Houston Style Magazine Vol 32 No 33 by Houston Style Magazine (HSM)

Houston Style Magazine Magazine August 12 - August 18, 2021

Houston’s Premiere Weekly Publication, Since 1989

Volume 32 | Number 33

Complimentary

Jesse Jackson

The Olympic Spirit Shows Us the Way Out and Up

HISD Has Big Plans To Yield Big Results!

President Obama

Becomes Minority Owner In Basketball Team in Africa

Words By Jo-Carolyn Goode PHOTO: Steve Gonzales

#GETVAX H STAYSAFE

CORONAVIRUS – US NUMBERS: Cases: 37,102,356 Deaths: 635,529 TAG US: #TeamStyleMag

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Black Media Shut Out of COVID19 AD Funds

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Arrest Warrants for Democrats

Falyn M. Davis

The Leasing Frenzy in Houston

Style Haute Shots

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

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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 Sports Editor Brian Barefield

NATIONAL WRITERS

Jesse Jackson jjackson@rainbowpush.org Roland Martin www.rolandmartin.com Judge Greg Mathis www.askjudgemathis.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Vicky Pink vhpink@gmail.com William Ealy Williamealy1906@gmail.com Semetra Samuel semetra@artistikrebelcreative.com Mike Munoz artrepreneur91@gmail.com Robert Franklin editorial@stylemagazine.com

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Houston Style Magazine & www.StyleMagazine.com Phone: (713) 748-6300 • Fax: (713) 748-6320 Mail: P.O. Box 14035, Houston, TX 77221-4035 ©2021 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)

President Biden's infrastructure bill passed on a bipartisan basis. www.BuildBackBetter.com

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(Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

August 12, 2021 - August 18, 2021

COMMENTARY

THE OLYMPIC SPIRIT SHOWS US THE WAY OUT AND UP By Jesse Jackson, National Political Writer

Tokyo says "arigato" with spectacular Closing Ceremony fireworks | Tokyo Olympics

he 32nd Summer Olympics that just ended in Japan was held in a bubble but could not escape the calamities of this time. Rows of empty seats paid sad tribute to the pandemic that is spiking in Japan and elsewhere across the world. Athletes competed under severe, even crippling heat, harsh testament to the extreme weather that is the product of heedless human impact on our climate. Sports pages hyped the competition for the most gold medals or total medals as an emerging Cold War faceoff between China, Russia and the United States. On the field, however, the athletes once more expressed the true spirit of the Olympics. The best in the world competed fiercely at the highest levels of their sport. Their skill and conditioning reflected years of discipline and training. With level playing fields and one set of rules, athletes from different countries, cultures, races and religions competed on the basis of their ability and their character, not on the color of their skin or the nature of their religion. Champions from Fiji, Kosovo, Qatar, Venezuela, Uganda, Jamaica, Cuba and Croatia and some 65 countries in total captured the gold. When the playing field is even, the rules are public and the goals are transparent, we all win.

Their rivalries were fierce, so too was their camaraderie. Many athletes trained in virtual isolation during the pandemic, suffering the year-long Olympic postponement. The competition many of them to break world and Olympic records. Some won gold like Karsten Warholm of Norway and Sydney McLaughlin of the U.S. in the 400-meters hurdles, breaking previous world records. When Tamyra Mensah-Stock became only the second U.S. woman to win gold in wrestling, her tearful celebration and irrepressible jumping became a global social media hit. When the dynamic Simone Biles chose to withdraw rather than risk injury in gymnastics her teammates rushed to support her; gymnasts across the world defended her when she came under criticism. Then she showed the grit to come back to win a bronze medal on the balance beam. The athletes recognized and paid tribute to their competitors. They cried together; they embraced and cheered together. Gianmarco Tamberi, the Italian, embraced Mutaz Essa Barshim of Qatar after they agreed to forego a jump-off and share the Olympic title in the high jump. In the 100-meter hurdles, Luca Kozak helped lift Yanique Thompson after both tumbled to the ground. Norwegian triathlete Lotte

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Miller consoled Belguim's Claire Michel, sobbing after finishing last. And despite the strictures of the organizers, the athletes demonstrated that they were citizens as well as athletes. Even before the games opened, the women's soccer teams from the United States and Sweden, Britain and Chile, New Zealand and Australia took a knee or joined arms in

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an overt gesture against racism. As the games end, the challenges we face across the world are only increasing. Olympic athletes will join in protesting the efforts to suppress the vote in the United States. The movement for black lives will continue to build. Women will continue to demand equal rights at work and on the playing field. The Tokyo Olympics provided a clear lesson in the imperative of joining together to fight the pandemic and to address the challenge of global warming. It also provided a clear example of what is possible at home and across the world if we all play by the same set of rules. We can compete without turning to violence or war. We can win or lose and still respect one another, across lines of race, religion, gender and nationality. Global warming may end up turning the Summer Olympics into the Fall Olympics, but the Olympic spirit should not be lost amid the profit-making, the national rivalries, the ideological and racial divides. The Olympic spirit shows us the way out and up. 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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August 12, 2021 - August 18, 2021

NATIONAL NEWS: BLACK MEDIA SHUT OUT OF COVID-19 VACCINATION ADVERTISING BY BIDEN ADMINISTRATION By Derek T. Dingle, Black Enterprise - www.StyleMagazine.com – Newswire

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., NNPA President and CEO, responded, “Black Lives Matter. Black Voters Matter. Spending Ad Dollars With Black Media Matters"

he Biden administration has “shut out” scores of Blackowned media firms from engaging in one of the nation’s biggest public health advertising campaigns: Encouraging Black Americans, the population hardest hit by COVID-19, to get vaccinated. As the pandemic has called attention to disparities in healthcare, a growing number of Black business owners say they have exposed inequities in such firms gaining access to federal advertising dollars for COVID-19 vaccination awareness efforts for Black communities. Based on analysis BLACK ENTERPRISE conducted from data received from the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which has been charged with oversight of COVID-19 vaccine outreach efforts, Black-owned media firms have only received a fraction of the overall committed media spend of $212 million to date, and roughly a third of the of paid media dollars on advertising targeted at Black Americans. Also, none of the nation’s largest Black-owned advertising agencies like Burrell Communications Group, which has managed multimillion-dollar corporate accounts for P&G, Toyota, and the leading disaster relief organization, American Red Cross; or Walton Isaacson, which counts Lexus and Amazon among its accounts. has been contracted by HHS, or its agents, to participate in media outreach to a population that these agencies have the expertise of effectively developing products and public service messaging for more than four decades. (As of Aug. 2, less than half of Black people have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose in the vast majority of states reporting data, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.) These Black-owned media entities, including #RolandMartinUnfiltered, Allen Media Group, BLACK ENTERPRISE, and others, are now demanding equity in the distribution of advertising dollars from the Biden administration or they plan to take action, including calls for an investigation into a pattern of “systemic racism” in federal government advertising that dates back to the Clinton administration, which included in its Executive Order that all federal departments and agencies place advertising with Black-owned media outlets and these entities at “fair

market rates.” In fact, several Black media owners have stressed that the Biden administration needs to be “held accountable in ensuring that their Black firms gain federal advertising commitments that match our influence and percentage of the population — some 13% — as well as the outsized role we played in getting Biden elected to the presidency in 2020. “The Biden administration has continued the practice of marginalizing Black-owned media by denying our firms access to advertising dollars to speak directly to our audience during the height of a public health crisis,” says BLACK ENTERPRISE President and CEO Earl “Butch” Graves, Jr. “Despite the administration’s declaration of embracing racial equity, it has engaged in business as usual by using the same advertising agencies that dismiss the value of Black media and refuse to do business with us. In this case, they are engaging in systemic discrimination in a process that involves taxpayers’ dollars.” The federal government represents one of the nation’s largest advertisers.

HHS CLAIMS TO SERVE BLACK COMMUNITY BUT PROVIDES PALTRY DOLLARS TO BLACK-OWNED MEDIA

Officials from HHS’ Office of the Assistant Secretary of Public Affairs, or ASPA, claim that it has been fully engaged in its media outreach to Black communities to boost vaccination rates. “As this pandemic continues to exasperate existing health disparities, it is imperative that we meet people where they are with consistent, science-based public health messaging. That includes both earned and paid media opportunities with the Black press,” says a department spokesperson. “For that reason, HHS’s contractor, the Fors Marsh Group, has hired CMR, a media agency that specializes in outreach to the Black community to guide creative development and media buying in the Black community. We continue to ensure that campaign dollars are directed to Black audiences, including buys on BETV, radio, digital out of home (owned by Viacom, Inc), print, and digital/social media. The

August 12, 2021 - August 18, 2021

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campaign has spent approximately 20% of paid media dollars on advertising targeted at the Black community. Separately, HHS has also prioritized investing dollars in minority and independently owned and operated media outlets, and as of June 2021, approximately 19% of the paid media budget was invested accordingly.” According to HHS representatives involved in the COVID-19 outreach campaign, the overall spend for COVID-19 vaccination awareness has been roughly $212 million to date. The estimated dollars targeted to reach Black Americans was about $35.616 million, or 16.8%. However, the amount spent specifically with Black-owned media — including any combination of newspapers, websites, radio stations, local out-of-home vendors, digital billboards, and the like, has been $11.9 million, or 5.6% of total spend to date. And with those dollars allocated to 100 such companies, the average spend comes to $119,000 per Black media outlet. According to a partial list of Black-owned media that received COVID-19 vaccine awareness advertising provided by HHS, the majority of funds were allocated to local Black-owned newspapers — the largest of which has a circulation hovering around 30,000, according to Pew Research.

HOW HHS CREATED ITS STRUCTURE TO DOLE OUT COVID-19 MEDIA DOLLARS

So just how did HHS structure the allocation of such media dollars for this effort? In September 2020, ASPA hired the Arlington, Virginia-based management consulting firm Fors Marsh, or FMG, as its prime contractor, which tapped the following agencies: VMLY&R for creative; iHeart, Wavemaker, Reingold for media; and CMR (Creative Marketing Resources) and Hispanic Communications Network for multicultural. There hasn’t been any engagement with the nation’s largest Black-owned agencies like Burrell Communications Group, which has managed multimillion-dollar corporate accounts for P&G, Toyota, and the leading disaster relief organization, American Red Cross; or Walton Isaacson, which counts Lexus and Amazon among its accounts. By November 2020, FMG also hired Imani Greene, CEO of Black-owned marketing firm GreeneGroup, as an individual consultant to oversee all agencies’ activities with responsibilities for buying media for the total market, including African Americans and Native Americans, Asian Pacific Islanders, and Latinx audiences. FMG also tapped Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based CMR, a Black-owned agency, for its “subject matter expertise” on the Black community.” Sources said that CMG contributed to the ad buy for radio but that recommendations on digital were executed by Reingold, the general market firm charged with the placement of all of the campaign’s digital advertising.

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August 12, 2021 - August 18, 2021

NATIONAL NEWS: FORMER CDC OFFICIAL WARNS SCHOOLS MAY CLOSE DOWN MORE THIS YEAR DUE TO DELTA VARIANT By www.StyleMagazine.com – Newswire

Dr. Richard Besser, who served as the acting CDC director in 2009 under President Barack Obama,

chools across the United States may be “forced to shut down” more than last year amid the surging Delta variant impacting infection rates and hospitalisations, a former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention official has warned. Richard Besser, who served as the acting CDC director in 2009 under President Barack Obama, told NBC’s TODAY that the Delta variant becoming the most dominant strain of the novel virus could lead to school closures. “I expect that [the variant is] going to jump around different classrooms and schools will be forced to shut down more

than they did in fact last year,” Mr Besser said. “I think this fall is going to be really challenging for schools,” he added. “I think children belong in the classroom. But what we’re going to see is little outbreaks, clusters in different schools, schools shutting down, reopening.” The official added that it should be a priority to limit the number of times a school might need to close due to outbreaks, and “wearing masks for everyone will help to accomplish that”. Schools across the country were grappling with whether they should implement mask mandates ahead of the start of the

academic year. Currently, children under the age of 12 are unable to receive a Covid-19 vaccine – making the push to issue mask mandates in schools more prevalent. Despite pressure from health officials for schools to implement masking mandates, several government officials have put barriers in place that would prevent these requirements. Several lawsuits have been filed against the executive order, challenging its constitutionality. In Texas, Governor Greg Abbott has signed a similar executive order that would ban mask mandates. It was also announced that the Texas Education Agency (TEA) would not require schools to do contact tracing if someone tests positive for Covid-19. The contact tracing announcement prompted Austin Independent School District, which serves about 75,000 students, to announce they would not be following TEA’s guidance and would be implementing contact tracing. Battles over Covid-19 guidance in states for school districts comes as there has been an uptick in children contracting the novel virus, according to a American Academy of Pediatrics and the Children’s Hospital Association report. “As of 5 August, nearly 4.3 million children have tested positive for Covid-19 since the onset of the pandemic,” the AAP report reads. “Almost 94,000 cases were added the past week, a continuing substantial increase. After declining in early summer, child cases have steadily increased since the beginning of July.”

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STATE NEWS: TEXAS SENATE PASSES ELECTIONS BILL AFTER 15-HOUR FILIBUSTER By Dianne Gallagher, CNN/StyleMagazine.com

he Texas state Senate passed Senate Bill 1, an election overhaul bill that would add new restrictions and criminal penalties to the voting process, Thursday morning on a 18-11 party line vote. The final vote was taken fewer than 20 minutes after a 15-hour filibuster of the bill from state Sen. Carol Alvarado concluded. Alvarado, wearing a back brace for support, spoke on the bill for 15 hours and four minutes on her feet without sitting, leaning, eating, drinking or using the restroom -- in accordance with Texas rules. The Houston Democrat concluded her filibuster, surrounded by several of her colleagues who took turns asking questions throughout the night, on the Texas Senate floor just before 9 a.m. CT. The bill will next head to the House, where Democrats have delayed its passage by vacating the Capitol, though its eventual passage in the Republican-led legislature is virtually assured. The filibuster itself was mostly symbolic, as there are more than 20 days that remain in the second special session. Alvarado acknowledged

on the floor that she would not be able to stop the bill but told the Texas Tribune she wanted to "call attention to what is at stake". Republican Texas Sen. Bryan Hughes, the bill's sponsor, has repeatedly said SB1 would make it "easier to vote, harder to cheat." SB1 includes broad new protection and access for partisan poll watchers, mail-in ballot restrictions, a drive-thru voting ban, restrictions to the early voting timeframe, video surveillance and assistance restrictions. While the bill does add one extra required hour per day of early voting, it sets a specific timeframe in which voting must be done -- banning extended hours and 24-hour voting, a measure used during the pandemic in Harris County that local officials testified was especially popular with voters of color. SB1 also further restricts local election officials, for example, adding criminal penalties for sending unsolicited ballot request forms. Some Democratic amendments, like a cure process for mail-in ballot mistakes, were accepted in the final version of the bill. The next stop for SB1 would be in the

August 12, 2021 - August 18, 2021

Texas House, which has been paralyzed for a month due to a lack of quorum. Texas House Democrats continue to intentionally break quorum as a method to block election legislation, like SB1 and the House version HB3, from becoming law. The Texas House speaker signed civil arrest warrants for 52 Democrats this week, after House Republicans voted to direct the Sergeant-at-Arms to send for those members and compel them to return to the House. Those House members received an email Wednesday morning from the House Sergeant-atArms informing them of the civil warrant for their arrest. The House Sergeant-at-Arms later walked door-to-door to each of their House offices to find them. None of the absent Democrats were at the Capitol and the warrants were left with staff. Earlier in the week, the all-Republican Texas Supreme Court temporarily blocked a Democratic state district judge'stemporary restraining order that had prevented the arrest of Texas House Democrats, who successfully killed election overhaul bills during the regular session when they walked out in the final hours and in the first special

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session when they left the state last month. The members fled to Washington, D.C. then, in part, to avoid arrest since Texas law enforcement does not have jurisdiction outside of the state to execute a civil warrant. They spent weeks trying to put pressure on congressional lawmakers to pass federal voting rights protections. Although more Democrats have returned to the House floor, the state House has yet to reach quorum in the second special session called by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott. The Republican has vowed to call "special session after special session" until Democrats return and complete the agenda. The House will attempt to gavel in on Thursday at 4 p.m. CT. This story has been updated with additional information.

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Comcast’s Internet Essentials Program Has Now Connected Nearly 1 Million Texans Over the Past 10 Years Internet Essentials is the nation’s largest, most comprehensive, and most successful high-speed Internet adoption program for low-income households. Since the program launched in 2011, many improvements have been made to help further close the digital divide and give even more low-income Americans the tools and resources they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world. Working with a network of nonprofit partners across the region, Comcast has connected nearly 1 million Texans to broadband Internet at home. As an extension of Comcast’s commitment to further close the digital divide, the company announced a $1 billion commitment over the next 10 years which will include investments in several critical areas, including: • • • •

Additional support for its ongoing Lift Zone initiative, which establishes WiFi-connected safe spaces in 1,000+ community centers nationwide for students and adults by the end of 2021 Laptop and computer donations Grants for nonprofit community organizations to create opportunities for low-income Americans, particularly in media, technology, and entrepreneurship Continued investment in the company’s landmark Internet Essentials program

“Ten years is a remarkable milestone, signifying an extraordinary amount of work and collaboration with our incredible community partners across Houston,” said Toni Beck, Vice President of External Affairs, Comcast Houston. “Together, we have connected hundreds of thousands of people to the power of the Internet at home, and to the endless opportunity, education, growth, and discovery it provides. Our work is not done, and we are committed to ensuring the next generation of students in Houston have the tools, resources, and abilities they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world.” In addition, Comcast in Houston recently announced the establishment of 50 WiFi-Connected Lift Zones in Houston and surrounding areas, with more to come over the coming weeks and months. To learn more about the Internet Essentials program, visit internetessentials.com

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August 12, 2021 - August 18, 2021

ONE INNOCENT MAN: HOUSTONIAN KEITH WASHINGTON RELEASED AFTER 13 YEARS IN PRISON

By www.StyleMagazine.com – Newswire

eith Washington left a Maryland prison on June 23 and reunited with his wife and daughters after more than 13 years apart. His release comes about a month after a judge agreed to reduce Washington’s excessive original sentence. Washington, an Army veteran, A former Prince George’s County police officer and homeland security official for 17 years, was convicted in 2008 of involuntary manslaughter following an incident in his home. Despite the overwhelming evidence that he was acting in defense of himself and his family, he was sentenced to 45 years in prison. With support from prosecutors for a reduced sentence, Washington will now be able to celebrate his 60th birthday with his family and friends. “It feels like I can finally breathe after holding my breath for 13 years,” said Stacey Washington, Keith’s wife. The arrest of Keith A. Washington, now 59, attracted intense attention not only because he was a police officer and high-ranking government official, but also because he was closely linked to Jack B. Johnson, then the Prince George’s county executive and prior state’s attorney, who later went to prison for corruption. Prosecutors argued during trial that Washington opened fire on two deliverymen from Marlo Furniture during an argument. Washington contended he fired in self-defense, saying the men attacked him on the upper floor of his home in Accokeek, Md., after he discovered one in a bedroom unconnected to the delivery, while his wife and 6-year-old daughter were downstairs. Brandon Clark, 22, later died. The other man, Robert White, 37, survived his wounds. The students in the Georgetown class “Making an Exoneree,” taught by lawyers Marc Howard and Martin Tankleff, dug into the case and found evidence that they said bolstered Washington’s claim of self-defense. While Washington’s manslaughter conviction stands, a special prosecutor in Prince George’s said he looked at the students’ research as part of a review of whether the punishment was excessive. Soon after the incident, then-State’s Attorney Glenn F. Ivey obtained indictments charging Washington, then 45, with second-degree murder, attempted second-degree murder and multiple other felony charges. The trial hinged largely on the testimony of White, who said Washington repeatedly cursed him and Clark before shooting them, supposedly enraged over faulty bed railings and their late delivery. He said Washington started firing from a distance of six to eight feet, while Washington said it happened at close range during a scuffle. A jury in February 2008 acquitted Washington of the murder charges but convicted him of involuntary manslaughter, two assault counts and two firearms counts. And though state sentencing guidelines called for a range of five to 20 years, Prince George’s Circuit Court Judge Michael P. Whalen ran the various sentences consecutively for a term of 45 years. At the sentencing, Washington turned to Clark’s mother and said, “I did not murder your son.” He added, “I feel your pain. No parent should ever have to bury a child. … I don’t want you to go away thinking some monster shot your son and is indifferent to his death.”

From left: Stacey, Keith, and Kala Washington with Georgetown adjunct professor Marty Tankleff immediately after Keith Washington’s release from prison on June 23. Washington continued to maintain that he had acted in self-defense, but his appeals were rejected. Recently, several developments coalesced in Washington’s favor. One, criminal justice reformers pointed to the heavy sentences being served by people who were no longer a threat to society, and reform-minded prosecutors around the country such as Aisha Braveboy (D), elected the Prince George’s state’s attorney in 2018, began reviewing them and in some cases agreeing to defense motions for sentence reductions. Second, Howard and Tankleff, himself an exoneree for a murder he didn’t commit, launched their “Making an Exoneree” undergraduate class at Georgetown in 2018. Washington’s is the third case the class has seen success with, though Washington was not exonerated. Each spring semester, the 15-student class divides up five cases to investigate. Publicity about the class led a friend of Washington’s to suggest they take on his case, Howard said. “We found it completely outrageous he was even convicted,” Howard said. “But to receive a 45-year sentence for involuntary manslaughter? I’ve never heard of that. This is egregious.” The students assigned to Washington’s case, Josh Rosson, Trevor O’Connor and Céline Berdous, consulted former District medical examiner Jonathan Arden who told them that the gun shots had been fired at close range. They gathered statements from witnesses who said Washington appeared to have been in a fight, though the trial judge disbelieved that. The students made a documentary film about the case. “We wanted to make sure this was a fair and transparent process,” Abbott said. “When you look at everything … the sentence was disproportion-

August 12, 2021 - August 18, 2021

ate. That was what caused us to look at it.” “The research that was done by the Georgetown students was quite extensive,” Tucker said at a recent hearing, “and did at least provide some guidance as to where the issues were.” Ivey said Friday he was fine with the current prosecutor reconsidering the case. “Keith Washington was sentenced to twice as much jail time as Derek Chauvin,” the Minneapolis police officer given a 22½ year term Friday for second-degree murder. “He served 13 years, and the judge and the prosecutor agreed that he has paid his debt to society and deserves a second chance. I have no reason to second-guess their decision.” Making an Exoneree Keith Washington’s story was the subject of a 2020 Making an Exoneree investigation and short documentary by Georgetown students Josh Rosson, Céline Berdous, and Trevor O’Connor. Through research and extensive interviews, they advocated for Washington’s release. “We’re so relieved and happy that Keith is back with his family where he belongs,” Howard said. “The resentencing agreement, which was supported by the prosecution, shows it was well past time for Keith to come home.” Howard, fellow Making an Exoneree professor Marty Tankleff, and their former students attended the May 14 virtual hearing that reduced Washington’s sentence to 20 years, effectively resulting time served. The judge and both attorneys commended the students’ thorough investigative work as informative in shaping the agreement that allowed for Keith Washington’s release. Keith and Stacey Washington thanked

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the office of the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney for supporting a sentence reduction in his case and, more broadly, for their work in criminal justice and sentencing reform. They also acknowledged the Georgetown team for their efforts on Washington’s behalf. “I can’t say enough about the students and professors,” Keith Washington said. “My family and I will forever be grateful to Georgetown.” Looking ahead to what’s next, Washington said he’ll keep working to have his conviction overturned. “It feels liberating to be home, but justice still has not been done in this case,” he said. For now, he’ll spend time with his family and make up for the time that he missed. “I’m looking forward to Keith interacting with and building the relationship with his daughters again. It’s been 13 years, and his youngest was just 7 when he was convicted; she’s 21 now, so they have a lot of catching up to do,” Stacey Washington said. “And just living and thriving as a family.” Washington also said he looks forward to eating home cooked meals, walking barefoot in the grass, and visiting the grave of his mother, who passed away while he was incarcerated. “And who knows, maybe I’ll go to law school,” he added. www.prisonsandjustice.georgetown.edu

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BUSINESS: FACEBOOK UNVEILS #BUYBLACK SUMMIT TO HELP PROMOTE BLACK ENTREPRENEURS By www.StyleMagazine.com – Newswire

acebook announced the Facebook Elevate #BuyBlack Summit—a one-day virtual event designed to accelerate and equip Black business owners with the tools needed to thrive in an economy that has been dramatically shaken by the Covid-19 pandemic, while also celebrating and spotlighting Black creators. “This month, we’re so excited to put a spotlight on Black-owned small businesses and offer a new training event—the Facebook Elevate Buy Black Summit,” says Rachael Hawk, Facebook’s Small Business Marketing Manager in a statement obtained by EBONY.” So many small businesses have suffered incredible loss over the last year, but Black-owned small businesses have been disproportionately affected by higher closure rates and lost sales. This virtual event will give new tools, insights, M Efor M Bbusinesses E R F D I C on their road to recovery.” and inspirations All loans are subject to credit approval. The virtual summit, which is slated to take place on August 24 at 1 pm ET, will be hosted by comedian and

small business owner Michelle Buteau. Guest speakers include Shelly Bell of Black Girl Ventures, Arian Simone of Fearless Fund, on Busby, President/CEO, US Black Chambers, Inc., Ayris Scales, CEO, Walker’s Legacy Foundation, and Donald Cravins, EVP, National Urban League . Tell me about the Facebook Elevate #BuyBlack Summit. Michelle Buteau: First of all, I’m so excited to do something social media-related that will educate, love, and support people. Something that will celebrate Black culture and serve communities, help foster job creation and local economies, and help the people putting their heart and soul out there. I miss doing stand-up. I can be funny as the day is long, but it is very nice to do something social media related that isn’t like, “Hey, look at me! Look at my posts!” It’s nice to just just bring the community together and help them figure out how to support each

other. Like, “what can we do out of this pandemic?” Why do small businesses have such an important role in your life? Small businesses are the heart and soul of every community. My grandfather met my grandma because she was on the corner, somewhere in Kingston, Jamaica, just selling food out of a pot, you know? My husband and I own a mid-century modern furniture business together. I mean this is where ideas grow. You don’t get to be Macy’s unless you start with an idea. Whenever I’m giving a gift to somebody, I always want to buy Black. I always want to support somebody’s family or dream. When you buy from a small business, you are paying it forward. As a small business owner, what advice do you have for others who may just be starting out? I’m still learning, but I’d say to definitely share your story. Whether it is by word of mouth or social media or going to a convention center; whatever it is, just share, share and overshare. You might get tired of hearing or talking about your business, but it’s the first time somebody else has heard about it. Connect with people.This is community. We’re building community. We’re all doing this together. We’re definitely stronger together. I think also getting a little media savvy that doesn’t hurt. You know—hashtags, figuring out algorithms, and stuff like that. We have all the info we needat our fingertips. Whether it is becoming incorporated or even applying for a small business loan, it can feel like it’s impossible, but all you have to do is ask. You never know. Shoot your shot. You might have a small business but you definitely have to think big.

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August 12, 2021 - August 18, 2021

MORE DISTRICTS HERE’S A LOOK AT THE DISTRICTS THAT WILL REQUIRE STUDENTS AND STAFF TO MASK UP THIS 2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR

HISD HAS BIG PLANS TO

YIELD BIG RESULTS By Jo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor - www.StyleMagazine.com

Austin ISD – The Austin ISD

Board of Trustees made the decision Monday night for a mask mandate that begins Wednesday. Classes start August 17. Dallas ISD – Dallas ISD was the first district is Texas to officially require masks in its schools when they made its mandate effective Tuesday. DISD Superintendent Michael Hinojosa said the mandate is temporary. Hinojosa says he’s still working with his team on what consequences people who don’t mask up will face Fort Worth ISD – The school board announced Tuesday it will require masks at indoor school facilities and buses effective immediately. Houston ISD – The board of the largest school district in Texas will vote on a mask mandate Thursday. HISD Superintendent Millard House II told trustees he expects pushback from both the public and the state government on his proposed mask mandate. Pharr-San Juan-Alamo ISD – At a school board meeting Monday, district leaders in the Rio Grande Valley unanimously passed a resolution to ask Abbott to allow local control to make decisions regarding COVID-19 protocols. One of the things the district requested was the ability to make its own mask mandate. San Antonio ISD – The school district will require masks for students and employees, starting Wednesday, the SAISD superintendent announced in a letter to families. A state district judge granted the City of San Antonio and Bexar County the authority to issue a mask mandate Tuesday. Socorro ISD – The El Paso school district is set to vote on a mask mandate at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

”

As superintendent of schools of the largest school system in the state of Texas,skyrocketing hospitalizations concerns me,” House said. “It concerns me greatly.”

here is always a sense of anxiety in the air at the start of the new school year. Students are flooding the halls trying to navigate their way to classes. Counselors are sorting out class schedules. Teachers are trying to learn the names of the young pupils they will inspire this year. Principals are making sure the entire ship is running smoothly. Everyone has their individual tasks. Not this year. Students and staff are all on the same page with the agenda to have a safe school year. With the threat level raised to red, hospitals overflowing with sick patients, no vaccines for those under 12, and the state not having a mask mandate the safety of those in schools has never been so critical. The situation is dim and dismissal, however, superintendents across the state are standing up against Gov. Greg Abbott's Executive Order demanding mask mandates for their district for the safety of all.

August 12, 2021 - August 18, 2021

New Houston ISD superintendent Millard House has said that the safety of students, staff, and families has been his guiding compass. He took the bold step to propose a mask mandate for the district for all students, staff, and visitors regardless of their vaccination status at all Houston ISD schools, buses, and facilities. Before Superintendent House's official hiring the district intended to comply with Governor Abbott’s order and await further guidance from the Texas Education Agency (TEA). However, that was before the surge of the Delta variant. Around the end of June when Superintendent House was starting to make Houston his new home, the spread of COVID in Houston was at 4%. The CDC had said vaccinated people could move about unmasked. The country was looking like we may see the end of the pandemic that has changed the entire world. Five weeks

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later as the Delta variant surged throughout the country the community spread in Houston rose to 16%. Now hospitals are so packed with patients they are treating them in tents outside the hospital. Some have closed their ERs. Healthcare professionals are burnt out and there is a nursing shortage. Both unvaccinated and vaccinated people are getting COVID. And the people who account for the most infections are under 30 with a rise in the number of cases in those who have no defense mechanism... our children. All of this is going on and yet the governor of Texas is standing strong to uphold a no mask mandate in schools. It is the data that fuels Superintendent House to propose the mandate. He was not trying to go against the governor. The science just made sense to him. He was simply trying to do what he was hired to do - protect our children. In an interview with CNN Superintendent House said, "The data tells us the story." He is supposed to provide students, staff, and the community a safe place in which to learn and work. Superintendent House promises to "take care of your babies socially, emotionally, and academically." The importance and need for the mask mandate has never been so crucial for this school year. Forty-eight hours after Superintendent House's announcement of the mandate, the district experienced a death. Since the announcement of the mandate, the board has always unanimously supported it. “This is not about defying the governor, this is about really doing what’s best in terms of the public safety,” Superintendent House said in a statement. “I had to step forward and do what was best, and I’m strongly convinced that my board will acquiesce and move forward to get this done.” Many may think the next step after the mandate is to propose a vaccination mandate. He is not exploring that option. Instead, he will focus on one of his top priorities that is to re-engage students, staff, and parents and implement a strategic plan to turn things around. The pandemic hit the school district hard and student learning and enrollment suffered greatly.

He will focus on increasing student enrollment over his next three years to reclaim the 14,000 that left. Hopefully, the virtual learning plan that Superintendent House has in mind will reach those students. For the 2021-2022 school year, he wants to make virtual learning accessible to more students. The district's 8,000 slots have already been filled and he is looking to add 1,500 to 2,000 more slots. He believes in-person learning is the best place to be for any child. “I’m extremely excited about the next 60 days…to ensure that we’re setting the stage for the years ahead to be extremely successful,” said Superintendent House in regards to the missed opportunities students experienced as a result of the pandemic. Beyond student safety, Superintendent House has to bring the board together. Let us not forget the disarray the board has displayed in the past. On day one of his hiring, he already planned a board retreat in his mind. In addition, he has a plan to keep the TEA from taking over. Meetings with them have helped to grasp the history of the board. Another layer to support student learning is in the works to look at improving low-performing schools. Students at high-performing schools have more resources due to their schools having a larger budget for school expenses. Superintendent House knows that there is COVID relief money out there and he wants to get that money in the hands of the students and families that need it. In addition, he wants to offer them support when and where they need it most. Superintendent House has some really big plans, however, it is known that big plans result in big results. Those results could benefit more than just student success. A community is only as strong as the people in it. Superintendent House's hopes lofty agenda hopes to greatly benefit the students of Houston ISD as well as the larger community.

Let’s

END ELDER ABUSE With more than half a million people over the age of 65 in Harris County, the District Attorney’s Office urges you to report those who hurt our elders.

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www.houstonisd.org/ ReadySetGo

Report abuse or suspected abuse to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services at 1-800-252-5400

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August 12, 2021 - August 18, 2021

STATE NEWS: WARRANTS SERVED TO TEXAS DEMOCRATS, BUT HOLDOUT CONTINUES By www.StyleMagazine.com – Newswire

Ron Reynolds, Texas House of Representatives, shared with Houston Style Magazine, photos of Texas Democrats doing their jobs by fighting for voting rights along a photo copy of his 'arrest warrant' from Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan (picture above)

fficers of the Texas House of Representatives delivered civil arrest warrants for more than 50 absent Democrats on Wednesday as frustrated Republicans ratcheted up efforts to end a standoff over a sweeping elections bill that stretched into its 31st day. But after sergeants-at-arms finished making the rounds inside the Texas Capitol — dropping off copies of the warrants at Democrats’ offices, and politely asking staff to tell their bosses to please return — there were few signs the stalemate that began when Democrats fled to Washington, D.C., in July in order to grind the statehouse to a halt was any closer to a resolution. “I don’t worry about things I can’t control,” said state Rep. Erin Zwiener, one of the Democrats who was served with a warrant and

has refused to return to the Capitol. “Nothing about these warrants are a surprise, and they don’t necessarily affect my plans.” Refusing to attend legislative sessions is a violation of House rules — a civil offense, not a criminal one, leaving the power the warrants carry to get Democrats back to the chamber unclear, even for the Republicans who invoked it. Democrats would not be jailed. Republican Travis Clardy, who helped negotiate an early version of the voting bill that Democrats first stopped with a walkout in May, told ABC News he believed “they can be physically brought back to the Capitol.” State Rep. Jim Murphy, who leads the Texas House Republican Caucus, said while he has not seen a situation like this play out during his tenure, his understanding is that

August 12, 2021 - August 18, 2021

officers could go to the missing lawmakers and ask them to come back. “I am hoping they will come because the warrants have been issued and they don’t want to be arrested,” Murphy said. “It is incredible to me that you have to arrest people to do the job they campaigned for, for which they took an oath of office to uphold the Texas Constitution.” The Texas Department of Public Safety, the state’s law enforcement agency, referred questions about the warrants to the House speaker. Republicans are now in the midst of their third attempt since May to pass a raft of tweaks and changes to the state’s election code that would make it harder — and even, sometimes, legally riskier — to cast a ballot in Texas, which already has some of the most restrictive

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election laws in the nation. Texas is among several states where Republicans have rushed to enact new voting restrictions in response to former President Donald Trump’s false claims that the 2020 election was stolen. The current bill is similar to the ones Democrats blocked last month by going to Washington. It would ban 24-hour polling locations, drive-thru voting and give partisan poll watchers more access, among other things. It was unclear how many Democrats remained in Washington,

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LOCAL NEWS: HOUSTON PUBLIC WORKS EARNS MULTIPLE AWARDS FOR STREET & WATER PROJECTS By www.StyleMagazine.com – Newswire

ouston Public Works earns multiple awards for projects designed to improve the community through equitable infrastructure.

Houston Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities Houston Public Works earns multiple awards for projects City Champion of Inclusion Award designed to improve the community through equitable infra- Transportation & Drainage Operations – Sidewalk team structure.

SubContractors USA – 2021 Top 25 Prime & Sub Contractors Supplier Diversity Champion Award – Houston Public Works

West Lake Houston Parkway Bridge Rehabilitation Project – Structures Award

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August 12, 2021 - August 18, 2021

LOCAL NEWS: MAYOR TURNER LAUNCHES THE BETHUNE EMPOWERMENT CENTER By www.StyleMagazine.com – Newswire

ayor Sylvester Turner, announced the official launch of the Bethune Empowerment Center in Acres Home and its first tenant, Communities for Better Health. This 8-acre tract of land previously served as the Bethune Academy Elementary School and will now be repurposed as a business incubator and vocational entity for the Acres Home neighborhood. The Bethune Empowerment Center will provide Houstonians with access to quality services and amenities, including job training, apprenticeships, skill-building services, small business resources, co-working spaces, and business incubators. The concept for the Bethune Empowerment Center originated from the Acres Home Complete Community Action Plan, where the Acres Home community strongly indicated the need to repurpose and revitalize the Bethune Academy. "The Acres Home community has spoken, and we have listened," Mayor Turner said. "The work for this center is just beginning, and the future additions will shape the Bethune Empowerment Center into a beacon of equitable

economic development and improved public health." The facility secured over $4.5 million for renovations. In February 2021, the City Council allocated a $4.1 million community development block grant (CDBG) to rehabilitate the first phase of construction and approved Houston Business Development, Inc (HBDI) to renovate, operate, and manage the Bethune Empowerment Center. Mayor Turner also announced a $500,000 donation from Reliant Energy to support the Bethune Empowerment Center and its first tenant, Communities for Better Health (CFBH). Communities for Better Health "This vital new resource will make produce far more accessible to the people of Acres Home," Mayor Turner said. "It will help people live healthier lives, support local business owners, and strengthen the community." CFBH will host cooking demonstrations, monthly gardening classes, and the Black Farmer Box community-supported agriculture (CSA) program in partnership with Ivy Leaf Farms and Fresh Life Organics (FLO), a multi-acre farm, and land management consulting company in Houston. The Bethune Empowerment Center will consist of

ten buildings renovated in three phases. Phase 1, comprising approximately 29,000 square feet, includes the renovation of the cafeteria building into a commercial kitchen space and event space that allows for business development, agricultural training, certification, and other culinary arts programming. The Bethune Empowerment Center Sowing Seeds community garden officially opened at the community celebration on Saturday and will provide gardening education and fresh produce options for the community through pop-up shops. The community garden will also be the new location for the Acres Homes Farmers Market. The Acres Home Farmer's Market is hosted bi-weekly at the Bethune Empowerment Center facility on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. "Acres Home is a wonderful community. We work hard and take care of each other. But there's no question that we need more resources," said Dr. Donna "Cee" Whitelow, a longtime resident and community leader. "This garden is long overdue, and I can't wait to take advantage of having it here." For more information on the Bethune Empowerment Center,

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MONUMENTS TO LYNDON B. JOHNSON AND APOLLO By www.StyleMagazine.com – Newswire

ayor Sylvester Turner today accepted on behalf of the City of Houston a statue dedicated to America’s 36th President Lyndon Baines Johnson and an additional Memorial to the astronauts who perished in testing the Apollo I module in 1967. “This is a special day for Houston, and I hope people from all walks of life will visit the site honoring President Johnson and the astronauts who gave their lives in service to our country,” Mayor Turner said. “On this date, August 6 in 1965, President Lyndon Baines Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act. As we reflect on this historic occasion, it is hard to believe that we are still working to uphold the rights of ALL eligible voters. President Johnson was a Southern white man from Texas fighting for civil rights and during his lifetime changed the course of history both politically and socially."

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August 12, 2021 - August 18, 2021

Mayor Turner, LBJ’s daughters Lynda Bird Robb and Luci Baines Johnson, attorney Charles Foster, and members of the Lyndon B. Johnson Advisory Board.

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9-YEAR-OLD WON FIRST PLACE IN ART COMPETITION !

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Gabrielle Faisal won The White House History Association’s National Student Art Competition. Photo: Fox2Detroit/The White House History Association

abrielle Faisal won The White House History Association’s National Student Art Competition for her artwork entitled, "Enslaved African Americans Built the White House." The drawing consisted of large Black hands holding up the white house with the American flag in the background. The third-grader said she wanted to pay homage to the enslaved Africans who built the White House. “I was inspired to paint this picture because of the history I read and learned from my father. The White House is a symbol of America that was built by enslaved African Americans,” Faisal said. Her father was moved by her piece and told reporters it depicted an important part of global history that everyone should know. "When I think about the large hands holding The White House, the hands are symbolic of our people, collectively, our history," Rashid Faisal told Fox 2 Detroit. "And you have the background with the flag, and that is the unifying factor for all of us as Americans. Black history is not just for African-American people, it is for all people." The 9-year-old Detroit native was selected from more than 500 students in her age range from across the country. Their work was judged by a panel of professionals,

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including renowned portrait artist Simmie Knox on originality, interpretation, and historical relevancy. Gabrielle’s father Rashid told reporters that the family knew she made the top 10 finalist, but didn’t realize she won until the w a t c h e d t h e c o m p e t i t i o n ’s a n nouncement online. Gabrielle said she was really happy when she found out. Her parents are just as proud. "The Red Stripes symbolize our struggle for freedom. The White Stripes symbolize the purity of our struggle. Blue is the symbol of justice for all people no matter what color. The Stars represent the unity of all people coming together. The shackled hands are the hands of enslaved Africans who built the White House,” Gabrielle said. Gabrielle will receive a $1,000 cash prize and her family will be heading to Washington, D.C. in a few weeks to see her art in the visitors center. All of the finalists will have their work on display in The White House's visitors center through Sept. 22. Congratulations, Gabrielle! We can't wait to see how your talent blooms!

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August 12, 2021 - August 18, 2021

SPORTS: FORMER PRESIDENT OBAMA BECOMES MINORITY OWNER, STRATEGIC PARTNER FOR NBA AFRICA Former President Barack Obama’s investment in Basketball Africa will be used to support youth and leadership programming for the Obama Foundation across the continent By www.StyleMagazine.com – Newswire

Horns by William Tolliver, exhibition at the Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC)

merica’s beloved first commander-in-chief has become a strategic partner and minority owner in the National Basketball Association (NBA)’s African league — Basketball Africa. NBA Africa oversees the Basketball Africa League which has seen investment from former basketball stars, Dikembe Mutombo, Grant Hill, and Junior Bridgeman. Obama’s investment in the league will be used to support youth and leadership programming for the Obama Foundation across the continent, reports CNN. The exact terms of Obama’s investment have not been disclosed.

In a statement, the former president wrote, “The NBA has always been a great ambassador for the United States—using the game to create deeper connections around the world, and in Africa, basketball has the power to promote opportunity, wellness, equality, and empowerment across the continent. “By investing in communities, promoting gender equality, and cultivating the love of the game of basketball, I believe that NBA Africa can make a difference for so many of Africa’s young people.” The former president’s father was from Kenya on the east of the continent. NBA Africa’s CEO Victor Williams reportedly wants to

build corporate partnerships, expand content and media rights, and support local governments seeking to build new basketball arenas. According to CNBC, 55 players in the NBA are either native Africans or first-generation immigrants from the continent. The Basketball Africa League is being viewed as a new source for scouting and developing players. Former NBA players Luol Deng and Joakim Noah are investors in the NBA Africa league via Helios Fairfax Partners Corporation which also counts NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and NBA Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum on its board. Silver shared a statement of glowing praise about the former president, writing, “We are honored that President Obama has become a strategic partner in NBA Africa and will support our wide-ranging efforts to grow the game of basketball on the continent.” “In addition to his well-documented love for basketball, President Obama has a firm belief in Africa’s potential and the enormous growth opportunities that exist through sports. NBA Africa will benefit tremendously from his engagement.” Former President Obama has long expressed his love for basketball, previously acknowledging that while he loved the sport, he did not possess the skills to go professional. Still, throughout his presidency, Obama often played basketball on White House grounds and even invited NBA stars like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant to go head-to-head with him.

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SPORTS: DOCUMENTARY ABOUT STEPH CURRY'S RISE TO SUPERSTARDOM HAS THE PERFECT TITLE By www.StyleMagazine.com – Newswire

teph Curry might be a household name now, but before he single-handedly revolutionized the game of basketball he was a three-star recruit out of high school who was ignored by almost every powerhouse school in the NCAA. He would eventually find a home at Davidson—a school with a student body of only 1,700 at the time—after his father’s alma

mater, Virginia Tech, only offered him a spot as a walk-on. And the rest, as they say, is history. Everybody loves an underdog, and now the future Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer will share his story with the world courtesy of the aptly titled Underrated, a new documentary from the brilliant mind of Ryan Coogler.

August 12, 2021 - August 18, 2021

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Titled Underrated, the film will chronicle Curry’s historic rise to prominence during March Madness when he played for the Davidson Wildcats. The all-star athlete, considered one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, currently plays for the Golden State Warriors and has won three national championships with the team. In college, Curry set the single-season NCAA record for three-pointers made and was drafted for the NBA in 2009. As the story goes, Steph, the son of Charlotte Hornets great Dell Curry, rose to prominence during his sophomore season at Davidson when he carried his team to the Elite Eight of the 2008 NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournament. The eventual three-time NBA champ finished the tournament averaging 32 points per game and established himself as one of the greatest scorers March Madness has ever seen. He would follow that up with an All-American campaign during his junior season, before eventually being selected by the Golden State Warriors with the No. 7 pick in the 2009 NBA Draft. Considering Steph’s incredible story and Coogler’s participation, this doc has the potential to be something truly special. This is one film that can’t drop soon enough.

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EATS: FOODVENTURES OUTSIDE OF HOUSTON

By Alex Jack, Foodie – www.StyleMagazine.com – Newswire

TOSCA Winery in New Waverly, Texas

f you are not quite ready to hit the airport, I would love to invite you to explore the great city of Houston and its surrounding areas for an amazing foodventure. Driving up I-45 North, about an hour outside The Woodlands, is the beautiful town of Trinity. As we were driving, we saw a sign that said, “SHRIMP & BACON TACOS” and we had to make a U-turn. The cutest little outdoor eatery was waiting for us right next to the train tracks called Tacos by the Trax. We ordered their famous shrimp and bacon tacos, and this is where our world shifted. We opened our container to 5 mini corn tacos topped with shrimp, bacon, cheese, pico de gallo and a side of 3 salsas. In the first bite there was a flavor explosion that melted our worries. The shrimp and crispy bacon paired so well with the soft corn tortilla. When you stop by please try the horchata and melon agua frescas to wash it all down. Probably one of the best Horchata I've ever had. Our second stop on our foodventure was family owned and operated Tallent Sausage, slightly outside of Huntsville, in Riverside. If you are a fan of sausage, this is a very good place to go. They have a massive selection of sausages, meats, spices, preserves, pickled goods and even syrups. They also have cooked foods and we were able to try the German and original smoked sausage. The awesome

part of the whole experience was knowing that they make the sausage right there. As a home cook, my mind instantly lit up with different dishes that I can cook at home. If you want to try and not drive, they can ship their yummy sausages to you. Last stop of this food venture, I would like to take you to a charming winery in New Waverly, Texas called TOSCA. As you enter the property, peeking past the beautiful vineyard and trees is a breathtaking view of massive rolling hills that remind you of a fairytale. The winery was named after Italian opera composer, Giacomo Puccini’s masterpiece and TOSCA is an absolute masterpiece to visit. One of the most unique parts of the winery is the restored cabin from the 1830s that is used as the tasting room. Founder Willy Leisner built this winery from nothing and transformed it into a lush experience for you to enjoy. The co-owner Rennie van Wyk is the winemaker of the beautiful wines you will enjoy. TOSCA offers wine tastings, tours, events and you can also buy wines on their website. Perfect place for a girl’s trip, a marriage proposal, or just an escape from the city. I would advise that you take a moment to escape the city and visit these wonderful places.

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ENTERTAINMENT: NEW RICK JAMES DOCUMENTARY, ‘BITCHIN’: THE SOUND AND FURY By www.StyleMagazine.com – Newswire

f you’ve been burning with “fire and desire” to see the life and career of Rick James played out on the small screen, then boy, have I got some good news for you! Variety reports that Showtime announced that a new documentary about the legendary “Super Freak” singer will be headed to the platform with a premiere date set for Sept. 3. Directed by Emmy-nominee Sacha Jenkins, ‘Bitchin’: the Sound and Fury will explore the “peaks and valleys of James’ storied career to reveal a complicated and rebellious soul, driven to share his talent with the world.” Featuring rare archival performance footage, interviews from James and commentary from family and friends—including Ice Cube and Bootsy Collins—‘Bitchin’ aims to provide a more nuanced portrayal of not only the myth of Rick James, but the man himself. A snippet on James’ career per Variety: During the 1960s, he was in a band with Neil Young called the Mynah Birds that recorded and album for Motown. In the 1970s, he utilized many of the sexually upfront aspects of a stage show that Prince later coopted—and Prince even opened a tour for him in 1980. As a songwriter, performer and producer, he also collaborated with Joni Mitchell, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson, Nile Rodgers, Eddie Murphy,

Rick James documentary: Bitchin’: The Sound and Fury of Rick James Teena Marie, The Mary Jane Girls and M.C. Hammer. Previously, we also told you about the forthcoming limited series about Rick James expected to make its debut on UCP. Executive produced by James’ daughter Ty James, Super Freak

is being described as “a funkadelic mix of music biopic and true crime. It chronicles Rick James’ plans for a comeback in the early 1990s amidst a heated trial that threatened to destroy his legacy. The story will touch on timely themes of race, privilege, and

the gray area of image vs. reality for celebrities.”

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FORMER CENTRAL PARK FIVE PROSECUTOR CAN SUE NETFLIX FOR DEFAMATION, JUDGE RULES

By Frank Pallotta, CNN Business – www.StyleMagazine.com

federal judge ruled on Monday that Linda Fairstein — a former prosecutor who was part of the Manhattan District Attorney's Office when it tried the criminal case against the young men who became known as the "Central Park Five" — can sue Netflix, producer and director Ava DuVernay and writer Attica Locke, for her portrayal in the miniseries "When They See Us." "When They See Us" tells the story of the "Central Park Five" — five teen boys of color who were wrongly convicted of taking part in the rape and beating of a woman who had been jogging in Central Park in 1989. Fairstein claims she was defamed because her portrayal was inaccurate. The suit was first filed in March of 2020. Fairstein was played by Felicity Huffman in the series. "The series portrays [Fairstein] as the architect of various theories of the Five's guilt, and through the concluding scenes of the series, she remains persuad-

ed of their involvement in the face of countervailing evidence," U.S. District Judge Kevin Castel noted in his ruling. "Fairstein alleges that nearly every scene depicting her is a fabrication that presents her in a false and defamatory light." Netflix had argued that its series used dramatic license that was protected by the First Amendment. But Castel ruled that Fairstein could sue because her depiction in five scenes could be defamatory. "The average viewer could conclude that these scenes have a basis in fact and do not merely reflect the creators' opinions about controversial historical events," the judge wrote. Andrew Miltenberg, Fairstein's attorney, said in a statement that he was "exceptionally pleased" by the ruling. "Judge Castel's decision acknowledges what we have asserted from the beginning, that viewers of 'When They See Us' believe that Defendants' utterly false and defamatory portrayal of Ms. Fairstein as 'a

August 12, 2021 - August 18, 2021

central villain' in 'When They See Us' has a basis in truth," he said. "We are glad that Ms. Fairstein now has the opportunity to pursue her claims with respect to five critical scenes in the series that falsely depict Ms. Fairstein engaging in coercive and discriminatory conduct in order to build a case against innocent young men of color." A Netflix spokesperson told CNN Business in a statement that the company will "continue to vigorously defend 'When They See Us' and the incredible team behind the series, and we're confident that we'll prevail against Ms. Fairstein's few remaining claims." DuVernay and Locke did not respond to requests for comment.

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elcome back to The Open House. If you are looking to lease a home in the Houston area, get ready to deal with a frenzy. I am currently working with a few lease clients and let me tell you, it has NOT been an easy process. Homes hit the market and are immediately receiving lease offers within the same day. If you are on the landlord/seller side, this is a plus for you. My husband and I put our townhome up for lease and within 1 day received multiple interests and within 3 days had tenants ready to move in. If you are on the tenant/buying side, my advice would be to get ready and be patient. To make this process easier, I would advise you to have these documents on hand before you begin searching for your home: ● A month's worth of pay stubs ● A photocopy of your driver license and social security card ● A completed TREC rental application Once that is complete, you can go and tour homes knowing that

The Open House: With Realtor Falyn Davis

Leasing Frenzy in Houston

Falyn M. Davis

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Cell Phone: 832-396-6276 if you like one, you have your entire renters application ready to send over. Houston is a growing city and still a very popular place to move to. Because of that, leasing is skyrocketing. If you are looking to lease out your home, definitely reach out to me.

I can place your home on the market and have tenants in there in less than 2 weeks! If you are looking to lease a home, reach out to me. I can assist you in gathering your necessary documents and finding the perfect home.

Email: FalynMDavis@gmail.com Social Media: @FalynDavis

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