Houston Style Magazine Vol 34 No 19

Voices for the Heart: Coommunity-Based Event

For the Houston Area

May 31, 2023, at 07:00 PM CT

Attend Virtually African American Male Wellness Agency

Registration Information >

Speaker: Dr. Olasimbo Chiadika, MD MPH FACC CMQ

Associate Professor, Cardiovascular Medicine

The University of Texas Health Science Center McGovern Medical School

The event will be moderated by:

Jamail Johnson

Executive Director

African American Male Wellness Agency Houston

We will be joined by a special guest, who will share their personal experience with ATTR -CM

Don Chaney​

NBA Hall of Famer​

Publisher Francis Page, Jr. fpagejr@stylemagazine.com

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Sports Editor

Brian Barefield brian_barefield@yahoo.com

Food Writer

Alex Jack alexandriajack1991@gmail.com

Arts Editor Kathleen Coleman kathleen@stylemagazine.com

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AMERICA MUST NOT DESCEND INTO A NEW FEUDALISM WHERE MONEY RULES, AND PEOPLE SUFFER

By Jesse Jackson, National Political Writer

The pomp and circumstance of the crowning of King Charles III filled TV sets over the past days.

The British crown is ceremonial; King Charles will take part in rituals, but not rule – that is in the hands of the British prime minister and the Parliament. Yet, beneath the vast spectacle of the Crown is another reality: the Crown is not only fabulously rich; it owns much of the land in the world.

The death of Queen Elizabeth II sparked many investigations into the wealth of the royal family.

Forbes put the royal family’s wealth at $28 billion, including fabulous castles, jewels, invaluable art, and extensive land ownings across Wales and England. The royal family also enjoys exemption not just from inheritance tax, but from taxes in general.

But the actual holdings of the Crown are far greater than that.

Kevin Cahill was a researcher on the London Sunday Times “Rich List.” He has written a stunning book – Who Owns the World – that details who owns land across the world.

He reports that the British Crown is the legal owner of about 6.6 billion acres of land – one-sixth of the earth’s land surface. Charles III will be the king of 32 countries, and the head of the Commonwealth of 54 countries in which a quarter of the world’s population lives. In many of these countries – including Australia, which with its territories is the second largest country on earth, and Canada – the feudal land laws that were created under the British Empire still govern. The British Crown owns the land. The users of it are essentially lease-holders, some for specific

terms, some in perpetuity. If King Charles could sell all the land for which the Crown holds the title, he would be, by far, the richest person who ever lived.

Much of the land is held in a tax haven – what Cahill calls the modern equivalent of a “bandit’s lair.” Of the world’s 24 largest tax havens, King Charles will become sovereign of no fewer than 13.

Most of the land that the crown holds title over is governed in fact by government agencies – who lease or dispose of it on behalf of the Crown. The Crown is not active in its governance – other than the extensive estates it owns in England. From most, it does not receive direct rents.

Its ownership, however, is a reminder of the force and impact of empire. In the days when the sun literally never set on the British Empire – with colonies stretching from North

America to India to Hong Kong – the Crown and its agents collected rents, jewels, gold, minerals and more from the world. Needless to say, even after independence, this booty was never returned or repaid.

The American Revolution helped free the former colonies from this feudal arrangement. Under free market rules, America’s land is privately owned, not owned by feudal lords. And America’s populist tradition helped ensure that land ownings – particularly outside the South – were initially small in size.

Under Abraham Lincoln, the Homestead Act distributed the lands in the west to settlers in small claims. Slaves had no right to be part of that distribution.

Today, with inequality reaching new heights, America’s small-d democratic distribution of lands and property is under pressure. Billionaires are accumulating massive

tracts of land and massive holdings of buildings. Private equity investors have transformed the housing market, turning more and more Americans into renters, while they own homes by the thousands. Billionaires are also finding ways to avoid inheritance taxes, and to use tax havens and tax dodges to avoid paying their fair share of taxes.

The crowning of King Charles III was a captivating, antiquated spectacle. It was literally a throwback to a bygone age. Yet the ermine and the jewels, the crowns and scepters contain a caution. Democracy thrives on opportunity, on a broad middle class, not a ruling elite with massive, accumulated fortunes and lands. America’s democracy thrived by distributing the land, making public education available to all, and extending the right to vote. When wealth got too concentrated, we taxed the rich and invested in what made the country strong. Now, wealth is once more concentrated. Big money dominates elections; corruption undermines our institutions from the Supreme Court to the local city councils. Let’s enjoy the ceremony of the British Crown, but let’s act to ensure that America does not descend into a new feudalism where money rules, and people suffer.

In the end, for all its flaws, I choose a bottom up democracy – of, by and for the people – over a top down monarchy.

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

King Charles III followed by his Page of Honour Prince George during his coronation ceremony in Westminster Abbey, London. UK, on May 6, 2023.

Last Saturday, May 6, on Texas’ second uniform election date other than the second Tuesday in November, African Americans, Hispanics, and Indian Americans won big milestones in suburban city and school board races that determine metrics in taxes, the quality of life, and the quality of education where minority families have

MINORITIES ACHIEVED MILESTONES IN THE MAY 6 ELECTIONS

By Burt Levine, Political Writer, Style Magazine

leadership, and the Fort Bend area. She was tireless in her campaign, and with her family and friends, she prevailed.

Sonya Jones, M.Ed., beat an incumbent and three others for Pos. 5 by stressing student and fiscal discipline. "It is my prayer that we come together," she said.

Humble ISD Trustee Marques

and city public service leadership, was tirelessly campaigning with his family and friends. He won a June run-off to become his city’s first Asian and first Indian American mayor.

been moving.

In Fort Bend ISD, which for decades has been one of the most diverse and fastest growing school districts in the country, Dr. Shirley Rose Gilliam won Pos. 4 with the local Republican Party and conservative groups working against her. Rose Gilliam emphasized her 40 years of experience in education,

Holmes won big by building bridges across Kingwood for taxpayers, parents, and teachers with an amazingly positive approach, even when in his stride he faced alienation from the TEA Party and right-wing extremists. His family, faith, and fiscal restraint guided him. He expanded his base to both sides of the San Jac.

Stafford City Council Member

Ken Matthew, with an MBA from the University of Detroit and unprecedented decades of local corporate business

Stafford City Council Member Xavier Herrera won 80 percent of the vote, bringing family and friends together with his exhaustive civic experience and expertise in municipal management. His mission was to bring black, Hispanic, and Asian voters together. He achieved it. Virginia Rosas worked tenaciously to earn her way back to city council. Adam Sanchez, a young, persevering public servant, brought their second child into the world with his wife in April and won the Stafford school board in May.

Share this story online at StyleMagazine.com.

GREG ABBOTT'S GUN LAW AVOIDANCE STRATEGY

By Zachary B. Wolf, CNN/StyleMagazine.com Newswire

Steven Spainhouer is a Second Amendment supporter and a gun owner. But after pulling a bloody child out from under a dead adult -- one of eight killed at an outlet mall in Allen, Texas, on Saturday -- he's ready for a new national assault weapons ban.

"I hear our governor talking about mental health issues," Spainhouer said of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott during a Monday appearance on "CNN This Morning."

"We're always going to have mental health issues. But if we don't do something about the guns, the people-killing guns, then we're going to continue to have the same thing happen," Spainhouer said.

"Until we take some definite actions, we're changing the narrative about it being just a mental health issue and start doing something about the guns," he added.

He equated the kind of imposition an assault weapons ban places on individual rights to limits on certain types of speech. Watch the interview with Spainhouer.

Shootings are the 'noise of daily life'

Rather than moving toward a new assault weapons ban, Americans almost seem used to mass shootings. They are "part of the background

noise of daily life," CNN's Stephen Collinson wrote last week after a mass shooting in Atlanta.

"They are part of the national reality -- almost like bad weather -- that causes people to shudder and hope it doesn't affect their neighborhoods or their families before they carry on with their lives."

If the shootings feel somehow normal, so do the post-shooting promises from politicians.

What is the root cause?

As Spainhouer noted, Abbott returned to his familiar post-shooting refrain that it's not gun laws that are needed, but a focus on mental health.

"We've seen an increased number of shootings in states with easy gun laws as well as states with very strict gun laws," Abbott, a Republican, said on "Fox News Sunday."

Abbott said there's an increase in "anger and violence" and the root cause is "mental health problems."

Admitting that Texas has

lagged in mental health for years, he said the state has increased funding over the past three years.

"The long-term solution here is to address the mental health issue," Abbott said.

It's an argument that also quietly acknowledges the fact that most gun deaths in Texas are suicides.

But while Abbott argued, correctly, that mass shootings can happen in any state, what he failed to mention is that that there are just simply more gun deaths, including suicides, in states with more lax gun laws. We looked at that data in this newsletter almost exactly a year ago after the Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas.

Another Texas Republican, Rep. Keith Self, also blamed mental health during an interview on CNN on Saturday.

"We have people with mental health, though, that we're not taking care of," said Self, who represents the Dallas suburb of Allen in Congress. "Since this nation made the decision that we were going to close the mental health institutions, many of these situations are based on that."

Read the full story at StyleMagazine.com.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, top right, attends a vigil at Cottonwood Creek Church in Allen, Texas, for the victims of a shooting the day before at Allen Premium Outlets Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, top right, attends a vigil at Cottonwood Creek Church in Allen, Texas, for the victims of a shooting the day before at Allen Premium Outlets on Sunday May 7. Cooper Neill The New York Times

TSU AVIATION PROGRAM REACHING NEW HEIGHTS WITH APPROVAL OF TRAINING FACILITY AT HOUSTON SPACEPORT

HOUSTON CITY COUNCIL APPROVES AGREEMENT ALLOWING HOUSTON AIRPORTS TO DEVELOP A

2-ACRE SITE INTO AN AERONAUTICAL HUB TO BE USED BY TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY

By StyleMagazine.com - Newswire

Houston Airports continues to invest in aviation by supporting the next generation of aeronautical professionals with an innovative learning environment.

On Wednesday, May 3, 2023, Houston City Council gave final approval and authorized a binding memorandum of agreement between Houston Airports and Texas Southern University. The agreement will span five years and will include the creation of an Aviation Education Facility at Ellington Airport. The 2-acre facility will include:

22,000 square foot aircraft hangar

20,000 square feet of aircraft apron

7,200 square feet of office and training/classroom space

12,000 gallon above-ground aviation fuel tank

Vehicle parking

“The City of Houston is proud of its partnership with Texas Southern University, and we are excited to witness the aviation students’ education and careers take flight. The air transportation industry in Houston and across the United States is growing and provides career opportunities for those with the skills needed to succeed,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner. “Earlier this year, the City provided $1 million in seed money to create a transformational health center at TSU. This project also

will transform lives and help students prepare for the future.”

More than 500 aviation and aerospace-related companies operate in Houston. More than 23,000 aerospace and aviation professionals call Houston home. Texas Southern University currently offers a program in aviation science and technology. Success and increased student interest are why TSU needs to expand its aviation training program. Houston Airports is supporting TSU in realizing its goal. Houston Airports, the Aviation Department of the City of Houston, has agreed to plan, design and construct an aeronautical hangar.

“Houston Airports is honored to

invest in and inspire the next generation of aviation professionals,” said Mario Diaz, Director of Aviation for Houston Airports. “The facility at Ellington Airport continues the illustrious story of Houston’s aeronautical history. More than 100 years ago, farmers watched the U.S. Army carve runways through rice fields so the nation’s first pilots could train for World War I. Decades later, NASA chose Ellington Airport to train for the Apollo Lunar landing. Soon, students at Texas Southern University will apply the crucial lessons learned at Ellington Airport to revolutionize the aviation industry.”

Houston Airports will invest up to $5 million to build the facility. It

will be constructed on approximately two acres of land that is accessible to an existing taxi-lane connector at Ellington Airport. Because TSU is an accredited university, the Federal Aviation Administration allows Houston Airports to charge a reduced annual rent of $60,000 to lease the facilities. If the lease is extended beyond the initial five-year period, full market rate rent shall be charged. There is no impact to the City of Houston’s fiscal budget.

“The Aviation Science Management program at Texas Southern University is thankful for this investment the City of Houston and Houston Airports are making in our students and in the future of aviation” said Executive Director of Aviation Dr. Terance Fontaine. “Likewise, we appreciate the unwavering support our program has received from President Lesia Crumpton-Young, Regent James Benham and the entire Board of Regents to get us to this point. We are honored to be the first tenants in this new lease space. This opportunity provides an enhanced environment for student learning opportunities as we work to address our nation’s critical aviation needs. Furthermore, it provides space for our fleet of eight aircraft to be housed inside and protected from weather conditions, thus allowing us to preserve them for extended use.”

SNAP/EBT dependent families in the Second Ward can now access their benefits online thanks to a new service launched by Little Red Box Grocery (LRB), a community market located in East End Houston. The new feature also allows SNAP recipients to double every dollar spent on fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables when using the Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) program with in-store purchases.

LRB is now one of five independent grocery stores in Texas to offer online access for SNAP/EBT purchases. “I believe implementing solutions like SNAP/EBT online and Double Up Food Bucks will lower barriers in terms of grocery shopping convenience and contribute to improving the health

outcomes of Second Ward residents,” says Sam Newman, LRB owner. Rapidly densifying cities, like Houston, mean more corner stores with unhealthy product assortment and less

traditional grocery stores with fresh food. Newman adds, “Often, our customers are just coming in for one or two essential items - a loaf of bread, milk, or some vegetables, and if we weren’t

here, they tell us they’d need to take two buses to get to a store, or they’d just go without.”

“With 14% of Texas households considered “food insecure,” (CBPP), it's never been more important to have community markets such as LRB. Our mission at the Sustainable Food Center is to transform the food system to nourish our health, land, and livelihood. By partnering with LRB, we're able to increase the purchasing power of families on SNAP and expand access to fresh, nutritious food,” says the food access director at Texas’ Sustainable Food Center, Hannah Thornton.

Read more at StyleMagazine.com

Members of TSU staff, the Aviation Advisory Board, and the TSU Board of Regents join Mayor Sylvester Turner after City Council approves unprecedented agreement

Little Red Box

Houston First Corporation will spotlight the essential role travel and tourism play in driving growth and innovation as part of National Travel and Tourism Week. Now in its 40th year, the annual industry tradition takes place May 7-13 and was established by the U.S. Travel Association to celebrate the value travel brings to local economies, businesses, and individuals. This year, Houston joins other industry leaders in highlighting how integral travel is to every industry through the theme #TravelForward.

Nationwide, travel serves as a catalyst for a productive U.S. economy and helps power the success of other industries. The U.S. travel industry generated a $2.6 trillion economic output in 2022 and supported 15 million jobs, fueling communities, small businesses and working families across the country.

In Houston, travel and tourism infuses nearly $17 billion dollars into the city’s annual economy and account for more than 120,000 jobs.

Tasked with marketing Houston as a premier destination among the world’s best cities, Houston First Corporation was pleased to see Houstonians valuing and supporting this effort.

“As the sixth largest sector in our region, travel and hospitality is big business here in Houston,” said Michael Heckman, President and CEO of Houston First Corporation. “What this most recent OmniTrak data tells us is that Houstonians understand the value of travel and hospitality and what it brings to our community. It is our job to ensure this industry has the support it needs to thrive and continue to enhance the economy of Houston. That’s our focus this National Travel and Tourism Week and every day at Houston First.”

A 2023 Community Sentiment Report by OmniTrak Research Group revealed Houstonians felt the travel and tourism industry enhanced their quality of life.

Key Takeaways:

With a Net Community Sentiment (NCS) Score of 71%, perceptions of travel and tourism in Houston are positive with the number of residents who hold a positive view greatly outnumbering those with a negative view of tourism in their city. By comparison, NCS among Houston residents notably outpaces that of the U.S. overall average of 64%.

Tourism’s impact on Creating jobs and employment opportunities (82%), Funding new community venues (78%), and Generating local tax income

TOURISM GENERATES ECONOMIC IMPACT OF $17B AND 120K JOBS FOR HOUSTON

Houston First Corporation to ‘Move Travel Forward’ in celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week

By StyleMagazine.com - Newswire

(77%) are the top economic benefits generated by tourism, according to Houston residents. Similar to the ratings on overall Net Community Sentiment, Houston’s rating on each of these measures of economic impact are stronger than the nation overall.

Three-out-of-four (75%) Houston residents perceive that tourism in the city enhances their Quality of Life, and (71%) agree that Tourism has contributed to Improved living standards. As shopping, dining and entertainment opportunities are more easily observed, an even greater number (85%) of Houstonians see such offerings as a Quality of Life benefit of Houston tourism.

This National Travel and Tourism Week, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, with the support of Houston First Corporation, Greater Houston Partnership, and Texas Medical Center, along with participating partners United Airlines and Houston Airport System, will come together May 8-12 for the city’s largest tourism and economic development mission focused on Mexico.

The Houston Week mission is designed to solidify Houston’s position as a top city for global trade, tourism, business, and leisure travel from Mexico.

This year’s international trade and tourism delegation is comprised of city and business leaders, technology and start-up incubators, the Houston Rockets, award-winning chefs, artists, and musicians, in addition to Houston’s major hospital systems.

As part of the 2023 activations,

the Houston delegation will build on last year’s successes and execute new cooperative agreements and drive strategic discussions with key Mexican diplomats and city leaders to address important issues impacting tourism, healthcare, life sciences, technology, innovation,

sustainability, and aerospace in both regions.

To learn more about National Travel and Tourism Week 2023 and how the travel industry is moving #TravelForward, https://www.ustravel.org/toolkit/national-travel-and-tourism-week

Houston First Corporation to ‘Move Travel Forward’ in celebration of National Travel and Tourism Week

HOUSTON TEXANS RAISE OVER $400 THOUSAND AT THE 20TH ANNUAL CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT

By Brian Barefield, Sports Editor

The Houston Texans held their 20th annual charity golf tournament at River Oaks Country Club on Monday to help benefit the Houston Texans Foundation, which contributes to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston, the YMCA of Greater Houston, and the Houston Food Bank.

Texans’ chairman and CEO Cal McNair and his wife Hannah were elated that the weather was cooperative enough for the event that raised over $400,000. The tournament has held a special place in the hearts of the McNair family ever since it was started by the late owner and founder of the Houston Texans, Bob McNair.

"It was one of his favorite events," said McNair. "It’s a win-win. The folks that play in it have a lot of fun. The players that play in it have a lot of fun. And we’re doing good for the community. So, it’s a triple win. It’s been a real honor to keep it going."

Texans players, coaches, executives, and legends will join scores of charitable golfers for a day on the links. Each foursome will be paired with a Texans celebrity, as 30 groups will

participate in the event that has raised more than $45.3 million for the Houston Texans Foundation since 2002.

"I think it is a great event," said Texans linebacker Christian Kirksey. "Anytime you can come together and raise money for such a worthy cause, it is a good thing. I am not a golfer, though, I am just out here for the fellowship." Besides Texans Chair and CEO Cal McNair, others participating in the

charity event were General Manager Nick Caserio, Head Coach Demeco

Ryans, Texans President Greg Grissom, Offensive Coordinator Bobby Slowik, Defensive Coordinator Matt Burke, and Special Teams Coordinator Frank Ross.

"This is an outstanding event," Ryans told the media before his tee time.

"It’s fun to be here and support the youth here in Houston. Our Houston Texans Foundation has done an outstanding job

for the past 20 years of being supportive of the kids in our community. We’re all blessed to be in a position where we can reach back out and help others."

"That’s what it’s all about— reaching out, pulling others up, and being good people in the community— that is what it is all about. We want good people on our team, good guys on our team, and we want to make sure that these guys understand the importance of being outstanding young men in the community. So, it’s not football all the time. It’s about being good human beings and reaching out and helping others."

There’s a little bit of all of us at Miller...

For 100 years, Miller Outdoor Theatre has delighted generations with the best in performing arts entertainment. And every performance free.

MAY 8:15

DISCOVER BLACK TORONTO

By Dwight Brown, Travel and Food Writer

Dialogue supports, documents and showcases Black artists’ contributions.

African Drums & Art Crafts -- Art hub provides classes for kids to professionals. Exhibits African carvings, masks, jewelry and clothes.

Nia Centre for the Arts – Helps young people hone artistic talents. Hosts writers’ circles, printmaking classes, music and spoken word events.

Union Station – Feb 6 – May 31 -- Six Black CTA artists show their stuff in “I Am Still Here: Black Joy is Resistance” exhibit at the Union Train Station. Royal Ontario Museum -- The Shreyas and Mina Ajmera Gallery of Africa, The Americas, and Asia-Pacific. 1,400 historic artifacts—many from Africa.

Picture Black life in motion at star-studded film festivals.

Directors, actors and producers come to Toronto to premiere their films to audiences who love movies. Ryan Coogler, Ava Duvernay, Tyler Perry, Gina Prince-Bythewood…

CaribbeanTales International Film Festival – Sep 2023 – Come celebrate the talents of filmmakers of Caribbean and African heritage.

ReelWorld Film Festival – Nov 1 – 7 -- Black, Indigenous, Asian, South Asian and POC films. Fest founder TV’s Y&R actor Tonya Lee Williams.

Toronto Black Film Festival –Excellent Black films every February. Feel the rhythm of Black life at music festivals and concerts.

Drake and The Weeknd were born and raised in Toronto, so you know that music runs deep here. Festivals and concerts feature homegrown artists and international stars. Listen, commune and feel their spirit.

Toronto Jazz Festival – Jun 23 – Jul 2 – Herbie Hancock and Ashanti. Beaches Jazz Festival – Jul 6 – Jul 30 –Free fest, multiple venues.

History – This downtown music venue features: Ella Mai Jun 1; Reggaefest Jun 10; Sean Paul Jul 2.

Explore the African heritage side of Toronto, CA. Tour and eat around. Go to festivals, concerts and sporting events.

Visit Toronto and you’ll encounter one of the most multicultural/ multiracial cities in the world along with a thriving Black community of 400K+ African heritage people.

People who can trace their roots back to the Caribbean or African Americans who fled to Canada from the U.S. during slavery in the 1800s or immigration from Africa—the motherland (Somalia, Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria…).

And when African heritage artists, athletes and travelers from around the globe come to Toronto to perform, play and vacation—the city lights up even more.

Dine in Black-owned restaurants and Afrocentric eateries.

Feast on Jamaican, Caribbean and African diaspora dishes. Eat your way around the city—especially during Toronto Black Restaurant Week - July 7 – July 16. Or get it to go: Miss Likklemore’s -- Feast on Likkle Patties (braised oxtail), Escovitch Style Madai Snapper, Grilled Tofu Curry and other haute Caribbean-inspired dishes.

Rasta Pasta – Dreadlock Lasagna, Callaloo Dumplings and Trenchtown Goat are Jamaican/Italian fusion offerings by Chefs Magnus Patterson and

Afrobeat Kitchen – Wonderful West African grub. Drink Zobo (Nigerian hibiscus beverage), eat Party Jollof (paella style dish with crayfish) and Kelewe Testones.

Sugar Kane Caribbean and Cajun Cuisine – Uncle Ben’s Saltfish Cakes, Creole Jambalaya and Salted Caramel Bread Pudding make diners happy every day.

Veggie D’Light – Chef Peter adds Caribbean flavors to plant-based cuisine. Try Vegan Roti, VD’L Lasagna (Quinoa pasta) and Savory Pizza Cake. Takeout only.

The Heartbreak Chef – Dine on Chef Jerome Robinson’s tasty comfort food. The Big Ass Chicken Sandwich, Cajun Tater Tots and Deep-Fried Brussels are best.

Cup of Té Café – Founder Taylor Lindsay-Noel serves and ships premium teas.

Mary’s Brigarderio – A Black-woman led handcrafted chocolate creations oasis.

Tour museums/galleries that reflect African heritage culture.

See paintings, photos, crafts and artifacts of Black life from Canada and Africa curated displayed in Black galleries, national museums and traveling exhibitions.

BAND Gallery and Cultural

Centre -- Black Artists’ Network in

Toronto International Film Festival – Sep 7 – 17 -- Finest international cinema and black-directed movies. CEO is Barbados-born Cameron Bailey.

Read more at

Mary Neglia.

THE COLLECTIVE OPENS ITS MAY EXHIBITION AT CYPRESS ART STUDIO

The Community Artists’ Collective opens its May exhibition, “Now Collaboration,” at the Province 8 Art Studio, 17037 FM Road 529 in Cypress on Saturday, May 13, from 2 to 5 p.m.

Artists Jo El Mercer and Ezra Hezekiah will showcase their artwork at the venue through June 10. Hezekiah is the owner of the art gallery, which also serves as an event space and a working studio.

Mercer, who has previously exhibited at The Collective, works with acrylics and mixed media, and

Hezekiah is a visual artist originally from Central America who specializes in a variety of media. Several workshops will take place at The Collective and at Province 8 studio during the exhibition.

Province 8 is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. and can be reached at 713248-9747.

For more information about the exhibit contact The Collective at 713-523-1616 or visit www.thecollective.org.

For more information, plea or contact Brandi Ledet | bled

Smoke Dust and Jerk Dust Wings

Gerald Hin

Quentin Mease Community Service Awa

Texas Black Expo & We All Eat Campaign

Jerome Love

Kathleen Coleman, Arts Editor

TOP 3 MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES AFFECTING BLACK MEN

By Chauncey Simmons/ BlackDoctor.Org

Mental health has become a prevalent topic in today’s world, especially after the effects of the pandemic. More specifically, Black men have been hit very hard due to the economic hardships resulting from the shutdowns.

This article will discuss the three most common mental health disorders that plagued Black men and how you can fight back against the symptoms and take control of your mind. Let’s begin.

Depression

Depression is a huge mental health issue that affects Black men. Worse, most men won’t seek help due to stigma and pride. Given the recent hardships most people went through during the pandemic, depression has run rampant through many households. Fighting depression can be tough, especially when everything seems to be against you. However, the best way to start your fight against this mindset is to focus on the positives in your life.

You can also change your diet and introduce more omega-3 fatty acids into your system. That will allow you to see the brighter side of life,

giving you the chance to change your circumstances for the better. There are also numerous helplines people can call when they need to talk to somebody about their current situation and grievances. These trained professionals can often give you insights into your situation that you didn’t think about before, positively changing it for the better.

Consider changing your environment as well, which could mean moving to a new city or looking for a new job. Surrounding yourself with new people or different stimuli can refresh your brain and eliminate most negative thoughts.

Anxiety

Anxiety is another big downer

for Black men in America. With all the perils and twists and turns that life can have, it is only natural to be anxious to walk out your door every day.

Of course, ensuring every aspect of your life is safe and secure can significantly help your anxiety, whether it be your physical protection or financial status. Due to the pandemic, many jobs are hiring at higher rates and can promise a good future for most Back men.

Another way you can fight your anxiety is to stay active and avoid alcohol because wine and spirits can often lead to bad situations when you have an anxious mind. As for the benefits of activity, being active can get your endorphins flowing, which is a

natural stress reliever.

A good night’s rest can go a long way toward clearing your mind when you have anxious thoughts. That may not necessarily mean getting the total 8 hours, but as long as you are on a consistent sleep schedule, you will see good results.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is another significant ailment affecting most Black men’s minds. Unlike the previous two entries on this list, this mental affliction has external ramifications, as mood swings can sometimes be violent and damaging.

Both relationships and physical items can feel the wrath of someone experiencing a violent outburst due to their disorder. While medication can be a huge help, a more natural way to fight back is to talk to someone you trust.

This trusted individual can be a therapist, family member, or best friend as long as it is someone who you do not mind looking vulnerable in front of. Even though there aren’t too many Back therapists in the field today, roughly 8,000 are available across the US.

Feliz Cinco de Mayo – Harris County

The Houston Police Week 2023 - Heros Luncheon

&

Equity – Grants, Round 2

Lawrence Hollywood Walk of Fame