Houston Style Magazine Vol 34 No 33

Publisher

Francis Page, Jr. fpagejr@stylemagazine.com

Associate Publisher

Lisa Valadez lisa@stylemagazine.com

Managing Editor

Jo-Carolyn Goode editorial@stylemagazine.com

Social Media Editor/Videographer

Reginald Dominique reggiedominique@me.com

Graphic Design /Layout Editor Cameron C. Lee thisiscam6@gmail.com

Sports Editor

Brian Barefield brian barefield@yahoo.com

Food Writer

Alex Jack alexandriajack1991@gmail.com

Arts Editor

K athleen Coleman kathleen@stylemagazine.com

NATIONAL WRITERS

Jesse Jackson jjackson@rainbowpush.org

Erynn Haskins TotallyRandie

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Vicky Pink vhpink@gmail.com

ADVERTISING/SALES

AdVertising emAil advertising@stylemagazine.com

MINORITY PRINT MEDIA, LLC, D.B.A.

Houston Style Magazine & www.StyleMagazine.com

Phone: (713) 748-6300 • Fax: (713) 748-6320

Mail: P.O. Box 14035, Houston, TX 77221-

©2023 Houston Style Magazine, a Minority Print Media, L.L.C. Company. All Right Reserved. Reproduction in whole or within part without permission is prohibited. Houston Style Magazine has a 2019 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 Supporters of Greater Houston Partnership(GHP)

LOCAL: Harris County Unveils PROSPERS: A Visionary Roadmap to Prosperity

By Francis Page, Jr., Editor for www.StyleMagazine.com

Commissioner Rodney Ellis Commissioner Lesley Briones

In an inspiring leap forward, Harris County Commissioners Rodney Ellis and Lesley Briones have taken a remarkable step towards realizing the American dream for every citizen. This Thursday, they will proudly launch Harris PROSPERS, an ambitious and comprehensive roadmap designed to make sure everyone in the county has a home, a stable job, and the essential pillars to create a fulfilling life.

Commissioner Ellis passionately stated, “[The region has experienced] astounding economic growth. Yet, it's distressing that a significant number of families are trapped in the suffocating grip of generational poverty.” He lamented the stark reality where educational opportunities and vital workforce training remain distant dreams for a large chunk of the population, thereby feeding into the persistent cycle of poverty.

The transformative Harris PROSPERS (an acronym for Pathways to Realize Opportunity, Security, Potential, Equity, Resilience, and Safety) stands out as a beacon of hope. This visionary plan merg-

es existing beneficial programs with fresh, groundbreaking initiatives such as guaranteed income. The primary objective?

Transforming Harris County into a sanctuary where every individual can blossom, excel, and lay the foundation for a brighter future.

Within the framework of Harris PROSPERS, several programs are being rolled out to carve paths towards quality employment and equal chances. A notable highlight is the Advantage Apprenticeship program. By joining hands with influential labor unions and impactful nonprofit organizations, it aims to open doors of training and skill development for people in marginalized areas. Parallelly, the Employ2Empower initiative stands as a testament to the county's dedication, focusing on uplifting those grappling with homelessness by integrating them back into the professional domain.

Some of the noteworthy pillars of this initiative include:

• Championing Minority- and Women-owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) and small business evolution.

• Groundbreaking policies that ensure

county employees and contractors receive a living wage, especially in construction sectors.

• Staunch worker safety protocols for county contractors.

• Pioneering economic strategies through a unique tax abatement policy, prioritizing MWBE participation and ensuring businesses provide critical benefits like healthcare, local employment opportunities, and fair hiring mechanisms.

• Advancing health by fostering collaboration with esteemed partners like the Houston Food Bank and Urban Harvest.

• Enhancing early childhood experiences with the innovative Early REACH program.

• Propelling digital empowerment through indispensable tools and training.

• Guaranteeing safe and affordable housing, with a spectrum of supportive policies ranging from tenant rights protection to eviction defense and mortgage relief strategies. Read

THE SENSIBLE, THE MAD AND THE MISSING

By Jesse Jackson, National Political Writer

The 2024 presidential race is taking shape. It looks like a choice between the sensible, the mad and the missing. Joe Biden seems intent on running on his record, a sensible route for the incumbent. His major challenger, the inescapable Donald Trump, is replaying his madcap candidacy – his program a mixture of resentment, racism, bluster and victimization. What’s missing are the big challenges that America can’t avoid and can’t seem to face.

In this first term, Joe Biden has surely exceeded expectations. He has broken with the conservative era’s trickle-down economics, and passed major initiatives to rebuild America’s decrepit infrastructure, to revive manufacturing and move away from our disastrous trade policies, and to launch an industrial policy focused on renewable energy and energy efficiency.

He’s enjoyed record low unemployment even as inflation has plummeted, and real wages have started to go up. He’s voiced his support for unions and equal justice under the law, even if his initiatives in those areas have been blocked by Republicans and a couple renegade Democrats in the Senate. He will run as a competent leader who got things done.

Trump, who dominates the Republican field even as indictments rain down upon him, doesn’t really have an agenda – or rather his agenda is himself – “I alone can fix it.” He promises, for example, to end the Ukraine war in 24 hours, because he says he can. What he offers is grievance and theater. He rails against an America that is a wasteland, three short years after he made it great again. For substance, he offers postures – send troops to

the border, get tougher on the Chinese, double down on oil and coal and rollback climate and environmental legislation.

What’s missing in this face-off is the necessary, the set of challenges that we can’t avoid, but refuse to face. For example, America’s health care system fails us. It costs nearly twice as much per capita as the health systems of other advanced countries while providing worse care and far worse medical outcomes. Our life expectancy is declining, a stunning measure of its failure. Millions remain without health insurance. Many millions more struggle to afford the care that they need. Private equity barons are merging hospitals, purging nurses, and slashing services. Medicare is rapidly being privatized, even as costs soar and coverage declines.

When I ran for president in 1988, I called for a national health care plan – Medicare for all.

Bernie Sanders repeated the call when he ran in 2016 and 2020. Congressional progressives led by Rep. Pramila Jayapal have introduced legislation and held hearings on a sensible plan that would save money while covering more people and lowering costs to patients.

This issue isn’t in the debate – but health care costs and the crisis of care are escalating rapidly, and it simply cannot be avoided.

Or consider the continuing scourge of children in poverty. The expanded Child Tax Credit that Joe Biden succeeded in passing as part of his American Rescue Plan reached more than 61 million children in 36 million households. Experts estimated that it reduced childhood poverty by 30 percent. Surely it makes more sense and costs less to invest in head start, childcare and day care at the front side of life than welfare and jail care on the backside. Yet, the expanded

tax credit was ended after one year – and childhood poverty in America is worse than any other industrial country.

This list can go on. Inequality is at obscene extremes, but passing fair taxes that would enable us to strengthen Social Security and invest in public education faces a Republican Party that is universally opposed to lifting any taxes on the wealthy. College debt is higher than credit card debt and makes it harder for the young to afford marriage or a home. Efforts to reduce it have been blocked.

Our military budget is at record heights, even as the Pentagon remains the greatest source of waste, fraud and abuse in the federal government. Yet our commitment to police the world – to maintain dominance in every region, on land, sea and space – demands even more. We have guided missiles but misguided leaders. The result is endless wars, constant conflict, and ever greater demands to spend ever more.

The sensible, the mad and the missing. Faced with the choice, Americans will no doubt vote for Joe Biden over Donald Trump, the sensible over the mad and maddening. But it is the missing issues that will have the greatest impact on the daily lives of voters. The country desperately needs citizen movements and strong leaders who will expand the debate.

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

President Joe Biden speaks to reporters at the White House

FEATURE: MIKE MILES – The Controversial Visionary For The New H ouston I ndependent S chool D istrict !

Controversy shadows Mike Miles, the new superintendent of the Houston Independent School District (HISD). His style, radical and unyielding, owes to his military background and experience in turning underperforming schools around. While his approaches have had success elsewhere, they’ve stirred debates about whether they are the right fit for HISD, Texas’s largest district.

Upon his arrival, Miles rolled out an ambitious strategy for HISD. Drawing parallels to his tenure in Dallas, he introduced the New Education System (NES). This involves employee cuts, curriculum changes, and an incentive-based compensation plan. In Dallas, while such strategies boosted student test scores, they also escalated teacher turnover from 12% to 22%. Houston, grappling with teacher shortages, is watchful.

Controversies from Dallas also shadow Miles. Allegations included hiring staff without due procedures and controversial conduct by his executive team. Furthermore, Miles’s decision to double the salary of an employee he carried over from Colorado raised eyebrows.

Already active in HISD, Miles identified and started revamping the dis-

By Jo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor for StyleMagazine.com

his lapsed superintendent certification. There are also murmurs of changes in the athletic domain, including reducing games and axing some sports programs.

Detractors claim Miles disregards the essence of public education and might even convert some HISD schools into charters. In defense, Miles states his ambition: to reshape at least half of all HISD schools using NES by the 2025-2026 academic year. With over three decades in education and a diverse career portfolio, Miles views schools through a business lens. Critics argue that education, while a significant sector, requires a gentler touch, prioritizing human connections.

The upcoming 2023-2024 school year promises upheaval under Miles’s leadership. HISD awaits to see if these transformations elevate student achievements or if they need recalibration. www.HoustonISD.org

trict’s underperforming schools into NES or NES-aligned formats. Central to his plan are sweeping changes: standardizing student materials, increasing staff salaries, and controversially, turning some libraries into virtual detention centers. Staffing cuts

have been significant, with the workforce trimmed from over 10,000 to nearly 8,000. Miles’s bold moves don’t end there. He’s considering hiring uncertified teachers to address shortages—a move seen as ironic since Miles had to secure a waiver due to

Check Out Our Proposed Designs

2

We’re looking for suggestions on how METRO can unite outstanding transit service with housing, mobility and economic development to help enhance the vibrant Eastex-Jensen community.

HISD Superintendent Mike Miles

Monday, October 23, from 7 am to 7 pm, marks the beginning of the opportunity for early voting in the Houston Mayor, City Controller, and City Council races. Early Voting will continue until Friday, November 3, leading up to the General Election on Tuesday, November 7.

As of Friday, August 11, the following individuals turned in the $1,250 cashier's check or cash along with the completed application to run for Houston Mayor: City Council Member Robert Gallegos, former Metro Chairman Gilbert Garcia,

LOCAL: TEN WEEKS UNTIL - EARLY VOTING IN HOUSTON MUNICIPAL RACES

By Burt Levine, Political Writier For www.StyleMagazine.com

Naoufal Houjami, B. Ivy, Lee Kaplan, former City Council Member and business builder MJ Khan, auto shop owner Julian Martinez, Chanel Mbala, and Texas State Senator John Whitmire, who celebrated his 74th birthday this past Sunday, August 13.

U.S. Congress Member Sheila Jackson Lee, who will turn 74 on January 12, just after she would be sworn in as Mayor at the beginning of the new year, is expected to file her fee and notarized application form this week. Last week, after hours of arguments from all sides, she secured the coveted endorsement of the Houston GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgender) Caucus. The endorsement highlighted her support from the PAC (Political Action Committee) dating back to her race for Harris County Court at Law Judge in 1984.

Former Interim Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins was the only candi -

date, as of last week, to have filed for Houston City Clerk to succeed the term-limited Chris Brown. Brown's Deputy District Clerk, Shannon Nobles, hopes to become the first black woman controller, mirroring Jackson Lee's aspiration to become the first black woman mayor. Term-limited District E City Council Mayor Pro-Tem Member Dave Martin and former Houston District C City Council Member, former Harris County Treasurer Orlando Sanchez, are also expected to file the $750 fee and turn in their applications this week to run for City Controller.

District A City Council Member Amy Peck is unopposed so far in her race for re-election, while District B City Council Member Tarsha Jackson faces Kendra London and Tyrone Willis. District C City Council Member Abbie Kamin contends with Fourth Ward activist Perata PB

Bradley, and District D City Council

Dr. Carolyn Evans Shabbazz faces Georgia Provost and Debra A. Rose. Humble ISD Board Trustee Martina Lemond Dixon is up against businessman Fred Flickinger, and District G City Council Member Mary Nan Huffman is unopposed so far. Huffman won a special election last year when then City Council member Greg Travis resigned to run for Texas State Representative District 133. Mario Castillo, Mark McGee, and Sonia Rivera are running for District H. Houston District J City Council Member Edward Pollard, after working and amassing more re-election funds ($1,400,000.000) and more endorsements than any incumbent in Houston City Council history, faces millennial activist Ivan Sanchez. Houston District K City Council Member Martha Castex Tatum is unopposed.

Greetings, proud Houstonians - From Gilbert Garcia - 2023 Candidate for Mayor of Houston , Texas.

This past Thursday, Houston stood on the precipice of greatness. As a jewel in the crown of America’s vibrant cities, Houston is much more than just space launches and southern hospitality. It’s time our beloved city receives its due recognition on the world stage. Imagine a world where Houston is mentioned alongside Paris, Tokyo, and New York. That’s the vision. But dreams are only as good as the roadmaps we lay down to achieve them.

In this spirit, I was ecstatic to announce that Thursday, surrounded by the unwavering love of my family and the indomitable spirit of my team, I have officially filed to run for Mayor of Houston. This is not just a political step, but a testament to my love for this city and my commitment to its people. Friday’s filing ranks amongst the most profound moments in my life, right up there with my cherished personal milestones.

But this journey isn’t about me; it’s about all of us.

My Pledge As The Mayor for Houston: The First 100 Days!

To set our course right, I am unveiling my “Pledge for Houston.” These aren’t just promises, but a roadmap for our shared future:

+ Public Safety - Keeping our neighborhoods safe is paramount. Everyone should feel secure in their homes and streets.

+ Transparency - An open government is a trustworthy government. Let’s keep the lines of communication between City Hall and its residents open and clear.

+ Infrastructure - Houston deserves world-class infrastructure. Roads, public transport, and utilities that match our global aspirations.

+ Eliminating “Pay to Play” - The city’s interests should always come first. It’s time we put an end to any practices that could compromise this principle.

Houston, it’s time to pull together, unite in our vision, and MAKE HOUSTON HAPPEN!

For a detailed dive into my roadmap, I invite you all to delve into my Pledge: Gilbert’s Pledge for Houston

Thank you, Houston, for being the city of dreams, aspirations, and endless possibilities. Here’s to a brighter tomorrow, together!

With love and hope, Gilbert Garcia!

P.S. DeeDee, Andy, Daniel, Ben, and JuJu - my heart and soul. Thank you for being my pillars of strength.

HEALTH: Back-to-School in Bayou City: Top Safety Tips from American Red Cross for Houston’s Young Scholars !

By Francis Page Jr., Editor for StyleMagazine.com

The sounds of school bells will soon resonate across the Bayou City as our students gear up to return to their classrooms. For those Houston kiddos stepping into school halls for the first time, it’s especially poignant. To ensure a smooth and safe transition, the American Red Cross, Texas Gulf Coast Region, is sharing top safety tips tailored for our Houston Style Magazine readers.

Vanessa Valdez, the voice at the helm of Communications for the Texas Gulf Coast Region, Red Cross, had a special message for parents of younger scholars. “For those youngsters making their debut at school, there are essential safety points. Ensure they know their contact details, the route to get in touch with you during work hours and familiarize them with another trusted adult. Plus, the critical 911 knowledge. Just as paramount is teaching them the age-old advice of not speaking to strangers or accepting rides from unfamiliar faces.”

Here’s the Red Cross’s safety guide for our Bayou City students:

1. Bus-Riding Students: Arrive a tad early at the bus stop and always

stand at a safe distance from the curb. Wait for the bus to halt and the driver’s nod before boarding. And remember, always take the assigned bus.

2. Visibility Matters: Always ensure the bus driver has a clear line of sight to you. Never linger behind the bus.

3. Pedestrian Safety: Stick to crosswalks, obey the signals, and never make unpredictable moves like darting across the road or navi-

gating between parked vehicles.

4. Car Travels: Seat belts are non-negotiable! Younger kids, typically between 8-12 or shorter than 4’9”, should rely on car or booster seats. And let’s keep them in the back seat until they hit 13.

5. Teen Drivers: Parents, it’s a twoway street here. While granting them the privilege to drive, ensure they buckle up, keep distractions at bay, and maintain a no-phone zone while driving.

6. Biking Scholars: Helmets are cool! Besides, always bike on the right, flowing with the traffic.

7. On Foot: If walking is the mode du jour, then always cross streets at intersections, ideally where school crossing guards are present.

8. Parents, Lead the Way: Especially for the tiny tots or those adjusting to new schools or paths, accompany them for the initial days or set up buddy systems for safety in numbers.

Stay safe and stylish, Houston! We’re wishing all our young readers a fantastic and secure school year ahead.

www.RedCross.org/local/texas/gulf-coast.htmlm

MC Lyte On the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop

In a recent interview with CNN, MC Lyte, a pioneering figure in the world of hip-hop, expressed her elation at the remarkable progress and growth that hip-hop has undergone since its inception in 1973. With a sense of excitement and rejuvenation across generations of hip-hop enthusiasts, MC Lyte highlighted the ongoing vibrancy of the genre. As part of the 50th-anniversary celebrations, MC Lyte visited the iconic birthplace of hip-hop, 1520 Sedgwick Avenue in the Bronx, where a vigil was held to mark the milestone.

Read more at StyleMagazine.com

ENTERTAINMENT BRIEFS

By StyleMagazine.com - Newswire

Michael Oher Says White Adoption Was BS TheRoot.com

Clarence Avant, The “Black Godfather,” Dies at 92 BlackAmericaWeb.com

Astime distances us from "The Blind Side" film, its reputation continues to deteriorate.

Not only is it widely criticized for epitomizing the White Savior trope, but the central figure upon which the movie is based has unveiled a less triumphant reality than depicted on screen. Former NFL player Michael Oher submitted a 14-page petition in a Tennessee court on Monday, alleging that Sean and Leigh Anne Touhy never legally adopted him. Oher's objective is to persuade the court to terminate the conservatorship and oblige the Tuohys to compensate him for what he believes is rightfully owed.

Jamie Foxx is addressing a social media post that was criticized as antisemitic. In a now-deleted post, he referred to a prior message that raised concerns.

The Oscar-winning actor posted on Instagram, “I apologize to the Jewish community and those offended by my post. I realize my words caused offense, and I'm sorry. That was never my intention.” His original post mentioned Jesus' death, leading to misinterpretations. Foxx clarified that "they" referred to a fake friend, not a specific group. He expressed love and support for all and apologized to anyone offended. This follows a recent hospitalization due to a medical issue.

Dwayne Johnson On Maui Recov

Efforts: ‘Resolve Is Our DNA’

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson shares an uplifting message for those affected by the devastating wildfires in Maui. Having spent part of his childhood in Hawaii, the actor turned to Instagram on Sunday, urging his followers to contribute to the relief efforts through the Hawaiiʻs Community Foundation. Expressing his heartfelt sorrow, he acknowledged the destruction and paid tribute to first responders, healthcare teams, and local heroes. Johnson's post emphasized the resilience of the community and their unity during challenging times. He affirmed his commitment to collaborating with local organizations for swift assistance.

MC Lyte

Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson

Michael Oher

Clarence Avant

HEALTH: BACK-TO-SCHOOL HEALTH TIPS FROM A PHARMACIST

By StyleMagazine.com - Newswire

local parents, including: Immunizations: COVID-19 led to more children missing or delaying routine immunizations. Work with your local pharmacist to make sure your kids stay up to date on vaccinations ahead of the new school year.

Physicals: When getting a last-minute appointment at the doctor’s office is tough, parents can use Walgreens Health Services to schedule appointments for sports and annual school physicals.

ply list, use Walgreens' convenience offerings, including 1-Hour Delivery and 30-Minute Pickup to get the items you need on your schedule.

Pro tip: Take advantage of Walgreens school supply lists (powered by TeacherLists) to easily search for your children’s class list, and seamlessly add their school supplies to your cart – in the store or with one click online.

Parents across Houston are gearing up to send their kids back to school. While most people simply think of buying school supplies, a parent's checklist to prepare for the new school year should also include

taking steps to make sure their children are healthy (and vaccinated!) for the new year.

For Houston parents looking for guidance, the Walgreens pharmacy team has a few tips and tricks to simplify the prep work for

Stocking your Medicine Cabinet: Consult a local pharmacist for refreshing your medicine cabinet now to avoid last-minute runs to the store and stock up on multivitamin gummies or overthe-counter chewables for headaches.

Pro tip: Keep a first aid kit in your car for any on-the-go accidents. Shopping for Supplies: If you need to check off that school sup-

And, this week at Walgreens, parents can take advantage of backto-school deals (15% off $30 with code SCHOOL15 and 20% off $45 with code SCHOOL20).

Unsure of what vaccines your kids need? From COVID-19 and Tdap to meningitis and HPV, here’s an easy guide to help you keep track of which ones your kids may need, when they need them and how to get them.

Read more at StyleMagazine.com

BAYOU CITY ART FESTIVAL

DOWNTOWN 2023

SAM HOUSTON PARK & ALLEN PARKWAY

OCTOBER 14 - 15 2023

SATURDAY & SUNDAY 10 AM TO 6 PM

FEATURED ARTIST

MICHELLE MCDOWELL SMITH

n 250 National & International Artists

n 19 Disciplines of Art

n Live Music & Entertainment

n Active Imagination Zone

n Frost Bank VIP Hospitality Lounge

n Art Installations & Exhibits

n Food Truck Park

n Craft Beer Garden

n Culinary Arts Stage

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

www.bayoucityartfestival.com

U.S. Congressman Al Green

SLAVERY REMEMBRANCE LEGISLATIVE UPDATE FREE COMMEMORATIVE BREAKFAST

Featuring

Wyndham

Part-Time Reporters Wanted

TeamStyleMag Reporter, will be responsible for researching and writing informational news articles and stories about real events using a fair and unbiased perspective. Their duties include interviewing experts, gathering first-hand accounts of events and organizing an outline into a cohesive, interesting story in our local Harris County GMA.

Interested applicants should send a resume via email to our Publisher, Francis Page Jr. at:

Congressman Al Green will provide a legislative update and status of the designation of a Slavery Remembrance Day This resolution advanced the inculcation of a National Day of Remembrance to help ensure the evils of slavery are never forgotten and thus never repeated. His resolution was introduced and passed in the U.S. House of Representatives in the 117th Congress and recognized by President Joe Biden in 2022 Special Invited Clergy Guests:

Dr. James Dixon II, Dr. William A. Lawson, Dr. F. N. Williams Sr., Dr S.J. Gilbert II, Dr. Max Miller Jr., Dr. Ralph West, Dr. Marcus Cosby Bishop Dana Carson, Pastor Terry Anderson, Pastor Reginald DeVaughn, Pastor Sam Smith, Dr. Robert Childress, Pastor John Ogletree, Pastor T. Leon Preston, Pastor Tim Dixon, Pastor M. D. Morrison, Pastor Walter August, Dr. Joe Ratliff, Dr. Remus Wright, Dr. Mia Wright, Pastor Suzette Caldwell, Pastor Rudy Rasmus, Interim-Pastor Gusta Booker III, Pastor Harvey Clemons, Bishop Donald Thompson, Pastor Terrance Johnson, Dr. F. N. Williams II, Pastor Greg Patrick, Bishop Destry Bell, Bishop Kenneth Murray, Pastor Alton Mitchell, Pastor E A Deckard, Pastor Carl Colston, Pastor Gerald Shanks, Pastor Jabez Abraham, Dr. Ross Collins, Pastor Byron Stevenson, Pastor Wendi I. Turner, Pastor Roderick Dawson, Pastor Cassandra Scott, Pastor Billy Williams, Pastor Trevy Washington, Bishop Johnny Tates, Bishop Kurt Thompson, Pastor Ja’Mail Johnson, Dr. Andre Lewis, Pastor Maurice McGartha, Pastor Murray Martin, Bishop Bill Hines, Dr. Craig Hayes, Pastor Carl Davis, Dr. Rhonda Dickey, Pastor Charlene Glover, Pastor D. E Broadnax, Pastor William Hennesy, Bishop Maceo Delagraentiss, Pastor Anthony Wilcots, Bishop Dewayne Sheriden, Dr. Kenneth Campbell, Bishop Prince Bryant, Pastor John Murray, Pastor James Nash, Pastor Michael Smith, Dr. Reginald Rose, Bishop Elehue Livingston, Pastor Louis Sidney, Pastor Revlon Belle, Dr. Samuel Massie, Pastor David

Pope Rev. Kenneth Basile Pastor Lou McElroy

Special Guests:

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Missouri City Mayor Robin Elackatt, Pearland Mayor Kevin Cole, Stafford Mayor Ken Matthews

Fort Bend County Judge KP George, Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Fort Bend County Commissioner Grady Prestage, Fort Bend County Commissioner Dexter McCoy, State Senator Boris Miles, State Representative Alma Allen, State Representative Ron Reynolds, State Representative Senfronia Thompson State Representative Shawn Thierry Fort Bend County District Attorney Brian Middleton, Missouri City Councilmember Jeffrey Boney, Fort Bend County Sheriff Eric Fagan, Fort Bend County Constable

Daryl L. Smith Sr , HAUL President Judson W. Robinson III, Mr. Claude Cummings Jr., Mr. Howard Jefferson

fpagejr@stylemagazine.com

NOTICE TO PROPOSERS

The Houston Independent School District

The Houston Independent School District is soliciting Request for Proposals (RFP) via the District’s electronic bidding portal. Proposers may login to view specifications and submit their responses at the following link:

https://houstonisd.ionwave.net/Login.aspx until 12:00 p.m. (CST) Wednesday, September 13, 2023, for the following solicitation:

RFP 23-06-15 Purchase and Repair of Custodial Equipment

Pre-proposal conferences via Microsoft Teams will be held in conjunction with this RFP. Information regarding dates, times, and instructions to receive a link to join the meeting can be located within the electronic bidding portal under the “Event Details” tab specific to this solicitation.

ARTS: AIN’T TOO PROUD THE LIFE AND TIMES OF THE TEMPTATIONS

By Kathleen Coleman, Arts Editor For www.StyleMagazine.com

The Temptations stand as the foremost R&B group established by Motown and Berry Gordy. The original lineup included Otis Williams, Paul Williams, Eddie Kendricks, David Ruffin, and Melvin Franklin. Over time, the group has seen 27 members, with Jawan M. Jackson, known for portraying Melvin Franklin in the musical "Ain't Too Proud," now being part of The Temptations. Otis Williams continues to perform with the group.

"Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations," which secured a Tony Award for choreography, graced the stage at the Hobby Center for a week. The show's sets sport a subdued

color palette predominantly blues and mauves for costumes and lighting, meticulously crafting a more realistic and dramatic ambiance. These adaptable sets smoothly transition between scenes, effectively capturing each successive decade right before the audience's eyes. The dialogue interwoven between the characters accentuates life's profound moments, harmonizing seamlessly with the music. Classics like "My Girl," "Ain't Too Proud to Beg," and "Can't Get Next to You" illuminate every phase of their lives throughout the play/musical.

In an interview with Houston Style Magazine, Michael Andreaus

(portraying Otis Williams) and E Clayton Cornelius (enacting Paul Williams) - both original Temptations members - expressed their honor in embodying the musical interpretation of their characters, fully embracing each individual's life journey. Michael Andreas underscored the authenticity of the Temptations' sound, achieved by honing their harmonies without musical accompaniment. E Clayton Cornelius, an inaugural member of the Broadway cast, shared his sense of privilege to be a part of history, introducing a fresh audience to the legacy of The Temptations. Moreover, the collaborative effort between Otis Williams' book and Dominique Morisseau's creative input infuses drama and music into a distinctly American narrative. The anticipation is palpable for both Michael and E. Clayton Cornelius, who eagerly anticipate performing "Ain't Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations" in their hometowns. Music has been intertwined with this writer’s life since my teenage years, accompanying me through various stages. Memories such as Dennis Edwards casually sitting on the couch

upon my return from school, the Jackson Five joining us for lunch on a Saturday, and Tina Turner extending an invitation to her Astrodome show during a TSU/ Grambling game, all highlight the profound impact of these musical legends. To witness a new generation embrace the life stories of these luminaries through Broadway musicals is truly remarkable. The Hobby Center stands as the host for three iconic Broadway shows: "Ain't Too Proud," "MJ," and the Tina Turner narrative, all converging in Houston, the second-largest theater district in the US.

For more information, visit thehobbycenter.org.

SCAN To LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR COMMITMENT TO LOCAL TEXAS FARMERS