NAACP Hosts quarterly report at Houston Community College
Category Archives: Community
TSU wins SWAC Regular Season Basketball Championship Lady Tigers claim third consecutive regular season title
HeartLinks Impacts Houston’s heart health
(January 27, 2017) – The Health and Human Services Facet of the Western Area of The Links, Incorporated is hosting an awareness reception honoring the “HeartLinks to Heart Health” Program on Friday, January 27 at 7:00 pm at The Health Museum, 1515 Binz, Houston, Texas.
“The purpose of the event is to recognize the Texas Spring Cypress (TX) Chapter and the Missouri City Chapter of The Links, Inc. for their work with the Heart Truth and the American Heart Association and to increase awareness of the importance of monitoring one’s health to prevent heart disease,” explains Dr. Wanda Mott Russell, Western Area Health and Human Services Director. The evening will feature presentations by Jackie Pope of the Texas Spring Chapter and Jarmese Roberts Morris of the Missouri City Chapter who will share information on the impact made in the greater Houston area as a result of their programming. Mary Clark, National Chair of the HeartLinks Program will receive an award from Roxann Thomas Chargois,
Western Area Director. “The HeartLinks to Heart Health Program was created in 2008 by Dr. Kimberly Jefferies Leonard. This signature program was created to raise awareness of their risk of heart disease. For more than a decade, the Western Area chapters of The Links have created both sustainable and effective programs,” Mary E. Clark, HeartLinks National Chair, disclosed. “Heart disease is the No. 1 killer of women and people need to be aware of what they can do to prevent it. There are lots of activities in the city and throughout the nation for the community to get involved. The Health Museum has a great heart exhibit.
The community can attend an event like the 5th Annual Dr. Evelyn E. Thornton Hip Hop Healthy Heart Awareness Affair at Texas Southern University on Saturday, February 25, 2017 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm. It’s about learning about things that one can do to make a difference like healthy cooking, adopting a more active lifestyle, and learning the warning signs. The ‘Red Dress’ event is free and open to the public” said Mott Russell. For more details about the annual Red Dress event, call 832.930.1545.
Senator Miles Raises Concerns of Lack of African American Representation on UT Board Nominations Governor Abbott’s UT nominations lack diversity
AUSTIN- As a member of the Senate Nominations Committee, Senator Borris L. Miles is very concerned by the names brought forward by Governor Greg Abbott for the University of Texas System (UT) Board of Regents.
“Diversity is one of Texas’ greatest strengths. We attract the brightest minds from all over the globe, they work here, they pay taxes here and they raise their families here,” said Senator Miles. “UT is one of the best higher learning institutions in the state, and its leadership and student body should reflect the population.”
Only three African Americans have served on the UT Board in the 134 years of UT’s inception: Reverend Zan Wesley Holmes, Jr., Dr. Judith Craven and Printice Gary.
“Printice Gary was the last African American to serve on the UT Board, with his term ending in 2013. It’s been more than four years since an African American has served on this board, and we need to get back on the diversity track,” said Senator Miles.
According to UT’s “Fast Facts,” its fall 2015 undergraduate enrollment was comprised of 4.6% African American students. Texas’ overall population is 12% African American.
“The appalling statistics show that UT has a lack of African Americans from the bottom to the top. Rather than lead by example, the nominations from the governor show that this administration plans to continue business as usual at UT. On my watch, this will not go unnoticed. Texas is a richly diverse state, and nominations brought forward should reflect that. Texans demand it,” said Senator Miles.
Jackson-Lee holds health care rally
Hello,
You are invited to the following event:
OUR FIRST STAND: SAVE HEALTH CARE RALLY HOSTED BY CONGRESSWOMAN JACKSON LEE
| Event to be held at the following time, date, and location: Sunday, January 15, 2017 from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM (CST) Mickey Leland Federal Building |
Deferred property tax payments announced
Houston —Texans who are age 65 or older or who are disabled as defined by law may postpone paying current and delinquent property taxes on their homes by signing a tax deferral affidavit at the Harris County Appraisal District office.
Once the affidavit is on file, taxes are deferred – but not cancelled – as long as the owner continues to qualify for the exemption.
“Homeowners who are 65 or older or disabled also should be sure they have applied for and received the appropriate homestead exemptions.
A filed tax deferral affidavit keeps homeowners from losing their homesteads because of delinquent property taxes.
“Homeowners with a mortgage on their home should first check with their mortgage company to make certain the deferral does not violate the terms of the deed of trust securing the mortgage on the property.
All deferred taxes and interest become due when the homeowner or surviving spouse no longer qualifies for the exemption.
For further details about property tax deferral, contact the Harris County Appraisal District’s information center at 713.957.7800 or visit the district’s offices at 13013 Northwest Freeway in Houston.
About HCAD
The Harris County Appraisal District is a political subdivision of the State of Texas established in 1980 for the purpose of discovering and appraising property for ad valorem tax purposes for each taxing unit within the boundaries of the district.
TX House Representative Dist.139 Jarvis Johnson to Confer Community Awards & Speak on Mental Health Saturday, October 8th
TX State Representative Jarvis Johnson candidly speaks saying, “Mental and emotional wellbeing is an important aspect of everyday living. We need to remove the stigma associated with mental health so intervention can occur at the onset.” The fast and frantic pace of society, sickness, death, unemployment, disability, divorce, breakups, all has an impact on mental health. Yet, many African Americans find that mental health and mental illness are tough topics to discuss.
The Gulf Coast of Texas African American Family Support Conference will get the conversation started with the theme “Unveiling Masks: Real Conversations to Shatter Stigma, and Myths” on Saturday, October 8, 2016, 9:00 am to 2:30 pm at the United Way of Greater of Houston, 50 Waugh Drive Houston, Texas 77007.
The conference is coordinated by dedicated community stakeholders, one community leader stated, “Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common and treatable as well as recovery is possible. Another community leader, shared, Good mental health strengthens your ability to cope with everyday hassles and more serious crises and challenges.” Shalone Turner, 2015 conference attendee stated, “If it could be okay in society to talk about mental health, things could be different…” Shalone Turner The mission of GCTAAFSC is to strengthen the knowledge and skills of individuals with mental health, developmental disabilities, families, community members and professionals about available health care services by using culturally sensitive education supports and partnerships.
Conference Day:
The conference day will commence with an open plenary address by Dr. Shirley Price, followed by breakout sessions and will culminate at an Award’s Luncheon with Zina Garrison, former World Tennis, and Olympic Gold Medalist keynote address. Rep. Johnson will confer and extend the Flame of Inspiration Award to Destiny Richardson and Jerome Green. The conference will offer an informative exhibition area, free flu shot clinic sponsored by Walgreens Pharmacy, 12 workshop sessions on mental health, disability awareness and the conference will focus on individuals, families and the community with an emphasis on youth only sessions for ages 15-24.
Rising Waters art show at Houston Museum
Texas Southern University announces personnel changes
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HOUSTON (August 29, 2016) – Texas Southern University announces personnel changes in two academic areas and one university leadership positon. Dr. James Douglas has been appointed to serve as Interim Dean of the Thurgood Marshall School of Law; Dr. Michael Adams to serve as Interim Dean of the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs; and Dr. Bobby Wilson to serve as Interim Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Dr. Douglas, a TSU stalwart who served as Texas Southern University President from 1995 to 1998, served most recently as a Distinguished professor of Law at the Thurgood Marshall School of Law (TMSL). Currently the president Houston Chapter of the NAACP, Dr. Douglas has held positions as dean and professor of TMSL, Interim dean, Florida A&M University College of Law, Professor, Northeastern University School of Law, Assistant professor, associate dean, Syracuse University College of Law. He has been involved in the Minority Affairs Committee, Law Admissions Council, former American Bar Association education chair, Committee of Science & Technology. He is married to Tanya Smith Douglas and has three adult children. Dr. Douglas earned his B.A., in Mathematics from Texas Southern University; a J.D., from the Texas Southern University Thurgood Marshall School of Law; and his J.S.M., from Stanford University.
Dr. Wilson, another TSU stalwart, is a nationally regarded research chemist and a Professor of Chemistry and Environmental Toxicology in TSU’s College of Science, Engineering, and Technology (COSET). He serves as the L. Lloyd Woods Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and Shell Oil Endowed Chaired Professor of Environmental Toxicology at TSU. Dr. Wilson has been honored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for his extraordinary efforts to significantly increase the number of African Americans with Ph.D. degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). He has mentored 19 Ph.D.s from the United States who are from underrepresented groups in STEM, including eight African American males and 11 African American females.
Dr. Adams, a dedicated TSU academician since 1983 served most recently as the Director of MPA and online eMPA program and Professor of Public Affairs at the Barbra Jordan- Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs. A noted political expert, Adams is an avid scholar in the Public Affairs arena, he has co-authored several books including Readings in American Political Issues and Public Administration both published by Kendall-Hunt Press. Dr. Adams also has been published in the Journal of Service Science; the Encyclopedia of African America History; International Journal of Education Research and the European Journal of Social Sciences.
Texas Southern University is currently in the process of launching a national search to fill the positions permanently.
Juneteenth 2016 Pageant
It was gathering of splendor and pageantry as girls and boys from area Houston schools showcased their talents in hopes of being crowned Miss and Mr. Juneteenth 2016 at the 8th Annual Mildred Johnson Miss Juneteenth Pageant presented by Friends of Emancipation Park and held at Trinity United Methodist Church.
A total of 18 contestants competed in the following categories (ages 3-5) Little Miss Juneteenth, (ages 6-9) Junior Miss Juneteenth, (ages 12 and up) Miss Juneteenth for the young ladies. The young men, fell into two categories (ages 3-5) and (ages 5-12) Mr. Juneteenth and Mr. Handsome respectfully.
The pageant promotes community service, academic excellence, as well as encouraging poise and positive self-esteem.
In addition, the contestants were judge on their Juneteenth paper and poster competition. The four-judge panel also scored the contestants on their One-on-One interviews which was conducted immediately after each of them took to the stage to showcase their pageant-walk.
There were 18 contestants in four categories. Addison DeBoest, Kainaan Jones and Faith White represented the Girls 3-5 Year Olds. Next was the 6-9 Yearl Olds Girls. The participants were Olivia Rogers, Symone Jones, Yanni White, Zoriyah Mack, Za’nya Forsey and Zanora Dorsey. The older girls category 12 and Up participants were Raven Jacson, Kayla Ceasar and Terykah Lewis.
The Boys 5-12 year participants were O’ryan Rogers, Cornelius White, Jakiyea Mack, Jaylon Mack, Lawrence See and LeMarcus Thomas.
A total of five titles were awarded in the Miss Juneteenth 2016 Pageant, where Raven Jackson,12 earned the title of Miss Juneteenth, Addison DeBoest, 6 won Junior Miss Juneteenth and Kainaan Jones, 5 was named Little Miss Juneteenth. O’ryan Roger, 5 was crowned Mr. Juneteenth and Lawrence See, 9 won Mr. Handsome.
The runner-ups, Kayla Ceasar and Terykah Lewis/Miss Juneteenth, Olivia Rogers and Za’nora Dorsey/Junior Miss Juneteenth and Faith White/Little Miss Juneteenth along with Cornelius White/Mr. Juneteenth joined by Jaylon Mack and Jakiyea/Mr. Handsome will joined the title holders in the 43rd Juneteenth Parade and Music Festival.
LeMarcus Thomas, 2015 Mr. Mr. Juneteenth graciously gave his final walk recalling how it has been an honor to have carried a title in recognition of Juneteenth.
“When I won last year, I had a general idea of the significance of Juneteenth. For instance while all of the Black enslaved people in the nation had been freed, Texas was the last state to get word,” he said.
“That means that Black folks were still in slavery. When word finally arrived in 1865 of June 19th, they rejoiced. That is why we celebrate this day of freedom still today.”
Thomas went on to say that over the past year he has met many important people. And that he really enjoyed being in the parade and the bike that he won. He also said that he enjoyed meeting the Annise Parker, the mayor at the time.
“Mayor Parker told me to ‘keep doing what you are doing and to stay on the right track’.”
Thomas said that his future plans are to enjoy his summer and have fun because he will be entering high school next year.
Mrs. Mildred Johnson had a word for the audience. She thanked the parents and gave special homage to the grandparents. “When you trust someone with your children you trust God,” she said.
Mrs. Johnson said that it takes a lot of work to do what they do. “All of the pretty dresses, costumes, decorations, etc. I directed this pageant by telephone. I told everybody what to do and want needed to be done. I want to thank Dorris Ellis, Dorcaus Robinson, the committee, the judges and KijanaWiseman.”
She went on to say she is looking forward to the parade and that Mayor Sylvester Turner is taking an active role in the parade. Also she informed the crowd that if all goes well that the Juneteenth court could be part of the upcoming Super Bowl LI to take place in Houston.
Sponsor of the 2016 Juneteenth Pageant were Gerald and Anita Smith, This Is It Restaurant, Houston Super Bowl Committee, Ladies of Golf and Priscilla Graham Photography.