Houston Style Magazine Vol 32 No 51 by Houston Style Magazine (HSM)

agazine

December 16, 2021 - December 22, 2021

Houston’s Premiere Weekly Publication, Since 1989

Volume 32 | Number 51

Complimentary

Jesse Jackson

American Democracy Is Under Siege

MEGAN THEE STALLION: USING HER EDUCATION TO GIVE BACK TO HOUSTON

Ben Jealous

Why Stacey Abrams is Important For Georgia

Written By Jo-Carolyn Goode

Photos Courtesy of Megan Pete\TSU's Facebook

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CORONAVIRUS – US NUMBERS: Cases: 51,290,979 Deaths: 823,390 TAG US: #TeamStyleMag

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Commissioners - Approves $35 Million for Foster Care Youth

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Kim Ogg Tours Mental Health Center

Carla Brailey

Announces Run For Lt. Governor Of Texas

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

December 16, 2021 - December 22, 2021

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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

brian_barefield@yahoo.com Food Writer Alex Jack

alexandriajack1991@gmail.com 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 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)

“We're going to make the government work more effectively for the American,” President Joe Biden said.

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December 16, 2021 - December 22, 2021

COMMENTARY

AMERICAN DEMOCRACY IS UNDER SIEGE By Jesse Jackson, National Political Writer

newing our democracy and strengthening our democratic institutions requires constant effort," Joe Biden announced at the recent Summit for Democracy. Over the last 10 years, democracy has been in decline across the world, even as Biden admitted, in the United States. This is an understatement: American democracy is under siege. Today we witness a concerted, systematic and unrelenting effort to undermine our democracy. The sacking of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021 and Donald Trump's continuing effort to discredit the results of the 2020 presidential election that he lost are just one part of the offensive. The attack on democracy is supported by Republican politicians, donors, and party organs both at state and national levels. It is reinforced by the partisan Republican appointed right-wing majority on the Supreme Court. The campaign begins with the Big Lie that the election in 2020 was stolen - a lie that is repeated even though refuted by independent audits, by Republican judges, by Trump's own attorney general, and by Republican election officials. Despite this, a majority of Republican voters now believe that the 2020 election was stolen. That lie then is used by Republican legislators to push legislative measures designed to make it harder to vote. They seek to limit mail-in ballots, reduce the days for early voting, cut the hours that polls are open, eliminate the number of places to vote, impose burdensome ID requirements, and purge voting lists. By February, 253 bills were introduced in 43 states. And now Republican state legislatures in states from Arizona to Pennsylvania are seeking not simply to replace independent election officials with partisans but to empower legislatures to overturn elections if they don't like the results. On top of that, in states where Republicans are in control, partisan redistricting committees are gerrymandering districts to ensure that Republicans can capture the majority of the state legislature and the congressional delegation even if they lose a majority of the votes in the state. They are a minority party that is intent on taking and keeping control no matter what most voters think. The campaign isn't a secret. It is open, brazen and shameless. "We're taking action," Steve Bannon, formerly Trump's White House chief strategist, said last month, "and that action is we're taking over school boards, we're taking over the Republican Party through the precinct committee

strategy. We're taking over all the elections. Suck on this." This effort is aided and abetted by the tong of right-wing Supreme Court justices. In a series of decisions, they have opened the floodgates to both corporate contributions and dark money - secret - contributions. They have gutted the Voting Rights Act, weakening restrictions on discriminatory voting restrictions. They have now ruled that they won't limit gerrymandering or the purges of voting rolls - even when the partisan and undemocratic intent and effect are clear. This reaction spreads by sowing racial fears. Right-wing commentators and activists rail about "replacement theory," that the growing numbers of people of color threaten to "replace" white America. Trump and his acolytes claim - despite the absence of any evidence - that urban areas are cesspools of voter fraud, again stoking racial division. We have witnessed this kind of reaction before. After the Civil War, the Congress passed amendments to the Constitution that outlawed slavery, guaranteed blacks the right to vote, and guaranteed equal protection under the laws. Multiracial coalitions were forged in many of the former Confederate states and passed progressive reforms that expanded education and opportunity. The Confederate elite - the plantation owners and allies - were enraged. They organized the Ku Klux Klan to terrorize the reformers. They spread libels about corruption and voter fraud to discredit the emerging coalitions. Eventually, they cut a deal with northern Republicans to remove federal troops, enabling them to impose apartheid - segregation -on the South, and suppress the right of Blacks to vote. A divided Supreme Court - in Plessy v. Ferguson - ruled that separate but equal was constitutional, essentially gutting the post-Civil War Amendments. Across the South, Blacks suffered another century of political repression and second-class citizenship. Will today's reaction succeed? Democracy already faces institutional obstacles. The Senate - with every state given two senators - is structurally biased against states with urban areas and large populations. Republicans can capture a majority of the Senate with a minority of the national vote. The electoral college imposes that bias on the presidential election - as we saw when Donald Trump was elected despite winning fewer votes than Hillary Clinton in 2016. In the Senate, the filibuster - requiring 60 votes to pass legislation - has been turned from an in-

December 16, 2021 - December 22, 202

President Joe Biden answers questions after delivering closing remarks to the virtual Summit for Democracy. (Evan Vucci/AP Photos) strument rarely used (mostly by Southerners blocking civil rights legislation) to a routine tool to obstruct any progress. Biden called on the leaders assembled at the Summit to improve their democracies over the next year. In this country, protecting democracy will require passage of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act - reviving the Voting Rights Act - and the Freedom to Vote Act - which would limit secret money, end partisan gerrymandering, and provide federal standards to protect the right to vote. Both have passed the House of Representatives and would have majority support in the Senate but are blocked by Republican use of the filibuster. The most undemocratic tactic of the most unrepresentative house of Congress is obstructing the effort to save our democracy.

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American democracy itself is at risk. As we saw after the Civil War, a minority party enforcing minority rule can succeed only with violence. The January 6 sacking of the Capitol is but a prelude. The officials who refused to endorse Trump's big lie have been deluged with threats of violence both to them and their families. Rigged elections that ensconce a minority will have less and less legitimacy. Citizens of conscience across the country must rise up and demand action before it is too late. jjackson@rainbowpush.org. Follow him on Twitter @RevJJackson

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December 16, 2021 - December 22, 2021

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COMMENTARY

WHY STACEY ABRAMS IS IMPORTANT FOR GEORGIA AND OUR DEMOCRACY

By Ben Jealous, National Political Writer

ou know the old game, two truths and a lie? Here are two truths and a lie about Georgia and Stacey Abrams, who recently announced that she’s running for governor. Let’s start with the lie. The big lie is that Donald Trump lost Georgia in 2020 because of illegal votes. The big truth is that Stacey Abrams helped achieve not one, not two, but three legal statewide victories in Georgia for President Joe Biden and Senators Raphael Warnock and John Ossoff. Another truth is that Brian Kemp was Georgia’s vote suppressor-in-chief long before he became the governor. In every cycle, he manages to come up with new strategies that are even more aggressive than ones he used before. Like a comic book villain, Kemp does not grow weary in his evildoing. He’s always hatching a new plan more dastardly than the last one. That’s why we cannot take anything for granted, even though Abrams demonstrated last year how effectively she can mobilize voters. She has seen every anti-voting-rights trick in the book. Many of them were used against her when she ran for governor in 2018. Back then, Kemp was secretary of state and used the power of his office to shape election rules in his own favor. As Abrams said at the time, Kemp “won under the rules of the game, but the game was rigged against the voters of Georgia.”

If we want Georgia to be safe for democracy, two things need to happen in the next 12 months. First, Congress must pass urgently needed voting rights legislation in time to go into effect by next fall. And second, everybody who showed up and turned out in Georgia in 2020 has to show up and turn out again— every individual and every group. I’m proud that the organization I lead, People For the American Way, was among those that Abrams credited with helping to achieve the historic victories of the past year. We’re going to spend the next 11 months fighting to help her get elected. And we’re asking everyone to join us in making the same level of commitment in Georgia that they made in 2020. Because here’s one more big truth. Stacey Abrams’ campaign is not only important for Georgia. It’s important for our democracy. It is easy to get discouraged by what’s happening across the country, where politicians are passing laws to discourage voting and protect their own power. Rightwing activists who are angry that Donald Trump lost the election—who refuse to admit that he lost—are being put in positions with authority to oversee next year’s elections. The very basis of our democracy is being undermined. There’s something profoundly important about Stacey Abrams demonstrating leadership at this moment. Abrams has always been guided by a fundamental faith

December 16, 2021 - December 22, 2021

Stacey Abrams

As governor, she will work tirethat people can make the system work. That faith has been at the heart of her organizing. lessly to make democracy, and Georgia, It inspired her 2018 race and her work to work for everyone. So let’s get to work for her. make Georgia’s law fair for all voters. Many people might tempted to lose faith in democracy when they see You can write Ben Jealous by email at elected officials abusing their power to make it harder for some people to vote— and to limit the ability of their votes to Share this story online at make a difference. Stacey Abrams knows what she is up against. And knowing all that, she still isn’t giving up on our democracy. That’s inspiring.

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December 16, 2021 - December 22, 2021

NATIONAL: SUPREME COURT RULING ON TEXAS LAW WAS THE RESULT OF DECADES OF PRESSURE By Tierney Sneed - www.CNN.com

Pro-choice and anti-abortion demonstrators rally outside the U.S. Supreme Court on Nov. 1, 2021, (Drew Angerer / Getty Images) he its biggest returns yet on its decades-long otherwise skeptical of Donald Trump pulled the of brilliant people who've been broadly underesti- that his choices would be cut from an originalist investment on reshaping the courts, with a lever for him largely because to the vows he made mated by the media in much of the beltway," said cloth. And he was willing to name names to make Supreme Court order that allowed the coun- to them on the Supreme Court. During the cam- Mary Zigler, a professor at Florida State Universi- that clear. At a February 2016 primary debate -try's second most populous state to cut off almost paign, Trump broke political norms by promis- ty College of Law and the author of Abortion and which fell on the same day that news of Justice ing justices who would "automatically" overturn the Law in America. all access to the procedure. Antonin Scalia's death broke and made the SuFor a generation, abortion foes have Supreme Court abortion precedent, with explicit preme Court a front-burner campaign issue -- sevMaking promises on the Supreme employed a multi-pronged strategy of electing commitments that were a far cry from the coyness eral Republican candidates made promises to fill state and national anti-abortion rights politicians and subtle hints that past Republican candidates Court a movement was desperate to hear Scalia's seat with a justice that would fit his mold. who would pass restrictive bills while unifying would invoke to describe their approach to judiBut only Trump offered the names of specific livWhen anti-abortion activists were hashthe Republican Party around their cause. But cial nominations. ing jurists -arch-conservative US District Judges At the time, one seat on the Supreme ing out their approach in the late 1970s and early creating a regime that severely limits or outright Diane Sykes and William Pryor -who would be outlaws the procedure depended on one goal over Court was already up for grabs. But ultimately 1980s, they probably did not think that the presiof the kind he would appoint. all: getting justices on the bench who would be President Trump was able to confirm three jus- dent who would ultimately deliver for them would The remark "caught people's attention," wimlling to reverse the approach high court had tices, while remaking the lower courts as well. be a twice divorced New York real estate mogul said Carrie Severino, the president of the conserTrump's justices made up the bulk of conservative who once described himself as "very pro-choice." taken to abortion rights. vative Judicial Crisis Network. Even during the 2016 campaign, Trump "The most likely way that you can af- five-vote majority that allowed Texas this year to fect the court and how they decide cases is by implement a six-week ban on abortion, the strict- managed to trample over the anti-abortion movewho's on the court," Jim Bopp, who has served est abortion law that's been allowed to go into ef- ment's carefully planned messaging strategy. But Read the full story online: as the National Right to Life Committee's chief fect since Roe v. Wade and one that blatantly vio- in one regard, he told the activists exactly what lates the precedent that 1973 decision set. they wanted -- and, after years of disappointments lawyer since 1978, told CNN. "What we're seeing unfold now is the from past GOP-appointed justices such as David The pivotal moment came in the 2016 election, when social conservatives who were end result of decades' worth of strategy by a bunch Souter and Anthony Kennedy, needed -- to hear:

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STATE: HARRIS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS APPROVE $35 MILLION FOR YOUTH TRANSITIONING OUT OF FOSTER CARE By Wesley Gardner - www.CommnityImpact.com

From left, Harris County Resources for Children and Adults Executive Director Joel Levine, Sarah Pinyan, County Judge Lina Hidalgo and Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis provide details about the county's upcoming HAY Center campus. (Wesley Gardner/Community Impact Newspaper)

arris County commissioners at a Dec. 14 meeting unanimously approved the construction of a roughly $35 million Houston Alumni and Youth Center campus that will include a 41,000-square-foot, 50-unit residential facility for youth transitioning out of the state’s foster care system. The approximately 3.3-acre campus, which will be located at 3131 Gulf Freeway near downtown Houston, will also include a 17,000-square-foot commercial facility that will house the HAY—Houston Alumni & Youth— Center, a program operated through the Harris County Resources for Children and Adults Department that provides resources and services for youth and young adults exiting the state foster care system. Every year, the HAY Center provides services to more than 1,300 current foster youth and youth formerly in foster care ages 14 to 25.

According to County Judge Lina Hidalgo, the aim of the project is to help provide more stability for the youth members transitioning from foster care to independent living. “This [project] will help create a home for young people during this tough transition,” Hidalgo said, noting roughly 200 young adults age out of the foster care system in Harris County each year. "I know this will go a long way in making sure our young people have a fair shot in pursuing the life they wish to live.” Hidalgo noted the new campus will feature access to nearby hike-and-bike trails as well as several Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County—or METRO—stops to provide residents without vehicles easy access to and from the site. Joel Levine, executive director of the county's Resources for Children and Adults Department, said the county has spent several years pursuing the project.

December 16, 2021 - December 22, 2021

“For many years, this campus has been a dream and a vision for the HAY Center staff, for the foster youth and our supporters,” Levine said. “We firmly believe that no youth should have to experience homelessness or have to make a choice to live in unsafe conditions simply because they are aging out of foster care.” Levine noted the HAY Center offers a number of wraparound services for youth transitioning out of the foster care system, including life skills coaching, employment, education, housing assistance, mentoring and coaching, youth engagement activities, and well-being programs. Sarah Pinyan, who aged out of the state’s foster care system several years ago, lauded the wraparound services she received through the HAY Center. Pinyan was among a cohort of individuals who spent time in the state's foster care that assisted the county in planning the new campus. “I have participated in every program at

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the HAY Center, between our life skills classes, our mentoring and even the bridge housing program,” Pinyan said. “Knowing that the HAY Center has given me housing and the freedom to pursue my own career, my own dreams—especially at a young age—was productive.” County officials said construction of the new campus is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2022 and is slated to wrap up by the third quarter of 2023. Officials noted the project is primarily funded through Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery grants received by the county and the city of Houston.

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HEALTH: BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF TEXAS OFFERING QUALITY, AFFORDABLE PLANS DURING OPEN ENROLLMENT By StyleMagazine.com

he open Enrollment season is here and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) will be offering multiple health plan options — some with $0 co-pays — as part of its continuing commitment to provide quality, cost-effective health care to Texans. The Open Enrollment for the Marketplace ends Jan. 15, 2022 for coverage that begins Jan. 1, 2022. No proof of a qualifying life event is required to buy a health plan during the open enrollment period. “The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the health and economic well-being of so many Texans is a reminder of how important it is to protect your health and that of your family,” said James Springfield, BCBSTX president. “We are proud to offer affordable, quality health plan options in every ZIP code in Texas’ 254 counties. These plans can be accessed through an unrivaled network of providers and facilities and some individuals may be eligible for financial assistance.” In the Dallas and Houston regions, BCBSTX is offering plans where nearly half of the on-exchange population may qualify for a $0 monthly payment after subsidies are applied. In fact, subsidies helped 92% of Texans lower their monthly bill in 2020 for plans purchased on the exchange. BCBSTX also is working with members, families, providers, and communities to expand access to value-based care models such as the MyBlue HealthSM plan, which features the Sanitas Medical Center in the Dallas and Houston regions. The MyBlue HealthSM plan also has been expanded to the Austin and San Antonio areas. In recognition of the access challenges caused by the pandemic, BCBSTX has established multiple resources that customers can use to find out more information about health plan options:

About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) — the only statewide, customer-owned health insurer in Texas — is the largest provider of health benefits in the state, working with nearly 80,000 physicians and health care practitioners, and 500 hospitals to serve more than 6 million members in all 254 counties. BCBSTX is a Division of Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC) (which operates Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans in Texas, Illinois, Montana, Oklahoma and New Mexico), the country's largest customer-owned health insurer. Health Care

Service Corporation is a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

For more information visit:

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• BCBSTX will host virtual open enrollment seminars across Texas with Think Blue who can provide guidance in English and Spanish. • Access to BCBSTX’s Premium Tax Estimator • Access to the retail shopping cartexternal linkto explore plans. • Customers can schedule a virtual one-on-one appointmentexternal link or register for a virtual educational seminarexternal link. •

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o Sunday: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. CT “We are committed to helping our customers stay safe during the pandemic and beyond and ensuring that each member has access to affordable healthcare coverage during these unprecedented times — and throughout their health care journey,” said Springfield.

The point of it all? Helping each other. Through it all.

Enroll Now at ActNowTX.com A Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association

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MEGAN THEE STALLION: USING HER EDUCATION TO GIVE BACK TO HOUSTON By Jo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor - www.StyleMagazine.com

Megan The Stallion, college graduation celebration with TSU's President Dr. Lesia Crumpton-Young, Congresswomen Sheila Jackson Lee and others. (Photos Courtesy of Megan Pete & TSU's social media platform)

aving an education can help elevate you to heights unknown and take you places beyond your imagination. Gaining knowledge can be a dream achieved driven by many reasons. You may pursue your education to increase financial wealth, honor a family legacy, and/or support your community. Education has the potential to provide you with endless opportunities. The class of 2021 armed with their education can now take their chance to change the world. Among the sea of graduates at Texas Southern University was Texas born, Houston raised, Grammy award winning rapper, and humanitarian Megan Thee Stallion but on her graduation day she was Megan Jovon Ruth Pete. With her signature tongue sticking ad-lib Megan took her walk across the stage to receive her Bachelor of Science degree from the smiling new Texas Southern University president Dr. Lesia Crumpton-Young. Posting photos in the traditional graduation regalia, Megan tweeted, "We did it hotties." Earning this degree is extremely emotional and personal for the rapper as it was a goal she wanted for herself but also to honor the sacrifice of several family members. She vowed to never give up on her education despite her growing entertainment career. Her mother played a very influential role in her life and she made sure Megan knew how important it was for her to gain her education. It was one of the reasons

why she said Megan could not pursue a rap career until she turned 21. Her grandmother was another influential person who was a teacher. She stayed on Megan as a constant reminder for her to stay the course until graduation day. Fortunately for Megan both women were able to see Megan pushing towards her dream of earning a degree even though they didn't physically see her to the finish line. Both women died in 2020. Her mother, Holly Thomas, passed first after a long fight with brain cancer and her grandmother followed some weeks later. Her father also died while she was still in high school when she was 15. "I know my parents are looking down on me so proud. Thank you to everyone for all the love today," Megan posted on social media after walking the stage. Unlike some celebrities who receive honorary degrees, Megan actually put in the work herself to earn her degree. Attending school part-time, she started her journey at the historical black college, Prairie View A&M University, and then went on to a few community colleges. After a hiatus, Megan later transferred to another HBCU, Texas Southern University, to finish out her education. She would study on the way to shows, after shows and even waking up early to get the work done. The award winning rapper said in an interview, "School is hard and online classes are really

December 16, 2021 - December 22, 2021

hard too." Megan said the pandemic helped her a lot. She was already attending classes online but being quarantine as a result of the pandemic helped her to stay focused with no distractions. With her earned degree in health administration Megan hopes to open a senior living facility and let her classmates run it. She considers this her way of giving back to her community while also helping her fellow HBCU grads earn some money. Taking care of her hometown of Houston is something Megan treasures and considers her responsibility. "I really wanted to be an administrator over a hospital, but I new I still wanted to be Megan Thee Stallion. I was like, "What can I do?" I was like, 'You know what, I'm gonna open an assisted living facility and use the money that I make from rapping to open it. Then I'm gonna let my classmates run it.'" Megan has a heart for her city and looks for ways to support the citizens of one of the largest cities in the state of Texas. In the past, Megan has given over $15,000 to the Houston Food Bank Portwall Pantry to assist families with getting food during the holidays. Also she has committed herself to a six-figure donation to Houston Random Acts of Kindness charitable organization through her partnership with Popeye’s, where she has her own hot sauce, franchise and co-branded merchandise.

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Megan The Stallion, honored at Humanitarian. Acts like the above show how much Megan cares for people and their welfare. Hence why Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee awarded Megan with the 18th Congressional District Humanitarian Award. Lee said the award is given only to a few people making it an award of special promise and special history. "We are nothing in this nation if we don't help our fellow brothers and sisters," said Congresswoman Lee. Taking care of Houstonian is one of Megan's passions. "It's my responsibility to take care of the city that took care of me." She continued, "My grandma always taught me to be kind and giving. I learned that from her. Her grandma would no doubt be proud of her granddaughter and how she is using her education to

Megan with TSU's President Dr. Lesia Crumpton-Young,

help other achieve the same. A scholarship fund has been set up in Megan's name to provide a pathway to education for current and future Texas Southern University tigers. Visit tsu.edu/megan to donate. The San Antonio born entertainer her numerous platinum single, Grammys, and other awards and honors. She is an ambassador for Revlon and Mielle Organics. She has marketing campaign with some amazing brands like CashApp. Nike, and Fashion Nova. All of that fails in comparison to her being a college graduate. Describing her experience as a roller coaster ride she encourages everyone to follow in her footsteps. "Don't get discouraged. You can chase your dreams and your education at the same time," said Megan.

Truer words could even be spoken. To all the dream chasers we say go after for whatever you want to do whatever you to become whoever you want. This world is yours! On behalf of Houston Style Magazine, congratulations Megan and the entire class of 2021 at Texas Southern University and colleges and universities everywhere!

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December 16, 2021 - December 22, 2021

HEALTH ALERT: CONFIRMED OMICRON CASES REPORTED IN THESE HOUSTON-AREA COUNTIES By www.StyleMagazine.com

ealth officials are confirming more cases of the omicron variant of COVID-19 across the Greater Houston area. The first reported case in Texas was detected in Harris County on Dec 6. As of Dec 10, at least three counties in the Houston area have confirmed cases of the variant that was first reported in South Africa.

City of Houston Dec. 8: Houston Methodist reported its first eight cases of the omicron variant that were discovered through genome sequencing testing. Dec. 9: Houston Methodist reported a ninth case. All nine of those infected tested positive for COVID-19 in early December. The hospital didn't say whether the patients were vaccinated or how severe their cases are. They did say the patients live all over the city. RELATED: Houston Methodist says patients infected with omicron variant are from all over the Houston area “It is clear Omicron has been in Houston since at least Nov. 29 based on wastewater sampling, but it was likely here sooner,” said Dr. David Persse, chief medical officer for the City of

(Courtesy Adobe Stock) Houston. “This timeline is remarkable since South Africa’s rise in cases began the week of Nov. 13 and the World Health Organization identified it as a variant of concern on Nov. 24.” Dec. 10: The Houston Health Department reported two additional cases of the omicron variant: A woman in her 20s and a male in his 30s. Neither had traveled recently. No other details were given. Dec. 11: Houston Methodist re-

ported another 12 cases of omicron, bringing the total from the hospital system to 31. Harris County Dec. 6: Harris County reported the first case in Texas on Dec. 6. County Judge Lina Hidalgo said the woman is in her 40s, lives in the northwest part of the county, and hadn't traveled recently. Fort Bend County The first confirmed cases of the

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omicron variant of COVID-19 have also been reported in Fort Bend County, according to the health department there. All three people had received two COVID-19 vaccines, but not a booster, and reported only mild symptoms. They all said they hadn't traveled recently. Galveston County The Galveston County Health District reported that county's first known case of the omicron COVID-19 variant on Dec 10. Health officials said that a man between 41-50 years old tested positive for the variant. According to the district, he is immunocompromised and fully vaccinated. He also has no travel history. It hasn't been confirmed if the man is showing any symptoms or has been hospitalized.

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LOCAL: DA OGG HONORED FOR LEADING CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM IN SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT & MENTAL HEALTH By StyleMagazine.com

DA Kim Ogg, Judge Ed Emmett, and the HDAO team tour the Harris Center Mental Health Diversion Center led by the Harris Center CEO Wayne Young

arris County District Attorney Kim Ogg was recently honored with the Lone Star Award from the Association of Substance Abuse Programs, in recognition of her outstanding leadership and distinctive contributions to substance use and recovery support services in Texas. After the award reception, Ogg answered a few questions about her philosophy when it comes to reforming how the criminal justice system addresses mental health. Q: You’ve been called a leader when it comes to the intersection of criminal justice and mental health including substance abuse treatment. What are you most proud of? A: We’ve diverted thousands of people away from jail, and we haven’t seen any

negative impact to public safety. When we stopped prosecuting people for most marijuana cases and there was no trouble in the streets as a result. We diverted the mentally ill from going to jail and created solutions that were bipartisan, like sending them to Ed Emmett Mental Health Diversion Center. I may have received the award, but it belongs to everyone who has worked for these results. Q: What would you say is your guiding principle on this issue? A: The Harris County jail shouldn’t be the largest mental health facility in the state of Texas, as it was for years before my administration. That’s why we’ve now diverted more than 4,000 people from jail, away from violent jail populations where they don’t do well and into stabilizing environments.

Q: You’ve said that in addition to better outcomes for mentally ill individuals, diversion actually costs the county less money? A: Yes. Justice System Partners, a non-profit consulting firm, evaluated the Judge Ed Emmett Mental Health Diversion Program in October 2020 and found, among other things, that for every $1 spent on diversion, the county avoided spending $5.54 on criminal justice costs. Q: Mental health diversion is a just one of the ways your office diverts people from the jail, but your Misdemeanor Marijuana Diversion Program has kept thousands of others from ever going to jail, right? A: Yes, we’re proud that our program

has diverted thousands of people away from jail along with the costs and fees of incarceration and allows them to take a class to avoid penalties saves approximately $18 million annually in prosecutorial and law enforcement budgets. Obviously, some of those people would be better served by being diverted into mental health services and last year, the DAO’s Misdemeanor Marijuana Diversion Program referred 280 people into behavioral health services.

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Harris County is ground zero for

DWI DEATHS. We want you to get home and be able to celebrate with your loved ones this season.

Don’t become a statistic. DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE.

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December 16, 2021 - December 22, 2021

CULTURE: WINTER COLLECTION, ANNUAL POP-UP ART SHOP IN FIFTH WARD By Kathleen Colman, Arts & Entertainment Editor, www.StyleMagazine.com

Center for Centering is a studio for deepening practices in art and life centering around clay. (Photos: Kathleen Coleman)

he CMystic Lyon is an art space and social sculpture in Houston’s historic Fifth Ward. Installations remain on view in and on our storefront 24 hours a day. Additional programming includes payphone call-ins to the artists, physical and metaphysical happenings, community coffees, and events benefitting neighbor endeavors. It is also the home of the Fifth Ward Badminton Club and the founder and host of the Fifth Ward Chamber of Commerce. FB/IG: mysticlyonhtx Center for Centering is a studio for deepening practices in art and life centering around clay. We welcome

all levels of experience and collaborations across media. We have an Artist-in-Residence program for artists not residing in Houston (on hold due to Covid-19) and a Resident Artist Program for artists with which we share an orbit. FB/IG: centerforcentering In addition, Jimmy Castillo’s new mural and artist-in-residence El Franco Lee II’s storefront exhibition will be on view at Mystic Lyon. Mystic Lyon and the Center for Centering are excited to host the sixth annual Winter Collection, a Pop-Up Art Market featuring works by a selection of Fifth Ward artists

and their friends. The event will take place outside of both Mystic Lyon and the Center for Centering located next door. The art shop will be open one-day-only—Sunday, December 19 from 12-4 pm.

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CULINARY: VEGANISM HAS GONE THROUGH A HUGE EVOLUTION By Alexandria Jack, Food Writer - www.StyleMagazine.com

Founder Ken Freeman

n the age of natural healing and alternative diets, veganism has gone through a huge evolution. People are turning to a vegan diet not only to bring awareness to animal cruelty but also to live a more balanced and fulfilled life. The American diet brings up so many questions about health issues, especially in our community. I can go on a long tangent about food availability, cultural healing foods, and conscious eating. Being a vegan has its health benefits, tackles social issues, and gives us control over what goes into our bodies. It is more than just a movement, it's a lifestyle. During the pandemic, we have seen more mention of the pioneers like Dr. Sebi. Whether you are transitioning to be a vegan, a longtime vegan, or, like myself, a vegan enthusiast, we are seeing more options. It's become very communal with more restaurants, food trucks, and even festivals to bring awareness to this way of living. Houston-based festival Vegan Vibez is bringing awareness to the vegan way of life. Vigan Vibesz, created by Ken Freeman, was a way to "educate society on the vegan lifestyle in a fun and entertaining approach." Vegan Vibez Winterfest had all of those elements as you

Owners of Rooted Vegan Cuisin stepped foot into this event. Music, roller skating, vegan food vendors, fresh juices, crystals, sage bundles, and anything that would put you in the healing mood was there and available. One of my favorite parts of the whole experience was a fresh juice tasting from M3l's Haus of Juice. We tried so many refreshing juices and found out the health benefits of each one. My favorite was juice was a toss-up between the Charcoal Lemonade, Cashew Mylk, and the Simple Greens. All of the juices were delightful, and I felt so energized once I was done. Of course, you could not have a vegan fest without food! There were so many food vendors, you were able to choose whatever you were in the mood for. From tacos, sandwiches, We saw vendors like Houstalantavegan (@houstalantavegan), Compatible Delights (@compatibledelights), Soul Food Vegan (@soul_food_vegan), and Drippin Wangz (@drippin_wangz). So great to see a fan favorite featured in the newly opened, District Market Green Grocer, Rooted Vegan Cuisine (@rootedvegancuisine). They were fully stocked with one of the best vegan lasagnas on the market. Hype Juicery was also

December 16, 2021 - December 22, 2021

M3l’s Haus of Juice there debuting their new addition to their menu, The Big Drip! The Big Drip is an elevated acai bowl in half a pineapple with toppings. Sweet to savory to complex items were on display for all pallets. Even if you don't like veggies, you would have still felt the vibez. If you were not able to make it to the Vegan Vibez Winter Fest, no worries because Vegan Vibez is a traveling festival. With events in Los Angeles and Atlanta in addition to Houston, you can be part of a movement. Freeman is not stopping there he plans on spreading the vibez to other cities across the U.S. I know some of us are due for a trip, so why not a vegan trip. Please follow @veganvibezllc to stay up to date on all of their events. Support this much-needed festival because it's the perfect way to introduce yourself and celebrate the vegan way of life.

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LOCAL: SAILOR WISHES FAMILY IN HOUSTON A HAPPY HOLIDAY S

By Stephanie Fox, Navy Office of Community Outreach

ailors help maintain America’s advantage at sea. This means they do not always get to celebrate holidays with their loved ones. A Houston, Texas, native serving in the United States Navy will celebrate the holidays aboard USS Essex. “Holidays are a special time for me,” said Lt. Cmdr. Landerrick Bolding. “As a service member stationed away from my hometown, the holidays are a time of reflection of some of my fondest memories. Christmas 2013 was the day I proposed to my wife of seven years, at the home of my grandmother who passed away earlier this year. New Year’s Eve of 2015 was spent with my parents and two younger siblings. Now my brother is deceased and these memories are all I have left of him.” Bolding hopes others take this as a reminder to appreciate the ones they love. “Use these special times to let people know how important their presence is in your life and how much you appreciate them,” said Bolding. As a member of the U.S. Navy, Bolding, as well as other sailors, know they are a part of a tradition providing unforgettable experiences through leadership development, world affairs and humanitarian assistance. “As a proud service member, I am honored to be associated with a long list of brave men and women whose very presence represent the fighting spirit of our great country and the defense

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866-996-1628 Lt. Cmdr. Landerrick Bolding of freedom and democracy around the world,” added Bolding. “Although great, this occupation and lifestyle has not been without challenges and sacrifices. With that in mind, I ask that you do something special for a military member or military family you may know. While most of you will celebrate this holiday season with family and friends, others will likely have to get through the holidays without their husband, wife, mother or father.”

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Dr. Carla Brailey

r. Carla Brailey announced her intention to run for Lieutenant Governor of Texas. Brailey is a native Texan, civic activist, college professor, mother, and former Vice Chair of the Texas Democratic Party. Brailey issued the following statement: “As a mother, educator, and movement builder, I am proud to announce my run for the office of Lieutenant Governor of the great state of Texas,” said Brailey. “Texans are crying out for change and for leaders that will build a state that cares for all Texans. We intend to build the largest,most inclusive grassroots campaign that the state has ever seen. Our campaign will engage voters in every corner of the state. We’re not just trying to win an election. We’re building a movement. We will unite Texans to bring change, build equity, and protect the rights of everyone in our great state. “I couldn’t sit on the sidelines anymore and watch as Dan Patrick tried to drag our state backwards. As Lieutenant Governor, Patrick hasn’t delivered for Texans. He’s more interested in hateful rhetoric, attacks on our rights, and conspiracy theories. Texans deserve a leader that will put their interests first by building good-paying jobs, high quality education,

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December 16, 2021 - December 22, 2021

Burlington Stores will continue to offer extended hours for shoppers’ convenience. The retailer is open on Christmas Eve, closed on Christmas Day, open on New Year’s Eve, open on New Year's Day. Customers can stay up to date on their store’s hours by visiting www.Burlington.com.

December 16, 2021 - December 22, 2021

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2021

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H AKA - XI Alpha Omega 40th Anniversary H

2021

The program featured Dr. Mia Wright, Dr. Jonita Reynolds, Dr. Glenda Glover, Dr. Polly Sparks Turner, Shirley Fisher, Melinda Spaulding, the Joseph Woodson Band, Jolie Rocke, Britney Taylor, and past chapter presidents. The chapter used their anniversary to assist their neighbors by donating $525 to the 5th Ward Multipurpose Center. Chapter president Chamelia Robinson, event chairman Linda Knight Burkley and co-chairman Pamela McGee have been planning for months.

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H American Leadership Forum H

Annually the American Leadership Forum honors outstanding community leaders for their service the Jaworski Awards. Mayor Sylvester Turner received the Leadership Award and Dr. Marc Boom received the Public Service Award. Both honorees were selected for their leadership throughout pandemic. A big highlight of the awards was the unveiling of their logo. It is part of their rebranding plan to refresh their look.

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December 16, 2021 - December 22, 2021

2021

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H AAMA 16th Gala Celebrates Latino Luminaries H

The legacy of Houston Latino leaders was commemorated when the Association for the Advancement of Mexican Americans (AAMA) celebrated their Illumine Celebration/Celebración de Iluminación. The Illumine Celebration/Celebración de Iluminación is AAMA’s largest annual fundraising event, and this year recognized the contributions of its founders as well as the legacy of the nonprofit organization over its first 50 years.

2021

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H Sleepy Po-Boys Holiday Bicycle Giveaway H

Sleepys Po-Boys hosted its first annual Holiday Bicycle Giveaway to give back to the Houston community, that supported their business throughout the years. The owners, Rene and Nicole Washington, were extremely honored to have the opportunity to put together this event and provide food, fun and early Christmas presents children, no matter what age. Community partners included Diamonds & Pearls Mothers Organization and many helpful volunteers.

December 16, 2021 - December 22, 2021

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December 16, 2021 - December 22, 2021