative leave while an investigation takes place.

For more information, visit www.stylemagazine.com.

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February 19 - February 25, 2015

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HOUSTON 11330 FM-1960 W Houston, TX 77065 281-890-TIRE

TOMBALL 14431 FM 2920 Tomball, TX 77377 281-351-TIRE

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FEATURE

By Jo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor

O

‘Locke’-ing In On Houston’s Empire Connection

nly one show has people rushing home on Wednesday night and that’s Fox’s new megahit “Empire” created by Lee Daniels and Danny Strong. Be it the hot never heard before music, cutting edge fashion or the infamous one liners, viewers are on the edge of their seat to see all the drama that unfolds with the always keeping it real Cookie, the man who wished he never left her Lucious, and Miss Boo Boo Kitty herself.

However, I am sure Houstonians had no idea that we have something in common with one of creators behind all the drama of the show. Attica Locke is the co-producer and writer of “Empire” and she is a Houstonian. Born and raised in the Bayou City by her parents, one of which bided to be Houston’s mayor, Gene Locke.

With a dream to write, Attica just picked up and moved to Los Angeles, CA doing temp jobs and writing on the side. She released her first novel “Black Water Rising” in 2010, which was nominated for numerous awards like NAACP Image Award, Edgar Award, and Los Angeles Times Book Prize. Following that success, she debuted her second novel “The Cutting Season” that became a national bestseller and won the Ernest Gaines Award for Literary Excellence.

More and more success followed and Attica has grown quit a resume having written scripts for Paramount, Warner Bros., Disney, Twentieth Century Fox, Jerry Bruckheimer Films, and HBO. Now with her third novel “Pleasantville” out, Attica is living a new dream as a writer for her first television show. She told Fox’s Isaiah Carey in a recent interview, “All of this for me

Attica Locke

is out of this world.”

“Empire’s” most recent episode “Our Dancing Days” that aired Wednesday, February 18th was written by Attica. According to Attica, she wanted to portray an old school soap opera with high drama.

I think she nailed it! Leaving the audience grasping within the first minutes of the dramatic fall of an ailing Lucious to the last seconds when Cookie had the last laugh in front of Camille. This episode had everything and it was all from the pen of Attica.

She is so proud to be part of this show for many reasons. One is that “Empire” proves that just because a show has a predominately Black cast more than just Black people will watch. And secondly a Black male dressed a certain way does not mean he is a thug. “I want to normalize black life,” said Attica.

Needless to say she is a huge fan of the show. If nothing else, her twitter account proves that. She is in love with what the show represents and the characters.

Her favorite character being Cookie played by Taraji P. Henson. Like a lot of people Attica secretly wants to do a lot of the things Cookie Lyons does but fears getting arrested. Another character that pulls at her heart strings is Jamal Lyons played by Jussie Smollett.

She loves when a man can stand up to his father.

Attica is working on bringing a little Texas flare to “Empire” by having a BBQ episode. I am curious to see how that will work. I can definitely see Cookie and possibly Lucious and the boys getting down with BBQ but not so much with the pearl wearing Camille and sophisticated Andre. Stay tuned to Fox to see how Attica works her magic on “Empire”.

For more information, visit www.stylemagazine.com, www.atticalocke.com, or www.fox.com/ empire.

Cast of Empire

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February 19 - February 25, 2015

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HEALTH By

Unhealthy Choices Boosted Mortality Rates for Blacks Who Migrated North

Seth Sanders, Special to Style

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illions of African-Americans left the rural South during the 20th century in search of greater opportunities for work, education , But the gains many made were clouded by an increased mortality rate, likely the result of unhealthy habits picked up by vices common in the big city, finds a new study led by Duke University.

The study found that if an African-American man lived to age 65 the chances that he would make it to age 70 if he remained in the South were 82.5 percent; if he migrated to the North the chance of surviving to age 70 dropped to 75 percent -- about a 40 percent increase in mortality.

For an African-American woman who lived to age 65, the chances that she would make it to age 70 if she remained in the South were 90 percent; if she migrated to the North, the chance of surviving to age 70 dropped to 85 percent -- about a 50 percent increase in mortality.

“Something about living in the city, it’s very stressful and as a result, people pick up bad habits they think will ease that stress, like smoking and drinking,” said co-author Seth Sanders, an economist at Duke. Common causes of death identified for the migrants were connected to behavior choices such as cardiovascular disease, lung cancer and cirrhosis of the liver.

The authors believe the paper is the first attempt to establish a link between the Great Migration and mortality.

Sanders said the findings also have implications for similar migrations today in the developing world, where people are leaving rural inhabitants

in search of a better life in more urbanized areas in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, for example.

“We see increases in smoking and drinking in developing countries,” he said. “It’s not like living in the city has to be bad for your health. I think a lot of it is connected to behaviors -- cities tend to breed bad habits.”

Migrants did earn more money by moving north, Sanders said, but they also “self-medicated” with cigarettes and alcohol because they could afford them and had easier access than in the rural South.

“We were surprised with the findings,” Sanders said. “We know that education is related to better health; we could have found that people who moved T:10.8125” north lived longer. We expected it to be better because

they had every advantage – better jobs, education and access to health care.”

At the height of the migration in the 1940s and 50s, smoking was associated with the affluent, and blacks were less inclined or able to buy cigarettes, he said.

“The Impact of the Great Migration on Mortality of African Americans: Evidence from the Deep South,” appears in the February issue of American Economic Review. Co-authors were from the University of Chicago, the University of Michigan and Carnegie Mellon University.

The findings are based on an analysis that uses proximity of birthplace to railroad lines as an instrument for migration. The mortality rates were compared to blacks born at the same time as migrants who remained in the South until they were 65 or older.

The study noted the Great Migration significantly shaped social and economic advancement of African-Americans in the 20th century, which also contributed to the civil rights movement, Sanders said.

CITATION: “The Impact of the Great Migration on Mortality of African Americans: Evidence from the Deep South,” Seth Sanders, Duke University; Dan Black, University of Chicago; Evan Taylor, University of Michigan; Lowell Taylor, Carnegie Mellon University. American Economic Review, February 2015. DOI: 10.1257/aer.20120642 -Dan Black, Evan Taylor and Lowell Taylor also contributed to this story.

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Neo Griot Ava DuVernay, Director of the Oscar® Nominated Film: Selma*

*Now in theaters and coming soon to XFINITY® On Demand™

She’s felt the strength of thousands as she stood in the footsteps of a King. She even crossed the same narrow bridge that once started the diɉcult path toward equality. The latest journey she’s undertaken as a female filmmaker of color allowed her to connect with stories from our past and share them with future generations. In celebration of Black History Month, XFINITY® recognizes and honors Black innovators and the history they’re making today.

Check out more of Ava and others, plus other award-worthy movies, TV shows and more at CelebrateBlackTV.com where black history is always on.

ANICAL

60601, P:312.297.9600

© 2015 Paramount Pictures. All rights reserved. © 2015 Comcast. All rights reserved.

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COMCAST

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DESCRIPTION: Ava DuVernay

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None

COLORS: CMYK

GRAPHIC ARTIST

Sean Devlin

NOTES: NONE

APPROVAL

PROOFREADER STUDIO DIRECTOR

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BEAUTY

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Beauty Fit for a Queen

rom fashion spreads to street style, African-American women have played an important role in influencing beauty trends across the globe. P&G’s My Black is Beautiful is proud to celebrate and honor the accomplishments of African-American women in paving the way, like only true royalty can.

Knowing that within every woman there is a queen, P&G’s My Black is Beautiful (MBIB) is celebrating the queen in all women with their ‘Beauty Fit For A Queen’ program. Throughout the month of February P&G’s My Black is Beautiful with beauty & lifestyle expert Patrice Yursik of Afrobella.com will feature tips to help motivate women to incorporate ‘Beauty Fit For A Queen’ time in their daily routine. MBIB will also bring Afrobella’s top P&G beauty picks from COVERGIRL, Pantene, Olay and Crest to select retail stores across the country.

For more information on the ‘Beauty Fit For A Queen’ program, visit www. BeautyFitForAQueen.com

KBR AD – 2.5C X 8” Page AD

KBR AD – 2.5C X 8” Page AD

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS CONSTRUCTION MANAGER-AT-RISK Mickey Leland College Preparatory Academy for Young Men

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS CONSTRUCTION MANAGER-AT-RISK Mickey Leland College Preparatory Academy for Young Men

HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT (HISD)

HOUSTON INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT (HISD)

KBR Building Group as Construction Manager-at-Risk for HISD, in accordance with Texas Government Code 2269, will receive bids or proposals from all qualified subcontractors for the Site Demolition, Earthwork and Site Utilities for The New Construction of Mickey Leland College Preparatory Academy for Young Men.

KBR Building Group as Construction Manager-at-Risk for HISD, in accordance with Texas Government Code 2269, will receive bids or proposals from all qualified subcontractors for the Cast in Place Concrete, Structural Steel, Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Elevators, and Fire Sprinkler for The New Construction of Mickey Leland College Preparatory Academy for Young Men.

A PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD AT 10:00 AM ON MARCH 3, 2015 at HISD Construction Department, 3200 Center Street, Houston, TX 77007 with a site visit immediately following at 1700 Gregg Street, Houston, TX 77020. This meeting is not mandatory; however, it is highly recommended.

A PRE-PROPOSAL CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD AT 10:00 AM ON MARCH 3, 2015 at HISD Construction Department, 3200 Center Street, Houston, TX 77007 with a site visit immediately following at 1700 Gregg Street, Houston, TX 77020. This meeting is not mandatory; however, it is highly recommended.

BIDS OR PROPOSALS ARE DUE MARCH 12, 2015 AT 2:00PM, and bids or proposals should be emailed to: Stephen.Herring@KBR.com, faxed to 713-753-4799, or mailed/delivered to: 601 Jefferson Suite 2772G Houston, Texas 77002. LATE BIDS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

BIDS OR PROPOSALS ARE DUE MARCH 19, 2015 AT 2:00PM, and bids or proposals should be emailed to Stephen.Herring@KBR.com, faxed to 713-753-4799, or mailed/delivered to the 601 Jefferson St. Suite 2772G. Late bids will not be accepted.

M/WBE documents as described below will be received until the date and time set for receiving bids. There will be no public opening of bids or proposals. All bids or proposals shall be available after award of contract, or the 7th day after final selection of bids or proposals, whichever is later.

After receipt of bids or proposals, KBR Building Group, will conduct its evaluation of the subcontractor bids or proposals in relation to the project requirements and will select the bid(s) or proposal(s) that offers the best value to HISD.

M/WBE documents as described below will be received until the date and time set for receiving bids. There will be no public opening of bids or proposals. All bids or proposals shall be available after award of contract, or the 7th day after final selection of bids or proposals, whichever is later. After receipt of bids or proposals, KBR Building Group, will conduct its evaluation of the subcontractor bids or proposals in relation to the project requirements and will select the bid(s) or proposal(s) that offers the best value to HISD.

KBR Building Group is committed to meeting the M/WBE goals set for this project. M/WBE forms, schedules and statements, as required by the package documents, shall accompany each bid or proposal that is submitted. Bids or proposals submitted without all required information, and in the order and manner specified, may result in the bid or proposal being considered non-responsive.

KBR Building Group is committed to meeting the M/WBE goals set for this project. M/WBE forms, schedules and statements, as required by the package documents, shall accompany each bid or proposal that is submitted. Bids or proposals submitted without all required information, and in the order and manner specified, may result in the bid or proposal being considered non-responsive.

HISD, the Owner, reserves the right to waive any informality and/or to reject any, or all bids, or proposals.

HISD, the Owner, reserves the right to waive any informality and/or to reject any, or all bids, or proposals.

Email questions to: Stephen.Herring@KBR.COM or call him at: 713-753-7302 for additional information on this project.

Email questions to: Stephen.Herring@KBR.COM or call him at: 713-753-7302 for additional information on this project.

Drawings and specifications are available in the KBR Building Group office located at: 601 Jefferson Suite 2772 Houston, Texas 77002.

Drawings and specifications are available in the KBR Building Group office located at: 601 Jefferson, Suite 2772, Houston, Texas 77002.

DRAWINGS AND SPECIFICATIONS MAY ALSO BE REVIEWED AT:

DRAWINGS AND SPECIFICATIONS MAY ALSO BE REVIEWED AT:

McGraw Hill Construction/Dodge, www.construction.com Virtual Builders Exchange, 3910 Kirby, #131, Houston, TX 77098, (832) 613-0201

McGraw Hill Construction/Dodge, www.construction.com Virtual Builders Exchange, 3910 Kirby, #131, Houston, TX 77098, (832) 613-0201

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February 19 - February 25, 2015

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Houston African Film Festival Photography by Vicky Pink

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n February 6-8, 2015, Houston Style Magazine was on hand at the Houston African Film Festival hosted by the Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC) and Silicon Valley African Film Festival (SVAFF). The festival gave attendees a better understanding and appreciation of Africa and Africans through moving images. The festival showcased films from various African countries across the continent, presenting a mix of feature film, shorts, documentaries and animations from Africa’s seasoned and emerging first-voice filmmakers.

Black Women in History: Roles and Influence Photography by Vicky Pink

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n Tuesday, February 17, 2015, Houston Style Magazine was on hand at the University of Houston for their presentation Black Women in History: Roles and Influence with prominent humanitarian and ex-wife of boxer Muhammad Ali, Ms. Khalilah Camacho-Ali. She spoke to the University of Houston students about the first time she met Muhammad Ali when she was ten years old and how her life evolved over the years. She spoke about how she excelled in school and encourage to do the same so they could be all that they could be. Ali was also promoting her new coloring book about old fashion values and etiquette. She also had several copies of a DVD about Muhammad Ali’s life.

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February 19 - February 25, 2015

www.StyleMagazine.com

H-E-B San Felipe Store Grand Opening Photography by Vicky Pink

On Wednesday, February 18, 2015, Houston Style Magazine was on hand at the grand opening of H-E-B’s newest San Felipe store. The 91,000 square-foot store is revolutionizing the grocery shopping experience in Houston with new and unique offerings. For the first time in Houston, H-E-B is offering a sit-down restaurant with a menu inspired

by Houston award-winning chef and restaurant-veteran Randy Evans called Table 57.

One of the largest vertical gardens in the metropolitan Houston area, conceptualized

by H-E-B architectural design team and installed by Houston-based landscape architects, McDugald-Steele adorns the store’s facade. The store is something that must be seen in person.

KNOW Autism Inaugural Gala Photography by Vicky Pink

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n Thursday, February 12, 2015, Houston Style Magazine was on hand at Royal Sonesta Hotel for the KNOWAutism Inaugural Gala “Deep in the Heart of Houston.”

Rita Garcia served as the emcee at the event that presented a fashion show featuring items from David Peck’s Spring 2015 collection accessorized by Zadok Jewelers. Former City of Houston Mayor Bill White was a special guest. Dr. Sippi Khurana and Perri Kay Palermo were the gala chairs. Some in attendance were Miya Shay, Jason Fuller, Cindy Clifford, Mandy Kao, Yasmine Haddad, Christina Zhou, Diane Nguyen, Jean Wilson, Mrs. Pearland Peta-Gay Chen Ledbetter, and Miss Texas US 2014 Rachel White.

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SELF Foundation at Revere School Photography by Vicky Pink

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n Friday, February 13, 2015, Houston Style Magazine was on hand at Paul Revere Middle School as Bo and Stacey Porter visited with students. Brandon LaFell of the Super Bowl New England Patriots joined the Porters as a special guest. Monthly Bo Porter and his wife visit with students to teach them about self-esteem and having goals. Paul Revere is one of the schools his organization adopted and they are investing in the lives of the students as well as on the campus of the school. It is just one of the ways that Bo and Stacey Porter give back to the community through their SELF Foundation that has a purpose of improving and impacting lives through Sports, Education, Life Skills and Faith.

2015 El Dorado Social Club Winter Ball Photography by Vicky Pink

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n Friday, February 6, 2015, Houston Style Magazine was on hand at the Stafford Centre for the Eldorado Social Club’s Winter Ball. This year affair was extra special as it was the organization’s 90th anniversary. The affair is a major fundraiser for the club to allow them to award scholarships to deserving youth. Some in attendance were Dr. Elwyn Lee, Robert Gatlin, Roy Carter, Erica Lee Carter, Goodwille Pierre, State Rep. Ron Reynolds, Dr. Jonita Reynolds, Commissioner Grady Prestage, Tyrone Williams, and Gerald Womack.

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February 19 - February 25, 2015

www.StyleMagazine.com

BUSINESS BRIEFS H-E-B and March of Dimes Launch Fundraising Campaign

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-E-B launches its tearpad fundraising campaign benefitting March of Dimes Texas Chapter and 2015 March for Babies. The campaign, taking place from now until March 31, 2015, offers Texas H-E-B and Central Market customers the opportunity to contribute to the March of Dimes by adding a donation in increments of $1, $3, or $5 to their total grocery bill. Last year, H-E-B raised $771,238 to support March of Dimes March for Babies. With this contribution, H-E-B not only continues to be the #1 fundraising team in Texas, but is also in the top ten teams in the nation. To locate or find additional information about a participating store, visit heb.com and enter your ZIP code.

Nielsen Introduces the New Black Power

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oday, the phrase Black Power takes on a new meaning by referencing the considerable economic influence of African-Americans. According to recent Nielsen African American consumer reports, the buying power of African-Americans is $1.1 trillion and expected to grow to $1.3 trillion by 2017. African-Americans are conscious of how they spend their time and money, thus leveraging this purchasing power to ensure their economic impact is recognized and valued. The influence of Black Power increases exponentially when the overall impact that Blacks have on American popular culture is considered. A Nielsen report highlights that 73% of Whites and 67% of Hispanics believe that Blacks influence mainstream culture. For more information, visit www. nielsen.com.

more information, visit www.uvi.edu.

Intermedia Touch Develops a Digital Interactive Kiosk for Black History Month

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ntermedia Touch is working with Baptist Health South Florida and has developed a state-ofthe-art, digital interactive kiosk in recognition of Black History Month.

The kiosk provides health facts and other historical facts and information on the African-American culture and diaspora. The research data and information of the kiosk was obtained in part by Baptist Health’s Office of Diversity. The development and implementation of the kiosk itself was made possible by the generous in-kind support of Intermedia Touch. For more information, visit www. intermediatouch.com.

Inc.’s Apple Pay. According to NBC News, LoopPay works by reproducing the signals from a credit card’s magnetic swipe as users tap a LoopPay device next to a retailer’s card reader. This makes LoopPay have a wider range of use than other mobile payments systems that require newer terminals and wireless chips. On the other hand, LoopPay doesn’t work well with older readers nor does it work well with machines that require customers to insert a card.

However, LoopPay still has a better than average track of working with 90 percent of merchants. For more information, visit www.nbcnews.com or www. looppay.com

Media Partners Integrate Platforms to Provide Information President Obama’s Executive Actions on Immigration

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nivision Communications Inc. (UCI) in partnership with impreMedia announced Immigration Week, a multiplatform event taking place through February 20th that aims to inform the U.S. Hispanic community about President Barack Obama’s executive actions on immigration, providing exclusive immigration-related online and mobile tools, comprehensive answers to frequently asked questions and additional key resources in markets across the nation including New York, Chicago, Houston and Los Angeles. In collaboration with national organization, NALEO Educational Fund, efforts consist of a phone bank in most participating cities to provide added resources, town halls as well as a round-table discussion. Univision has integrated special reporting and live coverage in its local radio and television programming to make information available in real-time.

For more information, visit www.Univision.com or www.impreMedia.com.

500,000th Corolla Speeds Off the Line at Toyota Mississippi

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oyota Mississippi is celebrating the 500,000th Corolla coming off the line at the Blue Springs, Miss., production facility. The production accomplishment was achieved faster than any other Toyota plant in the U.S. – a testament to the 2,000 hardworking team members who have answered increasing consumer demand since the plant opened in 2011. The milestone is one more to add to the long list of achievements for Toyota Mississippi and the Corolla. Toyota has sold more than 10 million Corollas in the U.S. and 40 million worldwide since the vehicle debuted here in 1968. For more information, visit www.toyota.com.

Krispy Kreme Opening Delayed

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UVI Awarded Five-Year $1.3M U.S. DOE Cybersecurity Grant

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he University of the Virgin Islands has been awarded a five-year $1.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), as part of a White House initiative to strengthen cybersecurity expertise in America. In January, United States Vice President Joe Biden announced the creation of the Cybersecurity Workforce Pipeline, which is designed to create a consortium composed of 13 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), two national labs, and a k-12 school district. The consortium will receive the $25 million grant award over the next five years. For

t is not known when the famous Krispy Kreme hot now sign will be turned on for northwest Houston.

The company was slated to open a new location on February 17th but has since pushed it back to a date sometime in April or May. According to the Houston Business Journal, plans are in the works to open 6 or 7 more locations in this year with more following. The wait for a building permit is speculated to be the blame for the delay. For more information, visit www.KrispyKreme.com.

Samsung Battles with Apple Again

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amsung is never one to back down to competition and today they are making even plainer as they challenge Apple once again by buying LoopPay. Samsung’s LoopPay is a direct competitor to Apple

Online Travel Agency Expedia Buys Competition Orbitz for $1.33 Billion

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euters.com is reporting that online travel company Expedia Inc. will shell out a little over $1.3 billion to buy out their competition Orbitz Worldwide Inc. This is one of many companies that Expedia is buying.

Over the last few months Expedia has taken control of Travelocity, Wotif Group, Hotels.com, Hotwire and a host of other brands. Expedia will hire many of those who work for Orbitz as programmers and designers to maintain Orbitz’s strong branding and customer base.

Overall, Expedia Inc is expected the pending deal to generate $75 million in savings and revenue. For more information, visit reuters.com.

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February 19 - February 25, 2015

www.StyleMagazine.com