| Dear Friends, |
| I hope you and yours are staying safe. As we recover from the damage caused by Hurricane Beryl that has devastated many of our communities, we are working hard to ensure all our residents can access the resources they need during this difficult time. In that spirit, today, July 9, Precinct One will open one distribution site for water and Meals Ready to Eat (MREs) and two cooling centers: Distribution Site Open from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. (or until supplies run out) Harris County Precinct One Central Service Center – 7901 El Rio St, Houston, TX 77054 Cooling Centers in Precinct One Open from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. Lincoln Park Community Center – 979 Grenshaw St, Houston, 77088 Julia C. Hester House – 2020 Solo St, Houston, TX 77020 Please check our website, Facebook, and Twitter for additional updates or changes to these sites. Cooling Centers from the City of Houston, County Partners and Non-profit Organizations Southwest Multi-Service Center – 6400 High Star Dr., 77074 Open from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Lakewood Church – 3700 Southwest Fwy, Houston, TX 77027 Open from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. St. Philip’s United Methodist Church – 5501 Beechnut, Houston, TX Open from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Precinct 3 Commissioner Open from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Crosby Community Center – 409 Hare Rd. Crosby, TX, 77532 Trini Mendenhall Community Center – 1414 Wirt Road, Houston, Texas 77055 Big Stone Lodge – 709 Riley Fuzzel Road, Spring, Texas 77373 Juergen’s Hall Community Center – 26026 Hempstead Road, Cypress, Texas 77429 Precinct 4 Commissioner Open from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Bayland Community Center – 6400 Bissonnet Street, Houston, TX 77074 Weekley Community Center – 8440 Greenhouse Road, Cypress, TX 77433Radack Community Center – 18650 Clay Road, Houston, TX 77084 General information Beat the Heat: Our region is under a heat advisory. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat without proper hydration and other precautionary actions may result in heat exhaustion or heat stroke. For more information on keeping yourself, your family, and your pets safe during extreme heat, visit: https://www.houstonemergency.org/extreme-heat-tips-to-stay-cool/ Be Generator Safe: Never operate a generator indoors, inside a garage, or any fully or partially enclosed space. To learn more about generator safety and how to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning when using a generator, visit the Red Cross: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/power-outage/safe-generator-use.html Sign up for CenterPoint’s Power Alert Service: Sign up here to receive alerts and updates on power outages. You can also view CenterPoint’s Electric Outage Tracker here. Be Aware of Natural Gas Leaks: If you smell gas in or around your home, please evacuate immediately, call 911 and report suspected gas leak to CenterPoint at 713-659-2111. Report Downed Power Lines: Stay at least 35 feet away and call 713-207-2222. Help Report Damage to 311: To report fallen trees, malfunctioning traffic lights. water leaks, loss of water services, or other concerns, please call 311 or 713-837-0311. Beware of Disaster Fraud: Protect you and family from home repair scams or scammers impersonating government workers or insurance agents after a disaster. Learn more from the United Way, visit: https://www.unitedway.org/my-smart-money/immediate-needs/ive-experienced-a-natural-disaster/watching-out-for-cons-and-scams-after-disasters#:~:text=If%20you’ve%20been%20the,1%2D225%2D334%2D4707 Connect with the Disaster Distress Helpline if You Need Support: Disasters like Hurricane Beryl and the May Derecho can cause stress and anxiety. The Disaster Distress Helpline (DDH) is the first national hotline dedicated to providing year-round disaster crisis counseling. This toll-free, multilingual, crisis support service is available 24/7 to all residents in the U.S. and its territories who are experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters. Call or text: 1-800-985-5990. To learn more, visit: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline High-Risk Individuals Should Register for STEAR If you are aware of family or neighbors who need power for medical assistance, call 911. Please also ensure they register with the State of Texas Emergency Assistance Registry (STEAR) to receive priority help. This also helps with future emergency and disaster responses. Who Should Register for STEAR? People with disabilitiesPeople who are medically fragilePeople with access and functional needs such as limited mobility or communication barriers, or require transportation assistance, personal care assistance, or additional medical assistance during an emergency event As we recover from Hurricane Beryl, agencies across Harris County are stepping up to serve those impacted. Our office will work to send updates as we receive them. If you need assistance, please call 346-286-2125, and we will do our best to help. Please check readyharris.org for the latest up-to-date information. Sincerely, Rodney Ellis |
ENJOY LIVE MUSIC AND FIREWORKS THIS WEEKEND AT MOODY GARDENS “BEATS ON THE BEACH”
Houston-based Band, A Sure Thing, is set to take the Palm Beach Stage on Saturday, July 6
GALVESTON, Texas — Enjoy live music and fireworks this weekend at Moody Gardens “Beats on the Beach”. A great night is something you can count on when the Houston-based band, A Sure Thing, takes the Palm Beach stage. Know for their energetic and eclectic mix of rock, pop, funk, soul, and more will have guests dancing to favorites from the 50’s to today’s current hits.
“Beats on the Beach” is a family-friendly event featuring live music suitable for all ages every Saturday night from June 15 to August 3, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Located at Palm Beach, guests will enjoy live entertainment while taking in the refreshing Gulf breeze and the mesmerizing water view of Offatts Bayou. The evening will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display, making it the perfect summer celebration. Admission is $10 for adults and $15 for children, with free entry for children three and younger.
At Palm Beach, guests will enjoy the only white sand beach on Galveston Island and a variety of attractions. There’s something for everyone, from lounging beneath palm trees to cooling off in the 650-foot Lazy River, wave pool, or two 18-foot tower slides.
Palm Beach also features the popular Aquarium Adventure play area and interactive water games. The splash pad, an automated aquatic feature, provides endless fun with interactive dump buckets, spray arches, and fountains. For maximum relaxation, cabanas and loungers are available for rent.
Palm Beach is open daily through August 18, with weekend openings from August 24 to September 19. It
offers Individual Tickets, Season Passes, and Annual Pass Plus Memberships. Children aged three and younger enter free. New this year, Palm Beach is included in the One-Day Value Pass. Visitors can also enjoy special savings:
- Fun Day Monday: One free child admission with each adult admission. Valid: June 3 – August 12.
- Taco Tuesday: $2 Tacos all Day. Valid: June 4 – August 13.
- Wild Wednesday: $15 Palm Beach admission. Valid: June 5 – August 15.
Get Ready for the 2024 National Battle of the Bands Summer High School Band Camp
Empowering Young Musicians with Expert-Led Workshops and Activities
Houston, Texas (July 2, 2024) – Webber Marketing (WM), creators of the National Battle of the Bands (NBOTB), is partnering with Houston Community College’s Media Arts program to host a three-day band camp open to all high school bands across the country.
Counting down to the 10th anniversary of the Pepsi NBOTB, this event aims to inspire and educate young musicians to have an unforgettable experience. The camp will occur July 17th through 19th, each day from 2 PM – 6 PM, on the North Forest Campus of Houston Community College. Directed by Dr. Juvon Pollard, a Sr. Associate Direct of Bands of Texas Southern University’s “Ocean of Soul,” and assisted by Mr. Edward “PJ” Howard, an HBCU Band Director and Lecturer, the three-day camp will be filled with music, fun, and fellowship.
“We are incredibly excited to offer this high school band camp as part of our countdown to the 2024 NBOTB 10th Anniversary Celebration,” says Derek Webber, CEO of Webber Marketing and Executive Director of National Battle of the Bands. “This camp provides a unique opportunity for young musicians to develop their skills and gain invaluable insights into the music industry. Our goal is to inspire and nurture the next generation of talented musicians who will continue the rich legacy of HBCU marching bands.”
Students will participate in a two-part workshop that includes Introduction to Music Business and Audio Recording. As a completion award, each participant will be gifted two free tickets to this year’s NBOTB, which will take place on Sunday, August 25th, at the NRG Stadium in Houston, TX. Registration for band camp is $25 and closes on July 13th.
“The NBOTB Summer High School Band Camp is more than just a training ground; it’s an experience that will leave a lasting impact on these young musicians,” says Dr. Pollard, “We are committed to providing top-notch education and fostering an environment where students can learn, grow, and build lifelong friendships. We can’t wait to see the talent and enthusiasm these students will bring to the camp.”
As a kick-off to the main event in August, this in-person camp will bring together talented high school bands from different parts of the country to showcase their skills and musical talents.
To register and for more details, please visit https://www.nationalbattleofthebands.com/event/bandcamp/ . Stay connected with the NBOTB on social media: @NationalBattleOfTheBands (Facebook/Instagram/TikTok/YouTube) / @NationalBOTB (Twitter).
Juneteenth 24
Mayor Sylvester Turner’s Signature Youth Employment Program, Hire Houston Youth, Opens Application Portal
HOUSTON SUN NEWS SERVICE
| Job opportunities for youth |
| HOUSTON – Mayor Sylvester Turner joined city officials and business leaders for the 2023 kick off of his signature program, Hire Houston Youth, continuing his commitment to invest in today’s youth and young adults to ensure a better, more equitable tomorrow. Paid local jobs and internships are available for the eight-week program, open to young people between the ages of 16 – 24. The positions are in the City of Houston and the public, private, and philanthropic sectors. Mayor Turner has set a goal this year of providing 15,000 jobs, with a stretch goal of 20,000 jobs. If you are an employer interested in joining Hire Houston Youth, please visit https://hirehoustonyouth.org/employers/, and if you are a youth or young adult wanting to register visit: https://hirehoustonyouth.org/youth/. In April 2016, Hire Houston Youth was launched through the Mayor’s Office of Education and Youth Engagement to serve as a facilitator to connect youth, where they are empowered with an “earn and learn” opportunity in Houston’s dynamic economy. “Hire Houston Youth provides the City of Houston with an opportunity to address long-standing inequities by creating pathways for residents to resilient, living wage trajectory jobs,” said Mayor Turner. “The program enables Houston’s youth to acquire the training and skills needed for a successful path to higher education and future careers. The City of Houston is dedicated to offering and securing these opportunities and ensuring success during and after these internships, including providing financial counseling to those employed at the City of Houston.” National surveys show that young adults have some of the lowest levels of financial literacy. When young people understand how to manage their money, they increase their chances of long-term stability and security. To help youth achieve financial literacy, the Mayor’s Office of Education and Youth Engagement is supported by the Cities for Financial Empowerment Fund and has partnered with SER jobs and BankOn to teach a variety of topics, including budgeting, the value of building your credit score, personal loans, and more. |
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| The mayor was joined at the press conference by Houston Independent School District Superintendent Millard House II, Alief Independent School District Superintendent Anthony Mays, Retired McDonald’s Owner and Operator Dave Moss, University of Houston Bauer College Dean Paul Pavlou, several council members, and business leaders. Also present was former Hire Houston Youth intern Tommy Wan. “Because of Hire Houston Youth, I now want to work in local government,” said Tommy Wan. “It is an avenue for change focusing on urban policy, transportation, infrastructure and housing needs for the City of Houston. The experience and skills I obtained working with Council Member Tiffany D. Thomas in my home district, District F will take me beyond Hire Houston Youth, and I want to thank Mayor Sylvester Turner for this opportunity.” Over the past 40 years, Houston has grown from a blue collar, industrial era economy to an international, high-tech economy. “The Mayor’s Office of Education and Youth Engagement has worked diligently to register employers that reflect current workforce trends and are diverse in nature,” said Education and Youth Engagement Director Olivera Jankovska. “United Airlines is proud to once again support and partner with Mayor Turner and the Hire Houston Youth program,” said United Airlines’ Director of Corporate and Government Affairs Darrin Hall. “United’s participation in the program provides Houston’s youth with an opportunity to work with one of the city’s largest private employers.” Additionally, Mayor Turner included Hire Houston Youth in his One Safe Houston campaign that seeks to reduce violence, prevent crime, provide increased crisis intervention, engage the community, and provide outreach opportunities to young people. Hire Houston Youth ensures that Houston’s youth and young adults have options and are given the opportunity to explore different career paths. |
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| About Mayor’s Office of Education and Youth Engagement Public education is a human right, the great social equalizer, and a key to a prosperous community. Mayor Sylvester Turner believes that each generation of children should be assured a better life and education. Through collaboration, communication, and coordination, the Mayor’s Office of Education and Youth Engagement strives to ensure this goal for all families in Houston by promoting access to equitable education and opportunities. |
The parade and symposium are set for Feb. 18, 2023 in downtown Houston and at TSU
8th Annual African American History Parade and Symposium
HOUSTON SUN NEWS
The 8th annual and 2023 City-Wide African American History Parade and Symposium is held February 18, 2023, in downtown Houston. The Parade is at 10 a.m. at Texas and Hamilton near Minute Maid ballpark and the Lunch and Symposium is on the campus of Texas Southern University in the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs with lunch at 12 noon and Symposium at 12:30 p.m.
With history being taken out of schools instead of being taught, it is far more important to learn about African American History to find alternate ways for awareness and teaching. As a teenager growing up in Mississippi, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. took hold of both of my hands and said to me, four times, he repeated, “Whatever you do, do something, do something for the people, do something for the people, do something for the people, do something for the people.” Producing the City-Wide African American History Parade and Symposium is just one of my ways of ‘doing something for the people’.
“Real education means to inspire people to live more abundantly, to learn to begin with life as they find it and make it better,” said, Carter G. Woodson, Ph.D. the father of Negro History Week in 1926, now African American History Month. Woodson also said, “No man knows what he can do until he tries.” Since 2016, the Houston Sun has ventured to teach African American History to diverse demographics in Houston by inviting all to participate in the African American History Parade and Symposium.
Each year we take our theme from the Study of Association for the Study of African American Life and History which was founded in 1915 by Carter G. Woodson. This year’s theme is Black Resistance, and we are encouraging youth from elementary, middle school and high school to write an essay and create art that displays the theme. Elements of Social Justice will be on display and discussed during the Parade, the Symposium, and in the youth papers. Students will receive scholarships and Awards will be issued for categories in the Parade.
With this Parade and Symposium, we aspire to take our city where it is and improve it through knowledge, engagement, and exposure. The Grand Marshal is Rev. Dr. Samuel H. Smith. Honorary chairpersons are Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Mayor Lee P. Brown, Attorney Gary Bledsoe and Merline Pietre, Ph.D., historian.
Thomas F. Freeman Honors College Dean Dr. Dianne Jemison Pollard Retiring from TSU after 44 Years of Service
SPECIAL FOR TSU
Thomas F. Freeman Honors College Dean Dr. Diane Jemison Pollard retires after 44 years of distinguished service.
The end of 2022 marks the end of an era. Dr. Dianne Jemison Pollard, Dean of the Thomas F. Freeman Honors College and Professor of Theatre, is retiring from Texas Southern University after 44 years of distinguished service. Dr. Jemison Pollard led the theatre program for many years, was chair of the Department of Fine Arts (Art, Music, and Theatre) for more than 10 years, and served as Associate Dean and Dean of the Honors College for more than nine years.
As an accomplished university stage director, she directed inaugural productions for the following TSU presidents: Dr. Leonard H.O. Spearman, Dr. William Harris, Dr. James Douglass, Dr. Priscilla Slade and Dr. John Rudley. Her ability to teach students the fundamentals of directing as they shaped every aspect of “being” the character garnered her several first place directing awards on the national level at the National Association of Dramatic and Speech Arts (NADSA). In all, she’s directed more than 50 plays.
As the Dean of the Thomas F. Freeman Honors College, she implemented several initiatives including: the Research and Recruitment Trip, the Biannual Honors College Research Conference; The Freeman Honors Research Journal, which is an open access digital journal that houses the senior thesis and honors newsletters. She also implemented the gold medallion on the graduation stole Freeman Scholars receive at graduation and branded the name Freeman Scholars.
During a retirement celebration paying homage to her 44 years of service, Mayor Sylvester Turner declared Tuesday December 14 “Dr. Dianne Jemison Pollard Day” In the City of Houston.
She and her family commissioned artist and TSU alum, Jesse Sifuentes, to produce a bust of Dr. Freeman, founding dean of the college, as her gift to TSU. The bronze bust was unveiled outside the Honors Suite in the Library Learning Center on December 8. Also, she arranged for the Freeman Archives to be in room 303, next to the Honors College, so that all people can see not only artifacts, papers, books important to Dr. Freeman, but his original desk from the Debate office, which has been refurbished, can be viewed.
Dr. Jemison Pollard has worked hard and will be missed by students, colleagues, and alumni.
8th Annual African American History Parade and Symposium Set
HOUSTON SUN NEWS
The 8th annual and 2023 City-Wide African American History Parade and Symposium is held February 18, 2023, in downtown Houston. The Parade is at 10 a.m. at Texas and Hamilton near Minute Maid ballpark and the Lunch and Symposium is on the campus of Texas Southern University in the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs with lunch at 12 noon and Symposium at 12:30 p.m.
With history being taken out of schools instead of being taught, it is far more important to learn about African American History to find alternate ways for awareness and teaching. As a teenager growing up in Mississippi, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. took hold of both of my hands and said to me, four times, he repeated, “Whatever you do, do something, do something for the people, do something for the people, do something for the people, do something for the people.” Producing the City-Wide African American History Parade and Symposium is just one of my ways of ‘doing something for the people’.
“Real education means to inspire people to live more abundantly, to learn to begin with life as they find it and make it better,” said, Carter G. Woodson, Ph.D. the father of Negro History Week in 1926, now African American History Month. Woodson also said, “No man knows what he can do until he tries.” Since 2016, the Houston Sun has ventured to teach African American History to diverse demographics in Houston by inviting all to participate in the African American History Parade and Symposium.
Each year we take our theme from the Study of Association for the Study of African American Life and History which was founded in 1915 by Carter G. Woodson. This year’s theme is Black Resistance, and we are encouraging youth from elementary, middle school and high school to write an essay and create art that displays the theme. Elements of Social Justice will be on display and discussed during the Parade, the Symposium, and in the youth papers. Students will receive scholarships and Awards will be issued for categories in the Parade.
With this Parade and Symposium, we aspire to take our city where it is and improve it through knowledge, engagement, and exposure. The Grand Marshal is Rev. Dr. Samuel H. Smith. Honorary chairpersons are Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Mayor Lee P. Brown, Attorney Gary Bledsoe and Merline Pietre, Ph.D., historian.
8th Annual African American History Parade set
HOUSTON SUN NEWS
The 8th annual and 2023 City-Wide African American History Parade and Symposium is held February 18, 2023, in downtown Houston. The Parade is at 10 a.m. at Texas and Hamilton near Minute Maid ballpark and the Lunch and Symposium is on the campus of Texas Southern University in the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs with lunch at 12 noon and Symposium at 12:30 p.m.
With history being taken out of schools instead of being taught, it is far more important to learn about African American History to find alternate ways for awareness and teaching. As a teenager growing up in Mississippi, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. took hold of both of my hands and said to me, four times, he repeated, “Whatever you do, do something, do something for the people, do something for the people, do something for the people, do something for the people.” Producing the City-Wide African American History Parade and Symposium is just one of my ways of ‘doing something for the people’.
“Real education means to inspire people to live more abundantly, to learn to begin with life as they find it and make it better,” said, Carter G. Woodson, Ph.D. the father of Negro History Week in 1926, now African American History Month. Woodson also said, “No man knows what he can do until he tries.” Since 2016, the Houston Sun has ventured to teach African American History to diverse demographics in Houston by inviting all to participate in the African American History Parade and Symposium.
Each year we take our theme from the Study of Association for the Study of African American Life and History which was founded in 1915 by Carter G. Woodson. This year’s theme is Black Resistance, and we are encouraging youth from elementary, middle school and high school to write an essay and create art that displays the theme. Elements of Social Justice will be on display and discussed during the Parade, the Symposium, and in the youth papers. Students will receive scholarships and Awards will be issued for categories in the Parade.
With this Parade and Symposium, we aspire to take our city where it is and improve it through knowledge, engagement, and exposure. The Grand Marshal is Rev. Dr. Samuel H. Smith. Honorary chairpersons are Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Mayor Lee P. Brown, Attorney Gary Bledsoe and Merline Pietre, Ph.D., historian.