Houston Style Magazine Vol 34 No 37

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

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Phone: (713) 748-6300 • Fax: (713) 748-6320 Mail: P.O. Box 14035, Houston, TX 77221-4035

©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)

Houston Style Magazine’s Tech Extravaganza Spotlight: Apple’s September Sensations for iPhone 15 & iWatch Series 9 Enthusiasts

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

As the Texas sun mellows into the amber tones of September, the tech world is set ablaze with Apple’s latest revelations. The Bayou City’s iPhone aficionados are once again faced with the tantalizing question: Is it time for an upgrade?

1. The iPhone 15 Ensemble:

• Spanning from the sleek $799 iPhone 15 to the opulent $1199 iPhone 15 Pro Max, Apple’s latest offerings are nothing short of tech couture.

• Mark your calendars, Houstonians! These gems are up for grabs with pre-orders launching this Friday, September 15th.

• A nod to modernity: The transition from the iconic Lightning port to the versatile USB-C, aligning the iPhone with the MacBook and iPad family.

2. The Art of Differentiation:

• The 2023 iPhone lineup, much like its predecessors, is a symphony of varied specs and features.

• The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are the showstoppers, boasting avant-garde camera capabilities, the innovative Action

button, and the powerhouse A17 processor.

3. Portrait Mode: A Photographer’s Dream:

• Elevate your photography game with enhanced Portrait mode, promising richer details and more vibrant colors.

• The magic touch: Opt for Portrait mode even post-capture, ensuring every spontaneous shot can be a masterpiece.

4. The Ultra-Wideband Evolution:

• For those with a penchant for misplacing items, Apple’s second-generation Ultra Wideband chip, also gracing the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2, is a game-changer.

• Whether you’re navigating the bustling streets of Houston or the crowded corridors of a concert, Apple’s Precision Finding ensures you’re never truly lost.

5. Performance Par Excellence:

• While the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus are powered by the A16 Bionic chip, the Pro variant boasts the new A17 Pro, promising extended battery life and unparalleled performance.

Que Onda Magazine Celebrates 30 Years of Legacy: Marking Three Decades as Houston’s Premier Bilingual Publication

Houston had ever seen. Today, not only has Que Onda Magazine become a beacon for the Hispanic community in Houston, but its influence has also spread its wings to Dallas, Austin, and beyond. Proudly, it stands as Houston’s most enduring Hispanic publication.

• Gaming aficionados, rejoice! The A17 Pro’s GPU magic brings console-level games to your fingertips, complete with hardware-accelerated ray tracing for an immersive experience.

6. The USB-C Transition: A Double-Edged Sword?

• The shift to USB-C is a welcome change for many, heralding a new era of connectivity.

• However, for those deeply invested in Lightning accessories, it might mean a trip to the store for new adapters.

• In conclusion, Apple’s September showcase is a testament to innovation, style, and user-centric design. For Houston’s iPhone and iWatch lovers, this month promises a tech renaissance that’s hard to resist.

www.Apple.com

ning of Hispanic Heritage Month. While its roots are firmly planted in Houston, Que Onda Magazine’s branches have gracefully extended to Dallas, Fort Worth, and San Antonio, touching the hearts and minds of many.

In the heart of 1993, amidst the bustling streets of Houston, Que Onda Magazine was birthed by the visionary Esparza family. Their dream? To craft the most influential Hispanic publication

Come Friday, September 15, 2023, the illustrious Ballroom Houston will be adorned in festivity, celebrating the 30th anniversary of Que Onda Magazine. This date isn’t just a milestone for the magazine but also heralds the begin-

Gabriel Esparza, the dynamic publisher of Que Onda, with a twinkle in his eye and pride in his heart, invites one and all to partake in this monumental celebration. “In an era where the print industry faces challenges,” Esparza passionately states, “Que Onda Magazine stands tall, and it’s all thanks to our devoted readers and esteemed advertisers. Our gratitude knows no bounds.”

www.QueOndaMagazine.com

REPUBLICANS ONCE MORE DEFENDING EXTREMISM IN DEFENSE OF THEIR VIEWS

By Jesse Jackson, National Political Writer

The inmates have taken over the asylum in the Republican Party. In the party that once prided itself on being pro-military, one wingnut senator is blocking the confirmation of hundreds of senior military officials, including the secretaries of the Navy, Army and Air Force. The party that preaches law and order now in Alabama openly defies a federal court order, refusing to redraw a racially discriminatory election map. In Wisconsin, Republicans seek to impeach a recently elected state Supreme Court justice before she even takes her seat on the bench – this time to protect a gerry-rigged election map that allows them to have a governing majority in the state legislature, despite representing only a minority of the votes. Donald Trump and his co-conspirators dominate the headlines, but the zaniness now pervades the party.

Sen. Tommy Tuberville (RAL.) – who never served a day in the military – has blocked the confirmation of 260 high officers of the military – a number that will rise to 650 by the end of the year if Republicans don’t put an end to his nonsense. Tuberville, part of the Republican minority in the Senate, abuses his senatorial privilege by blocking all defense confirmations to extort a Senate vote on the Defense Department’s abortion policy. He won’t draw up legislation for that vote himself. He demands that Democrats introduce the bill and hold the vote.

The Pentagon’s policy – implemented after the Supreme Court’s egregious decision overturning Roe v. Wade – allows soldiers and their dependents to take time off and use official travel to get to states that offer reproductive care – this includes not only abortions, but in vitro fertilizations. The Pentagon policy

forbids the funding of abortions, except in the rare cases of rape and incest or if the life of the mother is at risk. The policy mirrors the opinions of the vast majority of the American people.

To take up each confirmation separately and hold the votes necessary to overcome his objections would consume virtually all of the time of the Senate. Appointees who are not confirmed can’t move into their official quarters and have limited authority.

In a joint op-ed, the secretaries of the Navy, Army and Air Force warned that Tuberville was “putting national security at risk.” Rep. Michael McCaul, the Republican chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, warned that Tuberville was “paralyzing the Department of Defense.” The effect on recruitment and retention and on the morale of career officials will be brutal. Senior Republican leaders in the Senate have publicly called on Tuberville to stand down. Instead, he vows to persist.

In Wisconsin, Republicans display their utter contempt for voters. They gerry-

mandered the election districts to give them a controlling majority of the legislature with the minority of the votes. In a partisan 4-3 vote, the state Supreme Court refused to overturn the injustice.

In response, voters in Wisconsin threw out a conservative justice and elected a reformer who campaigned on upholding the rights of women and workers and ensuring that elections expressed the will of the majority. So now Republicans in the state legislature are threatening to impeach the new justice before she takes her seat on the bench. Following Donald Trump’s example, they scorn the verdict of the voters.

In Alabama, Republican defiance of the order of a federal court evokes the ugly Southern history of invoking states’ rights to discriminate against African Americans. In June, the Supreme Court upheld the lower court ruling that Alabama’s redistricting violated the Voting Rights Act and ordered the state to redraw the lines.

(In a state where over one in four voters are African American, only one of

seven districts was majority black.) The legislature simply ignored the court order. Now a three-judge federal court panel has appointed its own master to redraw the lines. State Republicans are counting on an appeal to the Supreme Court in the hope that its conservative majority will give them free rein.

On abortion, on racial discrimination, on redistricting, Republican views are opposed by most Americans. So, they seek various ways to enforce their views – even if that requires perversely weakening the Pentagon, or overturning the results of an election, or ignoring the orders of a court.

In 1964, Sen. Barry Goldwater, the Republican candidate for president, proclaimed that “extremism in defense of liberty is no vice. And moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue.” This echoed the rhetoric of plantation owners, arguing that their liberty included the right to enslave others. Goldwater suffered one of the worst election defeats in history. Now Republicans are once more defending extremism in defense of their views that they have the right to strip women of control of their bodies, to revoke the voting rights of African Americans, to subvert the will of a majority of the voters. Once more they will only be stopped if they are repudiated again and again by voters at the ballot box and by judges loyal to the laws and the Constitution.

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

Tommy Tuberville– U.S. Senator Superitendent (R-AL)

Voting rights groups are urging election officials to reject a new tool championed by some conservatives as a way to root out fraudulent voter registrations – arguing that the private software depends on unreliable information and could be used to improperly disenfranchise legitimate voters.

The leaders of the group behind the new effort, known as EagleAI NETwork, describe the software as “the tool of reckoning across the nation” to help validate, maintain and review election rosters, according to a document provided to the Georgia State Elections Board and obtained by CNN through a public records request.

The document also touts the platform’s ability to allow people “interested in voter roll accuracy and integrity” to do their own reviews of voter registrations after getting a “license and credentials.” Critics have cast the push as an outgrowth of the deep skepticism around election administration that has taken root among some Republicans following Donald Trump’s 2020 loss. Georgia, a key battleground state Trump lost and where EagleAI NETwork is based, has been ground zero for mass challenges by conservative activists seeking – largely unsuccessfully – to remove tens of thousands of voters from the rolls in recent elections.

POLITICS: New Tool Threatens Voter Registrations

By Fredreka Schouten and Curt Devine CNN/StyleMagazine.com - Newswire

for removal from the rolls.

In an interview with CNN, EagleAI NETwork’s founder, Dr. John W. “Rick” Richards Jr., called the Brennan criticism “total BS.”

“We are trying to help validate the voter rolls to improve the integrity of that part of the process,” he said.

Richards, a physician, said people trained to use the software will share only “accurate” data about potentially ineligible voters with election officials – after reviewing multiple sources of information, including voter rolls, death records from the Social Security Administration, national change-of-address data and publicly available material, such as newspaper obituaries. He said the program’s leaders have spoken to “people in 23 states,” including “quite a few” election officials, but no contracts have been signed. He declined to identify the election officials with whom he has had discussions.

“EagleAI is another front on the attacks on elections,” said Andrew Garber, a counsel in the Voting Rights and Elections Program at the liberal-leaning Brennan Center for Justice. Garber co-authored a recent analysis that called on states and local governments to reject outright any voter registration challenges generated by the software and to bar officials from using

it. The report cast the tool as seemingly part of a “larger plan to move away from responsible voter list maintenance” that could undermine voting rights.

Among Brennan’s concerns: The data that EagleAI NETwork plans to use will not “contain enough identifying details to confidently match individuals,” leading its users to potentially target legitimate voters

Richards also sent CNN a written response to the Brennan report, saying that his effort is not “part of any larger plan” and that final decisions on how to address potentially problematic voter registrations flagged by the software would rest solely with election officials.

www.StyleMagazine.com

SPORTS: Coco Gauff’s Stunning US Open Victory – Houston Revels in Tennis Excellence

By Francis Page, Jr., Editor for

Coco Gauff: Tennis Prodigy and Emerging Champion

Early Life:

1. Full Name: Cori “Coco” Gauff

2. Date of Birth: March 13, 2004

3. Place of Birth: Delray Beach, Florida, USA

4. Parents: Corey Gauff (father and coach) and Candi Gauff (mother, former athlete)

5. Early Training: Started playing tennis at age seven at the Mouratoglou Academy in France, guided by famed coach Patrick Mouratoglou.

Career Highlights:

1. Wimbledon 2019:

• Became the youngest player in the Open Era to qualify for the main draw.

• Defeated Venus Williams in the first round, drawing global attention.

• Reached the fourth round, losing to eventual champion Simona Halep.

2. US Open 2019:

In a heart-stopping finale at the US Open, Coco Gauff’s triumphant conquest over Aryna Sabalenka had the entirety of Houston Style Magazine’s sports enthusiasts on the edge of their seats. The sonic boom of cheers reverberated across the stadium, crystallizing a moment where potential met achievement.

The US resonated with jubilation, echoing from the streets of Houston to the avenues of New York. Celebrities, sports icons, and even former Presidents united in lauding the 19-year-old sensation. It was a reflection of the promise Gauff showcased years ago when she stunned the world by outclassing Venus Williams at Wimbledon.

Channeling her journey, Gauff expressed to CNN’s Carolyn Manno the weight of expectations she has carried. “The road has been challenging,” she remarked, reflecting on her 2-6, 6-3, 6-2 victory. “Yet every hurdle, every doubt, has shaped me. Today wasn’t my peak, but it was the spirit that mattered.”

For the avid followers of Houston Style Magazine who’ve tracked Gauff’s trajectory, it’s evident she’s not just a rising star in the tennis galaxy, but a beacon of determination, intelligence, and grace.

President Joe Biden took to X, the digital realm’s buzzing hub, to applaud Gauff’s stellar performance. “Your prowess at the Arthur Ashe stadium has not only lit up the court but has ignited hope and inspiration nationwide,” he commended. Such sentiments were echoed by Barack and Michelle Obama, who’ve been fervent supporters, both on digital platforms and from the sidelines.

Echoing the past and present of American tennis, Serena Williams joined in, symbolizing the baton of ex-

cellence being passed on. Gauff’s nostalgic reflection of her father introducing her to the world of tennis, watching legends like Venus and Serena, made her victory even more poignant.

With Houston’s sports aficionados dissecting every serve and volley, Gauff displayed exemplary resilience, making an awe-inspiring comeback, especially after Sabalenka’s initial dominance. The rallying cry, “Let’s go, Coco,” became the anthem of hope, encapsulating her journey from setback to comeback.

The luminaries gracing the stands, from Nicole Kidman to Zendaya, were a testament to Gauff’s broadening impact. Social media channels buzzed, with Houston’s own, and global stars alike, chiming in with praises, from heartfelt messages to a symphony of emojis.

On a more intimate note, Gauff’s familial bond took center stage as she recounted heartwarming post-match moments. “The overwhelming emotions, the tears, the pride - it was an avalanche of feelings,” she expressed.

For Houston Style Magazine’s sports fanatics, Coco Gauff’s victory isn’t just a testament to her unparalleled skill but a reminder of the indomitable spirit of sportsmanship. As Houston celebrates, one thing’s clear - Coco Gauff is more than just a tennis prodigy; she’s a sports legend in the making.

www.ATATennis.com/players/328560/CoCo-Gauff

• Advanced to the third round.

• Lost to Naomi Osaka, the defending champion.

3. Australian Open 2020:

• Made it to the fourth round.

• Defeated defending champion Naomi Osaka in the third round.

4. 2021 Milestones:

• Reached her first major final in women’s doubles at the US Open.

5. 2022 Achievements:

• Made her debut in a major singles final at the French Open.

6. 2023 Achievements:

• Clinched her first WTA 1000 title at the Cincinnati Masters.

• Sealed her first major singles title at the US Open.

7. Career Titles:

• Won her first WTA singles title at the 2019 Linz Open.

• Captured her maiden WTA doubles title alongside partner Caty McNally at the 2019 Citi Open.

8. Ranking Achievements:

• Broke into the WTA top 50 in 2020.

• Youngest player to reach the top 50 since 2005.

Earnings and Achievements:

1. US Open Victory: As the 2023 US Open singles champion, Coco Gauff earned a whopping $3 million.

2. Career Earnings: Her career earnings surged to approximately $8.1 million from singles and doubles competitions on the ITF and WTA tours as of 2023.

3. Endorsement Earnings: Forbes estimated her endorsement earnings to be $1 million in 2019, which escalated to around $4 million per year by 2023.

Key Sponsorships: Companies like New Balance, Head (her racket supplier), Barilla (also a sponsor of Roger Federer), and American Eagle have partnered with Gauff.

www.Instagram.com/CoCoGauff

Coco Gauff wins the U.S. Open for her first Grand Slam title at age 19

Ray Purser - Chamber Gov. Relations

Len Cannon - KHOU-11,

Burt Levine and Francis Page Jr

Samantha, Ray, Cindy and Francis

Robert Gallegos, Gilbert Garcia, Sheila Jackson Lee, Lee Kaplan, M.J. Khan and John Whitmire [Via Zoom]

HPART TWO: Beyoncé’s Renaissance Concert in Houston promises to eclipse even the brightest moments of its predecessor. As the NRG Stadium prepares to once again be bathed in the incandescent glow of Houston’s brightest star, insiders whisper of groundbreaking stage innovations, deeper dives into her iconic discography, and surprise collaborations that could leave even the most ardent BeyHive member speechless. Amidst a blend of new anthems and timeless classics, Beyoncé is poised to not just celebrate her legacy, but to reimagine the very fabric of live performance. The world watches with bated breath, anticipating another chapter in the epic saga of Queen Bey’s reign.

Momma - Tina, www.Beyonce.com and Dad - Matthew

with Stevie Wonder

Nikki Haley, the first Person of Color Governor of South Carolina and former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, is the sole woman in the Republican race aiming to surpass former President Donald Trump and secure the position of the Indian American President. Recent polling has identified her as the only Republican with a chance to defeat President Joe Biden.

In a CNN poll, Haley leads Biden by six points, with a margin of 49 to 43. She is the only Republican surpassing the margin of error. Notably, she enjoys strong support among women and college-educated Republican voters, a demographic that has leaned more towards Democrats in recent times, potentially contributing to Trump's previous electoral loss.

A Democratic strategist voiced concern, stating, "If they nominate Nikki Haley, we're in trouble." Her national polling has more than doubled since the Iowa debate, a debate that President Trump declined to participate in but where she outshone her opponents.

Nikki Haley, whose parents were born in India and who courageously orchestrated the removal of the Confederate Battle Flag from her state's Capitol Building, has been hailed as "our best hope in taking back the White House," as expressed by press secretary Ken Farnaso on X (formerly Twitter). "We have one shot. It's time to win," he

POLITICS: Nikki Haley Becomes Biggest Threat to President Biden

By Burt Levine, Political Writer for www.StyleMagazine.com

during the Wisconsin debate. "We must confront the reality that Trump is the most disliked politician in America. We cannot win a general election with that baggage." At 51, she has underscored her age, emphasizing that she is 30 years younger than Biden and significantly younger than Trump. This has ruffled feathers on Trump's campaign trail. Her perspective as a woman, a younger woman, and a mother with relatively young children brings a distinct viewpoint to crucial election issues like abortion.

"We need to move beyond demonizing the issue and seek consensus on banning abortion while protecting healthcare providers with objections to the procedure," she urged. This stance created a divide with former Vice President Mike Pence and her fellow South Carolinian running for the Republican presidential nomination, U.S. Senator Tim Scott. Scott, who has never married or had children, pledges to sign "the most restrictive and conservative abortion legislation" that lands on his desk if he becomes President.

declared.

The poll results indicate a tight race: Trump vs. Biden at 47 to 46 percent, DeSantis vs. Biden at 47 to 47 percent, Pence vs. Biden at 46 to 44 percent, Scott vs. Biden at 46 to 44 percent, Biden vs. Ramaswamy at 46 to 45 percent, and Christie vs. Biden at 44 to 42 percent.

Haley entered the first and only debate among Republican candidates last month with great vigor, emphasizing the need for a change of direction within her party.

"We must recognize that three-quarters of Americans do not want a rematch between Trump and Biden," she asserted

Haley's status as a more moderate woman, a mother married to a U.S. Army Major currently on military assignment in Africa, and her daughter's recent marriage to an African American may position her as a more competitive candidate for the 2024 General Election in the fall.

www.StyleMagazine.com

Burt Levine and Wife with Nikki Haley

Houston ISD Contemplates Extending School Year, Stirring Community Concerns

The endeavor to prolong Houston ISD's school year has commenced under the guidance of the state-appointed Board of Managers. However, this initiative may encounter resistance from an advisory committee that had previously rejected a similar proposal in 2021.

Currently, students enrolled in Houston's public school system participate in 172 school days annually. State-appointed superintendent Mike Miles is advocating for an earlier start to the academic year, thereby introducing an additional two weeks of classroom instruction.

Miles firmly asserts, "Children require an increased number of instructional days, particularly in schools facing academic challenges. I propose an expansion to a range of 180 to 185 teacher-student contact days."

The proposal must undergo scru-

tiny by the District Advisory Committee, which had previously opposed a comparable proposition two years ago. Committee members harbor apprehensions since the process to extend the school year mandates designating Houston ISD as a "district of innovation." This designation empowers school districts to introduce comprehensive modifications beyond the mere inclusion of

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

The District Advisory Committee comprises educators elected by their peers, community members appointed by the superintendent, and, significantly, appointees designated by elected board members representing distinct electoral districts within Houston ISD.

During an August board meeting, the managers eliminated the prerequisite for board-appointed committee members to represent each electoral district. This adjustment empowers the managers to potentially reshape the committee with members who may not adequately represent the geographical diversity of the entire district.

Santos expresses his hope that the committee, at a minimum, advocates for safeguarding mechanisms to constrain potential policy alterations and to prevent an excessive concentration of authority within the appointed board and superintendent.

instructional days.

The designation permits alterations such as larger class sizes, exceeding the standard student-teacher ratio, the elimination of teachers' planning periods, and the recruitment of non-certified educators. It's worth noting that nearly 965 out of approximately 1,000 districts in Texas have already embraced the "district of innovation" designation, as confirmed by the Texas Education Agency.

Cassandra Bandy, Board Manager, argues that embracing innovation is essen-

tial, emphasizing the necessity for additional instructional days to benefit students.

Daniel Santos, Vice President of the teachers' union, and a member of the District Advisory Committee, voices concerns that this change might unlock a "Pandora's Box."

Santos cautions, "There's a myriad of policies that could be implemented, and some could have detrimental consequences. This initiative carries significant risks and could be deemed irresponsible, depending on the ideology of the board managers or

Considering the intricate and protracted process involved, Miles refrains from delving into specific details regarding the spectrum of changes permissible under the "district of innovation" designation. He anticipates a hearing on the matter will take place on Thursday, September 14, at 4 p.m.

In conclusion, Houston ISD's pursuit of an extended school year has ignited a contentious debate within the community and the District Advisory Committee. The outcome remains uncertain as stakeholders grapple with the potential implications of these proposed modification

www.houstonisd.org

Mike Miles – Houston ISD Superitendent

SPORTS: Record Number of Black Quarterbacks Have Starting Positions in the NFL for the 2023-2024 Season

By BlackPressUSA

On the opening day of the 2023-2024 National Football League season, a historic record was set. For the first time in the history of the NFL, 14 Black quarterbacks took the snap on week 1. Last season, 11 Black quarterbacks started

on week 1. The Week 1 starters are Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs), Jalen Hurts (Eagles), Lamar Jackson (Ravens), Dak Prescott (Cowboys), Deshaun Watson (Browns), Russell Wilson (Broncos), Geno Smith (Seahawks), Desmond Ridder (Falcons),

Joshua Dobbs (Cardinals), Justin Fields (Bears), Jordan Love (Packers), Bryce Young (Panthers), C.J. Stroud (Texans) and Anthony Richardson (Colts).

The 2023 NFL Draft marked the first time in NFL history Black men were selected in the top three positions for quarterback. The position was once seen as a white male-dominated one until players such as Michael Vick and Randall Cunningham revolutionized the position and the game of football. In the modern era, the NFL has seen an increasing number of Black quarterbacks breaking barriers and achieving success. Players like Michael Vick, Donovan McNabb, Cam Newton, Russell Wilson, and Patrick Mahomes have become stars in the league. Mahomes is currently one of the most recent standout Black quarterbacks. He led the Kansas City Chiefs to a Super Bowl victory and has won the NFL MVP award.

The history of Black quarterbacks in the NFL is a story of perseverance. Breaking down racial barriers in the NFL has been a long and difficult road in a sport that is now dominated by African Americans. But the quarterback position has been a special problem: Teams from college up have been reluctant for decades to encourage Black players to play quarterback. Many talented Black athletes were denied opportunities to play quarterback.

In the 1920s Fritz Pollard became one of the first African American quarterbacks in the NFL. He played for the Akron Pros in 1920, making him one of the league’s first Black players. He also became a player-coach. But he was a rare early pioneer at a time of racial segregation Jim Crow. In 1968, Marlin Briscoe became the first Black quarterback to start in the NFL during the modern era. He played for the Denver Broncos and later transitioned to a wide receiver position.

In the 1980s, Houston Oilers QB Warren Moon became one of the most prominent Black quarterbacks in NFL history. Moon started as a star in the Canadian Football League before joining the NFL in 1984. He had a highly successful NFL career, earning nine Pro Bowl selections and being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

In 1988, Washington Redskins QB Doug Williams made history in Super Bowl XXII (1988) when he became the first Black quarterback to win a Super Bowl. He led them to a victory and was named the game’s MVP. Philadelphia Eagles QB Randall Cunningham was known for his athleticism in the 1980s and 1990s. Cunningham was a four-time Pro Bowl selection. While there have been significant strides in the representation of Black quarterbacks in the NFL, there is ongoing recognition of the need for continued diversity and inclusion in all positions in professional football — including owner and head coach. www.NFL.com

ENTERTAINMENT: Fall for Unforgettable Performances at Miller Outdoor Theatre

By www.StyleMagazine.com - Newswire

bration of Chicano music – from Tejano and conjunto, to mariachi and orchestra – is back onstage at Miller as part of the 100th Anniversary celebration. Friday night features Los Palominos and LA 45.

Saturday, October 7, 7pm

The 44th Annual Festival Chicano features Little Joe Y La Familia

October performances at Miller Outdoor Theatre (MOT) offer something for everyone including the oldest cultural celebration of Chicano music, the legendary Los Lobos rocking their 50th anniversary, the influential reggae band The Wailers and much more. Don’t miss any of the on-stage excitement during the final two months of the MOT 100th Anniversary season. Visit milleroutdoortheatre. com to get the details about the remaining shows and how to obtain FREE tickets for covered seating.

As always, all MOT performances are free and open to the public. Staying in? Many evening performances are livestreamed and available free at the Miller Dream Stream link on the website.

Evening Performances

Thursday, October 5, 7pm

The 44th Annual Festival Chicano featuring David Lee Garza Y Los Musicales

One of the oldest, ongoing free events of its kind in the world, this cultural celebration of Chicano music – from Tejano and conjunto, to mariachi and orchestra – is back onstage at Miller as part of the 100th Anniversary celebration. Thursday night features Davide Lee Garza Y Los Musicales and Hometown Boys.

Friday, October 6, 7pm

The 44th Annual Festival Chicano featuring Los Palominos

One of the oldest, ongoing free events of its kind in the world, this cultural cele-

One of the oldest, ongoing free events of its kind in the world, this cultural celebration of Chicano music – from Tejano and conjunto, to mariachi and orchestra – is back onstage at Miller as part of the 100th Anniversary celebration. Saturday night features Little Joe Y La Familia and Jaime de Anda.

Friday, October 13, 7:30pm

Dia de la Hispanidad: Ida Y Vuelta produced by The Institute of Hispanic Culture Superb choreography and fusión music combine to create a brilliant full-scale production which shares the rich history of music in the Americas with both indigenous and European influences.

www.milleroutdoortheatre.com or check out the full story on www.StyleMagazine.com

JANUARY

Swingin’ Sinatra: A New Year’s Celebration

January 5, 6 & 7

Mendelssohn’s Scottish Symphony + Yoonshin Song

January 12, 13 & 14

Takemitsu + Brahms’s Requiem

January 19, 20 & 21

Víkingur Ólafsson Plays Bach

January 28

FEBRUARY

A Century of Rhapsody in Blue

February 2, 3 & 4 Get Up and Dance!

February 3

Perlman Conducts Tchaikovsky 5

February 8, 10 & 11

Eschenbach Conducts Bruckner 8

February 24 & 25

MARCH

At Last! A Tribute to Etta James

March 1, 2, & 3

Valčuha Conducts Mahler 6

March 15, 16 & 17

Mozart + Beethoven’s Eroica

March 22, 23 & 24

Romeo and Juliet + Dvořák’s Cello Concerto

March 29 & 30

MARCH

At Last! A Tribute to Etta James

March 1, 2, & 3

Valčuha Conducts Mahler 6

March 15, 16 & 17

Mozart + Beethoven’s Eroica

March 22, 23 & 24

Romeo and Juliet + Dvořák’s Cello Concerto

March 29 & 30

ARTS: MILLER OUTDOOR THEATRE FALL LINE UP IS FUN FOR EVERYONE

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

Itzhak Perlman: In the Fiddler’s House

May 12

The Music of Star Wars

May 17, 18 & 19

Adams’s El Niño

May 25 & 26

JUNE

An Alpine Symphony

June 1 & 2

Salome in Concert

APRIL

21st Century Broadway

April 5, 6 & 7

I’m a Superhero!

April 6

Carmina burana

April 26, 27 & 28

MAY

Pines of Rome + Grieg’s Piano Concerto

May 2, 4 & 5

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets™ in Concert

May 10 & 11

June 7 & 9

SEPTEMBER

Blockbuster Broadway with Norm Lewis

September 22 & 23

Ravel’s Daphnis and Chloe

September 29 & 30

OCTOBER

Ravel’s Daphnis and Chloe

October 1

Lang Lang

October 6

Seong-Jin Cho Plays Ravel

October 7 & 8

Barber’s Violin Concerto + Duke Ellington

October 14 & 15 GO NOW!

A Tribute to The Moody Blues

October 27, 28 & 29

Halloween Spooktacular for Kids

October 28

NOVEMBER

Raiders of the Lost Ark in Concert

November 4 & 5

Valčuha Conducts Rachmaninoff

November 10, 11 & 12

Valčuha Conducts Ravel’s La valse

November 17, 18 & 19

"I Will Survive”—Diva Legends

November 24, 25 & 26

DECEMBER

Andrés Returns

December 1, 2 & 3

Check out the full schedule on

houstonsymphony.org

Houston Symphony