“Kids are suffering. If I can be a voice for that, then here I am,” said Anthony Hamilton, Grammy award winning R&B singer and new national spokesman for the National Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA). He joined CASA to bring awareness to the neglected children in the community and the world.

Hamilton is looking for a few good African American men to be mentors to the more than 152, 000 African American children in the United States child welfare system. Currently, there are only 8,400 volunteers.

Rev. Dr. Terrance D. Grant-Malone, the dynamic pastor of the St. John Missionary Baptist Church on Dowling, said, “Without struggle, there is no progress.” Since its inception in August 1899, the church has endured its share of hardships, but because of the solid foundation on which it was built, it stands today as a testimony and symbol of the kingdom of God on earth. The church was established during an era when the accumulation of material possessions was not as it is today, but the faith of the small group of charter members was so unmovable that it official has been designated as a Texas Historical Marker. The dedication ceremony of the historical marker was held on Sunday, August 22, 2010, at 3:30 P.M.

There is help for those who find themselves financially strapped. There is help for those who are disabled and handicapped. There is help for those who need someone to interfere or come between the affairs of another for modification, an intervention.

Gray hair and beard, skullcap – which hot celebrity has gone retro in his style? OMG, it’s Ice Cube! He has gone old man on us, America! There is, however, no need to distress. He has assumed this look for a character he plays in his latest movie, “Lottery Ticket” of which he is also the executive producer.

It may not be a national holiday, but the first day of school might as well be. Some children await the arrival of this day with the same anticipation as they do Christmas. They are unable to sleep on Christmas Eve and the day before the first day of school as they await the arrival of Santa Clause and the new school year. New clothing is purchased (even though it will be uniforms more often than not) as it is done on Easter.

African Americans are leading in the race to our graves. Although African Americans make up only about 12% of the population of the United States, they account for up to 32% of renal disease victims. Of all ethnicities, African Americans are the most likely to develop renal disease and they acquire the illness at an earlier age.

As she approached the stage at the St. Louis Convention Center, the diminutive Carolyn House Stewart of Tampa, Florida was poised and ready to take the helm of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA) on Thursday, July 16, 2010, at the sorority’s biannual weeklong conference as the 28th president of this historic international organization.

How is a seed like a child? With a little TLC, they both grow to be strong and sturdy. Plants a seed in fertile soil, provide an adequate supply of water, and watch it grow. After conception and birth, a child that is given proper nutrients, shelter, and abounding love from parents and the communal village will, just like a seed, grow to be powerful.

Mary J. Blige joined a long a list of celebrities who looked over their life and realized something was missing. They had the power and frame but not the education. Many of them, like her, went back to school to get their General Educational Development or GED, the high school equivalent of a diploma.

Childhood is advantageous! During this period of life children have no real responsibilities. Children, for the most part, do not have to worry from where their next meal will come or who will provide their shelter. Fun is always on their menu. On the other hand being an adult is beset with apprehension unless you are Sean Davis.

My country ‘tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty. An examination of these lines brings about a reflection on the greatness of our glorious and wonderful country. We come to appreciate the beauty of America, and holidays like Independence Day reinforce our thankfulness for being at this place and at this time.

In life, some things are just meant to be. If trials or obstacles are placed in the way, destiny will not be deterred. It must have been the fate of the Alabama trio known as the Bama Boyz to be the producers of Beyonce’s “Why Do You Love Me?” for they faced hurdles, road blocks, and detours, but still they made it to the finish line.

The nature of competition makes the opponents better than they would be if there were none. When there is competition the strategies to win results in improvement of original ideas and a better product. Such was the case for Percy Creuzot, Jr.

“I was shocked!” was Morgan Ned’s, immediate reaction after winning the title of Miss Black Texas USA Talented Teen. “All the contestants were so talented.” The former Miss Black Cypress USA Talented Teen reigned supremely at the Annual Miss Black Texas USA Talented Teen.

Twelve years of hard work paid off for millions of high school students who are a part of the class of 2010. All of the studying in late night sessions, balancing after school activities with academics, and going the extra mile are among the trials the students endured.

Anatole France once stated, “To accomplish great things, we must not only act, but also dream; not only plan, but also believe.” Wow! Seems like just yesterday I was walking across the stage at my high school graduation, taking pictures with everyone, laughing and smiling, I was really anxious for the next four years of “higher education” that everyone spoke of.

Just like the words of one of the more popular songs she sung, ‘gloom and misery is everywhere,’ Why? The sexy, sultry, legendary talent Lena Horne has died. That melodic voice that made men quiver is never to be heard.

While there is still much to do in this new era of new mindsets and new opportunities, we are proud of the phenomenal success our organization has enjoyed and the great strides that we have made in building the Texas Black Expo into MUCH more than just the largest African American tradeshow in Texas.

The Greater Houston Area Health Education Center (GHAHEC) hosted the inaugural United Against Childhood Obesity Conference (UAOC) this week. The four-day conference was designed to unite the stakeholders investing in the common goal of improving the overall health of our children.

To celebrate Minority Health Week, Houston Style Magazine and the City of Houston Department of Health and Human Services will host the 4th Annual Houston Multicultural Health Festival on Saturday, April 24, 2010 from (10:00 am – 4:00 pm.)