Black History
Missouri City to Host 5th Annual Black History Month Celebrations
HOUSTON FORWARD TIMES — The festivities will kick off on Wednesday, February 13
By Jeffrey L. Boney
Continuing its tradition of celebrating culture and diversity in the community, Missouri City will host its 5th Annual Black History Month Celebrations on Wednesday, February 13 through Friday, February 16.
The festivities will kick off on Wednesday, February 13 with “An Evening Celebration of Art & Artists” in the premier Visitors Center, located at 1522 Texas Pkwy., from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Guests will enjoy the works of artists Ted Ellis, best known for his African American themed art and styles which blend elements of folk art, naturalism and impressionism, and Amy Cassidy whose jewel toned pigments combined with a hard glassy resin coating create a very unique painting that is like jewelry on walls.
The evening will also consist of discussions with both artists, food, beverages and musical entertainment provided by Regional Jazz Saxophonist, Theresa Grayson.
The Black History Month Heritage Committee, a community organization, is also hosting a local celebration on Friday, February 15, beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Residents and stakeholders are invited to attend the committee’s Black History Month Celebration Gala being held at the Community Center, 1522 Texas Pkwy. Sponsored through the Fort Bend Academy of Arts & Dance, the event’s theme is, “A Celebration of Firsts.” Guests will enjoy an evening of dining, dancing, music and fellowship and will celebrate the lives of individuals who have succeeded as the “firsts” in their field while paving the way for others. A reception will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the Gala will follow at 7 p.m.
Then, on Saturday, February 16, Missouri City will host its traditional program in the Community Center featuring a local business showcase, a cultural tasting with Micheaux’s and The Greatest BBQ, a dance showcase with the Fort Bend Academy of Arts & Dance, a comedy showcase with acclaimed performers Ali Siddiq and Lil Darrel and the first-ever youth poetry slam with presentations from students across the region that will be judged by Pamela Plumbar-Holliman, who is Vice President of the Board of Directors for the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum and Andre “Self the Poet” Burrell, a nationally ranked poet whose style is equal parts intelligent, captivating, and profound.

Comedian Ali Siddiq
“We’re proud to see our Black History Month tradition continue to recognize African American culture and accomplishments showcasing the tremendous historical contributions of local legends, including our area youth,” said City Manager Anthony J. Snipes. “This year’s events will be top-notch and we look forward to hosting residents and stakeholders from across the region.”
Black History Month partners include H-E-B, Comcast, CenterPoint Energy, Niagara, Trammel Crow, BlueCross BlueShield of Texas, the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), Fort Bend Academy of Arts & Dance (FBAAD), Micheaux’s Diner & Catering, INC., The Greatest BBQ, Chopping Board Catering and Cajun Pits Catering.
This article originally appeared in the Houston Forward Times.
Activism
Oakland Post: Week of June 4 – 10, 2025
The printed Weekly Edition of the Oakland Post: Week of June 4-10, 2025

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Activism
Remembering George Floyd
BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE — Minnesota State Attorney General Keith Ellison acknowledges that the Floyd case five years ago involved a situation in which due process was denied, and five years later, the president is currently dismissing “due process. “The Minnesota Atty General also says, “Trump is trying to attack constitutional rule, attacking congressional authority and judicial decision-making.” George Floyd was an African American man killed by police who knocked on his neck and on his back, preventing him from breathing.

By April Ryan
BlackPressUSA Newswire
“The president’s been very clear he has no intentions of pardoning Derek Chauvin, and it’s not a request that we’re looking at,” confirms a senior staffer at the Trump White House. That White House response results from public hope, including from a close Trump ally, Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. The timing of Greene’s hopes coincides with the Justice Department’s recent decision to end oversight of local police accused of abuse. It also falls on the fifth anniversary of the police-involved death of George Floyd on May 25th. The death sparked national and worldwide outrage and became a transitional moment politically and culturally, although the outcry for laws on police accountability failed.
The death forced then-Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden to focus on deadly police force and accountability. His efforts while president to pass the George Floyd Justice in policing act failed. The death of George Floyd also put a spotlight on the Black community, forcing then-candidate Biden to choose a Black woman running mate. Kamala Harris ultimately became vice president of the United States alongside Joe Biden. Minnesota State Attorney General Keith Ellison prosecuted the cases against the officers involved in the death of Floyd. He remembers,” Trump was in office when George Floyd was killed, and I would blame Trump for creating a negative environment for police-community relations. Remember, it was him who said when the looting starts, the shooting starts, it was him who got rid of all the consent decrees that were in place by the Obama administration.”
In 2025, Police-involved civilian deaths are up by “about 100 to about 11 hundred,” according to Ellison. Ellison acknowledges that the Floyd case five years ago involved a situation in which due process was denied, and five years later, the president is currently dismissing “due process. “The Minnesota Atty General also says, “Trump is trying to attack constitutional rule, attacking congressional authority and judicial decision-making.” George Floyd was an African-American man killed by police who knocked on his neck and on his back, preventing him from breathing. During those minutes on the ground, Floyd cried out for his late mother several times. Police subdued Floyd for an alleged counterfeit $20 bill.
Activism
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