Houston Style Magazine Vol 34 No 20

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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

NATIONAL WRITERS

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©2023 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)

MILITARY PROWESS PROVIDES NEITHERPEACENORSTRENGTH

By Jesse Jackson, National Political Writer

Peace through strength” is the lodestar, the guiding assumption, of United States policy since World War II. America maintains by far the strongest military force in the world. We literally police the world. But in the current world, we are discovering that military prowess provides neither peace nor strength. We have the smartest bombs in the world, but our children rank only 22nd in educational achievement. We need to think again about the true sources of peace and strength.

The military and law enforcement budget now consumes about two-thirds of our annually appropriated spending – $1.1 trillion dollars in fiscal year 2022 from a $1.7 trillion dollar budget. We maintain more than 700 military bases in 80 countries. Our armed forces are active in some 127 countries.

The imbalance is apparent. In 2020, Lockheed Martin alone won $75 billion in Pentagon contracts. This is more than the entire budgets of the State Department and the Agency for International Development combined. The National Priorities Project reports that an average taxpayer spent more than $1,000 a year on weapons contractors compared to $270 for K to 12 education and $6 for renewable energy.

Yet there is a bipartisan consensus that the military budget must go up – and the conservative majority in the House is demanding deep cuts across the board on domestic spending.

Consider our reaction to real threats. The horrific terrorist attack on 9/11 took 2,996 lives.

In response, we launched a war on terror and invaded Afghan-

istan and Iraq. Over 20 years, the cost of the war on terror, the Watson Institute at Brown University reports, has totaled $8 trillion and left an estimated 900,000 dead.

In contrast, the COVID pandemic took the lives of 1.1 million Americans. Yet the full budget of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is about the same as what is spent on one military weapon –the baroque F-35 combat aircraft. Climate change poses an existential threat, but its current costs are already staggering.

Over the past seven years, $122-billion-dollar weather disasters cost more than $1 trillion in losses, and thousands of lives. Yet over 55 percent of our national R&D budget goes to the military or space programs, and only 4.5 percent goes to energy and natural resources and the environment combined.

These choices also have economic impact. While we invest in weapons, China’s investment in energy transition is 70 percent great-

er than the United States and the European Union combined. In 2022, China made over 90 percent of the world’s investment in batteries and electric vehicles that will be central to major markets of the next decades. Even Joe Biden’s renewable energy investments – which Repub- licans want to repeal – don’t come close to matching the resources the Chinese are investing to capture the future.

When you have a hammer, everything starts to look like a nail. It was a Republican President and former general – Dwight D. Eisenhower – who warned us about the dangers of permanent preparation for war:

“In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist.”

Our misplaced priorities aren’t merely bad judgment. They are

the result of powerful interests and big money. Military contractors spread their factories into key congressional districts across the country. They help fund think tanks and academic chairs that provide national security hawks with comfortable armchairs. The Pentagon’s advertising budget is greater than that of any corporation.

President Biden promises a “foreign policy for the middle class.” He got us out of Afghanistan and has tried to change priorities to invest in renewable energy, and high technology – the markets of the future. He’s made long overdue investments in rebuilding our decrepit infrastructure. But these changes are, frankly, only at the margins.

As this is written, the U.S. is pursuing a proxy war with Russia in Ukraine, sustaining a war on terror in some 80 countries, gearing up for conflict with China in the South China Sea, inflicting economic sanctions on 30 percent of the world’s countries, while maintaining an empire of bases abroad. That commitment inevitably drains resources and attention needed des- perately to meet the emerging secu- rity challenges of our time – such as catastrophic climate change, pandemics, debilitating inequality, and the growing competition from China. What Eisenhower warned us about – “the disastrous rise of misplaced power” – persists.

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

jjackson@rainbowpush.org

FEWER THAN EXPECTED MIGRANTS ARRIVED AT THE BORDER AFTER TITLE 42 EXPIRED, BUT OFFICIALSREMAIN ON HIGH ALERT

By Nouran Salahieh, Polo Sandoval, Rosa Flores, Andrea Cambron and Priscilla Alvarez, CNN

Despite warnings of a potential crush of migrants that sent thousands of federal personnel to the southern border and US cities scrambling to prepare, the days after the expiration of Title 42 saw a much narrower influx of migrants than expected.

Officials warned the expiration of the Covid-related border restriction policy, which allowed authorities to swiftly turn away migrants at the US-Mexico border, could aggravate the humanitarian crisis at the southern border. In the days leading up to its expiration, long lines formed at checkpoints and makeshift encampments proliferated in border communities.

But US authorities saw a 50% drop in the number of migrant encounters along the border over the previous two days compared to earlier in the week -- before the policy, known as Title 42,

ended -- Homeland Security Secretary

Alejandro Mayorkas told CNN's Dana Bash on Sunday. US and Mexican officials say the Biden administration's warnings to asylum-seekers and displays of immigration enforcement have deterred more migrants from crossing the border illegally.

The situation at the border is

SOCIAL

Florida rejected nearly 35% of social studies textbooks submitted by publishers for approval, including those that referenced social justice and "other information that was not aligned with Florida Law," the state's Department of Education announced Tuesday. Regarding K-12 social studies instructional materials, 66 of 101 submitted materials were approved and met state standards for every grade level, the department said.

When the submitted materials were initially reviewed, only 19 out of 101 were approved due to "inaccurate material, errors and other information that was not aligned with Florida Law," and the department said it worked with publishers who "have updated their materials to comply with Florida's rigorous standards."

The move by the Florida Department of Education comes as Republican lawmakers, including Gov. Ron DeSantis, have made widespread efforts to restrict how racism and history are taught in schools. It also comes amid a contentious national debate on the issue.

The examples of rejected material provided by the department include:

•Removing a paragraph that references how parents should talk with their children about the Nation-

al Anthem and explaining "Taking a Knee" to protest police brutality for grades K-5.

•Removing a section about social justice and the Black Lives Matter movement for grades 6-8.

•Changing "social justice issues" to "key principles" when discussing what is in the Hebrew Bible for grades 6-8.

•Changing a reference to "socialist economy" that said, "They may promote greater equality while still providing a fully functioning

"very fluid," a senior Homeland Security official told reporters Monday.

"The decreased level of encounters at the border, we hope reflect both an appreciation of the new consequences that are in place for unlawful entry at the border as well as the enforcement actions being taken by our foreign partners," Homeland Security Assistant

Secretary for Border and Immigration Policy Blas Nuñez-Neto said during a Monday briefing, noting it is too early to draw firm conclusions.

The US has deported thousands of people, including more than 2,400 people to Mexico over the last three days, Nuñez-Neto said.

There were about 6,300 border encounters on Friday, and 4,200 on Saturday, Mayorkas said, adding the number stood at around 10,000 before the Title 42 policy ended.

Officials warn that it's too early to say whether the surge in migrants at the border has peaked. with family.

Read more at StyleMagazine.com

"To uphold our exceptional standards, we must ensure our students and teachers have the highest quality materials available -- materials that focus on historical facts and are free from inaccuracies or ideological rhetoric," Florida Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr. said in a statement Tuesday.

Social studies materials that the department said did not meet their criteria included, "The African American Experience, 2022", "History of the Holocaust, 2022, 2nd Edition" and "Modern Genocide, 2022", another teaching on the Holocaust.

government supervised economy," to "planned economies" that have "slow development and fewer technological advances because they move slowly around planning and approval, while limiting human incentive" for grades 6-8.

Reasons for the rejection of some of the materials included concerns that the references had "politically charged language when referencing the Hebrew Bible," "unsolicited topics," or were "not age appropriate."

The department said publishers can appeal their material that was not adopted and submit revisions that subject matter experts will review to "ensure that the final materials ultimately meet Florida's bid specifications and align to Florida's state academic standards."

CNN reached out to the Florida Department of Education for additional comment on Wednesday.

Miami-Dade County Public School board member Dr. Steve Gallon expressed skepticism about some of the textbook changes during an interview with CNN."

Read more at StyleMagazine.com

The move comes as Republican lawmakers, including Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, have made widespread efforts to restrict how racism and history are taught in schools

Black hair has never been a subject without controversy. Anything different has always been Black hair is different. Kinky and coiled, straight and curled, platted and braided, black hair can be as creative as African Americans are as a people. Stepping out of the norm, for some reason, makes people nervous and curious as to why they do what they do. When people get nervous and curious, that can make them feel uncomfortable and even threatened by the person who has chosen to stand out. If the nervous Nancy is one who is also in charge, he or she may act on their nervous tendency by enacting unfair rules and practices, like parameters on how others can wear their hair.

Employers began banning employees from working if their hair was in braids, locs, or afros. Students were getting suspended from school for their choice of hairstyles. More and more people were being discriminated against in various situations and places simply because of their hair. Outraged, Adjoa B. Asamoah wanted to get the law on her side. Her research in 2018 led her to draft a law about hair discrimination.

BILL AGAINST HAIR DISCRIMINATION HEADS TO TEXAS GOVERNOR

By Jo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor

Her work was critical in the drafting of House Bill 567, better known as "Create a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair," aka the Crown Act," by Democratic Rep. Rhetta Bowers. The legislation would ban race-based discrimination in Texas workplaces, schools, and housing policies. Last Friday, the Senate approved the Crown Act by a vote of 29-1. Now it heads to the desk of Governor Greg Abbott, who has not said in which direction he is leaning.

The discussion over what hairstyles are "proper" has been an ongoing conversation since the 1700s, when slaves who worked on the outside covered their hair with scarves while those who worked on the inside in the big house wore styles like those of slave owners. When slaves became free people, they grew more confident in their self-expression. The feminine wiles of African American women proved too much for white men, and that did not sit well with white women who noticed the wondering eyes of the white men.

Louisiana Governor Esteban Rodríguez Miró declared the Tignon Law of 1786. The law said women of

African descent had to cover their hair when in public to hide their beauty and prevent them from receiving any favorable treatment because of their looks. Time stretched on freed Blacks took on a European image and wanted to straighten their hair. Madame C. J. Walker capitalized on this movement to become the first black female selfmade millionaire for her miracle hair grower, straightening combs, and other products. Activist Marcus Garvey was also on the forefront, saying, "Don’t remove the kinks from your hair! Remove them from your brain!" to encourage African Americans to wear their hair in its natural state.

A natural hair movement began to sweep the country among African Americans. More and more African Americans were freely and proudly wearing their hair in all kinds of unique, creative ways. That kind of freedom came with a certain attitude: they were not going to be pushed over, and they knew their rights.

In 1976, Beverly Jeanne Jenkins filed the first hair discrimination suit against her employer, Blue Cross Mutu-

al Hospital Insurance, Inc., who denied her a job promotion solely because she wore an afro. Jenkins was successful in her suit under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Renee Rogers brought a suit against her employer, American Airlines, which had hair policies banning braids in the workplace. Her argument was that wearing her hair in braids was "culturally important to herself and to other black women." Rogers lost her suit since American Airlines’ policies applied to both men and women, did not violate her Thirteenth Amendment rights, and her hair could be easily changed.

Throughout history, black hair has been criticized for its beauty or lack thereof, its power or weakness, or whatever way it makes another person feel inferior. What has also been true throughout history is that black hair won’t be tamed. Just as unique and culturally diverse as African Americans are, black hair is and will continue to evolve and be the same. The CROWN Act protects the freedom of self-expression and lets African Americans wear it however and wherever they want.

State Rep. Ron Reynolds urges the passage of the CROWN Act during a press conference held by the Texas Legislative Black Caucus in the state Capitol on April 13. Credit: Leila Saidane/The Texas Tribune

Erica, and MOM - Sheila and MOM

Judge Lina Hidalgo and MOM

First Lady Michelle and MOM

Ashley and MOM

Chelsea and MOM - SUE

JP and MOM - Martha

Letitia, Farouk and Amna and MOM

Mom Fontaine

and Skylar and MOM - Erika Momma - Marion

HOprah Shares A Special Mother’s Day Message

H– because the responsibility of passing on a sense of worth and a sense of legacy, a sense of values to another human being… just think about that. It is truly an incredible thing. And any mother who is doing it right has learned the art of patience and sacrifice.

So, you mothers and caregivers deserve a daily celebration, not just a day to be celebrated. Today I hope you get the

acknowledgement you deserve. But even if you don’t, I hope you acknowledge and know for yourself how important and valuable you are to the world. And I hope you give that acknowledgement to anybody who has been a mother to you or been mothering to you.

So, in honor of Mother’s Day, I say glory, glory, glory, hallelujah to you all.

"I believe that the choice to become a mother is the choice to become one of the greatest spiritual teachers there is."

– Oprah Winfrey

Dana, Lisa and MOM – Yvette

Brooke and MOM - Amy

Kamala and MOM - Shyamala

Brandi and MOM

Mia and MOM - Laura

Sarah and MOM

Momma Leslie and Family

Momma Natasha and Son

Momma Rachel and Lennox and Camden

Reginald and MOM

Kate, Charisse & Kristyn and 3-MOM’s Jeff Bezos and MOM

The Texas Black Expo will be honoring 13 extraordinary educators from the greater Houston area during its annual Summer Celebration weekend of events, starting May 19, 2023, at the Marriott Marquis hotel. The honorees range in function and come from a variety of educational institutions, including both public and charter schools and universities, throughout Houston and surrounding areas.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the founding of Texas Black Expo, and the occasion is being met with excitement and a focus on the community.

"Educators are the cornerstone of our society, shaping the next generation of leaders and innovators,” said Texas Black Expo Founder Jerome D. Love. “By recognizing their hard work and dedication, we not only show our gratitude, but also inspire others to value the transformative power of education.

They deserve our utmost respect and appreciation for their tireless efforts in nurturing young minds and making a positive difference in our communities."

Honorees include:

Outstanding Superintendent Dr. LaTonya Goffney, Aldine ISD

Outstanding Higher Education Admin- istrator

Dr. Freddie Titus, Lamar University

Outstanding Central Office Adminis- trator

Dr. Demetrius McCall, Goosecreek CISD

Dr. John Edwards, KIPP

Dr. Khalilah Campbell-Rhône, HISD Tiffany Mathis LCISD Keonta Jackson, LCISD

Outstanding Principal

TEXAS BLACK EXPO HONORS EDUCATORS DURING VIP EVENT WITH EARVIN “MAGIC” JOHNSON

Texas Black Expo celebrates 20th anniversary during its 2023 Summer Celebration.

By StyleMagazine.com - Newswire

Dr. Regina Sims, Goosecreek CISD

Outstanding Instructional Support

Laureen Wimbley, YES Prep Nathaniel Ihedigigbo, Harmony

Outstanding Teacher Lucinda Fontenet Matthew, LCISD Amanda Jones, YES Prep Lonnie Jackson, Aldine ISD D'Juan Hych, YES Prep

Outstanding Professor

Dr. Franklin North, Texas A&M Uni- versity

The Texas Black Expo’s mission is to enhance the quality of life and advanceeconomic prosperity, by creating oppor- tunities for small business advancement and individual wealth development. Its annual Summer Celebration is a series of events over the course of four days, mostly held at or near the George R. Brown Convention Center in downtown Houston. It is the kickoff of the organi- zation’s year of programming aimed at educating and empowering entrepre- neurs, students and community leaders.

Magic Johnson is hailed as one of the best point guards in the history of the game of basketball and is known for his five NBA championship wins. He has been inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame twice, and he is widely considered one of the greatest players in NBA history. After retiring from basketball, Magic turned his focus to business, becoming one of the most successful and respected entrepreneurs in the world.

The Texas Black Expo draws thousands of attendees to Houston each year to experience an abundance of activities, workshops, shopping, giveaways and entertainment.

The Summer Celebration has something for the entire family including the Kids Adventure Zone with a bouncy house, face painting, games and more, the ev- er-popular Diva Dialogue panel discus- sion, and a line-dancing showcase for seniors.

In addition, the Expo will also include a health and wellness pavilion,

a beauty extravaganza, empowerment workshops, a kids and teen talent competition, live entertainment and author showcase. TBE will also honor community leaders at its annual Corporate Awards Luncheon. For more information about the Texas Black Expo Summer Celebration, visit www.texasblackexpo.com.

Jeremy Love Magic Johnson

FORT BEND COUNTY HONORS COVID-19 FRONTLINE WORKERS AND PANDEMIC PARTNERS AS GLOBAL HEALTH EMERGENCY ENDS

By StyleMagazine.com - Newswire

ed in Fort Bend County. However, since that time. Fort Bend County has the eighth-highest coronavirus vaccination rate in Texas.

The honorees include Child Advocates of Fort Bend, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir, Access Health, The American Legion Raymond Freeman Post 942, FBC Fire Mar- shall, Fort Bend County Girls and Boys Club Richmond, Friendship Community Bible Church, Houston Food Bank, Houston Methodist Hos- pital Sugar Land, and many more. The full list of honorees can be found on the Fort Bend County website at FBCTX.gov.

Fort Bend County Judge KP George and the Fort Bend County Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) held a ceremony at the Historic Fort Bend County Courthouse to recognize nearly 50 individuals, institutions of learning, organizations, county departments, schools, businesses, nonprofits, and medical facilities for their outstanding contributions to the fight against COVID-19.

“The ceremony was an opportunity to recognize and thank those who have gone above and beyond to help our community during our time of challenge,” said Judge George. “These individuals and organizations made a significant difference in our fight against COVID-19, and we are grateful for their dedication and hard work.”

Early this week, the World Health Organization announced that

COVID-19 is no longer a global health emergency, marking a significant turning point in the ongoing battle against the pandemic.

The honorees received certificates of appreciation for their support.

County Judge George referenced the immense loss and hardship many people faced during the pandemic noting that on March 4, 2021, the first presumptive case of COVID-19 in Texas was report

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

BREAKING THE STIGMA AND PROMOTING MENTAL HEALTH FOR BIRTHING PERSONS

1 IN 8 BIRTHING PERSONS EXPERIENCE SYMPTOMS OF POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

By Dwight Brown, Travel and Food Writer

after giving birth, even those who previously had a healthy pregnancy and birth. Although there is no known cause for PPD, there are experiences that may put some birthing persons at higher risk. The March of Dimes states that factors for PPD include:

•Previous history of depression or mental health conditions, family history of depression or mental health conditions, and depression during pregnancy

•If you have been physically or sexually abused or have problems with your partner, including domestic violence

•Stressful life events such as the death of a partner or loved one, being unemployed or having low income, little education, or having little or no support from family or friends

•Unplanned or unwanted pregnancy

•Being diabetic before or during pregnancy

•Preterm (before 37 weeks) labor and delivery

•Being pregnant with multiples

•Smoking, drinking, or using harmful drugs

•Having trouble breastfeeding or caring for your baby

•If the baby is sick or has health conditions

•Having negative thoughts and having trouble adjusting to being a parent

May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of mental health for expecting and new birthing persons, and Harris County Public Health (HCPH) wants to shed light on this public health concern.

Pregnancy and childbirth are important life events that can bring about intense emotions and changes. However, many people experience sadness, anxiety, depression, and can often feel overwhelmed after giving birth, which can have a significant impact on mental health.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 8 individuals who recently gave birth experience symptoms of postpartum depression (also called PPD). According to the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), in Texas between 2016 and 2020, about 15.5 percent of birthing persons reported feeling depressed in the three months before pregnancy, 15.2 percent reported feeling depressed during pregnancy, and 13.4 percent reported feeling symptoms of PPD.

PPD often is confused with the “baby blues,” a term used to describe the worry, sadness, and tiredness many people experience in the days and weeks after giving birth. Baby blues symptoms typically resolve on their own within two weeks, while PPD is more intense,

lasts longer than two weeks, and often requires treatment.

Not everyone experiences depression the same way. The frequency, duration, and intensity of emotional changes differ from person to person. Symptoms of depression can include:

•Feeling sad, anxious, hopeless, pessimistic, guilty, worthless, helpless, irritable, or “empty”

•Loss of interest in hobbies and activities

•Loss of energy

•Problems concentrating, recalling details, and making decisions

•Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much

•Overeating or loss of appetite

•Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts

•Aches or pains that do not get better with treatment While the symptoms of PPD share similarities with those of depression, they may also include:

•Crying more often than usual

•Feeling angry

•Withdrawing from your loved ones

•Feeling numb or disconnected from your baby or worrying that you will hurt your baby

•Feeling guilty about not being a good parent or doubting your ability to care for your baby PPD does not discriminate! It can happen to anyone

•Pregnancy and birth complications and pregnancy loss

To provide better care for birthing persons and their children, HCPH established the Maternal and Child Health Program (MCHP). The goal of this program is to reduce risks and empower families to create a foundation for a healthy family. One of the services offered through MCHP is to improve the well-being of participants through a holistic care-coordinated approach. Participants suffering from PPD would have access to counseling and mental health services through coordination. PPD is treatable and most people get better with treatment. If you think you may suffer from PPD, talk to your healthcare provider for a possible referral to a mental healthcare professional or visit the CDC’s Resources for help in your area.

BIDEN PREVIEWS 2024 ELECTION PITCH TO YOUNG BLACK VOTERS IN HOWARD UNIVERSITY COMMENCEMENT SPEECH

By Betsy Klein, Kaanita Iyer and Jasmine Wright, CNN

President Joe Biden previewed his 2024 election pitch to young Black voters Saturday in commencement remarks at a Howard University graduation ceremony in Washington, DC, articulating his vision of a "future for all Americans,"

Biden's speech to graduates of the historically Black university had deep political undertones, and he reiterated to graduates that the work to "redeem the soul of the nation" continues, a phrase he uses often to contrast himself with his predecessor, Donald Trump, who is seeking a return to the White House next year.

"We can finally resolve those ongoing questions about who we are as a nation -- that puts the strength of our diversity at the center. A future for all Americans, a future I see you leading," Biden told the graduates at the Capital One Arena.

Though Biden did not name the former president, Trump's legacy, rhetoric and policies hung over his remarks. Biden recalled his decision to run for office again amid the horror following the 2017 Charlottesville, Virginia, riots, and Trump's "famous quote" that there were "very fine people on both sides."

"Fearless progress toward justice often means ferocious pushback of the oldest

and the most sinister of forces. That's because hate never goes away," the president said.

"It only hides under the rocks. And when it's given oxygen, it comes out from under that rock," he said. "That's why we know this truth as well: Silence is complicity. It cannot remain silent."

The campaign-style speech came less than a month after Biden announced his bid for a second term as a potential debt default looms and his administration braces for an expected surge in migrant border crossings following the expiration of the Title 42 border policy.

Black voters remain a key part of the Democratic Party coalition. A drop in turnout among Black voters in the 2022 midterms raised alarms among Democratic operatives over what it could mean for 2024, CNN previously reported. A recent Washington PostABC News survey put Biden's approval rating among Black people at 52% -- a considerable drop from 82% when he took office.

health care and housing.

Changing Lives

Biden also received applause for political promises on marijuana decriminalization, climate change investment and student loan forgiveness. He conceded there was still "more to do" on gun violence, reiterating calls for an assault weapons ban, as well as a comprehensive police overhaul, both issues that do not currently have the votes to pass in Congress.

"Fundamental questions are at stake for our nation: Who are we? What do we stand for? What do we believe? Who will we be? You're here to help answer those questions," he told the Howard students.

Howard University, Vice President Kamala Harris' alma mater, has received an ample amount of focus from the Biden administration since the pair took office in 2021. Last month, Harris delivered a fiery speech on abortion rights during a rally on the Howard campus, and the university recently became the first historically Black college or university, or HBCU, to partner with the Department of Defense to lead a university-affiliated research center.

Read more at

For more information, please visit haul.org/eodgala or contact Brandi Ledet | bledet@haul.org | 713-393-8783

Biden's speech Saturday also previewed the platforms he expects to prioritize on the campaign trail. He called out Republican-led efforts that he cast as seeking to chip away at rights for transgender children and affordable

President Joe Biden participates in a Howard University graduation ceremony at the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC, on May 13, 2023

Smoke Dust and Jerk Dust Wings

Dusty B

ck Ex General Manager Houston Astros

Dr. Reginald DesRoches

Dr Loren Blanchard President University of Houston-Downtown President Rice University

Dr LaTonya Goffney Superintendent Aldine ISD

Dr. Millard House II Superintendent Houston ISD Dr Ruth Simmons Dr Lesia L Crumpton-Young President Prairie View A&M University President Texas Southern University

Gerald Hin

Quentin Mease Community Service Award

Texas Black Expo & We All Eat Campaign

Stephen Silas Head Coach Houston Rockets Head Coach Houston Texans

Jerome Love

LANDMARK EXHIBITION WILLIAM KENTRIDGE: IN PRAISE OF SHADOWS TRAVELS TO THE MFAH, SURVEYING THE CELEBRATED SOUTH AFRICAN ARTIST’S WORK

Kathleen Coleman, Arts Editor

We are enormously pleased to present William Kentridge’s expansive, thought-provoking work,” said Gary Tinterow, MFAH Director and Margaret Alkek Williams Chair. “His has been an essential voice in bringing forward the struggles of South Africa to address universal issues of history, power, and society.”

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston will host the acclaimed exhibition William Kentridge: In Praise of Shadows, from June 25 to September 10, 2023. Organized in cooperation with The Broad, Los Angeles, where it opened in November 2022, the exhibition surveys 35 years of the celebrated South African artist’s career, and features more than 80 works touching on every aspect of Kentridge’s wide-ranging investigations in the visual arts, film, and theater.

Born in Johannesburg in 1955, where he continues to live and work today, Kentridge has dedicated much of his career to exploring the social and political conditions of his home country, from the Apartheid era (1948–91), through South Africa’s transition to desegregation and democratic elections (1991–94), and to its present-day realities. Featuring his world-renowned charcoal drawings and animated films, as well as prints, bronzes, tapestries, and

theater models, William Kentridge: In Praise of Shadows uses the paradoxes of light and shadow to directly engage with the aftermath of colonialism, the recording and memory of historical narratives, and how the artist’s studio can disrupt the certainties of long-held belief systems.

“We are thrilled to be able to exhibit William Kentridge’s expansive work in Houston,” said Gary Tinterow, Director, the Margaret Alkek Williams Chair, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. “His inimitable art remains so compelling and urgent because it demonstrates the universal need to address inequity and social justice everywhere throughout the world, not just in his native South Africa.

Lulled by the beauty of his drawing and the immersive nature of his installations, visitors will be amazed by Kentridge’s ability to provoke revelations about the complexity of human nature.”

“William Kentridge brings a profound humanism and collaborative spirit to every aspect of his work,” added Alison de Lima Greene, the MFAH’s Isabel Brown Wilson curator of modern and contemporary art. “He surveys the world around us with an attentive and critical eye, uncovering stories that are at once viscerally personal and universally relatable.”

Organized thematically and chronologically, the Houston presentation opens with Kentridge’s depictions of Johannesburg and introduces his most famous protagonist, the industrial magnate Soho Eckstein, through drawings and films that range from 1989 to 2020.

Subsequent galleries include works related to Kentridge’s theater and opera productions, including his restaging of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s The Magic Flute, represented by a model theater and preparatory drawings from 2005. Works addressing the toxic

legacy of colonialism and propaganda occupy the next gallery, which is then followed by 7 Fragments for Georges Méliès; Day for Night; and Journey to the Moon (2003), an immersive environment made up of complementary projections that reveal how everyday experience, experimentation, and associative play a critical role in Kentridge’s art making. The exhibition concludes with KABOOM!, a video installation from 2018, as well as recent works that reaffirm the creative act as means of political engagement and transformative knowledge.

YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO ASIAN RESTAURANT MONTH: EXPLORE CUISINES, EARN POINTS, AND WIN PRIZES

By Alexandria Jack, Culinary Writer

Ahe month of May is Asian American Pacific Islander Month (AAPI) Heritage Month and the Houston Asian Chamber of Commerce is cele- brating their third annual Asian Restau- rant Month in partnership with Houston First Corporation. This year the event has grown to more than one hundred restaurants to try during your journey through the ten plus ethnic cuisines to explore. From now until May 31st, you have the opportunity to take advantage of the Asian Restaurant Month digital pass, which offers not only a comprehensive directory of participating restaurants but also the ability to earn points and redeem them for exciting prizes by simply checking in at each location. With the pass easily downloadable on your phone, you can browse different cuisines using the filters or find restaurants that are conveniently located nearby. It's a great way to discover new dining experiences and have some fun along the way!

To assist you on your Asian Restaurant Month journey, Houston Style Magazine is providing a guide to get you started.

Dumplings - Trendy Dumpling

(@trendydumpling)

3285 Sw Fwy. Houston, TX 77027

If you are looking for a dumpling ex- perience, Trendy Dumpling is the place to go. They are mostly known for their many varieties of dumplings like Soup Dumplings, Crispy Bottom Bao, and Truffle Soup Bao. Each one of their dumpling varieties are hand made in the restaurant. They even have hand pulled noodles available. Make sure you add chili oil to add a bit of spice to every bite. The dumplings are just a small portion of their menu. Be sure to try some of the other flavorful dishes on the menu.

Korean BBQ InspiredChi’Lantro (@chilantro)

1324 N Shepherd Dr. Houston, TX 77008

This Austin-based Korean BBQ Inspired is now in Houston. They are most famously known for their Shark Tank deal making dish, the original Kimchi Fries. Visit this fast-casual restaurant to try their signature bowls, Ssams, and more. Choose from their K-Pop Chicken, Korean BBQ Steak, Marinated Tofu or Spicy Pork for your meats and then add on their Korean-Mexican toppings and sauces to add to your custom bowl. They also have delicious shareables like the Chi’Jeu Queso or Guacamole and Chips.

Filipino - Be More Pacific: Filipino Kitchen and Bar(@bemore-

pacific)

506 Yale St. Suite E, Houston, Tx 77007 Filipino food is one of the “Original Fu- sion Cuisines” bring together influences from Spanish, Malaysian, Japanese, Indian and American cuisines.

Here at Be More Pacific: Filipino Kitchen and Bar they are bringing a wide variety of traditional Filipino dishes like Pork Sisig, Lechon Kawali, Lumpia and Panchit Bihon. They also offer the famous Kamayan Feast Experience which has things like Marinated Ribs, Shrimp, Lumpia, and many other things on top of a banana leaf.

Adele James is addressing a colorism controversy over a Netflix docuseries in which she stars as Cleopatra.

"Queen Cleopatra," which is executive produced and narrated by Jada Pinkett Smith, portrays the ruler of Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt as a woman of color.

Egyptian government officials have criticized casting James, who is biracial, in the role. The actress addressed the backlash during a recent appearance on "The Wayne Ayers Podcast."

"Blackwashing isn't a thing, is it?" she said. "I find it sad that people are either so self-loathing or so threatened by Blackness that they feel the need to do that, to separate Egypt from the rest of the continent."The debate is not new.

Cleopatra has been played by a variety of women, including Elizabeth Taylor in the 1963 film.

In 2020, there were complaints of "whitewashing" (when white actors are cast to play people of color) with news that Israeli-born actress and

'QUEEN CLEOPATRA' ACTRESS ADELE JAMES TALKS 'BLACKWASHING'

By Lisa Respers France, CNN/StyleMagazine.com Newswire

"Won- der Woman" star Gal Gadot had been cast to play Cleopatra in a forthcoming film.

At the crux of the debate among histo- rians has been whether Cleopatra, who hailed from a long line of Macedonian Greeks, would have darker skin because of her African ancestry. Those who support the belief that she

did also point to the fact that Egypt is part of the continent of Africa.

"Queen Cleopatra" is part of Pinkett Smith's "African Queens" franchise. In an article posted last month on Netflix's Tudum site, the series' producers addressed the royal's ethnicity.

"Her ethnicity is not the focus of Queen Cleopatra, but we did

JAMIE FOXX AND DAUGHTER CORINNE FOXX TO HOST NEW MUSIC TRIVIA SHOW

By Dan Heching,

Jamie Foxx will host a new music-centric trivia game show with his daughter, Corinne Foxx, beginning in 2024.

The announcement comes after Corinne Foxx shared Friday that her

father has been "out of the hospital for weeks, recuperating" from a medical incident.

"In fact, he was playing pickleball yesterday! Thanks for everyone's prayers and support!" she wrote. "We

have an exciting work announcement coming next week too," she added, in reference to Monday's announcement about their new show, titled "We Are Family."

The series will feature non-fa-

intentionally decide to depict her of mixed ethnicity to reflect theories about Cleopatra's possible Egyptian ancestry and the multicultural nature of Ancient Egypt," they said.

CNN has reached out to representatives for Netflix and Pinkett Smith for comment.

"Queen Cleopatra" is streaming now on Netflix.

mous relatives of celebrities "performing duets with their hidden famous family member," as a studio audience competes to guess who the celebrity is, according to Fox Entertainment.

Jamie Foxx was first hospitalized in Atlanta, Georgia on April 11 after he experienced an undisclosed "medical complication," according to his daughter.

The duo also headline Fox's music game show "Beat Shazam," which Nick Cannon and guest DJ Kelly Osborne will co-host this season, scheduled to debut next week, due to Foxx's recent hospitalization.

Fox network did not state when production is scheduled to begin on "We Are Family."

"We are thrilled to be developing 'We Are Family' with Jeff Apploff and our friends at Fox Entertainment after so much success with six seasons of 'Beat Shazam,'" said Jamie Foxx and Corinne Foxx of their new project.

"We hope this show brings as much fun to audiences at home as we've had creating it when it premieres next year."ble programming to streaming services.