Devine Southern Belle Magazine

This year’s fourth annual Houston Black Heritage Music & Arts Festival will be one for the books! Sponsored by Allstate, T-Mobile, The City of Houston, Houston First, Compassion International, The Principle Partnering Group LLC, Silver Eagle and others.  The George R. Brown Convention Center will host the 2018 festival in Houston, Texas spanning two days – August 11th and August 12th. Over 50,000 people are expected to be in attendance.


This all-weekend event will be jam-packed with guest speakers, artists, poets, performances and world-renowned musical guest entertainers. There will also be an array of activities, namely a volunteer workday partnering with Volunteer America in the rebuilding of Houston after Hurricane Harvey.

This year’s artist will be Grammy award-winning Lalah Hathaway, and lead singer of legendary R&B group Mint Condition, Stokley Williams.

This is a must-attend event that you don’t want to miss. There will be something for the entire family, including an interactive youth zone. This years youth zone will feature all kinds of great activities for the kids. The guest Dj is spineralla herself 11-year-old DJ Layla! Kids will enjoy food, fun, and activities sponsored by the city of Houston.

 http://www.houstonblackheritagefest.com

E. English (Photo credit)

The Earnest Living Tour, which was hosted in Houston, Texas on June 16, 2018.  This amazing tour gave all of the attendees the  knowledge needed to be successful. Southern Belle Mag , Founder Ms. Verna Caddie and Sissy was on hand as Mr. Duke shared everything there is to know about brand building and he did not hold anything back, Mr. Duke was very open and honest with everyone. I am sure that everyone was very blessed by what was learned, and they are prepared with the tools needed to become the next millionaires.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

On March 18, 2018 Devine Creations debutantes held a awesome workshop on self esteem for young ladies. This year’s debutantes must attend a 8 month program which covers etiquette, manners, table etiquette, self esteem, self confidence,posture and poise and a host of other empowering workshops. This event was held at a private location, and it was great.

With a special appearance from “LIL BRI” from Season 4 The Rap Game. LIL BRI spoke so eloquently about being humble and never changing. This young lady makes us Houston pride, by empowering youth everywhere to be themselves no matter what.

Ms. Verna Caddie, The Founder of Devine Creations Debutante/Cotillions also, gave out “The Amazing Youth Award” to Journie Bell, who is an awesome young lady.  Journie Bell. Journie is an 8 year old actress, model, dancer, and entrepreneur. Also, making an appearance was LiL Miss. Happy Head Samyria Spriggs.

“LIL BRI” and Devine Creations Phylicity

“LIL BRI” and Miss. Devine Creations Amiya Doss

LIL BRI and Maghan McDermott

Ms. Verna Caddie and Journie Bell

For more information about Devine Creations Debutante Program, please contact:

http://www.devinecreations.org

Join, Devine Creations on March 18,2018 for a time to reflect on self esteem, and self worth. Founder of Devine Creations, Ms. Verna Caddie, will offer a workshop to young ladies ages 8 to 21 years of age.

Place: Ramada

Time: 2pm to 5pm

All material will be included.

  “Blink” is the latest film project from Houston, TX native Courtney JáPaul Glaudé. The movie was released earlier this year, to industry professionals, at the 2017 Los Angeles Short Film Festival, and is now set to premier in select AMC theaters in Houston & Atlanta March 2nd through 8th. Allstate insurance recently backed the film as an acting sponsor to help shine a light on such a serious topic. Houston’s Mayor Sylvester Turner has declared March 2nd as “Courtney Japaul Glaude” Day with a proclamation honor. This public honor will kick off on Friday, March 2nd, 2018 and will continue with annual recognition.
Allstate is committed to “Blink” as part of the company’s “Purple Purse” initiative, which is led by spokeswoman Serena Williams with the purpose to help empower domestic violence survivors by offering resources and tools for them to stay free from abuse. Further, the Partnership Against Domestic Violence (PADV) has a “Every 9 Seconds” campaign that piggybacks on the theme of “Blink”, which includes having a spokesperson for PADV attend and speak at Blink red carpet movie premiers.

“Blink” is the dramatic story of Nailah Belle as the character tries to navigate the depths and effect of domestic violence. Belle discovers that the calmest seas are often the most turbulent below the surface. From the outside, the meticulous facade of Nailah and husband Chris’s relationship looks perfect. The community doesn’t suspect domestic violence exists in the home, but the violence is unbearable as Nailah seeks out perfection and is looped into a life of a domestic violence victim, showing how everything can change in just one blink.

“It’s a serious subject matter addressed with tact, but in a manner that gets your attention. Courtney JáPaul Glaudé does an amazing job with the writing of what sadly is reality for many women. The ThinkZILLA team is proud to help garner national awareness of this film and hopefully help victims reach out for help,” said Velma Trayham CEO of ThinkZILLA PR & Consulting Group.

Domestic Violence in America is a prominent topic, which can be circumvented with proper education – like media tools in motion picture form such as “Blink”. Currently, and according to the TheHotline.org, “1 in 4 women (24.3%) and 1 in 7 men (13.8%) aged 18 and older in the United States have been the victim of severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime.”  Bianca Siplin and Will Scott star in “Blink”. A full list of theatrical showings may be accessed by visiting www.blinkthemovie.net

https://www.greeneyedtheater.com/blinkthemovie

https://www.courtneyglaude.com/

HOUSTON, Texas – Over eight thousand people attended the 3rd annual Houston Black Heritage Festival presented by Ebony Magazine. Grammy award winning artist Tamia set the stage on fire alongside Elle Varner, and every girls dream performer the ever so “smooth” Eric Benet. This year’s festival served as an uplifting evening for the city of Houston after the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. Eric Benet gracefully gave words of encouragement as he embraced the crowd with resilience and compassion.  This years host and emcee was non other than  The Session Talk Show Host, Kia Renee!

Founder Richard Andrews commended, “I would like to thank some very influential people who stepped in to partner with us.  First, Willard Jackson, and Linda Rice of Ebony are two amazing people who saw a need to help heal the community in the wake of Harvey.  I am really grateful and honored for the partnership.  Also, Thanks to Mr. Darryl King for stepping in and mentoring me and single handedly helping getting this event off the ground.  Compassion International played a huge role as one of our major sponsors and presented our Gospel Celebration.  I wanted to utilize our platform this year to celebrate the remarkable spirit of our strong and resilient African American community.”

The night enriched as State representative Shawn Thierry presented Willard Jackson-Vice Chairman of Ebony Magazine, Darryl King-Principle Partnering Group, Eric Bent Elle Varner and Tamia with honors from the State of Texas. Mayor Sylvester turner was also a 2017 honoree, alongside NAACP Image Award nominee and larry Green –City of Houston District K- Larry Green,  marketing guru- Velma Trayham and Fox 26 News Reporter, Isiah Carey who both addressed the crowd to encourage Houstonians to remain strong, and to embrace their “Go moment”. Other honorees included, Darian Ward- City of Houston Press Secretary, Larry Johnson- Development Director KTSU, Owner- Mr. Percy Creuzot Ill.  Also Mr. Boris Miles stopped by to show support.

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee commended Houston Black Heritage Festival founder Richard Andrews while addressing the crowd stating, “Many believed the festival should have been canceled due to Hurricane Harvey, but Richard thank you for giving back, and providing Houston with such an uplifting event!” Congresswoman Lee added “I love the vision Richard (Founder of the Houston Black Heritage Festival)  has, this festival will soon be the largest jazz and cultural family event birth from Houston that will capture the nation. The Houston Black Heritage Festival growth and impact on the Houston Community is simply outstanding.”  Before leaving the stage, Congresswoman Lee took a knee inciting the crowd of thousands as she expressed her solidarity to the many african american NFL supporters and the spirit of black culture.

The ambiance of the evening was set in prelude to the youth zone and vendors market. Hundreds of vendor and food trucks provided attendees with a day of shopping, eating and performances in the free youth zone. Harris county also provided free health screenings along with free games and activities from the youth.

The Houston Black Heritage Festival has become one of the most sought after annual events in the state of Texas for music lovers, business owners, entertainment stars, community leaders, members of media and for children of all ages. Over the past three years, the event has garnered millions of social media impressions. This year was no different, as the event trended across all social media platforms. It was a stellar show and next year will be even bigger and better.

Ebony Magazine, had the honor of being this year’s presenting sponsor. Other sponsors include City Of Houston, Houston Arts Alliance, Harris County, Compassion International, Bud Light- Silver Eagle, Houston Style Magazine, Frenchy’s, Council Member Green, The Principle Partnering Group L.L.C, KTSU 90.9FM, KYND, African American News, Houston Forward Times, Buffalo Soldiers Museum, CBA Media Group, Yelp, VIP Media, Four Seasons Hotel, Harris County Precinct 1 and the Day Edwards Agency.

#HoustonBlackHeritageFest2017

#blackandnaturalpageant

#blackheritagefest

August 3, 2017 2017  -Houston, TX-Black Heritage Music and Arts Festival adds Grammy-nominated Elle Varner to the 2017 line up. Alongside Eric Benét, both icons will  perform live at  Discovery Green September 30, 2017 at Discovery Green from 4pm-10pm.

The 3rd Annual Black Heritage Festival is a one day cultural event produced by the nonprofit 501c3 tax exempt organization, “The Foundation for Black Heritage and Culture“. The festival features speakers, exhibits, musicians, artists, poets and craftspeople locally and nationally. The festival promotes diversity and cultural solidarity. This one-day experience also offers both children and adults with an opportunity to increase their awareness of African and African-American culture and history. This event is ideal for all ages!

This year the honoring continues as we celebrate the spirit of black business. A dynamic panel Of Black moguls will give the crowd a rich quick insight of building wealth. Panelist include award winning marketer Velma Trayham, Author of “When God Says Go!” This year’s musical headliner consists of Grammy nominated singer, Eric Benet. Who will bring more than just grooves, following last year’s headliner Grammy award winning singer Monica.  The reviews from her performance were amazing. Harris County Public Health has teamed up to sponsor the Health Village once again.  Last year attendees had access to dental screens, diabetes, hepatitis, Zica virus and much more.

The Interactive Youth Zone will feature Houston rapper Young Lyric, High School band competition form Waterbury and Austin High School, A step competition from local Houston High Schools , and other fun activities.

For the Festival’s founder, Richard Andrews a proud alumni of Texas Southern University, the awards are stacking up.  Over the past several years receiving many Congressional Recognition from Congresswoman Lee for giving back,  including 18 wheeler back-packs for kids, feed the children project, and many other recognitions.  Also last year, Richard  received the Darryl King Paving The Way award from The World Youth Foundation.  He’s a very tenacious non-profit leader, and has toppled steep barriers over the past three years to transform his vision into a reality after investing personal funds to launch the event.  Today, the Houston visionary is alive and well as this community event will  directly address some of Houston’s needs: fostering cultural solidarity; positive ethnic identity for families; and support for educational excellence among HBCU college- bound youth. A portion of the proceeds raised will benefit local TSU students.  “My mission in life is to give back, and what better way to give back  by  supporting local HBCU students who are striving for excellence right here at in Houston!” Richard states  With over 15,000 attendees over the past two years and last year’s  Black Heritage Festival attendees, witnessed the  City of Houston present and proclaim “Black Heritage Day”, signed by Mayor Sylvester Turner.  City Council Member Larry Green of District K is a huge supporter and Sponsor of the festival.  Also, performing on the kid zone stage will be young Lyric Star of Lifetime TV’s new hit show “The Rap Game”, HBCU alumni bands, step teams and more!

This festival has gained some incredible partners to assist in bringing togetherness within our community. Our partners consist of Style Magazine, The Principal Partnering Group LLC,  Houston TV, KTSU, The Forward Times , The City Of Houston, and Amark to name a few . Continued support from Darryl King and council member Green, with the assistance of these amazing partners, the Festival will continue to impact families.

About Houston Black Heritage Music and Arts Festival:

The existence of the festival supports cultural enrichment and diversity within the Houston Community by ensuring all events are inclusive of all ethnicities. The goal of the festival is to foster awareness and to promote the basic premise that people can change communities through love, unity, and work.

For more information on The Houston Black Heritage Music and arts festival, please contact For more details about sponsorships, entertainment, exhibitor booths, and all other inquiries, please contact Richard Andrews at info@houstonblackheritagefest.com or call 832-651-8135.

www.houstonblackheritagefestival.com

-END-

Day Edwards Marketing | PR |Events, Day Edwards Agency (832)944-3493 | PR@DAYEDWARDSAGENCY.COM