Houston
Texas Southern Hosts Spring 2021 Commencement – Spectacular Photos
Commencement speaker Civil Rights Attorney Benjamin Crump presents a $20,000 Social Justice Endowment Scholarship check
The Alexander Durley Stadium of the Texas Southern University wore a new look, today, Saturday, May 8, 2021, as the institution marks its Spring 2021 Commencement Ceremonies.
The Interim President, Ken Huewitt, keynote Speaker, civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump, the staff and faculty members, and a host of dignitaries and guests joined the graduating students to celebrate their success.
TSU houses more than 1,400 outstanding faculty and staff; each playing a critical role in helping this historic institution become one of the nation’s pre-eminent, comprehensive metropolitan universities.
Click on image
Commencement speaker Mr. Crump, in the news lately for represented various families in high-profile cases, besides his speech, presented TSU with a $20,000 check to establish the Benjamin Crump Social Justice Endowment Scholarship. According to Crump, “Right now, there is a young man or a young woman like George (Floyd) with a lot of potentials as long as we can make sure they can live long enough to reach the destiny that God has for them.” He continued in part, “I believe this scholarship will help create new opportunities for the next U.S. representative, the next U.S. Supreme Court justice, who knows, possibly the next president of the United States.”
TSU prides itself as “a special-purpose institution for urban programming” with a rich history dated back to 1927. It became a state University during the era of segregation when the State of Texas denied entrance into the University of Texas Law School to Heman Marion Sweatt, an African-American.
Today, the institution offers bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree programs in the following academic colleges and schools: The Thurgood Marshall School of Law, The Graduate School, the College of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences, the Jesse H. Jones School of Business, the School of Communication, the College of Education, the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs, the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, the College of Science, Engineering and Technology, and the Thomas F. Freeman Honors College.
The institution also offers special programs and projects include the NASA Research Center, Center for Excellence in Urban Education, the Center for Transportation Training and Research, the National Center for Excellence in Petrochemical Transportation Safety, the Center on the Family, the Center for Justice Research, and the Mickey Leland Center for Environment, Justice, and Sustainability.
TSU’s commencement exercises are held twice each year, during December and May.
- Turnout, Trust, and Ground Game: What Decided Houston’s Runoff Elections - December 14, 2025
- When Power Doesn’t Need Permission: Nigeria and the Collapse of a Gambian Coup Plot - December 14, 2025
- Nigeria–Burkina Faso Rift: Military Power, Mistrust, and a Region Out of Balance - December 14, 2025
Low-turnout runoff races for Houston City Council and Houston Community College trustee seats revealed how message discipline, local credibility, and voter mobilization determined clear winners—and decisive losers.
The final ballots are counted, and Houston’s runoff elections have delivered clear outcomes in two closely watched local races, underscoring a familiar truth of municipal politics: in low-turnout elections, organization and credibility matter more than name recognition alone.
In the race for Houston City Council At-Large Position 4, Alejandra Salinas secured a decisive victory, winning 25,710 votes (59.27%) over former council member Dwight A. Boykins, who garnered 17,669 votes (40.73%). The margin was not accidental. Salinas ran a campaign tightly aligned with voter anxiety over public safety and infrastructure—two issues that consistently dominate Houston’s civic conversations. Her emphasis on keeping violent criminals off city streets and expanding Houston’s water supply spoke directly to quality-of-life concerns that resonate across districts, especially in an at-large contest where candidates must appeal to the city as a whole.
Salinas’ win reflects the advantage of message clarity. In a runoff, voters are not looking to be introduced to candidates—they are choosing between candidates they are already familiar with. Salinas presented herself as forward-looking and solutions-oriented, while Boykins, despite his experience and political history, struggled to reframe his candidacy beyond familiarity. In runoffs, nostalgia rarely outperforms momentum.
The second race—for Houston Community College District II trustee—followed a similar pattern. Renee Jefferson Patterson won with 2,497 votes (56.63%), defeating Kathleen “Kathy” Lynch Gunter, who received 1,912 votes (43.37%). Though the raw numbers were smaller, the dynamics were just as telling.
Patterson’s victory was powered by deep local ties and a clear institutional vision. As an HCC alumna, she effectively positioned herself as both a product and a steward of the system. Her pledge to expand the North Forest Campus and direct resources to Acres Home connected policy goals to place-based advocacy. In trustee races, voters often respond less to ideology and more to proximity—those who understand the campus, the students, and the neighborhood. Patterson checked all three boxes.
By contrast, Gunter’s loss highlights the challenge of overcoming a candidate with genuine community roots in a runoff scenario. Without a sharply differentiated message or a strong geographic base, turnout dynamics tend to favor candidates with existing neighborhood networks and direct institutional relevance.
What ultimately decided both races was not a surprise, but execution. Runoffs reward campaigns that can re-mobilize supporters, simplify their message, and convert familiarity into trust. Salinas and Patterson did exactly that. Their opponents, though credible, were unable to expand or energize their coalitions in a compressed electoral window.
The lesson from Houston’s runoff elections is straightforward but unforgiving: winners win because they align message, identity, and ground game. Losers lose because, in low-turnout contests, anything less than that alignment is insufficient.
- Turnout, Trust, and Ground Game: What Decided Houston’s Runoff Elections - December 14, 2025
- When Power Doesn’t Need Permission: Nigeria and the Collapse of a Gambian Coup Plot - December 14, 2025
- Nigeria–Burkina Faso Rift: Military Power, Mistrust, and a Region Out of Balance - December 14, 2025
Houston was thrown into mourning on September 19, 2025, following the sudden passing of businessman and community advocate Lawrence Mike Obinna Anozie, who peacefully joined his ancestors. Immediate family member in Houston, Nick Anozie, confirmed his untimely death and expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and condolences from both the Houston and Owerri communities.
Lawrence was born to Chief Alexander and Lolo Ether Anozie of Owerri in Imo State, Nigeria, and will be dearly remembered by family members, friends, and the entire Houston community.
An accomplished accountant, the late Lawrence incorporated and successfully managed three major companies: Universal Insurance Company, LLC, Universal Mortgage LLC, and Universal Financial Services. Through these enterprises, he not only built a thriving business career but also created opportunities for countless individuals to achieve financial stability. His contributions to entrepreneurship and community development will remain a lasting legacy.
According to the family, arrangements for his final funeral rites are in progress and will be announced in due course.
Lawrence will forever be remembered as a loving and compassionate man who dedicated much of his life to uplifting others. He helped countless young Nigerians and African Americans overcome economic challenges by providing mentorship, financial guidance, and career opportunities. His generosity touched the lives of many who otherwise might not have found their footing. A devout Catholic, he was unwavering in his faith and never missed Mass, drawing strength and inspiration from his church community. To those who knew him, Lawrence was not only a successful businessman but also a pillar of kindness, humility, and faith whose legacy of service and compassion will continue to inspire generations.
For more information, please contact Nick Anozie – 832-891-2213
- Turnout, Trust, and Ground Game: What Decided Houston’s Runoff Elections - December 14, 2025
- When Power Doesn’t Need Permission: Nigeria and the Collapse of a Gambian Coup Plot - December 14, 2025
- Nigeria–Burkina Faso Rift: Military Power, Mistrust, and a Region Out of Balance - December 14, 2025
When it comes to international culinary gems and cultures across the United States, the city of Houston is counted among one of the best places to experience an authentic taste of every corner of the world.
On the evening of Friday, August 8th, Houstonians will have a chance to engage all of their senses into the world of real West African flavors at Grubido’s ‘Art of Fufu’ Food & Art Show, a free culinary and art experience taking place at Flatland Gallery (1709 Westheimer Rd.) in Montrose.
Curated by Grubido founder and Culinary Cultural Curator Kavachi Ukegbu, the annual celebration of west African cuisine and artistry will once again open its doors to patrons to witness the delights of creating and eating Fufu (a starchy, dough-like food that is a staple in many West and Central African countries), and its delicious and diverse pairings of soups and stews that originate from various parts of the continent, and uniquely compliment the beloved food staple as a complete meal. The event will also celebrate the observance of National Fufu Day in the United States on August 11th.
From the process of how different types of fufu are grown and manufactured, to the careful guidance on properly preparing the fufu to be eaten, the ‘Art of Fufu’ Food & Art showcase will give patrons a full circle perspective and appreciation for the food staple that has gained global popularity on social media and in many countries around the world.
Attendees will be treated to fufu and soup samples, live Afrobeats music, an impressive display of fufu inspired artwork and collectables from over the years, and the opportunity to purchase Grubido food products, t-shirts, and the official The Art of Fufu cookbook. Originally published and released by Chef Kavach in 2021, “The Art of Fufu is a fascinating and informative guide to fufu, one of the most delicious and beloved staple foods of West Africans.” All cookbook purchases at the event will be signed by Chef Kavachi.
Entry for this event is free to all guests, but RSVP is strictly required in advance. To RSVP for the upcoming Art of Fufu Food & Art show, please visit the official website online at www.TheArtofFufu.com, or contact Grubido at (832) 818-6847.
The Art of Fufu Cookbook is a culinary treasure that explores the flavors, techniques, and cultural significance of fufu. It is a testament to the artistry of West African cuisine and serves as a guide for those seeking to immerse themselves in this beloved dish.
For more information, please visit www.theartoffufu.com & www.artoffufu.com
- Turnout, Trust, and Ground Game: What Decided Houston’s Runoff Elections - December 14, 2025
- When Power Doesn’t Need Permission: Nigeria and the Collapse of a Gambian Coup Plot - December 14, 2025
- Nigeria–Burkina Faso Rift: Military Power, Mistrust, and a Region Out of Balance - December 14, 2025
-
Anthony Obi Ogbo1 day agoWhen Power Doesn’t Need Permission: Nigeria and the Collapse of a Gambian Coup Plot
-
Anthony Obi Ogbo3 weeks agoBurna Boy, the Spotlight, and the Cost of Arrogance
-
News1 month agoBizarre Epstein files reference to Trump, Putin, and oral sex with ‘Bubba’ draws scrutiny in Congress
-
Lifestyle1 month agoKaduna Governor Commissions Nigeria’s First 100-Building Prefabricated Housing Estate
-
News1 month agoUSDA head says ‘everyone’ on SNAP will now have to reapply
-
News1 month agoTrump orders Bondi to investigate Epstein’s ties to Clinton and other political foes
-
Africa1 day agoNigeria–Burkina Faso Rift: Military Power, Mistrust, and a Region Out of Balance
-
Houston1 day agoTurnout, Trust, and Ground Game: What Decided Houston’s Runoff Elections