Dorris Ellis
The Houston Sun
Houston Sun publisher Dorris Ellis has been elected to the National Newspaper Publisher Association national board Of Directors at its annual conference in Nashville, TN. June 2013
Myra Griffin
The Houston Sun
Juneteenth is right around the corner and the festivals and pageants are in full swing. Beautiful black women and handsome black men, young and old are ready to celebrate the activities that surround the holiday.
After 148 years of Juneteenth’s, the holiday has blossomed from just a day of celebration in Galveston, Texas to a state holiday that many other states have adopted and weeks long events that lead up to the big Juneteenth day celebration.
Centuries of history ties into the day of Juneteenth. The enslavement of African American’s ancestors is a history that cannot be taken lightly and the emancipation of those slaves is a monumental moment in American society that has set off a chain of events that can still be felt to this very day. But one thing those freed slaves and their descendants had was a spirit of joy and that joy caused jubilation for their freedom that has kept Juneteenth thriving for 148 years.
“In Marlin, TX the community or families would come together and celebrate. They would kill a hog or other stock and prepare a big meal and eat,” Lorenzo Lucas, Jr. No one worked on Juneteenth. You may have worked on July 4, but never on Juneteenth. It was an important celebration that was eagerly anticipated each year in the community.”
Year after year the African American community has to remember and decide whether they want to celebrate their past hurts, pains and triumphs. Over those years the climate of the country has changed and the reminder of slavery and the oppression of those with the African traits in America has gone cold but once a year Juneteenth comes and in the back ground you can hear James Brown’s “Say It Loud” playing and in the attitudes of the African Americans all around.
“Juneteenth is freedom, celebration, love for my people its exciting it’s a historical event we tend to belittle and it’s one of the most important days to celebrate and we should celebrate. It also means watermelon, red soda and fun,” said Sister Momma Sonya.
Although the climate of Juneteenth is evolving like any tradition does after a 100 years there are people who still see the need for Juneteenth and not just for one day.
“I celebrate because it’s an honor that African Americans have their own holiday where we can celebrate that we were no longer legislatively enslaved. It gives an opportunity to talk about the history, about the slavery people don’t want to talk about,” said Sister Momma Sonya. “There are many wonderful stories about our ancestors and we have to tell that tale and once you see the things our ancestors went through we have to celebrate the end of that era.”
Sister Momma Sonya is a “her-storian” who researches and teaches the history of the African American culture. She spoke about the anticipation of the slaves not knowing what this general had to say when the slaves were going to hear General Gordon Granger read the General Order #3 to emancipate the slaves in Texas.
“Can you imagine the anticipation of not knowing and going to see what is going to happen and when General Granger reads that proclamation and says their free. So what happens next, no jobs, no place to go, and can you imagine the emotion, they had been enslaved all their lives, someone told them when to get up, when to go to bed, what they can eat, working hard and not get any money, seeing their babies, children everything taken away from them and now all of a sudden their free. What kind emotion does that bring out and I love to celebrate Juneteenth to talk about those emotions. To let people know as African Americans ,we have been through so much. Juneteenth represent the insurmountable odds we’ve been through like an ushering in of a brand new era,” said Sister Momma Sonya.
The brand new era has transformed time and time again and no its 2013 and we have tons of African Americans walking around and are not aware of what a Juneteenth is. Filmmaker Isaiah Fanuiel went around the country asking random people what did they know about Juneteenth in his documentary “The New Juneteenth”. The responses varied and for every person who had some knowledge there were two who had not a clue.
“I’m from Galveston where Juneteenth started and I grew up celebrating Juneteenth all my life. I never knew what it really was so as for my self and like many other people we just celebrated and knew that it may be something for black people about slavery but not really have an understanding about what it really means,” said Fanuiel. “I think that if you don’t have an understanding of what Juneteenth means then you really don’t get the issues that we as black people may be up against with the history of this country so if you don’t really understand Juneteenth and the history of slavery then there are so many other things you don’t get and don’t understand.”
Through his travels Fanuiel saw people of various ages that were not knowledgeable about Juneteenth and that raised concerned for them as he made educated them on the meaning once it was clear they didn’t know.
“We have to teach our kids, we can’t just let this part of history disappear. Naturally when we have something that is so atrocious like the institution of slavery it’s natural to not want to get into it and not to want to talk about it but we can never forget that part of history,” said Fanuiel.” I mean we were enslaved people for over 200 years and we’ve only been free for 148 years at this point. That’s why I think Juneteenth is that day that America should celebrate and commemorate the end of slavery not just a day for Texas. It has to be at some point a come together and unify to make this day the day we celebrate freedom.”
Fanuiel’s goal is to unite nationwide versus the format where communities come out and celebrate individually or collectively.
“In Crocket, TX and in Houston the community would come together for a big celebration. There would be barbecue, soda water and of course watermelon,” Florence Daniels, a 92 year- old Texan. “The boys would play baseball games against the neighboring communities such as Augusta. After the game there would be a big dance. Everyone who could get off work would do so. It was a big community celebration.”
There are still celebrations going on throughout the towns as Galveston is still celebrating with their parade, Juneteenth pageant and the reading of the General Order #3 at Ashton Villa.
“In recent years there has been Juneteenth celebrations for many years and it has shifted to more than just Juneteenth but really a week or two of celebrations,” said Dwayne Jones Executive Director of Galveston Historical Foundation. “One thing that has been fairly consistent is the reading of the General Order #3 at the county court house or at some location in Galveston or at a place what is called now Reedy Chapel and it wasn’t called Reedy Chapel in the 1870’s but it’s the same location of the building. It’s always some type of celebration around food, other speeches, discussions and political actions and what that means for African Americans. It has always been various events but they always have those components.”
Ajee Long, 18 and a native of Galveston County, competed in the Galveston area Juneteenth pageant 2013 voiced concern that the younger generations are losing their appreciation for Juneteenth.
“Juneteenth is becoming a faded tradition because the younger generations are losing respect for the work of the slave and no one is trying to teach them any better,” said Long.
Long’s concern is has not gone unnoticed as Sister Momma Sonya and Isaiah Fanuiel both expressed the same sentiments about the lack of enthusiasm about Juneteenth.
“I think Juneteenth is becoming a fading tradition and I don’t know if it’s because we are ashamed of our history or is it because of a lack of knowledge of our history,” said Sister Momma Sonya. “I have heard so many say they don’t want to talk about it anymore or there are new things they need to talk about and all that slavery stuff is old. People not knowing their traditions, history and maybe a little fear because if we know about our past we will have to confront who we are now and plan for the future and that can be a scary proposition.”
Fanuiel echoed Sister Momma Sonya as he too thinks Juneteenth is fading in a sense as there isn’t much press coverage on it and he doesn’t feel that America has embraced Juneteenth as a celebratory day.
“I think we are scared to touch on race and I think that’s definitely an issue in America and when we touch on race the issue is so sensitive and so controversial and it makes so many people shy away it,” said Fanuiel. “Juneteenth is a celebration. It’s a treasure for the country to embrace the history through celebration. It’s like a hidden treasure and once we get it and embrace it, it can really do some good for the country.”
The question is where do we as a country go from here? How do we make sure Juneteenth keeps thriving and pumping through the minds and hearts of the descendants? Sister Momma Sonya suggested that communities get more organized and involved with one another to plan Juneteenth activities, to have a big Juneteenth calendar, To keep teaching the children the stories and the history, to never forget the meaning of the celebration. Isaiah Fanuiel wants the whole country celebrating Juneteenth by 2015 to commemorate 150 years of the celebration and for African Americans to not be ashamed of it and learn the valuable lessons being taught by their ancestors being enslaved. Ajee Long has hope for her generation as she believes that people should go back to telling the story of the slave to family and friends and going back to the “old ways” by throwing parties in their communities and having different activities that center around the history.
Juneteenth 2013 will not go unnoticed as there are many celebrations and events going on throughout Houston and all the down to Galveston. Emancipation Park will hold activities throughout the week ending on Juneteenth day, Galveston will do the same and 4th Ward will be holding a celebration as well. Many will barbeque, eat watermelon and drink red soda while giving an oral history to their loved ones at their homes while others will pilgrimage to Ashton Villa and stand in unison as they hear the reading that brought tears, hope and dreams to enslaved Africans who soon would be Americans over 148 years ago.
Myra Griffin
The Houston Sun
The city wide initiative to end chronic homelessness has become a pressing issue for Mayor Annise Parker. On May 15, 2013, Parker gave a report on her findings from a survey taken as volunteers and herself canvassed the streets of Houston taking account of the homeless in order to see how they can service them.
More than a 160 volunteers, Council members Adams and Costello as well as the mayor went out surveying and chronicled each person according to their own specific needs and specific problems and history.
“We announced January 2012 we were going to have an intensive focus on homelessness in Houston and we are going to make a difference in homelessness. We intend to end chronic homelessness in Houston and we are going to put in place a three part plan to do that,” said Mayor Parker. “We have to have the resources in place first then the outreach and then what we hope to have a success placement for the chronically homeless in Houston.”
There are more than 8,000 people across the city that is homeless. The main focus is to place the chronic homeless first which is approximately 2,000 people.
“We are trying to identify and prioritize the most vulnerable homeless individuals and place them into permanent housing and provide services and treatments around that housing to make sure that we don’t make it easier, better or more comfortable to be on the street we make it possible and imperative that people get off the street,” said Mayor Parker.
Registry week deemed successful as the homeless were asked 33 questions off of a questionnaire that resulted in a list of 847 chronically homeless individuals classified and pin pointed so the city knows exactly who and where they are and what their specific needs and services.
“We did learn some things such as out of the 847 chronically homeless individuals interviewed 18% were veterans, 15% were women, 20% had been victims of some form of domestic violence, nearly half have identified mental health issues, nearly half suffer from one or more serious chronic health condition such as kidney disease, diabetes, liver failure, a third have been victims of a violent attack since becoming homeless and a third are employed despite sleeping on the streets every night,” said Mayor Parker.
Parker also rolled on with the statistics of how the homeless soak up city resources in the criminal justice and medical system. The city has received data that 50% of the homeless go to the hospital and emergency rooms for healthcare, 964 visits went to emergency room care in the last three months, 695 visits ended up as inpatient hospitalizations in the last year and 81% of the homeless have been jailed for unpaid tickets.
The information gathered, which was a part of Houston registry week that is encompassed with the national 100,000 homes campaign, has already gone into use by the Houston Police Department homeless outreach team and many other organizations. The goal is to access all 2,500 chronic and near chronic citizens in the very near future, according to the Mayor.
“We have started to place some of our most vulnerable into permanent housing with supportive services,” said Mayor Parker. “It’s not just hey we find you an apartment and give you a key and you’re good to go, you have to wrap services around it. We already have five we’ve interviewed and they will be in housing by the end of the week. We are continuing forward momentum on homeless veterans and our next goal is to house 300 more veterans in the next 80 days to go through the list identified.”
Mandy Chapman- Semple, the Mayor’s point person for the Homeless Initiatives in the city added more information as she thanked the Coalition for the Homeless, Health and Human Services and the Houston Housing Authority.
“The registry was just the first step in our three part plan and the next step is really about creating more supportive housing opportunity and really bringing the services to these units and individuals so they can stabilize long term in this housing,” said Semple.
The assessment used during the registry will now be used on a daily basis by homeless outreach teams so as they encounter individuals they didn’t find during registry week they will be assessed and placed according to their vulnerability and needs. The assessment will also be accompanied by their picture
The Housing Authority’s focus will be on finding the units and buildings and providing the housing subsidy. The services that accompany housing the homeless is the problem that still needs to be worked out.
“Homelessness is down one quarter and it’s not as simple as I just need a place to sleep,” said Mayor Parker. “We have shelters all across the city that isn’t always adequate in number for shelter with beds but there are options and opportunities.”
Services will be tailored to the problems of the individual and the most severe will be handled first. The city will not force anyone into an apartment. This is an opportunity for the chronic homeless to find stability in a residence and with supportive measures.
Myra Griffin
The Houston Sun
Mayor Annise Parker released the 2014 proposed $4.9 billion budget for the city of Houston on May 14, 2013 that will go into effect on July 1, 2013. Mayor Parker continues her emphasis on jobs and development, public safety, quality of life, infrastructure and fiscal responsibility as she maintains that the budget will not require a tax increase.
The budget has made provisions to finish restoring the services that were cut or rolled back due to the economic issues of the city. The city has also completely funded their Rainy Day Fund which is $20 million strong with a 7.5% allocated reserve which is above the 5% mandated amount, and pensions, health benefits and mandated pay increases for city employees are included as well.
“This budget proposal builds upon the progress of the last 3.5 years,” said Mayor Parker. “We’ve cut waste, made city departments more efficient and balanced every budget without raising taxes.”
Jobs growth is a national issue that always hits home first and Mayor Parker continues to work at providing employment opportunities for Houstonians as she will stay connected with Hire Houston First. According to city data, within the programs first year more than $139 million of city business was awarded to certified firms, sustaining more than 6,000 jobs. The city has attracted more than $2.2 billion of economic development since 2010, generated 250,000 jobs, exported approximately $300 billion in locally-produced goods and services and has issued permits for construction on nearly 74,000 single family homes.
Majority of the money looks to be heading towards public safety as the report shows that’s where two- thirds of the general fund budget will go.
“More than $2.2 million is included in this budget proposal to fund operations of the city’s new public safety radio project, which is improving the city’s capability to communicate with Harris County and surrounding jurisdictions when fighting crime or responding to natural disaster,” said the Mayor’s office.
Public Safety will include the creation of a Forensics Transition Special Fund to keep separate and account for the costs with the Houston Forensics Science LGC which has been under scrutiny for years about its methods and outcomes. This venture will help with the effort to establish an independent crime lab, and will push forward with the elimination of the DNA backlog. The city also will proceed to do more demolitions of dangerous buildings.
The city has added a General Fund line for the first time for infrastructure and the amount is $2.5 million which is representing approximately 2% average annual Capital Improvement Plan for Public Improvement Programs for infrastructure maintenance, renewal and replacement. The city has already invested $180 million has already been invested in drainage and street improvements. In the fiscal year 2014 additional progress on replacement f city information technology and fleet infrastructure which has been underfunded for years.
“These dollars will be used for upkeep to existing city facilities, such as libraries, community centers and neighborhood fire stations, to help avoid the deferred maintenance issues identified in the recent facilities assessment,” said the Mayor’s Office.
The quality of life for Houstonians remains a hot button issue and Mayor Parker in her efforts to clean up the city while going green, has doubled the houses that use single- stream recycling from 100,000 to 200,000. The first part of the expansion will start in July when 35,000 households will be added and then another 70,000 will be added later in the year. The stream recycling will be easier and convenient as all recyclables will go in one big bin. Mayor Parker emphasized the high priority for the planet but it will also be a long term financial investment and it will help preserve the landfills.
“The expansion will impact neighborhoods citywide rather than be limited to one specific area of town,” said Mayor Parker.
The city also prepares for the completion of the new adoption center, the Bureau of Animal Regulation and Control will include an increase in funding for $693,683. There will be progress made on the Bayou Greenways that will link parks and trails throughout the city and the budget will also include revenue for the Mayor’s initiative to end chronic homelessness in the city which has cost the city over a million dollars in the past.
Fiscal responsibility for the city remains on the minds of Houstonians as it affects the quality of the life they live within the city. The city is making the steps to have more transparency with their finances. They have included $676,000 for financial controls and audit capabilities.
“I feel like I spent my first term in office plugging holes in a leaky boat, but the boat stayed afloat and now we have the funds to take the boat and put up a new sail and I’m very excited about this,” said Mayor Parker.
The mayor’s financial plan is set and will begin in the middle of the summer. The Capital Improvement Plan for the fiscal years of 2014 through 2018 will coincide with the proposed budget and will have the same emphasis with infrastructure and public safety.
Myra Griffin
The Houston Sun
Mayor Annise Parker and Texas Southern University have entered into a partnership with the Barbara Jordan Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs to allow city employees the opportunity to earn a Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree.
The program will be a reduced course load offered at the E.B. Cape Center. The center serves as the city’s corporate university that provides a learning atmosphere for employees to enhance their job skills and performance. Mayor Parker has entered the city into this agreement as an investment in the employees so they can serve the citizens better.
“If they complete designated courses at the E.B. Cape Center they will have the opportunity to receive credit and enroll at TSU with a reduced course load. Once enrolled at TSU’s MPA program, up to 6 hours of classes taken at the E.B. Cape Center may be credited towards the 48 hours required,” said Mayor Parker. “The University will also wave the required internship because our employees are actively working every day hands on with the citizens of Houston. This is an offering that will enhance our employees to serve better and also a wonderful new partnership with TSU which turns out degree many people who work for the city of Houston.”
City employees can take up to 12 hours that they don’t have to pay for as long as they are classes that are inline with the E.B. Cape and MPA program.
Dr. Sonny Ohia, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and Research at TSU extended greetings from the university and on behalf of President Dr. John Rudley. He expressed his pleasure and excitement at the opportunity that TSU will be partnering the city of Houston.
“With the purpose of the university to be engaged in the community and to contribute to the community, what better way can we do that than by offering education to the city employees and to join with us and earn the academic credentials that will help create a better workforce for the city of Houston,” said Ohia.
Mayor Parker called up Dr. Michael Adams the Interim Chair of the Political Science department to the podium attributing him as a person who played a pivotal role in the collaboration. Adams came forward all smiles as he too is happy about the partnership between TSU and the city.
“We are indeed happy about this historic occasion to enter into a MOU with the city of Houston to provide an expanded education and professional training to city employees,” said Adams. “We are the only NASPAA, (National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration), accredited public administration program in the city of Houston so it means a lot to the city of Houston.”
Omar Reed, the Human Resources Director for the city of Houston and a graduate of Texas Southern spoke as a representative of the city and the E.B. Cape Center. Reed noted that the E.B. Cape Center offers a variety of courses for employees and that it’s a great opportunity to partner with TSU.
“We’re very excited about the opportunity to partner with TSU and continuing the services we offer at the E.B. Cape and give employees at the city and opportunity to continue to expand their educational endeavors and we look at it as an important partnership.”
This opportunity is only for those pursuing a Masters in Public Administration. Any city employee can partake in this opportunity but any other endeavors outside of the MPA will be an out of pocket expense and the city will not reimburse city employees for classes taken , they must be in accordance to the plan and agreement between E.B. Cape and Texas Southern University.
Myra Griffin
The Houston Sun
Attorney Ben Hall has entered into the 2013 race for the Mayor of Houston and has raised the stakes in the competition for the head of the city.
At the beginning of March, Hall announced his candidacy for mayor running against the twice voted in incumbent, Annise Parker. Hall released the platform he will campaign on that generated much praise from his supporters.
Hall’s focus lies with education, crime, transportation, diversity, infrastructure, drainage and downtown. At least one or more of the campaign issues touch Houstonians in some way or another. Hall spoke in the tenor that has made him the successful attorney he is and won over many present to see exactly what Ben Hall is about.
Diversity:
Houston is racial melting pot and can no longer ignore the fact that the Hispanic community is the largest ethnic population in the city. Hall is campaigning on intercultural acceptance as he see’s the value in such a diverse city.
“Diversity is important in order to captivate the economic market so that we may be successful,” said Hall.
Crime:
Hall’s passionate approach about crime met much approval as he said, “I want to send a message out to criminals. Houston is out of bounds for all criminal activity we will no longer tolerate our elderly being barricaded into their homes at night because of thugs on the street. I mean thugs on the street have to go. I’m not trying to send them over to Sugarland but they cant do it here in Houston.”
He spoke on the economic side of housing inmates for petty crimes as well. Hall told the crowd that in terms of incarcerating criminals we are punishing ourselves, when we think we are punishing them.
“We need to rethink our criminal justice system. When I have to wake up every morning and work in order to feed myself and someone over in a cell, I have to rethink this,” said Hall. “When I have to pay for their air conditioning and their jail cells, I have to rethink this.”
Hall proposes that if someone is incarcerated and have committed a non-violent crime in the city of Houston they should perform community service. He believes they owe citizens an obligation to come and cut weeded lots or other service duties.
“Somebody might say that is the District Attorney’s job, that’s not your job but the Mayor has to set the tone of the city,” said Hall. “I stand up to tell every criminal to say you are not welcome here.”
Education:
As an advocate for a stronger educational system in Houston, Hall is looking for excellence in standards and performance. He’s said that the teachers, staff and civic leaders are already in place to turn around the issues seen in the educational system.
“I will work with Houston’s school districts to help them create the best educational experience for our students, advancing pragmatic city/school district initiatives to integrate education with real world business experiences,” said Hall.
Transportation:
The means of travel is a hot topic of any conversation in Houston as the city is so large and commerce is a way of life. Transportation is a high interest point as safe commutes and the availablity of public transportation is a serious issue during an election cycle. Hall said, “Houston’s city government must plan and work with TXDOT to coordinate travel patterns through and around the city. Better transportation practices and policies do more than reduce congestion on the highways; they also assist with air quality issues, making Houston safer and even more enjoyable.”
Downtown:
With the vision to develop and bring people from all over the world to experience Houston, Hall has high hopes for downtown. With a mixture of businesses, restuarants and attractions downtown has much to offer. “My administartion will actively encourage the development of a thriving downtown shopping and entertainment center by fostering innovative public-private partnerships. In that way, we will work to encourage the development of a larger retail business footprint downtown,” said Hall.
Infrastructure:
Houston is a huge city with many inhabitants and those inhabitants and our guest have beaten the road to a hole derived trail. Ben Hall has made it a point to address the roads in Houston even making it a platform on his campaign. “Houston’s roads must be repaired and upgraded immediately,” said Hall.
Drainage:
Houston has developed a reputation for flooding during a heavy thunderstorm leaving many citizens inconvienced and stuck with a sever clean-up process. With the interest of the citizens in his mind Hall has put the issue of drainage in his campaign. “By challenging the current approach and employing innovative drainage solutions, we will dramatically improve the way we handle storm water and flooding in our city,” said Hall.
Hall’s initiatives in his run for city hall are being received well by many Houstonians. Linda Prescott said, “I think Ben Hall will do tremendous things for Houston.” Patricia Brown of Fort Bend came to support Hall as she believes what happens in Houston will eventually effect her area so its very important to support the leaders inside the city as well.
“I think he will be a great leader and he needs our support all of the issues he targets in my opinion affect the community,” said Joseph Brown. “If you look at the diversity in this group you can see a lot of people are aware of that”
Hall is aware he has a full blown campaign ahead of him and is ready for the challenge as he made a statement to the crowd saying, “Have you ever heard of an aggressive, economic approach to an international market in 16 years?”
Kim Roxie called Ben Hall “a new breath of fresh air to Houston” and noted that the out pouring of support at his candidacy party shows what kind of campaign he’s going to have.
Myra Griffin
The Houston Sun
The fight for stricter gun laws on Capitol Hill is proving to be a steep uphill battle and the Obama administration has yet to see a victory. Gun rallies are taking place all over the country in hopes to make a social change with the violence that has been associated lately with guns.
Recently the Senate shut down the plan to extend background checks to online and gun-show sales. The vote tallied 54 to 56 leaving the bill six votes short of the 60 votes needed for it to pass. The proposal to ban rapid firing assault weapons failed in the Senate as well.
Americans are praying for “gunsense” as the death toll is rising and the families of the slain are crying out for justice and help. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee has taken to the fight of gun law reform and wants the nation to see what gun violence has done to America, families and children.
“I think it’s intolerable that we don’t have an up or down vote,” said Congresswoman Lee as she rallied for some type of vote to be rendered earlier in April.
The types of guns that the public should possess gives way to the contrition that is making the debate a fiery one, being that assault rifles are under immense scrutiny.
“We need a vote to eliminate assault weapons as well as registration standards,” said Constable Walker. “Only law enforcement need assault weapons.”
Constable May Walker of Precinct 7 approves of universal background checks and anti- gun trafficking law.
The ideology of right and wrong is one of the biggest factors in the gun reform debate as the nation’s conscious feels it is wrong when children are murdered yet it is right that Americans should hold their rights of bearing arms in tact. Congresswoman Lee’s stance is regulation as she reminds the public of the victims of gun violence.
America is the most “gunned” country in the world. In 2011 there were 89 guns for every 100 Americans which would make one presume America would be a safer country yet it’s not.
Legislators urged by their constituents are pushing for sensible gun legislation that will ban assault weapons; diminish the use of multiple round clips and the closing of the gun show loopholes. With the recent tragedies of the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newton, Connecticut, the theater massacre in Aurora, Colorado and statistics like 500 homicides linked to gun violence on the streets of Chicago in 2012, the American public have had lit fires that are burning under President Obama to make some type of reform with firearms.
With all the push for reform there are just as many if not more people who do not feel the same sentiment. The urgency for change is meeting opposition from legislators and organizations such as The National Rifle Association (NRA). The NRA is fighting with all the fire power they have to keep the gun laws as is. In a statement released earlier in April the NRA said, that the amendment “would have criminalized certain private transfers of firearms between honest citizens, requiring lifelong friends, neighbors and some family members to get federal government permission to exercise a fundamental right or face prosecution.”
The battle is far from over as politicians on both sides of the issue are not going to back down. The issue filibustered in the Senate and made many angry while causing the public to rally for a decision.
April 17, 2013 the Senate shot down the President’s gun legislation leaving a large majority of the country bitter and looking for a new direction.
Joy Williams
The Houston Sun
Ready to escape from the confines of seasons passed and into a refreshed, inviting version of yourself? Embrace your best self with these quick and easy makeup tips based on Spring/Summer 2013 trends.
SKIN
Your soft, subtle, flawless skin will leave an impression on everyone you meet this season! Gone are the days of covering up your natural beauty and those perfect little imperfections with layers of full coverage makeup. While concealer still should be a primary survival kit item, you can peel off those layers of product and make your makeup work for you this spring.
Apply a sheer to medium liquid foundation or the increasingly popular “BB Cream” from your favorite retailer liberally over the face. Pop on a little concealer to perfect those few areas (under eyes and blemishes) and place a little powder down the middle of the face to shoo away shine and you are ready to go!
LIPS
The bold lip is back! This spring the lip makes a statement without ever saying a word. Bold tones like tangerine, magenta, pink and royal purple are revving up your everyday threads and taking them to dangerous dimensions in couture. Don’t be afraid of the size or shape of your lips, this trend has a color for everyone. The bold lip trend also allows your lips to be the main attraction and is perfect for every woman on the go. It takes 5 minutes go from drab to DIVA!
EYES
Embellish your eyes with ease this season! Colorful eyeliners are definitely trending. Instead of the typical (and boring) black, try a pretty blue, green or purple eyeliner. It makes a great accessory when batting those beautiful lashes. Simplicity is also seen in eye shadow techniques this spring. Instead of 5 different colors try a glittery cream shadow as a base in your favorite neutral tone (gold, bronze, beige) and pop a simple earth-tone eye shadow (plum, brown, teal) in the crease to make a huge impact without a lot of effort.
Beauty Challenge:–
For the next 5 days try each of these makeup trends. Day 1-skin, Day 2- lips, Day 3- eyes, Day 4- the easiest trend for you, Day 5- the trend you got the most compliments on. I would love to hear how they worked for you. Email me at info@houstonsun.com.
Ms. Joy is a Licensed Cosmetologist and Certified Makeup Artist with over a decade of experience in and around the beauty industry.
Myra Griffin
The Houston Sun
In the great state of Texas weather is temperamental and seasons really can be compared more to weather mood swings. Color and texture will rule the hotter months for women and men, but prints are in …
Prints:
Polka Dots, Stripes, Florals and Tapestry:
Pink, Teal, Orange, Green, Purple and all the sizes you could imagine, Polka Dots are back by popular demand. Tank tops, shorts, Capri pants, skirts and wherever a dot can fit you will see Polka Dots this spring season.
Stripes:
The bolder the better is the trend this spring as stripes are all the rage. The direction doesn’t matter as long as several lines are going across the shirt or even the purse. Thick or thin, stripes are in.
Florals:
As retro fashion has taken over the fashion scene the past couple of years floral designs are all over jeans and blouses. Floral patterns or just a sprinkle of flowers in pastel coloring is what girls are wearing this spring.
Tapestry:
Tapestry design is no longer for the older generations. Young women have made an old design new and trendy. Dresses and accessories are made out of tapestry designs that can also be accentuated with metallic threading for that extra pop.
Maxi Dresses will reappear again this year. Maxi dresses are fun for brunch, lunch or a date night out. Easy, flowing and comfortable the Maxi dress is for all body types and can be worn in almost every environment. There are various styles and patterns that make the dresses extremely appealing.
Sheer Blouses:
Long sleeve or short sleeve, midriff, waist length or a long tail; sheer blouses are a main attraction in fashion for 2013. From the business arena to the party scene you can see sheer blouse worn in many different ways that suit your needs.
Moto Vest:
The motorcycle jacket was the hottest attraction for the fall of 2012 but for the spring of 2013 the Moto Vest will replace the full sleeve jacket and the vest will rule the warmer season.
Colors:
Bright, Brighter and Brightest describes the colors of spring 2013 as the splash of excitement that makes the outfit, THE OUTFIT! Neon, metallic and all shades of blue are the color schemes for 2013.
Neon:
Pink, orange, green, yellow, blue and purple are now popping as they glow on the shirts, dresses, skirts and bottoms of women. Accessories also have taken on the brighter hues as bangles and earrings mix and match the colors and patterns of the outfit.
Metallic:
Metallic jazzes everything up and turns plain into eye-catching with just a twinge of metallic shine.
All Shades of Blue:
Teal, sky blue, obsidian, navy and all the hues it comes in is making a big splash in 2013. From the beautiful blue sky to the water of the pools, blue will be seen all throughout the spring.
Arial Coates
The Houston Sun
It’s that time of the year again! The weather feels just right and what better time than now to get your house into tip-top shape. Just in time for mother’s day, spring-cleaning is an old time favorite. To add on to your own tips, but here are some that are guaranteed to spruce up your home.
Clean Your Gutters
Over the long winter holidays your gutters are sure to collect all kinds of leaves and rainwater. Grab yourself a ladder to climb and a shovel to thoroughly clean gutters and downspouts with. A properly working gutter directs water away from your home. If you happen to see any leaks or damage drainpipes, replacing your gutters would be highly recommended. Also, using covered gutter systems such as Leafguard can help keep your gutters clean and cut down on maintenance
Service your heating and cooling system
Make sure you have your heating and AC system checked on once spring starts. This is to ensure it will work properly through spring into the summer.
Apply fresh paint
Your house’s paint job can withstand a lot but not everything is weather resistant. If you detect any part of the house a few shades lighter than before, a fresh coat of paint is the answer. The freshly applied paint will be a refreshing sight to look at.
Do a spring- cleaning of your pet’s stuff
Spring-cleaning should be extended to all members of the families including the furry ones! Go through your pet’s things to find the items that are damaged or dirty beyond repair. If you must throw something away be sure to replace it quickly
Examine all your fire extinguishers
If you don’t have one, now would be a great time get one. And for those who already have one make sure you check the expiration date on them (yes the really do expire). If they have, don’t delay on replacing it.
Do a switcheroo!
Pick a room and try changing it as much as possible. Take that old bookcase out and try putting in a new chair. A new room can bring about new, wonderful feelings. Also try maximizing your space.
Give your property a brand, spanking new look!
During the winter months your lawn can take a beating. Have a refreshed lawn for spring by getting rid of any debris or trash that may be lying around. Also cut down any trees or bushes that have grown since the fall.
Give your draperies a bath!
Drapes collect more dirt and dust then we would like to believe. If possible, put them in the washing machine. You’ll be surprised at how much cleaner they’ll look (they’ll smell better too!)
Check your roof for possible damage
It’s easy to forget about your roof (like who really goes up there?). But after the winter months a check up is needed. Grab your ladder and look for cracked, broken, and missing shingles. Note any serious issues and get in contact with a local roofing specialist.
Inspect siding and windows for leaks
Be sure to look at your windows and the siding all around your house. If you see a crack, address it now! Do so before the problem gets worse and you can save yourself a lot of time and money.
Don’t let spring shock you!
If you have any failing sockets or flickering lights call an electrician immediately! Waiting could be detrimental to your house- and your wallet.
