Post by Rosemarie Robotham, Essence Magazine
On Saturday, Glenn Beck said, “This is a day that we can start the heart of America again … it has nothing to do with politics. It has everything to …

Without cutting corners, I heard somebody say, which may be true or not, but the reason Brian Ezike, the alleged suspect in the murder of Jaylon Calloway at Club 20/20 on Leeland Street was let out of jail on bond, because among other reasons, he didn’t have a previous criminal history. Just plain common sense dictates, if you apprehend a suspect for a heinous crime like unprovoked murder, and you captured him or her already in the process of avoiding apprehension, I would come to the conclusion that this person is a threat to flight. He didn’t turn himself in; he was evading arrest when captured.

This July will see the return of singer/producer and actress Mary J. Blige to the ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL, set for July 2, 3 and 4 in New Orleans. Not only will the Queen of Hip-Hop soul and nine-time Grammy winner serve as one of the ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL’s headliners, this year she will also take on the role as the festival’s official spokesperson in the months leading up to the annual weekend of entertainment and empowerment.

Officials at Houston Independent School District (H.I.S.D.), if you take this article personally, good, because that’s exactly what I want you to do. With all the Ph. D’s in your mist, why are you continuously promoting the same old curriculums, and spending wasted time and energy on preparing for the dreaded TAAS tests?

The Texas Women’s Empowerment Foundation (TWEF) will host “You Can Win In 2010” with International Author and World’s Leading Motivator Les Brown of Les Brown Enterprises on Monday, January 11, 2010; 6:30 p.m. at The Empowerment Center, 8333 Sweetwater Ln, Houston, TX 77037. This evening will be a time of empowerment, inspiration, and ignition as The World’s Leading Motivator, Les Brown gives the tools, directions and energy needed to create the momentum necessary for Winning in 2010. Dr. Margaret Ford-Fisher, President of Houston Community College Northeast, whose passion for education and lifelong learning has proven to be a vital force in the national and international educational community, will also be a guest speaker on this night of empowerment.

It’s time to buy your tickets for the only place to be July 4th weekend! Tickets go on sale today for the ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL, which returns to New Orleans July 2, 3 and 4, 2010. This year, the ultimate destination for entertainment, empowerment, culture and community celebrated its 15th anniversary with a record-breaking 428,000 attendees. Next year, in honor of the 40th anniversary of ESSENCE Magazine, the annual weekend of entertainment and inspiration promises to be better than ever, and will feature special weekend ticket packages ranging from $159-$3000 to commemorate the magazine’s milestone year. The packages are as follows

The Ensemble Theatre hosts a holiday food drive November 1-December 27, 2009 as part of its Theatre Speaks: A Discussion and Civic Engagement Series.

On Thursday, September 17, 2009, Houston Style Magazine was on hand at the Quarterly Community Partnership Breakfast at the South Union Church of Christ. It is the largest community partnership breakfast in Houston since 2000.

Students and staff at Marshall High School celebrated their success at being designated a “Recognized” campus by the Texas Education Agency by holding a Flag Raising Ceremony on September 2.

Constables are responsible for prompt and accurate delivery of civil documents within their respective jurisdictions. Constables are also granted the powers of every law enforcement agency in the State of Texas, depending how creative they are in the manifestation of this awesome power. Believe me, Constables have a great deal of flexibility in law enforcement .I know from personal experience serving as captain under the great Constable A. B. Chambers.

Today I end a 36-year career in public education and my tenure as superintendent of schools for the Houston Independent School District. The emotions are bittersweet. While I will enjoy more time with my family, I will miss the great people that have made HISD one of the best public school systems in the country.

Fireworks at the Sylvester Turner Park on Saturday, September 5, 2009. It is highly unusual that northwest Houston gets a fireworks show so Rep. Turner is really wanting to spread the word so families who have not been able to experience fireworks can do so first hand right in their community.

If you like good food, a good time and a chance to meet your neighbors – all for a good cause, then you’ll want to attend Missouri City’s 26th annual National Night Out on Tues., Oct. 6. Missouri City neighborhoods will be joining communities throughout Texas for the state-wide event that encourages residents to get involved in their community through a series of block parties that build community spirit.

Now in its third year of circulation, the Houston Black Book African American Business Directory will host its second bi-annual “IN THE BLACK” Black Business Empowerment Summit, Saturday, August 22, from 9a to 3p at the Koinonia Community Center, 3229-A Hadley Ave. @ Tierwester in Houston’s Historic Third Ward. The theme for this summit is a return to the glory days of Black Wall Street.

From marquee foundations dispensing the fortunes of corporate titans, to family foundations supporting causes close to a founder’s heart, to community foundations striving to make a difference at home, the philanthropic sector offers vast resources to tackle the world’s most pressing problems.

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) has released a new book to guide community-based organizations through the challenging processes of raising awareness and funding for worthy causes through special events. Putting together an amazing event on any budget takes lots of planning, resources and forethought.

What started out as a “Family Oriented Event” at Texas Southern University, turned into a life and death struggle among the thousands in attendance fleeing for cover from an onslaught of gunfire from unknown assailants around 8:45 P.M. , July 22, 2009 on the campus of the University.

Do you know an outstanding college female who excels in academics and is committed to improving the well being of her community? Encourage her to apply for the Texas Conference for Women scholarship!

We as Blacks draw upon different pools of knowledge and experiences that leave us to believe the myths that society has perpetuated. These myths are ruining our community. It is time that these myths are dispelled. In a series of articles I will began dispelling the myths that have kept us bound to negative beliefs.

The Fort Bend Pastors Association and community leaders are standing up to fight for Thurgood Marshall High School’s Electronic Engineering Academy! On Saturday, July 11, 2009, leaders in the Fort Bend Community, such as United States Congressman Al Green, State Senator Rodney Ellis, State Representative Dora Olivo, County Commissioner Grady Prestage, Councilwoman Cynthia Lenton-Gary, Councilwoman Wanda Adams, Constable Ruben Davis, Judge Joel Clouser, and Attorney Ron Reynolds, President of the Missouri City & Vicinity Branch of the NAACP will join the Fort Bend Pastors Association and key stakeholders in a “March for Marshall High School.”