By: Mike LaFirenza The American dream of homeownership often begins with a starter home—a manageable property that allows young adults and families to establish roots, build equity, and lay the groundwork for fi nancial security. This initial step on the property ladder fuels the housing market and strengthens the economy by creating a generation of invested homeowners. However, finding an affordable starter home has become increasingly challenging in recent times. With historically low inventory and major affordability hurdles, homeownership in the U.S. has become an uphill battle.   Alt ..read more

[Photo: Paras Griffin/Getty] In a delightful twist that combines love and music, Nelly and Ashanti, two titans of the R&B world, have shared some joyous personal news—they are expecting their first child together. This announcement has sent waves of excitement through their fan bases and the music industry alike.   Ashanti, at 43, is embracing an exciting new chapter in her life. Known for her soulful voice and profound lyrics, she has always expressed a deep connection with her audience. Now, she’s ready to connect on a new level as she prepares for motherhood. Her revelation came wi ..read more

By Megan Brown MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Ensign Rita Doakes, a native of Houston, Texas, FROM 11AM TO 4PM recently graduated from the U.S. Navy’s Limited Duty O cer/Chief Warrant O cer (LDO/CWO) School. On Apr. 12. Doakes, a Richard Milburn Academy graduate, joined the Navy 14 years ago. “I joined the Navy for  financial stability, to travel the world and to be the difference,” said Doakes. “I am the  first military officer in my family.”  e skills and values needed to succeed in the Navy are similar to those found in Houston. “Growing up, I learned to lead by example, even if it mean ..read more

By: SH-FBISD News The FBISD Board of Trustees approved the appointments of two deputy superintendents and a  finance director at the Monday Agenda Review meeting. Dr. Jaretha Jordan was named Deputy Superintendent of Teaching and Learning, Kathleen Brown was named Deputy Superintendent of Operations, and Juan Zamora was named Director of Finance. “ ese extremely capable, experienced leaders are all resultsoriented, collaborative team players who bring a wealth of knowledge, vision and integrity to the roles, “FBISD Superintendent Dr. Marc Smith said. “I expect them to achieve great things ..read more

By: Travis McGee On June 1, 2023, the Texas Education Agency (T.E.A.) took full control of the Houston Independent School District. Even though we have been historically underfunded by the State of Texas, our taxes make up approximately 90% of HISD’s budget.  This does not include the fact that additional monies in the hundreds of millions (known as RECAPTURE) have to be sent back since we are considered a property-rich state. How was the state able to take over the largest school district in the state of Texas, you might ask?  The state was able to do so through horrible legislation ..read more

Is there economic justice in the City of Houston’s prime contracting processes?  e City of Houston has never had an inclusive diverse system of awarding contracts. No doubt about it, former Mayor Lee P. Brown was Houston’s most inclusive multi-cultural leader in the past   y years. Mayor Brown’s Atlanta experience was the national role model for Blacks businesses being included in contracting opportunities. God has said: “Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.”   (Deuteronomy 28: 6). Evidently, the City of Houston does not belie ..read more

About 1 in 36 children and 1 in 45 adults in the U.S. are autistic.  e Autism Spectrum Disorder affects how a person interacts with others, causing social obstacles and communication difficulties. Characterized by verbal and nonverbal impediments, and the presence of repetitive behavior or restricted interests, autism leads to self-isola- tion, educational and wellbeing challenges and exposes the individual to bullying and depression.   Autism spectrum disorder begins in early childhood. Many children show symptoms of autism within their first year, others not until they are two or t ..read more

By: Vera Baker Eliza Ann Robertson was born on April 4 1924, in Keatchie, Louisiana to Sam and Laura Collins. She attended Flower Hill School in Grand Cane, Louisiana. She moved to Houston’s Acres Home community in 1952. She’s the mother to 10 children: 4 girls, 6 boys. She’s the grandmother to 25, and the great grandmother of 17. She still drives, even though her children chauffeur her where she needs to go. She loves to  sh, socialize, and attend church. She’s been a life-long active member at Greater Zion MBC, 1620 DollyWright in the heart of the Acres Homes Community since 1960, for o ..read more

By: Shelley McKinley The newest Port Commissioner of the Port of Houston Authority is  Thomas Jones, Jr. He joins six other Commissioners and has the responsibility of setting policies and guiding executive staff to ensure that Port Houston continues to be a strategic leader for the Houston Ship Channel. Following a unanimous appointment from City Council, Jones was recently sworn in by Mayor John Whitmire at a Swearing-inCeremony held at Davis Street at Hermann Park. The event included remarks by State Senator Carol Alvarado, Mayor Pro-Tem Martha Castex-Tatum, and Mayor John Whitmire. “W ..read more

[Photo: Mike Coppola/Getty Images] In the world of celebrity philanthropy, few shine as brightly as Robyn Rihanna Fenty, better known as Rihanna. Beyond her formidable presence in music, fashion, and business, Rihanna has carved a niche for herself as a dedicated humanitarian, using her fame and resources to effect significant social change. Her philanthropic ventures span various causes, from education to emergency response, reflecting her deep commitment to global betterment.   Rihanna’s philanthropic endeavors are channeled primarily through her Clara Lionel Foundation (CLF), establish ..read more