Houston Style Magazine Vol 32 No 07 by Houston Style Magazine (HSM)

Houston Style Magazine February 11 – February 17, 2021

Houston’s Premiere Weekly Publication, Since 1989

Volume 32 | Number 07

OWN Spotlight On Fatherhood • February 23rd H

Complimentary

Jesse Jackson

It’s Time For Action To Provide Relief For Hurting Americans

Dr. Benjamin Chavis, Jr.

H-E-B HAS BLACK-OWNED JINKA

Race and Data Discrimination Covert Form Of Racism In America

Words By Jo-Carolyn Goode

STAY HOME H WORK SAFE CORONAVIRUS – US NUMBERS: Cases: 27,953,578 Deaths: 485,283

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Twitter: @HoustonStyle

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Comcast RISE To Grant $1 Million In Houston

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Michelle Obama’s New Cooking Show

Benjamin Oliver Davis, Sr. Open The Door In America For Blacks In Military

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

Week of February 8, 2021

1. HCC - North Forest 6010 Little York Rd, 77016 Drive-thru | Nose self swab -Monday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Appointment not required but available via doineedacovid19test.com. 2. Acres Homes Multi-Service Center 6719 W. Montgomery Rd, 77091 Drive-thru/walk up | Nose self swab -February 9-13: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. No appointment required. 3. United Memorial Medical Center 510 W Tidwell Rd, 77091 Drive-thru | Healthcare nasal swab -Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. No appointment required. 4. METRO Addicks Park & Ride 14230 Katy Fwy, 77079 Drive-thru | Nose self-swab -Wed, Fri, Sat: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. -Tues, Thurs: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Call 832-393-4220 for access code. 5. Memorial Park Running Trails Center 7575 N. Picnic Lane, 77007 Walk-up | Mouth self swab -Daily: 8 a.m.—5 p.m. Appt. required via curative.com. 6. HCC - Northeast 555 Community College Dr, 77013 Drive-thru | Mouth self swab Appointment not required available via docshealthtesting.com.

7. Minute Maid, Park, Lot C 2208 Preston St. Drive-thru/walk up Mouth self-swab -Saturday-Wed: 8 a.m.—4 p.m. -Thursday-Friday: 12 p.m.—8 p.m. Appointment not required but available via curative.com. 8. LeRoy Crump Stadium 12321 Alief Clodine Rd, 77082 Drive-thru | Healthcare nasal swab -Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Appt. not required but available via texas.spartancovidtesting.com. 9. PlazAmericas 7500 Bellaire Blvd, 77036 Drive-thru | Healthcare nasal swab -Monday-Friday 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. No appointment required. 10. Southwest Multi-Service Center 6400 High Star Dr, 77074 Drive-thru | Nose self-swab -Monday-Saturday: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Appointment not required but available via doineedacovid19test.com. 11. Miller Outdoor Theater 6000 Hermann Parkm 77030 Walk-up | Mouth self swab -Daily: 8 a.m.—5 p.m. (Opens Feb 9) Appt. required via curative.com.

12. Hou. Comm. College-Southeast 6815 Rustic, St., 77087 Drive-thru | Healthcare nasal swab -Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. No appointment required. 13. Alief Regional Library 7979 S Kirkwood Rd, 77072 Drive-thru/walk up | Nose self swab -February 9-13: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. No appointment required. 14. Aramco Services Company 9009 West Loop South, 77096 Drive-thru | Nose self-swab -Wed, Fri, Sat: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. -Tues, Thurs: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Call 832-393-4220 for access code 15. Park Place Regional Library 8145 Park Pl Blvd, 77017 Drive-thru/walk up | Nose self swab -February 9-13: 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. No appointment required. 16. HCC - South 1990 Airport Blvd, 77051 Drive-thru | Healthcare nasal swab -Monday-Saturday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Appointment not required but available via covidtest.tdem.texas.gov. 17. Multicultural Center 951 Tristar Dr, Webster, 77598 Drive-thru | Nose self-swab -Tuesday-Saturday: 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Call 832-393-4220 for access code.

COVID-19 Call Center: 832-393-4220 houstonhealth.org

February 11 – February 17, 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

NATIONAL WRITERS

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

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Vicky Pink vhpink@gmail.com

#MASKUP!

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)

“On behalf of all Houstonians, I thank the White House for its plan to establish a COVID-19 mass vaccination site at NRG Park in Houston” – Mayor Sylvester Turner

President – Joe Biden H Mayor – Sylvester Turner

VACCINATIONS www.BuildBackBetter.gov

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February 11 – February 17, 2021

COMMENTARY

Americans Can Take Pride In The Super Bowl By Jesse Jackson, National Political Writer

onday night, millions of people across the world watched the Tampa Bay Buccaneers win the Super Bowl over the Kansas City Chiefs. They saw great athletes performing at the top of their profession. They saw a game marked by hard tackling and blocking, fierce runs and complex plays. It was a big night with a big audience. The obvious question is how was the National Football League able to pull off playing the season with 32 teams and then the playoffs and the big game in the midst of a pandemic? To even have a season and a Super Bowl, Commissioner Roger Goodell and the NFL leadership must be applauded for their acts of bold and clear direction. The League elaborated clear rules, and then tightened them in response to what they learned. They required daily testing of the players and staff, conducting more than 1 million tests for COVID-19. That allowed discovery of any infections early and imposition of isolation before the virus spread to others. Every player wore proximity sensors that would record who they came in contact with and for how long. That data allowed league officials to track the footsteps of the infected and identify who else might have been infected. Surprisingly they found no cases of transmission on the field during games, even though players didn’t wear masks. Presumably their rapid movement and the ventilation of open-air stadiums provided additional protection. They issued strict protocols on mask wearing, which the league found

was most effective. Players wore masks in the locker room, in the weight room, off the field, when shaking hands after the game. They drastically limited exposure. All meetings were virtual, not in person. Meals were eaten alone, not in groups. Carpooling was prohibited. Players were separated in buses. Most of all, they enforced the rules. Violators faced fines and other penalties. But the biggest enforcement was self-discipline. Players wanted the season to go on. They didn’t want to be the one who exposed their teammates. They enlisted their families to follow strict rules voluntarily. There was no talk about tyranny. Masks were not seen as a sign of weakness but as a sign of responsibility. And, remarkably, it worked. When the game was played, two teams faced off. Each team had players and coaches and staff of many colors, many races and different religions. They learned to respect one another and rely on one another and to play as a team. They would not have gotten to the Super Bowl without that. Fans cheered for players based on the color of their jersey, not the color of their skin. The playing field was level for all; the rules were the same for all. The game was fiercely contested. Some big-time hits were made. Tempers ran ragged. As Tampa Bay enjoyed the joys of victory, Kansas City dealt with the disappointment of defeat. After the game, the players shared handshakes and good wishes. The winners did little gloating; the losers acknowledged their

February 11 – February 17, 2021

Senate Minority (…formally Majority) Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky

Tampa Bay Quarterback – Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski loss and complimented the victors. Americans can take pride in the Super Bowl, a global event. We can also learn from how the NFL and the players came together responsibly to allow the game to be played in the midst of the pandemic. And how the teams vied fiercely on the field, with clear rules fairly enforced, and accepted the result. We can learn that if we all come together, wear masks, limit exposure, get tested, get vaccinated, we can beat the pandemic. And if we make the rules clear, and the field of play level, we can accept the result. Last night the NFL put on a big show. It also provided a big model and lesson for all of us to learn that if the rules are public, the goals are clear, the referees are fair, the score is trans-

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parent, and the playing field is even we can all compete and succeed or fail on the basis of our talent and skill and not anything else.

You can write to the Rev. Jesse Jackson in care of this newspaper or by email at: jjackson@rainbowpush.org Follow him on at: Twitter @RevJJackson Share this story online at:

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20 | February 4, 2021 |

DEFENDER NETWORK

Speed, reliability, security. The best things do come in threes. When it comes to your Internet, you deserve the best. And Xfinity gives you just that. With gig speeds, you can easily power an entire house full of devices. Plus, you can get a smarter and more secure network with Xfinity xFi. With all your devices connected, protected and running at fast speeds, you can experience Internet like you never have before. And that’s simple, easy, awesome. Go to xfinity.com, call 1-800-xfinity, or visit an Xfinity Store to learn more about gig speed or get started with this offer. Get started with Xfinity Internet

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Equipment, taxes and other charges extra, and subject to change. See details below.

Offer requires enrollment in both automatic payments and paperless billing. Must enroll within 30 days of placing order for advertised offer. Without enrollment, service charge automatically increases by $10/mo. 12-month automatic payment and paperless billing discount appears on bill within 30 days of enrolling. If either automatic payments or paperless billing are canceled during the 12-month period, or if services are added or Internet tier changes, the $10/mo. discount will be discontinued. Ends 3/31/21. Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. New residential customers only. Limited to Performance Starter+ Internet. Early termination fee applies if all Xfinity services (except Xfinity Mobile) are canceled during the agreement term. Equipment, installation, taxes and fees extra, and subject to change during and after agreement term. After agreement term, regular rates apply. Comcast’s service charge for Performance Starter+ is $50/mo. (subj. to change). Service limited to a single outlet. May not be combined with other offers. Xfinity xFi and xFi Advanced Security available to Xfinity Internet customers with compatible Xfinity Gateway. Actual speeds vary and are not guaranteed. For factors affecting speed visit www.xfinity.com/networkmanagement. All devices must be returned when service ends. Call for restrictions and complete details. © 2021 Comcast. All rights reserved. NPA234260-0001

139571_NPA234260-0001 Gig ad 9.75x13 Houston.indd 1

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February 11 – February 17, 2021

1/27/21 6:06 PM

Texas Democrats On The Biden Administration Securing Three New Mass Vaccination Sites In Texas New Locations in Houston, Dallas, and Arlington Wil Vaccinate a Combined 10,000 Texans Per Day By www.StyleMagazine.com – Newswire

he Biden White House announced that they are partnering with the state of Texas to open three new mass vaccination sites to vaccinate up to 10,000 Texans in underserved communities per day. This follows Texas ranking 49th in vaccine distribution due to Abbott’s inability to advocate for Texas, with underserved communities getting less of the vaccines distributed compared to their affluent counterparts. Texas Democratic Party Chair

Gilberto Hinojosa issued the following statement: “The Biden Administration opening three new mass vaccination sites in Texas is an example of the Biden Administration keeping their promises. Biden promised to speed up the availability of vaccines and today, he delivered for Texans. This is what happens when Democrats get elected. Government runs smoother and we accomplish major breakthroughs. “Under Governor Abbott, our

vaccine distribution ranks near the bottom of the country. As Abbott tries to take credit for this major breakthrough, remember that this wouldn’t be possible unless Joe Biden was elected President, and remember that Abbott opposed him every step of the way. In fact, Abbott refused to acknowledge Biden as the winner of the election until after the attack at the Capitol. “We must elect Democrats to continue breakthroughs like what occurred today. When Democrats are elected into office, our communities get

Gilbert Hinojosa – Texas Democratic Party Chair the help and resources we need to build a stronger, more prosperous Texas.”

www.TXDemocrates.org

Biden Adminstration Asks US Supreme Court To Save Obamacare, Flipping Trump Arguments By Ariane de Vogue and Tami Luhby – www.CNN.com / www.StyleMagazine.com

he Biden administration told the Supreme Court on Wednesday that it should uphold the Affordable Care Act, reversing the position of the Trump administration that had urged the justices to strike down the entire law amid the coronavirus pandemic. “Following the change in Administration, the Department of Justice has reconsidered the government’s position,” Deputy Solicitor General Edwin Kneedler told the court in a letter Wednesday. The United States “no longer adheres to the conclusions” in a brief filed by the Trump administration. Kneedler said the federal government now maintains that the law’s individual mandate is constitutional, but even if the court disagrees, it should sever the mandate and allow the rest of the sprawling law to stand. Such a move would maintain the status quo, as the penalty associated with the mandate has been brought down to zero. The case was argued on November 10 and is currently before the justices, with a decision expected by July. The letter marks one of the most substantive reversals the Biden administration has taken, but it does not mean the case will go away. It was originally brought by Republican attorneys general, and the Trump administration later joined on. The challengers argue that the law’s individual mandate is unconstitutional and that every other provision

President Joe Biden of the sprawling 900 page law should fall with it. California, joined by other Democratic-led states, as well as the House of Representatives, supports the law and has urged the justices to leave it in place. The lawsuit concerns a move Congress made in 2017 to cut the penalty for those who lacked insurance to zero as part of the year-end tax overhaul. Critics raced to court arguing that the Supreme Court in 2012 had upheld the law under Congress’ tax power, therefore, since the mandate is no longer tied to a specific tax penalty, it has lost its legal underpinning. Since it was enacted in 2010, the Affordable Care Act has become an integral part of the nation’s health care system. It enacted historic protections for those with preexisting conditions, allowed children to stay on their par-

February 11 – February 17, 2021

ents’ plan until age 26 and has provided coverage to more than 20 million Americans, among other measures. Biden’s Executive Actions On American’s Health Care Wednesday’s move highlights President Joe Biden’s belief that the law is on strong legal footing. Last month, Biden announced he would reopen enrollment on the Affordable Care Act exchanges for three months, announcing that he was signing executive orders related to the law to «undo the damage Trump has done.» The special enrollment period starts on Monday. B i d e n ’s h e a l t h c a r e promises rely on the Affordable Care Act. He wants to expand federal

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subsidies to make coverage more affordable for more Americans -- which Democratic lawmakers have included in their Covid-19 relief bill making its way through Congress. And the President also wants to create a government-run public option to compete with private insurers, though that will face steep hurdles on Capitol Hill. The President is moving quickly to shift away from the changes made by the Trump administration, which sought to weaken the law administratively after Congress failed to repeal it in 2017. The executive order also directs federal agencies to reexamine a multitude of Trump administration actions, including weakening protections for those with preexisting conditions, undermining the Obamacare exchanges and making it more difficult or more expensive to enroll in Affordable Care Act policies or Medicaid. And Biden is asking agencies to look at Affordable Care Act and Medicaid waivers and demonstration projects that the Trump administration approved or put in place that may reduce coverage or undermine the programs, including work requirements. This story has been updated with additional context on Biden’s actions.

www.CNN.com www.StyleMagazine.com

staysmartdoyourpart.com

UNDERSTANDING

THE COVID-19 VACCINES Two COVID-19 vaccines have been authorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for emergency use. As advancements continue in developing vaccines to fight the virus, it’s helpful to understand the similarities and differences between the two vaccines developed by Pfizer and Moderna. Please note: • Like all vaccines, before being authorized for emergency use, medical researchers tested the safety and effectiveness of these COVID-19 vaccines. • Researchers studied the mRNA technology used to develop these vaccines for more than a decade. • Neither vaccine contains a live virus. No vaccine can infect you with COVID-19.

Sources: Harris County Public Health and National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), Division of Viral Diseases

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February 11 – February 17, 2021

Race and Data Discrimination In America By Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. – www.NNPA.org / www.StyleMagazine.com

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr.

oday there is a welcomed breath of fresh political air in Washington, DC even amidst the unprecedented spread of the global COVID-19 pandemic throughout the United States. According to the Biden-Harris Administration the issues of racial justice and equity are now top priorities in a “whole of government” commitment to all Americans, and in particular to African Americans and other people of color communities. Most recently the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) had a special onthe-record briefing from the White House Office of Public Engagement directed by The Honorable Cedric Richmond who is also Senior Advisor to President Joe Biden. As we heard Richmond strongly reaffirm the Administration’s urgent push to have the U.S. Congress to enact the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan that promises to respond to the nation’s pandemic and economic crisis respecting the principles of equity, I thought reflectively about all the various racial disparities, discriminations, and inequities that daily have a negative impact on Black America. Yet, in 2021 we live in the age of data where the aggregation, control, and ownership of data continues to have enormous social and economic consequences for those who are poor and marginalized. One preexisting condition that has not gotten enough public attention and debate is the issue of the intersection of race, data discrimination, and inequity in America. Data discrimination is a covert form of racism that is having a devastating overt impact on the quality for life of African Americans and others who continue to face systemic inequity.

It is relevant to note that the largest credit reporting agency in the U.S. is Equifax. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Equifax actually has become more profitable at the expense of millions of Americans who are struggling to survive to make ends meet. As a consequence, we must begin to raise questions about the apparent linkage of the expanding credit reporting industry to the growing financial inequities especially in African American communities. As credit reporting booms while most Americans are experiencing financial hardship, Equifax’s “Work Number” workforce division is turning in record profits by raising costs on consumers. The Work Number is a user-paid verification of employment database that was acquired and now owned by Equifax. This database allows credentialed verifiers to receive instantaneous electronic confirmation of an individual’s employment data and income for verification purposes. Today Equifax’s Work Number is charging $49.95 for the cost of an Income and Employment Report that is nearly three times what the cost of the report was six years ago at ($18). The U.S. credit reporting industry generated over $12 billion in revenue last year, according to research from IBISWorld, and the market size is expected to grow another 3.7% next year. The three largest agencies—Equifax ($EFX), Experian ($EXPGY) and TransUnion ($TRU) —accounted for more than 50% of the total revenue. The industry’s growth is driven by a unique business model, which provides a dual revenue stream from consumer data. Businesses pay credit bureaus to collect employee information and manage verification requests, like those generated when an individual seeks to obtain a loan from a bank. Agencies then charge requesting parties for the personal information, generally on a per-request basis, which is frequently passed onto the consumer. Equifax, despite its 2017 data breach that impacted 147 million people, continues to be the largest player in the space. The company claims to have records on over 222 million U.S. consumers and receives weekly payroll data on a third of the U.S. population. Equifax’s Work Number has benefited from the spike in unemployment caused by the Coronavirus pandemic. With millions of Americans out of work,

February 11 – February 17, 2021

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demand for verification services has surged as creditors seek to determine employment status of loan holders and potential loan candidates. We all know that African Americans have the largest increase in un unemployment before and even more since the beginning of the pandemic. African American owned businesses have had the greatest financial losses amidst COVID-19. The more unemployment in Black America, the more Equifax’s Work Number data is purchased by a wide range of financial status verifiers. But who is monitoring or challenging the accuracy of the Equifax Work Number data especially when it about African Americans? According to Equifax’s quarterly financial reports, The Work Number generated nearly $377 million in revenue during the third quarter of last year, a 57% increase year-over-year and the second consecutive quarter of more than 50% growth. Between 2012 and 2020, The Work Numbers’ verification services revenue jumped nearly 400%. Largely driving The Work Number’s growth is its dominance in the mortgage lending market, which accounted for 31% of the division’s revenue mix throughout last year. The Work Number controls over 380 million current and historic consumer data records, including 100 million added between 2019 and 2020. That scale provides immense leverage over the mortgage lending industry. “We have real scale in the business, which provides a competitive advantage,” Equifax CEO Mark Begor said on the company’s earnings call last October. “We’re now having a billion companies deliver data to us on a period basis. That makes this data set very, very valuable and tough to replicate. And if you’re one company, then you’re likely not going to give the data to two companies. You’re going to give it to the company that’s been in it for long time.” I ask Mark Begor a simple but serious question: “What verifiable safeguards are in place at Equifax Inc. that prevent racial and data discrimination with respect to African Americans and other people of color?” Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. is President and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and Executive Producer/Host of The Chavis Chronicles, PBS TV Network

BENEFITS OF

GETTING THE COVID-19 VACCINE Discover the benefits of getting the COVID-19 vaccine. The CDC dives into what is currently known and why it’s important to get vaccinated.

COVID-19 vaccination will help keep you from getting COVID-19 • All COVID-19 vaccines currently available in the United States have been shown to be highly effective at preventing COVID-19. • Based on what we know about vaccines for other diseases and early data from clinical trials, experts believe that getting a COVID-19 vaccine may also help keep you from getting seriously ill even if you do get COVID-19. • Getting vaccinated yourself may also protect people around you, particularly people at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. • Experts continue to conduct more studies about the effect of COVID-19 vaccination on severity of illness from COVID-19, as well as its ability to keep people from spreading the virus that causes COVID-19.

• Getting COVID-19 may offer some natural protection, known as immunity. Current evidence suggests that reinfection with the virus that causes COVID-19 is uncommon in the 90 days after initial infection. However, experts don’t know for sure how long this protection lasts, and the risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19 far outweighs any benefits of natural immunity. COVID-19 vaccination will help protect you by creating an antibody (immune system) response without having to experience sickness. • Both natural immunity and immunity produced by a vaccine are important parts of COVID-19 disease that experts are trying to learn more about, and the CDC will keep the public informed as new evidence becomes available.

COVID-19 vaccination will be an important tool to help stop the pandemic • Wearing masks and social distancing help reduce your chance of being exposed to the virus or spreading it to others, but these measures are not enough. Vaccines will work with your immune system so it will be ready to fight the virus if you are exposed.

COVID-19 vaccination is a safer way to help build protection • COVID-19 can have serious, life-threatening complications, and there is no way to know how COVID-19 will affect you. And if you get sick, you could spread the disease to friends, family, and others around you.

• The combination of getting vaccinated and following CDC’s recommendations to protect yourself and others will offer the best protection from COVID-19.

• Clinical trials of all vaccines must first show they are safe and effective before any vaccine can be authorized or approved for use, including COVID-19 vaccines. The known and potential benefits of a COVID-19 vaccine must outweigh the known and potential risks of the vaccine for use under what is known as an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA).

• Stopping a pandemic requires using all the tools we have available. As experts learn more about how COVID-19 vaccination may help reduce spread of the disease in communities, CDC will continue to update the recommendations to protect communities using the latest science.

Source: CDC

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February 11 – February 17, 2021

H-E-B Partners With Local Couple To Expand Their Entrepreneurial Dreams H

By Jo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor – www.StyleMagazine.com

ope is something that is sought when desperation sets in. The source of that anguish can be from all sorts of things. For Kim and L. J. Williams their sense of despair was from a health scare. During a time in their lives when they were the happiness celebrating the birth of their second child, they got hit with the news that Kim was prediabetic. That is a condition where one’s blood sugar level is higher than normal but not too high for a diagnosis of Diabetes. Kim was looking at a future where her heart, blood vessels, and kidneys could suffer long-term damage. L.J. did not want that future for his wife and they both needed a bit of optimism to see beyond the illness. The Williams found hope when they learned that one’s fate with prediabetes may be turned around by making dietary changes, increasing physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight. Armed with the facts, L.J. got to work saving the life of his wife and in the process starting a business and gaining a new purpose in life. With a laser focus and the future of his wife’s health, L.J. went to work researching herbs and organic products and their healing properties. As he read and documented his attention was drawn to Jinka, a natural anti-inflammatory product. Leaning hard on his faith and artistry, L.J. crafted a formula that combined nine ingredients – premium turmeric, ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, pink Himalayan salt, coconut oil, egg, sugar, and alkaline water – to develop Jinka. “We were guided by our ancestors,” said L.J. who professed that neither he nor his wife had a medical background. “I knew what I wanted to attack.” Diabetes had better watch out. L.J. was hot on its trail. Kim began taking Jinka on a regular basis and within a few months they saw the results they were seeking. It was just what they wanted. Kim’s pre-diabetic diagnosis was no longer something they had to focus their energy on. Her inquisitive doctor asked what changes, did she make. Proudly, she said taking Jinka.

Continually use of the product and research revealed to the couple that it was much more powerful than previously thought. Jinka, specifically the turmeric element in the product, had healing properties far greater than anti-inflammatory. *Reduces inflammation – Inflammation is the reaction of your body to foreign material in your body. Jinka contains numerous minerals and vitamins including Curcumin. It is that ingredient that gives the product the ability to reduce inflammation. *Promote Heart and Cell Health – According to their website, Jinka enriches the general health of the cardiovascular system by enhancing the blood vessel’s lining. When the endothelium is functioning well the blood pressure is then under control reversing the progression of heart disease. Houston area cardiologist, Dr. Baxter Montgomery, stands behind the claim according to the couple. Dr. Montgomery, who specializes in reversing and preventing life-threatening illnesses, regularly advises his patients to take Jinka. His patients constantly tell him how well the product worked for their heart health and other benefits. *Lower Cholesterol – Curcumin, the element in Jinka, acts as an antioxidant to control LDL oxidation thereby keeping it useful versus destructive. LDL receptors are raised to help provide LDL cholesterol extra space to function thereby stopping the flow of it going into the blood capillaries and oxidizing. *Assist in Pain Relief – Pain in the body is decreased when taking Jinka because of its antioxidant anti-inflammatory properties that impacts

February 11 – February 17, 2021

Kim and L. J. Williams– Founders of I LOVE JINKA offset free radicals that are responsible for the deconstruction of cell membranes and healthy cells. “We believe inflammation is the root of all disease. So, whether that is something as big as cancer, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, if you can rid the inflammation, you could potentially reverse the disease,” said Kim. Just when Kim and L.J. thought they had Jinka all figured out, an added bonus was discovered…weight loss. Some of the herbs in Jinka act like an appetite suppressant making Jinka have five health benefits. Although Kim and L.J. will tell you again and again that they are not healthcare providers but they are individuals who want better for their

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community. They want to stop seeing people die from preventable illnesses. This is what motivates Kim and L.J. to push their product so hard because people don’t have to needlessly suffer. There is help and Jinka is the help. Time and time again their customers tell them about things they couldn’t do because of an ailment and now they can. Or how they had high blood pressure and now they don’t. Or even how they were taking 10 medications daily and now only take two. People who are known to suffer from eczema, arthritis, low testosterone, high blood pressure, Leukemia, cancer, Lupus, and more have praise reports about how their medications have been reduced, how they have renewed energy, and how it healed their body. Jinka is a real solution to real problems

JINKA – ‘Earth Born’ Premium Turmeric + Plus, 60 Vegan Capsules with real life-changing results. Kim and L.J. knew Jinka worked for them. They also knew it worked for their family and friends. It was time to take the business on the road selling at mom and pop shops, community fairs, and festivals. James Harris, H-E-B’s Director of Diversity & Inclusion and Supplier Diversity, happened to be at one of those community events when Jinka caught his eye. Harris was already somewhat familiar with the product as he heard about it from a fellow H-E-B employee who was taking it. The employee must have been really convincing because Harris wanted to know more about Jinka. The more he learned the more he thought about how H-E-B customers could benefit from the product. He must get Jinka on the shelves of H-E-B. H-E-B executives loved the product and started stocking their shelves with it. Harris couldn’t have come across Jinka at a better time. COVID-19, like many other things, caused H-E-B to cancel their annual Quest for Texas Best statewide competition that searches for the best culinary creations. Winners of the competition win cash prizes and space on H-E-B shelves. Since the first competition in 2014, over 3,000 products have been considered as Texas’ best with almost 450 products getting the coveted title.

However, the pandemic made the grocer executives think differently about how they were going to find new brands to showcase in their store. Meanwhile, Kim and L.J. had their eyes on H-E-B for several years but never made that right connection. They believe it was divine intervention of the most organic kind that allowed their paths to cross with Harris. Although their journey has started out different than most, it has been nothing short of amazing. Having Kim and L.J. join the H-E-B family has helped H-E-B and the community in several ways. The grocer’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is further reached with the Black-owned small business sector by adding another company to their fold. Customers have access to another product to improve their well-being. Jinka makes history with it being the first Black owned product in H-E-B’s health and wellness section. Finally, H-E-B is growing the economy by supporting another small business. “H-E-B created a space to bring in more Black products,” said Kim, who is a serial entrepreneur with her husband. ”We can’t go wrong with this partnership. So we are excited to just learn.” H-E-B fully supports entrepreneurs that they bring on board. Advi-

JINKA – ‘Earth Born’ Premium Turmeric + Plus, 16oz Cream sors walked business owners through the ropes of operating a business and staying in business. Kim exclaimed that H-E-B has been so generous with the opportunity as she has learned so much. “I have a heighten awareness of excellence in every area,” commented Kim. “ I have learned to be very clear and direct with what I want.” That mindset has paid off in a major way for the Williams as they have achieved their goals and more. In the beginning, Jinka was something for his wife to save their family, now their mission has become all about giving back to the community that has given them so much. Now the Williams can be found promoting Jinka but more so educating people on the health benefits of natural herbs and helping other Black-owned entrepreneurs. “We are very clear about not being ok that we are the only ones in the room,” stated Kim. L.J. knows how blessed his family is to be given such a life-changing opportunity to work with H-E-B. But they also know that there are other Black business owners dreaming the dream that they are now living today. “Often we share with other brands the knowledge that we are learning. We are available for questions. We encourage people that don’t have products to develop products because we

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know what this space can bring.” Kim continued, “Also, we encourage people that have products that have been doing them for years within the family that haven’t thought about maybe batching it and making it a product. So right now a lot of it is sharing the knowledge that we are learning.” The cycle that this partnership created with reaching to one and having them reach out to someone else is how H-E-B continues to make things better by being the change they want to see in the world. Their new initiative, Be the Change amps up their inclusion and diversity program to make them a better retailer, employer, and community partner to build the economy, provide more opportunities, and put underrepresented businesses on an equal level. Kim and L.J. are proud to be apart of H-E-B’s change and are ready for where this journey takes them. For more information about Jinka, contact L.J. at (409) 678-3312 or email him at: admin@ILoveJinka. com. Check them out on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

www.HEB.com www.ILoveJinka.com

February 11 – February 17, 2021

Mayor Turner and Comcast Announce The Comcast RISE Investment Fund, Which Will Award $1 Million In Grants To BIPOC-Owned, Small Businesses In Houston By Jo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor – www.StyleMagazine.com

Sylvester Turner – Mayor Of Houston

Mayor Of Houston and Team COMCAST - Houston Announce The Second Round Of RISE Investment Fund

ayor Sylvester Turner and Comcast announced the Comcast RISE Investment Fund, which will provide $5 million dollars of grants to hundreds of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-owned, small businesses in five cities nationwide, including $1 million in Houston. Beginning on March 1 through March 14, eligible businesses in Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Houston and Philadelphia specified areas can apply for a $10,000 grant at www.ComcastRISE.com. A total of 100 grants per city, or 500 grants overall, will be awarded in May 2021. The Investment Fund is the latest extension of Comcast RISE, the multi-year, multi-faceted initiative launched in October 2020 that initially focused on black-owned, small businesses and then extended to BIPOC-owned to help those hardest hit by COVID-19. On hand for the announcement were Martha Castex-Tatum, Houston Vice Mayor Pro-Tem and District K Council Member; Michael Bybee, Director of External Communications for Comcast; Frances Castañeda Dyess, President of the Houston East End Chamber; Tammi Wallce, Co-Founder and President & CEO of the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber; Moises Solis, Chairman of the Camara de Empresarios Latinos de Houston; Carol Guess, President of the Greater Houston Black Chamber; and Paul Gor, Director of Community Development for the Asian Chamber of Commerce. Comcast is announcing a $5 million grant program as part of Comcast RISE, which launched in late 2020 to provide Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC)-owned, small businesses with the resources they need to navigate the challenges of the pandemic. The Comcast RISE Investment Fund is focused on small businesses who have been in business for 3 or more years with 1-25 employees. Businesses must be in the following geographic locations to be eligible: Atlanta, GA (Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton,

and Gwinnett Counties); Chicago, IL (Cook County including the City of Chicago); Detroit, MI (also including Hamtramck and Highland Park, MI); Houston, TX (Harris and Fort Bend Counties); and Philadelphia, PA (City of Philadelphia and City of Chester.) Studies show that BIPOC-owned, small businesses have been particularly hard hit by the pandemic, and recent research by JPMorgan Chase Institute found that Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Houston and Philadelphia were in the top markets for sharp declines in local commerce spending. Additionally, the majority of applications for the Comcast RISE marketing and technology services component are from these five cities. To help drive outreach about the program and provide additional support, training and mentorship, Comcast has also awarded more than $2 million to the Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO), Operation Hope, Ureeka, U.S. Black Chambers, U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, National Asian American Chamber of Commerce and nearly 20 community-based organizations in Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Houston and Philadelphia. “BIPOC entrepreneurs need access to capital along with the training resources and networks that are so critical to success,” said Dalila Wilson-Scott, executive vice president and chief diversity officer, Comcast Corporation and president, Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation. “Through the Comcast RISE Investment Fund, we are investing in BIPOC-owned, small businesses that create jobs and play a vital role in supporting our communities. The Comcast RISE investments will provide more BIPOC entrepreneurs with the resources and tools they need to scale their businesses and thrive for years to come.” Studies show that BIPOC-owned, small businesses have been particularly hard hit by the pandemic, and recent research by JPMorgan Chase Institute found that Atlanta, Chicago, Detroit, Houston and Philadelphia were in the top markets for sharp

February 11 – February 17, 2021

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Michael Baybee – Director Of External Affairs – COMCAST - Houston 100 Houston Area Minority Businesses To Received $10,000.00 Each For A Total Of $1 Million Dollars MARCH 1, 2

APPLY WHERE: www.ComcastRise.com APPLY WHEN: Monday, MARCH 1, 2021 declines in local commerce spending. Additionally, the majority of applications for the Comcast RISE marketing and technology services component are from these five cities.

www.ComcastRise.com

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February 11 – February 17, 2021

2021

FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH

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H 2021 Social Media Haute Shots + BLACK LIVES MATTER H

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Working In U.S. Capital

Happy Birthday Deavra Daughtry

Houston Chevron Marathon

Texas CROWN Act – HB 392

Leon Spinks – RIP

Superbowl Champ – Tom Brady now has SEVEN rings!

Gabriella Sophia Kronman

Madam Vice President Kamala Harris Working In DC

Tampa Bay Coaching Sqaud

February 11 – February 17, 2021

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Michelle Obama Launching New Cooking Show on Netflix By Alexis Benveniste – www.CNN.com / www.StyleMagazine.com

Michelle Obama – Host Of New Netflix Show – “Waffles + Mochi”

ormer First Lady Michelle Obama is launching a kidcentric cooking show on Netflix. Obama will be a star and an executive producer of “Waffles + Mochi,” which will be available for streaming starting March 16. Geared toward a younger audience, it will feature two puppets, aptly named Waffles and Mochi, and Obama as a supermarket owner. The show will chronicle their journey as they try to become chefs. “With the help of friendly new faces like the supermarket owner, Mrs. Obama, and a magical flying shopping cart as their guide, Waffles and Mochi blast off on global ingredient missions, traveling to kitchens, restaurants,

farms and homes all over the world, cooking up recipes with everyday ingredients alongside renowned chefs, home cooks, kids and celebrities,” Netflix said in a statement describing the premise of the show. The theme of the show closely aligns with Obama’s “Let’s Move!” public health campaign, which was aimed at curbing childhood obesity. As one of her signature platforms, she tried to lead initiatives that helped families get access to healthy, affordable foods and increase their physical activities.

www.Netflix.com

TXU Energy presents Prehistoric Beasts • Opening March 6

XU Energy presents Prehistoric Beasts offers guests an exciting opportunity to take an up-close look at towering predators that once roamed the earth. Come face-to-face with an 8-foot-tall Terror Bird, Sabretooth Tiger with 11-inch-long canines, T-Rex’s larger cousin Giganotosaurus,

and many more. Prehistoric Beasts Member Add-On Pass • Zoo Members: $7.95 Members get a discount on the add-on pass! The pass includes admission to Prehistoric Beasts, a souvenir conservation bracelet, and unlimited carousel rides.

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February 11 – February 17, 2021

2021

FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH

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H 2021 Social Media Haute Shots + BLACK LIVES MATTER H

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee BLACK LIVES MATTER – Support of George Floyd Scholarship

Commissioner Rodney Ellis

Family of George Floyd BLACK LIVES MATTER – Support of George Floyd Scholarship

Carl Davis and Stephanie Square

Carl Davis

Jack Yates National Alumni Association

February 11 – February 17, 2021

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Black Lives Matter

Black Fatherhood Special OWN Spotlight: They Call Me Dad

By www.StyleMagazine.com – Newswire

WN Spotlight: They Call Me Dad,” a one-hour special that celebrates Black fatherhood, is set to return on Tuesday, February 23 at 9 p.m. ET/PT (immediately after OWN’s hit drama series “Queen Sugar”). “OWN Spotlight: They Call Me Dad” OWNis an inspirational one-hour special that celebrates Black fatherhood and the special bond dads have with their children, giving viewers exclusive access to groups of both famous and everyday Black fathers doing the most admirable thing imaginable – being a loving dad. Through a series of deeply personal profiles, the special follows four Black fathers from diverse backgrounds, as they showcase the joys, fears, and fulfillment that being a dad brings while also shifting the narratives for a more accurate representation of Black fatherhood. From braiding hair to coaching sports teams to difficult conversations about how to deal with law enforcement, viewers will get to see parenthood from a father’s perspective. The special will feature NAACP Image Award nominee and favorite “Turn Up the Heat” host Chef G. Garvin who shares that the absence of a relationship with his own father led to decades of resentment before his kids opened up his heart; NAACP Image Award nominated actor Glynn Turman (“Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” “Queen Sugar”) who shares how as the patriarch he had to

Staring Houston‘s Tobe Nwigwe overcome tragedy and stay strong to keep his family together despite their experiences with loss and grief; rapper/singer Tobe Nwigwe portrays how he and his wife put God first and family second while keeping his art as an expression of his life; and journalist/ activist Bakari Sellers who, as the son of a civil rights activist the harsh realities of raising his kids amidst racism in America. The spotlight special also showcases everyday fathers who share their unique parenting styles and explore the different roles that a father plays in his childrens’ lives as hero, mentor provider and protector. The special is executive produced by Oji Singletary and Critical Content.

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Features Celebrity Dads Chef G. Garvin, Glynn Turman, Tobe Nwigwe and Bakari Sellers

www.OWN.com

February 11 – February 17, 2021

2021

FEBRUARY IS BLACK HISTORY MONTH

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H Ashley Turner Said. . .YES To Jimmie Captain + BLACK LIVES MATTER H

Ashley Is Soooo Happy

Dad Mayor Turner, Ashley Turner and mom Cheryl Turner

Jimmie, Ashley and Mom Cheryl

Bryce Congratulates Ashley

Jimmie Fell To His Knee and Ashley Said YES!

Ashley Floating On Air

Ashley and Erica Davis

Jimmie, Ashley, mom - Cheryl and Erica Davis

Ashley Turner Showing The Rock

February 11 – February 17, 2021

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BLACK HISTORY MOMENTS:

Opening Doors For Blacks In The Military By Jo-Carolyn Goode – www.StyleMagazine.com

Syndey Barber

Benjamin Oliver Davis, Sr.

enjamin Oliver Davis, Sr. may not be a familiar name, however, his accomplishments sure are as they opened the door for Black leadership in the military. At 21 years old, Davis entered the army during the Spanish American War as a temporary first lieutenant of the 8th United States Volunteer Infantry.

He became the first African American General Officer in the Regular Army and in the U.S. Armed Forces. Davis served 50 years in the military first starting out as a commissioned officer of the Regular Army. In addition to his many positions in the Army, Davis also served as a college professor of military science and tactics at Tuskegee and Wilberforce

University. In July 1948, he retired from service. Twenty-two years later Davis died and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery. His son followed his father’s footsteps in the military making history himself. Davis Jr. retired as a lieutenant general in the U.S. Air Force becoming the fourth African American graduate of the U.S. Military Academy and the nation’s second African American general officer. The strides of Davis and his son helped to pave the way for soldiers like Midshipman Sydney Barber who like the elder Davis made history when she was 21-years-old. Barber was the first Black Brigade Commander in the 175 year history of the U.S. Naval Academy. Barber entered the ranks of the academy walking in the footsteps of her father who also attended the same academy. Barber does not take the duties of her new role lightly. She knows that she stands on the shoulders of her father and many other leaders before her that had to experienced racism. She has said that she feels extremely humbled to hold this new position.

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February 11 – February 17, 2021

H-E-B IS PROUD TO SUPPORT

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Percy Master P Miller and James Lindsay, Founders

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Music icon Patti LaBelle is expanding her huge frozen foods empire with a new line of soul food including macaroni and cheese, greens, brisket, chicken and biscuits, and pre-made confections and pies like banana pudding cups, vanilla pound cake, and “Somebody Loves You, Baby” chocolate cake.

Philadelphia native James Lindsay started Rap Snacks, Inc. in 1994. After solidifying a comarketing agreement with Universal Records, he grew the company into a five-million-dollar business selling mostly twenty-five cent bags of chips. Rap Snacks are backed by artists across Universal’s repertoire and flavored to perfection.

Percy Creuzot, Jr. founded Frenchy’s Sausage Co. with a unique product known as Chaurice, a delicious Creole hot sausage. As the demand for Chaurice grew beyond his restaurant’s needs in 1977, Frenchy and his family grew it into a full food service distributor that currently services over 200 businesses.

Learn more about these products and other Black-owned brands at heb.com/bethechange

February 11 – February 17, 2021