This is not a third world country. This is Houston, Texas. I spotted a line of people filing up buckets of water from a spicket at Haden Park. Why? Millions either have no water or are under a Boil Water Advisory.
“My neighbors are dead. My family members are dead. My friends are dead.”
A new State study backs up what Kashmere Gardens residents have said for years. Their soil was contaminated by creosote (by a railroad yard) — resulting in high cancer rates/death.
.
@TexasSouthern
has offered George Floyd’s daughter, Gianna, a full scholarship if she chooses to go there. Kanye West has started her a 529 Savings Plan.
The overall message: even though your father was taken, we got you.
HPD is investigating reports that 13 y/o Zavion Parker was snatched on his way home from school in East Houston. He’s ok and back with his family — but was found with a torn shirt and no shoes. He says one of the suspects had a tattoo of a racial slur.
In his old neighborhood, where home prices have skyrocketed due to gentrification, T.I. is on a mission to buy and flip as many buildings as he can and turn them into affordable housing.
SHARPIE PUNISHMENT: the parents of a 7th grade student in Pearland are livid after a permanent marker was used on his head for violating dress code. What happened (in his words) as well as how the district responded — tonight at 4:30/6:30 on
@abc13houston
.
So darn proud of Houston. Thousands are peacefully saying no to injustice and brutality in the same city George Floyd hails from. 🤘🏽 You can watch today’s march live here:
Zavion said he was taken to a vacant property full of guns/torture items that looked like a cabin from the outside. When asked why he was abducted, he says the suspects replied “because you’re Black.” He managed to run away; a driver found him, called police.
The 6 suspects (5 of which are roughly 17-18 years-old) are all described as having reddish hair. The adult driver had a heavy build with arm tats. He was driving a red truck with flames on the side. If you see anything, know anything — speak up.
“I’m totally disappointed.”
Juelz Trice’s parents have received an apology for his head being drawn on, but they’re not sure if it’s good enough. They raised Juelz to be respectful and comply with adults, which is why he didn’t resist.
For the first time since 1979, La Soufriere volcano erupted on St. Vincent island. 🇻🇨 Thousands evacuated, and although no deaths have been reported, agriculture was destroyed, animals died and homes were destroyed. Prayers. 🙏🏽
.
@PVAMU
students are making their voices heard. They’re marching for voter rights, after their polling booth was taken off campus at the start of 2020. 🗳 They believe it’s a blatant attempt of voter supression.
Woman in East Houston just called me. Says at least 7 officers are at an abandoned “shack”/property near Zavion’s home right now. The street is blocked off and they appear to be investigating. Don’t know what will come of this, but will keep you posted.
Salute to Jesus Mata for becoming
@PVAMU
’s first Hispanic drum major! 🥁 Jesus was born in Rio Bravo, Mexico, but spent most of his school years in Dallas. Representation matters, and PV: we love to see it! ✊🏽
Have you seen this unbelievable video? A girl gets tossed in the air like a toy by a bison in Yellowstone National Park. 😳 Thankfully, she’s ok. Details:
Talk to me nice. It’s my Birthday! 🎂First thing I did this morning was roll from the bed onto to my knees to thank God. Cheers to more life … and life more abundantly! 🥂
An Arizona man thought he donated his mom’s body to Alzheimer’s research when she died. Turns out, it was actually sold to the U.S. military, which blew up her body as part of an IED experiment.
😐
United Airlines is done playing with passengers.
Starting Thursday, June 18, if you don’t have your face covered and refuse to wear a mask after an attendent asks you to, your name will go on a “do not fly” list. ✈️ American rolled out a similar policy.
Sad day in PV.
A senior at PVAMU was shot and killed today at The Gates of Prairie View Apartments. She was trying to help her friend (who had been assaulted by her boyfriend) and was hit by crossfire. 💔 Full details below.
Houston dodged a bullet with Hurricane Laura, and we need to thank God for it. With that said, we are just entering the peak of hurricane season. “Our storm” could come at any time.
Stay vigilant.
A lot of parents have commented on our Facebook and web abduction story, wondering how they can equip their children. Well, today, I went by Elite MMA to talk self-defense training.
All I want to do is cry.
Investigators say blood found in Derion Vence’s apartment belongs to
#MaleahDavis
. Cadaver dogs, which are trained to detect human remains, got a hit in the trunk of the family car. 💔
I don’t care what y’all say. I love me some Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan, and respect their courage. If their environment was affecting their family or mental health, who can blame them for changing it? Rock on cuties. 🎸
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, is getting even more personal about his mental health struggles, his tensions with being a royal and his life in California with his wife Duchess Meghan and their son, Archie.
HEARTBREAKING: Deputies pay their respects to comrade Sandeep Dhaliwal. 💔 The father and husband rallied so much support after Harvey, he needed an 18 wheeler to deliver supplies. When Maria hit Puerto Rico, he went. He was THAT guy.
We now know more about YES Prep Principal Eric Espinoza’s heroic actions. Before he was shot, he kept the suspect contained to the front entrance, and activated a school lockdown. He literally took a bullet for his students.
S/O to
@shaunking
and
@MeritLaw
! They teamed up to raise a $35,000 reward for info leading to 7 year-old Jazmine Barnes’ killer. 💰 This is a big murder mystery in Houston that must be solved!
▪️According to Zavion’s mom:
•he has never made up things before
•always comes straight home from school — (meaning she had no reason to think he wasn’t telling the truth)
▪️According to Zavion’s former teacher: he’s a “really sweet, respectful kid”
Something to keep in mind: just because police aren’t saying much right now doesn’t mean they aren’t building a case and working behind the scenes (investigators don’t announce their every move). I do know a detective reached out to Zavion’s mom today.
“No refills until 2024.”
Looks like I won’t be sipping wine or popping champagne until next year, and Ella is getting a promotion. Baby
#2
coming in February! 👶🏽
Kashmere Gardens is a historic Black neighborhood in northeast Houston. ON TOP OF the contamination problem, some residents are still displaced from Hurricane Harvey. 35% of families live in poverty and it’s a known food desert.
URGENT: Houston Police are looking for 5 year-old Maleah Davis, who was last seen near Hwy 6 and Southwest Fwy in Sugar Land. Stepdad says she was taken by three Hispanic men in their 30s, driving a 2010 blue Chevrolet crew cab pickup truck. More deets: 👇🏽
10 years ago tonight, Barack Obama was elected the first Black president of the United States. 🇺🇸 I had chills watching people cheer in the streets of Shreveport, Louisiana. I was in my first TV gig and will never forget reporting that night. Where were you?
This is Aaron Salter, Jr.
The former Buffalo police officer turned security guard tried to stop the mass shooting at Tops, but was killed during that effort. May we remember this hero and the others who senselessly lost their life May 14.
I know we all rooting for Sha’Carri to get it together, but this is a Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce appreciation post. 💪🏽 I’ve been a fan for years. Sis just hit a PB of 10.60 (and third fastest 100m in history). We love to see it! 🇯🇲
Some of the viewer comments about my pregnancy are starting to get annoying. Yes, I’m aware I’m petite so the sudden packing on of pounds is a startling sight. No, I’m not having twins and no I’m not due any day. I’ll update you as I go, but chill. ❤️
Juelz had just gotten the design the night before the sharpie incident (with a razor), so his pores were open. His parents had to take him to the doctor because the ink caused itching and discomfort.
The Department of State Health Services identified 10 census tracts (areas) in Fifth Ward and Kashmere Gardens with greater-than-expected incidences of adult cancers of the lung, esophagus and throat.
We’re told more than 5,000 showed up to George Floyd’s public viewing. It was well organized and orderly. Everyone had their temperature taken at the door, was given sanitizer and had to wear a mask and gloves. 🧤
The woman shot was an innocent bystander. She was grazed in the head but has since been transported to the hospital. An off duty EMT came to her aid and applied pressure until medics got there.
Houston: have you seen 26 year-old Delano Burkes? His family reached out to me and asked me to spread the word about his disappearance. He was last seen November 13 leaving McIntyre’s in The Heights. Please share!
.
@DiscoveryGreen
’s moonGARDEN is back! 🌕 Now-October 7, 12 illuminated spheres will be on display starting each night at 6 p.m. Can’t wait to check them out!
•Marine scientists think Subtropical Storm Alberto pushed in southern waters from the Gulf, which helped clear things up.
•Normally, the water is brown because of silt pushed in from the Mississippi, San Jacinto and Trinity Rivers.
Bad news.
Doctor called with the results from my chest x-ray. I have pneumonia.
Yes, I’m in pain, yes I need prayer — but I thank God I had the gut feeling to get follow up care. It was tricky because I don’t have a fever. They only found it thru x-ray.
For those wondering: Juelz’ parents say they had no issue correcting the violation. They believe in compliance and doing the right thing. Problem is, they say they were never called about the discipline administrators chose to take.
The interviews I did on this story gave me chills. They literally rattled off all the people — up and down the block — who died from cancer or had family members who did. On Lavender Street, there’s only 4 original homeowners left.
I think it’s cool how
@chancetherapper
is attending
#NABJ18
for the workshops just like us. IMO: the great only stay great by constantly sharpening their skills and learning from others. ✨
Seriously. What level of Jumanji are we on? 😩 The Houston area is now in both cones of Tropical Storm Marco and Tropical Storm Laura. 🌀 Finish your preps by Sunday night.
Marco impacts: Mon.-Wed.
Laura impacts: Thur.-Fri.
Will update everyone as soon as I get more info, whether it’s from HPD, Zavion’s family or both. In the meantime: I appreciate all the positive feedback and reporting love. I see you. 😘
BREAKING: there’s reports of an active shooting at YES Prep Southwest Secondary in SW Houston. I’m on scene. Lots of worried parents and students crying.
@HamlinIsland
God used His vessel (you) on one of America’s biggest stages (MNF) to flex His mighty power. He knew before that game He would heal you and deliver you so only He could get the glory. 🙌🏽 Your story gives me chills. You are loved. ❤️ Best wishes!
Although the State study does not determine the cause of the cancers, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) DOES associate them with exposure to chemicals in the groundwater plume.
Somebody’s getting a human brother or sister. 👶🏽
“...since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” -Colossians 1:9 🙏🏽
In honor of my birthday on Spring Equinox, I decided to do a nature-inspired photo shoot with my brother while I was home. 💐🌷🌹🌸🌺🌼🌻 It includes a couple of my favorite spots around Dallas.
This hurts so bad. 💔 Our King T’Challa, Jackie Robinson and James Brown is gone. Every once in awhile your generation gets a great one. Chadwick Boseman was one of them.
Spire Nightclub in Houston had to be evacuated last night due to being over capacity. ☹️ (Trey Songz and Fab were performing). Mayor Sylvester Turner is pissed and is now calling on the state to review its “restaurant” policies.