HBCU's Receive More than $6.8 Million in Aid

WASHINGTON – United States Senator Mary L. Landrieu, D-La., today announced that six schools in Louisiana received more than $6.8 million as a part of the U.S. Department of Education’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Institutional Aid Program.
“I have long supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities and fought to provide them with the resources they need to build up their facilities and academic programs,” said Sen. Landrieu. “Louisiana has a rich tradition of strong HBCUs. The funding awarded today will allow these schools to continue to grow, both physically and academically to provide a better education for their students.”
The purpose of the HBCU Program is to provide financial assistance to establish or strengthen academic resources, financial management, endowments and physical plants to enhance these academic institutions.
The following HBCUs that received grants from the U.S. Department of Education:
• Dillard University will receive $863,050
• Grambling State University will receive $1.2 million
• Southern University and A&M College will receive nearly $1.6 million
• Southern University at Shreveport will receive $946,102
• Southern University at New Orleans will receive $1 million
• Xavier University will receive more than $1.1 million

SETX Women Author Book of Advice

Beaumont, Texas – From mayors to homemakers, from leaders in business to leaders in areas of faith, women across Southeast Texas have taken part in the production and illustration of Just So You Know, a book of sage advice that a mother, or mother figure, would give to the younger woman in her life.
"Just So You Know- Spicy Wisdom for Young Christian Women" will make its debut in Beaumont at a reception and book-signing scheduled from 6:30 to 8:30 pm on Thursday, Oct. 14, at the Art Museum of Southeast Texas, 500 Main St. Among the contributing authors and photographic models participating in the event are: Becky Ames, Beaumont city mayor; Pat Avery, HR and communications manager; Shari Griffin, music teacher and children’s choir director; and Lindsay Clark, pastor and 2009 Mrs. Texas United States.
The book is the brainchild of Pamela Stovall and Karen Bourdier, women who are active both in the community and in their church. The two worked with a broad and diverse group of women from Southeast Texas and beyond, asking each to write an essay answering one important question: “What do you wish someone had told you when you were younger?”
The result is a small, hardcover book featuring 28 short, easy-to-read essays, all beautifully illustrated with Bourdier’s photography that features some of the authors as well as even more women and young girls from the Golden Triangle. The essays run the gamut, from pointed advice about how to dress and act in certain situations to thoughtful discussions about the attitudes needed to successfully navigate life.
All proceeds from the $20 purchase price will go to Sacred Covenant Ministries and will be used for the ministry’s efforts to strengthen families.
Further information about the book, including the names of all the contributing authors and models in the photographs, can be found on Facebook by searching on the full title of the book, Just So You Know – Spicy Wisdom for Young Christian Women. Pamela Stovall - 409-755-4476 Karen Bourdier - 409-898-2026

NAACP Symposium Provides Wealth of Information

Knowledge is power was the theme of the NAACP Symposium held Saturday at Cathedral of Faith Baptist Church. And everyone who was present left empowered with lots of great information. A panel of attorneys including Terrence Holmes, Langston Adam, James Payne, and Melody Chappell as well as Judge Duce Jones and others addressed topics that included employment and labor law, racial profiling and wills and estate planning.

Take Yourself and a Loved One to the Doctor Day

The annual Take Yourself and a Loved One to the Doctor Day was held Saturday at Mt. Gilead Baptist Church. The event provides free cholesterol, blood pressure and other health screenings as well as information on resources and groups in the community. The event will also be held in Cheek Tuesday and Port Arthur on Saturday.It is sponsored by Jefferson County Commissioners Bo Alfred and Michael Shane Sinegal.

Pink Shopping Cards On Sale Now

You will be seeing lots of pink in the next few weeks as the Pink Shopping Card campaign is underway. The card gives buyers 20 percent off of goods at more than 600 participating merchants in the Golden Triangle. It costs $50. It can be used Oct. 21 through Nov. 7. Proceeds will be used to support breast cancer awareness education and provide free mammograms to those who can't afford it.The campaign will culminate with an Evening with Marie Osmond. I'm on the Pink Shopping Card publicity committee so cards can be purchased from me or you can go to giftoflifebmt.org

HBCU Pride on Display

Black College graduates from Southern, Prairie View, Grambling, Jarvis Christian, and Alcorn wore their school colors and diplayed their pride at the HBCU Mixer Thursday night at D'Vine Wine in Beaumont. The attendees sampled various wines and enjoyed a barbecue dinner and of course talked a little trash about the upcoming football games. The mixer was sponsored by members of the HBCU Alumni Association. Its mission is to support Black Colleges and increase participation in the various alumni groups in the Golden Triangle.

LU Football is Back!

I attended Lamar University's first home football game Saturday in front of more than 16,000 fans. It was a very special night. We arrived early to tailgate and everybody was just so happy and so excited about the return of football after 21 years. Great food. Great people. Great turnout. Great stadium. I can't say enough about how beautiful the Provost Umphrey Stadium is. It's a real show piece for Southeast Texas. And the Cardinals won the game! Go Cardinals!

More Lamar Football

HBCU Alumni Mixer, Sept. 16 at D'Vine Wine

Come join the fun and network with your fellow graduates! The HBCU Alumni Mixer will be held on Thursday, Sept. 16 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at D'Vine Wine Winery, 6755 Phelan Blvd. in Beaumont. Donation is $10 which includes food, wine tastings, and a tour.
The HBCU Alumni mixer is for all graduates or those who attended a Historically Black College. The purpose is to support and promote HBCUs and help in recruiting for the respective alumni associations in the Golden Triangle. For more information, call (832) 428-3461 or (409) 543-4787.

BISD Coach Shows Off his Creative Side

BISD Coach Henry Smith showed off his creative talents Thursday night. His displayed his art work at the Only One Vases art gallery in Beaumont. He's very talented! He has some great pieces. For more information, check him out on facebook.

Beaumont Police 5K Run/Walk

More than 350 people participated in the Beaumont Police Department's Second Annual 5K Run to Remember. The run included a diverse group of people, from the young to the old and various ethnicities.I had a great time! It was a great way to kickoff the weekend! We ran down Main street and in front of the federal courthouse and back. Afterwards, there was plenty of water and oranges for everyone! All proceeds raised will help fund the Beaumont Police Officer's Association.

SU Coach Stump Mitchell's Show

I was at home in Baton Rouge this weekend hanging with the family for Labor Day. While I was there, I attended the live taping of "The Stump Mitchell Show." It was held at Changes Sports Bar and Restaurant at 3669 Government St (near Acadian Thruway). The show is hosted by Clarence Buggs, brother of legendary Journalist Ed Buggs, and produced by Todd Sterling. It was a great show! We had a really great time. Coach Mitchell is inviting the Jaguar Nation to join him every Monday night for the live taping which starts at 7 p.m.

Free Credit and Wealth Building Seminar

Learn how to repair your credit and increase your net worth. A free Credit and Wealth Building Seminar will be held Thursday, Sept. 9 from 6:30 to 8:30 at the Gospel of Jesus Christ Church in Beaumont. The church is located at 2575 Wilson St.

City Council Proclaims "Get Your Red On" Day

Beaumont Mayor Becky Ames and the city council proclaimed Tuesday, Sept. 7 as "Get Your Red On" Day urging residents and businesses to support Lamar University football.Everyone is encouraged to wear red during the weekend of each home game. The team played its first game in 21 years last Saturday against McNeese State University in Lake Charles, losing 30 to 27. The first home game is Saturday, Sept. 11 at the newly renovated Provost Umphrey Stadium. Head Coach Ray Woodard, alumni, supporters and cheerleaders were on hand to accept the proclamation.The mascot, Big Red, also made an appearance. "I've never been congratulated so much for losing," said Coach Woodard referring to the excitement surrounding the return of football. Go Cardinals!