Category Archives: Community

Community, News

The National Black Church Initiative Strongly Denounces the Desecration of the Jewish Cemetery and the Continuous Threat Against Our Jewish Brothers and Sisters

1 Comment

The National Black Church Initiative Strongly Denounces the Desecration of the Jewish Cemetery and the Continuous Threat Against Our Jewish Brothers and Sisters

This is despicable in the sight of God!

 

Washington, DC – The National Black Church Initiative (NBCI), a faith-based coalition of 34,000 churches comprised of 15 denominations and 15.7 million African Americans, is loaning its moral voice in the denunciation against those who have visited violence against the Jewish cemetery and Jewish communities across the country.

Antisemitism does not have any place in our growing and diverse society. We can disagree on policy, but the Black Church will not tolerate any violence toward our Jewish brothers and sisters. We wholeheartedly condemn those who are responsible for the desecration of Jewish cemeteries across the country. An act against the Jewish community is an act against the Black Church and Black Community We stand with our Jewish brothers and sisters shoulder to shoulder and we will not tolerate any violence in either words or deeds against the Jewish community.

Rev. Anthony Evans, president of the NBCI, says, “We are speaking out forcefully against the environment that allows individuals who are not of good will to threaten bodily harm against our Jewish brothers and sisters across the country. We will not tolerate such behavior. The National Black Church Initiative, with its 34,000 churches, wants everyone to understand that our Jewish brothers and sisters are God’s chosen people to interpret the holy Torah, and without their interpretation humanity could be lost.”

He went on to declare, “By touching or harming any of our Jewish brothers and sisters, you are interfering with the will of God. Therefore, all of God’s people, Christians as well as Muslims, condemn these present threats and negative actions against the Jewish community. African Americans are also a part of God’s chosen people and the Jewish community has the same sacred obligation to protect the dignity and the godhead of Christians and Muslims as we are to protect Jews.”

ABOUT NBCI

The National Black Church Initiative (NBCI) is a coalition of 34,000 African American and Latino churches working to eradicate racial disparities in healthcare, technology, education, housing, and the environment. NBCI’s mission is to provide critical wellness information to all of its members, congregants, churches and the public. Our methodology is utilizing faith and sound health science.

NBCI’s purpose is to partner with major organizations and officials whose main mission is to reduce racial disparities in the variety of areas cited above. NBCI offers faith-based, out-of-the-box and cutting edge solutions to stubborn economic and social issues. NBCI’s programs are governed by credible statistical analysis, science based strategies and techniques, and methods that work. Visit our website atwww.naltblackchurch.com.

Business, City, Community, Front

Houston Selected to Participate in National Initiative to Increase Equity and Build Local Pathways to Higher Education and Employment

Leave a comment

The National League of Cities (NLC) selected Houston as one of six cities that will take part in a two year project to explore and build equitable pathways to post-secondary and workforce success. The mayors of each participating city have made a commitment to increasing access and decreasing barriers that prevent youth from succeeding in higher education and gaining meaningful employment. Houston’s efforts will focus on the Hire Houston Youth (HHY) program.

“Workforce programs and summer employment can decrease the likelihood that a youngster will drop out of school, they help ensure we have an able and ready workforce and set youth on the path to long-term careers,” said Mayor Sylvester Turner.  “Despite these benefits, less than a third of American teenagers held a job last summer and their participation in the workforce is at an historic low. This year’s goal is to provide 5,000 summer jobs for local youth. I’m calling on our business community to help us get to this goal by hiring and paying a HHY summer applicant. If you don’t have a spot, you can pledge $2,500 to sponsor a youth’s salary, training and benefits at a government agency or a nonprofit organization.”

HHY provides local youth ages 16-24 with at least a seven week summer job or internship experience from mid-June through the first week of August.  In preparation for job placement, applicants will attend workforce readiness training one week prior to their start date.  Students will work up to 40 hours a week for seven weeks, earning at least $8 an hour.  The program is part of the mayor’s vision to create complete communities in historically underserved neighborhoods.

Cities are the economic engines of our nation. In understanding this role as economic drivers, mayors and other city partners – including representatives from city workforce, economic development and education – will be working together to ensure access to education and employment for all citizens with the ultimate goal of building vibrant local economies. To reach this goal, cities need clear pathways to college and postsecondary programs that are responsive to regional workforce needs. The value of a college educated community brings both personal and city-wide benefits.

Through its Institute for Youth, Education, and Families and with support from The Kresge Foundation, and LinkedIn, NLC will bring together city leaders from the government, education and business sectors and national experts that will help Houston develop strategies and expand the city’s efforts. The city will also have access to labor market trends in hiring as well as insights on education pathways and key skill sets leading to employment from LinkedIn. For more information, call 832.393.0800.

The six cities chosen to participate as NLC cohort include Austin, Texas; Charleston, South Carolina; Corpus Christi, Texas; Houston, Texas; Jacksonville, Florida and Nashville, Tennessee.

City, Community

Memorial Park Receives Lone Star Legacy Designation From Texas Recreation and Park Society

Leave a comment

Memorial Park became one of five Texas parks honored with the designation as a Lone Star Legacy Park by the Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS) during a ceremony at the association’s annual institute in Irving, Texas, on March 1, 2017.

“Memorial Park becomes the fourth park in our system to receive the Lone Star Legacy designation. It joins Hermann Park, Emancipation Park, and Sam Houston Park in receiving this prestigious acknowledgement,” said Joe Turner, Director, Houston Parks and Recreation Department. “We are honored that Memorial Park’s historic significance has been recognized by the Texas Recreation and Park Society.”

A Lone Star Legacy Park is classified as a park that holds special prominence in the local community and the State of Texas. To qualify for consideration, the park must have endured the test of time and become iconic to those who have visited, played and rested on its grounds. Nominated parks must be a minimum of 50 years old and have to meet at least one of the following criteria:

  • The property represents distinctive design and/or construction.
  • The park is associated with historic events or sites.
  • The park is associated with events specific to the local community/state.
  • The park is home to unique natural features.

Memorial Park was established in 1924. Its 1,503 acres were sold at cost to the City of Houston by William and Mike Hogg, sons of James Stephen Hogg, the former governor of Texas. The Park’s creation was in response to letters to the editor of the Houston Chronicle, first from Ilona Benda and later from Catherine Mary Emmott, beseeching the City to consider a park in tribute to the soldiers who trained at Houston’s Camp Logan and the many who died in World War I.

At the behest of philanthropist Ima Hogg, sister to the Hogg brothers, several stalwart protectors of park lands (Terry Hershey, Frank C. Smith, Jr., Sadie Gwin Blackburn, Dr. John D. Staub, and Sarah Emmott) were charged with protecting Memorial Park from encroachments and development concepts ranging from a fish hatchery to the Astrodome to oil drilling. This group of advocates, through efforts led by Claire Caudill, morphed over time to become the Memorial Park Conservancy, a 501c3 that works in conjunction with the City of Houston to care for the Park.

The five parks receiving the honor in the sixth year of the Texas Recreation and Parks Society statewide program include Parque Zaragoza, Austin; Kiest Park, Dallas; Tandy Hills Natural Area, Fort Worth; Kempner Park, Galveston; Memorial Park, Houston; and Cypress Bend Park, New Braunfels.

About the Texas Recreation and Park Society (TRAPS)
TRAPS is a non-profit 501c3 professional and educational organization founded 75 years ago with a membership of over 2,000 professionals. TRAPS is committed to advancing the field of parks, recreation and leisure services in Texas, while advocating for enhanced recreation opportunities and the increase of public green space for Texans. www.traps.org.

About the Houston Parks and Recreation Department
The Houston Parks and Recreation Department (H.P.A.R.D.) stewards and manages over 37,851 acres of parkland and greenspace for the City of Houston and develops and implements recreational programming for citizens of all abilities. For more information on the Houston Parks and Recreation Department, call (832) 395-7022 or visit www.houstonparks.org.  

African American History, Community, Education

Mayor Turner and First Daughter Celebrate Black History Month with Free “Hidden Figures” Screenings for 3,000 Students

Leave a comment

Mayor Sylvester Turner and First Daughter Ashley Turner hosted free viewings of the award-winning movie “Hidden Figures” for nearly 3,000 students from area school districts over the last two weeks. The film’s plot focuses on female African-American mathematicians at NASA, specifically Katherine Johnson, who calculated flight trajectories for Project Mercury and the 1969 Apollo 11 flight to the moon.

“We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate Black History Month than to expose students to the story of Katherine Johnson and her pivotal role in American history,” said Mayor Turner. “I hope the students learned that no matter their environment, if they stay focused and push forward, they can do something as amazing and transformative as sending a man or woman into space.  I want to thank our generous sponsors and my Director of Education Juliet Stipeche and Director of Community Relations Janice Weaver for making this project happen.”

“Our children are our future,” said Ashley Turner. “We don’t only want to talk about believing in them, but we also want to demonstrate that we care by investing in them and providing resources. This experience provided 3,000 students and teachers from 28 area schools the opportunity to have a learning experience outside the classroom that taught them valuable life lessons of perseverance, determination and collaboration.”

Before viewing the movie, the students watched a short welcome video in which the mayor and the First Daughter talked about the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).   It is estimated that by 2018, there could be 2.4 million unfulfilled (STEM) jobs.

“Thank you for making the adventure occur for our young Lions!  They were all talking about the impact the movie had on them and how it was one of the best kept secrets about science,” said Kenneth Davis, principal of Jack Yates High School.

“Excellent movie,” said Agnes Perry, principal of Michael DeBakey High School for Health Professions. “Our students enjoyed the presentation and mentioned that they were inspired, especially our young ladies. They felt empowered. I want to thank Mayor Turner for providing the opportunity for our students to see the movie and experience a hidden part of history.”

“As an educator, I have often seen how financial constraints prevent students from luxuries such as going to a movie theater and viewing a film,” said Charlotte Harris, assistant principal of Milby High School. “You not only made it possible for students to experience going to a movie theater, but through this experience, you also opened their eyes to a world of endless possibilities.  Thank you for providing our students with the opportunity to get a glimpse into history and see the profound impact education can have on one’s future.”

The mayor’s first young ambassador, Yash Semlani also attended a viewing and addressed the crowd. Students were treated not only to a free screening but also had popcorn, drinks and a snack, and they walked the red carpet. The tickets were graciously donated by African American business leaders who partnered with Fandango for special viewings across the country. In Houston, sponsors included the American Express CEO Kenneth Chenault, former Major League Baseball executive Jimmie Lee Solomon, New York investment bankers Bill Lewis and Charles Phillips, Horizon Group International Vice President Al Kashani, I’m Ready Productions CEO Je’Caryous Johnson and Martye Kendrick of Johnson Petrov.

Business, Community, Health

 HeartLinks Impacts Houston’s heart health

Leave a comment

(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.

Business, Community, Education, Front

Senator Miles Raises Concerns of Lack of African American Representation on UT Board Nominations Governor Abbott’s UT nominations lack diversity

Leave a comment

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.

Community, Front

Jackson-Lee holds health care rally

Leave a comment

divider

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
1919 Smith Street
Houston, TX 77002

Business, Community, Front

Deferred property tax payments announced

Leave a comment
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.  Taxes accumulate with 8 percent interest per year.  The law extends the tax deferral to the surviving spouse of the person who deferred taxes on the homestead if the surviving spouse was at least 55 years old when the deceased spouse died.

“Homeowners who are 65 or older or disabled also should be sure they have applied for and received the appropriate homestead exemptions.   These exemptions will reduce future tax burdens, and the tax savings from homestead exemptions are theirs to keep,” said Chief Appraiser Roland Altinger.

A filed tax deferral affidavit keeps homeowners from losing their homesteads because of delinquent property taxes.  A pending sale to foreclose on the homestead’s tax lien will also cease as a result of filing a tax deferral affidavit.  In addition, no taxing unit can start or continue a lawsuit to collect delinquent taxes once an affidavit is filed.  There are no penalties on delinquent taxes during the deferral period; however, a tax deferral does not cancel penalties that were already due.

“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.  Most deeds of trust require that taxes be paid currently,” Altinger said. 

All deferred taxes and interest become due when the homeowner or surviving spouse no longer qualifies for the exemption.  If the tax debt remains unpaid at that time, penalties may be imposed and taxing units may take legal action to collect the past due amount.

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. Information can also be found online at www.hcad.org under “Resources > General Information > Frequently Asked Questions – Tax Deferrals.”  Information is also available on the Comptroller’s Property Tax Assistance Division’s website at www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/proptax/.

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.  The district has more than 1.7 million parcels of property to assess each year with a total market value of approximately $556 billion.  The appraisal district in Harris County is the largest in Texas, serving approximately 500 taxing units, and one of the largest appraisal districts in the United States.  For further information, visit www.hcad.org.