Houston Sun News Service

The Houston media is invited to a press conference on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at 11 a.m. at at the corner of Texas and Hamilton near Minute Maid Baseball Park (501 Crawford) for the announcement of the 8^th Annual African American History Parade and Symposium. 

The 8^th 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.

Crystal Toussant

Contributing Writer

For years people have been anticipating the sequel to Black Panther, but it became even more important with the devastating loss of Chadwick Boseman, the original Black Panther.  When he unexpectantly died of Colon Cancer the world was devastated.  Everyone wondered how Marvel would move on without Boseman who was adored around the world.

Black Panther Wakanda Forever had sold out dozens of theaters before it even premiered garnering an impressive 180 million opening weekend. ″‘Wakanda Forever’ is living up to expectations as not just an important tentpole blockbuster for Disney and movie theaters, but also a memorial to Chadwick Boseman that fans are sharing and experiencing together,” said Shawn Robbins, chief analyst at BoxOffice.com.

Movie Goers all over the world were having themed Wakanda Forever parties.  Houston is no different. The Wakanda Forever Red-Carpet 3D Experience was a great success on opening night.  Chandra Whittaker led the planning for this awesome event.  They boosted a Live DJ, delicious finger foods, 360 Photo booths, Door Prizes, VIP Swag Bags, Step and Repeat which recognized the event sponsors, and Holographic Special Edition Posters and t-shirts for VIPs only.  This plush event was held at Regal Edwards Greenway Grand Palace Serenx  & RPX Theater at 3839 Wesleyan St. Houston, TX 77027.

Wakanda Forever did not disappoint with a theater full of festively dressed descendants of Africa who were proud to journey to the land of Wakanda again.  The movie was even better and more detailed than Black Panther.    The 3-D experience only intensified the experience.  I know this is another instant classic that many of us will watch countless times.

Students of all ages are invited to take advantage of free immunizations, health screenings, giveaways and live entertainment 

HOUSTON, TX – On Saturday, August 18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Vice Mayor Pro-Tem Jerry Davis, along with Mayor Sylvester Turner, the Black McDonald’s Owner/Operators Association of Greater Houston (BMOA), Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc. Xi Alpha Omega Chapter, W.A.I.I.T, Harris Health, 20.10 Media, 93.7 The Beat, DJ Mr. Rogers, ASWAP and Bread of Life, will host a Backpack Giveaway for Houston area students at Tidwell Park, 9720 Spaulding St, Houston, TX 77016.

Students of all ages are invited to attend this free event with their families to gear up for the upcoming school year with immunizations, boy’s haircuts, health screenings, dental hygiene kits, and furniture, clothing, shoes, school supplies and backpack giveaways. Families attending the event will also enjoy food and beverages provided by local area McDonald’s owner/operators, family-friendly games, face painting, a concert from 20.10 Media and an appearance by DJ Mr. Rogers.

“Education is incredibly important for the young people in our community,” said Jerry Davis, Vice Mayor Pro-Tem and Council Member of District B. “We’re excited to help families and students prepare for the upcoming school year and have teamed up with sponsors and supporters to give out free school supplies and food while everyone enjoys music and games.” 

“The black McDonald’s owner/operators of Greater Houston are proud to partner once again with Mayor Pre Tem Davis to support this great event,” said BMOA President Dave Moss. “As local business people, we are deeply invested in our communities and want to make sure these children to have every opportunity to succeed in pursing their education.”

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee Hosts House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi at the Moms Summit to Address the ‘For the People Agenda’

Washington, DC –Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, a senior member of the House Committees on the Judiciary, Homeland Security, and Budget, and Ranking Member of House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations, will convene interested stakeholders for the Moms Summit: Addressing the Needs of America’s Families with House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi.  Today in America, moms face a plethora of issues that directly impact on their ability to raise happy, healthy families.  From the rising costs of healthcare premiums, to the need to increase pay through strong economic growth, to the belief that elected officials are not responsive to the needs of its constituents, there are many facets to raising families which concern today’s mothers.  These are separate and apart from the everyday concerns attendant to motherhood: like the quality of neighborhood schools, crime rates in communities and the cost of sending children to college.  Join Congresswoman Jackson Lee, together with Leader Pelosi, to discuss Democrats’ ‘For the People’ agenda that advances solutions to the challenges facing today’s mother’s and families. Registration is required for this event.  If you are interested in participating, please register at https://momssummit2018.eventbrite.com/

WHO:          Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee together with House Democratic LeaderNancy Pelosi. 

WHAT:       Join experts, academics and elected officials to discuss solutions for the challenges facing today’s mothers and their families.

WHEN:        Wednesday, August 15, 2018, 10:00 a.m.

WHERE:     Houston Community College – Central

1300 Holman Street

                        Houston, Texas 77004

  CELEBRATING THE HISTORY OF TEXAS

  (Ms. JACKSON LEE asked and was given permission to address the House

for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)

  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I have often come to this floor to remind my colleagues of the devastation that the people of Texas have experienced with Hurricane Harvey. I certainly don’t intend to ignore our other friends in the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, Florida, and California who have experienced their own devastation, along with Louisiana.

  But I am excited today, Mr. Speaker, because I am introducing a bill that celebrates the history of Texas. H.R. 4745 is the emancipation national historic trail. Many people know that the Emancipation Proclamation was not heard in Texas but for 2 years later in 1865. This emancipation national historic trail recounts the journey of many of those individuals: freed slaves going from the Osterman Building and Reedy Chapel in Galveston, Texas; along Texas State Highway 3, Interstate Highway 45 North, Freedmen’s Town, and Emancipation Park in Houston, Texas; following the migration route of newly freed slaves and other persons of African descent; from the major 19th century seaport of Galveston.

  It is a collaboration with people from both parties throughout the community. It is one of unity, Mr. Speaker. It is one where we are coming together.

  I look forward to passing this legislation with my colleagues-Republicans and Democrats–because it is a celebration of the history of Texas.”