Houston Style Magazine Vol 34 No 36

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

Kathleen Coleman kathleen@stylemagazine.com

NATIONAL WRITERS

Jesse Jackson jjackson@rainbowpush.org

Erynn Haskins TotallyRandie

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Vicky Pink vhpink@gmail.com

ADVERTISING/SALES

AdVertising emAil advertising@stylemagazine.com

LABOR DAY 2023 – Embracing The Spirit Of Unity and Advancement With New CWA

President – Claude

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

Cummings, Jr.

Hello to our dedicated Houston Style Magazine audience! As we’ve come together on Labor Day 2023, it’s a time of both jubilation and introspection. “I feel the gravity of this moment keenly, as it’s my inaugural Labor Day celebration since being elected President of the Communications Workers of America (CWA)”.

Breaking Barriers: Claude Cummings Jr.’s Trailblazing Journey

Claude Cummings Jr. isn’t just any president; he’s a milestone-maker, being the first Black man to ascend to this high-ranking position

within CWA. With a career spanning decade, he has represented over 45,000 union members across states like Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. Cummings has also been a crucial advocate for job growth, exemplified by his influential role in legislation enabling AT&T to expand video services, creating thousands of positions for union technicians.

Honoring a Milestone: 60 Years Since Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream”

2023 is a monumental year as we mark the 60th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s unparalleled “I Have a Dream” speech and the March on Washington. The vibrant presence of CWA members at the recent anniversary celebration, especially Tonya Jackson’s moving speech from the historic steps of the Lincoln Memorial, underscores our unwavering dedication to equality and social justice.

Unity in Diversity: Echoes from the 1963 March on Washington

Over 250,000 people of diverse backgrounds congregated during the semi-

nal 1963 March, united by renowned labor activists like A. Philip Randolph and Walter Reuther. Their calls for fair employment and social equality still resonate today, as evidenced by the recent activism of Maximus workers. Their courage exemplifies the CWA motto: “United We Stand, Divided We Fall.”

From Challenge to Unity: Lessons Learned from Labor History

The American labor movement, though marred by past inequities such as racism and sexism, has ultimately emerged as a powerful agent of social cohesion. It’s through collective action that we truly discover the threads of commonality among us and realize our leadership potential. Cummings’ own trajectory is a compelling testament to the transformative force of union solidarity.

Rising Above: Staying Vigilant Amidst Societal Challenges

The unfortunate events like the recent Jacksonville shooting sharply contrast Dr. King’s principles, serving as a solemn

reminder that our mission for unity is ongoing. This calls for collective vigilance and resolve to surmount the challenges that defy our quest for social harmony.

Taking Action: The Real Meaning of Being ‘CWA Strong’ Being “CWA

Strong” transcends mere sloganism; it embodies a spirit of collective responsibility. When any call to action is sounded—whether from a CWA comrade, a fellow union member, or anyone pushing for occupational dignity— your support becomes the

beacon of change.

A Roadmap for the Future: Solidarity as Our Guiding Light

As the helmsman of this dynamic union, Cummings pledges to uphold the core values of unity and solidarity that have shaped CWA’s community fabric. This commitment serves not just as an internal beacon but as a national exemplar of how we can foster meaningful change.

This Labor Day, let’s honor our hard-fought victories, acknowledge our ongoing struggles, and set our sights on a future enriched by inclusivity and mutual respect. To the resilient spirit of CWA and its industrious members, Happy Labor Day 2023!

EDITORS NOTE: Optimized for Success, this feature article resonates with the strength, unity, and progress that are the hallmarks of the CWA and its leadership.

www.CWA-Union.org

tion 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)

Congressman Al Green Donates $1,975.40 for Street Renaming in Missouri City Subdivision

On September 2, 2023, Congressman Al Green, alongside Councilmember Jeffrey L. Boney and other lo-

cal leaders, presented a personal donation of $1,975.40 to fund the renaming of two streets in Missouri City’s Vicksburg Village of Shiloh subdivision. Bedford Forrest Drive and Bedford Forrest Court have been officially renamed Liberty Way Drive and Liberty Way Court, respectively. The event, including a press conference, took place at 10:00 a.m. CST at the newly renamed Liberty Way Drive. The renaming initiative aims to

eliminate symbols associated with hate and oppression, specifically removing the name of Nathan Bedford Forrest, a Confederate general and the first grand wizard of the Ku Klux Klan. Congressman Al Green expressed his ongoing commitment to support such efforts, stating that the renaming is in line with Fort Bend County’s reputation for diversity and inclusion, and underscores the community’s right to liberty.

Claude Cummings, Jr. – President Communication Workers of America (CWA)

Ajob for all. Everyone ready and able to work will get a job – a good job that pays enough to bring a family above the poverty line –guaranteed by the federal government. At a time when our political leaders seem more intent on driving us apart rather than bringing us together, a federally guaranteed jobs program is an idea bold enough to break through the muck.

Moreover, when Jerome Powell, the head of the Federal Reserve, essentially announces that he will continue to fight inflation by raising interest rates until millions lose their jobs, it is long past time to stop sacrificing workers and their families for prices that they do not control.

A federal jobs guarantee is not a new idea. Coming out of World War II, Franklin Delano Roosevelt argued that Americans had come to understand that political and social rights had to be accompanied by economic rights. He pledged an Economic Bill of Rights that included the right to a job for everyone willing and able to work. Sadly, he died before he could make that promise real.

A. Philip Randolph, a visionary leader of both the labor and the civil rights movement, took up Roosevelt’s promise, arguing that “if full employment can be maintained in a war for destruction, it can also be maintained in peace for construction.” The mobilization for World War II had created a booming economy with full employment. Now the question was what would be done in the peacetime.

Both FDR and Randolph argued that a Federal Jobs Guarantee would provide the foundation for a thriving democracy and a just society. Randolph joined with other labor leaders to push

COMMENTARY A JOB FOR ALL

By Jesse Jackson, National Political Writer

Congress to pass a Full Employment Bill. Their efforts were stymied by the business lobby, conservatives in both parties, and by Southern Democrats fearful that full employment might empower Blacks to challenge segregation and the South’s system of legal apartheid.

A Federal Jobs Guarantee would offer every person a job with a living wage. Instead of paying unemployment to laid-off workers, the government would provide wages to put people to work.

There is no shortage of necessary work to be done. Our infrastructure remains decrepit and dangerous, and even Biden’s infrastructure bill only provides a down payment on what needs to be done. Catastrophic climate change and extreme weather require a massive effort to strengthen our defenses against catastrophe, to clean up after calamities that are growing worse and more frequent, and to make the transition to renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Biden’s Infrastructure Reduction Act again makes a down payment, but much more needs to be done.

Similarly, it makes sense to invest on the front side of life rather than pay more on the backside, to invest in childcare and head start, the universal pre-K on the front side rather than welfare, jail care and despair on the back side. Every family with children could save literally thousands of dollars a year if the government joined other industrial countries in providing comprehensive assistance for families with children.

A Federal Jobs Guarantee would help mitigate the wild gyrations of our economy that wreak so much damage to families. During downturns, the Federal Guarantee would expand and ensure that everyone has a job rather than going on welfare or unemployment. During booms, the program would contract as the private sector expanded and that would help keep inflation from getting out of control.

A federal jobs guarantee would put a floor under wages across the economy, much the way a minimum wage does now, except far more effectively. That would empower workers to demand more from their employers and give employers incentives to become more efficient.

Most important, a federal jobs guarantee would keep working families from being brutalized when prices begin to rise. Instead of raising interest rates to throw workers out of work, Federal officials would focus on monopoly pricing, on price gouging, on supply chain disruptions, on the financial barracudas that jack up prices and pocket predatory profits before driving good companies into bankruptcy. The program would be easily affordable. Every worker employed would, of course, pay taxes – and not collect unemployment or welfare. With unemployment now near record lows, this is a good time to transition to a job guarantee.

Polls show, not surprisingly, that this idea is popular, particularly among working-class people across both parties. Contrary to the jibes of the right, Americans want to work in jobs with a living wage.

Donald Trump seems intent on running on revenge and retribution for what he sees as indignities and injustices of the past. Joe Biden seems intent on running on his record of accomplishments which are better than he’s given credit for – but this too looks backward not forward. Most Americans want to know what can be done to secure their futures, not re-litigate the past. Those who seek to lead this country should rouse us with their vision and their program for the future. If they do, a federal jobs guarantee is an idea whose time has come.

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

COUNTDOWN To HOUSTON: The Heir, The Queen, and The Birthday Serenade: An Unforgettable Countdown to Beyoncé’s Renaissance Concert in Houston

Houston, if you’re not yet tingling with excitement, get ready for the buzz of the decade. On September 23, 2023, the stratosphere will vibrate with an energy only the return of our Queen can muster. Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter is coming home for a Renaissance Concert at the NRG Stadium, and Houston Style Magazine—your first-ever window to Queen Bey—is here with exclusive details. Plus, we’ve got a delightful scoop from her recent birthday bash and a nod to the next generation: Blue Ivy.

The Royal Homecoming

Our Third Ward prodigy, Beyoncé, who transformed from a local wonder into a global icon, is set for a triumphant return. The years may have passed, but the roots run deep. Her forthcoming Renaissance Concert is not just a spectacle; it’s a love letter to her hometown.

The Concert Experience: A Multisensory Odyssey

Words like ‘extraordinary’ and ‘unbelievable’ seem almost mundane when describing the upcoming Renaissance Concert. From rumors of a 100-foot revolving stage to avant-garde visuals, this event promises to reset the boundaries of what a concert can be.

Blue Ivy: The Rising Star

No chronicle of Beyoncé’s brilliance can be complete without mentioning Blue Ivy, a prodigy in her own right. Already making waves in the industry, Blue Ivy symbolizes the future. Could we see a moment of mother-daughter magic at the concert? Only time will tell.

A Birthday Fit For A Queen

Speaking of magic, how could we overlook Beyoncé’s recent star-studded 42nd birthday? During her “Renaissance World Tour” concert in Los Angeles, the icon Diana Ross made a surprise appearance to serenade Beyoncé with a heartwarming rendition of “Happy Birthday.”

“I’m here to celebrate Beyoncé’s birthday,” Ross announced, as an emotional

By Francis Page Jr., Editor for StyleMagazine.com

Beyoncé hugged her tightly. After the song, a visibly moved Beyoncé said, “Thank you so much, you are so amazing. This is the legendary Diana Ross! There would be no me without you, and thank you so much for all of your sacrifice and your beauty and your grace.”

Philanthropy In Harmony

Let’s not forget the soul of the event—charity. A portion of the concert proceeds will bolster BeyGOOD, Beyoncé’s initiative for social change. Each ticket is not just a seat; it’s a step towards a better world.

Houston, Are You Ready?

As we inch closer to this unparalleled occasion, Houston Style Magazine could not be more ecstatic to celebrate the Queen’s return, acknowledge Blue Ivy’s emerging talent, and reminisce about a birthday serenade for the ages. Houston, this is more than a concert—it’s a celestial alignment. Secure your legacy; get your tickets now.

During Beyonce’s “Renaissance World Tour” concert in Los Angeles, Diana Ross surprised the crowd when she stepped on stage to serenade Bey with a rendition of “Happy Birthday.”

Susan Deison - CEO/President/Founder

Pearl Chu - 2023 Chair of GHWCC Board

Annise Parker and Cindy Clifford

Francis Page, Jr. and Annise Parker

Team Comcast – Houston

A huge crowd of Houston and Harris County area Business and Political Leaders at the GHWCC Mayoral Forum

Susan Deisen & Pearl Chu welcomes - Lee Kaplan, Sheila Jackson Lee, MJ Khan, Gilbert Garcia, John Whitmire and Robert Gallegos

Moderator – Chau Nguyen

Francis, Sandra and Burt Levine Chief Sam Pina and Francis Page, Jr.

Tandra LeMay and Zarinah K. Poole

H

- A Success H

FBISD’s Small Business Enterprise Program: Paving the Way for Local Business Growth and Community Empowerment

The Fort Bend Independent School District’s Small Business Enterprise Program (SBEP) stands as a beacon of opportunity, leveling the playing field for local, certified small businesses eager to contribute their unique skills and services to the district’s operations. Anchored by a bold annual target, FBISD aspires for a full 25% of the total value of SBEP-qualifying contracts to be awarded to these small businesses. While actual participation rates can fluctuate due to factors such as subcontracting options, the availability of small businesses, and pricing dynamics, this ambitious goal is periodically revisited and adjusted by the vigilant FBISD Board of Trustees.

Far from a mere check-box requirement, the SBEP infuses integrity and aspiration into every awarded contract. When a prime contract exceeding $50,000 is on the table— whether it’s for groundbreaking architectural design, innovative engineering services, or topnotch construction—the awarded contractor is obliged to make a genuine, “Good Faith Effort” to collaborate with certified small businesses, including subcontractors, suppliers, and consultants. Importantly, the program is a beacon of inclusivity, free from the constraints of race, gender, age, religion, or disability, welcoming all to participate.

Certification - Your Gateway to Opportunity

Crucial to unlocking these opportunities is obtaining a recognized small business certification. To be considered a “Small Business” under the SBEP, your enterprise must hold one of the following prestigious certifications:

1. Port of Houston Authority SBE Certification

2. Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) SBE Certification

3. City of Houston SBE Certification

4. Small Business Administration - SBA 8A (specifically authorized by the District for particular procurements)

Elevate Your Business with FBISD’s Special Initiatives

Every solicitation for Bond Architectural Design, Engineering Design, or Construction issued by the District contains an essential component—the Small Business Program Participation Form. Not merely a formality, this document serves as a commitment to small business participation. It requires each bidding entity to disclose its business classification and specify whether they will carry out the work independently or enlist the services of subconsultants or subcontractors.

In sum, FBISD’s Small Business Enterprise Program is not just a program, but a dynamic ecosystem designed to nurture, engage, and elevate local small businesses, enriching the community at large.

www.FortBendISD.com/sbep

THE FUTURE IS NOW: Commissioner Lesley Briones Catalyzes A $170M Revolution in Sustainable Infrastructure for Harris County

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

In a pivotal moment that will be etched into the annals of Harris County history, Commissioner Lesley Briones announced an awe-inspiring $170 million investment in sustainable infrastructure, setting the stage for a new era of urban renaissance in Precinct 4. This isn’t just an investment in bricks and mortar; it’s an investment in the future—a brighter, more equitable, and resilient future.

The masterstroke behind this ambitious endeavor is the commissioner’s visionary Places 4 People initiative. By investing $88 million in Precinct 4 and leveraging a further $82 million through key collaborations with METRO, Houston Parks Board, and other heavyweight partners, Briones has orchestrated a multi-dimensional strategy that is set to radically redefine public infrastructure.

“Investing in high-caliber infrastructure isn’t just about public works; it’s about public good,” stated Commissioner Briones, summing up her people-first ethos. “We’re not merely constructing parks or drainage systems; we’re building ladders to greater opportunity and safety.”

The initiative will kickstart 32 transformative projects selected through a meticulous vetting process. These projects

are a veritable bouquet of community upliftment: 200 futuristic METRO bus shelters, 14 trail connections that will become the arteries of the community, a pedestrian promenade that promises to be a haven for foot traffic, and much more. Importantly, 26 of these 32 projects are designed to directly benefit areas with medium to high socioeconomic vulnerability, turning the spotlight on social equity.

Among the jewel projects is the Buffalo Bayou Greenway Connector. With a $13.5 million commitment, this isn’t just an infrastructural project; it’s a sociocultural bridge uniting the west and east sides of Harris County by seamlessly connecting Memorial Park and Buffalo Bayou Parks.

Beth White, the Houston Parks Board CEO, couldn’t contain her excitement: “The Places 4 People initiative is

exactly the jolt of adrenaline our Bayou Greenways needed. Commissioner Briones’ focus on equity and community engagement aligns seamlessly with our mission.”

Between the fall of 2023 and autumn of 2024, 11 of these 32 projects will ripen from concept to reality. Construction is anticipated to commence in 2024, setting the stage for a transformed and thriving Precinct 4.

Sanjay Ramabhadran, Chair of METRO Board of Directors, succinctly captured the essence of the undertaking: “Commissioner Briones understands that the true value of transit is its ability to transform lives. Her commitment transcends the immediacy of the projects; it’s a lifetime investment for the people of Harris County.” This is not just infrastructural development; it’s the dawn of a new epoch, led by a commissioner who knows that when you invest in the community, the returns are immeasurable.

For a deeper dive into these epoch-making projects, visit:

www.hcp4.net/infrastructure/projects/ or check out the full story on www.StyleMagazine.com

Leslie Brionnes – Harris County Comissioner

HCTX VOTING: Elevating Election Excellence – Teneshia Hudspeth Empowers Election Clerks for November 7, 2023

In a dazzling display of proactive leadership, Teneshia Hudspeth, the indefatigable Harris County Clerk, orchestrated a momentous event earlier today. With unwavering determination and unwavering resolve, she deputized a cadre of diligent election clerks, setting the stage for a seamlessly executed transition and avert any potential disruptions or delays in the intricate choreography of the forthcoming November 7, 2023, election.

This pivotal moment unfolds against the backdrop of the Texas political landscape undergoing seismic shifts, courtesy of Senate Bill (SB) 1750, which officially came into effect today. SB 1750 boldly abolished the Election Administrator’s Office, marking the return of election management responsibilities to the capable hands of the County Clerk. In a synchronized move, voter registration was deftly entrusted to the Tax Assessor-Collector.

In a statement resonating with vision and purpose, Clerk Hudspeth jubilantly declared, “We stand on the precipice of a new yet oddly familiar era, as the Elections Department returns to its rightful home within the hallowed halls of the Harris

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

Harris County Clerk and Chief Election Official

County Clerk’s Office. Amidst this transition in leadership, our mission steadfastly holds true.” Hudspeth’s overarching vision paints a portrait of a future where elections are conducted with a resolute non-partisan ethos, wherein every voter is empowered with the knowledge, materials, and unwavering support required to exercise their civic duty. Under her stewardship, the bedrock of this transformation rests upon bolstering voter confidence in the election process, scrupulously adhering to the meticulous guidelines laid out by both state and federal

election authorities.

In a nod to the profound changes that have swept through the electoral landscape since election management duties were unceremoniously extricated from the County Clerk’s Office three years ago, Clerk Hudspeth acknowledged the evolving panorama. The canvas now adorns a new face, featuring state-of-the-art voting equipment and an ever-evolving electoral milieu. Hudspeth’s rallying cry echoes with unswerving determination, “In unison, we shall build upon the foundations of progress and confront the myriad challenges head-

on, ensuring the orchestration of elections that are nothing short of well-organized, conspicuously transparent, and resoundingly fair.”

For the citizens of Harris County, essential election information is a mere click away at www.harrisvotes.com, a digital oasis of updates and news. To stay in the loop with the latest developments, the Harris County Clerk’s Office cordially invites you to join them on their social media channels, where you can follow their journey at @ HarrisCoTxClerk and @HarrisVotes.

In this epoch of transformation and rekindled collaboration, Teneshia Hudspeth emerges as a beacon of transformative change, laying the foundation for an electoral future underpinned by unwavering dedication and renewed promise.

www.CClerk.HCTX.net

Teneshia Hudspeth –

Union Pacific Mobilizes Community Support for Groundbreaking Soil Testing Initiative in Houston's Fifth Ward

Proactive Testing Initiative Unveiled as Union Pacific Reinforces Its Long-Term Dedication to Community Transparency and Safety

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

Union Pacific Railroad has escalated its commitment to ensuring a healthy and sustainable future for residents of Houston’s Fifth Ward by unveiling a comprehensive soil sampling program. Collaborating with esteemed organizations like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), City of Houston, Harris County, and Bayou City Initiative (BCI), the railroad giant aims to gather crucial data on soil conditions near the former Houston Wood Preserving Works (HWPW) site, an area already benefitting from Union Pacific's rigorous remediation efforts.

Kicking off the week of Sept. 11, 2023, Union Pacific emissaries, authorized by the EPA, will visit selected properties to carry out this pivotal soil testing initiative. The operation underscores Union Pacific’s relentless drive to ensure community welfare through transparent actions and scien-

tifically backed decisions. Soil testing is the gold standard for pinpointing contamination levels and sources, and Union Pacific is fully funding this indispensable endeavor.

The methodology for soil sampling is both non-intrusive and streamlined, designed with the utmost respect for private property. Residents merely need to grant Union Pacific and the EPA consent to ac-

cess their yards, ensuring the process is as hassle-free as possible.

Ensuring full transparency, Union Pacific pledges to publicly disclose all test results once corroborated by EPA-sanctioned laboratories and scientific experts.

The invaluable data will shape a

risk assessment framework, empowering the EPA to make enlightened decisions concerning the long-term safety of the Fifth Ward community.

Union Pacific took the initiative to invite the EPA to oversee additional testing measures, building upon preliminary

studies conducted by the Houston Health Department in September 2022. While previous tests by the Texas Department of State Health Services revealed no discernible health risks, including the absence of carcinogenic chemicals like dioxins, Union Pacific remains unwavering in its quest to deliver a clear and conclusive resolution to the community.

“Union Pacific is not just a railroad; it's a community partner invested in long-lasting, tangible change,” asserted Toni Harrison, Union Pacific spokesperson. “Our resolve is to continue transparent and open communication at every juncture of this project, ensuring that we're building a future where the Fifth Ward thrives in a secure and sustainable setting.”

Union Pacific is approaching more than 300 residents and property owners for their collaboration in this important initiative. The campaign will also extend to communal spaces, including schools, parks, and other key locales.

Since acquiring the former HWPW site through a 1997 merger, Union Pacific has spearheaded significant environmental improvements, from installing over 120 groundwater-monitoring wells to engineering protective barriers against subterranean contaminants. Further information about Union Pacific’s tireless efforts to safeguard the Fifth Ward is readily available for public access.

For more details on this groundbreaking initiative and Union Pacific’s ongoing commitment to community health and safety, visit: www.HoustonWoodPreservingWorks.com/

Toni Harrison

THIS LABOR DAY: A Time To Reflect and Recharge Our Commitment To Empowering The American Workforce

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

As we revel in the joys of barbecues and last-minute summer escapades this Labor Day, let’s also pause to pay homage to the American working class—often the unsung heroes—who have revolutionized the quality of life we now celebrate. This day serves as a compelling reminder that the rights and privileges we effortlessly enjoy today—think the 40-hour work week, weekends, and safe working environments—are not mere gifts of fate but the hard-won victories of labor movements against corporate exploitation.

The Unfinished Battle for Worker’s Rights

Even as we acknowledge these historic strides, we must confront the disheartening reality that the battle for equitable labor conditions is far from over. A staggering number of people continue to slog through life with low wages, limited opportunities, and precarious work conditions. The grim shadow of income inequality looms large, gradually eroding our collective wellbeing.

Statistically, this injustice manifests most glaringly among minority communities, women, and marginalized groups. They are the ones who predominantly face the corrosive impact of wage gaps and

institutionalized inequities. In a time when the need for social and economic fairness is ever-urgent, complacency is a luxury we simply cannot afford.

Pioneering Change in Harris County

At the forefront of this essential cause, Harris County leads by example. Governed by a holistic vision, we have devised a set of programs committed to redressing these imbalances and fostering an equitable, inclusive economy.

1. Worker Protections : In a ground -

breaking move, Harris County has mandated that all county contractors undergo OSHA safety training for construction-based occupations. This pivotal policy equips our working population with the indispensable knowledge and tools needed for occupational safety.

2. Advantage Apprenticeship Program: Operated in collaboration with labor unions and charitable organizations, this transformative initiative aims to demolish the barriers hindering individuals from marginalized areas. By offering industry-centric training in sectors like construction, tech, and public transportation, the program serves as a launching pad for lucrative, sustainable careers.

3. Second Chance Hiring Policy: Targeting one of the most vulnerable populations, those with criminal records, Harris County’s progressive policy omits questions about an applicant’s criminal history during the hiring process. This is a bold step toward leveling the playing field, given that formerly incarcerated individuals face the highest unemployment rates and are more susceptible to homelessness.

Harris PROSPERS: A Vision for a Brighter Future

These pioneering initiatives are housed under the umbrella of Harris PROSPERS (Pathways to Realize Opportunity, Security, Potential, Equity, Resilience, and Safety), our strategic blueprint for generating a sweeping societal shift. Rooted in principles of justice and inclusivity, it’s a steadfast commitment to providing everyone—regardless of background—a fair chance at prosperity, including the fundamentals like housing, an income safety net, and access to well-paying jobs.

United We Stand

In conclusion, the march toward progress is a collective endeavor, one that necessitates we stand in solidarity. This Labor Day, let’s renew our commitment to empowering the American workforce, ensuring they receive the respect, opportunities, and the quality of life they not only deserve but have also hard-earned. Together, we can write the next chapter in the venerable legacy of labor rights in America.

www.HealthyHarrisCounty.com

Rodney Ellis – Harris County Commissioner

HEALTH – New COVID Variant Found in Houston Resident, Fourth Such Case in U.S. THE VARIANT FIRST EMERGED TWO WEEKS AGO

AND HAS SINCE BEEN DETECTED IN SEVERAL COUNTRIES, INCLUDING DENMARK, ISRAEL AND THE UNITED STATES.

By StyleMagazine.com – Newswire

AHouston resident has become the fourth person in the country to test positive for the new BA 286 COVID-19 variant. However, experts say, that while the new variant has gotten a lot of attention, it's unlikely it will have more impact than other current COVID-19 variants.

The variant first emerged two weeks ago and has since been detected in several countries, including Denmark, Israel and the United States.

Dr. Wesley Long, a researcher and physician at Houston Methodist Hospital, said BA.2.86 is what he calls a "remix" of mutations common in other variants, meaning immunity gained through vaccination or previous infection will likely offer some protection.

"It's music that our immune system has heard before but put together in a new way, but it will, to an extent, likely recognize parts of it," said Long. "I would not expect it to cause a wave like the Omicron wave."

So far, there have been under 30 confirmed cases globally. Long said, while it's still early on, he does not predict a wave as serious as others Houston has seen so far.

"There's no reason to suspect at this point that it is any more severe or different in terms of outcomes than the currently circulating variants," he said.

The Houston area is currently experiencing a

spike in COVID infections due to the XBB-lineage of the Omicron variant. An updated booster tailored to these particular variants is expected to be released following a

meeting of a CDC advisory panel on Sept. 12. Long recommends staying up-to-date on vaccinations, including getting the newest booster when it is rolled out.

ARTS: DISCOVERING THE LEGACY OF THE GREEN BOOK: A JOURNEY THROUGH AFRICAN AMERICAN TRAVEL HISTORY

By Kathleen Coleman, Arts Editor for StyleMagazine.com – Newswire

in today's world. Join us on this enlightening journey through time and discover the legacy of "The Green Book."

September 1, 2023 — November 26, 2023

Josef and Edith Mincberg Gallery

M: Closed

T-W: 10am to 5 pm

Th: 10ma to 8pm

F-Sa: 10an to 5pm Su: Noon to 5pm

www.hmh.org

Step into history with "The Negro Motorist Green Book" exhibition, a captivating exploration of the iconic guide created in 1936 by Harlem postman Victor Green. This annual publication was a lifeline for African American travelers during the era of Jim Crow, providing invaluable information on welcoming restaurants, gas stations, department stores, and other businesses. Developed by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) in collaboration with the acclaimed author, photographer, and cultural documentarian, Candacy Taylor, this exhibition is made possible through the generous support of Exxon Mobil Corporation. Join us at the Holocaust Museum Houston's Josef and Edith Mincberg Gallery from September 1 through November 26, 2023, as we dive into this essential chapter of African American history.

UNVEILING THE GREEN BOOK'S IMPACT

"The Negro Motorist Green Book" offers an immersive journey into the realities of travel for African Americans in mid-century America. It shines a light on how this annual guide became an indispensable resource for the nation's emerging African American middle class. This exhibition will showcase a rich array of artifacts, from business signs and postcards to historic footage, images, and first-hand accounts. Through these elements, visitors will experience the apprehension faced by African American travelers and the remarkable resilience, innovation, and elegance of those who chose to embrace a complete American existence.

This exhibition isn't just about the challenges; it's about celebrating a vibrant parallel world of African American businesses and the ascent of the black leisure class in the United States. "The Green Book" played a pivotal role in facilitating the second wave of the Great Migration, a critical

moment in American history.

A BEACON OF HOPE IN A SEGREGATED ERA

Published and distributed nationwide until 1967, "The Green Book" was a beacon of hope for African American travelers. In an era of Jim Crow laws and "sundown towns"—places that explicitly

prohibited African Americans from staying overnight—this guide provided essential, life-saving information and sanctuary.

"The Negro Motorist Green Book" is a testament to the resilience of a community that thrived against all odds. It's an essential exhibition for anyone interested in African American history, showcasing a piece of our past that continues to resonate

NOTICE TO PROPOSERS

The Houston Independent School District is soliciting Request for Proposals (RFP) via the District’s electronic bidding portal. Proposers may login to view specifications and submit their responses at the following link:

https://houstonisd.ionwave.net/Login aspx until 12:00 p.m. (CST) Wednesday, October 11, 2023, for the following solicitation:

RFP 23-06-17 Janitorial Supplies, Toilet Paper, Paper Towels, and Trash Can Liners

Pre-proposal conferences via Microsoft Teams will be held in conjunction with this RFP. Information regarding dates, times, and instructions to receive a link to join the meeting can be located within the electronic bidding portal under the “Event Details” tab specific to this solicitation.

Four young women standing beside a convertible automobile, ca. 1958.

Courtesy WANN Radio Station Records, Archives Center, National Museum of American History , Smithsonian Institution

First day of Memphis Integration, TN, 1961. Dr. Ernest C. Withers. Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African AmericanHistory and Culture. copyright Ernest C. Withers Trust