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Happy 713 Day! Celebrating Houston: A City if Resilience and Community

Today, Houstonians are celebrating 713 Day with an extra dose of pride and resilience. Why? Because our beloved city has just weathered Hurricane Beryl, a testament to the strength and unity that define Houston.

For those who haven't experienced Houston firsthand, let me tell you why this city holds a special place in the hearts of its residents, including myself, for the past two decades.

**1. Diversity and Culture:** Houston is a melting pot of cultures, cuisines, and communities. In neighborhoods like the historic 3rd Ward and 5th Ward, you can immerse yourself in the rich history and culture that shaped these areas. From the iconic Emancipation Park in the 3rd Ward, a symbol of African-American heritage and community resilience, to the vibrant street art and cultural landmarks in the 5th Ward, Houston showcases its diversity through its neighborhoods.

**2. Spirit of Resilience:** Hurricane Beryl is just one example of how Houstonians come together in times of adversity. From natural disasters to economic challenges, the city's resilience shines through in its people's willingness to rebuild, support each other, and emerge stronger than before.

**3. Opportunities and Growth:** Houston is not just the Space City; it's a hub of opportunity. With a booming economy driven by industries like energy, healthcare, and aerospace, the city attracts professionals and entrepreneurs from around the globe seeking new horizons and career advancement.

**4. Sense of Community:** Despite its size, Houston maintains a strong sense of community. Whether through neighborhood associations, local businesses, or volunteer efforts, residents actively engage in making their city a better place for everyone.

**5. Cultural Landmarks:** From the iconic NASA Johnson Space Center to the sprawling Hermann Park and the historic Galveston Island nearby, Houston offers a rich tapestry of landmarks and attractions that cater to every interest.

As someone who wasn't born here but has spent the past two decades in Houston, I can attest to the warmth and opportunity this city has provided. Each day in Houston brings new discoveries, connections, and reasons to celebrate our shared resilience and community spirit.

On this special 713 Day, let's celebrate Houston—the city that continues to grow, adapt, and inspire us all. Here's to many more years of prosperity, diversity, and strength as we navigate the future together, hand in hand.

Happy 713 Day, Houston!

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🔥🔥🔥

© “Not Like Us” Kendrick Lamar

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Life’s Better On Saturn

Embroidered t-shirt by us (Universal Sankofa)

The creation was inspired by our love for SZA’s song “Saturn”.

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“Everybody is a main character to someone.”

— Amy Harmon

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We Survived!

The battle between Kendrick Lamar & Drake was definitely historic. This is one for the hip hop history books!

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How You Gonna Win?

Today’s dress up theme at work: Wear something that inspires you, such as a shirt with an inspirational quote, person, or hero. This is what I made to go with my shoes.

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It’s National Patch Day!

One of our biggest sellers on our Etsy stores are our patches. We offer custom colors on almost all patches.

Our newest venture is embroidering onto clothing. We have already ventured into t-shirts, sweatshirts and joggers. We are looking forward to expanding our offerings and even offering custom services.

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We enjoyed the lyrical battle between Kendrick Lamar and Drake. We may be a little biased because K. Dot has been a favorite of ours more than Drake. This song “Not Like Us” has the people going crazy! This is one for the hip hop history books.

How did you enjoy the battle?

Check out these shirts on our website!

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Too hype!!!

this is crazy

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If you are reading this….Drake lost!

What a time to be alive and witness the lyrical battle between K. Dot and Drake. Who do y’all think won the battle?

Find these stickers on our Etsy store.

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Life’s Better On Saturn patch

We've been fans of SZA since her "Z" album back in 2014. These patches were created for a love of her song called "Saturn".

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This is the story of two best friends in their 20s who have known each other since 1st grade. One is on a quest to walk in his purpose while the other is finding it difficult to accept her truth. How will they help each other figure it out? Project 8 drops gems on the pursuit of becoming financially free and deals with the difficulties of breaking free from corporate life. Filmed in the city of Detroit in 2019. This is the Director’s (David Tinsley) first project shot in his native city since returning home from Southern California in 2018.

https://linktr.ee/tinbridgeproductions

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ROHO WEAR

We met the owner of this business while vending at the BLCK Market in Houston, Texas.  We were impressed with the quality of his presentation, packaging and timeless and classic pieces of jewelry.  Keep reading to learn more about ROHO WEAR and Nino, the owner of this black owned business.

Owner: Nino

Year started: 2018

Home base: Houston, Tx

University Alum: LSU

Let everyone know what your business offers.

We offer Contemporary African inspired accessories

Explain the meaning behind the name "Roho Wear".  

ROHO, directly translated from Swahili, means Spirit. In addition, different iterations of the word Roho also translate to spirit/soul in several other African languages. As children of African, we carry the spirit of Africa everywhere we go and in all that we do.    

What is your "why"?

ROHO WEAR was started as a brand that encourages Africa's cultural ambassadors in this diaspora to represent their heritage in a simple, yet bold manner. We aim to make it as easy as possible to spread African culture to the world while representing our roots #REPROOTS.

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Carla Sue Greeting Cards and Gift

Owner: Carla Lyles

Year started:  2016

Home base: Alief, Houston, TX

We met the owner of this business from vending out in these streets.  We set-up next to her at the BLCK Market back in 2018 and ever since then we’ve been good friends.  We completed both the Houston Area Urban League Small Business University and SURE program at U of H together.  Her spirit, drive, positivity, and determination is contagious and that’s why we love her and her creations. Read below to meet Carla Lyles the owner of Carla Sue Greeting Cards & Gifts, and see what all she has to offer!

Owner: Carla Lyles

Year started:  2016

Home base: Alief, Houston, TX

We love your cards because they are so raw, so real, and some have explicit words!  We have also heard that intelligent people curse a lot. What's your favorite curse word to use? 

I'm not sure I have a favorite one. I definitely use bitch a lot. Mostly as a term of endearment.

What is your "why"? 

I have many whys. I suppose the greatest reason why is to show my son and other beautiful melanated people that the days of merely surviving on this earth are over, we can in fact thrive doing the things we love most. I'm working on being a shining example of that.

What has been your most satisfying moment in business? 

Definitely my write up in Entrepreneur Magazine in December. It came at a time when i was feeling very low and ready to throw in the towel. Its was exactly what I needed to keep going.

https://www.entrepreneur.com/slideshow/343907

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We met the owner of this business while vending at the “Buy Black Marketplace” at the Shrine of the Black Madonna in Houston, Texas.  A little while after, we joined the group “Unity is Wealth” and found out that he was also a member. He is an intelligent and resourceful author and business owner.  Read below to meet Ross Williams the owner of Williams Commerce, and see what all he has to offer!

Owners Name:  Ross Williams

Year Started:  2015

Home base:  Houston

University Alum:  Tulane University

Explain what all you do and what all your business offers. 

Empower authors, entrepreneurs, and job seekers. Authors have access to a publishing company, editing services, consultations, and ghostwriting services. Business plans and consultations are offered to business owners. Job seekers are offered resume writing, cover letters, and LinkedIn optimization services. 

What is your "why"? 

Creating generational change and breaking generational curses amongst my family and as many other families as possible. 

Besides your own books, what is your favorite book and why? 

Slam by Walter Myers Dean because it was the first book I read as a child that influenced my writing style and provoked my interest in literature. 

So...check out his website and IG for more info!Website:  https://www.williamscommerce1.com/IG:  https://www.instagram.com/williamscommerce1/FB:  https://www.facebook.com/Rwcommercellc/Williams Commerce