Houston Style Magazine vol 28 No 9 by Houston Style Magazine (HSM)

Houston Style Magazine Feb 23, 2017 - Mar 1, 2017

Houston’s Premiere Weekly Publication

Volume 28 | Number 9

Complimentary

Jesse Jackson

Tackling Poverty & Segregation

Marijuana

Black Culture In The Age of Weariness

Harris County’s New Marijuana Policy

Amazon

By Brandon Caldwell

Twitter @HoustonStyle

Instagram @StyleMagazine

Sulayman Momodou Celebration

Facebook: Houston Style Magazine

VIBES By SI Swimsuits

Voice Activated Assistant Delivers CPR Instrucions

Playa Blanca Bliss

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

Feb. 23- Mar. 01, 2017 www.stylemagazine.com

Volume 29 | Number 9 | Feb 23, 2017 - Mar 01, 2017

Lost AfricanAmerican Cemeteries 06

10 Playa Blanca Bliss 14 Ryan Destiny

FEATURE WRITERS

EDITORIAL

Francis Page, Jr. Publisher and Editor fpagejr@stylemagazine.com Lisa Valadez Associate Publisher lisa@stylemagazine.com Jo-Carolyn Goode Managing Editor editorial@stylemagazine.com

DESIGN/WEB

Kermit Williams Web Master webmaster@stylemagazine.com Jeffery T. Crump, Jr. Chief Designer webmaster@stylemagazine.com Wil Pharaoh Web/Graphics

NATIONAL WRITERS

JESSE JACKSON jjackson@rainbowpush.org ROLAND MARTIN www.rolandmartin.com JUDGE GREG MATHIS www.askjudgemathis.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS Vicky Pink vhpink@gmail.com 281.857.7635

Roswitha Vogler photosbyrovo@gmail.com 832.876.9541 William Ealy Williamealy1906@gmail.com Semetra Samuel semetra@artistikrebelcreative. com Mike Munoz artrepreneur91@gmail.com Robert Franklin

Rebecca Briscoe National Entertainment Brandon Caldwell Feature Writer/Entertainment Mical Roy – Feature Yolanda Pope – Culinary Dr. Lovell Jones – Health Editor Kim Davis – Sports Erick Cork - Feature Aiaina Mayes – Blogger Demez White – Feature Burt Levine – Political Eric Ford – Fashion Writer De’Neisha Bell – Feature Keandra Scott – Entertainment Cecilia Smith - Entertainment Raegan Boutte - Arts Dr. Abimbola Farinde - Health Franceli Chapman- Entertainment Dr. Kimberly McLeod - Education Parish Blair - Feature Writer Lan– Arts Brionna Rivers - Feature Writer Kim Roxie - Beauty Writer Brandi Neal - Travel Writer Destany Rainey- Feature Writer Andrea Bonner-Fashion Writer Destany Rainey

CIRCULATION

Martin Troupe Distribution Manager 832.884.6716 Willie D. Scott, Jr. Distribution Team 832.343.2992

Minority Print Media, L.L.C.dba Houston Style

Jay Weber Distribution Team 312.330.3866

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

Burt Levine Distribution Team 832.496.0003 Vernon Nelson Distribution Team 832.665.0979 VIDEOGRAPHY Reginald Dominique – Video/Social Media reggiedominique@me.com 225.802.1593 Dale Lemar - Editing ADVERTISING/SALES Lisa Valadez advertising@stylemagazine.com 713-748-6300

©2015 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 2007 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 Members of Greater Houston Partnership(GHP)

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COMMENTARY Tackling Poverty and Segregation, Not Tough Talk, Is the Solution to Chicago’s Woes By Jesse Jackson

onald Trump is fixated on what he describes as the “carnage” going on in Chicago, suggesting that if Chicago’s horrendous homicide rate doesn’t come down, he’ll “send in the feds.” At his recent press conference, he announced plans to create “a task for reducing violent crime in America, including the horrendous situation -- take a look at Chicago and others -- taking place right now in our inner cities.”During his campaign, Trump suggested that he knew the answer for solving the crime problem in Chicago: “How? By being very much tougher than they are right now.” He claimed he met with a couple of top Chicago police officers and one said, “I’d be able to stop it in one week,” if they could take the gloves off. Trump apparently has no idea of just how harsh Chicago police have been on young African-American men. His comments above came in the wake of the protests over the use of force by the police, including the murder of Laquan McDonald that was caught on camera and covered up. Why is the homicide rate so high in Chicago? Actually, it came down earlier in this decade as it did in other cities but has spiked in recent years. Trump defines the situation correctly when he says there are two Chicagos. “There’s one Chicago that’s incredible, luxurious and all -- and safe. There’s another Chicago that’s worse than almost any of the places in the Middle East that we talk about, and that you talk about every night on the newscasts.” Chicago is the most segregated large city in the country. Poverty is concentrated in poor, largely African-American neighborhoods. With concentrated poverty and grotesque youth unemployment, drugs and guns spread and crime and homicide follow. Trump doesn’t say how Chicago got that segregated. It wasn’t an accident. Housing segregation was enforced by urban planning, restrictive zoning and housing covenants. Violence frustrated efforts to push integration. The result is two cities, segregated and massively unequal. In the neighborhoods of concentrated poverty in Chicago, nearly half of the young black men are neither in school nor employed. A dire new study from the University of Illinois at Chicago’s

POLITICAL

Great Cities Institute reported that over 80 percent of Chicago’s African-American 16- to 19-year-olds have no jobs. This is a recipe for violence, gangs and trouble. Some blame gangs and the easy access to guns and drugs. But this is confusing symptoms and causes. “Where do gangs come from? You can’t divorce the gang problem from the problem of deep concentrations of poverty,” says Robert J. Sampson, author of “Great American City: Chicago and the Enduring Neighborhood Effect.” Racially segregated, impoverished communities suffer from having no jobs, no hospitals, poor schools, mean streets, environmental toxins and inadequate housing. The persistence of violence and concentrated poverty in Chicago comes, Sampson concludes, from “extensive social and economic segregation.”The solution to crime and homicides in Chicago isn’t tougher police tactics. Chicago police are already infamous for how tough they are. The solution is a deconcentration of poverty along with revitalization of impoverished neighborhoods. Jobs for young people make a dramatic difference. We need mixed-income housing throughout the metropolitan area. Experiments that moved people from impoverished Englewood to affluent suburban neighborhoods proved remarkably successful. Revitalization of urban neighborhoods and breaking down walls of segregated living patterns requires leadership -- from the city and from the federal government. If Trump truly wants to succeed in reducing homicides in Chicago, he should not only be meeting with the mayor and the governor but also with other elected officials, ministers and community leaders -- offering a major plan to rebuild those neighborhoods and put people, particularly young people, to work -- while opening up mixed-income housing across the metropolitan area. Tougher cops sounds macho, but it’s a posture, not a policy, a diversion, not an answer. You can write to the Rev. Jesse Jackson in care of this newspaper or by email at jjackson@ rainbowpush.org. Follow him on Twitter @RevJJackson.

Marijuana /Photo Dailydot.com

Texas State Capitol/Credit KVUE

Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announced a new marijuana policy that she said would save the county millions of dollars and free up resources to focus on prosecuting violent crimes. The new Misdemeanor Marijuana Diversion Program, which takes effect on March 1, 2017, will divert all misdemeanor marijuana cases involving up to four ounces out of the criminal justice system, instead redirecting low-level drug offenders into a decision-making class. When a suspect is stopped they will be advised of the policy. Ogg’s office will be immediately contacted to ensure that the stop is lawful and ensure that the suspect qualifies. Eligible suspects will then sign an acknowledgement form and agree to take a “cognitive decision making class” within 90 days.

Texas authorities that accused Planned Parenthood of selling fetal body parts cannot withhold Medicaid money from the medical provider, a federal judge ruled Tuesday. Judge Sam Sparks issued an injunction in favor of Planned Parenthood, ruling its lawyers had shown it would likely prevail in its lawsuit against officials in the state’s Heath and Human Services Department.

What You Need to Know About Harris County’s New Pot Policy [ABC13.com]

Judge Blocks Texas From Defunding Planned Parenthood CNN

In December, Texas cut off Medicaid funds to some Planned Parenthood groups. Sparks presided over a three-day hearing in mid-January and issued his ruling Tuesday. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said he would appeal the ruling.

Feb. 23 - Mar. 01, 2017 www.stylemagazine.com

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LOCAL & STATE BRIEFS

Home In Sunnyside Neighborhood / credit KHOU 11

Buffalo Soldiers / Credit Texas Highways

Houston’s real estate market may be booming, but one local group is encouraging homeowners not to sell. Activists with the “T.R.I.L.L. Collective” which they say stands for Truth, Relevance, Intelligence, Leadership and Love urge residents in Houston’s Sunnyside and South Park neighborhoods to hold on to their properties. The group’s founder Ezenachi Rasidi says homeowners are tempted with quick cash offers that are actually lower than what their properties are really worth. Activists are worried many homeowners are taking the quick cash, before researching the full value of selling family homes. Activists believe this neighborhood are being taken advantage of by investors and that future generations may be priced out of the community.

There are still few days in February to celebrate Black History Month. Three museums in Houston don’t stop their celebration on February 28th but continue all year making them the perfect place to soak up some history and culture. The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum honors the Buffalo Soldiers who were a group of former slaves, freemen and black Civil War soldiers who were the first to serve during peacetime. The Community Artists’ Collective is a museum that provides a platform for the work of local black artists with a special sensitivity to African American women artists. The Houston Museum of African American Culture features art that represents the culture of Africans and African Americans across the state and geographical region.

Houston police and SWAT unit members responded to a report of shots fired at Ben Taub Hospital in the Texas Medical Center on Tuesday. Houston Police Department Chief Art Acevedo said SWAT completed two searches of the entire hospital and did not find a shooter or any injured victims. Police returned control back over to the hospital to resume operations, but SWAT officers stated stationed on each floor as a precaution. Chief Acevedo said this was not a mistake and there is a reason multiple people reported hearing a man shout “Drop the gun, drop the gun,” and heard two loud bangs. Chief Acevedo said multiple witnesses described the shooter as a while bald male.

Holy Cross Cemetery/credit KSAT

Lost African-American Cemeteries Located in San Antonio [KSAT.com]

H-E-B Primo Picks Quest for Texas

H-E-B Primo Picks Quest for Texas Best Returns for Fourth Year of Heated Competition [Style Newswire]

State Sen. Kirk Watson/credit Tamik Kalifa

Two lost cemeteries are no longer missing, thanks to Everett Fly, a nationally renowned expert on African-American landmarks. Based on interviews with descendants and extensive archival research from Bexar County to Austin, Fly was able to locate the cemeteries in Northeast San Antonio. The African-American settlements dated back to the post-Civil War era, when freed slaves were able to buy land from their masters. The property was to be developed, so the graves were moved to Holy Cross Cemetery. The land was never developed and now prime real estate. Fly also said after checking records; he determined there was no required permit allowing the remains to be moved. The ancestors of the deceased were never notified about the cemetery being moved, he said. Fly believes a forensic archaeological investigation is needed to determine if any remains were left behind.

Celebrating local foods and all things Texas, H-E-B is searching for the most creative and mouthwatering, Texas-based food and beverage entrepreneurs or small businesses to participate in the 2017 H-E-B Primo Picks Quest for Texas Best competition. Interested creators may submit their unique product details online at heb.com/quest beginning Wednesday, February 22 through Wednesday, April 5, 2017. Participants will compete not only for cash prizes but also for the opportunity to include their uniquely Texan products on H-E-B shelves across the state. H-E-B’s Business Development Managers will determine the top 25 applicants, who will present their products before a panel of judges selected by H-E-B on August 10, and 11, 2017 at the Central Texas Food Bank in Austin.

An Austin lawmaker has proposed a suite of legislation that would protect victims of sexual assault on public and private college campuses and address loopholes in statute. Among the bills that state Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, filed on Tuesday included Senate Bill 967 that would change the definition of consent in sexual assault and aggravated sexual assault charges. Under the bill, a victim couldn’t give consent if the victim is unaware that the sexual assault is happening and is “incapable of appraising the nature of the act,” and if the perpetrator knows the victim has withdrawn consent but continues anyway. The bill also would no longer allow perpetrators to mistake consent if a reasonable person should have known or understood that the victim did not consent.

Sunnyside South Park Neighborhood Fight Gentrification [KHOU.com]

Three Museums to Visit During Black History Month [CommunityImpact.com]

Feb. 23 - Mar. 01, 2017 www.stylemagazine.com

Ben Taub / Fox 26

False Alarm of Shots Fired at Ben Taub Hospital [Fox 26 Houston]

Kirk Watson Files Bills to Address Sexual Assault On College Campuses [MyStatesman.com]

HISPANIC / LATINO COMMUNITY

Daniel Anguilu/credit Happy Marshall Productions

Zoe Saldana/ Instagram

Zoe Saldana New Baby: Actress Surprises With Newborn Son [Latin Times]

More Than One Million Undocumented People Live in Houston and Dallas Combine [Texas Monthly]

Daniel Anguilu moved from Mexico to Houston, Texas and didn’t have a way to connect with the folks in his new home until he fell in with a crowd that did graffiti. That was over 10 years ago and now he is a successful muralist and painter.

Dominican- American actress Zoe Saldana surprised everybody with a photo of her newborn baby boy named Zen Hilario, as she announced on her Instagram account.

A new Pew study shows that the majority of the United States’ 11.1 million undocumented people are spread across just twenty metro areas, with Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth cracking the top five areas with the largest undocumented populations.

Houston Painter Featured in People Magazine for His Artistic Talents [People.com]

He now works full-time as a train conductor so he can pay the bills and maintain creative control of his art. And he has fused his American graffiti roots with Mexican symbols and colors to create his unique murals. Now he is being feature in People Magazine’s web series American Doers, a new 12-part video series featuring original thinkers, innovators, craftspeople, risk-takers and artisans across the United States.

Zoe and her husband Marco Perego shared the news with a lovely picture with their two-year-old boys Cy and Bowie and the newborn in the middle. According to the Dominican newspaper Listín Diario in a recent interview with Zoe’s stepfather, Hilario Dagoberto Galán, he confessed the actress gave her new son the second name of “Hilario” after himself because she maintains a family tradition calling her children after their grandparents.

IN THE NEWS

Pew Study/Getty images 2

Nearly 1.1 million undocumented people live in Houston and the DFW—about 575,000 in Houston and 475,000 in DFW. That lands the two Texas cities at number three and number four, respectively, on Pew’s list, behind only New York City and Los Angeles. Austin rounds out the bottom of the list with 100,000 undocumented people.

ACLU Comment on Harris County’s Termination of 287(g) Agreement By Style Newswire

A Day Without Immigrants Houston

Thousands Gather For ‘Day Without Immigrants’ Rally Held In Houston [KHOU.com] More than 1,000 people attended a rally near downtown Houston in support of the “Day Without Immigrants” movement. The upbeat rally was held in Guadalupe Plaza where people gathered with signs and flags. Most of those present were immigrants from other countries who expressed concern that they will be forced to leave a country they call home. Several businesses in Houston closed their doors as well in support of the movement. The “Day Without Immigrants” movement encourages immigrants not to work or go to school on the day of the rally to protest President Trump’s immigration policy. Through social media, “A Day Without Immigrants” has called for immigrants across the country to rally and protest.

n Tuesday, Sheriff Ed Gonzalez fulfilled a campaign promise and announced Harris County’s termination of its 287(g) Immigration and Nationality Act agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The 287(g) program essentially deputizes selected local law enforcement officers to perform the functions of federal immigration agents within local jails. “We applaud Sheriff Gonzalez’s decision to put an end to this failed experiment in immigration enforcement,” said Edgar Saldivar, senior staff attorney of the ACLU of Texas. “The 287(g) program has only managed to encourage racial profiling, divert indispensable resources away from public safety, and corrode the trust between law enforcement and the communities it is sworn to protect. We call on other jurisdictions throughout the state of Texas to follow Harris County’s example and reconsider their use of voluntary programs like 287(g) that can lead to constitutional violations.” Shortly after the election, the ACLU of Texas sent a letter to Sheriff Gonzalez congratulating him on his victory and offering guidance as to how to go about legally ending the program. The letter also called attention to the practice of

honoring ICE detainers, which are requests to hold noncitizens beyond their release date. The practice raises serious constitutional concerns because detainers are not warrants and do not satisfy probable cause. “The 287(g) program is a perfect example of how not to go about enforcing immigration law, and we’re delighted that Sheriff Gonzalez has followed through on his promise to terminate the program,” said Terri Burke, executive director of the ACLU of Texas.

“This is a welcome first step, but I would also urge Sheriff Gonzales not to honor future ICE detainers, which only undermine public safety by driving victims and witnesses into the shadows.” The ACLU of Texas also worked closely with groups like United We Dream, Immigrant Legal Resource Center, and Texas Organizing Project in the joint effort to raise awareness of the problems with the 287(g) program and demand its termination.

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COMMUNITY

Houston Area Educators named Finalists for 2017 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards By Style Newswire

hree Houston area educators were tapped as finalists for the 2017 H-E-B Excellence in Education Awards, highlighting the trio as some of the best educators in the state. Jennifer Howard of Pine Forest Elementary in Humble ISD was recognized in the Rising Star Elementary category. Angela Duncan of Huntington Elementary in Huntington ISD was recognized in the Lifetime Achievement Elementary category and Diana Schneider of Henderson Middle School in Harden-Jefferson ISD was recognized in the Lifetime Achievement Secondary category. All three finalists are invited to Austin on May 6-7 to compete on a statewide level for larger cash prizes totaling $430,000. Each teacher was presented with a $1,000 check for themselves and a $1,000 check for their respective schools. H-E-B’s Excellence in Education is the largest monetary awards program for educators in the state. It is among the largest in the country. The honor was kept as a surprise from the trio of finalists who learned of their selection when H-E-B representatives visited their classrooms and schools with balloons, cookies, and flowers.

HEB-Awards Facility, at a celebratory dinner in Austin on May 7, 2017. Each winning principal—one elementary school and one high school—will each receive $10,000 in cash for themselves and a $25,000 grant for their schools.

Eight winners — two principals and six teachers — will be announced along with two school districts, one large and one small, a public school board and an Early Childhood

The winning large school district will receive a $100,000 cash prize and the winning small school district will receive $50,000. The winning Early Childhood Facility will

receive $25,000 and a school board could be awarded up to $25,000. of the largest number of Eagles to come out of an African American troop in the country. Troop 242 Scouts are trailblazers in business, education, medicine, politics and other professions. There are many, many stories of boys who have been provided support, training and positive role models.

The 4th Annual H-E-B Primo Picks Quest For Texas Best is on the hunt for the best that Texans have to offer! Do you produce a food or beverage (non-alcoholic) in Texas that you think is the best in the state? Then enter your product to be a part of the 2017 Primo Picks: Quest For Texas Best! Mark your calendar for this informational meeting where you can learn more about the Primo Picks: Quest For Texas Best and how to apply. Date: Tuesday, March 21 Time: 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Location: H-E-B Windfern Training Center, 4301 Windfern Rd., Houston, TX, 77041 Register here: https://2017questhouston2.eventbrite.com Questions? H-E-B contact: James Harris, Director - Diversity & Inclusion and Supplier Diversity harris.james@heb.com Location Contact: Sheila Jackson, 713-329-3930 or jackson.sheila@heb.com

Feb. 23 - Mar. 01, 2017 www.stylemagazine.com

The light from a few illuminates many. A single beacon of caring can light up an entire community. Our McDonald’s® 365Black® Awardees shine their beams of compassion in the communities they serve. It is through their example that we are all a little more enlightened. Find out more at 365Black.com

Twitter @HoustonStyle CLIENT MCDONALDS 0, CHICAGO, IL 60601, P:312.297.9600

ECHANICAL

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TRAFFIC PRODUCTION

FEATURE

Black Culture In The Age Of Weariness By Brandon Caldwell

Left To Right: Beyonce, Tracy Ellis Ross, The Cast of Moonlight, Chance The Rapper, Danny Glover, Viola Davis

o matter where you turn, the state and local governments are making headlines, both for the good and for the bad. Regardless of what’s going on in Washington with our current President of the United States, the news has made a considerable trickle down to Texans and most importantly, Houstonians. ICE raids of undocumented immigrants; Governor Greg Abbott’s threat to the National Football League over a proposed transgender bathroom bill similar to the one in North Carolina; Houston police chief Art Acevedo & district attorney Kim Ogg announcing new drug policies for citizens, the news is a big warp of good and bad. It’s more than likely why the general public feeds off of escapes and February offered plenty of them. Black History Month occurs every day, every minute and while we are in a constant state of championing our brightest, we’re consistently on edge waiting for the other shoe to drop. Next week, the city’s full attention will dive into RodeoHouston and for the third time in as many months, NRG Stadium will be a ground zero of carnival attractions, thousands of people, food and activity. It’s a warranted and deserved distraction, an opportunity for Houstonians to champion their own and regal with pride about their individuality and uniqueness. How customs from a bygone era can still exist and permeate through our culture. The Academy Awards are Sunday and with more diversity locked into the nominees than ever before, it’s another night where Black Americans will weave stories of strife and being shut out into entertainment. We felt this sense of anxiousness earlier this month with Super Bowl LI. Then, a team from New England whose main

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faces in regards to quarterback, head coach and ownership had willfully toed a controversial line by supporting this particular President. Black America naturally sided with their opponents, the Atlanta Falcons. A team from a predominately Black major metropolitan city. The synergy was too good to be true. Sports fans drew up a similar narrative a year ago when Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton had displayed all the flair and poise to not only be the NFL’s Most Valuable Player but our Most Valuable Player. True to tale, Newton lost his Super Bowl against the Denver Broncos. The Falcons, up 28-3 with less than 17 minutes to go in Super Bowl LI managed to blow a 25-point lead and ultimately fall to the Patriots in overtime. We felt a similar story occur two Sundays ago with the Grammy Awards. Everyone who had bought Beyoncé’s “Lemonade” album, consumed it, talked about it, wrote about it and even taught classes on it had believed it was to be the Album of the Year. There was no way around it. Yet the award went to Adele, further proving to the world that being Black and at your very best will never feel the same as being at your very best. You have to be a supernova on top of another supernova to even feel a decent. No matter the cultural achievement, the landmarks or more, our entertainment, our escapes are getting harder to consider as escapes. Sunday, Denzel Washington, whom we’ve universally considered as our finest actor will once again be nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Actor category. His lone win came in 2002, after he won for

Feb. 23 - Mar. 01, 2017 www.stylemagazine.com

“Training Day”, playing a psychotic, crooked police officer. His most triumphant work in which he played Malcolm X was denied in 1993 by Al Pacino in “Scent Of A Woman”. Washington’s masterpiece of walking through every reinvention of Malcolm Little turned Malcolm X turned El Hajj Malik-Shabazz lost to a blind retired army officer. Black consciousness wraps itself around our films, our music and our stories because they are considered outliers long before they are ever given their cultural respect and appreciation. Regardless of how universal “Lemonade” meant to Adele and numerous non-Black members of Beyoncé’s BeyHive membership, there will forever be a “…yeah but” attached to the work. It is how we approach everything that isn’t tied to a particular skill set. Because that skill set is continually denied, passed over or merely forgotten. Phife Dawg of A Tribe Called Quest once rapped with conviction, “I’ll never let a statue tell me how nice I am.” But it’s not the statues that define us, it’s the work. The work of films such as “Moonlight” that told many an audience that masculinity, in particular Black masculinity can be found after years of torment and misguided anger. That “Hidden Figures” could no longer deny the work of Black women in their contribution to the space race. That “Fences”, a tale built around August Wilson’s view of Pittsburgh can remind us of how powerful and necessary family is, regardless of infidelities, fractures, ego or more. Our entertainment is not wrapped up in value, yet it is a standard bearer for how we carry our pride.

FEATURE

Black Culture In The Age Of Weariness By Brandon Caldwell

In a recent interview with GQ, Mahershala Ali spoke about two actors who he admired watching as a Black man. Denzel Washington and Forest Whitaker. Whitaker was the last African-American male to win Best Actor in 2006 for “The Last King of Scotland”. Ali referred mostly to Whitaker as a “character actor”. “I draw inspiration from him,” Ali said. “Because in some ways, he’s kind of present against all odds. You can’t necessarily say what he is.” As Sunday draws closer, realize that Ali is up for Best Supporting Actor in “Moonlight”. Realize that “Moonlight”, “Fences” and “Hidden Figures” are all up for Best Picture, the highest film award of the night. Realize that this weekend may be the last for a while that we get to translate our emotions away from whatever considerable mess may rain down from Washington bureaucrats into art and entertainment for a considerable while. Black art is beautiful and it won’t be long before that art and the various outlets they provide are stripped away. We’re conscious of the world at large and how more often than not, those under the current eye of persecution could turn into us next. Because the more legislature that strips away the Voting Rights Act and other norms of the Black & Latino communities that gets passed, the more we’ll be forever boxed in wondering where will our outlet to rage and cheer arrive.

Mahershala AlI

READ MORE AT WWW.STYLEMAGAZINE.COM GameStop Announces Limited Supply of Nintendo Switch Systems [By: Brandon Caldwell] GameStop has announced stores will have a limited supply of Nintendo Switch systems available for walk-in customers on the March 3 launch day. Those customers who were not able to pre-order Nintendo’s next foray into next generation consoles are more than welcome to attend GameStop’s midnight launch events across the country. The midnight releases, synonymous with major game releases on various platforms will offer customers the opportunity to own Nintendo’s latest and more than revolutionary new home gaming system. “We will have a limited supply of the Nintendo Switch systems on launch day for walk-in customers,” Bob Puzon, senior vice president of merchandising at GameStop said in a statement. “Our teams made this happen. I would strongly suggest customers plan on attending one of our midnight launch events for a shot at securing one of these extra units. They will go fast!” The first bundle will include the Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller and a copy of The Legend of Zelda: breath of the wind for $429.99. Bundle 2 will feature all of the previously mentioned items in Bundle 1 along with The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wind official strategy guide for $454.99. Visit www.gamestop.com/switch for more information. Customers can trade-in games, consoles, accessories and electronics towards the purchase of the Nintendo Switch system ($299.99), or either of the listed bundles.

Nintendo Switch

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FASHION / BEAUTY

By Style Magazine Newswire

G-Shock Women’s S Series Line

Kiehl’s retail stores and Kiehls.com are celebrating #HealthySkinForAll, with an event designed to help our customers design their own custom skin care routines. February 24th through March 8, customers to Kiehl’s stores or Kiehls.com can choose any 4 deluxe samples, with any $65+ purchase, or any full-size facial cleanser, with any $100+ purchase. Online shoppers can simply enter code HEALTHY at checkout on Kiehls.com.

Casio G-SHOCK recently announced the debut of a new model for the women’s S Series line. Based on the G-SHOCK GA120 face design, which offers a rearranged combination of analog and digital dial displays. Featuring metallic accents on the face, the watches in this collection boast of an understated, matte band in pastel shades of blue, and peach latte, as well as black, white, and white with pink accents, adding a touch of metallic shine to any spring casual or athleisure wardrobe. Each model comes equipped with standard G-SHOCK technology, including 200M water resistance and shock resistance, in addition to magnetic resistance, auto LED Light with Afterglow, world time (48 cities + UTC), 5 daily alarms and 1 snooze, 1/1000th second stopwatch, countdown timer, and 12/24 hour formats - all in a 45.9mm case. Retail price is $130 and beginning in March 2017 can be purchased at major G-SHOCK retailers, including Macy’s.

TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer-01

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Unveiled in 2015, the TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer-01 opened the doors to a new market. A 45 mm Skeleton Manufacture Chronograph with a contemporary sports design, and coming in at under 5000 CHF, it redefined the notion of value for money. In 2017, the famous in-house chronograph is being unveiled with a slightly smaller diameter of 43 mm, in a choice of three versions: intense black, deep navy blue and an elegant cognac brown. The brilliance of the polished ceramic tachymeter bezel echoes the polished, satin-finished steel of the iconic 12-part modular case. The skeleton dial – the trademark of the Heuer-01 – and the sapphire case-back reveal the beauty of the mechanism. The chronograph operating levers and the date disc are open-worked on the dial side. On the case-back, the red column wheel — a bold visual anchor — the skeleton chronograph bridge and circular black PVD weight also draw the eye into the mechanism, which is equipped with a clutch with oscillating pinion.

Feb. 23- Mar. 01, 2017 www.stylemagazine.com

HEALTH

Amazon Echo

Amazon’s Voice-Activated Assistant Will Begin Delivering CPR Instructions [American Heart Association News]

The American Heart Association’s International Stroke Conference has provided numerous research and consumer items for the general public. From items regarding African-American women at risk of heart disease facing far more loneliness than their white counterparts to Amazon’s Echo device being able to give users instructions for CPR, heart attack & stroke warning signs, researchers have covered plenty of bases. The information regarding Alexa, the friendly voice of the Amazon Echo is critical in regards to receiving medical attention before paramedics arrive on scene. “Any system that can reliably reduce delays in medical care for cardiac arrest, heart attack and stroke has the potential to improve health outcomes,” Robert Neumar, M.D., Ph.D., chair of emergency medicine at the University of Michigan Medical School said. To access this information, people need simply ask Alexa, starting with the phrase “Alexa, ask American Heart” to ensure they’re hearing the science-based information from the American Heart Association. There are approximately 8.2 million Amazon Echo devices in the U.S., according to Consumer Intelligence Research Partners. In 2017 alone, sales of the Amazon Echo line and newer Google Home devices are projected to reach 4.5 million, according to the Consumer Technology Association. In regards to African-American women and loneliness, a study was conducted ranging the influence of social disadvantage. Researchers recruited 50 African-American and 49 non-Hispanic white postmenopausal women with at least two risk factors for heart disease. After a questionnaire on loneliness, depression symptoms, financial stress, social support and resilience, women were asked about their subjective social status, defined as a person’s sense of place on the social ladder considering socioeconomic status and social position.

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TRAVEL Playa Blanca Bliss By: Brandi Neal

Photo Credit Hotel Riu

e can pretty much all agree that sometimes we just need to get away, to unplug from the everyday stresses of life and simply relax. Well, not to make anyone envious but that’s exactly what I did on my recent trip to Playa Blanca, Panama. I spent 4 beautiful days and 3 nights of absolutely nothing on my agenda except for indulging in relaxation at the Hotel Riu Playa Blanca. Located about 2 hours from Panama City, this particular hotel is for those seeking serenity. Do note that if your travels call for a younger crowd with a plethora daytime and evening activities, then the Riu Playa Blanca may not be the destination for you. The Hotel Riu Playa Blanca is a very nice yet inexpensive all-inclusive hotel, with 4 different places to dine, either buffet style or full-service restaurants that serve traditional Panamanian, Italian or Seafood cuisine. Oh, a real treat is that the hotel offers snacks that are available 24 hours a day, which is important when you’ve got kids or for the big kid in all of us. The hotel also has 3 swimming pools, swim up bars, water sports, a play pad for the kids. For those that want to do more than just relax poolside, arranged group activities such as dancing, singing, aqua gym, volleyball, and shows every day (children and family friendly) are available for hotel guests to enjoy. There’s also live music and a discotheque for adult guests to enjoy during the evening hours.

Playa Blanca The Pacific Ocean in these parts tends to be warm enough for swimming but if that’s not your preference, perhaps a massage to take your mind away from it all, which is what I did. And it was fantastic! In fact, I would say that the massage and the breakfast buffet were the two things I enjoyed most during my stay Hotel Riu. While others at the hotel were enjoying their vacation by sailing, jet skiing, kayaking, and fishing, I was simply there

Playa Blanca to relax; although, I’m not ruling out those activities for next time. The hotel can arrange for guests to go horseback riding or play a round of golf at one of Playa Blanca’s beautiful golf courses, so there are plenty of things to do on any given day. But as for me, on this particular getaway, I was happy to stay within the hotel to dine and relax while sipping on a cocktail or two. Ok, maybe more than two but hey, relaxation was the mission and with the serene ambiance of the hotel, I can truly say that my mission was accomplished.

INVITE YOU AND A GUEST TO SEE

*No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Additional restrictions apply, please refer to screening pass. Employees of all promotional partners, their agencies and those who have received a pass within the last 90 days are not eligible. This film is rated PG-13 for thematic material including some violence.

CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR AND SHOWTIMES STARTS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24 THEATERS

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IN THEATERS MARCH 3 www.TheShack.Movie |

Feb. 23 - Mar. 01, 2017 www.stylemagazine.com HOUSTON STYLE

HOUSTON STYLE THURSDAY, MARCH 2

/TheShackMovie | #TheShack

BOOKS

“Organized Enough” by Amanda Sullivan [c.2017, DaCapo Lifelong]

ou know exactly where Monday’s report is. That, of course, doesn’t mean anybody else could find it. You put that report in a safe place in your office, which is organized to work for you. But is it really organized, or is it just a mess? Admit it: it’s probably the latter and nobody’s perfect, but with “Organized Enough” by Amanda Sullivan, you might find a perfect solution. You promised yourself on January 1 that you’d keep your office clean and your desk clear. Same with your home: who needs ten blue sweaters or eight pairs of black shoes, anyhow? First of the year, you were going to become a neatnik. But of course, that’s “not sustainable,” says Sullivan. You set yourself up for perfection (and therefore, failure), when you should strive instead for “organized enough.” The first step, she says, is to “Go with the FLOW.” Forgive yourself for the things you impulsively bought or wasted money on. Understand that you can “Let stuff go,” starting with one small corner and ten minutes’ time. Throw things into the trash, donate other items, pay attention to unnecessary duplicates within a given category, and keep working; it might actually feel good! Then Organize what’s left and set up a time to keep Weeding on a regular basis. Working on FLOW may inspire you, but don’t “move to fast.” You want to make good decisions, not hasty ones, which could backfire. Remember that storage containers are not your friends but someone with fresh eyes is, so invite a trusted pal over to help you see things anew. Once you’ve let go of your fears (Will I have enough? Will I run out? Will it go up in price?) and your paper pile, it’s time to set good habits – starting with inventory. What’s in your supply room? You’ll never overbuy, if you know. Make time to organize, even if it’s just a minute; and always make “a last sweep” before lights-out, so you don’t start the day with a mess. Limit new purchases, “buy less but better,” and remember that nobody’s ever perfect. “What we want,” says Sullivan, “is joy… and to know where we put the car keys – and those things, my friends, are within your grasp.” So you say you don’t remember what color the top of your desk is. The corners of your workspace are piled with boxes. Get a pen – there’s one somewhere in that mess – and write down “Organized Enough.” Chances are, you’ve been down this very unkempt road before, and you might ask what makes this book different from several thousand others on the subject. This: author Amanda Sullivan isn’t proposing that you keep everything one-hundred-percent ship-shape. She only aims to help the ship stay afloat with fewer items in the cargo hold and an unobstructed captain’s chair. That means no guilt, no pressure, use the advice that’s applicable, discard what’s not, no problems. And if that’s what it takes, then this book is what you need. “Organized Enough” might just work for you. Share this story online at www.stylemagazine.com. $16.99 / $22.49 Canada 229 pages

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EAT WITH STYLE

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Feb. 23 - Mar. 01, 2017 www.stylemagazine.com

EVENTS Houston/Galveston Happenings By Style Magazine Newswire

Crawford Island Bicycle Station

Body Worlds RX

THE HEALTH MUSEUM 1511 HERMANN DRIVE | HOUSTON, TX 77004 January 14, 2017 – April 3, 2017 Recurring Daily | Admission: Included in museum admission

BBVA Bike Share Free Fridays

Crawford Island Bicycle Station 925 Crawford Street | Houston, TX 77002 February 10, 2017 – March 31, 2017 Recurring weekly on Friday Admission: free and open to the public

Children’s Museum of Houston

Fight Like a Kid Children’s Museum of Houston

Mardi Gras Glveston

1500 Binz Street | Houston, TX 77004 Recurring Daily | 2pm to 6pm Admission: $35 for adults, free for children

Mardi Gras Galveston

Downtown Galveston February 17 – February 28, 2017 Recurring Daily Admission: Free

Buffalo Bayou Downtown

Rain: Magdalena Fernandez at the Houston Cistern

Buffalo Bayou Downtown December 10 – June 4, 2017 Recurring weekly on Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday Admission: $10 per person; $8 for seniors (65+ w/ID), Youth (9-17), and students (18+ w/ID). Free on Thursdays.

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2017

HOUSTON,TX

The Houston Community Celebrates The Life & Legacy Sulayman Momodou Jarra

2017

Photography by Vicky Pink

VIBES By Sports Illustrated Swimsuits Photography by Mike Munoz

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Feb. 23 - Mar. 01, 2017 www.stylemagazine.com

HOUSTON, TEXAS

2017

HOUSTON, TEXAS

Tidbits & Jazz Tea Scholarship & Awarness Luncheon

2017

Photography by Vicky Pink

XFINITY STORE LOCATION CYPRESS, TEXAS

Cypress Xfinity Store Grand Opening Photography by Roswitha Vogler

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