Houston Style Magazine Vol 32 No 28 by Houston Style Magazine (HSM)

July 08– July 14, 2021

Houston’s Premiere Weekly Publication, Since 1989

Volume 32 | Number 28

Complimentary

Jesse Jackson

The Movement for Justice Will Not Be Deterred

Vanessa Williams 'Black National Anthem' Controversy For Independence Day

Cindy Tawiah

Military Base Welcomes Black Hair Care Company

JEMAL COUNTESS/GETTY IMAGES FOR CAPITAL CONCERTS

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CORONAVIRUS – US NUMBERS: Cases: 33,623,491 Deaths: 604,223 TAG US: #TeamStyleMag

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Olympic Takes Second Look At Swim Caps For Black Hair

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Jada Pinkett Smith 'Red Table Talk' Wins Emmy

Falyn M. Davis HOA vs No HOA

Homeownership Association

STYLE HAUTE SHOTS

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

Week of May 10, 2021

Houston Metro Fallbrook, 111 Fallbrook Dr., 77038| Walk-up | Mouth self-swab | Daily: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Appointment not required but available via curative.com.

Houston Community College – North Forest, 6010 Little York Rd, 77016 | Drive-thru | Nose self-swab | Monday-Saturday: 10 a.m.—7 p.m. | Registration available onsite or online via doineedacovid19test.com.

United Memorial Medical Center, 510 W Tidwell Rd., 77091 | Drive-thru | Healthcare nasal swab | Monday-Friday: 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. | No appointment required.

Clark Community Center, 9718 Clark Rd, 77076 | Drive-thru or Walk-up | Nose self-swab | May 11-15: 10 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. | No appointment required.

Kashmere Metro, 5700 Eastex Freeway, 77026 | Walk-up | Nose self-swab | Daily: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Appointment not required but available via curative.com.

Memorial Park Conservancy, 1153 East Memorial Loop Dr., 77007 | Walk-up | Mouth self-swab | Daily: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.| Appointment not required but available via curative.com.

Houston Community College – Northeast Campus, 555 Community College Dr, 77013 | Drive-thru | Mouth self-swab | Monday-Saturday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Appointment not required but available via docshealthtesting.com.

20. Houston Community College – South Campus, 1990 Airport Blvd, 77051 | Drive-thru | Healthcare nasal swab | MondaySaturday: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. | Appointment not required but available via covidtest.tdem.texas.gov.

COVID-19 Call Center: 832-393-4220

July 8, 2021 - July 14, 2021

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

NATIONAL WRITERS

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

PHOTOGRAPHERS

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

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President Biden says U.S. is 'coming back together.' Photo Credit: AP Photo/Patrick Semansky

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July 8, 2021 - July 14, 2021

COMMENTARY

THE MOVEMENT FOR JUSTICE WILL NOT BE DETERRED By Jesse Jackson, National Political Writer T

he right-wing majority on the Supreme Court just undercut the Voting Rights Act again. Having gutted the section that required pre-approval of state voting laws to protect the rights of minorities to vote in Shelby v. Holder, Republican-appointed justices now have castrated the backup clause - Section 2 - which bans racial discrimination in election practices in Brnovich v. DNC. The result will open the floodgates even further to the wave of partisan laws that Republicans are pushing in states across the country to suppress the votes of African Americans and other people of color. The right-wing justices continue their assault on the meaning and power of the Voting Rights Act, a triumph of the civil rights movement that Justice Elena Kagan, writing in dissent, noted represents the "best in America." The reaction against the civil rights movement continues. Every movement for equal justice under the law in this country has been met with a brutal reaction. When reformers tried to limit the spread of slavery into new states coming into the Republic, the slave states seceded, launching the Civil War, the deadliest war in American history. After losing the war, when the federal government began reconstruction to free the slaves and guarantee equal political and economic rights to all, the reaction was brutal, with lynching and terrorism - led by the Ku Klux Klan and others - spreading to suppress the newly freed slaves. In the end, segregation - America's version of apartheid - spread through the South and the hope of the Civil Rights Amendments was crushed. Now, after the civil rights movement, the Voting Rights Act and the election of Barack Obama, the reaction has been fierce. Across the country, Republican legislators have sought to make it harder for African Americans and other people of color to vote. The

The US Supreme Court long lines that mark inner-city voting sites are a graphic demonstration of the success of those efforts, for many people can't take the hours off from work to cast a ballot. In each era, the lawless reaction - and blatant violations of the Constitution - have been ratified by disgraceful decisions in the Supreme Court. The Court ratified segregation in Plessy v. Ferguson, inventing the doctrine of separate but equal - a concept that existed only in the judge's imaginations not in the realities of any of the former slave states. Voter suppression following the civil rights movement was ratified in Shelby v. Holder and now in Brnovich vs. the DNC, that have essentially gutted the Voting Rights Act, the crown jewel of the civil rights movement. The socalled "conservative" justices on the

July 8, 2021 - July 14, 2021

Supreme Court are rewriting the laws passed by Congress to serve their own partisan purposes. Now the excuse is to limit voter fraud, even though there is no evidence of such fraud other than in the ravings of partisan politicians. This struggle will continue. Clearly Republicans across the country have decided that rather than seeking to win the votes of African Americans and other peoples of color, they would rather pass measures to suppress their vote - from discriminatory changes in voting practices, to gerrymandering of districts, to - most dangerously empowering Republican legislatures to overturn the results of an election. Once more people of conscience must stand up and organize to protect the right to vote and to counter those who would suppress it. Once more, right-wing justices have written

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another shameful chapter of judicial ignominy that must simply be overturned. Once more Congress must act to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act to counter the brazen efforts of the Court's right wing to neuter it. Once more, those standing in the way of equality under the law will find that the movement for justice will not be deterred. 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 8, 2021 - July 14, 2021

NATIONAL NEWS: 'HORRIFIC' GRAFFITI ON MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. STATUE INVESTIGATED AS A HATE CRIME By Brisa Colon, CNN www.StyleMagazine.com - Newswire

A statue of Martin Luther King Jr. in Long Beach is power washed after being vandalized with hate symbols. (KTLA)

statue of Martin Luther King Jr. in Southern California was vandalized with a swastika and other "horrific" graffiti that police are investigating as a hate crime, officials said. Officers from the Long Beach Police Department were called to King Park on Friday around 3:20 p.m. following reports the statue was vandalized with "hate/bias-motivated graffiti," police said. Officers discovered the graffiti covering the front of the statue, Long Beach police spokesman Richard Mejia said in a statement. Police did not share a photo of the graffiti but an image posted on Twitter showed a black swastika

spray-painted on the statue's chest and SS bolts on a leg. The SS bolts are "a common white supremacist/neo-Nazi symbol derived from Schutzstaffel (SS) of Nazi Germany," according to the Anti-Defamation League. Swastikas are hate symbols associated with Nazis. The graffiti has since been removed and a hate crime investigation is underway, Mejia said. No information about a suspect was available. "The Long Beach Police Department takes all reports of hate or bias-motivated incidents seriously. We value the diversity of our Long Beach

community and are actively investigating this incident to hold the individual responsible accountable for their actions," the department said. Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia condemned the vandalism in a statement posted on Twitter. "Over the holiday weekend our MLK statue at King Park was vandalized with horrific graffiti. The LBPD are investigating this as a hate crime and we are working to catch whoever committed this awful act," he said. "Our MLK Statue is a symbol of hope and justice for the community. This hate and desecration has no place in our city," he continued. A spokesperson for Garcia said the mayor is working with the police department and community leaders to install security cameras near the statue.

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'MILITARY BASE WELCOMES FIRST EVER BLACK-OWNED NATURAL HAIRCARE VENDING MACHINE

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indy Tawiah, CEO and founder of Diva By Cindy, has expanded her natural hair vending machine brand to the heights of the Armed Forces. Yes, the opportunity has become a reality at Fort Belvoir in Fairfax County, Virginia. This is the first military base to receive the machine, which is operated by Yolanda Brown, a military veteran who has been a franchise owner for about two years now. BWI airport and Air Mall have given small minority businesses such as Tawiah’s an opportunity to showcase their products and/or services. Diva By Cindy is looking forward to expanding its brand beyond its current borders

and wishes to continue offering franchise opportunities for women. It is currently available online at Walmart.com, DivaByCindy. com, Sally’s Beauty Supply, and Fort Belvoir Military Base. Cidy Tawiah has been featured on the Tom Joyner Morning Show, Baltimore’s WMAR-TV, Fox 45, Essence Magazine, and The Drew Barrymore Show. The Diva Project, launched in 2004, is the philanthropic arm of Diva by Cindy hair care system and aims to heal, restore, and transform women affected by domestic violence by giving them a day of beauty and healing. A percentage of the product’s proceeds

July 8, 2021 - July 14, 2021

go toward supporting homeless women and victims of domestic violence. Cindy says that there are six guiding principles that guide both Diva by Cindy and The Diva Project. They are prayer, passion, perseverance, persistence, presence, and positivity. This is all chronicled in her book entitled Metamorphosis: Finding Your Purpose, Finding Your Passion, Finding U. The six principles not only guide her products and Cindy Tawiah, CEO of Diva By Cindy inspire her philanthropy but also her life. This feel-good, do-good hair care brand is taking off Share this story online at: and changing the world “one diva at a time!” Learn more about her company at DivaByCindy.com

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NATIONAL NEWS: VANESSA WILLIAMS AND PBS SLAMMED FOR 'BLACK NATIONAL ANTHEM' PERFORMANCE

here was backlash over Vanessa Williams performing for Independence Day before it even happened. Williams hosted PBS' "A Capitol Fourth" on Sunday, and it had been announced that she would sing "Lift Every Voice and Sing," which has become known as the "Black national anthem." In the promotion leading up to the show, Williams talked about including the song. "It's in celebration of the wonderful opportunity that we now have to celebrate Juneteenth," USA Today reported the former Miss America saying. "So we are reflective of the times." Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of African American slaves and was declared a federal holiday in the US this year. Conservative Twitter jumped on the "national anthem" part and declared it "divisive," "segregation" and "racist" to have any anthem other than "The Star Spangled Banner," which was scheduled to be performed by Grammy-award winner Renée Fleming. Still, others supported Williams and chalked the whole thing up to social media doing what it does best -- outrage.

By Lisa Respers France, CNN – www.StyleMagazine.com – Newswire

Vanessa Williams performing Black national anthem "Lift Every Voice and Sing" during "A Capitol Fourth" on July 4, 2021. CNN has reached out to reps for "I dedicate this to our ancestors, Williams and PBS for comment. In launching into the song, Wilto our new federal holiday Juneteenth and liams, who also performed "God Bless to all who celebrate freedom," she said. America" earlier in the program, said "A Capitol Fourth" has aired for Share this story online at: she was "filled with the spirit of freedom more than four decades and is heavily and the perseverance that is required to promoted every year by PBS. achieve that most precious right."

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July 8, 2021 - July 14, 2021

Delta Variant Now Makes Up More Than Half of Coronavirus Cases By Madeline Holcombe, Holly Yan and Theresa Waldrop, CNN – www.StyleMagazine.com

he Delta variant, a more transmissible and possibly more dangerous strain of coronavirus, now makes up more than half of all new Covid-19 infections in the US, according to estimates from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Delta accounts for 51.7% of new infections in the US, according to the CDC. The B.1.1.7, or Alpha variant, which has dominated for months, now accounts for 28.7% of cases, the CDC said. "If ever there was a reason to get vaccinated, this is it," Dr. Anthony Fauci told CNN's Anderson Cooper on Tuesday. The variant poses a "significant threat," to unvaccinated people Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, said. The variant is not only more transmissible, it can also cause more severe disease, Fauci said. And people in areas where the vaccination rate is low are especially at risk, health officials say."We're already starting to see places with low vaccination rates starting to have relatively big spikes from the Delta variant. We've seen this in Arkansas, Missouri, Wyoming ... those are the places where we're going to see more hospitalizations and deaths as well, unfortunately," said Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of the Brown University School of Public Health. "Any time you have large outbreaks, it does become a breeding ground for potentially more variants," Jha said. The US is already grappling with variants that are more contagious than the original strain of novel coronavirus. They include the "stickier" Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant, which is currently the dominant strain in the US, and the even more contagious Delta (B.1.617.2) variant, which is on track to become the

July 8, 2021 - July 14, 2021

dominant strain in the US, the director of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. "The more unvaccinated people there are, the more opportunities for the virus to multiply," said Dr. William Schaffner, a professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. "When it does, it mutates, and it could throw off a variant mutation that is even more serious down the road." Parts of the South, Southwest and Midwest are starting to see spikes in cases, and many of those states -- such as Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Mississippi -- are among those with the lowest rates of vaccination, according to the CDC. States with below-average vaccination rates have almost triple the rate of new Covid-19 cases compared to states with above-average vaccination rates, according to recent data from Johns Hopkins University. And since vaccines are highly effective but not perfect, some health experts say they will wear masks in certain places despite being fully vaccinated. "If you're in a low-infection, high-vaccination area, you don't need to be wearing a mask indoors if you're fully vaccinated," Jha said. But "if I were in southwest Missouri right now, I'm fully vaccinated, but I would be wearing a mask indoors." Israeli analysis vaccine may not be as effective against Delta as thought While many health experts have said available vaccines offer protection from variants now circulating, an analysis in Israel suggests the Pfizer/ BioNTech vaccine -- the one that Israel chose to inoculate its citizens with -- may not be as effective

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as was previously found there, possibly because of the Delta variant. The Israeli government said in a brief statement on Monday that as of June 6, the vaccine provided 64% protection against infection. In May -- when the Alpha variant dominated in Israel and the Delta strain had not yet spread widely -- it found that the shot was 95.3% effective against all infections. The government added that the vaccine was now 93% effective in preventing severe disease and hospitalizations, compared to 97% reported in the medical journal The Lancet in May. Israel didn't release the data used in its analysis. Israel is one of the most vaccinated countries in the world, with more than 60% of the population fully inoculated and two-thirds having received at least one dose. A team at Hebrew University said in a separate statement that it was too soon to tell how much the Delta variant was affecting vaccine efficacy. Dr. Ashish Jha, dean of Brown University's School of Public Health, was also cautious about drawing conclusions. "Best data still suggest mRNA vaccines offer high degree of protection against infection and superb protection against severe illness. Lets await more data but as of now ... If you're vaccinated, I wouldn't worry," he tweeted. Unvaccinated young adults help fuel the spread If there is another Covid-19 surge, unvaccinated young adults could be a big part of the problem, said Dr. Megan Ranney, associate professor of emergency medicine at Brown University.

"We've already seen that the highest number of infections over the past few months have been in those younger adults," said Ranney, who's also an emergency physician and director of the Brown-Lifespan Center for Digital Health. "These are the people that thought they were invincible." West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice said he's encouraging parents and grandparents of those ages 12-35 to push them to get vaccinated. "The young people out there are the ones that are dragging their feet. The sun is shining, they're out of school, all is good in the world and everything, yet they don't really realize that they could be the transmitters that could be passing this on to someone that's going to die," he said during a Tuesday briefing. As concerns of the delta variant increase, Justice said, "if you're not vaccinated, you're part of the problem rather than part of the solution, that's all there is to it." As of Tuesday, only 47.5% of Americans have been fully vaccinated, according to CDC data. More than 11,000 new Covid-19 cases have been reported every day over the past week, according to data from Johns Hopkins University. About 200 Americans are dying from Covid-19 every day. Much of the suffering is unnecessary and preventable with vaccines, emergency physician Dr. Leana Wen said. "We have the ability to stop Covid in its tracks," she said. On the other hand, all 50 states have fully vaccinated more than 60% of seniors, CDC data shows, from about 62% in Utah to 94% in Vermont. Missouri hospital transfers Covid-19 patients to other facilities In Missouri, one hospital has been under such strain that Covid-19 patients are being transferred to hospitals in different health systems.

CoxHealth had 94 patients hospitalized for Covid-19 as of Monday, said Kaitlyn McConnell, a CoxHealth public relations director. At Cox South, a hospital in Springfield, 12 Covid-19 patients were transferred to other facilities in the region between Friday and Monday morning. "While we have ample supplies and space to care for additional patients, staffing remains a challenge," McConnell said. "Divert is not a permanent status; we only use it temporarily, it is tied to capacity at a particular moment in time and based on what is best for staff and patients." The health system had about 170 Covid-19 patients last winter and 280 traveling staff members to help with the response, McConnell said. Now the system is struggling to meet the current demand -- without the extra help. "We are aggressively working to have more travelers return -- and hire more staff, as we have throughout the pandemic -- but it is currently a challenge due to times of year that travelers tend to be available," said McConnell. In recent weeks, CoxHealth has transferred patients to facilities in Kansas City, St. Louis and out of state to Arkansas. But now Arkansas is starting to feel the effects of low vaccination rates -- and if worsening trends continue, it could spell another surge, said Dr. Cam Patterson, chancellor of University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. "Arkansas, which has a very low vaccination rate, has seen over a hundred percent rise in daily cases over the last two weeks," CNN medical analyst Dr. Jonathan Reiner said. As of Sunday, Arkansas' average rate or new Covid-19 cases was about five times higher than the national average, according to Johns Hopkins data. It's also one of the least vaccinated states in the country.

What could this mean for a return to school?Children who are unvaccinated are still at high risk for infection, Wen said. She said she disagreed with governors such as Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who has banned public schools from requiring face masks. "These governors that have said that schools no longer need masks indoors, that's a big mistake," Wen said. Considering mental health concerns and educational outcomes, Wen said she thinks it's best to have kids back to school -- full time and in-person this fall. But even mild cases of the Covid-19 can have long-term impacts for children, so safety precautions shouls be taken, she said. Even vaccinated parents of unvaccinated children may want to wear masks indoors, said Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. Because vaccines are highly effective but not perfect, he said it's possible adults could get breakthrough infections and pass them to their children. "We haven't formally proven yet how much diminution there is in the likelihood of transmitting it to someone else -- including children -- and that's one of the reasons why you've got to be careful when you're dealing with something like the Delta variant," he said. The best protection against variants, health experts say, is to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

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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 8, 2021 - July 14, 2021

NATIONAL NEWS: BLACK CAUCUS ASKS FEDS TO LAUNCH

FULL-SCALE INVESTIGATION OF LOUISIANA STATE POLICE By Wesley Muller – wwwStyleMagazine.com – Newswire

ouisiana Legislative Black Caucus leaders announced Tuesday that they will be sending a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice to request a “top-to-bottom” investigation of Louisiana State Police following a series of high-profile beatings of Black motorists and alleged coverups within the state’s top law enforcement agency, Rep. Ted James, the Baton Rouge Democrat who leads the caucus, said. “Folks need to be arrested,” James said at Tuesday’s news conference, referring to the troopers involved in those incidents. “And that’s one of the reasons we need the feds to come in.” In June, the ACLU of Louisiana called on federal authorities to launch a “pattern or practice” investigation into misconduct by state troopers. The group cited “growing concern over LSP’s pattern of targeting and using objectively unreasonable force against Black people, which the office then goes to great lengths to conceal.” Black Caucus leaders repeated those same concerns and joined the ACLU in requesting a “pattern or practice” investigation. James said the probe would look for any constitutional violations and cover a wide range of issues and personnel — not just those connected to the incidents involving Ronald Greene and Aaron Bowman. In May 2019, troopers in Troop F pulled over the 49-year-old Greene during a vehicle pursuit in Monroe. Body camera and dashboard camera footage leaked to the Associated Press show the White troopers kicking, dragging and using stun guns on Greene, a Black man, while he was prone and handcuffed. Troopers initially told Greene’s family that he died on impact after crashing his car, according to the AP report that broke the story. Weeks later, state police investigators determined that Jacob Brown, a trooper from Troop F, struck 46-year-old Bowman 18 times in the head with a reinforced tactical flashlight. Louisiana State Police has been conducting internal investigations into both incidents, but so far, only Brown has been arrested on state charges. A federal “pattern or practice” investigation can often result in a federal consent decree, like the one to reform the Orleans Parish Prison. Justice Department officials have launched similar investigations in Minneapolis, Louisville and elsewhere since Attorney General Merrick Garland took the helm under President Joe Biden. James said he notified Gov. John Bel Edwards and top state police administrators of the letter prior to Tuesday’s news conference. He would not say whether they expressed support for such a fullscale investigation. He added that he believes the agency’s new superintendent, Col. Lamar Davis, who is Black, has so far done a good job reforming the agency but that “there are rules and laws in place that prevent him from questioning certain individuals who need to be questioned.” James was referring to State Police Commis-

July 8, 2021 - July 14, 2021

Rep. Ted James (D-Baton Rouge) speaks at a news conference for the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus on Tuesday, July 6, 2021. (Wes Muller/Louisiana Illuminator) sion protections that troopers have barring certain reviews and disciplinary measures similar to the protections that municipal police officers have under Louisiana’s so-called “police officer bill of rights.” Internal investigators cannot question troopers without advance notice and not before they’re given time to secure an attorney. Furthermore, among other protections, any statements made during an administrative internal investigation cannot be used against the trooper in a criminal proceeding. Gov. Edwards’ spokesperson Christina Stephens released the following statement to the Illuminator: “The Governor enjoys a strong working relationship with members of the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus and was aware of their planned request in advance. He also believes that they have reasonable concerns that need to be addressed. We all agree that all law enforcement officers, including Louisiana State Police troopers, should act professionally, respectfully and in accordance with their sworn duty to protect all Louisianans regardless of their race or background. If officers violate this oath and the public’s trust, they should be held responsible and face the appropriate consequences for their action or inaction. For our officers, we believe this important work can be accomplished with strong leadership at the Louisiana State Police. “As the Governor has said, he is fully supportive of Louisiana State Police Col. Lamar Davis, who became the head of LSP last October,” Stephens added. “His charge to Col. Davis was not just to lead the agency, but also to transform it, and that monumental work has already started through internal

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reviews and expanded training.” Also in response to a request from the Illuminator, Capt. Nick Manale released the following statement on behalf of Col. Davis: “For the last 8 months, our agency has carefully evaluated and examined our processes and operational practices leading to fundamental improvements to our operations, training, and administration,” Davis said. “These improvements and reforms affect every aspect of our department and is made possible through the dedicated efforts of our Troopers, DPS Police Officers, and support staff. No one is more committed to implementing positive change within our agency than our own personnel who work tirelessly each day to provide professional public safety services to the state of Louisiana. “While the process remains ongoing and there is much work to be done, I am extremely proud of the efforts of the men and women within the Department of Public Safety to change our internal culture, promote leadership at all levels, and place focus on investing in our communities. We remain committed to the reform process through continued coordination with the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus and invaluable conversations with stakeholders representing diverse populations throughout our state. Through this partnership, we will ensure the implementation of critical changes and the building of trust within the communities we serve.”

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LOCAL NEWS: 4TH ANNUAL CAREER OPPORTUNITY FAIR wwwStyleMagazine.com – Newswire

H CD D P R ES ENTS

4th Annual Career Opportunity Fair

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he City of Houston Housing and Community Development Department and workforce opportunity nonprofit SERJobs will host a career opportunity fair. Representatives from more than 30 employers and vendors are expected to participate and seek qualified candidates for hundreds of open positions and second-chance opportunities in a variety of industries, such as construction, education, hotel & restaurant, and medical, throughout the Houston area.

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For additional opportunities for career advancement, visit https://houstontx.gov/ housing and www.serjobs.org.

“We at SERJobs are so grateful for the opportunity to partner with The City of Houston and our many employers who could and will benefit from this opportunity,” said Sheroo Mukhtiar, CEO of SERJobs. “SERJobs’ primary focus is on empowering and preparing individuals to find career pathways that pay livable wages. Events like these provide a strong platform for potential candidates to connect with employers.”

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July 8, 2021 - July 14, 2021

SPORTS NEWS: A SWIM CAP MADE FOR BLACK HAIR WILL GET A SECOND LOOK FROM SWIMMING'S GOVERNING BODY

By Sharon Pruitt-Young Special to www.StyleMagazine.com – Newswire

he International Swimming Federation says it will revisit its decision barring a swimming cap designed specifically for natural Black hair from being used in competition. The makers of the Soul Cap, a product tailor-made so that swimmers with voluminous, Afro-textured hair can protect their hair while in the water, said on Instagram last week that the sport's governing body had denied their application for certification. The decision effectively ensured that the cap would not be in use when the Olympic Games begin this month. The news drew considerable backlash, prompting the International Swimming Federation, also known as FINA, to release a statement on Friday acknowledging the public response and announcing that it was "reviewing" the situation. "FINA is committed to ensuring that all aquatics athletes have access to appropriate swimwear for competition where this swimwear does not confer a competitive advantage," the statement reads. "FINA is currently reviewing the situation with regards to 'Soul Cap' and similar products, understanding the importance of inclusivity and representation." The organization noted that the cap can still be worn in "recreational and teaching" settings and said it will reach out to the makers of the cap about the possibility of using it inside FINA development centers. The centers serve as international training facilities for promising swimmers and coaches, according to the organization's website. It's not uncommon for elite swimmers to train for the Olympics at the development centers. "FINA appreciates the efforts of 'Soul Cap' and other suppliers to ensure everyone has the chance to enjoy the water," the organization said, adding, "FINA expects to make its consideration of 'Soul Cap' and similar products part of wider initiatives aimed at ensuring there are no barriers to participation in swimming, which is both a sport and a vital life skill." FINA did not immediately respond to a request for comment. ments

FINA said the cap did not meet its require-

In its initial decision, FINA ruled that athletes competing at the international level have "never used, neither require to use, caps of such size and configuration," according to The Associated Press. The report said that the organization also determined that the cap does not "[follow] the natural form of the head," a rule that is outlined in FINA's requirements for approved swimwear. The decision prompted substantial controversy on social media, with many remarking on the long-standing problems of inclusivity in the world of competitive swimming. Danielle Obe, chair of the Black Swimming Association, told Sky Sports that she feared the decision would alienate young Black swimmers.

July 8, 2021 - July 14, 2021

Alice Dearing, who is slated to become the first ever Black woman to represent Great Britain in swimming at the Olympics this year, is an ambassador for Soul Cap, a swim cap made for natural Black hair. "This will affect younger swimmers, up and coming, who might want to consider taking up elite swimming," she said. "It will affect their decision because, by and large, hair is a significant barrier to aquatics for many women especially and many people of color from our communities. So [the Soul Cap] should be considered as a product that overcomes this barrier." In a statement in response to FINA's initial decision, the makers of the Soul Cap said that their reasoning for making their caps in the first place was to create a product for an overlooked demographic — those with full, Afro-textured hair who struggled to get their hair to fit into the swimming caps available. "We hoped to further our work for diversity in swimming by having our swim caps certified for competition, so swimmers at any level don't have to choose between the sport they love and their hair," founders Michael Chapman and Toks Ahmed Salawudeen said on Instagram. "For younger swimmers, feeling included and seeing yourself in a sport at a young age is crucial. FINA's recent dismissal could discourage many younger athletes from pursuing the sport as they progress through local, county and national competitive swimming." Champion swimmer Alice Dearing is hoping for the best Alice Dearing, who is slated to become the first ever Black woman to represent Great Britain in swimming at the Olympics this year, is an ambassador for the cap, according to the brand's Instagram.

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But unless FINA reverses it decision, she will not have the option of wearing the Soul Cap during the games. Amid the controversy, Dearing said during an interview with Sky Sports that she wants to continue to encourage young Black swimmers and does not want them to fear that competitive swimming isn't a welcoming environment for Black athletes. "I don't want little Black boys and little Black girls to look at elite swimming and think it's not open to them, because that is completely the wrong idea," she said. "It is open to them. I'm really hopeful that, it being under review, that some agreement will come about." Dearing said that when she was a kid, her mother used to have to relax her hair and then braid it to make it easier to fit into a swimming cap. It was only as an adult that she has been able to find ways to wear her natural hair as a swimmer, she said, adding that it has been encouraging to see so many people be so passionate about making sure that competitive swimming is accessible to everyone. She concluded, "I'm really hopeful that this story will have a happy ending, and I'm pretty sure it will."

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elcome back to The Open House. Whether you are buying a home for your primary residence or searching for an investment property, you will have to make a decision on whether or not you want to live in an area with a Homeowners Association (HOA). According to Investopia, A homeowner's association (HOA) is an organization in a subdivision, planned community, or condominium building that makes and enforces rules for the properties and its residents. Houston is home to hundreds of HOA communities. So, if you buy a property that has an HOA, you will automatically become a member of the association and are required to pay monthly or annual dues, known as HOA fees. The fee amount varies per community, but will typically cover maintenance, landscaping, vehicle regulation, security, trash removal and more. There are some pros and cons to living in a community with a HOA. Some benefits include recreational facilities, amenities and sometimes utilities. Some cons to living in a strict HOA community could be how restrictive they are to what you can

The Open House: With Realtor Falyn Davis

HOA vs No HOA:

Homeownership Associations

Falyn M. Davis

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do with your property (meaning you can’t Airbnb your property, you can’t paint it whatever odd color you like, etc.). Whether you are looking for an investment property with no HOA,

or a home in a community with HOA, allow me to be your trusted agent and help you navigate this market. I can find you exactly what you’re looking for!

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Email: FalynMDavis@gmail.com Social Media: @FalynDavis

July 8, 2021 - July 14, 2021

ENTERTAINMENT: JADA PINKETT SMITH, WILLOW SMITH, AND ADRIENNE BANFIELD-NORRIS WIN EMMY FOR ‘RED TABLE TALK’

he show, hosted by Jada Pinkett Smith, Adrienne Banfield-Norris, and Willow Smith, won against fellow nominees The 3rd Hour of Today, GMA3: What You Need to Know, Red Table Talk: The Estefans, and Tamron Hall. Will Smith took to Instagram to share a clip of the hosts reacting to their win. The actor wrote alongside the post, “RED TABLE TALK WON ITS FIRST EMMY!!” jokingly adding, “I’ll stop complaining about not having a garage now.” “… THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to ALL for your hard work! TOGETHER makes it BETTER!! THANK YOU to our RTT community for your continued support!” Banfield-Norris added. “Let’s keep shining bright. Here’s to the journey! Let’s go.” “One of the best moments and one of the best hugs!” Banfield-Norris wrote in a follow-up clip. “We know our story and the journey has been amazing! I love you, Jada, to the moon️.” The 48th annual Emmys awards show, hosted by Sheryl Underwood, aired on Friday on CBS and Paramount+

wwwStyleMagazine.com – Newswire

The Facebook Watch series “Red Table Talk,” won a Daytime Emmy award on Friday in the outstanding informative talk show category. (Getty Images)

ENTERTAINMENT: RENOVATION PROS JON PIERRE AND

MARY TJON-JOE-PIN RETURN TO HGTV 'TWO STEPS HOME' By HGTV News – www.StyleMagazine.com

statue of In their new HGTV series Two Steps Home, Jon Pierre and Mary Tjon-Joe-Pin, hosts of the earlier HGTV series Going for Sold, take a two-step approach as they help clients through the challenging process of selling their home and buying a new one that perfectly fits their needs. Premiering Wednesday, June 16, at 9 p.m. ET/PT, the eight-episode series spotlights Jon Pierre, a real estate agent, and Mary, a designer — who are also busy parents of two — as they help their Houston-area clients sell, buy and renovate to create their ideal home. In step one, Mary’s creative and budget-conscious design ideas will ensure the client’s house sells for top dollar. For step two, Jon Pierre will use his savvy know-how of the Houston market to find the client a new property that meets most of their wish list but needs a few renovations to make it perfect. Once their current home sells, Jon Pierre and Mary will invest the extra profit to buy and overhaul the family’s new home. "The home buying and selling process can be very overwhelming," says Mary. "So many people leave money on the table when they sell and feel forced to make compromises when they buy. We’re taking two steps to change that." "We help clients get the home of their dreams," says Jon Pierre. "We show them how to sell for maximum profit, then invest in smart renovations and upgrades for their new space. We’re welcoming families home one step at a time." In the series premiere, Jon Pierre and Mary work with a single mom and teacher who also runs a baking business on the side. Cost-efficient, but impactful changes, including painting the kitchen cabinets and turning the living room fireplace into a statement piece, will prep her

July 8, 2021 - July 14, 2021

Jon Pierre and Mary Tjon-Joe-Pin return to HGTV in a new series, Two Steps Home. (Paul Ladd/Getty Images) current property to list. Jon Pierre and Mary will then turn the home-sale profit into personalized renovations for her newly purchased home, including a high-end kitchen with double ovens and a modern staircase design. Throughout the season, the duo will lead a wide range of clients to a home they never want to leave, from a family that needs a dedicated homeschool space to a couple with a new baby who wants room for the grandparents. Fans are invited to stay connected with Two Steps Home on HGTV’s digital platforms. Exclusive photo galleries and behind-the-scenes content will be available at HGTV.com, and each episode will launch the same day

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and time on HGTV GO beginning Wednesday, June 16, at 9 p.m. Fans also can follow @HGTV on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using #TwoStepsHome for additional show content and updates, and can connect with Jon Pierre at @jonpierretjp and Mary at @marytjp on Instagram.

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H Harris County Commissioners Youth Summer Initiative H Presents first-ever County Connections Youth Summer Initiative Awardees With Checks

Over the past two weeks, Harris County commissioners from all four precincts presented checks to County Connections Youth Summer initiative awardees during ceremonies held at Harris County Department of Education’s North Post Oak office. More than $600,000 were awarded to over 50 nonprofits in amounts ranging from $3,500 to $20,000. The awarded nonprofits will offer programming through Aug. 15, assisting nearly 2,000 families of children in elementary through high school. The diverse activities offered include fine arts, academic enrichment, college exploration, and youth mentoring. Grant awardees will also provide synchronous or asynchronous college and career readiness initiatives for older youth delivered virtually through the CASE for Kids LevelUp online learning platform

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July 8, 2021 - July 14, 2021

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July 8, 2021 - July 14, 2021