Houston Style Magazine Vol 34 No 7

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

Arts Editor Kathleen Coleman kathleen@stylemagazine.com

NATIONAL WRITERS

Jesse Jackson jjackson@rainbowpush.org

Roland Martin www.rolandmartin.com

Judge Greg Mathis www.askjudgemathis.com

Erynn Haskins editorial@stylemagazine.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Vicky Pink vhpink@gmail.com

Mike Munoz artrepreneur91@gmail.com

ADVERTISING/SALES

AdVertising emAil advertising@stylemagazine.com

Reuel Williams reuel@stylemagazine.com

Layout Editor Cameron Lee thisiscam6@gmail.com

Erynn Haskins e.haskins90@gmail.com

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Houston Style Magazine & www.StyleMagazine.com

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©2022 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)

AUTOMATIC VOTER REGISTRATION

A SENSIBLE FIRST STEP

By Jesse Jackson, National Political Writer

As Americans, we hail our democracy as a beacon to the world. And all agree the right to vote is the fundamental cornerstone of democracy. Yet in our election last fall, fewer than half of all eligible voters cast a ballot – and that is considered a relatively high turnout. We need a nationwide drive to extend and promote the right to vote, the most fundamental of all political rights in a democracy. Let’s start by automatic voter registration – registering every eligible voter automatically on his or her 18th birthday.

Automatic voter registration would change our elections. Politicians would have to appeal to a far broader electorate, not simply write off those they know aren’t registered. That alone would bring more people to the polls. The millions now expended in drives to get people to register could now be focused on voter education and turnout to vote.

In current elections, the registration and turnout of minority voters is lower than that of white voters, young voters lower than that of seniors, poor and working-class voters lower than that of the affluent. If all were registered, with the possibility of turning out to vote, politicians would have to learn to appeal to their concerns. That in itself would change the substance of our political debates.

Who votes matters. That’s why there has been such a fierce battle over the right to vote throughout our history. After the Civil War freed the slaves, new interracial fusion coalitions developed across the South, often passing major reform legislation on jobs, health care, and education. The plantation elite responded with violence, terrorizing

the newly freed slaves and their allies. Eventually, they implemented segregation – the American version of apartheid – and suppressed the right of Blacks to vote. It took the civil rights movement and the second reconstruction to move the federal government to end segregation. The passage of the Voting Rights Act in 1965 enabled the federal government to protect the right to vote through the South. There was a massive increase in turnout, in voting, and in representation of those previously locked out.

Once more there has been a fierce counter-assault. Conservative Supreme Court justices have led the way. They ruled that money is speech, opening the floodgates to big money in our elections. They ruled that the courts wouldn’t review partisan gerrymandering. They ruled that courts wouldn’t overturn voter suppression laws close to an election, giving legislatures every incentive to pass them. And worse, they have gutted the Voting Rights Act.

This has triggered a surge of voter suppression laws. These include restricted ID laws that dis -

criminate against students, the poor and minorities, limits on early voting days, limits on voting by mail, closing down polling stations in targeted neighborhoods, Prohibitions against providing aid – even water –to those seeking to vote, restricting registration, purging voting lists.

Efforts in the last session of Congress to revive the Voting Rights Act, to curb big money in politics, to make registering and voting easier were all stymied in the Senate by Republican filibusters. Increasingly in these partisan times, we have politicians who believe in democracy but only if the right people vote.

In his State of the Union address, President Biden noted that “For the last few years, our democracy has been threatened, attacked and put at risk. Put to the test here … on January 6th.” “Democracy,” he said, “must not be a partisan issue,” and he called for protecting the right to vote and against political violence in America.

The sacking of the Capitol on January 6 did not succeed. The efforts to deny or overturn the results of the 2020 presidential

election failed. But the continuing efforts to suppress the vote, to make it harder for some to vote and make it easier for big money to influence our elections continues.

In the 1860s, the slave states lost the Civil War; the slaves were freed. But the free states tired in their effort to reform the South. The result was segregation that erased the right to vote for the newly freed slaves. Now, on January 6, the effort to overturn an election failed. But we cannot allow the deniers to reach a similar goal by suppressing the vote and skewing our elections. Once more there must be a democratic movement demanding measures to secure the right to vote. Automatic voter registration at the age of 18 – removing the hurdles of registering separately – would be a sensible first step.

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

BLACK AND LATINO LAWMAKERS SLAM GOV. GREG ABBOTT FOR ORDER LIMITING DIVERSITY CONSIDERATIONS IN HIRING

By Kate McGee, TexasTribune.org

Black and Latino lawmakers decried Gov. Greg Abbott’s recent order to Texas universities and state agencies to strike down diversity, equity and inclusion policies from their hiring practices.

At a press conference Tuesday morning at the state Capitol, lawmakers in the Texas Legislative Black Caucus and the Mexican American Legislative Caucus, representatives with the Texas chapter of the NAACP and faith leaders across the state said the governor’s assertion that DEI policies are illegal is incorrect, a “lie” and a “diversion” from addressing the issues facing Texans.

They also called on the National Football League, National Basketball Association, Major League Baseball and the NCAA to not host championship games in the state until the governor rescinds his guidance to agencies and universities.

Lawmakers said Abbott’s values do not reflect those of Texas and accused the governor of using people of color in a political fight with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis to be the most “Trumpian” politician.

“We will not be complicit in his attempt to use minorities as pawns for his political game,” said state Rep. Ron Reynolds, D-Missouri City, chair of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus.

In a memo sent to state agencies Feb. 6 and first reported by The Texas Tribune, Abbott’s chief of staff,

Gardner Pate, said that diversity, equity and inclusion policies used to screen or vet job candidates are illegal and state agency heads have a “duty” to follow the law. Since then, some labor and civil rights attorneys have said the governor’s office is mischaracterizing anti-discrimination laws.

On Monday, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick also announced that eliminating “discriminatory diversity, equity and inclusion policies in higher education” is one of his top legislative priorities. Reynolds called these priorities misguided and an appeal to a far-right base in the Republican Party.

“They are code for anti-Black, anti-Asian, anti-LGBTQ, the majority of the state,” Reynolds said. “They are slapping us in the face and saying you’re

not welcome here anymore.”

Diversity, equity and inclusion policies are developed to provide guidance in workplaces, government offices and college campuses on how to increase representation and foster an environment that emphasizes fair treatment to groups that have historically faced discrimination. DEI policies can include providing resources for underrepresented groups like people with disabilities, LGBTQ people and veterans. In hiring, they can include setting diversity goals or setting thresholds to ensure diverse candidate pools.

“These offices don’t exist to be racist against white people,” said state Rep. Sheryl Cole, D-Austin. “They exist to foster, affirm, engage and strengthen diverse communities because ultimately

our diversity is our strength.”

Read the full story online at StyleMagazine.com or TexasTribune. org.

Disclosure: Texas Tech University and University of Houston have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. The Texas Tribune is a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.

SAVE A LIFE LOCK UP YOUR GUNS

Members of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus Photo credit: Evan L'Roy

COMCAST ANNOUNCES PREMIERE OF TWO DOCUMENTARIES SHOWCASING THE STORIES OF DIVERSE ENTREPRENEURS

By StyleMagazine.com - Newswire

Founding in Color,” presented by Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs, is a three-part docuseries exploring the candid perspectives and entrepreneurial journeys of 11 Black and Latino founders around the country, and will premiere its second season on February 16 on Peacock and Black Experience on Xfinity.

“The Road to RISE,” a Comcast RISE documentary featuring the trials and tribulations of four small business owners hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, will premiere on the Comcast RISE destination on X1 on Xfinity, February 16.

Comcast is excited to announce two documentaries highlighting the stories of underrepresented entrepreneurs premiering during Black History Month. On February 16, the second season of the docuseries “Founding in Color,” presented by Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs, will be available for audiences nationwide on Peacock and Black Experience on Xfinity. “The Road to RISE” will premiere on February 16. Both documentaries feature the stories of diverse founders from around the country at different stages – from startups to small businesses – discussing

their personal journeys to becoming entrepreneurs and what it takes to succeed as a founder of color in America today. This is part of Comcast’s commitment to championing, advancing, and empowering diverse voices.

“At Comcast, we are committed to amplifying the voices of diverse founders – during Black History Month and throughout the year – through various avenues,” said Loren Hudson, Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Comcast Cable. “We are proud of the work that our teams have done to produce both “Founding in Color” and “The Road to RISE.” We are excited to share these unique and important stories with viewers across

the country and inspire the next wave of game-changing entrepreneurs.”

About “Founding in Color: Season Two”

Created by Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs and REVOLT’s creative agency #000000, “Founding in Color” is a three-part series that dives into the entrepreneurial journeys of 11 Black and Latino founders. These entrepreneurs get candid about the challenges they face and how they’ve had to dig deep to navigate race, identity, and other complexities to survive as founders in America today.

Maisha Burt, WorkChew (Washington, DC)

Ofo Ezeugwu, WhoseYourLandlord

(Philadelphia, PA and Brooklyn, NY)

Marcus Jimenez, Breefly (Denver, CO)

Maryann Kilgallon, Pink Lotus Technologies, Inc. (Orlando, FL)

Shontay Lundy, Black Girl Sunscreen (Los Angeles, CA)

Dustin D. McMahon, Local Sports Network (Houston, TX)

Folasadé Ogunmokun, Unskrypted (Washington, DC)

Lorel Scott, Startup Starter (Los Angeles, CA)

Rodney Williams, SoLo Funds (Los Angeles, CA)

Brandon Winfield, iAccess Innovations (Atlanta, GA)

Chris Witherspoon, PopViewers (New York, NY)

Season Two of “Founding in Color” was produced by Comcast NBCUniversal LIFT Labs’ Aize Asowata, Senior Marketing Manager, and Jeanette Pierce, Senior Director of Marketing Communications; in addition to REVOLT’s Andre Woolery, Senior Vice President of Branded Content, and Bree Balogun, Vice President of Account Management.

MEMBER FDIC

GALVESTON CHURCH AMONG THOSE SELECTED FOR THE NATIONAL INITIATIVE TO PRESERVE HISTORIC BLACK CHURCHES

By Jo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor

The bones of a structure are what make it strong. It needs to be strong enough to withstand hurricane-type winds, blazing hot fires, torrential rains, and other inclement weather conditions. For 175 years, the bones of Reedy Chapel in Galveston, Texas, have been tested again and again. Each time, the chapel was bruised, but it did not crumble. The first church may have been destroyed by fire in 1885, but it was the faith and spirit of the people that kept the church alive. The present-day church was erected in 1886 with such beautiful architecture that one could marvel at the craftsmanship for hours. The chapel has sustained structural damage over the years, but it still stands strong. However, something can only get battered for so long before the wear and tear starts to show. With limited funds, repairs have not been made. Fortunately, the island church is getting some needed funds to restore, repair, and renew it so it can stand for years to come.

Reedy Chapel is the first and oldest African Methodist Episcopal church in Texas, established in 1848. Sitting on land given to slaves by their white owners so they could have a place to worship, early parishioners didn’t even gather inside a building-like structure. However, once a fixture was constructed, the chapel became a symbol of freedom and made its mark on history. The church was named Reedy Chapel after Rev. Houston Reedy, who followed the first pastor of the church, Rev. M.M. Clark. It was on church grounds where enslaved men and women first learned of their freedom under General Order No. 3. Major General Gordon Granger read the federal order freeing slaves on June 19, 1865. Today, that date is celebrated as the Juneteenth holiday. The church also became a place where freed men and women began to envision a better path of life as the church served as a school in which they were educated. Today, the church is an example of what happens when you mix a powerful faith with its people to serve the masses. History such as this can’t be forgotten or washed up. It was treasured and remembered in honor of those who lived it and made sacrifices for it, for those who live today to know how far they have come, and for those not yet born to keep the history alive. The National Trust for Historic Preservation is about the business of preserving the history of all of America. Black history has not always been taught or

considered important, despite the fact that America would not be the country it is today without the contributions of countless Black Americans. The struggle from where Black America started to where it is today is extremely important so that past injustices will not be repeated. History tells us that many struggles were fought in churches throughout the nation. Churches were and still are safe havens and places where Black people came together to organize and plan movements that changed the course of this nation. Many still hold historic artifacts and stories of the past. The National Trust for Historic Preservation's African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund will invest in reimagining, redesigning, and deploying historic preservation to protect the cultural assets and legacies of black churches thanks to a $20 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. Through their Preserving Black Churches program, they want to protect, tell their stories of resiliency and hope, and carry on their missions into the future. Churches may also use funds to hire staff and help the communities they serve with programs that uplift the family.

“Leaving an indelible imprint on our society, historic Black churches hold an enduring legacy of community, spirituality, and freedom that continues to span generations," said Brent Leggs, executive director, African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, and senior vice president, National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Over 1,000 Black churches tackled the lengthy process of applying for the grant and sent their applications off with prayer. Thirty-five churches have now been notified that they are among those to receive the first round of grants, which total $4 million. Churches will receive a range of $50,000 to $200,000 in grant money. Reedy Chapel has learned their grant is for $100,000. Plans for the funds are to restore its masonry, stucco, and stained-glass windows, improve its climate resilience,

and help continue its traditions of gathering and celebrating.

"We focus not only on the preservation of the physical buildings, but also on the profound stories embodied in their walls, landscapes, cemeteries, and beyond. Their role as centers of Black religion, culture, and service is fundamental to understanding the lived experience of Black Americans," said Leggs to Religion News Service. "Our grants will help advance efforts to improve physical conditions so that these churches can open their doors and continue to fulfill their religious missions

and community programs."

Other churches included in the first round of grants are First Bryan Baptist Church in Savannah, Georgia, considered to be one of the oldest African American Baptist churches in the U.S.; Ohio’s Cory United Methodist Church, where Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X spoke in 1963-1964; St. Paul Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, located on the historic HBCU campus of Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee; and Manzanola United Methodist Church in Colorado, built by 50 Black homesteaders in 1915, among others.

More grants will be disbursed as the Action Fund has $80 million in funding, making it the largest U.S. resource dedicated to the preservation of African American historic places. This is such a great way to celebrate and honor Black History. For more information, visit SavingPlaces.org.

Reedy Chapel

SLIM THUG, AMERICAN KING: DINNER WITH SLIM THUG PRESENTED BY BOMBAY

On the night of February 13, several media outlets from the Houston area were invited to attend a private dinner with Slim Thug. In honor of Black History Month, the dinner celebrated Slim Thug for making history for over 2 decades.

Media reps could partake in good drinks, food, and conversation and take photos with the Houston rapper. The event offered a chance to ask Slim anything and everything, and the reps were not shy to ask those very real and raw questions, which Slim humbly answered.

The night kicked off at Juliet Restaurant, and reps were greeted in a private room well set and fit for a family-style meal. Servers provided appetizers and The Bombay Bramble cocktail menu consisted of two specially crafted cocktails – “The Boss Hogg” and “Sugar Daddy Slim”.

Slim arrived shortly after the food was served, and greeted the media reps with a calm, cool, collected vibe in a casual outfit, chain, and shades.

Slim readily answered all the questions, including questions about his recent travels to Dubai and his favorite trip of all, Africa. He also talked about

By Erynn Haskins, Style Feature Writer

his clothing line, Hogg Life, and new project that is set to release soon in collaboration with DJ Michael Watts and Baby Sam. He also talked about his first reality show experience on College Hill: Celebrity Edition. “It was a positive experience”. One show we might not catch him on anytime soon is Love and Hip Hop. Slim jokingly shared that we will not be seeing him on that show, but that he enjoyed his College Hill experience.

Another question was about his upbringing and staying humble as an underground artist. “Don’t get too high and too low. Let people inspire you and keep you going.”

One reporter asked, “When did you think this could be my career?” (referring to award winning entertainment career).

Slim responded, “When my mix tapes sold and I saw it make money. Once I saw that the light clicked and I was like this is it, I took it more serious than anybody. I wanted to take myself to the next level. Doing it your way gives you a confidence seeing yourself sell records. “

Another questioned asked about his thoughts on the importance of mental health.

I’m in survival mode. With black men, I don’t think they get the help that they need, and a lot of people walk around and we quick to say they crazy. We expect them to perform like everyone else and treat him or her like they OK. Honestly it can be deeper than what it looks like on the surface.”

As for the Houston hip hop

scene, Slim described it in one word, “aggressive.”

“A lot of talented people from Houston making big moves, and I just want to see all of us celebrated and keep it alive.”

Slim Thug’s next concert will be at RISE Rooftop on Thurs. Feb 23rd.

Slim Thug with Erynn Haskins

THE SAVOY INVITES COMMUNITY TO SHARE OLD PHOTOS AND MEMORIES OF THE HISTORIC THIRD WARD BAR TO CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Kathleen Coleman, Arts Editor

Meet Me at The Savoy” is a phrase that has been around over the course of 80 years in Houston and still is used today, now with a hashtag, to bring people together at The Savoy, a legendary neighborhood bar deep in the heart of Houston’s Historic Third Ward. The popular bar and restaurant, located at 4402 Emancipation Ave., was built as a neighborhood bar in 1940 and relaunched in 2021 by Black and Long Enterprises. The owners invite the community to celebrate Black History Month with them by spotlighting the historical gathering spot's role in people’s lives and the community over the years. In addition, the Savoy is asking Houstonians to reach out and share old photographs, memorabilia, and stories of the neighborhood staple via their website at www.thesavoyhtx.com.

Photos and stories selected by The Savoy team will be featured at the bar and on social media throughout Black History Month. In addition, families of the selected entries will receive a Free Dinner! The first photo to be featured at The Savoy for Black History Month, courtesy of Lena and Gerald Gilmore, was taken at The Savoy in 1954. Gerald and Lena Gilmore with Roosevelt Kirby at The Savoy in 1954. At the time of the photo, Lena was a 21-year-old student at Texas Southern

University. Gerald was 22 years old and getting ready to attend basic training in the officer candidate school in Oklahoma, one of only two African Americans in the officer training program. The other officer candidate, Roosevelt Kirby, is also pictured in the photo. The photo was taken in August 1954, when Gerald took Lena to The Savoy on a short visit to the officer candidate school.

At the time, social clubs and fraternities would hold dances and events at The Savoy, where there would be a dance with a live band set after noon, coffee cups with Irish Cream on the table, and Savoy liquor under the table. Lena said they frequently went to The

Savoy for the dances and also because you could go to The Savoy and always get a “set-up,” a half pint of liquor, a mixer, share cups, ice, and fresh cherries, long before mixed drinks arrived on the Houston bar scene. Gerald finished basic training in January 1955 and returned to Houston to get Lena in late January. During his short stay in 1954, when this photo was taken, their daughter was conceived, and they married in December 1955.

From 1940 to 2023, the historic Savoy has only had three owners, the last of which is Black and Long Enterprises, who purchased it in 2019, did a full-scale renovation and launched in the fall of 2021. In the previous two years, The Savoy has

quietly evolved from a trendy bar with a food truck to one of the best gathering spots in the Third Ward for hand-crafted signature cocktails, frozen specialties, Mega Drink Towers, and a fantastic menu of elevated scratch-made dishes! The renovated bar and restaurant brings a fantastic new vibe to the historic building, with vintage motorcycle furniture décor and street-art walls, and a large outdoor patio, a staple of the original neighborhood bar, with booth and high-top table seating for up to 250 people. The new Savoy owners also plan to continue revitalizing and growing the iconic Emancipation Avenue Third Ward neighborhood by adding more restaurants and venues for the community to enjoy. To share a piece of history for the Black History Month Celebration at The Savoy, please reach out and share old photographs and stories via their website at www.thesavoyhtx.com

The Savoy, located at 4402 Emancipation Ave., is open from 4 pm-12 am Monday-Wednesday, 4 pm2 am Thursday and Friday, and 11 am-2 am Saturday and Sunday. The historic bar and restaurant have daily Happy Hours and Weekend Brunch and also offers catering and private events with a VIP Room for birthdays, parties, showers, and corporate gatherings.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo recognized talented young artists from across Texas during the School Art Program Awards Ceremony, Saturday, Feb. 11.

Among the honorees were the Class Champions and Reserve Class Champions in the following categories: Colored Drawing, Mixed Medium, Monochromatic Drawing, Painting, 3D, Elementary and Junior High.

2023 GRAND CHAMPION WORK

HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO NAMES TOP YOUNG ARTISTS DURING SCHOOL ART PROGRAM AWARDS CEREMONY

By StyleMagazine.com - Newswire

OF ART

Exhibitor: Mia Huckman

School District: Lamar CISD

Art: Painting, “Our Last Roundup”

2023 RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION WORK OF ART

Exhibitor: Eliza Hoffman

School District: Clear Creek ISD

Art: Painting, “Morning Dove”

This year, about 200,000 students participated in the Rodeo’s School

Art Program, from 105 public school districts and 59 private schools. Teachers sent almost 4,000 pieces of artwork to NRG Center for preliminary judging. The judges selected 809 pieces of artwork to advance to the next round of judging, where 72 students were selected to participate in the School Art Auction on March 12. Winning artwork will be on display in the Hayloft Gallery, located in the lobby of NRG Center throughout the duration of the 2023 Rodeo.

The Rodeo’s School Art Program promotes an awareness of agriculture, Western heritage and Rodeo activities through artistic competitions for students. The School Art Program has recorded approximately 10 million entries since 1965. Learn more about the School Art Program and see the winning artwork at rodeohouston.com.

MEMORIAL PARK

S. PICNIC LOOP

MARCH 24-26 2023

FRIDAY - SUNDAY

10 AM TO 6 PM

FEATURED ARTIST DEWEY JAMES

■ 300 National & International Artists

■ 19 Disciplines of Art

■ 2 Entertainment Stages

■ Active Imagination Zone

■ Craft Beer & Wine Garden

■ Art Installations & Exhibits

■ Food Truck Park

■ VIP Hospitality Lounge

H Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. ® TCAC Convention

HOver the weekend Houston played host to the men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. ® for their 59th Annual District Convention of the Texas Council of Alpha Chapters. A bevy of events were held in conjunction with their business meetings including a blood drive, public meeting, Miss Black and Gold Pageant, and Black & Gold Banquet. Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. ® South Central Regional Director Joya T. Hayes was on the scene to present the fraternity $500 for their educational fund and to accept the Yellow Rose Award.

HHAABSE 36th Teacher Awards Ceremony

HTop Houston area teachers were honored at the Houston Area Alliance of Black School Educators 36th Annual Teacher Awards & Recognition Ceremony. Over 280 teachers were recognized for being stars in the classroom to help their students excel. In addition, several scholarships were presented to high school and college students. Mayor Sylvester Turner was honored with the Living Legend Award. Paula McCain Harris presented the organization $4,500 on behalf of the Astros Foundation.

H Behind the Badge Chairities’ Boots & Badges Gala H

Guys and gals put on their best dubs for the annual Behind the Badge Charities Boots & Badges Gala. Guests enjoyed casino games and a live & silent auction. The nonprofit organization is composed of a board of volunteers who benefit about 2500 first responders from law enforcement, corrections, fire, and emergency medical service para-medics within Fort Bend County.

BLACK-OWNED H-E-B IS PROUD TO SUPPORT Brands

JUST POPPIN GOURMET POPCORN

POPPIN’ WITH FLAVOR

Not all popcorn is created equal. Just Poppin Gourmet Popcorn offers an opportunity to taste the finer popcorns in life. Our perfected recipes, family-led business, and Southern roots manifest in every kernel we produce. Our 8 secret family recipes are handmade daily to give you a rich, tasty snacking experience.

SAVANNAH ROSE SWEET TEA PUNCH

TEA THAT PACKS A PUNCH

A veteran in the catering business, former postal worker and entrepreneur Brenda Powell transformed sweet tea into a delicious punch that keeps guests asking for more. After becoming one of the top 25 products selected in the H-E-B Primo Picks Quest for Texas Best competition, she’s now packaging and distributing Savannah Rose Sweet Tea Punch to H-E-B stores throughout Texas.

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

Brenda Powell, Founder

Jerome and Danya Hall, Founders