By TotallyRandie

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE – Five years ago, the world watched in collective horror as George Floyd, a Black man, pleaded for his life under the knees of a Minneapolis police officer for nine excruciating minutes and twenty-nine seconds. His final words, “I can’t breathe,” became a rallying cry, echoing from the streets of Minneapolis to marches in Houston, Paris, Lagos, and Tokyo. At that moment, America found itself on the brink of a moral reckoning that had been centuries in the making.

Today, in 2025, five years later, the murals have faded, the headlines are beginning to go quiet, and the protests are less frequent. And the question remains: Has anything truly changed for Black lives in America? As a journalist, I have chronicled this nation’s reaction in real-time—through rallies, policy promises, backlash, and fatigue. I have interviewed grieving mothers, hopeful students, cynical elders, and young activists fueled by a determination to never let the world forget. I’ve reported on statehouses rolling back DEI initiatives and a Supreme Court that is more conservative than it’s been in decades. Just yesterday, the Trump administration rolled back police reform. Progress that once felt within reach now feels precarious.

The Burden of Proving Our Humanity

What’s most exhausting—and most heartbreaking—is that five years after George Floyd’s death, Black people still bear the burden of having to prove their humanity. Black people are still burdened with the burden of documenting their humanity. Justify it. Narrate it. I remember speaking with a college undergrad at Texas A&M who told me, “Sometimes it feels like they only care about us when we’re dead or when we’re trending.” That student, now a junior at Howard University, says she’s studying law to “build the justice we never got.” That is the enduring paradox of Black America: hurt but hopeful. Black America is both frustrated and forward-looking.

The Black Lives Matter movement—born in pain but sustained by hope—once commanded center stage. Corporations pledged billions. You saw black squares on Instagram, city streets painted with “Black Lives Matter,” and lawmakers vowing sweeping reforms. But much of that momentum has since been absorbed by the bureaucracy or drowned in political gridlock. In some states, it’s now easier to purchase a firearm than it is to protest injustice. DEI offices—once considered a sign of progress—are being loudly defunded or dismantled across the country.

Signs of Hope, Seeds of Change

To say that nothing has changed would be dishonest. There have been reforms—though uneven. Body cameras are now standard in many police departments, and some cities have restructured emergency response programs to deploy social workers instead of armed officers. Representation across media, politics, and leadership has improved, even if the path forward remains steep. In 2024, Vice President Kamala Harris affirmed what many already knew: Black Americans are not asking for permission to lead—we are already leading. That leadership extends to local politics, education, business, and the arts.

Black Americans are writing curriculums, launching businesses, winning Pulitzer Prizes, and shaping culture in a landscape increasingly hostile to truth and allergic to the discomfort of history. That’s why the Movement Festival is so important—it’s not just a commemoration, it’s a declaration.

The Movement Festival*

In honor of cultural diversity, social justice, and economic advancement, Houston will welcome the inaugural TMF—The Movement Festival, a four-day premier event produced by KDITC (Kay Davis In The Community). The festival will kick off today, May 22–25, 2025, at Tom Bass Regional Park and locations across the city.

Inspired by the global movement following the tragic death of Houston native George Floyd, recognizing the fifth anniversary of George Floyd, the Movement Festival is designed to be a powerful convergence of dialogue, culture, art, and entertainment that fosters continued healing, unity, and empowerment across communities.

The festival kicks off Thursday, May 22, with a free community forum titled “The Report Card” hosted at the Third Ward Multi-Service Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The forum will feature keynote speaker and nationally renowned political commentator Tezlyn Figaro. It will be followed by a ticketed VIP reception with light bites and refreshments during a performance of the acclaimed stage play BREATHE.

“This festival is about creating space to reflect, uplift, and unite,” said Dannette Davis, founder of KDITC.

“Through powerful storytelling, culture, and community, we’re bringing people together to continue the movement toward equality, creativity, and healing.”

Now what?

Five years on, it’s clear that America had a reckoning—but whether it chose to follow through is still up for debate. As we honor George Floyd today, we must ask ourselves not only what we’ve done in his name but also what we’ve ignored for our convenience. Are we building an America where Black children can thrive, not just survive? Are we confronting systems or simply rebranding them? And most importantly, are we listening or just waiting for the next tragedy to respond to?

The road ahead remains steep, but the path is lit by those who refused to stay silent—those who marched, documented, voted, resisted, and believed. Black lives still matter. Not because they’re trending. Not because they’re political. But because they are human. Full stop.  And if America still needs to be reminded of that in 2025, then the work isn’t over—it’s only just begun.

*More about The Movement Festival 

Friday, May 23
• Fun & Festivities at 4501 Almeda Food Truck Park — food, music, vendors, and community vibes from 5pm to 7pm

Saturday, May 24 –En Blanc ‘N The Park & Concert On The Hill
• Live music by Kyle Turner, Kollett, Robert Allen Berry, & Friends from
• Go for the Gusto Line Dance Challenge: An exciting attempt to break the world record for the largest line dance!
• Fashion, food vendors, art, and cultural exhibitions throughout the day
• Ticketed event

Sunday, May 25 – Gospel & Reflections
• Grand Finale Balloon Release at the “Conversation With George” statue
• Special screening of the award-winning stage play turned film Camp Logan

Hosted by Marcus D. Wiley, with a special performance by gospel icon Tramaine Hawkins

About KDITC

Kay Davis In The Community Kay Davis In The Community (KDITC) is a Houston-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by Dannette Davis. KDITC promotes community well-being by supporting arts, culture, education, and economic opportunity. Through a mission rooted in equity and empowerment, KDITC offers scholarships, wellness programs, and dynamic community events that foster personal growth and collective progress for underserved communities.

By Jeffrey L. Boney, NNPA Newswire Contributor

After serving two successful terms as the Chair of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) trade organization from 2019 to 2023, her peers have now elected her chair of the National Newspaper Publishers Association Fund (NNPAF).

While the NNPA is a trade organization which represents over 200 Black-owned media companies across the United States, the NNPA Fund is a 501 c(3) organization that promotes scholastic and professional initiatives designed to honor the historic mission of the Black Press, to explore and celebrate Black culture, fill the void in news coverage of the Black experience, and provide compelling content that educates, engages, inspires, and empowers consumers.

“My family has been a part of NNPA for over 50 years, and I feel very honored to serve within this organization, and to have the opportunity to serve at the highest levels within the organization and continue the work of the Black Press, as former Chair of the NNPA and now as the Chair of the NNPA Fund,” said Carter Richards.

Established more than 40 years ago, the NNPA Fund is the non-profit division of the NNPA, delivering value to NNPA members through professional development, strategic partnerships, and heightened access to resources. It provides professional, academic, and pre-professional training for minorities in media, promotes charitable, educational, and literary activities that advance high standards in ethnic media, and manages a scholarship program, an internship program, an awards recognition event and other projects and initiatives.

Focused on Capacity Building as a mission, the NNPA Fund seeks to do that through four primary focuses:

Business Capacity

• Focusing on the ever-changing media industry, the NNPA Fund serves as a nucleus for introducing NNPA members to new opportunities for sustainability.
• Business InSight Webinar Series, and newsletters
• Branded Content, Promotions, social media, events, and more

Human Capacity

• Acknowledging the historical legacy of advocacy, training is a strategic element in keeping abreast of the changing marketplace.
• Staff Development: Editorial, Sales, and Marketing
• Digital Sales Training, Crowdtangle, Public Data Explorer, and more

Future Capacity

• With the goal of feeding the pipeline of future publishers, an investment of time, money, and talent is given to a younger generation of journalists and entrepreneurs.
• Scholarships and Internships
• Hands-on skillsets, Leadership development, Real-world experience & more
• As NNPA Chair, Karen’s list of accomplishments during her two successful terms include:
• Being the first to do a NNPA national news series on “Missing Black Girls in America.”
• Growing the NNPA annual membership from 200 to 240 Class A and Class B member publications from 2019 to 2023.
• The NNPA voted to permit African American owned digital publications to become Class B members of the NNPA for the first time.
• In 2020, the NNPA’s annual combined generated revenue for the first time ever exceeded $20 million due to the 2020 U.S. Census and 2020 election year advertising.
• In 2021, the NNPA established its first one-million-dollar Rainy Day Savings Account
• In 2020 and 2021, the NNPA was able to successfully plan and execute two virtual annual conventions due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The NNPA 2022 Annual National Convention in New Orleans was another impactful success for NNPA member publishers and for Black America. The legendary Stephanie Mills on stage paid a national salute and tribute to the historic and contemporary importance of the Black Press.
• Working in collaboration with the Google News Initiative from 2021 to 2023, over 50 NNPA member publishers have been engaged in “Digital Transformation” cohorts that have already enabled many NNPA member publishers to increase their respective digital advertising revenue by more than 10% annually.
• This past January, the NNPA had what many have concluded as one of the best and most substantive NNPA Mid-Winter Training Conferences in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
• In March during Black Press Week, the NNPA convened at the National Press Club in Washington, DC and presented “The State of the Black Press 2023” that was live streamed across the nation. In addition, at that event at the National Press Club the NNPA launched the “NNPA World News” App.
• For the first time the NNPA Board of Directors established effectively a retirement procedure, policy and guidelines for NNPA staff
• Lastly, but most importantly, the NNPA was successful in attracting more and more involvement of youth and young journalists and publishers to be involved in the present and future growth of the NNPA.

Karen is the CEO and Publisher of Forward Times, the South’s largest independently owned and published newspaper. Since taking the mantle, Karen has turned the Forward Times into a multi-media powerhouse that continues to remain one of the strongest and most trusted voices for African Americans in the Greater Houston area.

Lawsuit filed by Attorney Ben Hall, who says TSU has broken Texas state law with the handling of first female police chief at the University

By Jeffrey L. Boney | Houston Forward Times

Just when we thought the public issues surrounding Texas Southern University (TSU) had become a thing of the past, here comes another unnecessary situation that has negatively thrust the only HBCU in the city of Houston into the public spotlight.

For those that may have been following the story involving veteran officer, community leader, public servant, and current TSU Police Chief Mary Young, you are probably aware that she filed a lawsuit against TSU on November 30th in response to claims she was set to be terminated by the TSU Board of Regents based off an anonymous complaint that was filed against her.

The complaint mysteriously came after Chief Young beseeched her officers to “maintain professionalism” and to avoid giving the appearance of serving as “chauffeurs, errand-runners, and personal assistants” while working for TSU President Dr. Lesia Crumpton-Young.

Crumpton-Young took the helm at TSU in July of last year after the controversial termination of former TSU President Dr. Austin Lane by the TSU Board of Regents, which unfortunately played out in the public and unceremoniously cast a negative light on the University.

According to Chief Young, she didn’t even know her job was in jeopardy until she was made aware of the anonymous tip in July from the Interim Internal Auditor at TSU.

“In August, the President (Crumpton-Young) called and asked to meet me off campus and relay the news to me that the TSU Board had just had a board meeting, and that they had concluded that I was going to be terminated based on the findings from an audit investigation,” Chief Young tells the Forward Times. “President Crumpton-Young proceeded to inform me that my Deputy Chief and I were going to be let go and provided me with no other information. I was floored.”

Chief Young states she was never given an opportunity to give her side of the story or present any evidence to refute the allegations from the anonymous complainant, which is why she hired an attorney to file her initial lawsuit against TSU.

Attorney Ben Hall, who has taken on this case, is extremely concerned about the actions taken by TSU and believes the University has violated Texas state law every step of the way.

Hall states, however, this case is deeper and should concern everyone in the community regarding anonymous complaints against community-oriented police officers like Chief Young.

“TSU didn’t give Chief Young an opportunity to disprove this lie by an anonymous complainant to protect her own stellar reputation,” said Hall. “What we have here is a coward who was too scared to add their name to the anonymous complaint. This is someone who would rather throw rocks and hide their hands by making false charges and claims, and this is a lie that the leadership at TSU has chosen to align themselves with.”

According to Hall, Texas state law requires that any written complaint against a police officer must be signed by the complainant, given to the police officer, and then the police officer must be given an opportunity to respond the complaint.

Hall states that Chief Young never received a signed complaint that complies with state law, which is why no adverse or disciplinary action should be taken against her.

On top of that, Hall states that Chief Young had a strong system of checks and balances to prevent any arbitrary decision to approve overtime as alleged in the complaint from ever occurring, in that two other supervisors must sign off on overtime before it even gets to her.

First, the immediate supervisor of the police officer seeking to get approval for overtime must sign off on the submittal, and then a captain would have to sign off on the overtime submission for approval before it even gets to the desk of Chief Young, according to Hall.

“I am confident that we will be able to prove all of this false, because even when you look at the lie, Chief (Young) doesn’t even make the initial approval of overtime,” says Hall. “I am just shocked that the TSU Board of Regents and the administration would violate state law, without giving Chief Young, or any officer, the opportunity to defend themselves, which is required by state law in Texas.”

And then there is the false narrative that Chief Young has officially been placed on administrative leave.

According to Hall, TSU sent a letter to Chief Young informing her of their decision to place her on administrative leave, which prompted them to file a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) on behalf of Chief Young on December 7th prohibiting TSU from taking any further disciplinary or adverse employment action against Young pending a temporary injunction hearing scheduled for December 20, 2022.  The designated ancillary judge granted that request and the courts have stopped TSU from taking any action.

Chief Young is still at her job, contrary to media reports stating otherwise, and she is still working at her office focusing on protecting the TSU campus and leading her department.

TSU has appealed the TRO, but Hall has filed an emergency motion to require the case to be returned to the district court, because no final judgments have been made by the district courts, and the district courts are where the judges have listened to and heard the evidence relative to the case.

“Administrative leave is a violation of state law,” says Hall.

Chief Young came to TSU in 2017, at the height of her career with the Houston Police Department (HPD) and was excited about being given the opportunity to manage and lead a full police department, mentor young men and women, and create an environment where HBCU’s were seen as impactful. The Forward Times highlighted her history-making achievement in March 2017, with an article entitled, “HAIL TO THE CHIEF: Veteran HPD Officer Mary Young Named TSU’s Acting Police Chief,” and she has served with distinction since that time with no incident until now with this anonymous complaint.

Now, Chief Young just wants the truth to be told regarding what she and her attorney are deeming an improper investigation. She believes that a wrong report was presented to the TSU Board of Regents and that she was not afforded the opportunity to present her series of facts and important information, and states that she looks forward to that day.

“This is more than my reputation that I’m fighting for, this is about my character,” states Chief Young. “Without character, you cannot be trusted and if you cannot be trusted, you cannot lead. Your character is your mark on the world, and how you lead, how people see you, and how you follow, describes your character. I have worked extremely hard to become a person of honesty and decency. To present me any other way is absurd.”

The Forward Times will continue to follow this case and keep our readers informed of the latest happenings surrounding Chief Young and TSU.

The post EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: TSU POLICE CHIEF MARY YOUNG appeared first on Houston Forward Times.

By Stan Popovich, Houston Forward Times Contributor

Do you struggle with your mental health and have a difficult time in getting the people you know to be more understanding?

In some cases, your colleagues might give you a hard time regarding your anxieties and depression.

As a result, here are seven suggestions on how to deal with the people you know regarding your mental health issues:

1. Listen to the professionals and not your friends: Your peers may mean well, but when it comes down to it, the professionals are aware of your circumstances more than anyone. A counselor knows what you are going through and can help you deal with your problems. When you have questions about your mental health, consult with a therapist.
2. Don’t argue with others: It is important that you do not get into arguments with those who are giving you a rough time. Your number one priority is to get relief from your anxieties. It is not your job to worry about how others may view your circumstances. Your health is more important than what other people may think.
3. Your goal is to get better: Concentrate on how you can face your fears and anxieties.  Don’t waste your time arguing with your colleagues who are giving you a difficult time. This isn’t a public relations event where you need to get approval from everyone. This is your life and you are the one suffering. Your main focus is to get better.
4. Tell your friends to learn about your situation: Explain to your peers that the best way for them to help you is to learn about your mental health issues. They could talk to a counselor, read some good books, or join a support group to better understand your situation. If your friends won’t make an effort, then stay away from them because they will only make things worse.
5. Distance yourself from those who give you a difficult time: Distance yourself from those who won’t make an effort to help understand what you are going through. You need to surround yourself with positive and supportive people. If you have problems or issues with a particular person, you can always ask a counselor for advice.
6. You are not alone: It can be very frustrating to manage your fear-related issues when the people you know are on your case. Remember, you are not alone. There are millions of people around the world who struggle with their fears, anxieties, and depression. The key is to find those people who can relate to you through various organizations in your area.
7. Join a local mental health support group: There are many mental health awareness support groups in your area. Many hospitals, churches, and counselors in your area will be able to provide you with a list of these organizations. These groups will be aware of your situation and can give you additional advice regarding your problems. In addition, talk to a professional who can help relieve your depression and anxieties. They will be able to provide you with suggestions and insights on how to deal with your current problem.

Stan Popovich is the author of the popular managing fear book, “A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear.” For more information about Stan’s book and to get some more free mental health advice, please visit Stan’s website at https://www.managingfear.com.

The post When Your Friends Do Not Understand Your Mental Health appeared first on Houston Forward Times.

Are candidates truly speaking to the issues that concern to Black Millennials and Gen-Z voters?

By Jeffrey L. Boney, NNPA Newswire Contributor

As we know, elections have consequences.

With that being said, the voice of Black millennial and Gen-Z voters is critical when it comes to impacting the outcome of any election—local, countywide, state, or federal.

The 2022 midterm elections will definitely cast a major light on the future of this country, and with recent decisions surrounding education, healthcare, voting rights, abortion, student loans, and other issues, every vote will be crucial in determining what that future looks like.

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA)—a trade association of the more than 200 African American-owned community newspapers from around the United States—recently asked several Black millennial and Gen-Z registered voters whether they planned to vote in the upcoming midterm elections and what their most important issue is going into the election.

Na’Shon (28-year-old, Black male)

Are you a registered voter?

Yes.

Are you currently in school, working, or both?

I am current working, and in school as an HBCU Doctoral student in Public Policy.

What is the most important issue that you want elected officials to address in 2022? Why?

The most important issue that I want elected officials to address in 2022 is crime. The level of crime can be a major influence on how and when people move to our beautiful city to access good southern culture and economic opportunities for the sake of attaining a Good Life.

Will you be voting in the upcoming midterm elections in November? Why?

Absolutely. The late Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson said that “Politics is not perfect but it’s the best available nonviolent means of changing how we live.” I am a firm believer in that ideology. Moreover, it is my civic duty to participate in electing leaders who will impact the way my son and I shall live.

Elizabeth (24-year-old, Black female)

Are you a registered voter?

Yes.

Are you currently in school, working, or both?

Both.

What is the most important issue that you want elected officials to address in 2022? Why?

The Economy. Definitely, the economy. Because we aren’t making smart moves.

Will you be voting in the upcoming midterm elections in November? Why?

Yes, I will. First off, it’s my right so of course I will exercise it. The current leadership for the upper-level government is not who I want in office. I think they have made decisions that have strongly impacted us, and no one seems to care about that. I think elected officials should address what’s happening in their own backyard. If you go against what your constituents want, or you don’t fight for change, then you’re not the right person for the job.

Aaron (32-year-old, Black male)

Are you a registered voter?

Yes.

Are you currently in school, working, or both?

I am an HBCU Graduate student and currently employed.

What is the most important issue that you want elected officials to address in 2022? Why?

Voting Rights; to continue to protect this right all Americans have to ensure our democracy lasts.

Will you be voting in the upcoming midterm elections in November? Why?

Yes, because I know the important connection of voting to everyday life. I’ll be voting to honor my ancestors who endured beatings, jail, and even death, so I may have this right.

Joshua (31-year-old, Black male)

Are you a registered voter?

Yes.

Are you currently in school, working, or both?

Just work!

What is the most important issue that you want elected officials to address in 2022? Why?

The issue that must be addressed for me this midterm is definitely the protection of women’s reproductive health rights. As a proud son, brother, and friend of many strong Black women, the empowerment (not just freedom to do so) for women to make decisions that THEY deem best for THEIR bodies, in order to be the healthiest and best version of themselves, is of utmost importance. Looking at the landscape of society and history, it is (or should be) clear that when protected and empowered, our world is a better place with women contributing at the highest possible level.

Will you be voting in the upcoming midterm elections in November? Why?

Yes, I will be exercising my right to vote simply out of pride, duty, and spite. It’s a right that many people years ago (maybe even now) didn’t want me to have. It moves the needle of progression, and it’s a middle finger to the powers of injustice that be.

Jonita (37-year-old, Black female)

Are you a registered voter?

Yes.

Are you currently in school, working, or both?

I am working.

What is the most important issue that you want elected officials to address in 2022? Why?

Women’s State’s Rights, because it’s my body.

Will you be voting in the upcoming midterm elections in November? Why?

Yes, because my voice matters.

Caleb (21-year-old, Black male)

Are you a registered voter?

Yes, I am a proud registered voter

Are you currently in school, working, or both?

I am in school and working

What is the most important issue that you want elected officials to address in 2022? Why?

I believe that all issues are important, so no issue is truly more important than others. But, I will say that I would love to see is more infrastructure changes and new beautification and developments for younger people. I feel as though throughout my entire childhood things have always looked the same with no major changes, additions, or much at all. Things are changing now, and I would like to continue to see these changes.

Will you be voting in the upcoming midterm elections in November? Why?

Yes, I will be voting. Because I believe no matter how young someone is, if you are able to vote, and even if you don’t vote, your voice should be heard, and your opinion should matter. Voting gives people the decision to change the world and every vote matters!

Trey (24-year-old, Black male)

Are you a registered voter?

Yes, I am a registered voter.

Are you currently in school, working, or both?

I am currently a undergraduate senior at an HBCU

What is the most important issue that you want elected officials to address in 2022? Why?

There are countless issues that I feel need to be addressed by our elected officials, but most pressing are today’s wages. In today’s economy, I think that now even what we once considered middle class wages are just not enough to live off of in today’s society.

Will you be voting in the upcoming midterm elections in November? Why?

I’ll be voting in the midterm elections, because I think that the longer certain individuals are in office, the greater risk to the lives of everyday people.

As you can tell, this cross-sector of Black millennial and Gen-Z voters are engaged and wanting to bring about change and have their voices heard. It is imperative that each political party, elected official, and grassroots civics group, take the voice and vote of these young, Black voters seriously and do everything to get them to the polls this November.

Jeffrey L. Boney is a political analyst and frequent contributor for the NNPA Newswire and BlackPressUSA.com, and the associate editor for the Forward Times newspaper in Houston. Jeffrey is an award-winning journalist, author, dynamic, international speaker, experienced entrepreneur, and business development strategist. Follow Jeffrey on Twitter and Instagram @realtalkjunkies and www.jeffreylboney.com.

By Jacqueline Brannon-Giles | Houston Forward Times

How many people do you know who are 102 years old?

At S.H.A.P.E. Community Center, we know one.

Her name is Clarice Freeman, and she had a blessed marriage. Dr. Thomas Freeman, a great man, had a great wife, Clarice Freeman.

Dr. Thomas Freeman and Mrs. Clarice Freeman

Clarice Freeman is honored each time she attends the Elders Institute of Wisdom (EIW) at S.H.A.P.E. Community Center. Her contributions to the conversation in the EIW discussion group are amazing, clear, and loaded with wisdom.

Each week, an elder is featured in a one-page handout, and Mrs. Lana Edwards, one of the editors, is highlighting Clarice Freeman on Thursday, August 11, 2022.

Mrs. Edwards, who is a member of the Friends of the African American Library at Gregory School in Fourth Ward, will lead a future celebration to honor Mrs. Clarice Freeman—the musician, educator, and community leader. Mrs. Clarice Freeman has a large collection of historical documents that need to be preserved and archived in the Houston library.

We salute Mrs. Clarice Freeman, and we love her—a woman who knows how to demonstrate love in the Houston community. She has impacted the world in a positive way!

We appreciate Brother DeLoyd Parker for providing the S.H.A.P.E. venue to celebrate outstanding elders in Houston’s community.

The post The Elders Institute of Wisdom Honors Clarice Freeman as she Celebrates 102 Years appeared first on Houston Forward Times.