All posts by Dorris Ellis
Houston Sun celebrates 35th Anniversary on December 8
7th Back-to-School giveaway in District B
Students of all ages are invited to take advantage of free immunizations, health screenings, giveaways and live entertainment
HOUSTON, TX – On Saturday, August 18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Vice Mayor Pro-Tem Jerry Davis, along with Mayor Sylvester Turner, the Black McDonald’s Owner/Operators Association of Greater Houston (BMOA), Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc. Xi Alpha Omega Chapter, W.A.I.I.T, Harris Health, 20.10 Media, 93.7 The Beat, DJ Mr. Rogers, ASWAP and Bread of Life, will host a Backpack Giveaway for Houston area students at Tidwell Park, 9720 Spaulding St, Houston, TX 77016.
Students of all ages are invited to attend this free event with their families to gear up for the upcoming school year with immunizations, boy’s haircuts, health screenings, dental hygiene kits, and furniture, clothing, shoes, school supplies and backpack giveaways. Families attending the event will also enjoy food and beverages provided by local area McDonald’s owner/operators, family-friendly games, face painting, a concert from 20.10 Media and an appearance by DJ Mr. Rogers.
“Education is incredibly important for the young people in our community,” said Jerry Davis, Vice Mayor Pro-Tem and Council Member of District B. “We’re excited to help families and students prepare for the upcoming school year and have teamed up with sponsors and supporters to give out free school supplies and food while everyone enjoys music and games.”
“The black McDonald’s owner/operators of Greater Houston are proud to partner once again with Mayor Pre Tem Davis to support this great event,” said BMOA President Dave Moss. “As local business people, we are deeply invested in our communities and want to make sure these children to have every opportunity to succeed in pursing their education.”
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Hosts House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi at the Moms Summit to Address the ‘For the People Agenda’
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Hosts House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi at the Moms Summit to Address the ‘For the People Agenda’
Washington, DC –Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a senior member of the House Committees on the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Budget, and Ranking Member of House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations, will convene interested stakeholders for the Moms Summit: Addressing the Needs of America’s Families with House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi. Today in America, moms face a plethora of issues that directly impact on their ability to raise happy, healthy families. From the rising costs of healthcare premiums, to the need to increase pay through strong economic growth, to the belief that elected officials are not responsive to the needs of its constituents, there are many facets to raising families which concern today’s mothers. These are separate and apart from the everyday concerns attendant to motherhood: like the quality of neighborhood schools, crime rates in communities and the cost of sending children to college. Join Congresswoman Jackson Lee, together with Leader Pelosi, to discuss Democrats’ ‘For the People’ agenda that advances solutions to the challenges facing today’s mother’s and families. Registration is required for this event. If you are interested in participating, please register at https://momssummit2018.eventbrite.com/
WHO: Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee together with House Democratic LeaderNancy Pelosi.
WHAT: Join experts, academics and elected officials to discuss solutions for the challenges facing today’s mothers and their families.
WHEN: Wednesday, August 15, 2018, 10:00 a.m.
WHERE: Houston Community College – Central
1300 Holman Street
Houston, Texas 77004
City of Houston Announces the 2018 Liftoff Houston: Annual Business Plan Competition
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Breaking News: Congresswoman Jackson Lee introduces emancipation national historic trail bill
CELEBRATING THE HISTORY OF TEXAS
(Ms. JACKSON LEE asked and was given permission to address the House
for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I have often come to this floor to remind my colleagues of the devastation that the people of Texas have experienced with Hurricane Harvey. I certainly don’t intend to ignore our other friends in the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Florida, and California who have experienced their own devastation, along with Louisiana.
But I am excited today, Mr. Speaker, because I am introducing a bill that celebrates the history of Texas. H.R. 4745 is the emancipation national historic trail. Many people know that the Emancipation Proclamation was not heard in Texas but for 2 years later in 1865. This emancipation national historic trail recounts the journey of many of those individuals: freed slaves going from the Osterman Building and Reedy Chapel in Galveston, Texas; along Texas State Highway 3, Interstate Highway 45 North, Freedmen’s Town, and Emancipation Park in Houston, Texas; following the migration route of newly freed slaves and other persons of African descent; from the major 19th century seaport of Galveston.
It is a collaboration with people from both parties throughout the community. It is one of unity, Mr. Speaker. It is one where we are coming together.
I look forward to passing this legislation with my colleagues-Republicans and Democrats–because it is a celebration of the history of Texas.”
Why We Can’t Wait: Rep. Thierry Urges Governor To Call A Special Session Addressing Mass School Shootings
Austin, Texas — On Monday, May 21, 2018, Representative Shawn Thierry (D-Houston) submitted a written appeal to Governor Abbott deeming the issue of gun violence a crisis worthy of calling the Texas legislature back to special session.With 22 national school shootings in 2018 and the Santa Fe High School shooting being the deadliest in Texas since the 1966 UT Tower Shooting, Rep. Thierry stated, “We cannot successfully protect our children, teachers, and families if we continue to operate in a ‘business as usual’ or ‘thoughts and prayers’ mentality. As a woman of faith, I fervently pray against evil, however, I am also reminded that scripture teaches ‘faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead’. (James 2:17).”
Gov. Abbott recently announced his decision to convene roundtable discussions with diverse stakeholders to discuss more effective ways to protect students from school shootings. Representative Thierry also requested the opportunity to have a seat at the Governor’s roundtable discussions and stated that the legislature must act swiftly, putting politics aside in order to save lives.
As a member of the Texas legislature and a mother of a rising first grader, Representative Thierry has a unique standing and passion to work on legislation to solve the issue of gun violence in our schools. She shared, “My constituents are fearful about the safety of their children, and I must take action to address their concerns. In my role as a mom, when taking my daughter to school, I too, now live under the fear of whether my child is going to make it back home to me alive. ”
“This is a pivotal moment in time for the leadership in Texas to set an example for the nation. We must demonstrate that our great state of Texas has the resolve and the will to provide the necessary resources to better ensure the safety of our children. We also need action from our federal government, but in the meantime, we must show that Texas will lead the way,” remarked Rep. Thierry.
Breaking News: Horror at Santa Fe High School
Houston Sun News Service
The 40-year-old neighboring town 30 miles South of Houston started the day with a tragic domestic terrorist attack allegedly by a 17-year old student at his Santa Fe High School of about 1,400 students. The high school serves a population of about 12,200 (US 2010 Census) residents in the rural town of Santa Fe, (Holy Faith in Spanish) in Galveston County. Police sources have stated that a young man has been placed in custody and nine people are dead while others have been taken to the League City Hospital and the UT Medical Center in Galveston.
Students report that there was a shooting threat in February at the high school and that they were in lockdown mode for two hours. A freshman student reported that he heard two bombs and the gunshots and a weeping 10th graders speaking through tears said that her friend was shot in the leg.
Students were evacuated to the Alamo Gymnasium at 13360 off Highway TX 6.
TSU Maroon & Gray Affair raises over $1 million to bolster students
HOUSTON (April 30, 2018) – Texas Southern University (TSU) held its The Maroon and Gray Affair on Saturday, April 28 at the Marriott Marquis Houston and raised in $1 million in funding for deserving TSU students. More than 1,500 patrons were in attendance. Award-winning journalist Tamron Hall was the keynote speaker, entertainment was provided by R&B group En Vogue and comedian Billy Sorrells, a TSU alumnus, who served as the master of ceremonies along with KHOU-TV’s Great Day Houston host Deborah Duncan. The Maroon & Gray Affair, a black-tie event in its second year, recognized two top students and two outstanding alumni. The gala was created by TSU President Austin A. Lane and TSU First Lady Loren Lane.
“The Texas Southern family joined together to salute our fantastic students and accomplished alumni. Our stakeholders and friends have partnered with TSU to meet our mission of standing as a comprehensive academic institution to guide our students in obtaining their degree of choice,” said TSU President Dr. Austin A. Lane.
TSU students Aaron Dallas and Camille Mills were honored for their academic and leadership. The Honorable Senfronia Thompson, State Representative D-141, and the Honorable Rodney Ellis, Harris County Commissioner for Precinct One, were recognized as this year’s alumni honorees.
“What a lovely evening as we gathered to support higher education,” said Mrs. Lane. “We know that the generosity of our guests will help TSU support these deserving students on their path to a better life.”
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner welcomed gala guests at the top of the evening. Tamron Hall, an Emmy-nominated journalist, former national news anchor for NBC News and current host of Deadline: Crime on the Investigation Discovery channel delivered keynote remarks. En Vogue, featuring Houston native Terry Ellis, performed a set of their R&B hits, including “Hold On,” “Free Your Mind,” “My Lovin’,” “Give Him Something He Can Feel” and their new Top 10 hit, “Rocket.”
“Our alumni, donors and major stakeholders delivered excellent support to the mission of our gala. All showed their complete dedication to assisting Texas Southern in closing the financial gap for our students,” said Melinda Spaulding, vice president for University Advancement.
ABOUT TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
Texas Southern University (TSU) is a comprehensive, metropolitan institution providing academic and research programs that address critical urban issues, and prepares its increasingly diverse student population to become a force for positive change in a global society. TSU offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs and concentrations – bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and professional degrees – organized into 10 colleges and schools on a 150-acre campus nestled in the heart of Houston’s historic Third Ward. The University’s enrollment has a population of 8,000 undergraduate and graduate-school academic candidates. Texas Southern has been a distinguished educational pioneer since 1927, and the University has become one of the most diverse and respected institutions in Texas. TSU has positioned itself as a proactive leader in
Ms. Ruth Campbell Stewart is dead
With great regret, the family of Ms. Ruth Campbell Stewart announces the passing. She was born October 20, 1916, in Savannah, Georgia. She was preceded in death by her parents, and her brother. She is survived by her sister, Saramae Richardson, niece, Yvonne Richardson James, great-nieces Sara James and Paige James and nephew James Stewart, Jr. She has cousins and many life-long friends.
Her family, former students, and friends will gather Saturday, April 21, 2018, to celebrate
her life. While she was a member of Salem Lutheran Church, the Funeral service will be celebrated on Saturday, April 21, 2018, at 11:00 am in the sanctuary of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. The eulogist will be the founding pastor emeritus, Dr. William A Lawson. The viewing will be from 10:00 am, an hour before the funeral service which will begin promptly at 11:00 am. After the service, the motorcade will pass by the Stewart-Rollins Music Building, for a salute by the Ocean of Soul Marching Band, as well as other music students. The public is welcome to be part of the salute. The Interment will be at Houston Memorial Gardens Cemetery, 2426 Cullen, Pearland, TX 77581.
On March 1954, Ms. Stewart arrived to teach voice and become the director of the Women’s Glee Club at Texas State University for Negroes (later to become Texas Southern University). During her 29-year tenure at Texas Southern University, she co-produced several operas, including “Cavalleria Rusticana,” “Madama Butterfly,” “La Boheme,” “Amahl and the Night Visitors,” “The King and I,” “Requiem” (Verdi), and “Messiah” (Handel).
Ms. Stewart entered Columbia University the fall of 1943, studying voice with the late Dr. Robert Wilson. She also enrolled in applied piano sight singing, theory and the History of Music. In May 1949 she auditioned and won a pivotal role in the premiere production of “Troubled Island” by William Grant Hill, presented at City Opera, New York City. In 1951 she was awarded the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship to study at St. Cecelia Conservatory Rome Italy with Maestro Maria Pediconi.
She was voted Regional Governor of the National Association of Teachers of Singing “NATS” including Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico, for two years. After her first term, she was voted to continue to lead the organization by acclamation. She also organized with the help of the late Clifford Smith, a Men’s Group – called “The Men of Houston, consisting of 28 men from all walks of life, with one goal in mind – to sing. During a seven-year tenure, the group gave many concerts, performed on many programs and on television.
Ms. Stewart has many students who have had successful careers in teaching and performing. Among those who have achieved success are Faye Robinson, internationally acclaimed soprano; Gloria Harrison-Quinlan, soprano; the late Lionel Stubblefield, tenor, and April Sloan-Hubert, Houston’s premier soprano. Ruth Stewart retired on May 31, 1983. The modern facility, which now houses the Music Department, has been designated as the Rollins-Stewart Music Building in honor of her tenure. ,
Special thanks to McCoy & Harrison Funeral Home, 4918 MLK, Houston, TX 77021, 713.659.7618