Houston Style Magazine Vol 34 No 16

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Sports Editor Brian Barefield brian_barefield@yahoo.com

Food Writer

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Arts Editor Kathleen Coleman kathleen@stylemagazine.com

NATIONAL WRITERS

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Roland Martin www.rolandmartin.com

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Blessed are the children – this is the teaching of every religion. The miracle of birth and the joy of new life are transcendent. In this rich country, however, too many babies and too many mothers are at risk – and far too many are dying. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that new mothers in America are dying at a higher rate than those in any other industrial country. A higher percentage of children die before their first birthday in the U.S. than in any other industrial country.

In families, whether rich or poor, mothers and the newborn are precious. Yet, stark disparities mark their prospects. A study of births in California shows that out of 100,000 births, 173 born to the richest white women will die before their first birthday, a rate far higher than other wealthy countries. Twice that number – 350 babies – will die if born to the poorest white women. Stunningly, 437 die if born to the richest Black women. And a staggering 653 of 100,000, die if born to the poorest Black mothers.

Clearly there are two sets of rules. One for the rich – and another for the poor. One for white mothers and babies - and another for Black mothers and babies. We don’t allow football or basketball teams to play with two sets of rules. All compete with the same rules on an even playing field. But that same basic fairness doesn’t apply to mothers and their babies.

This disparity is not because a greater portion of Black women are poor. The baby of a Black woman with an advanced degree is more likely to die from pregnancy related complications than that of a white woman who hasn’t finished high school.

BLESSED ARE THE CHILDREN

By Jesse Jackson, National Political Writer

Why are Black women and babies at greater risk than white women and their babies? The answer is apparent. As Dr. Jana Richards of UChicago Medicine writes, “the most straightforward answer is racism. The root causes of disproportionate pregnancy complications in Black women are driven by inequality, discrimination and long-standing racism deeply rooted in the U.S. healthcare system.”

Even as some right-wing politicians – like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis – deny the very existence of systemic racism – and want to ban discussion of it in our schools and universities, it punches us in the gut.

“It’s not race, it’s racism,” said Tiffany L. Green, a University of Wisconsin economist specializing in public health and obstetrics.

“The data are quite clear that this isn’t about biology. This is about the environments where we live, where we work, where we play, where we sleep.”

Black mothers struggle with far greater stress – from low wages, food and housing insecurity, unemployment, far less access to health care and childcare, greater exposure to poisonous air and water pollution. Too few states guarantee paid leave, child supplements, adequate transportation to health care. Even more affluent

Black women struggle to get equal treatment. It isn’t an accident that deaths of babies and mothers from pregnancy decline when a Black woman has a Black doctor and nurse.

In declaring April 11 to 17 Black Maternal Health Week, President Biden issued an “urgent call to action,” since Black women are “three times more likely to die from pregnancy related complications than white women," and this is in addition to the fact that “women in America are dying at a higher rate from pregnancy-related causes than in any other developed nation.”

The president has pushed to address the problem. His rescue plan extended Medicaid postpartum coverage for a full year, and he’s pledged to sustain that in states that accept extended Medicaid coverage. His new budget has more than $400 million targeted to reduce mortality rates – seeking to improve access to care in rural and urban communities, support the health workforce that deals with pregnancy, and even expand implicit bias training for health care providers. Sadly, the Republican majority in the House has called his proposals “dead on arrival,” blind to the meaning of that to babies.

During the pandemic, the rescue plans by Donald Trump and Joe

Biden gave an indication of what is possible. Poor and low-wage families actually fared better during the economic shutdown. Evictions were banned, paid leave required, Medicaid coverage extended, supplemental food and school meal programs were passed. The child tax credit reduced child poverty by one-third; the stimulus and boosted unemployment payments sustained incomes. A record high percentage of Americans had health care coverage. If extended – and combined with greater focus on pregnancy and early childhood care – these programs could have dramatically reduced the rate at which mothers and babies are dying in America. But while most Americans support the programs, conservatives in the Congress in both parties do not. So, the eviction ban expired, as have the increased unemployment benefits, the income supplements, the extended Medicaid coverage, and sadly the child tax credits, and more. The Congress as presently constituted stands in the way of saving the lives of mothers and babies. There is no excuse for this wealthy country to put the lives of mothers and babies at greater risk. We cannot let racism or ideology or greed keep us from ensuring that mothers and infants get the care that they need. That surely is a measure of a civilized society.

You can write to the Rev. Jesse Jackson in care of this Newspaper or by email at: jjackson@rainbowpush.org

COMMISSIONER ELLIS, JULIA C. HESTER HOUSE OFFICIALS CELEBRATE HISTORIC COMMUNITY CENTER’S

80TH ANNIVERSARY OF PROVIDING PROGRAMS AND SOCIAL SERVICES TO FIFTH WARD AREA

CELEBRATION INCLUDES DEDICATION OF MURAL THAT RECREATES A LATE JOHN BIGGERS’ PAINTING

By StyleMagazine.com - Newswire

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Julia C. Hester House officials on Thursday, April 13 celebrated the 80th anniversary of the community center that was established as a settlement house to enhance the quality of life for African Americans in Fifth Ward.

“Julia C. Hester House was established as a nonprofit in 1943 to promote the health, education and welfare of Black Fifth Ward residents and provide recreation and entertainment facilities,” Commissioner Ellis said. ”The legacy of Black settlement houses lives on in institutions like Hester House. Their place in the history of that movement is often overshadowed, but this institution is a beacon of inspiration.”

Julia Hester, a teacher and longtime Fifth Ward resident, was recognized for opening her home to neighborhood youth. She sought to ensure their safety and to educate them. She also was a community leader and active volunteer until her death in 1940. Today, Hester House, which receives funds from Precinct One, honors her legacy by providing a safe haven for youth and promoting education and quality of life for the mostly Black and Brown families living in the area.

“Standing on the shoulders and commitment of Mrs. Julia C. Hester and other notable Fifth Ward pioneers, I am excited that Hester House continues to thrive and provide vital services to the community,” said Sherea McKenzie, Hester House’s executive director. “The staff is to be commended for their diligent efforts to expand and improve services so that Hester House will be a community epicenter for another 80plus years.”

Jeremy Brown, chairman of the nonprofit Hester House’s Board of Directors, said the community center part-

ners with Atherton Elementary across the street and the Gulf Coast Community Services Association Early Headstart on the community center’s campus to provide opportunities for youth.

“Coach at a Christmas party had a 3-year-old or 4-year-old playing chess,” Brown said. “Now where can kid in this neighborhood play chess? Where can a kid in this neighborhood learn to swim?”

Dr. Youletta McCullough, a Fifth Ward Chamber of Commerce board member, said Ms. Hester inspired generations of Houstonians through her community service.

“The historic Fifth Ward is so overwhelmingly grateful for Ms. Hester’s vision and her service within this community,” Dr. McCullough said. “She opened her home to neighborhood children and actively engaged and nurtured them in development. So we have a lot of community leaders and successful individuals who have come out of Fifth Ward as a result of her involvement.”

In 1941, a bi-racial committee established the Hester House as a center to host recreation and entertainment activities for the community.

The Hester House was also the first African American organization to receive its seed funding from the Houston Community Chest, which is now the United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast. In the 1950s and ‘60s, it was known for hosting sock hops for teens.

The community center initially was to be called the Houston Negro Community Center of Fifth Ward. However, before the doors opened, it was renamed after Julia C. Hester.

Hester House became a nonprofit organization in June 1943. Then located on Lyons Avenue, it provided

services for youth, adults and families.

It also operated a childcare center on McGowan Street. After a successful fundraising campaign, Hester House moved from the rented facility on Lyons and consolidated its services at 2020 Solo St., where it’s located today.

In 2014, with a grant from the state of Texas and Precinct One funds, Hester House added a Wellness Center that includes a gymnasium and an Olympic-size swimming pool.

In December, an artist, who wishes to remain anonymous, completed a mural on the Wellness Center that recreates a John Biggers painting. At the anniversary celebration, which fell on the same day of the late Biggers’ 99th birthday, Commissioner Ellis, Hester House officials and Street Art of Mankind co-founders Audrey and Thibault Decker dedicated the mural along with community members.

“We also have the opportunity to honor John Biggers and officially unveil the first replica mural in this series in partnership with Street Art for Mankind,” Commissioner Ellis said. “Public art has the power to inspire, make change, remind us of our history and unite people for a common cause.”

The Atherton Elementary School drumline performs during a celebration of the Julia C. Hester House 80th anniversary.

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis speaks during a celebration ceremony for the Julia C. Hester House 80th anniversary.

COMCAST TEXAS COMMITS $1 MILLION TO HOUSTON’S DIGITAL DIVIDE

new world that can connect people in surmountable ways. It can open worlds unseen by the human eye, broadening one’s mind and educational scope. Numerous studies have shown that there are certain barriers to shrinking the digital divide. Barriers to closing the digital divide have been attributed to access, affordability, and adoption.

Access: Data collection from various entities shows that at least 28,2 American households lack any device to connect to the Internet. More shocking is how many individuals don’t even have access to public spaces with free Internet access.

Affordability: There is a cost to having the Internet at home. Families struggle with the basics of food, lights, and shelter. Adding something that some consider an educational necessity and others see as entertainment is not a priority.

ny home without some sort of electronic device to connect with the internet or a way to access the internet is a household that is at a serious economic, social, and mental disadvantage. Various studies have proven this. The internet opens an entirely

Adoption: Various education levels and computer skillsets can act as hindrances to the adoption of working computer programs.

Comcast Texas understands how devastating the lack of a digital connection can be for families, especially those from black and brown

Dr Loren Blanchard

communities. For years, Comcast Texas has poured funds into communities as a hand up to give them a better outlook on life. And now they are donating even more to help shrink the digital divide. Houston area’s largest internet service provider is committing more than $1 million to more than 60 local organizations and programs dedicated to helping people connect to the Internet, learn digital skills, and climb the economic ladder.

changing marketplace.

Entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurship programs focus on helping people build digital skills to launch and grow their businesses.

Dr. Reginald DesRoches

President University of Houston-Downtown President Rice University

"These investments are part of Comcast Texas’ ongoing commitment to provide people with the digital tools needed to succeed in this ever-connected world," said Ralph Martinez, Comcast Texas’ Regional Senior Vice President. "As we expand our next-generation network across southeast Texas, we’re here to be good neighbors. We’re here to support and uplift the communities we’re honored to do business in by teaming up with trusted partners to invest in programs that make a difference."

Dr LaTonya Goffney Superintendent Aldine ISD

For more information, please visit haul.org/eodgala or contact Brandi Ledet | bledet@haul.org | 713-393-8783

Comcast Texas has decided to tackle barriers by focusing on Connectivity & Adoption, Digital Skills in the Workforce, and Entrepreneurship. Connectivity & Adoption: Connectivity programs equip individuals, families, and community partners with the right tools and resources to take advantage of the Internet. Adoption programs teach individuals the skills needed to increase their competency and confidence in technology in order to use it proficiently. Digital Skills in the Workforce: Over 90% of jobs available today require digital skills, yet nearly one-third of US workers lack opportunities to build these skills. Digital skills programs teach individuals the tech skills needed to land a job and stay competitive in the

Dr Ruth Simmons Dr Lesia L Crumpton-Young President

The funds are coming from Comcast’s Project UP, which is an initiative to connect people to the Internet with a $1 billion commitment and a goal to reach tens of millions of people. Selected organizations can start seeing the funds drop in May, with more coming throughout the year as this is a year-long investment.

Dr. Millard House II Superintendent Houston ISD

President Texas Southern University

Read more at StyleMagazine.com

Dusty Baker

ck Excellence in Sports Leadership General Manager Houston Astros

Gerald Hin

Quentin Mease Community Service Award Texas Black Expo & We All Eat Campaign

Silas

Smith

Love

Ralph Martinez, Comcast Texas’ Regional Senior Vice President

TEXAS HOUSE DEMOCRATIC CAUCUS TO HOST STATEWIDE CIVIL RIGHTS PROTESTS

By StyleMagazine.com - Newswire

On Saturday, April 22, the Texas House Democratic Caucus will host individual rallies in Austin, Houston, San Antonio, El Paso, Plano and Fort Worth. Community members are invited to attend to protest against major legislative efforts to roll back civil rights of communities across Texas.

“Our communities have fought, bled, and sometimes died fighting for our civil rights over the past century. It has only been recently that our communities have had a seat at the table,” Wu said. “Now, there are dozens of pieces of legislation to roll back the rights that we have earned. They are telling us we are no longer welcome at the table and we should go back to begging for scraps. We refuse.” Harris County Civil Rights Protest

Saturday, April 22 11:00 AM

Antioch Park (554 Clay St, Houston, TX 77002)

Press Conference to Follow

FORT BEND COUNTY JUDGE KP GEORGE ANNOUNCES NEW OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT MANAGER

By StyleMagazine.com - Newswire

It has been an exhilarating two weeks for Houston Astros rookie reserve outfielder Corey Julks.

On April 5, 2023, he got his first major league RBI at Minute Maid Park against the Detroit Tigers. He almost completed another first in that same game as his double to left field in the bottom of the eighth inning almost cleared the Crawford Boxes, which would have given him his first career home run.

"I thought it was pretty close," Julks said after the game. "I was hoping it would get up, but I will take a double. Every first is always big. You get that first one out of the way, and you just keep going from there."

One week later, he finally achieved the milestone he was searching for on the road. His solo home run in the bottom of the fourth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates was his first-ever major league home run, and it helped the Astros get a much-needed road victory.

Even though that feeling of excitement from getting his first career home run is something he will remember

Fort Bend County Judge KP George has announced his appointment for the County’s Manager of Homeland Security and Emergency Management on Monday, April 17, at 10:00 a.m., at the Emergency Operations Center, 307 Fort St., Richmond, TX 77469. Greg Babst is the new Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Manager.

Since the former Manager, Mark

Flathouse, announced his retirement in January 2023, the County has actively recruited to fill the position, opening the door to internal and external candidates.

“My number one job as County Judge is to keep our residents safe,” said Judge KP George. “My decision was based on the desire to promote transparency, accountability, and a comprehensive approach to emergency management services to ensure that our county remains ready and

prepared for emergencies or disasters. Additionally, I sought a skillful leader who could engage with our internal departments, the public, and private sector partners”.

“My goal is to be a valuable and responsive proactive multiplier for all coordination during all hazards in this county,” Babst said to Community Impact. “We’re going to protect our citizens, that’s No. 1.”

FIRST HOME RUN AT MINUTE MAID PARK MEANS A LOT TO HOME TOWN ROOKIE COREY JULKS

By Brian Barefield, Sports Editor

and cherish. There was still one more first he needed to complete before he would feel satisfied.

The Friendswood, Texas, native, who played college baseball at the University of Houston, grew up an Astros fan, had not hit a homer in front of his family and friends in Minute Maid Park.

That changed on Monday night as Julks hit a solo home run in the bottom of the third inning against the Toronto Blue Jays.

It was near the exact spot where teammate

Yordan Alvarez hit his first-ever major league home run inside of Minute Maid Park as Houston defeated the Blue Jays by a score of 9-2.

"Oh yeah, it felt awesome," said Julks after the game. "I can get that first one in front of friends and family, so it was definitely special."

Julks has hit safely in nine of the ten games he has started this season and is beginning to see the ball better with the more at-bats he

receives, something he displayed last season with the Astros' Triple-A affiliate, the Sugar Land Space Cowboys, by hitting 31 home runs to go along with 89 RBI.

"Every day, the more ABs (atbats) you get, just trying to build off that," said Julks. "Everybody around here has definitely helped me a lot, helped me get comfortable. And I just try to show up to the field every day ready to go."

Gene Wu

Julks HR MMP 1st

LITTLE RICHARD: I AM EVERYTHING

By Dwight Brown film critic for DwightBrownInk.com, and NNPA News Wire

Shut up!!! Before Elvis, David Bowie, Prince, Harry Styles and Lil Nas X there was Little Richard. The bright, shiny North star of rock and roll.

Richard Penniman, a pioneer rock ‘n roller, was the third of 12 children in 1930s Macon, GA. His brash personality got him the attention he desired. Banging piano keys like a percussive instrument, wearing flamboyant attire and singing provocative songs (“Tutti Frutti’) arguably made him the music industry’s first true glam rock star. His DNA is everywhere.

Director Lisa Cortes (codirector All In: The Fight For Democracy; producer The Apollo, exec producer Precious) astutely assembles an impressive group of legends who attests to Penniman’s showmanship and musical prowess: Tom Jones, Nona Hendryx, John Waters, Billy Porter and even Mick Jagger proclaims: “He did it first!”

If legends are defined by how they changed the world, Little Richard deserves his flowers. He blended gospel, blues and boogie woogie music. Encouraged black and white kids to dance together in concert halls that had been segregated forever. Gave fledgling bands (Beatles and Rolling Stones) the opportunity to open on the road for him. He left a scent. We can trace his influence. There are plenty of Little Richard imitators performing today who have no idea who blazed a path so they could be creative, outrageous and accepted. But it was him. They’re following him.

This perceptive doc also tackles the originator’s up and down, rags to riches to rags career. Rich king one day, foreclosures the next. Watching Pat Boone and Elvis cover his songs and make more money than he would ever see is disturbing. Equally troubling is the anguish he felt not owning the rights to his music. It’s a cautionary tale worth telling again and again.

Also on view are his ambivalent

feelings regarding his sexuality. Proud gay man cavorting in underground Black drag clubs in the late ‘40s. A Seventh Day Adventist pilgrim in the ‘70s, pious and ashamed of his old ways. Retrospective elder recounting the orgies he threw and sermons he preached—as if it all works together in a preordained way. Through it all, he is never in doubt about his self-worth. Afterall, it isn’t hubris when you have the goods. It’s just the truth: “I am the emancipator the architect. The one who started it all.”

Cortes perceptively retraces both the glamorous side and the private life. Some of the most poignant testimonies are from his former back-up band. Glimpses into his childhood, short-lived marriage and arrest add to his allure. Also learning that he worked the same chitlin circuit as Ma Rainey and was influenced by Rosetta Tharpe ties a lot of musical history together.

Penniman’s life journey and

M/WBE SUPPLIER OPPORTUNITY

Fleming Musical Instruments and Repair is bidding on project 23-11-01 Fine Arts Materials and Services for the Houston Independent School District. We are looking for possible M/WBE subcontractors to provide opportunies for Spanish/English music lessons for students of all ages.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Steven Rodriguez at (713) 426-3663 by 4/25/2023.

spirit are captured by Keith Walker and Graham Willoughby’s cameras, caressed by Tamar-kali’s musical score and artfully assembled by editors Jake Hostetter and Nyneve Laura Minnear. All the archival footage, photos and interviews are neatly clipped together in 1h 41m of revealing and entertaining footage.

If you pick the right subject, a documentary sells itself. In that way, Little Richard’s legacy is a magnet and music fans will be drawn to this enlightening doc. An astute, loving bio that catalogues the gigantic and well-deserved ego of the originator who knew he was everything: “I’m not conceited. I’m convinced.” Shut up!!!

Little Richard and his Band in Little Richard I Am Everything

H Congresswoman Jackson Lee Kicks Off Houston Mayoral Campaign

HCongresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee wants to be Houston’s next mayor and she is shouting it from the rooftops. She officially kicked off her Houston Mayoral Campaign over the weekend on the rooftop of Post Houston. During her press conference, Congresswoman Jackson Lee told what issues priority to her were including the rail system, wastewater system, balancing the city’s budget, and investing in working families and public housing. “When we build on housing, we will help bring down crime. When we build on homeless persons having a house-a place to live-we will bring down crime. I believe that work will in face generate results.” Congresswoman Jackson Lee served on the Houston City Council from 1990-1995 before being elected to represent Texas’ 18th Congressional District in Washington, DC. She is serving her 14th term as a congresswoman.

Photography by Sheila Jackson Lee Campaign

In celebration of National Poetry Month, Mayor Sylvester Turner is pleased to announce the new Houston Poet Laureate: Aris Kian Brown. Brown is the sixth poet laureate and the youngest to be chosen.

The selection of Aris was announced last night at a reception hosted by the Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs (MOCA) and the Houston Public Library (HPL) with remarks by Mayor Turner, Dr. Lawson, Dr. Irvin, and the 2021-23 Houston Poet Laureate, Emanuelee "Outspoken" Bean.

“It is an honor to have selected Aris as the next Poet Laureate,” says Mayor Sylvester Turner. “She represents Houston’s literary future with her prophetic poetry. She will continue the Poet Laureates' hard work before her, inspire the City of Houston with her words, and bring out the poetry in everyone. My heart is gladdened to see the Houston Poet Laureate program continue to thrive and become a part of my legacy as Mayor of this Arts City.”

"Poetry, language, and building narrative power are all my life's work,” says Aris Kian Brown. “As the next

Poet Laureate, I am looking forward to being able to share my love for both community organizing and creative expression."

Brown was selected through a competitive process by a diverse group of poets, scholars, literary experts, and community representatives. The Committee consisted of Poet Laureate Emeritus, Emanuelee “Outspoken” Bean; Elizabeth Gregory of the University of Houston; Terri Hamm of Kindred Stories; Rich Levy of Inprint; Eloísa Pérez-Lozano of The Acentos Review; and César Ramos of Raspa Magazine.

Non-voting members include Victor Ancheta of the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs (MOCA) and Justin Bogert with the Houston Public Library (HPL).

"I am so pleased to join our Mayor and Cultural Affairs Director, Necole Irvin, in congratulating Aris Kian Brown," said Houston Public Library Director, Dr. Rhea Brown Lawson. "We are excited to support Ms. Brown in engaging Houston’s diverse communities served by Houston Public Library through the exciting Poet Laureate program.”

Aris’ two-year term runs

through April 2025. As Poet Laureate, she will work closely with MOCA and HPL to implement her Community Outreach Project, “Space for Us: Afrofuturism and the Poetic Imagination.”

Brown will conduct a series of interviews with community members across Houston asking them questions like, “What do you hope Houston looks like tomorrow?” and then “stitch” a poem utilizing those answers, allowing everyone to see the poetry that is “already embedded in everyday people.” Brown will also translate the finished poem into the top spoken languages in the city.

Necole S. Irvin, Director of Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, is excited about Brown’s community project.

“Aris will create a unique project that will speak to all residents of Houston which aligns with our office’s goal of equity, inclusion, and accessibility to the arts for all. The project is one that complements the goals of the Houston Poet Laureate program as well, which is to make poetry accessible to everyone.”

Kian Brown

ART IS BOND PRESENTS INTERIORITY COMPLEX LOVIE OLIVIAAPRIL 14

EXHIBITION DATES: APRIL 14, 2023 - MAY 20, 2023

OPENING RECEPTION: 6 - 9 PM FRIDAY, APRIL 14, 2023

ARTIST TALK: 6 PM FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2023

Kathleen Coleman, Arts Editor

ART IS BOND. is proud to present interiority complex, a solo exhibition featuring the work of visual artist Lovie Olivia.

Lovie Olivia’s “interiority complex” aims to be a site of engagement, a visual reverie and survey of the florid poetics of Black Interiority. This body of work mines, retrieves and reimagines matter recovered from the cache of Black cultural production, i.e, art, music, literature, politics and design.

It engages visually with a bounty of aesthetics, decorative remains, and rich detritus that persist in our culture despite pervasive Anti- Blackness, Homophobia and Sexism. Additionally, the exhibition prioritizes Queer, Southern, and Womanist contributions to American

urbanity in hopes to jubilate the polylithic nature of the Black Diaspora. Olivia sparks fresh narratives by interlacing and contrasting gestures and marks of our collective expressions. Obsessed with the materiality of plaster, preoccupied with design and zealous of painting she strives to add a fresh aesthetic to classical fresco techniques by employing a contemporary application. The paintings and objects are manifested through a non- traditional performance of excavation that cross-fertilises data, imagery and other minutiae with familiar motifs and patterns to communicate a sense of depth, monumentality and retrospection. The immersive environment of “interiority complex” reveres colloquial expressions of beauty, leisure, liberty and sovereignty. interiority complex opens on Friday April 14, 2023, at 6pm. I'm proud of that."

It was a difficult season for Silas. His father, longtime NBA player and coach Paul Silas, died in December.

"Definitely a hard year. Death is hard when your person closest to you,

the person who teaches you all about what you're doing on a daily basis, you lose him, it makes it difficult," Silas said.

"What made it easier was a group of guys in that locker room who wouldn't quit, just tried hard and wanted to do the right things. And a staff full of people who I could share quiet moments with or lean on."

The Rockets will be one of three teams with the best odds to win the draft lottery and get the No. 1 pick at 14%.

Houston selected Jabari Smith with the third pick last year and drafted Jalen Green at No. 2 in 2021.

Houston hasn't had the first overall pick since 2002 when the team drafted Yao Ming. For more information, visit StyleMagazine.com.

Lovie Olivia

Footnotes, Lovie Olivia, 2023

HNAASC Houston's Game Changers: Women in S.T.E.A.M. H

The National Alumnae Association of Spelman College Houston Chapter hosted their signature event Game Changers: Women in S.T.E.A.M. The event emceed by Briana Conner of ABC13 raises funds for local Spelman students while honoring true game changers. Celebrating the progressive accomplishments of women in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math, NAASC supports Spelman College through financial gifts, student recruitment, sisterhood, community service, and recognition of women. Over the last three years, Game Changers has raised over $50,000. Some in attendance were Dr. Jayne Morgan, Deidre Barrett, and Sophia Burns.

27th Conference

The National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives held their 27th annual conference in Houston. Over three days, women law enforcement officials set in trainings to advance the plight of women in the field. The organization is the only non-profit in the nation dedicated to this purpose. City Councilwoman Martha Castex Tatum welcomed the women and presented the organization a proclamation on behalf of the city of Houston.

HGeorge Foreman was among a select list of moviegoers who got a sneak peak at a movie all about himself. The film will begin showing exclusively in movie theaters on April 28.