Houston Style Magazine Vol 34 No 38

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

Graphic Design /Layout Editor Cameron C. Lee thisiscam6@gmail.com

Sports Editor

Brian Barefield brian barefield@yahoo.com

Food Writer Alex Jack alexandriajack1991@gmail.com

Arts Editor

K athleen Coleman kathleen@stylemagazine.com

NATIONAL WRITERS

Jesse Jackson jjackson@rainbowpush.org

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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)

UAW AUTO WORKERS WILL GET A FAIR DEAL ONLY IF THEY FIGHT FOR IT

By Jesse Jackson, National Political Writer

Five days ago, 12,700 United Auto Workers Union (UAW) workers walked out in the first strike wave against the Big Three automakers – GM, Ford, and Stellantis (the company that took over Chrysler).

Every worker in America – union and non-union, young and old, female and male, Black, brown and white – has a stake in this strike. At issue is not simply whether autoworkers can gain a living wage, but whether this country can begin to rebuild a middle class and curb the extreme inequality that undermines our economy and our democracy.

The companies paint the worker demands as extreme, even as the workers seek simply to get a raise that reflects the companies’ performance in recent years.

Consider from 2013 to 2022 the companies earned $250 billion in profits, up 92 percent over that period of time. The average pay of their CEOs – last year each pocketed an average $25 million – is up 40 percent. Last year alone, the companies ladled out $9 billion in stock buybacks – rewarding shareholders but not workers.

Meanwhile, average autoworker pay, adjusted for inflation, is down nearly 20 percent. Mary Barra, the CEO of General Motors, made $29 million last year, roughly $14,500 an hour. The starting salary of an autoworker now is $17 an hour.

This astounding inequity has spread across the economy. The Economic Policy Institute reports that over the last 45 years, adjusting for inflation, CEO compensation in America’s 300 largest companies has risen 1,460 percent while a typical worker’s pay grew by just

18 percent.

The auto executives, however, have enjoyed special aid from the government. In 2008, GM and Chrysler almost went bankrupt and were bailed out with some $80 billion in taxpayers’ money. Workers made deep sacrifices to keep the companies going – a wage freeze, an end of cost-of-living raises, a lower paid tier for new workers, weaker pension and health care protections. They haven’t received a cost-of-living raise since 2009, even though consumer prices are up 40 percent.

Now, with the companies raking in record profits and the CEOs pocketing record salaries, workers are asking for their fair share. They seek wage increases on par with those of the executives, an end to the two-tier labor system that discriminates against new workers, a shorter workweek and an end to the use of temps to undermine fulltime workers. They want workers to be rewarded when the company issues stock buybacks or special dividends to reward stockholders.

Central to the dispute is also what will happen as the companies again receive massive government subsidies, this time to accelerate

the transition to electric vehicles. The companies have started building plants in anti-union red states, clearly hoping to use the transition and taxpayer subsidies to weaken workers and their unions. The union seeks protections so workers and their unions will benefit from the taxpayer subsidies, not just companies and their shareholders. Will taxpayer subsidies help build a green economy that empowers workers to gain a fair share of the profits they help to produce? Or will the subsidies add to the extreme inequality already weakening our society and economy? Will they help build a broader middle class or deprive more workers of a living wage?

From Hollywood to fastfood workers to the autoworkers in the Midwest, workers are finally standing up. Once more the question is posed: Whose side are you on?

A stunning 75 percent of Americans side with the UAW in their negotiations and strike. President Joe Biden has praised the autoworkers. Sen. Bernie Sanders stood with the autoworkers on the first day of their strike. Donald Trump tells them they should stop paying union dues and oppose

building electric vehicles – presumably throwing themselves on the tender mercies of the auto CEOs. The media tends to focus on whether the strike, if it continues, will be bad for the economy. But the economy is not divorced from workers. It is bad for the economy when autoworkers can’t afford to buy the cars that they build. It is bad for the economy when autoworkers are paid less than they made 15 years ago. It is bad for the economy when full-time workers don’t have a decent retirement or can’t afford health care.

Record auto company profits haven’t helped workers. Taxpayer bailouts haven’t helped. Workers lost ground under Obama and under Trump. Wealthy CEOs don’t suddenly become generous. Workers will get a fair deal only if they fight for it. The UAW has decided to fight – and we all have a stake in their victory.

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

United Auto Workers members strike at the Ford Michigan Assembly Plant on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2023, in Wayne, Michigan. This is the first time in history that the UAW is striking all three of the Big Three auto makers, Ford, General Motors, and Stellantis, at the same time. (Bill Pugliano/Getty Images/TNS)

LOCAL : RAPPER DRAKE REVEALS PLANS TO PURCHASE A HOME IN HOUSTON

Trill Burgers, a hot new Houston eatery that has gained notoriety for its lengthy queues and delectable burgers.

During his stay in Houston, Drake graced the Toyota Center with two sensational performances this week, further fueling the excitement surrounding his "It's All a Blur" tour.

In an exciting revelation during the second night of his "It's All a Blur" tour in Houston, superstar rapper Drake thrilled his fans by announcing his intention to acquire a residence in the vibrant city.

Addressing the enthusiastic crowd, Drake shared the news during a Monday evening concert, igniting

a wave of anticipation among his followers. He expressed his eagerness to make this announcement official and spoke about his extensive search for the perfect place to call home, away from his hometown of Toronto.

Drake stated, "Let me tell you something. I'm excited I get to share this with night two. I had to make it official

first, but I've been looking for a long time, trying to figure out, you know, the right place for me to live, where I belong outside of Toronto." He continued, "And I finally, finally after all these years, found me a place in Houston, Texas, so y'all will be seeing me a lot."

This declaration follows Drake's recent visit to the renowned Bun B's

As he continues to captivate audiences across the nation, the city of Charlotte eagerly awaits his upcoming tour stop. With this exciting development, Houstonians can look forward to seeing more of Drake in their city, as he makes it a new home and embraces all that the vibrant Texan metropolis has to offer. venues or event planning that could help prevent a similar fatal incident had been adopted by the city or Harris County The festival took place at NRG Park, which is county property managed by the Harris County Sports and Convention Corp. The complex, however, is within the jurisdiction of the Houston police and fire departments. A joint city-county task joint task force later was convened to clarify jurisdiction in cases with overlapping authority.

www.StyleMagazine.com

POLITICS: Rep. Ron Reynolds Celebrates 50th Birthday Festivities

By Burt Levine, Political Writer For StyleMagazine.com – Newswire

women’s rights, public safety, economic growth, affordable health care and criminal justice reform,” said Reynolds who grew up attending Blueridge Elementary, Quail Valley Junior High and Willowridge High in his district before graduating at Texas Southern and Texas Tech Law School.

Turner said Reynolds was key to his winning his third run over three decades for mayor and Ellis said he always is grateful to have Reynolds at his side in Fort Bend and Austin.

sentative.

Rep. Ron Reynolds (D-Missouri City) kicked off his 2024 re-election campaign for the March 5 Democratic Primary and marked his 50th birthday Tuesday with Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Harris County and Fort Bend Commissioners Rodney Ellis and Grady Prestage, dozens of other officials from both counties and hundreds of constituents. “I am so thrilled so many folks

are here to help me celebrate this milestone including two of my biggest mentors Mayor Turner and Commissioner Ellis. My other two mentors

Congress Members Sheila Jackson Lee and Al Green are in Washington. Otherwise, they would be here at Sugars in Missouri City too. I want to be like them, to learn from them. I am committed to fight for high quality public education,

“Rep. Reynolds, the first African American State Rep. from Fort Bend County since Reconstruction is a role model to us in what it takes to get back in the saddle when you are thrown over and repeatedly off your horse and onto the ground. He does not give up and never should we ever give up on him,” said Turner after being told by Ellis and Reynolds he is among the best mayors in the country and the best in city history.

Reynolds said legendary Constable Ruben Davis had told him when he was a happy lawyer that may have run for judge someday that he should run for state repre-

“I ran in 2008 when President Obama first ran for President. I ran against incumbent State Rep. Dora Olivo and won 49.68 percent in the Democratic Primary and was told I lost and should give it up and not come back. I came the next week to the Democratic meeting and kept coming back. I ran again in the next election and beat her this time with 57.64 percent of the vote,” said the Representative who like Rocky Balboa facing many challengers in the ring and coming out as the champion, Reynolds has in 12 years many different challengers and continues to survive and succeed despite different elections and election environments. He stays consistent and he cares about communities in his district.

“Constituent service, listening to my neighbors who agree with me and more important listening to those that may not agree with me is the bedrock of what I do,” said Reynolds who has never had a negative word to say about anyone, but he keeps going and going forward for Missouri City, Stafford and Houston and for all of Texas.

Rep. Reynolds with Sandra and Burt Levine

Francis, Mayor Turner & Cindy Clifford

Michael Heckman, Houstonfirst

Bryce, Vanessa Gilmore & Gerald Womack

Ray Hunt, Cindy Clifford & Mayor Turner

Francis Page, Jr. and Sanjay Ramabhadran’s

David Minceberg giving remarks about the upcoming STATE OF THE CITY, September 27, 2023

Mayor Turner, Sanja of METRO Russ Frank , Vanessa Gilmore & Francis Page Next Las Vegas Mayor – Cedric Crear

Bill Baldwin and Mayor Turner Cindy, David Minceburg and David Robinson

Chief Sam Pena and Francis Page, Jr.

TEAM COMCAST: Nicholas, Bryce, Mayor Turner, Stephanie Loving, Toni Beck & Foti Kallergis

LOCAL: BLACK TEXAS STUDENT FACES ONGOING SUSPENSION OVER LOC HAIRSTYLE: A CLOSER LOOK

By Francis Page, Jr. Editor For www.StyleMagazine.com

ABlack high school student in Texas found himself in the midst of a controversy when his loc hairstyle ran afoul of the Barbers Hill Independent School District's dress code. Darryl George, the student in question, has now faced a second suspension upon his return to school, as reported by CNN.

Darryl George's suspension has stretched for over two weeks, all stemming from his loc hairstyle, which, according to his family, breaches the district's dress and grooming code. This code stipulates that "male students' hair will not extend, at any time, below the eyebrows or below the ear lobes," a rule previously highlighted by CNN.

Allie Booker, an attorney representing the George family, disclosed that school authorities have summoned Darryl and his mother for

a meeting to discuss the ongoing disciplinary measures related to his hairstyle infractions. The family has been given until Wednesday to meet with school officials, as stated by the attorney.

Booker, sharing her expectations, mentioned, "What I expect for them to try to do is to put him out of school, but they won't do it with our consent."

Previously, the family was informed that if Darryl didn't cut his hair, he would be placed in a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program, also known as an alternative school.

In response to these developments, David Bloom, the director of communications for the Barbers Hill Independent School District, conveyed that the district could not

comment on disciplinary matters involving a student, as reported by CNN.

Darryl George, a junior at Barbers Hill High School in Mont Belvieu, found himself in trouble for wearing his locs in a ponytail, which led to multiple disciplinary actions and in-school suspension, according to his mother, Darresha George. It's noteworthy that Darryl's suspension occurred during the same week when the CROWN Act, a Texas law prohibiting discrimination based on one's hair texture or protective hairstyle, such as locs and braids, came into effect.

Darresha George expressed that the family is contemplating legal action in response to these incidents. Read more at StyleMagazine.com

Darryl George, a 17-year-old junior, has been suspended from Barbers Hill High School for not cutting his loc hairstyle for more than two weeks. Michael Wyke AP

Kroger Health, the healthcare division of The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), has partnered with Performance Kitchen® to introduce medically tailored meals (MTMs). This collaboration represents a significant leap for Kroger Health into offering evidence-based, registered dietitian approved meals catered to individuals managing health conditions

Kroger Health Partners with Performance Kitchen® to Provide Medically Customized Meals

By www.StyleMagazine.com

such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. These MTMs are a pivotal step in enhancing overall health, nutrition intervention, and access to nutritious foods.

James Kirby, Chief Commercial Officer of Kroger Health, emphasizes their commitment to empowering individuals to make healthier choices, underscoring the importance of personalized approaches for improved quality of life, disease prevention, and transformation.

A recent study by Tufts University's Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy highlights the potential impact of MTM programs, projecting the prevention of 1.6 million hospitalizations and $13.6 billion in healthcare savings within a year. Over a decade, cost savings for MTM program participants receiving 10 MTMs per week for eight months could reach $185.1 billion.

Performance Kitchen® and Kroger Health share a vision of integrating Food as Medicine into daily life. This synergy has led to the development of meals meeting nutritional standards and diverse population needs. MTMs, co-created by Performance Kitchen® and Kroger Health, offer options like Chicken Dijon with Kale, Moroccan Style Chicken with Quinoa, Vegetable Chickpea Curry, and Salmon Pasta. Kroger

Health complements these meals with virtual consultations with registered dietitians and access to healthful groceries.

Performance Kitchen's team of experts, including chefs, doctors, and registered dietitians, focuses on balanced meals with quality proteins, vegetables, healthy fats, whole grains, and fiber while limiting sodium and added sugar. These frozen, single-serve meals are convenient for those concerned about meal preparation. All Performance Kitchen® offerings for this collaboration receive approval from Kroger Health registered dietitians.

Dr. Taylor Newman, Director of Nutrition at Kroger Health, highlights MTMs as a means to encourage gradual, impactful changes. These personalized meals address specific health conditions while offering diverse recipes and flavors.

Mark Walker, Chairman and CEO of Performance Kitchen®, shares excitement about their collaboration with Kroger Health, both committed to empowering the nation through nutrition. In a country spending $4.3 trillion on healthcare annually, initiatives like this are pioneering a new era of preventative care through nutrition.

This collaboration is part of Kroger Health's Food as Medicine platform, following the SuperWIN trial and participation in the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health.

Payers, providers, employers, and community organizations interested in this partnership can contact khb2b@krogerhealth.com to explore its transformative potential. www.Kroger.com

James Kirby– Chief Commercial Officer at Kroger Health

HEALTH: TARAJI P. HENSON’S FOUNDATION EXPAND PIONEERING MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES TO 2ND HBCU

In a continued effort to destigmatize mental health conversations within the Black community, The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation (BLHF) and kate spade new york are proudly extending their groundbreaking "She Care Wellness Pods" initiative to Hampton University. This Fall, they are set to bring culturally competent mental wellness services to more than 25,000 Black women on historically Black college and university (HBCU) campuses.

After a successful launch at Alabama State University earlier this year, BLHF and kate spade are now expanding their collaborative endeavor to Hampton University in Virginia, marking a significant step towards promoting mental well-being among young women.

Access to Mental Health Facilities on Campus This innovative program, tailored to HBCU students, joins BLHF and kate spade new york's efforts to provide essential mental health resources directly to Black women on campus. The "She Care Wellness Pods" initiative involves the installation of physical structures on campuses to offer a range of services, including:

Free mental health therapy sessions to address stress, anxiety, and hopelessness.

Spaces for students to connect with peers, combating isolation and grief during the academic year and breaks.

Diverse programming, including yoga, meditation, art and drama therapy, African dance, nutrition, and more, all led by certified practitioners.

Workshops offering resources and tools for those dealing with anxiety, sleep deprivation, and insomnia.

Quiet areas for silence, rest, and respite to help students reset from daily stressors.

Eradicating Mental Health Stigma Founded in 2018, The Boris Lawrence

Henson Foundation's mission is to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health issues in the Black community. As a leading advocate for Black mental health, BLHF provides competent therapy and integrated wellness resources.

For kate spade new york, women's empowerment has been a central focus for over a decade. In alignment with this mission, kate spade and the kate spade new york Foundation are investing $5 million in programming this year to further destigmatize mental health conversations and continue serving women and girls in need.

Empowering Black Women

through Mental Wellness BLHF Founder, Taraji P. Henson, expressed her commitment to this cause, stating, "Black women, from a very young age, are taught to be strong and dismiss their own suffering, tending to the needs of family and community often at the expense of their own well-being. The She Care Wellness pods seek to change this narrative."

The expansion to Hampton University reflects the shared vision and partnership between BLHF, kate spade new york, and the commitment to support students in taking care of their mental health.

Creating Positive Change Kate spade new york CEO and Brand President, Liz Fraser, emphasized their commitment to increasing accessibility to mental health resources, asserting, "We can create a positive difference for young women on HBCU campuses and in their communities."

Hampton University President Darrell K. Williams stressed the importance of prioritizing mental health within communities and lauded the partnership, positioning students with additional resources for mental wellness.

For more information on The Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, please visit www.borislhensonfoundation.org

ARTS: EXPLORING THE ESSENCE OF BROTHERHOOD AT THE COMMUNITY ARTISTS' COLLECTIVE

By Kathleen Coleman, Arts Editor For www.StyleMagazine.com

In a quest to rediscover the profound sense of community and kinship severed during the Afro-diaspora's painful history of slavery, the remarkable Afro-Brazilian artist Ibraim Nascimento unveils "Irmandade." This captivating exhibition, set to open its doors on September 23 at the Community Artists' Collective, is a testament to the enduring bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood.

Hailing from the vibrant Recôncavo region of Bahia, Brazil, Nascimen-

to has relocated to Houston, Texas, while maintaining his role as an artist-activist advocating for indigenous rights in his homeland. His talent has graced exhibitions in both Brazil and the United States, and "Irmandade" promises to be a testament to his artistic prowess.

"Irmandade," a Portuguese word for brotherhood, delves into the intricate tapestry of human connection. Nascimento employs the metaphor of a red thread, weaving a web that links each canvas. On

these canvases, Black individuals are depicted, symbolizing the ties that bind them through blood and ancestry. These threads serve as metaphors, representing the quest for deeper meaning, a sense of belonging, self-discovery, reconnection, or affirmation of this fundamental concept.

During the dark era of slavery, Black individuals were shackled together, forcibly removed from their homeland. Today, they reunite through shared gazes, customs, stories, and collective spirits. This reunion offers a glimmer of hope in rebuilding the notion of "irmandade."

The "Irmandade" exhibition will grace The Collective at 4101 San Jacinto, Suite 116, from September 23 to November 25. The grand opening on Saturday, September 23, promises an engaging expe-

rience from 2 to 5 p.m., featuring a special performance by Nascimento himself.

On October 14 at 2 p.m., Nascimento will engage audiences with an insightful talk, delving deeper into the themes of his work. Additionally, the artist will collaborate with performance artist Victor Givens for a special presentation in November, with the exact date to be announced.

For further information about this transformative exhibition, please visit thecollective.org. Join us in celebrating the beauty of "Irmandade" as it redefines the bonds that unite us all.

For more information, visit thecollective.org.

www.MFAH.org