Houston Style Magazine Vol 32 No 24 by Houston Style Magazine (HSM)

June 10– June 16, 2021

Houston’s Premiere Weekly Publication, Since 1989

Volume 32 | Number 24

Complimentary

Jesse Jackson

Simple Justice: Tulsa Massacre Restitution and Reparation

Laurie Vignaud

Strategic Business Alliance with Unity National Bank

Falyn M. Davis

First Time Home Buying Money Tips, Part 1

DA Says Save A Life: Lock Up Your Guns

H-E-B Lifting-Off Large New Store In Plano

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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June 10 - June 16, 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 is set to spend eight days in Europe, first meeting in the U.K. and Brussels, and then meeting his Russian counterpart in Geneva.

©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)

Photo Credit AP via Getty

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June 10 - June 16, 2021

COMMENTARY

SIMPLE JUSTICE: THE TULSA MASSACRE, RESTITUTION AND REPARATIONS By Jesse Jackson, National Political Writer

n its 100th anniversary, the 1921 massacre in Tulsa, Oklahoma has finally come to national attention. The history of the massacre is now known. The damage inflicted clear. The question is what is to be done to repair the damage? In the early 20th century, the Greenwood neighborhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma, was a center of black economic prosperity in the U.S. Often called the Black Wall Street, Greenwood supported around 15,000 people. It had close to 200 black-owned businesses, 15 doctors, two dentists, law offices, restaurants, movie theaters, hotels, a hospital, and schools. Greenwood was a prosperous community on the black side of segregated Tulsa. That made it a source of envy and of resentment. In the early hours of June 1, 1921, a “deputized” White mob - some estimates report it numbering 10,000 persons, supported by the Tulsa police and the Mayor of Tulsa - swept through the community, burning, looting, and murdering in a calculated act of mass terror. The trigger for the mob violence was a rumored attack on a white woman by a black man - a charge that was later dismissed when it turned out that the supposed assailant accidentally tripped into her. As many as 400 black residents were killed, more than 1,200 homes burned, 10,000 people were left homeless, churches, schools and a hospital were destroyed. There were no convictions for any of the charges related to the violence. Blacks in Tulsa were the most ARRESTED and the most DENIED. The dead were buried in mass graves never to be seen again. “Decades of black prosperity and millions of dollars in hard earned wealth were wiped out in hours, but nobody was ever held accountable, and no compensation was ever paid,”

concluded a report by Human Rights Watch. Last week, three survivors of the incident - all over 100 years old - testified about the terror - and the injustice before the Congress. No one now doubts the damage wrought. The question is what is to be done to rectify the harm done? In many instances, the survivors and the heirs still have title to the lands and buildings that were torched and forcibly seized from their relatives. Do the descendants have the right to take back the land? In most cases, restitution must be considered for the land and business owners. Many have deeds to the stolen property. They deserve RESTITUTION. The multigenerational damages are staggering. The Stratford Hotel, for example, was worth about $125,000 at the time it was torched. In today’s dollars, it would be worth over $100 million. Restitution calls for returning to the rightful owner something that has been taken away improperly. Reparations is a broader concept, calling for compensation to make good damages that cannot simply be rectified. Many commissions have called for reparations for the victims of the Greenwood massacre, but to date nothing has been done. Last September, descendants of the victims and Lessie Benningfield Randle, a 106-year-old survivor of the massacre, filed suit against the City of Tulsa and other official bodies. They accurately charged that Tulsa officials permitted and participated in the destruction of their families’ homes and businesses, and that the City of Tulsa also worked to block any compensation from insurance companies. They asked for a detailed accounting of the property and wealth lost or stolen, the building of a hospital in northern Tulsa to replace the one that was burned down, establishment of a fund to recompense the victims and

June 10 - June 16, 2021

1921 Massacre in Tulsa, Oklahoma their descendants, and a break from city and county taxes for survivors or descendants of those who were killed or injured. Reparations are, of course, controversial, but correct. Basic justice requires some remedy for wrongs committed. And no community can come together without wrestling directly and honestly with the horrors committed and the damage caused. The Tulsa massacre is not the only incident of racial terrorism in this country. Tulsa is a metaphor for all the other race massacres that have occurred in the U.S. In the end, the following must happen: Lynching must be a federal crime. Rand Paul of Kentucky blocked it. A Marshall Plan is needed to secure and restructure institutions for fairness and justice. The most significant piece of the Marshall Plan is 50-year development loans at

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2 percent, government secured with quarterly returns. How the citizens, the city and state and the courts handle this question will reveal much about the state of justice in this country. 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. Share this story online at StyleMagazine.com.

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June 10 - June 16, 2021

5/25/21 3:47 PM

NATIONAL NEWS: BIDEN ADMINISTRATION THREATENS TO

SUE ABBOTT IF HE SHUTS DOWN TAX-PAYER FUNDED SHELTERS By Claire Hansen www.CNN.com – Newswire

he Biden administration is threatening to sue Texas over Gov. Greg Abbott’s bid to yank the state-issued licenses of any shelter or facility that houses unaccompanied migrant children. In a disaster declaration issued on Memorial Day, the Republican governor instructed officials to terminate the state licenses of shelter and foster care facilities that housed migrant children who are in the custody of the federal government. In the wake of that directive, officials instructed shelters caring for migrant children to end those operations by Aug. 30. The move was a significant escalation of Texas’ fight against the Biden administration on immigration-related issues. It threatened to result in the closure of shelter facilities and disrupt the system that cares for and houses migrant children – potentially forcing the government to move the kids to facilities that are not designed to hold minors for extended periods of time. The law requires migrant children who cross the border alone to be moved out of Customs and Border Protection facilities within three days and into the care of the Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Refugee Resettlement, or ORR. The agency houses the children in state-licensed care facilities as local officials vet sponsors already in the U.S. to release the children to – a process that takes on average about a month, but can be longer. Fifty-two such state-licensed shelters in Texas house thousands of migrant children. HHS threatened to take legal action against the state if it did not stop its effort to pull the shelter licenses, HHS Deputy General Counsel Paul Rodriguex warned in a letter sent Monday night toAbbott, Texas Deputy Secretary of State Jose Esparza and Cecile Erwin Young, the commissioner of

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott instructed officials last week to pull the state licenses of any shelter or foster care facility that houses unaccompanied migrant children. the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. “ORR operates 52 state-licensed facilities in Texas, which comprise a significant portion of ORR’s total operational footprint, and represent an indispensable component of the Federal immigration system. If interpreted to reach ORR’s network of grantee-facilities in Texas, the May 31 Proclamation would be a direct attack on this system,” the letter says. Rodriguez gave officials until Friday to clarify whether they intended to make an exception to the directive for shelters overseen by ORR.

Abbott’s order instructed officials to pull the licenses of facilities that care for migrant children in the U.S. unlawfully, and Rodriguez argued in his letter that the U.S. government does not consider children in ORR care to be unlawfully present under immigration law.

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NATIONAL NEWS: FEDERAL APPEALS COURT BLOCKS SWEEPING MISSOURI ABORTION LAW By Barbara Starr www.CNN.com – Newswire

federal appeals court panel on Wednesday blocked Missouri from enforcing a sweeping state abortion law that bans the procedures at or after eight weeks of pregnancy. A three-judge panel of the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis heard arguments in September in the legal battle over the 2019 law. The measure also would prohibit a woman from having an abortion because the fetus has Down syndrome. Yamelsie Rodríguez, president and CEO of Reproductive Health Services of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region, called the ruling “a critical victory for Missourians.” “For now, we celebrate our continued ability to provide safe, legal abortion at the last remaining clinic in Missouri,” Rodriguez said in a statement. Republican Attorney General Eric Schmitt said in a statement that his son, Stephen, who has a rare genetic condition, autism and epilepsy, “has shown me the inherent beauty and dignity in all life, especially those with special needs. While we’re disappointed in the 8th Circuit’s decision, their decision does

June 10 - June 16, 2021

provide an avenue for this case to be heard by the Supreme Court, and we plan to seek review in the Supreme Court.” The lawsuit was filed by Reproductive Health Services, which operates the St. Louis abortion clinic, and the American Civil Liberties Union. A federal judge had blocked the law while the legal challenge plays out, prompting the state’s appeal to the 8th Circuit. U.S. District Judge Howard Sachs said at the time of his ruling last year that Planned Parenthood and the ACLU would likely succeed in their lawsuit alleging that the law is unconstitutional. Similar laws have been struck down in North Dakota and Iowa. Most of the discussion at the hearing in September centered around the provision banning abortions because the fetus is diagnosed with Down syndrome. Missouri Solicitor General John Sauer cited an “epidemic of abortions targeting children with Down syndrome for elimination solely because of their disability.” Planned Parenthood attorney Claudia Hammerman argued at the time that four decades of Supreme Court

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precedent “make it clear that this is unconstitutional.” She said doctors won’t take the risk of losing their medical license for aborting a fetus with Down syndrome, regardless of whether the condition was the reason the woman sought the procedure. Missouri also is among several conservative states in recent years that have passed abortion restrictions in hopes that the increasingly conservative Supreme Court will eventually overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 decision that established a nationwide right to abortion. Last month, the Supreme Court voted 6-3 to take on a case about whether states can ban abortions before a fetus can survive outside the womb. Experts say the case could dramatically alter nearly 50 years of rulings on abortion rights. Three justices appointed by former President Donald Trump were part of a conservative majority in agreeing to hear the case.

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POLITICAL NEWS: BLACK WOMEN WILL BE A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH IN THE 2022 MIDTERM ELECTION More Black women ran in the 2020 cycle than ever before

By Alexi McCammond – wwwCNN.com – Newswire

he 2022 midterms are just barely starting to ramp up, but Black women political leaders and organizations are already laser-focused on getting more Black women elected, saying Kamala Harris’ historic election as vice president is just the beginning. According to strategists, operatives and organizers, candidates, states like Massachusetts, Virginia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee and New York are all top targets for Democrats and Black political activists to try to get more Black women into office. And this week, Black women stand to make history. The Senate Judiciary Committee will vote on Kristen Clarke’s nomination to lead the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. If confirmed, Clarke will become the first woman and Black woman to serve in this role in the division’s approximately 64-year existence. Organizers say that getting more Black women elected is about changing political representation and policy — and some are planning for the next 10 years. For example, Glynda Carr, president and CEO of Higher Heights, one of the only major national Black women’s political organizing groups, said they’re thinking through a strategic plan for Black women’s political leadership through the 2030 cycle. “That certainly includes the ability to elect the first woman and Black woman president,” she said, “and to create an opportunity map across this country where we ought to be supporting, recruiting, investing in and training Black women to run for U.S. senators and governors.” I remember being at a Democratic National Committee event back in 2018 when Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., declared that “Black women are the backbone of the Democratic Party.” At the time, it was a bold statement — one that finally recognized the political power Black women have as voters, organizers and candidates. Around that time, Democrat Doug Jones’ historic win in the Alabama special Senate runoff happened in large part because of the on-the-ground work of Black women. And they didn’t just help Jones, they delivered a huge win for the Democratic Party. The Democratic National Committee chairman at the time, Tom Perez, tweeted in December 2017: “Let me be clear: We won in Alabama and Virginia because #BlackWomen led us to victory. Black women are the backbone of the Democratic Party, and we can’t take that for granted. Period.” It all felt like a reckoning. But now, five years later, Black women are still fighting for representation in elected office. “Kamala Harris was a gigantic step forward with her election as vice president,” Carr said. “But it was also at the same point, a step back because we don’t have a Black woman in the U.S. Senate now.” Over 90 percent of Black women voted for Biden-Harris ticket in the 2020 election, according to NBC exit polls. Last week, Keisha Lance Bottoms, only the second Black woman ever to be elected as Atlanta’s mayor, announced she’s not seeking re-election. She’d talked openly about the difficult realities of being a city executive

(L-R) Kathy Barnette, Andrea Campbell and Maya Wiley Are all expected to run in the 2022 midterms.AP / Getty file while raising Black children in a country devastated by police violence against Black and brown communities, and the pandemic hit Atlanta especially hard. “There was last summer. There was a pandemic. There was a social justice movement. There was a madman in the White House,” she said. “It is abundantly clear to me today that it is time to pass the baton on to someone else.” Though her decision surprised many Democratic operatives as she’s grown to be a rising star in the party, her absence opens a lane for new Black women to try their hand at politics — and what that could mean for the viability of Black women mayoral candidates in other major cities, like Maya Wiley in New York and Andrea Campbell in Boston. On the Republican side, Black women aren’t being hailed as the backbone of the GOP and their experience can often be a lonely one. Rep. Mia Love was the only Black woman ever elected to the U.S. Congress in Utah. She lost re-election in 2019. But Kathy Barnette , an Army veteran, is running for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania, and if elected she would make history as the first Black female Republican elected to the U.S. Senate. Regardless of what side of the aisle they’re running, Black women candidates stress the importance of bringing your lived experience to your campaigning. For example, Barnette, who’s running in Pennsylvania, shared on the homepageof her campaign website that she had a “disadvantaged” upbringing, is “the by-product of a rape,” and was the first in her family to complete college. Even Democrats running in more conservative states, like Tennessee, don’t shy away from reality. “I’m Black, I’m gay, I’m stressed, I’m flawed, I’m working class,” said Odessa Kelly, a progressive Democrat challenging Rep. Jim Cooper. She became a parent at 25, her brother spent 11 years in prison, and she felt underpaid for the work she’d been doing for Nashville’s Parks and Recreation department — all things she openly talks about while campaigning. Having a pipeline of Black women who have

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been through the campaign process and made history (even those who didn’t win) is crucial to some of these women. Nina Turner, a former Ohio state senator and presidential campaign co-chair for Bernie Sanders in 2016 and 2020, mentioned women like Shirley Chisholm, Reps. Barbara Jordan and Carol Moseley Braun, and Fannie Lou Hamer as trailblazing Black women who inspired her to run. “At this particular moment, we see the fruits of that labor. Now, we need more fruit to come from that tree,” Turner said. “We’ve still got more miles to go.” Kelly said one of her first calls after launching her congressional campaign was to Marquita Bradshaw — a Black woman who “pulled off one of 2020’s biggest political upsets,” per the Nashville Post. Bradshaw won the Democratic Party’s nomination for Tennessee’s U.S. Senate seat last cycle, which was a shocker victory given she spent less than $25,000 on her campaign and she was up against a white male candidate backed by the Democratic Party’s Senate campaign arm. “We just kind of geeked out on the Green New Deal,” Kelly said of her call with Bradshaw. Turner and Kelly both said that while they’re running in local races, the policies and solutions necessary to meet today’s challenges have broader appeal. “I want to fix systemic problems,” Turner said, “whether they identify as progressives or not.” More Black women ran in the 2020 cycle than ever before, and advocates expect 2022 will break that record, but running hasn’t significantly changed their representation at the state and federal level. “Every now and then we, as Black women, reach a ‘sick-and-tired-of-being-sick-and-tired moment,’” said Beverly Smith, national president & CEO for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. “You will see a phenomenon” of all Black women’s political organizations “coming together to make sure we will move the needle,” she added.

June 10 - June 16, 2021

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By www.StyleMagazine.com – Newswire

omcast today announced that Toni Beck has been appointed vice president of External Affairs for the company’s Houston Region. In this role, Beck will be responsible for managing all external affairs activities for the region, including government affairs, communications, community, media, and public relations. Toni has more than 25 years of senior-level experience and has held numerous communications roles throughout her career, most recently as vice president, Communications and Community Relations at NextDecade Corporation. Prior to that, Beck was vice president Communications and Community Relations at Waste Management. “As I learned about Comcast’s focus on providing best-in-class customer experience, a culture where employees can thrive, and closing the digital divide, therefore, ensuring our communities where we live and work are even better than they are today, I knew this was a company that was making a real difference,” said Beck. “I look forward to furthering the Houston team’s work and shining a light on our products and services which continue to change lives for the better.” “We are excited to have Toni join our Comcast Houston team,” said Ralph Martinez, regional senior vice president, Comcast Houston. “She has a proven track record as a results-driven external affairs executive and motivational leader. Her commitment and expertise will be instrumental in telling Comcast’s story to external stakeholders.” Beck received a Bachelor of Social Science Degree in Political Studies from the University of Cape Town, South Africa.

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LOCAL NEWS: CADENCE BANK ANNOUNCES STRATEGIC BUSINESS ALLIANCE WITH UNITY NATIONAL BANK By www.StyleMagazine.com – Newswire

Laurie Vignaud serves as Chief Executive Officer and President of Unity National Bank

adence Bank, a subsidiary of Cadence Bancorporation (NYSE: CADE), today announced a strategic business alliance with Houston-based Unity National Bank of Houston (Unity National Bank), the only Black-owned banking institution in Texas. The cooperative alliance brings growth capital to Unity National Bank, strengthening its ability to make commercial loans and deliver other banking and financial solutions to businesses, individuals and families in minority and underserved communities in Greater Houston and Atlanta. Unity National Bank, originally founded in 1963 as Riverside National Bank, is an independent community bank providing commercial and retail banking services and quality customer service, and proudly serves as a role model to other businesses in the Black community. Addi-

Hank Holmes serves as President of Cadence Bank, N.A. and as Executive Vice President of Cadence Bancorporation

tionally, Unity National Bank is one of two Black minority depository institutions (MDI) with a national charter. Through this strategic mentor-bank relationship, Cadence Bank will provide certain advisory services to Unity National Bank. Such services include, but are not limited to, advice on information technology management; strategies for the design, development and implementation of new banking products and services; recommendations for talent recruitment, associate training and development; and guidance on loan originations. “We share Unity National Bank’s commitment to revitalizing minority and underserved communities and value the strategic alliance we have formed, knowing that collectively we can make a stronger impact,” said Hank Holmes, president of Cadence Bank. “It’s a privilege to

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work together, and we look forward to delivering positive progress in meeting our communities’ banking needs.” Laurie Vignaud, president & CEO of Unity National Bank, added: “We appreciate Cadence Bank’s commitment to ensuring our underserved communities have the support and resources needed to make a meaningful impact. The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted our minority and low to moderate income communities. Supporting our small businesses is needed now more than ever, and our collaboration will help us provide the much-needed support our communities are asking for.” For more information about the respective institutions, visit www.cadencebank.com and www.unitybanktexas.com.

June 10 - June 16, 2021

Minority 2021 HISD Valedictorians Rising To The Top By Jo-Carolyn Goode www.StyleMagazine.com

exas is losing one out of every five students before their graduation day according to an attrition study by the Intercultural Development Research Association. Black and Hispanic students are twice as likely in comparison to white students to drop out of high school before completing the 12th grade. Despite these statistics, Texas has among the highest graduation rates for black and brown minorities. Various obstacles stand in their way but none have been as large as that which crippled students this past year. The global pandemic had students face equipment issues, connectivity problems, physical and mental health tribulations, learning difficulties and more. No matter what the class of 2021 kept pushing themselves to work in any situation, push themselves harder than ever, and achieve in mist of what surrounded them. The Class of 2021 is resilient and today we honor their won’t quit spirit to rise to the top. Congratulations to the 2021 minority valedictorians of the Houston ISD!

Sara Cruz Austin High School College Choice Texas A&amp;M University Major Forensics and Investigative Sciences. Minor in Music

June 10 - June 16, 2021

Yarselyn Flores-Guaycochea Challenge Early College HS College Choice University of Chicago Major Economics/Business Economics. Minor in Data Science

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Ana Barahona Chavez High School College Choice Texas A&amp;M University Major Electrical Engineering

Johnny Cortez East Early College HS College Choice Duke University Major Electrical Engineering or Computer Science

Emely Reyes Long Academy College Choice Bowdoin College Major Psychology

Marlin Santos Sharpstown High School College Choice University of Texas at Austin Major Business

Alexa Piedra Energized for STEM Academy HS College Choice University of Texas at Austin Major Psychology

Aleyza Leyva Madison High School College Choice Sam Houston State University Major Nursing

Devin Guevara Sharpstown International College Choice Stanford University Major International Relations and/ or Public Policy

Benjamin Barnes Energy Institute High School College Choice University of Virginia Major Physics

Cesar Villalta Reyna Mickey Leland College Prep College Choice Northwestern or Rice University Major Computer Science. Minor in Mathematics

Malik Williams South Early College HS College Choice Columbia University Major Print Journalism

Itzel Campuzano Middle College at HCC Fraga College Choice University of Houston Major Undecided

SaMya Dolison Sterling High School College Choice University of Houston Major Biology. Minor in Psychology

Hilario Fraire Furr High School College Choice University of Texas at Austin Major Computer Science Paige Roberson Houston Academy International College Choice Vanderbilt University Major Molecular and Cellular Biology Julian Tanguma Houston MSTC College Choice University of Texas at Austin, Franklin Marshall or Carleton College Major Architecture or Computer Science. Minor in Mathematics MarKia Hollins Jack Yates High School College Choice Texas Southern University Major Criminal Justice Auria Al-Amin Vick Jones Futures Academy College Choice North Carolina A&amp;T Major Nursing Alejandra Rodriguez Kashmere High School College Choice Wellesley College Major Aeronautical Engineering or Astrophysics Krystal Jones Law and Justice High School College Choice University of Chicago Major Computer Science Acsa Hernandez Long Academy College Choice University of Houston Major Nursing

Guadalupe Cruz Middle College at HCC Gulfton College Choice Houston Community College Major Undecided Paris Alvarado Milby High School College Choice Undecided Major Political Science/ Pre-Law Morgan Coleman Mount Carmel College Choice University of Texas at Austin Major Business/Finance Brenda Robledo North Forest High School College Choice Undecided Major Environmental Science

Guadalupe Villa Waltrip High School College Choice University of Houston-Downtown Major English/Psychology Michelle Ejimofor Westbury High School College Choice Dartmouth Major Psychology, International Relations, Spanish Diana Balderas Wheatley High School College Choice University of Houston Major Business Elhadji Toure Wisdom High School College Choice Carleton College Major Computer Science/Pre-Med

Ehulises Rodriguez North Houston Early College HS College Choice Northwestern University Major Biomedical Engineering Juan Cardozo Northside High School College Choice Trinity University Major Neuroscience Fernanda Villalobos Northside High School College Choice Houston Community College Major Fashion Design

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June 10 - June 16, 2021

H #WeAreJuneteenth + Celebration Events Around Houston H

Every year, Americans use Juneteenth as a day of reflection and celebration on the abolition of slavery in the United States. This year, amid a growing movement against racial injustice in the country following the death of George Floyd, and in the face of a global pandemic, Friday’s holiday will have a much different feel. The 41st Annual Al Edwards’ Juneteenth Celebration Named after the late former state Rep. Al Edwards, whose work in making Emancipation Day an official state holiday earned him the nickname “Mr. Juneteenth,” the Galveston Historical Foundation event includes a reading of General Order No. 3, the order read on June 19, 1865 that officially announced the end of slavery. Later in the day, the foundation will host a lecture on African American history in Galveston. Location: Facebook Live and on Galveston History Admission: Free, no registration required Times: 10 a.m. to noon, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Emancipation Park Conservancy Watch Party The Conservancy will be streaming a number of programs throughout the day. In lieu of the traditional parade, videos from past celebrations will be aired at 10 a.m. The main event begins at 2 p.m. and will include performances by a number of artists, including Grammy-nominated Mary Griffins and Wheeler Avenue Church Music Ministry. At 6 p.m, Houston Black Restaurant Week will be sharing recipes with the audience in “Good Cookin for the Soul.” Location: Facebook Live Admission: Free, registration not required Time: 10 a.m. HMAAC Re-Opening The Houston Museum of African American Culture is officially re-opening on Juneteenth after being closed since mid-March, having only previously offered programming online. The organization will also be hosting Flash Gordon Parks’ show on Instagram Live as part of Emancipation Park Conservancy’s #WeAreJuneteenth celebration Location: 4807 Caroline St Admission: Free Times: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Juneteenth: Four Galveston Women Organizer: Nia Cultural Center When: 6 p.m. 8:30 p.m. on Friday, June 11 Where: 2211 Strand St., Galveston Details: View and discuss re-enactments of four iconic women who hail from Galveston, the home of Juneteenth. Black History Bike Tour On Friday and Saturday, a bike tour through Third Ward will take participants to historic landmarks throughout the neighborhood. The event is a collab-

June 10 - June 16, 2021

oration between 3rd Ward Tours and Black History in the Making. Bike rentals are available and a waiver must be signed ahead of time for safety. The event is only open to people 18 years or older. Location: 2301 Elgin Street Admission: $12.99 – $37.89, Times: Friday 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Black Lives Matter Bike Ride The ride will last six to eight miles and includes a break for speakers. Those participating are encouraged to wear masks by the event organizers. Note that while the event is hosted in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, it is not hosted by the organization Black Lives Matter Houston. Location: 2311 Runnels St. Admission: Free, no registration required Times: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Juneteenth Weekend Fun Organizer: The Heritage Society When: Thursday, June 17 - Saturday, June 19 Where: The Heritage Society – 1100 Bagby St., Houston Details: Free tours of the Jack Yates House and the Fourth Ward Cottage located in Sam Houston Park. To RSVP, email info@heritagesociety.org. Juneteenth Weekend Celebration Concert Organizer: Baytown Parks and Recreation When: 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 19 Where: Bicentennial Park – 1001 Market St., Baytown, TX Dedication of Juneteenth Legacy Project’s “Absolute Equality” Organizer: Juneteenth Legacy Project When: 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 19 Where: Old Galveston Square Building – 2211 The Strand, Galveston Details: The Juneteenth Legacy Project will dedicate its public art installation, “Absolute Equality” during a public ceremony featuring a host of special guests important to the initiative. Juneteenth Proclamation for Justice Organizer: The Society of Justice & Equality for the people of Sugar Land When: 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 19 Where: Bullhead Camp Cemetery 12300 University Blvd., Sugar Land

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Details: News conference plus a tribute to the Sugar Land 95. RSVP by June 16 to sojesjustice@gmail.com. Juneteenth Black Art Exhibit Organizer: Primary Paint Party When: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 19 Where: Prime Art Gallery – 11002 Westheimer Road, Houston. Reserve your FREE tickets. Juneteenth Celebration Organizer: BLCK Market When: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 19 Where: Buffalo Soldiers National Museum – 3816 Caroline St., Houston Details: Children 12 years and younger are free to attend. Concert In The Park: Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration Organizer: Missouri City Juneteenth Celebration Foundation When: 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 19 Where: Hunters Glen Park – 1340 Independence Blvd., Missouri City, TX A Gulf Coast Juneteenth: Featuring Bobby Rush Organizer: Miller Outdoor Theater When: 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 19 Where: Miller Outdoor Theater – 6000 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, TX 77004 Juneteenth Black Arts Market Art & Celebration Organizer: Cultural Arts District When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 19 Where: Historic DeLuxe Theater - 3303 Lyons Avenue Details: This family-friendly event is free to the public. Juneteenth Parade in Galveston When: 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 19 Where: Begins at 26th and Ball and travel west on Ball to 41st Street ending at Wright Cuney Park Details: The family-friendly celebration will feature a parade followed by a picnic. Panel on Protecting Human Rights Ken DeMarchant, commissioner for Precinct 4 in Fort Bend County, is hosting a panel online to discuss civil rights in light of the death of George Floyd. Panelists include Harris County Precinct 1 Commissioner Rodney Ellis, and Roy Austin, Jr., a civil rights attorney. Location: Facebook Live Admission: Free Time: 2 p.m.

Refugee Services of Texas Welcomes New CFO with Track Record of Non-Profit, Humanitarian Success

efugee Services of Texas, one of the state’s leading refugee resettlement programs and supporters of human trafficking victims has announced David McKeever Jr. will take over as the organization’s new chief financial officer. McKeever is a highly respected and talented financial professional who has made his mark in a variety of non-profit sectors across the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. “We couldn’t think of a better pick to lead Refugee Services of Texas as our new CFO than David,” said Russell Smith, LMSW, CEO of Refugee Services of Texas. “In this new era of the United States refugee resettlement program, David’s expertise and insight will be invaluable to our organization and to the many refugees, asylees, and survivors of trafficking we serve.” McKeever will onboard at RST at a critical time when the nation’s resettlement program is being revived after years of decline. The Biden Administration recently raised its presidential determination to 62,500 resettled refugees in the United States – a major shift from recent historic lows that will require expansion of services, personnel, and funding at organizations like RST. “This is one of the most exciting times to be in the field of refugee resettlement and to help some of the world’s most vulnerable people find safety and opportunity in our country,” said McKeever. “I look forward to working with the amazing team at Refugee Services of Texas to take on the challenges ahead and to continue the important work of welcoming newcomers with open hearts and fresh starts.” McKeever is a proven financial profession-

By www.StyleMagazine.com – Newswire

David McKeever former CFO of Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity joins RST as America’ refugee resettlement program is revived after years of neglect al with over 15 years of executive experience in non-profit, government, and Fortune 100 organizations. As CFO of the Dallas Area Habitat for Humanity, he earned high praise from D CEO as the publication’s 2014 Non-Profit Executive of the Year while increasing Habitat’s cash flow by 50% through corporate partnerships. He has previously served as Director of Finance for ABC Radio Networks under The Walt Disney Company; the Senior Vice President of Accounting, Finance, and Operations for Cumulus Media; the CFO for Ability Connection; and most recently the

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CFO of John Paul II High School in Plano, Texas. As CFO of Refugee Services of Texas, he will lead the financial management of the organization and advise the CEO on financial planning, budgeting, cash flow, grants, and finance policy. McKeever is a military veteran of the United States Army. He is a graduate of Southern University and A&M College at Baton Rouge and holds an MBA from Amberton University.Communications for interviews, 832-595-2544 or jfoston@fostoninternational.com.

June 10 - June 16, 2021

elcome back to The Open House. Are you budgeting to buy a home? If so, you want to make sure that you are prepared for the upcoming fees and payments that might come up during the process. In this week’s article, I will explain the first few fees to expect when you are purchasing your home. First rule of thumb to remember when searching for your dream home: make sure your mortgage will be 25% or less than your monthly income. Doing so will put you in a good position to still be able to live a nice lifestyle, pay other bills and not be “house poor”. After you find a home that you love in your price range, you will submit an offer and provide the seller with earnest money. Earnest money is sort of like a security deposit to show the seller that you are serious about purchasing the home. This will typically be 1-3% of the sales price of the home and is put toward the down payment and held in an escrow account until the deal is done. After the offer has been accepted, the buyer (you) wants to get the property inspected. A typical inspection from a qualified professional will cost you anywhere between $300-$500. Doing an inspection will guarantee that you know the condition

The Open House: With Realtor Falyn Davis

First Time Home Buying: Money Tips, Part 1

of the home prior to purchasing it. If something comes up during the inspection, like foundational issues, you can get your earnest money returned to you. My advice… spend the extra money and get the inspection, you’ll have a great peace of mind. If nothing detrimental comes up during inspection, then the next thing you want to do as a buyer is get an appraisal done on the home. This will tell you the market value of the home and will cost anywhere

June 10 - June 16, 2021

between $300-$500. Most mortgage lenders require an appraisal to be done to ensure the mortgage is equal to the value of the home. The appraiser will determine if the sales price is too high, too low or right on target. I will continue this topic next week and discuss down payments, homeowners insurance, closing costs and additional costs. But, if you have any questions in the meantime, contact me. I would love to assist you!

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Falyn M. Davis

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

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

Hundreds of Summer Jobs Available in Mayor Turner’s Youth Program By www.StyleMagazine.com – Newswire

s the school year winds down and summer heats up, Mayor Sylvester Turner encourages young people ages 16 to 24 to participate in his signature Hire Houston Youth program. While all positions with the City of Houston have been filled, nearly 1,000 jobs are available in the nonprofit and private sectors for year-round and summer opportunities. Job seekers can apply for positions in all industries, including retail and restaurants, transportation and logistics, nonprofit, healthcare, construction, and STEM. “Now that the restrictions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic are loosening, it is a great time to find a business in your field of study and gain experience with hands-on knowledge,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “The Hire Houston Youth program is Houston’s promise to the educational and employment empowerment of our youth. We are

building stronger bridges to assist in the transition from school to work.” The program gives young people an opportunity to learn or build their job skills, network and earn a paycheck for the summer, or save for school. The Hire Houston Youth program has reached tremendous strides, growing from 450 positions in 2015 to over 10,000 job opportunities in 2019. However, due to the pandemic, HHY transitioned to a virtual “earn and learn” program in 2020. The move allowed its participants to train and work in a remote setting. A Hire Houston Youth Career and Resource fair will be held virtually on June 17, at 10 a.m. Youth can apply for jobs by visiting http://www.hirehoustonyouth.org. For more information, please visit our website or contact our team at hirehoustonyouth@houstontx.gov.

www.houstontx.gov

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June 10 - June 16, 2021

H-E-B AUSTIN SYMPHONY JULY 4th CONCERT & FIREWORKS Show and Fireworks Returns to Vic Mathias Shores in Austin at 8PM For Its 44th Season! By www.StyleMagazine.com – Newswire

The Austin Symphony Orchestra (ASO) is excited to announce the return of the H-E-B Austin Symphony July 4th Concert & Fireworks for its 44th season! Spend this Independence Day with your family and friends, decked out in red, white and blue. Head down to Vic Mathias Shores by Long Center for the Performing Arts this Sunday, July 4, for a memorable

event complete with a fireworks display over the city skyline backed by symphonic patriotic classics. This celebration is planned, produced and performed entirely by the ASO, with the help of its generous sponsors. The free event is open to the public with special guest speakers beginning at 8 p.m. followed by a musical performance and ending with “mile-high” fireworks.

Returning this summer are a variety of vendors from food and drinks to crafts and memorabilia. The ASO continues to work closely with the City of Austin and follow up-todate public health recommendations. More information regarding the event details will be released soon.

A GULF COAST JUNETEENTH F E A T U R I N G

BOBBY RUSH JUNE 19, 8:30 PM

Our annual Juneteenth blues and creole festival features Grammy award-winning blues legend Bobby Rush! This story telling bluesman boasts gritty, sensuous vocals and impressive harmonica chops that wow audiences wherever he goes!

KEEPING THE MUSIC ALIVE IN CELEBRATION OF

AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSIC APPRECIATION MONTH

THE ERNEST WALKER BAND JUNE 26, 8:30 PM With throwback performances and special tribute to Luther Vandross, Marvin Gaye, Whitney Houston, Barry White, Michael Jackson, Prince, Notorious B.I.G., 2Pac and more.

June 10 - June 16, 2021

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2021

DON’T FORGET + JUNE 19TH IS JUNETEENTH www.StyleMagazine.com

H A Crucial Conversation: How the Texas Legislative H Impacted the Black Community’ at the Buffalo Soldiers Museum

#-TeamStyleMag

NAACP Texas Legislative Session in Houston, TX

HillDay Public Relations, Inc. Argentina James,Texas State Representative Shawn Thierry and Style Magazine Kristyn Page

Carroll Robinson Esq, Publisher Francis Page, Jr. and Commissioner Rodney Ellis

Texas State Representative Ron Reynolds www.StyleMagazine.com

June 10 - June 16, 2021

2021

DON’T FORGET + JUNE 19TH IS JUNETEENTH www.StyleMagazine.com

H H-E-B Breaks Ground In Plano & Frisco + #HEBDiversity H

H-E-B Partner Is All Smiles H-E-B Starts Construction on New Plano (N. Dallas) Store

H-E-B Supports Plano

H-E-B Lifting-Off Large New Store In Plano – North Dallas

H-E-B Breaks Ground on 2 New N. Dallas Store – Plano & Frisco

H-E-B Buddy Getting To Know North Texas

H-E-B Starts Construction on New Frisco (N. Dallas) Store

H-E-B Partners Excited About The New Frisco (N. Dallas) Store

H-E-B Provides A Great Day In Plano and Frisco – North Texas

June 10 - June 16, 2021

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2021

DON’T FORGET + JUNE 19TH IS JUNETEENTH www.StyleMagazine.com

H 2021 Social Media Haute Shots + Around Town H

Harris County DA – SAVE A LIFE: Lock Up Your Guns

Mayor Turner Supports Collins Aerospace for Houston SpacePort

Sanaa Lathan – #MagicMonday

WORKING TOGETHER: City Council Members: Tiffany Thomas, Edward Pollard, Abbie Kamin and Amy Peck

Harris County Judge – Lina Hidalgo

HBD – Rob Wright

Unity Bank Houston Team Partners With Citi Bank and Says “Thank You” To Citi President and CEO – Jane Frazier

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Camden ‘CamCam’ Lewis Is All Smiles

June 10 - June 16, 2021

FREE *

My H-E-B

*With $35 min. purchase; select locations; online prices may vary from ad/in-store; see heb.com

June 10 - June 16, 2021