Houston Style Magazine Vol 32 No 29 by Houston Style Magazine (HSM)

Houston Style Magazine July 15– July 21, 2021

Houston’s Premiere Weekly Publication, Since 1989

Volume 32 | Number 29

Complimentary

Jesse Jackson

It's Time For Patriots To Stand Up!

In Memoriam of Team Style Mag's Cecilia M. Austin

Lynn Page

Celebrate National Cousins Day With New Children's Book

BY BRANDON CALDWELL

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CORONAVIRUS – US NUMBERS: Cases: 33,604,822 Deaths: 602,820 TAG US: #TeamStyleMag

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Turner Speaks At Southmore Bridge Opening Ceremony

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Zaila Avant-Gagrde Wins Spelling Bee

Falyn M. Davis

Tips for Buyers and Sellers Homeownership

STYLE HAUTE SHOTS

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

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Publisher Francis Page, Jr. fpagejr@stylemagazine.com Associate Publisher Lisa Valadez lisa@stylemagazine.com Managing Editor Jo-Carolyn Goode editorial@stylemagazine.com Social Media Editor/Videographer Reginald Dominique reggiedominique@me.com Sports Editor Brian Barefield

NATIONAL WRITERS

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

PHOTOGRAPHERS

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

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Houston Style Magazine & www.StyleMagazine.com Phone: (713) 748-6300 • Fax: (713) 748-6320 Mail: P.O. Box 14035, Houston, TX 77221-4035 ©2021 Houston Style Magazine, a Minority Print Media, L.L.C. Company. All Right Reserved. Reproduction in whole or within part without permission is prohibited. Houston Style Magazine has a 2019 Audit by Circulation Verification Council (CVC). Houston Style Magazine is a member of the Texas Publishers Association (TPA), Texas Community Newspaper Association (TCNA), National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), Independent Free Paper of America (IFPA), Association of Free Community Papers (AFCP) and Members of Greater Houston Partnership(GHP). National Association of Hispanic Publications, Inc. (NAHP, Inc.), Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (HHCC), League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Latin Women’s Initiative (LWI), National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), Houston Association of Hispanic Media Professionals (HAHMP), National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ), and Supporters of Greater Houston Partnership(GHP)

President Biden says federal voting rights legislation, "a test of our time" Photo Credit: AP Photo/Patrick Semansky

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July 15, 2021 - July 21, 2021

COMMENTARY

IT'S TIME FOR PATRIOTS TO STAND UP By Jesse Jackson, National Political Writer A

merica's democracy is under assault -- systematic, unrelenting and unhinged. The assault is waged by one party -- the Republican Party. It is largely driven by the lies and racism of Donald Trump, who simply will not accept that he lost the last election. To deny that unacceptable reality, Trump has spread -and Republican officials across the country have echoed -utterly fraudulent claims of fraud to justify measures to make voting more difficult. These are passed by partisan legislatures and designed -- often "surgically designed" as a federal court found in North Carolina -- to suppress the votes of African Americans. Latinos and the young. Republicans have introduced voting restrictions in states across the country -- and 25 new restrictions have been enacted. In Texas, the governor just convened a special session devoted to legislation designed to make it harder to vote, particularly in urban areas. For Republican officials, the motivation is often cynical: They believe they have to attract Donald Trump supporters to stay in office, and so they echo his lies, and vie to show that they are working to change voter laws. After the passage of the Voting Rights Act in 1965, the Justice Department and the federal courts would have reviewed these laws and overturned many of them. Now, however, the right-wing majority on the Supreme Court has effectively disemboweled the Voting Rights Act, limiting the ability of lower courts to protect democratic elections. The big lie is enforced by venom and threat. Election officials -- both Republican and Democratic -- face death threats. In Arizona, Katie Hobbs, the state's democratic elections official, was recently provided with a state security unit after being threatened for criticizing the preposterous partisan "audit" taking place in Maricopa County. As Colorado's Secretary of State Jena Griswold summarized, "Elected officials really embraced the use of lies to try to manipulate American voters." The lies are creating violence. The lies are creating threats." Trump has argued that fraud only took place in states that he lost, not in states that he won. Without evidence, he fingers urban counties and cities -- Atlanta, Philadelphia, Detroit, Maricopa County -- as cesspools of election fraud. The racism is blatant and purposeful. Observers suggest that laws like strict voter ID requirements may not have

Texas House Democrats at news conference on voting right outside the U.S. Capital on July 13, 2021 in Washington, D. C. Photo: Kevin Dietsch, Getty Images much of an effect. Others argue that some of the Republican reforms -- making it harder to cast an absentee ballot, limiting hours of voting to make it harder for working people to vote -- might actually impede Republicans as well as Democrats. But American history makes it clear how incredibly dangerous this offensive is. After the Civil War, freed slaves were given the right to vote. Discrimination on the basis of race or creed was made unconstitutional. Biracial majority coalitions were forged in many of the former slave states. African Americans were elected to local and state offices. New progressive constitutions guaranteed the right to education, and progressive investments in schools, health, and housing were passed. The reaction of the displaced plantation class was fierce, violent, and utterly corrosive. Once more lies about corruption and fraud were spread. Terrorists like the Ku Klux Klan lynched and murdered and threatened. Jim Crow laws were passed to limit the right to vote. Registrars learned how to enforce restrictions to make it virtually impossible for African Americans to register and vote. The South descended into legalized apartheid that lasted for nearly 100 years until the civil rights movement forced

July 16, 2021 - July 21, 2021

a change. If we are to avoid a modern-day version of that reaction, action is needed now. Democrats in the Senate should unite around key voting rights reforms -- federal standards that would provide minimum standards for free elections -- and pass them, even if it requires suspending the filibuster due to unified opposition of Republicans still cowed by Trump and his followers. Across the country, Republicans must be taught that the price they pay for undermining free elections is far greater than any benefit they might reap. That requires the corporations and wealth that pays for their party to demand an end to voter suppression. It requires Republicans who care about the Republic to call out those peddling the Big Lie and standing up against voter suppression. Most of all, it requires those who are the primary targets of electoral disenfranchisement-- African Americans, Latinos, the young -- to organize and mobilize, to increase their turnout even in the face of the new obstacles. In state after state, Republicans are virtually guaranteeing that urban voters will face long lines, shorter hours, fewer voting sites. Their effort to suppress our votes should help us spread the word of

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how important that vote is. We must make those who would once more seek to suppress our votes pay for the insult big time. Donald Trump's irresponsibility and Republican cowardice are undermining the democracy. The peril is great. Polls show most Republicans now believe Trump's big lie that the election was stolen. Republican officials act on that big lie by trying to make voting more difficult for those they target. Threats of violence are issued against those seeking to defend free elections. If not challenged and stopped, our democracy itself is at risk from the poisonous brew. It is time for patriots to stand up. You can write to the Rev. Jesse Jackson in care of this newspaper or by email at jjackson@rainbowpush.org. Follow him on Twitter @RevJJackson.

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July 15, 2021 - July 21, 2021

7/7/21 1:52 PM

NATIONAL NEWS: ZAILA AVANT-GARDE THE FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN CONTESTANT TO WIN NATIONAL SPELLING BEE By David Williams and Kevin Dotson, CNN – www.StyleMagazine.com – Newswire

aila Avant-garde wasn't focused on her place in history on Thursday when she became the first African American to win the Scripps National Spelling Bee in 93 editions of the competition. Instead, she was thinking about Bill Murray. The 14-year-old from New Orleans, Louisiana, won the 2021 crown after correctly spelling murraya -- a type of tree -- that she associated with the famous comedian. When she realized she won, Zaila gave a little spin and jumped in the air as confetti rained from the sky. "It felt really good to win because I have been working on it for like two years. So to actually win the whole thing was like a dream come true," she told CNN's "New Day" on Friday. "I felt like in the moment I snapped out of a surreal dream." To get there, the teen had to navigate her way through words like querimonious, solidungulate, and Nepeta, which she said was the hardest word she had to spell in

play basketball at Harvard before a career at NASA or as a coach in the NBA. She said may also pursue a career in neuroscience or gene editing. Zaila has gained a following of more than 14,000 people on Instagram by sharing her journey toward the national spelling bee as well as videos of her playing 14-year-old Zaila Avant-Gagrde wins spelling bee after only basketball, impressing her followers with 2 years of practice. | Getty Images her hoop skills. She said she has a variety of interthe competition. contestants entered Thursday night's final. ests and was on the lookout for some new "It would have been really bad if First lady Jill Biden was on hand challenges to tackle. "I'll find something else to do," she I had gotten knocked out then, because I to cheer on the competitors at ESPN Wide said. "Trust me." would have been kicking myself, because World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney I knew everything about the word except World Resort in Florida. exactly how to spell it," she said. The event was canceled last year To stay up to date on The only Black winner before due to the pandemic -- for the first time since her was Jody-Anne Maxwell, representing World War II. Jamaica in 1998. Thursday night's win is just one on everything at: Zaila will receive a $50,000 cash a long list of achievements for the champion. prize. The National Spelling Bee competiIn addition to her spelling bee crown, Zaila tion began with 209 spellers, ranging in age was the Guinness World Records title holder from 9 to 15, from five countries: the US, the for most bounce juggles in one minute. Bahamas, Canada, Ghana and Japan. And 11 Zaila said she hopes to one day

July 15, 2021 - July 21, 2021

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NATIONAL NEWS: COMCAST TO PROVIDE FREE STREAMING OF THE TOKYO OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES By www.StyleMagazine.com – Newswire

to helping service members cheer on Team USA.” Service members can access NBCUniversal’s coverage from their computers or personal devices by visiting NBCOlympics.com or the NBC Sports app and choosing the Exchange as their service provider. “When the world reunites for one of the most anticipated events of our lifetime, we’re excited to continue our relationship with our valued partners at the Exchange Service and military members globally,” Carol Eggert, B.G., U.S. Army, Retired and Senior Vice President of Military and Veteran Affairs at Comcast NBCUniversal and Craig Robinson, Chief Diversity Officer, NBCUniversal said in a joint statement. “Like the athletes representing us in this year’s

games, our service members inspire us every day.” Because of content rights restrictions, an active ShopMyExchange.com account will be required. Content rights restrictions will also apply to OCONUS locations where on-base residents must subscribe to internet service through an Exchange-contracted provider.

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Comcast will champion the Paralympic Movement as Los Angeles ahead of the LA28 Games | Getty Images

he Exchange and Comcast NBCUniversal announced today that U.S. service members and honorably discharged Veterans worldwide will be able to stream NBCUniversal’s extensive coverage of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games from their personal devices and computers through ShopMyExchange.com. This marks the third time the Army &amp; Air Force Exchange Service has worked with NBCUniversal on this effort, in partnership with local cable, satellite, dMVPD and telco providers. The Games of the XXXII Olympiad will take place July 23-Aug. 8, 2021, in Tokyo, Japan, while the Paralympic Games will run from Aug. 24-Sep. 5. Through this arrangement, U.S. service members and honorably discharged Veterans worldwide can stream more than 5,500 hours of the Tokyo Olympics on NBCOlympics.com and the NBC Sports app, via authentication, including all 41 sports and 339 medal events on the Tokyo program, plus the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, medal ceremo-

nies, and more. The unprecedented streaming coverage will include simul-streams of all NBCUniversal linear channels, including the NBC primetime show, as well as feeds from all competition sessions. The agreement also includes access to NBCUniversal’s most ambitious commitment to the Paralympics, with nearly 1,000 hours of streaming coverage on NBCOlympics.com and the NBC Sports app, via authentication. Coverage will feature the top stories and moments of the Paralympics, as well as athlete profiles and interviews, with a special focus on the athletes of Team USA. “The Exchange is honored to partner with Comcast NBCUniversal to deliver the Olympics to military members and their families, wherever they are called to serve,” said Tom Shull, Director/CEO of the Exchange. “Few events unify the world like the Olympic Games, and the Exchange is looking forward

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July 15, 2021 - July 21, 2021

NATIONAL NEWS: COMCAST NAMES BRODERICK D. JOHNSON EXECUTIVE VP, PUBLIC POLICY AND EXECUTIVE VP, DIGITAL EQUITY

omcast Corporation announced today that Broderick D. Johnson will join the company as Executive Vice President, Public Policy and Executive Vice President, Digital Equity. Mr. Johnson will oversee the company’s Public Policy team in Washington, DC, and will take overall responsibility for Comcast’s leading role in the digital equity space. He will report to Tom Reid, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary. Mr. Johnson will succeed Rebecca Arbogast leading the Public Policy team and will work in concert with Mitch Rose, Executive Vice President, Federal Government Affairs who oversees the company’s legislative and regulatory teams. “Broderick is a highly trusted and respected leader in the public policy arena. We welcome his strategic insights and his passion for promoting digital equity,” said Mr. Reid. “We share the goal of connecting as many Americans as possible to broadband and Broderick’s rich experience will bring invaluable knowledge and understanding to the company. Rebecca has been instrumental in guiding our public policy activities over the last decade, we thank her for that and we congratulate Rebecca on her retirement.” Comcast has pledged an expansion of its decade-long efforts to close the digital equity gap with a $1 billion commitment to reach an additional 50 million Americans over the next 10 years. This commitment includes investments in a number of critical areas, including: additional support for its ongoing Lift Zone initiative, which establishes WiFi-connected safe spaces in 1,000+ community centers nationwide for students and adults by the end of 2021; new laptop and computer donations; grants for nonprofit community organizations to create opportunities for low-income Americans, particularly in media, arts, technology, and entrepreneurship; and continued investment in the company’s landmark Internet Essentials program. With over three decades of experience as a lawyer, policy advisor and strategist, Mr. Johnson joins Comcast from

By wwwStyleMagazine.com – Newswire

Comcast Corporation announced, Broderick D. Johnson as Executive Vice President, Public Policy and Executive Vice President, Digital Equity. Covington & Burling. He has served under two U.S. Presidents: as Deputy Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs in the Clinton Administration and as Assistant to the President and Cabinet Secretary for the Obama Administration. While serving in the Obama Administration, he was also appointed as chairman of the White House’s My Brother’s Keeper Task Force, an interagency initiative designed to identify and address the disparities that hamper the success of boys and young men of color, and to improve the lives of all youth. Mr. Johnson has been a senior advisor for several presidential campaigns and worked numerous senior positions on Capitol Hill, including in House Office of the Legislative Counsel, and as chief counsel to two standing committees.

He also previously served in senior positions with AT&T and was a partner at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner. Mr. Johnson earned a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of the Holy Cross. Among his positions on non-profit entities, he serves as chairman of the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance Advisory Council, and is a board member of the Obama Foundation, the Black Economic Alliance, and the Wolf Trap Foundation.

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LOCAL NEWS: MAYOR TURNER SPEAKS AT OPENING OF THE SOUTHMORE BRIDGE CELEBRATION By wwwStyleMagazine.com – Newswire

early three years after it was demolished, the Southmore Bridge reconstruction project is officially complete. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and representatives from several offices involved with the project had an official ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration Wednesday. "While the regular portion of the bridge was completed late last year, we want to celebration the completion of the bridge together with the pedestrian bridges," said CEO Enrique Martin Blue Ridge Transportation, the developer of the SH 288 Express Toll lanes. "As you can see these bridges are different than the other bridges in the community." Southmore Boulevard is a major

thoroughfare for both pedestrian and vehicular traffic going east and west, officials said. The project has been a major undertaking with collaboration from different local and state agencies, such as the Texas Depart-

July 15, 2021 - July 21, 2021

ment of Transportation, and community organizations. "[It's] about building and creating a more livable city," Turner said. "And what that means is recognizing that people are

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not just in their cars or trucks any longer, people are also riding their bikes or they're walking. And we want to create that more livable space." In April 2018, the Southmore Bridge that connects the Third Ward and the Museum District over Highway 288, was taken down as part of the Drive288 project. According to project organizers, the two left lanes of the Highway 288 southbound have been reopened from IH-610 to Bellfort Street. Meanwhile, the right lane and Bellfort Street exit will remain closed.

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LOCAL NEWS: COLEMAN SAYS 'I’M JUST NOT GOING TO GO' wwwStyleMagazine.com – Newswire

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KHOU 11 reached out to the office of House Speaker Dade Phelan (R-Beaumont) Wednesday afternoon for clarification on whether Rep. Coleman’s absence would be considered excused but had not heard back. In 2003, Rep. Coleman led more than 50 House Democrats to Ardmore, Okla. to stop a redistricting bill. Now 18 years later, he says there’s a difference with the current quorum break. “It’s an action that is actually getting a result out of the Congress,” he said. At the State Capitol in Austin on Wednesday, Senate Republicans criticized Democrats who broke quorum. “The work we’re doing for the people of Texas is being wasted and squandered by people being out of this state who’ve chosen to break quorum,” said Sen. Larry Taylor (R-Friendswood). However, Rep. Coleman argued he is representing his constituents, he says by protecting their rights. “My job is to kill those bad bills," he said. House Democrats in D.C. plan to stay there until the special session ends in early August.

ot all the Texas House Democrats breaking quorum are in Washington, D.C. In fact, one member from Houston is still in the Lone Star State. “I had the lower part of my leg amputated, and I’m in a wheelchair,” said Representative Garnet Coleman (D-Houston). “The logistics of trying to (go to D.C.)...it just was too hard.” Rep. Coleman conducted the interview with KHOU 11 on Wednesday via Zoom from “an undisclosed location” in Texas. A day earlier, the Texas House voted 76-4 to try and track down missing members, including arresting those still in Texas. “I’m not concerned about it,” Rep. Coleman said. “The reason I’m not concerned is I’m just not going to go. So if they want to drag me to Austin and throw me in the chamber and lock the door, good luck.” According to Texas House quorum rules, "All absentees for whom no sufficient excuse is made may, by order of a majority of those present, be sent for and arrested, wherever they may be found, by the sergeant-at-arms or an officer appointed by the sergeant-at-arms for that purpose, and their attendance shall be secured and retained." Rep. Coleman said he technically does not have an excused absence but adds his colleagues are aware of his health situation. “I hope that will be respected,” he said.

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By Brandon Caldwell www.StyleMagazine.com

very space, arena and conversation Cecilia Austin entered into, she would scan to see who to speak to before alerting the world of her presence. She would flash an imperfect smile but behind it would be something no dentist could align properly, something no one could judge but instead embrace: heart. She took on roles with various organizations, gave life to a creative house where other aspiring journalists could flourish and impacted everyone who saw her or even met her within passing. Every morning, she’d quietly gather her life and ask the day, then the

July 15, 2021 - July 21, 2021

month and later the year to be gentle. To allow her to be graceful despite uncertain moments, proud and engaging to whatever dream she dared write down and later check off. Cecilia Marie Austin, a Jill Of All Trades who took dry wit from her father, beauty and style from her mother and molded into becoming a light for all around her, passed away suddenly on July 6. She was 35. Almost immediately, the ripple effect of her passing, shocking as it was, broke everyone around her. During her decade-plus-long career

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as a journalist in Houston, she cut her teeth writing for The Daily Cougar, the University of Houston’s student paper. She would elevate her career, earning bylines regarding the entertainment industry and Houston Style Magazine before becoming a branded content writer for Blavity. In 2014, she summarized her career with a simple statement, “You go into journalism for the love of the craft. The money comes later.” The love of the craft was formulated in Oakland. A land and soil rooted in revolution and outspokenness, the area would help shape

Austin for the first 18 years of her life. She was born in Omaha, Nebraska on May 15, 1986, and would later move to Oakland as a child. She would gravitate towards organizations with a dream of one day working for CNN. In high school, she ran hurdles for the track team, created cheers and dancers while on the cheer squad and kept her community of sisters laughing and comfortable. Austin always found a tribe wherever she went, whether by blood, by like-minded ideas or a shared appreciation for a good line dance or a joke. “I’m the old soul that learned to play Spades just so I could be my mom’s partner at the kickbacks,” Austin warmly told Voyage Houston in 2019. “I grew up on the West Coast during the 90s, which could be a book in itself, and it absolutely shaped my childhood.” She added, “I’ve always loved books, music and films. In that order. I learned to read young, I’ve always been terrible at math, but God – I loved to read. I thank my mother for that, as she often forced me to read the dictionary or “go write sentences” when I’d been bad.” Her time in Houston, once which began as her being completely new to a foreign space, led her to find a new community on campus and in the entertainment scene. She proudly boasted bartending helped pay for her journalism degree, gave her a chance meeting with Pimp C before the rapper passed and rewarded her with the mentality

to make a door when no door seemed unlocked for her. Like anything she did, bartending and journalism would lead to other things to stretch her talents. She would launch her own radio show in 2012, affectionately called Yellow Bandit Radio on 90.3 GMT. She would become a co-host for various community events to give back, whether they be comedy shows or concerts. In 2017, she helped host a Hurricane Harvey benefit concert less than a month after the storm wrecked her adopted home. As much as she was dedicated to her work and constant elevation, Austin was a fierce defender of her people and at the same time, beloved beyond measure. At her wedding in October 2017, her bridesmaids all wore yellow, her favorite color and walked down the aisle to Michael Jackson’s ‘The Lady In My Life.’ She would break into a song whenever it fit her and quote anything from Star Trek to Marvel films and more. As often as she dealt with the pitfalls of life, the strains of doubt and questions of imposter syndrome, she constantly found herself in greater standing. In her final days, she was reflective and grateful. Months after losing her mother to Alzheimer’s and six years after losing her father, she found herself at 35, beating her chest with confidence on what the future held. She’d begun a job at Microsoft and celebrated the history of Black culture through Questlove’s Summer of Soul film

for Shadow And Act. She no longer wanted one particular Black story to be hidden, just as hers seemingly continued to add chapters and anecdotes regarding crawfish, snow crab and appreciation of being a Black girl from Oakland. “I’m proud of myself,” she wrote the afternoon of July 5. “And I know my parents are too.” Austin may be absent in the flesh, but her mission was fulfilled. As a wife, a stepmother and sibling to so many. Of connecting strangers to a purpose of family, one she strived to have when she left Oakland as a teen and cultivated in Houston as an adult. The girl from Oakland made a difference - and painted the town yellow every step of the way.

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FLY DANCE COMPANY: THE GENTLEMEN OF HIP HOP

JULY 16, 8:30 PM

Family favorite FLY brings its unique “theatrical hip-hop,” a stylish, sophisticated and humorous fusion of street dance and classical music.

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July 15, 2021 - July 21, 2021

My dearest cousin, Just to think, 25 years ago our friendship started. I met this goofy, quick with the lines, amazing person. We didn’t have an easy childhood, but one thing I could always count on is our friendship, which turned into family. I saw something today that said “Family isn’t always blood. It’s the people in your life who want you in theirs; the ones who accept you for who you are. The ones who would do anything to see you smile and who love you no matter what.” (unknown author); and that’s what you are and forever will be. The exact day you left this earth, a memory appeared on Facebook of a post you tagged me in that said, “Ever feel like you're not good enough?” I want you to know that we have always been very proud of you. You always made your way, with your head held high. That’s something you taught me, that I’ve admired throughout the years. I love you so much and I hope you look down on me and I make you proud. – Until

we meet again, Laura Kately.

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If there is one thing I absolutely abhor, is people pretending like they were best friends with someone they barely knew once that person pass away. Cecilia and I were not best friends, we were on the same team. We followed each other on social media and she always made me laugh. Baby girl was straight whiskey, no chaser and she recognized people who were the same. It was such an honor to be on #TeamStyleMag with her. I shared her writing and she shared my interviews. I wish I'd had more time with her. I wish we would have gotten to know each other outside of social media. I'm grateful for the interactions that we had. She has written her last chapter. I pray that her family constantly reads her life story and rely on the memories of her to give me comfort as they live day by day. - Bell "Totally Randie" ------------------------------------------------------------------------

My dearest friend, sister and personal superhero to say you'll be greatly missed is an understatement. Throughout the years I've witnessed how your light and love has blessed so many lives. It's been a pleasure to watch your light transcend this lifetime. One of the first things that connected Cecilia and I was our love of music and community. As media girls, we grew together in a male dominated industry and made it our own. I watched her craft stories, create opportunities and support other creatives, recognizing that it was a part of her purpose. I was grateful to work and serve alongside Cecilia throughout the years in different capacities, but my favorite role was her big sister. Our song may have ended for now, but the melody lingers on. You'll never be forgotten and I vow to keep your memory alive by finishing what you started. Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master. – Matthew 25:21 ~With All My Love, Monica J.

July 15, 2021 - July 21, 2021

Are you happy with the reflection you see in the mirror? At 35 years of age, Cecilia Marie Austin was. She found the love of her life being married for four years. Her longed dream of being a content writer and producer was well established with numerous media outlets and probably one of her proudest credit was that of which she coined herself, The Yellow Bandit Media Agency. A yellow streak is widely thought of as one who is chicken. However, Cecilia redefined it to be one who is courageous, who takes on any opponent, who gets the job done with a standard of excellence. Ready for any beat to drop, head on a swivel for any story that popped, and having her friends always on lock made her a special gem. Her spirit, light, gift, and sight is one that will never be forgotten and always missed. Cecilia, you were one-of-a-kind. Cecilia Marie Smith was born on May 15, 1986. Those with the zodiac sign of Taurus are known to be purposeful and confidant, a great description for her. In the last few days of June, Cecilia put out a post “Setting my intentions for July” I find that post to be strange since in the short time I knew her she seemed to always be on purpose. I met her in 2012 when she first came to Houston Style Magazine. She came as a recommendation from someone who was always her cheerleader, her little brother, Brandon Caldwell. Before our initial meeting I, of course, checked her out. Under her belt already were bylines with Houston Press, DayanaDream.com, Blavity, and list goes on. I thought this girl is serious about her craft. I would find that to be true. No one could cover a concert, new music or budding artist like she could. She aways managed to get the meat of the story and go just a little deeper to go beyond the surface. Initially, I thought music was her favorite subject to write about until I sent her to review a Marvel film. I could literally feel her excitement about each movie through her words. She was such a fan. Heck, she made me a fan. I always looked forward to editing her pieces to see just how she would use the English language to engage every type of reader. I will miss her stories; that one of the good things about media. We never really have to miss her stories as they are forever engraved somewhere for our recall. But we are left with the &quot;what would become."What would she have said about this or that? Although I won&#39;t read any new piece from the pen of Cecilia, the great Yellow Bandit I am sure glad I had the chance to read a portion of her work. - Rest easy in love and peace JoCarolyn Goode ------------------------------------------------------------------------

There is no one title to accurately describe all that she is...a philanthropist, event coordinator, journalist, hip hop enthusiast and so many more things, I feel very blessed to have known her as a colleague and a true friend. Ceci put so many of us first, always a helping hand, word of advice and listening ear, I literally never understood how she managed her time all while being there for everyone else and their endeavors. If I could speak to Cecilia today I would tell her thank you for believing in me and my talents in music and art. Thank you for interviewing me for my first magazine cover story, for being my confidant after my brother passed away, for getting me on at Zanzibar my first bartending gig. Thank you for the events we put on, my album you narrated, the laughs, the dances, the hugs and the tears. Thank you for a million and one selfless moments where you applied yourself to help make me better. Forever indebted. -Sean OneHunnidt Celestine

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Cecilia spoke life into me when she didn’t have to, and I’ll never fully understand why. But now I’m just settling in on the fact that that’s just who she was. That’s the exact type of person you want on your team. She was devoted to her friends, her marriage and her craft with the exact same intensity and will to be better everyday. Her smile will forever be etched into my memory. Her kindness I’ll carry with me as long as I’m here, and it was an honor to have performed in front of her on numerous occasions. Thank you, Cecilia. – Jack

Freeman

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July 15, 2021 - July 21, 2021

FASHION NEWS:PYER MOSS WOWS THE CROWD WITH COUTURE SHOW HONORING BLACK INVENTOR By HGTV News – www.StyleMagazine.com

his time, the weather gods were smiling on Kerby Jean-Raymond and his label, Pyer Moss. So too were the fashion gods. Two days after torrential rains and lightning sent guests fleeing for cover and forced Jean-Raymond to postpone unveiling his hotly awaited first couture collection, the sun came out Saturday and the crowds came back. They were rewarded with a hugely imaginative, visually audacious show that blurred the lines between fashion and art as it paid tribute to the ingenuity of Black inventors often overlooked by history. And so, there was the peanut butter dress — literally, a huge, soft sculpted jar of the stuff. There was a stunning hot roller cape — which was what it sounds like, hot rollers from head to toe. There was an ice cream cone with chaps for the cone. There was an air-conditioning unit, an old-fashioned mobile phone, a kitchen mop. There was a pastel pink lampshade dress, with beaded fringes. There was a chess board, and a white metal folding chair, and a bottlecap — each costume a sophisticated work of sculpture. There was also a refrigerator with colorful letter magnets spelling out the phrase: “But who invented Black trauma?” There were also dancers, a rap musician, a string section, and a history lesson from Elaine Brown — activist, writer and a former leader in the Black Panther Party. Jean-Raymond, whose shows always entwine his ideas about fashion with those about culture, race and society, said in an interview after the show that his goal was “to highlight inventions by Black people and show them in a nontraditional way,” involving 3D construction and sculpture. All Pyer Moss shows attract intense interest, but this show had even more buzz because Jean-Raymond was the first Black American designer invited by France’s Chambre Syndicale to show a collection during Paris Couture Week -- the event was livestreamed, with officials in Paris extending the length of Couture Week to accommodate the rescheduled show. And the setting was deeply significant: Villa Lewaro, an early 20th-century mansion in leafy Irvington, N.Y., about 30 miles (48 kilometers) from New York City built by Madam C.J. Walker, the daughter of enslaved parents who became a hair-care magnate and a self-made millionaire. “Madam C.J. Walker’s wealth was more than money,” Jean-Raymond wrote in the show notes. “Black prosperity begins in the mind, in the spirit and in each other. She knew that no dollar amount could ever satisfy the price tag of freedom — that green sheets of paper & copper coins could never mend souls, heal hearts or undo the evil we’ve endured.” Chartered shuttle buses ferried guests from Manhattan and Brooklyn, and the rescheduled show Saturday included a contingent from the public, adding to the excitement in the air. It began with a speech by Brown, who gave a history lesson of sorts of the Black struggle for justice

July 15, 2021 - July 21, 2021

The latest fashion from Pyer Moss is modeled Saturday, July 10, 2021, in Irvington, N.Y. Staged at the Villa Lewaro mansion, the home built by African American entrepreneur Madam C.J. Walker in 1917, the show was themed around inventions by African Americans. (AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews) in America and asked the crowd, “Where do we go from here? Where does the freedom movement go from here?” She urged the crowd to look past differences and “get back on the freedom train.” Then came the dancers — men in white, who slowly shed their jackets and eventually their shirts as they accompanied rapper 22Gz performing several numbers, including “Sniper Gang Freestyle” and “King of NY,” while the models walked the circular runway. Jean-Raymond said he and his team had gone through an exacting and exhaustive process to meet the demands of a couture collection. “We went through rounds and rounds of design,” he said. “We started with a completely different concept. Then the team went out to Joshua Tree and did ayahuasca together. And then we came back with this concept. “So it wasn’t just couture in the traditional sense where were sewing up garments,” he said. “There was welding involved and and fiberglass

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molding. And we made shoes.” The hair curler outfit alone, he said, took months because “it was just people sitting there and curling real weaves onto hair rollers. You know, the bottle-cap took two months. Every time we made something, we we sat back, we thought, ‘How can we make it better?’ And every time the construction got more complicated.” Jean-Raymond was relieved to not have to contend with freak weather again on Saturday. “It’s been a long, long process to get this where we are right now,” he said. “But I’m very happy with the results and that the audience gave us a second chance, after that monsoon on Thursday almost wiped us out.”

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July 15, 2021 - July 21, 2021

BEAUTY: 4 TIPS TO GET YOUR HAIR POOL READY By Aishia Strickland/BlackDoctor.Org - wwwStyleMagazine.com – Newswire

t’s no secret that chlorine can be taxing on the hair, especially if it’s chemically treated, but that’s no reason to avoid getting some much-needed pool time this summer. Natural hairstylist Aeleise Jana shares some really simple tips for us to make a splash AND keep our hair from falling victim to the dangers associated with chlorine-laden pools. 1. Stop putting all the crap in your hair before you get in the pool There is no need to saturate your hair in conditioner or oils and whatnots prior to swimming in the pool. Aeleise was a competitive swimmer throughout high school and she says, ” What you don’t want is being the person who is actively responsible for creating that disgusting oil ring in the pool. No one wants to swim through that!” For the love of all things recreational, please don’t be THAT person who pollutes the water with the unnecessary pre-pool prep work. 2. Braid your hair up Aeleise advises that you can either twist or braid your hair with tap water while choosing to leave it down or stretch it into a pony. Twisting/braiding keeps things simple and manageable so that your hair doesn’t become a tangled mess. 3. Cover your hair. Although your hair may still get a little wet, it’s still best you cover your hair while you’re in the pool. If you find that your traditional swimming cap isn’t enough protection on its own, Aeleise suggests

pairing it with a neoprene cap. Place your traditional swim cap over the neoprene cap for better coverage. 4. After Care Make sure you do a proper cleanse and condition of your hair after spending time in the pool. Before cleansing, Aeleise stresses the importance of agitating the hair to make sure you’ve thoroughly rinsed the chlorine out of your hair. As for those who are frequent swimmers, Aeleise recommends that you use a moisturizing shampoo or co-wash with a conditioner to cleanse your hair after each swim session.

Aeleise highly recommends Malibu Swimmers Wellness shampoo for frequent swimmers. Malibu Swimmers Wellness is an ultra-mild and 100% vegan shampoo that’s completely free of sulfates and harsh aggressors. Follow these easy tips and pool season will surely look good on you!

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ALPHA KAPPA ALPHA SORORITY, INC. WELCOMES EIGHT NEW MEMBERS www.StyleMagazine.com – Newswire

lpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® welcomed in eight new members with a big announcement on Good Morning America. The new members include Broadcast anchor and journalist Robin Roberts, award-winning actress Tracee Ellis Ross, novelist and social activist Alice Walker, Academy Award costume designer Ruth E. Carter, 3x time WNBA Lisa Leslie, American motion picture and television producer Debra Martin Chase, actress, singer, and songwriter Cynthia Erivo, and one of the most powerful businesswomen in the world Ursula M. Burns. The ladies were bestowed the highest level of membership

July 15, 2021 - July 21, 2021

that Alpha Kappa Alpha gives, Honorary Membership. Their initiation comes while Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.® is hosting their 69th Boule II/Leadership Seminar 2021 in New Orleans, LA. They join an international sisterhood of more than 300,000 members across the globe who are committed to service to all mankind.

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LOCAL AUTHOR INVITES EVERYONE TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL COUSINS DAY wwwStyleMagazine.com – Newswire

Lynn C. Page, Author and Illustrator

id you know that Saturday, July 24, 2021 is officially National Cousins Day? This day is dedicated to the wonderful people who helped us endure all our family get-togethers and holidays. They were there to keep us company at the “kids table,” and for some of us, they were the siblings we never had. Join author and illustrator, Lynn Page, along with her cousins, family, and friends, for 5-day LIVE reading to debut her children’s book, My First Best Cousin Friend. Summer is usually the time of year for family reunions and trips to see relatives who live far away. It's also often when cousins have the chance to spend more time together which is probably one of the reasons why we celebrate "Cousin's Day" every July. So starting on Monday, July 19th through and ending on Saturday, July 24th you can enjoy a special LIVE reading by a cousin, or a friend. Khay-La-La Bookie will kick things off LIVE on Monday, July 24th at Mercer Botanical Gardens. Readings will continue virtually on Zoom, YouTube, and Facebook Live on Tuesday, July 20th at 10:30am with Story Time with Mr. Limata from Detroit, MI, Wednesday, July 21st at 10:30am from the Florida Library on Facebook on Thursday July 22nd at10:00am a LIVE recreation with the St Louis Film Camp USA, and again at 7:30pm with Brown Jack Book PJ's and Storytime at 7:30pm. My First Best Cousin Friend is a beautifully illustrated children’s book, and a wonderful way to celebrate Cousins Day. It’s also a great conversation starter with children to discuss the dynamics of relationships that they have with family members, teachers, and friends their own age. These types of relationships can be tough for young developing minds to navigate. My First Best Cousin Friend opens the floor for safe discussions

about these important relationships with the entertaining and exciting story of cousins, Khay-La-La Bookie and Gabby-Goo as the backdrop. Cousins aren’t as biologically close as siblings, yet they still mean a lot to each other. And in My First Best Cousin Friend, the two spunky protagonist KhayLa-La Bookie and Gabby-Goo, who grew up without siblings, know that cousins are extra special. They are the people you can confide in and have a great time with. Your cousins will look out for you, too, and they’ll be your lifelong best friends. This is what makes My First Best Cousin Friend so heart-war¬ming! About the Author Lynn Page is the author and illustrator of My First Best Cousin Friend and is the first book from the Adventures of KhayLa-La Bookie and Gabby-Goo book series. The debut children's book is the perfect companion to many of the Khay-La-La Bookie and Gabby-Goo's activity books including; Khay-La-La Bookie and Gabby-Goo's Big Adventures Activity Workbook, Khay-La-La Bookie and Gabby-Goo’s Big Unicorn Coloring Workbook, and My First Best Cousin Friend Journal. All books are available online at Amazon! Be sure to follow @KhayLaLaBookieGabbyGoo on social media to get the latest on book readings and the scoop on Khay-La-La Bookie and Gabby-Goo's adventures! SCAN THE QR CODE TO JOIN LIVE STREAM FOR ANY DATE

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July 15, 2021 - July 21, 2021

elcome back to The Open House. As I spend more and more time with my clients, I realize a lot of you all have the same questions. This week, I want to share some tips that will help prepare you whether you are buying a new home or selling your home. Buyer Tip #1 - Get preapproved before you start looking at homes. Most realtors, including myself, will not show you a home without a preapproval letter. You don't want to find the perfect place and lose out because your finances aren’t together. So, get all of your documents in order now. You will need pay stubs, W-2's, bank statements and tax returns to present to your lender. From there, they will let you know how much the bank is willing to lend you for a home (basically how much house you can afford). Seller Tip #1 - Before putting your house on the market, spend time with your realtor discussing what the right price for your home would be. Pricing too high can lead to a longer time on the market, lower offers or appraisals coming in low and buyers backing out of the offer. It’s a game of the price is right! Buyer Tip #2 - Start saving now for a down-payment on your home. This is typically 3-20% of the purchase price. So, each month you should be saving money for your ideal home in your price range.

The Open House: With Realtor Falyn Davis

Tips For Buyers And Sellers:

Falyn M. Davis

BUYING H SELLING H LEASING H APT. LOCATING Licensed Professional Realtor

Seller Tip #2 - When showing your home, pay attention to the little things. Buyers can be turned off by raised toilet seats, dirty tubs or even an odor. I recommend keeping your home clean daily and using a light air freshener to eliminate odors without overpowering the house. Buyer Tip #3 - Make a list of your home's must-haves and deal breakers. This will be a great tool for your realtor in helping connect you with your

July 15, 2021 - July 21, 2021

ideal home. Also, when walking through home, take notes on what you like and don't. If possible, record a video of the home so you can remember every detail. Seller Tip #3 - Hire a professional photographer. Many buyers are looking online for their first impression of your home and you want to draw them in with amazing photos. The photos on your phone might work, but the professional photos will entice the exact buyer you want.

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Cell Phone: 832-396-6276 Email: FalynMDavis@gmail.com Social Media: @FalynDavis

2021

SEE MORE + PHOTOS AND EVENTS

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H An Ode to Cecilia Marie Austin: Rest Easy in Love and Peace H A yellow streak is widely thought of as one who is chicken. However, Cecilia redefined it to be one who is courageous, who takes on any opponent, who gets the job done with a standard of excellence. Ready for any beat to drop, head on a swivel for any story that popped, and having her friends always on lock made her a special gem. Her spirit, light, gift, and sight is one that will never be forgotten and always missed. Cecilia, you were one-of-a-kind.

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July 15, 2021 - July 21, 2021

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July 15, 2021 - July 21, 2021