Supreme Court's affirmative action ruling leaves colleges looking for new ways to promote diversity
The Supreme Court has sent shockwaves through higher education with a landmark decision that struck down affirmative action and left colleges across the nation searching for new ways to promote student diversity.
Fito Olivares, legendary Mexican saxophonist known for his popular cumbia music, dies at 75, reports say
Legendary Mexican Saxophonist Fito Olivares, whose music soared into popularity in parties and events in the Hispanic/Latino community, has died, according to multiple reports. He was 75 years old.
Tamales! A Hispanic tradition that dates back centuries
Itโs TAMALE TIME! A Hispanic tradition that dates back centuries, and a dish that many families have year round, but especially for the holidays! Today on Houston Life, Tanji Patton from Good Taste TV got hands-on in the kitchen, showing Derrick and Courtney how to make an easy tamale recipe to make at homeโ and you can too!
Seeking applications: Houston Health Foundation awarding $700K in grants to improve COVID-19 response in underserved communities
โ Houston Health Foundation (HHF) is seeking applications from small community organizations that serve Hispanic, African American, Asian American, and other minority populations in the following zip codes: 77075, 77047, 77031, 77051, 77017, 77013, 77026, 77076, 77080, 77016, 77028, 77078, 77091, 77093, 77034, and 77092. This disbursement of grants will address inequities in COVID-19 outreach, expand health education, and increase testing and vaccinations.
Feds taking first steps toward revising race, ethnic terms
The federal government is taking preliminary steps toward revising racial and ethnic classifications that haven't been changed in a quarter century following calls for better categories for how people identify themselves in federal data gathering.
Apply today! Houston Health Foundation awarding $2.1 million in grants to improve COVID-19 response in underserved communities
Houston Health Foundation (HHF) is seeking applications from small community organizations that serve Hispanic, African American, Asian American, and other minority populations for the disbursement of grants that will address inequities in COVID-19 outreach, expand health education, and increase testing and vaccinations in Houston.
Uvalde school where shooting happened has deep roots in city
As the small Texas city of Uvalde struggles to heal after a gunman killed 19 children and two teachers at an elementary school, thoughts have also turned to making sure the schoolโs legacy as the place that was at the heart of a fight for the equal education of Mexican Americans over half a century ago is carried on.
4 places in Houston you should visit during Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to highlight the contributions and achievements of Hispanic Americans in our country, and Houston has plenty of landmarks where you can learn and celebrate this vibrant community that has made an impact in the Bayou City.
Woman accused in kidnapping where 15-year-old was tied with extension cords, beaten with aluminum bat in custody
Authorities have arrested a woman who is accused of kidnapping a teen in the Humble area with the intent to terrorize and severely injure him, according to court documents. The arrest happened just days after authorities issued a call for help in locating her.
Texas voters sharply divided on the fairness of elections and what to do about it, poll finds
Asking whether the stateโs election system discriminates against people of color depends on whether you are talking to Hispanic voters, who are split, Black voters, a majority of whom say it is discriminatory, and white voters, most of whom say it isnโt, according to the new University of Texas/Texas Tribune Poll.
Silver Alert issued for 90-year-old man reported missing in Dallas area
A Silver Alert was issued Sunday for a 90-year-old man reported missing in Dallas. Jesus Martinez was last seen at approximately 8 a.m. Friday in the 1100 block of Marlborough Avenue Dallas, TX in a silver 2011 Chevrolet Trax with Texas license plates 6NGXT. Martinzez is described as a Hispanic male weighing 160 pounds and standing 6 feet tall with brown eyes and black hair. He was last seen wearing a blue hoodie and khaki pants. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact the Desoto Police Department at (469) 658-3000.
Already hit hard by pandemic, Black and Hispanic communities suffer the blows of an unforgiving winter storm
AdAs darkness enveloped her freezing home for a second night Tuesday, Almendarez was prepared to sleep in her car with her kids. They all contracted the virus in July after her mother was infected while cleaning homes to help pay the bills. Cities rushed to set up warming centers to offer cold residents some respite. Plummer said during the storm, the few store shelves in those neighborhoods emptied fast and older people had trouble finding medication. Even as more than half of the deaths due to COVID-19 have been Black or Hispanic people, advocates have reported that these communities have fallen behind in the vaccination efforts.
Police search for suspect who killed man in shooting at tire shop in south Houston
HOUSTON โ Houston Police Department is searching for the person who gunned down a man on Sunday outside a tire shop in south Houston. Officials said the victim, a Hispanic male in his late 20s, was a customer at Pineda Tire Shop. Police responded to a shooting at a tire shop at 4400 South Loop East Freeway. There were several witnesses on the scene and the witness recalls the male shooting another male after a verbal argument. Police said the victim was a customer of the tire shop and a manager was there when the shooting happened but did not see anything.
Have you seen him? Authorities searching for man wanted in connection with the sexual abuse of a child
Gerardo Hernandez Torres, 46, is wanted in connection with the sexual abuse of a child. HOUSTON โ Authorities are asking for help locating a man who is wanted in connection with the sexual abuse of a child. The victim reported the crime, and after further investigation, authorities identified Gerardo Hernandez Torres as the suspect. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS (8477), or submit a tip online at Crime-stoppers.org or through the Crime Stoppers app. Only tips and calls DIRECTLY TO Crime Stoppers are anonymous and eligible for a cash reward.
Democrats face a turnout test in Georgia's Senate runoffs
For Democrats to win control of the Senate, Georgiaโs Black communities, as well as the state's smaller Hispanic and Asian communities, likely need to vote in the Jan. 5 runoff election by history-making margins. An Associated Press VoteCast survey of Georgia voters in November found that 22% of white voters chose Warnock and 28% chose Ossoff, compared to the 90% of Black voters who chose Ossoff and 73% who chose Warnock. Democrats also have an opportunity to capture the 15% of Black voters who chose Matt Lieberman, another Democratic candidate who competed against Warnock in last monthโs race. There are signs that turnout in Georgia could indeed be high in the runoffs. โDo you have a plan to vote in the runoff election?โ another canvasser, Graco Hernandez Valenezuela, asked Tyrone Vereen, a 62-year-old Black retired police officer who answered the door.
TRAVEL THRU TAKEOUT: the Colombian food at Houstonโs Mi Pueblito is the real deal
If youโre not as familiar with Colombian food, same, but I was ready for a tasty crash course! te traemos su definiciรณn... Posted by Mi Pueblito Restaurant on Tuesday, August 4, 2020If youโre searching for good, authentic Colombian food, Mi Pueblito is the place to go. Mi Pueblito doesnโt just celebrate Colombian culture through food. โItโs really, really important for us. You know, Colombians feel our country really, really deep in our hearts.โBoth of Mi Pueblitoโs locations are currently open for dine-in and takeout.
Rising Latino voters could be force in Georgia Senate races
(AP Photo/Jeff Amy)LILBURN, Ga. โ As Georgia heads into two key runoffs that will determine control of the U.S. Senate, Democrats are hoping to count on Latino voters who helped tilt the state blue in November. Many of those who can vote are young adults, with about 20,000 Georgia Latinos turning 18 each year, according to census figures. But Latino voters could be part of a coalition just big enough for Ossoff and Warnock to win. Georgia is multilingual and multiethnic,โ said Gigi Pedraza, executive director of Georgiaโs Latino Community Fund, which has helped mobilize Latino voters. Jason Anavitarte was a national Latino adviser to Trump this year and won a state Senate seat northwest of Atlanta as a Republican.
Stronger Houston: Resources available for local Hispanic-owned businesses hit hard by pandemic
Another avenue Smith got help from was through a $2,000 grant from the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce after going through its Business Institute Program. Dr. Laura Murillo, the President & CEO of the Houston Hispanic Chamber, said a donor provided the organization with resources to provide grants. Murillo said many other businesses also took part in the Paycheck Protection Program when it was available through the SBA. For more information about the resources available to business owners, be sure to visit Houston Hispanic Chamberโs website and the SBA website. For a closer look at the survey done by the University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs, visit UH website.
Houston police searching for missing 63-year-old man with dementia
HOUSTON, Texas โ Houston police are searching for a 63-year-old man diagnosed with dementia who was reported missing. Esteban Torres, was last seen Wednesday, Oct. 28 leaving the Harris County Joint Processing Center, located at 700 N San Jacinto St., on foot, according to police. Torres is described as a Hispanic male weighing 165 pounds and standing 5โฒ6โฒ' tall with brown eyes and gray hair. He was last seen wearing a white coat and black jeans. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to contact the Houston Police Patrol at (713) 884-3131 or the Houston Police Department Missing Persons Division at (832) 394-1840.
Hispanic Heritage Month: Houston Latino rap artists making their mark in music industry
SOUTHEAST HOUSTON, Ingrando Park โ Local rap artists are making their mark in the Houston rap scene by telling the struggles of the Hispanic community. They said Houston Latino rap artists are known all around the world for their unique beats, rhythm and flow. Rap artists Grimm, Shadow, Filero and Ikeman took a picture together, which later became their first albumโs cover. Never did they imagine they would become pioneers for young Houston Latino rap artists. Smith hopes the world continues to learn about the Latino culture through the eyes of Houston area rap artists.
Houston police searching for 10-year-old missing out of north Houston
HOUSTON, Texas โ UPDATE: Houston police reported Saturday afternoon that the child has been located. The Houston Police Department is searching for a juvenile reported missing in Houston. Emily Juliet Hernandez, 10, was last seen around 10 p.m. Friday near an apartment complex located at the intersection of Goodson Drive and Imperial Valley Drive in north Houston. Hernandez is described as a Hispanic female weighing 80 pounds and standing 5โฒ4โฒ' tall with brown eyes and black hair. She was last seen wearing a grey t-shirt, floral pajama pants, and red tennis shoesAnyone with information on her whereabouts is urged to contact the Houston Police Departmentโs Missing Persons Division at (832) 394-1840.
Celebration of Culture at the Institute of Hispanic Culture of Houston
HOUSTON โ This month is recognized as National Hispanic Heritage month which traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans as we celebrate heritage rooted in all Latin American countries. The Institute of Hispanic Culture of Houston preserved all of the fun with showcasing the food, desserts, drinks, dance and music thatโs well known in the Hispanic community. The Institute of Hispanic Culture of Houston (IHCH) is a non-profit organization founded in 1965 by a group of professionals living in Houston that joined together to preserve and disseminate the richness of Hispanic culture, values, and civic interests with the community of Houston, TX. They continue to support the Hispanic youth by providing scholarships to help continue their education. All this month they will have events that will spotlight the Hispanic culture and educate others about their traditions.
Hispanic Heritage Month: 5 facts you didnโt know about the Houston Symphonyโs principal timpanist, Leonardo Soto
He went through 33 different auditions around the world before getting into the Houston Symphony, and we are so lucky to have him in Houston! He was appointed as the Houston Symphonyโs Principal Timpanist in 2018. His first experience with the Houston Symphony was the European tour where the orchestra got standing ovations in places such as Vienna and Berlin. Even though he came on a music scholarship, English was not required. To learn more about the Houston Symphony, click HERE.
Inside Houstonโs Art Of The World Gallery for Hispanic Heritage Month
HOUSTON โ September is Hispanic Heritage Month, and the Art of the World Gallery is currently showcasing the art of five different Hispanic artists. Stop into the gallery, which is located located in River Oaks, to see pieces from Lita Cabellut, Fernando Botero, Oswaldo Vigas, Wifredo Lam, and Oscar Saborรญo. Their current main exhibition is Lita Cabellutโs โThe Colors That Remain.โ She is best known for beautiful large pieces, that capture her subjects in different moments and emotions. The Art of the World Gallery is free to the public, but they also have a partnership with Artika where $500 from any book sales from Lita Cabellut and Fernando Botero goes straight to supporting the Houston art community and local artists. Watch as Lauren Kelly chats with the galleryโs art advisor, Rebecca Rios, about the beautiful pieces they have to see and purchase.
UPDATE: 76-year-old woman with Alzheimerโs found
Update: Houston police located an elderly woman who had been reported missing Saturday. The Houston Police Department is searching for an elderly woman with Alzheimerโs reported missing in Houston. Gloria Saldana, 76, was last seen Friday leaving the 10100 block of Lost Trail St. in an unknown direction. Saldana is described as a Hispanic female weighing 104 pounds and standing 4โฒ8โฒ' tall with brown eyes and black and grey hair. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is urged to contact the Houston Police Patrol at (713) 884-3131 or the Houston Police Department Missing Persons Division at (832) 394-1840.
As campaign heats up, Trump woos Latino, Black voters
He courted Hispanic voters near Miami and Black voters in Atlanta. โThis is an unusual name for an organization whose ideology and tactics are right now destroying many Black lives,โ Trump charged. On Friday morning, at his golf club in Doral, Florida, Trump tried to blunt Bidenโs support among Hispanic voters at a โLatinos for Trumpโ roundtable. But a Monmouth University poll also conducted this month found Biden well ahead of Trump among Latino voters in the state, 58% to 32%. Hispanic voters in Florida tend to be somewhat more Republican-leaning than Hispanic voters nationwide because of the stateโs Cuban American population, which Trump acknowledged several times in his remarks.
Childrenโs Museum Houston to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with virtual activities, story times
HOUSTON โ The Childrenโs Museum Houston will be celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month with virtual activities and storytimes via social media. The museumโs free event will recognize the achievements and success of the Hispanic community between Sept. 15 and Oct. 15. Wednesday at 3:45 p.m.Toma Todo โ via FacebookUp your chances in this traditional Mexican spinning top game where the winner takes it all! Dancing Hands: How Teresa Carreรฑo Played the Piano for President Lincoln โ via InstagramExplore how a talented Venezuelan girl showed her amazing skills to President Lincoln in this storytime. Thursday at 3:45 p.m.Grilled Mexican Street Corn Recipe โ via FacebookThereโs no celebration without food!
Gloria Estefan, Alex Rodriguez mark Latino impact on media
LOS ANGELES โ Gloria Estefan, Alex Rodriguez and Eva Longoria will be among the participants in a monthlong online celebration of Latino contributions to television. Itโs the first such event by Paley to coincide with Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. Among the highlights of the event (all times Eastern):โ โA Tribute to Hispanic Achievements on Television,โ 8 p.m. Wednesday on Yahoo Entertainment. Estefan, Longoria, Edward James Olmos, Jimmy Smits and George Lopez are among those participating, with Soledad OโBrien as moderator. โ โTelemundoโs โLa Reina del Surโ: A Conversation with the Stars,โ Oct. 2, Yahoo Entertainment and Yahoo en Espaรฑol.
Biden faces worries that Latino support slipping in Florida
That's fueling an urgent effort by Biden, Harris and their allies to shore up older voters, suburbanites and African Americans to make up for potential shortcomings elsewhere. If Biden reclaims the upper Midwest for Democrats, he wonโt need Florida to capture the presidency. Hispanic voters in Florida tend to be somewhat more Republican-leaning than Hispanic voters nationwide because of the stateโs Cuban American population. Nationally, little public polling is available to measure the opinions of Latino voters this year and whether they differ from four years ago. โAs we get closer to November youโre going to see an even greater amount of activity to turn out Latino voters," Alex said.
Bernie Sanders: Biden win in November is no 'slam dunk'
Biden has struggled to build enthusiasm among young voters, and some Democrats have expressed concerns about what they see as the campaign's lack of outreach to Latino voters, which Sanders echoed on MSNBC. How do we get them to vote?โA Biden campaign adviser, Symone Sanders, was asked Sunday on ABC's โThis Weekโ whether the campaign would take Sanders' advice. โThe enthusiasm is with Trump, not with Biden,โ Sanders said. The Biden campaign has focused much of its early efforts on those three states, with Biden and running mate Kamala Harris visiting all three in recent weeks. While Sanders made his concerns public in recent interviews, he also has expressed them in private to the Biden campaign, according to Faiz Shakir, Sandersโ former presidential campaign manager.
2 people drown in Galveston in less than 24 hours during Labor Day weekend
HOUSTON Two people drowned in Galveston on Saturday, according to officials. A 57-year-old Hispanic man was pulled out of the water around 4 p.m., according to Galveston Island Beach Patrol. Officials said the lifeguard spotted two swimmers far from shore midway between the 43 and 47 street rock groins. Authorities also said a body found in Galveston is believed to be that of a 16-year-old reported missing Saturday night. The teen went missing around 9:30 p.m.A family friend said the teen had been swimming with friends near the 4400 block of Seawall Blvd.
2 men killed during robbery at NW Houston apartment complex; search for 3 suspects underway: HCSO
HOUSTON โ Deputies said two men were killed during a robbery at an apartment complex in northwest Harris County Thursday. Deputies said when they arrived at the scene, they found two Hispanic males dead from multiple gunshot wounds. Deputies say after the shooting, three Hispanic men were seen running away from the apartment and haven't been seen since. According to deputies, one man is described as being tall with a dark complexion and wore a mask with a Texas flag logo on it. Investigators are looking for the suspects and plan to check out surveillance footage to help their investigation.
Legendary KPRC 2 anchor Bill Balleza shares his retirement plans | HOUSTON LIFE | KPRC 2
Legendary KPRC 2 anchor Bill Balleza shares his retirement plans | HOUSTON LIFE | KPRC 2Published: January 27, 2020, 4:15 pmAfter a remarkable 49-year career, legendary KPRC2 anchor, Bill Balleza, is retiring from television. Throughout his years as journalist, heโs become a Houston icon and has left a mark for his professionalism and respect to viewers. Now that heโs less than one week away from staring the next chapter in his life, he shared with Houston Life what that moment will mean to him and what he plans to do next.
Man shot to death as son watched in suspected robbery in southwest Houston, police says
HOUSTON โ A man is dead after what appears to be a robbery gone wrong, according to the Houston Police Department. The police say an older Hispanic man was found dead on the sidewalk on Fairdale Lane near Richmond Avenue and Hillcroft Street around 6 p.m. Saturday. Investigators say the victim was walking with his son when they were approached by three men. Police believe the man was robbed and shot, and then the men fled the area. โWe have three Hispanic male suspects that fled the scene in a light-colored silver, tan sedan,โ detective Cory Arrington said.
4 things to know about the Institute of Hispanic Culture of Houston
HOUSTON โThe Institute of Hispanic Culture (IHCH) is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1965. According to the IHCH, โIHCH serves the Hispanic community, providing different educational and networking activities in collaboration with local universities, the Texas Commission of the Arts, Houston Arts Alliance, the Miller Outdoor Theater, and other private organizations and sponsors. The main priorities of IHCH are education and preserving Hispanic culture and values. Each school year scholarship funds are granted to worthy high school, college and medical school students. According to the IHCH, โThe goal of the Scholarships Committee is to reflect the mission of The Institute of Hispanic Culture of Houston, which is: to disseminate the Hispanic arts, language, literature and culture and to help Hispanic students fulfill their higher education aspirations in any field of expertise."