Parents hold ‘read-in’ to protest school board decision to ban book

CNN Newsource on September 9, 2025

By Khiree Stewart

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    BEL AIR, Maryland (WBAL) — Several parents and others held a “read-in” before Monday’s Harford County Board of Education meeting.

The protest comes after the board’s decision to remove “Flamer” from school libraries across the county.

Kevin Smith, a parent, is one of many who took part in the protest. Smith joined other people as they read Flamer and other books that have been banned in other areas and throughout history.

Flamer is about a boy navigating friendships, bullying, sexuality and self-discovery, according to its description. However, some have said it contains graphic language and vulgarity.

“If you don’t like what’s in a book, then don’t read it, put it down. It doesn’t cause you any harm by doing that,” Smith said.

Not everyone agreed with Smith, though. Some think the county did the right thing by banning the book.

“We just want to protect our children’s purity,” one person said during the meeting. “We don’t want to bring our children into an adult environment too quickly.”

Delane Lewis, president of Together We Will – Harford County/Upper Chesapeake, attended the meeting. Lewis’ advocacy group planned the read-in.

“This book is a very powerful book that speaks to bullying, and it’s very important that books like this are in the system and available to students that might be experiencing something like that because it gives them hope,” Lewis said.

Lewis said they are in the process of appealing the decision to the Maryland State Board of Education.

“They chose the most extreme option when every parent in this system already has the ability to tell the system they don’t want their child to read a book,” said Lewis.

The board will hold a listening session later in September for parents to discuss the topic and other topics on their minds.

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‘Truly lost everything’: 1 month since historic flooding, family rebuilds after losing home and goldfish

CNN Newsource on September 9, 2025

By Pavlina Osta

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    WAUWAUTOSA, Wisconsin (WDJT) — It’s been one month since the historic flood destroyed thousands of people’s cars and homes. For the Knitter family, it was an ordeal that included being rescued by boat from the raging waters. On Monday, Sept. 8, we learned they still have a long road to recovery.

“I think a lot of people locally didn’t fully realize the impact certain families have experienced,” said Katie Knitter.

Flooring ripped up, drywall gone, and a toilet in the middle of the living room.

“There’s a segment of people that truly lost everything,” said Knitter.

Katie Knitter and her family’s home was once full of color, laughter and cuddles with their dogs, is now gutted.

“We are missing drywall all along the lower half of the entire house, there’s no floors. We have to buy new kitchen cabinets, appliances,” said Knitter.

We first told you about the Knitters when they were rescued by boat, even saving their daughters beloved goldfish, Rodeo.

“Everyone was a big fan of Rodeo. Unfortunately, he didn’t make it to the move to the rental. He lived a big life,” said Knitter.

Now that they have a temporary home they’re trying to make the best of a tough situation.

“People have been generous, I’m sitting on a couch that someone gave us for free. Really anything you see in this rental are things people were gracious enough to let us barrow or to donate to us,” said Knitter.

“My daughter is turning 60this month there’s been a lot of changes for her first we were staying with family, now we are here, last week was her first week of Kindergarten.”

While the timeline on construction is still unclear, the family hopes to be home for the holidays.

There is a GoFundMe to support the Knitter family here.

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DA charges man with dating app murder cases

CNN Newsource on September 9, 2025

By Matthew Rodriguez

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    INGLEWOOD, California (KCAL, KCBS) — An Inglewood man faces seven criminal charges after he allegedly killed two men and tried to kill another he met through a dating app.

The Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office charged 34-year-old Rockim Prowell with two counts of murder, one count of attempted murder, two counts of carjacking, two counts of burglary and one count of assault with a deadly weapon. If convicted as charged, Prowell faces death or life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Prowell is currently on probation after he was convicted of a series of burglaries in LA County between 2019 and 2021.

“Imagine the terror and horror these victims felt after being duped into believing they were meeting for one reason, only to face inexplicable violence,” LA County DA Nathan J. Hochman said. “These were predatory acts that showed a total disregard of life.”

Prosecutors said Prowell allegedly shot and killed Miguel Angel King, 51, in July 2021 after the two men met on a dating app. Prowell allegedly stole King’s car, which investigators found more than a week later, several miles away from Prowell’s home. Prosecutors said forensic evidence inside the vehicle tied Prowell to King’s death.

Investigators found King’s remains in the Angeles National Forest about a month after his death.

The district attorney’s office also tied Prowell to the 2023 disappearance of Robert Gutierrez, 53. Investigators said Prowell met Gutierrez in person on Aug. 21, 2023, after the pair chatted on the same dating site. Gutierrez reported the 53-year-old man missing two days after the incident. Police have not located his body, according to the LA County DA.

Prosecutors said investigators found Gutierrez’s car in Prowell’s garage and additional evidence that linked him to the man’s death when they arrested him last week.

The final case mentioned by the LA County DA happened on Feb. 22, 2025, when Prowell allegedly beat a 40-year-old man he met on the same dating app. Prosecutors said Prowell allegedly bound the victim, stole his wallet and beat him with a baseball bat before running him over with a car, breaking his leg, when the 40-year-old man tried to escape.

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How the city’s volunteer firefighters stepped up after 9/11, sometimes at great personal cost

CNN Newsource on September 9, 2025

By Hannah Kliger

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    NEW YORK, New York (WCBS) — It has been nearly 24 years since Sept. 11 terror attack, and while hundreds of FDNY and NYPD crews rushed to ground zero, so did the city’s volunteer firefighters.

In the outer boroughs, small teams of “vollies” quietly stepped in to protect and support their neighbors however they could.

Gerritsen Beach Volunteer Fire Department still feels pain At the historic Gerritsen Beach Volunteer Fire Department, retired Chief Doreen Garson recalled the nightmares of a city covered in dust.

“Driving through the tunnel, you could not see anything. You couldn’t see your hand in front of your face. It was just ash coming at us,” Garson said.

The 100-year-old department’s first female chief served for 32 years before stepping down in 2018. On Sept. 11, 2001, and in the days following, Garson, who was running for city council at the time, went down to ground zero with a partner to help with recovery and cleanup.

“We were passing the buckets through to wherever the end of the line was. And the dogs went in and searched, you know, to see if they could find anybody,” she recalled.

Garson also took photographs of her time at the site, to document a city rattled by tragedy.

“It was just very, very frightening that something like that can happen to us when we felt so comfortable. That comfort is not there anymore,” she said.

“We all have our own variation of PTSD”

The Gerritsen Beach vollies are Brooklyn’s only volunteer-run firehouse, one of eight in the city, scattered across the outer boroughs. Ed Wilmarth III, former chief and department historian of the Broad Channel Volunteer Fire Department, comes from a long legacy of firefighters.

“Every male Wilmarth going back to the 1700s has been a [fireman], a volunteer fireman at some point in their lives,” Wilmarth said.

Wilmarth also rushed toward Lower Manhattan with three vollies after the first plane hit. He recalls running for cover once the first tower began to collapse.

“I can hear all this stuff hitting behind me, hitting the ground, hitting the ambulances. So, I just made the decision to just dive underneath the back of our ambulance. And that’s probably what saved me,” he said.

The force of the collapse broke windows of nearby buildings and bones of those lucky enough to be far away. All four volunteers made it out alive, though two of Wilmarth’s colleagues, Fred Gray and Captain Robert Nussberger, would eventually die of 9/11-related illnesses.

“I have a chronic sinusitis that was became 9/11 certified. We all have our own variation of PTSD, as one would expect,” Wilmarth said.

Many scars are invisible but lasting

In the days following the attack, volunteer fire departments in the outer boroughs were deployed to backfill at FDNY firehouses because their manpower and resources were all tied up at ground zero.

Memorials to local heroes can be found across the borough’s small communities: a baseball field, a flagpole in Marine Park, a plaque on the wall of the Broad Channel VFD.

“I hope I live to be an old man,” Wilmarth said of his health. “But unfortunately, the amount of first responders that were out on 9/11, the amount that have passed away has now surpassed the amount of people that were killed that day.”

Sometimes, the heroes walk among us, carrying the consequences of their sacrifice.

“Bladder cancer came in 2021. I went through a year of treatments. And then I was clear for a year, and then it came back again,” Garson said. “In ’23, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and last year it was metastatic.”

Many scars are invisible but lasting, a reminder that the danger, their fight, and their service didn’t end that day.

Have a story idea or tip in Brooklyn? Email Hannah by CLICKING HERE.

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Police sergeant says spider monkey bit him; quarantine becomes challenging for owners

CNN Newsource on September 9, 2025

By Marvin Hurst

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    PELICAN BAY, Texas (KTVT) — A Pelican Bay woman, who told CBS News Texas that she is known by many as the “monkey woman,” is willing to relinquish her furry companion, Abu. Carmen, whose first name we’re using for now, faces no criminal charges.

She was under investigation for owning a spider monkey, as keeping the animal in the municipality is against the city’s ordinance. Prior to securing an attorney, Carmen said she was unaware of the local law, and public safety members took pictures with the animal.

Police sergeant asks “monkey woman” for a picture “I was coming back to the police department here, and I saw the owner walking, and she had the monkey on top of her shoulder,” Sgt. Justin Spurgeon.

Spurgeon said he stopped Carmen for a picture. The images served two purposes: for his daughter and as a record of the animal in the city limits. The sergeant said as he prepared to take the picture, what happened next shocked him.

“I was probably maybe five feet away from her, taking a photo, and the monkey kind of lunged from her,” Spurgeon said. “Grabbed my arm, my left arm, and bit me on the elbow.”

The father of two said he asked Carmen if the animal drew blood. He said he did not see any until he got back to the office. Then, Spurgeon said he did research that frightened him about the possibilities that bit could bring.

“We’d like to avoid that just by not allowing it back in our city,” he said. “It shouldn’t have been here in the first place. But yeah, we don’t need that.”

As he sought medical attention, the authorities went to get the spider monkey. Police said it’s the same process for a dog that bites a person.

Abu’s owner alleges spider monkey is being kept in a bird cage

Abu was voluntarily surrendered by his owners and sent to a facility in Johnson County.

His owner alleges he’s being kept in a bird’s cage.

Her comments are now being answered by her attorney, Dan Wyde. He helped a Dallas woman regain custody of her spider monkey, Jorgie Boy, after she was arrested for a DWI offense. He was being kept at the Funky Monkey Ranch in Burleson until Wyde got involved.

Now, the owner of Abu wants her spider to go to the Funky Monkey Ranch. So, they are working in concert on the matter.

Owner requests spider monkey be transferred to Funky Monkey Ranch

In a statement, Wyde said, “Abu’s owners only want the current caretaking facility be “primate” certified. If not, the owners request Abu be transferred to the Funky Monkey Ranch Primate Preserve. Thank you for your concern.”

Pelican Bay Police Chief Brad Anderson said they have been working with Wyde to resolve the issue. He has no intentions of euthanizing the animal, although the wording of their ordinance states they can in certain instances.

Anderson said the matter will be handled in a hearing next week.

“The judge can make a decision on if the animal goes with her, if the animal goes with some other organization, that’s completely up to him,” Anderson said.

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Hairstylist brings his talents bedside to Penn Medicine patients: “This is my passion”

CNN Newsource on September 9, 2025

By Alicia Roberts

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    PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania (KYW) — Richard Cornish is a pro at making people look and feel their best, no matter the obstacles.

Cornish has been a hairstylist for more than three decades. Since January, he’s been operating a mobile bedside salon, Restore Salon Services, out of two black travel bags for patients undergoing long-term treatment and hospital stays at Penn Medicine.

“When you tell a person who is in the hospital that they can actually receive a haircut or a shampoo or a beard trim or something like that, it helps them to kind of change their own perspective on their own situation,” Cornish said. “It kind of normalizes their experience in the hospital, it helps them keep their own identities.”

For him, helping someone look their best even when they’re not feeling it is a small win in the road to recovery.

“People who I encounter in a hospital are just so incredibly grateful to have something other than medical issues to talk about and services to receive,” Cornish said. “So this work in the hospital is much more my calling, although I do love being in the salon.”

Right now, he spends two days a month at Penn Medicine, but come January, he’s hoping to spend four days a month. The goal is to expand his work to as many patients as possible.

He also encourages anyone with a talent to share to consider volunteering their time, knowing that sometimes the best medicine may come from the outside in.

“I think there is always something you can do with your talent you have, you just have to find what your passion is,” Cornish said. “This is my passion. I see the magic and the power that this provides people, and so that just fills me up.”

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IM Houston Honors 60+ Years of Service with Spirit of Respect Celebration

CNN Newsource on September 8, 2025

By Francis Page, Jr.

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    September 8, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — For more than six decades, IM Houston—formerly known as Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston—has been a beacon of hope, unity, and service across the Bayou City. With its roots planted firmly in the belief that Houston’s diversity is its greatest strength, the organization has built bridges of dialogue, compassion, and collaboration that continue to shape lives today. On Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Hilton Americas–Houston (1600 Lamar St.), IM Houston will host its highly anticipated annual celebration. This signature event promises to be a night of community, compassion, and recognition of those who embody the organization’s enduring mission.

Honoring Service, Faith, and Compassion The evening will shine a spotlight on remarkable honorees: • Charlene Chuang, recognized for her extraordinary leadership and philanthropy. • Bishop C. Andrew Doyle of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, honored with the Spirit of Respect Award for his tireless commitment to faith and inclusivity. Co-chairing the event are Miya Shay & Rep. Gene Wu and Nihala & Shaukat Zakaria, who embody the very spirit of civic engagement and cultural unity. “IM Houston has shown us, year after year, that service is more than charity—it’s about building a stronger, more compassionate Houston,” said Rep. Gene Wu. “This year’s honorees reflect that same mission of faith in action.” A Legacy of Four Pillars IM Houston continues to impact the community through its four core service areas: • Meals on Wheels/Animeals: Providing nutritious meals—and love—to seniors and their pets. • Refugee Services: Helping newcomers achieve self-sufficiency and dignity. • Interfaith Relations: Promoting dialogue and understanding across Houston’s rich faith traditions. • Community Engagement & Volunteer Houston: Connecting thousands of volunteers to causes across 13 counties. For Houstonians like Wilbert, a Meals on Wheels client, the program is life-changing: “When the first meal came, I was hooked,” he said. “It’s not just about the food—it’s about someone caring enough to check on you.” And for refugee youth like Mohammad, the art program offers healing: “Working on a large canvas brought back many memories of Afghanistan. Some were joyful, others sad—but art gave me a way to express them. That experience made me stronger,” he shared. Powered by Sponsors and Supporters This year’s event is made possible through the generosity of sponsors who believe in IM Houston’s mission. From Presenting Sponsor Shell USA, Inc. to Gold Weaver Sponsors like Houston Style Magazine and MAREK, the wide spectrum of support underscores Houston’s commitment to unity and service. “Partnership is how Houston thrives,” said an IM Houston representative. “Every sponsor, every volunteer, every supporter helps us extend our reach and deepen our impact.” Event Details 📅 Saturday, November 1, 2025 📍 Hilton Americas–Houston, 1600 Lamar St, Houston, TX 77010 ⏰ Reception: 6:00 PM | Dinner & Program: 7:00 PM ✨ Sponsorships and table opportunities are available now. Contact Chris Johnson at cjohnson@imgh.org for more details.

A Call to Action At IM Houston, the mission is clear: “When our seniors need comfort and a warm meal—we provide. When our neighbors need belonging—we welcome. When our community needs help—we serve.” To support this mission, text IMHouston to 53-555, volunteer your time, or simply spread the word. As Houston Style Magazine proudly affirms, IM Houston is proof that when faith, compassion, and action unite, the whole city rises. ✨ Houston Style Magazine is proud to serve as a Gold Weaver Sponsor and partner in celebrating IM Houston’s 60+ years of community service. More info.: imgh.org

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Jo-Carolyn Goode
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Bayou City Art Festival Returns to Memorial Park with Nonprofit Partners, VIP Experiences, and Featured Artist Jonah Ballard

CNN Newsource on September 8, 2025

By Francis Page, Jr.

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    September 8, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — Houston’s crown jewel of creativity is back! The Bayou City Art Festival, produced by Art Colony Association, Inc. (ACA), is set to transform Memorial Park into Houston’s biggest outdoor art gallery from Friday–Sunday, October 10–12, 2025, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM CT. This annual celebration of artistry, culture, and community promises to be bigger, bolder, and brighter than ever before. 🌟 Supporting Local Nonprofits Through Art At its core, the festival isn’t just about showcasing masterpieces—it’s about giving back. This fall, six outstanding local nonprofit organizations will benefit directly from the proceeds while also engaging festivalgoers through volunteer efforts and interactive creativity in the Active Imagination Zone. The 2025 nonprofit partners include: • ArtReach • Brave Little Company • Fresh Arts • The Health Museum • Houston Repertoire Ballet • The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Their presence ensures that every brushstroke, sculpture, and melody at the festival is tied to a larger purpose: uplifting Houston’s cultural, educational, and artistic landscape. 🎨 Featured Artist: Jonah Ballard This year’s spotlight shines on Jonah Ballard, a self-taught acrylic painter from Phoenix, Arizona, celebrated for his ethereal, dreamlike canvases awash in soft pink hues. His work is more than just art—it’s an invitation into a world of transformation, awakening, and imagination. With his distinct palette and ability to evoke reflection, Ballard’s showcase promises to be one of the festival’s most talked-about highlights. 🎶 More Than an Art Show—It’s a Festival Experience Guests can look forward to live entertainment, culinary delights from Houston’s favorite food trucks, and craft beverages scattered throughout Memorial Park. From the Wine Garden to the Craft Beer Garden, the festival offers refreshing stops to sip, savor, and socialize. For art aficionados who want the red-carpet treatment, the VIP Hospitality Lounge is a can’t-miss. Nestled under the shade of Memorial Park’s iconic trees, this exclusive space features: • Complimentary light bites, beer, and wine • Artistic décor and roaming musicians • VIP parking and early access from 11:00 AM–5:00 PM Single-day VIP passes are available for $75, with a three-day pass for $150—a worthy investment in Houston’s most immersive cultural weekend. 🎟️ Tickets & Entry Early bird online tickets are now available at bayoucityartfestival.com: • Adults: $18 ($20 after October 1) • Children (6–12): $5 • Children under 5: Free • VIP Tickets: $75/day or $150 for all three days 💡 Important Note: Physical tickets will NOT be sold at the gate. Online pre-purchased tickets are required for entry. 🌍 Why Bayou City Art Festival Matters For more than 50 years, Bayou City Art Festival has provided a stage for over 20,000 artists while raising nearly $4 million for Houston-area nonprofits. With support from the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance, corporate sponsors, and thousands of volunteers, this fall’s event is expected to attract tens of thousands of art lovers from across Texas and beyond. Mark your calendar: October 10–12, 2025. Houston’s art heartbeat will be louder than ever. Early bird online tickets are now available at bayoucityartfestival.com:

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The McMillan-Stewart Foundation’s Transformative $300,000 Gift to Texas Southern University Honors Legacy of Barbara Jordan and Mickey Leland

CNN Newsource on September 8, 2025

By Francis Page, Jr.

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    September 8, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — HOUSTON, TX — Texas Southern University (TSU), one of the nation’s proudest Historically Black Colleges and Universities, is entering a bold new chapter thanks to a transformative $300,000 investment from the Geneviève McMillan-Reba Stewart Foundation. This gift, matched dollar-for-dollar by TSU’s Office of Civil Rights Scholarship Matching Fund, establishes a $600,000 endowment that will provide scholarships for generations of students at the Barbara Jordan–Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs. This historic endowment represents more than financial support—it is a vote of confidence in the leadership pipeline cultivated on TSU’s campus. By anchoring resources in the school that bears the names of two of America’s most distinguished public servants—Barbara Jordan and Mickey Leland—this investment ensures their legacies of justice, equity, and service to humanity continue to shape the leaders of tomorrow.

A Legacy of Philanthropy Meets a Legacy of Leadership “This generous gift from the Geneviève McMillan-Reba Stewart Foundation reflects the power of philanthropy to create lasting change,” said Charlie Coleman, III, TSU’s Senior Associate Vice President of Development and Alumni Engagement. “We believe the next great political leaders of this generation are being taught right here at Texas Southern University, and this endowment affirms that promise.” The foundation, born from the vision of Geneviève McMillan and in honor of her friend, artist Reba Stewart, has spent nearly 25 years advancing civil rights, human dignity, and cultural understanding. Today, by choosing TSU, the foundation strengthens an institution that has produced barrier-breaking icons like Barbara Jordan—the first African American woman from the South elected to the U.S. House of Representatives—and Mickey Leland, a champion for global humanitarianism whose legacy continues to inspire.

More Than Scholarships: Building Leaders for a Just Future For TSU students, this endowment is more than a scholarship fund—it is a pathway to opportunity. Undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate academic excellence and embody the spirit of public service will be supported in their quest to become change-makers. Kibebe Gizaw, President of the McMillan-Stewart Foundation, emphasized: “Geneviève McMillan believed the arts and education unlock understanding of our shared humanity. By investing in Texas Southern University, we prepare the next generation of leaders who will embody equality, justice, and service for all.” The scholarship will be awarded by a TSU selection committee, requiring full-time enrollment, good academic standing, and a GPA of 2.75 or higher.

Why It Matters for Houston and Beyond TSU’s Barbara Jordan–Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs is not just a Houston treasure—it is a national incubator for civic leadership. The school produces graduates who lead city governments, influence public policy, and advocate for communities often left out of decision-making. With this endowment, TSU strengthens its role as an engine of equity and access. Students who might otherwise struggle financially will be empowered to focus on what matters most: learning, leading, and living up to the legacies of Barbara Jordan and Mickey Leland.

How You Can Join This Legacy The McMillan-Stewart Foundation has set the bar high, but sustaining this mission requires community involvement. Houstonians and TSU alumni are invited to contribute to the endowment and join this movement for educational equity. For more information, contact TSU’s Office of Development and Alumni Engagement at advancement@tsu.edu or visit tsu.edu/give. ✨ Houston Style Magazine salutes the McMillan-Stewart Foundation, Texas Southern University, and all those who carry the torch of Barbara Jordan and Mickey Leland. This investment in education is an investment in democracy, justice, and the leaders of tomorrow. ✨

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Jo-Carolyn Goode
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7133205611

Texas Southern University Welcomes Dr. Paula L. Jackson as Interim Athletics Director

CNN Newsource on September 8, 2025

By Francis Page, Jr.

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    September 8, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — A new chapter of leadership is unfolding at Texas Southern University (TSU) as the institution proudly appoints Dr. Paula L. Jackson as Interim Athletics Director. With over two decades of groundbreaking experience in collegiate athletics leadership, fundraising, and student-athlete advocacy, Dr. Jackson’s arrival signals both stability and fresh momentum for the TSU Tigers and their storied athletics program. A Legacy of Leadership Across HBCUs Dr. Jackson’s reputation as a nationally recognized athletics executive precedes her. Having served in senior leadership roles at Hampton University, Norfolk State University, Mississippi Valley State University, and Lincoln University-Missouri, her career is defined by excellence, innovation, and unwavering advocacy for student-athletes. She is also the visionary founder of the Minority Trailblazers in Sports Conference, a national platform elevating minority sports professionals while advancing Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) education and professional development. Her dynamic career has also touched the professional ranks, with five seasons in public relations and gameday operations for the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, cementing her as a leader with wide-ranging impact. A Vision for Texas Southern’s Next Era “I am excited to join the Texas Southern University family as the Interim Athletics Director and to contribute to its proud legacy of excellence,” said Dr. Jackson. “Texas Southern is uniquely positioned to be a national leader in the evolving landscape of college athletics. I look forward to collaborating with our student-athletes, coaches, staff, alumni, and community partners to build sustainable success and prepare our athletes to excel both on the field and beyond.” President J.W. Crawford III echoed that confidence: “Texas Southern University is committed to ensuring stability, vision, and leadership for our student-athletes. Dr. Paula Jackson is well prepared to step into this role. Her record of achievement, innovative approach, and ability to forge powerful partnerships will ensure continuity and momentum within our athletics department.” Championing Innovation and Student Success Among her many innovations, Dr. Jackson is credited with the creation of the acclaimed “Classroom on the Road” initiative—an academic lifeline for student-athletes balancing travel and coursework. Lauded nationally as a best practice, this initiative exemplifies her belief that athletic performance and academic achievement must go hand in hand. She also spearheaded the first HBCU NIL Masterclass Summit at Norfolk State University, connecting student-athletes with education, networking, and real-world NIL opportunities. These efforts have directly resulted in student-athletes securing agreements, expanding community engagement, and reshaping what success off the field looks like for HBCU sports. Building Champions On and Off the Field From securing multi-million-dollar partnerships to establishing new intercollegiate sports programs—including women’s soccer, men’s lacrosse, and women’s triathlon at Hampton University—Dr. Jackson’s tenure reflects a track record of impact. Under her leadership, Lincoln University-Missouri celebrated two NCAA National Championships in a single year, proof that her strategies produce results at the highest levels of competition. Her academic pedigree is equally inspiring: a Ph.D. in Education with specialization in Athletic Administration from Northcentral University, an MBA from Clark Atlanta University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast and Print Journalism from Southern University. A Defining Moment for TSU Houston Style Magazine readers, with Dr. Paula L. Jackson at the helm, TSU Athletics is positioned not only to preserve its legacy but to expand it—preparing student-athletes to thrive in classrooms, boardrooms, and stadiums alike. Her appointment reflects TSU’s broader commitment to equity, innovation, and excellence, ensuring that the Tigers remain a beacon of pride for Houston and the national HBCU community. As Texas Southern University steps boldly into the future, one thing is clear: with Dr. Jackson’s leadership, the best is yet to come for Tiger Nation.

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Jo-Carolyn Goode
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7133205611