HONORING WOMEN SERIES: JANICE SUBER MCNAIR

💫Because I respect and believe in the power of a woman, I’ve decided to honor women in 2019 and beyond on my blog page. There will be one woman “embraced” at least once per week. There will be “no biases”, and the women will be representatives of all walks of life from all over the world who contribute “positively” to family, community, city, state, country, and therefore the world. 

🌟Today’s Honoree

Philanthropist.  One word describes who JANICE SUBER MCNAIR is and has been for decades. She has a genuine vein for humanity. Janice is well-known in the Houston, TX community for her philanthropic and civic commitment. Naming only a few of the organizations that she co-founded are The Robert and Janice McNair Foundation, the Houston Texans Foundation, the McNair Medical Institute and the Robert and Janice McNair Educational Foundation in Forest City, N.C.  Janice supports a wide variety of charitable, scientific, literary, educational, and religious organizations. She’s also a strong supporter of the Houston Zoo, where the Janice Suber McNair Asian Elephant Habitat has been open since 1994.

Janice’s philanthropic spirit does not only dwell in the state of Texas but all over the the U.S.  Columbia College in Columbia, SC {her alma mater}, has received hundreds of millions of dollars over the years in support of their programs and initiatives.  To assist with the success of entrepreneurs at Columbia College, the McNair Center for Entrepreneurism was formed to establish customized coursework for students and include apprenticeships and mentoring networks among other features.  Janice’s contributions have inspired a new generation of innovative young leaders at the college. Columbia College is one of at least eight institutions across the nation that benefits from The McNair Foundation.

{Image:  Breast Cancer Event at a Houston Texans Game}

A breast cancer survivor, Janice never hesitates to support women, in every aspect, who battle the disease. She could easily just write a check but Janice doesn’t operate that way.  She takes the time to share her personal experiences and lend a helping hand when needed. 

There are many wealthy people in the world and their munificences have a long list of benefactors. 

Janice’s interest in human welfare by investing in private initiatives to promote public good sets her uniquely apart in many ways. Her desire is to help elevate the importance of humanity, encourage people to support causes to improve the quality of life and prevent social problems.  Janice’s lifetime work will leave an indelible mark on the world. 

Janice is a widow.  She and her late husband, Robert “Bob” NcNair, were the longtime owners of the NFL franchise, the Houston Texans. Janice and her son now own the team.  

{Image: Internet Retrieved}

Janice has a large family.  She and Bob have four children: two daughters and two sons. They also have 15 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Bob died in November 2018. Janice resides in Houston. 

Encouraging all women to support and empower one another, 

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Read more here: https://www.thestate.com/news/business/article2847131

😷 Under The Weather

I hope that I feel better soon so I can continue blogging and more importantly, continue with my Honoring Women Series. Meanwhile, check out blogs that you may not have read yet.  Go to 1goya.blogspot.com.

Getting lots of rest,

🦚 GPS - Your Innovative Blogger

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🏆National Champion: The Bull Rider and Hip Hop Cowboy

This blog is going to take many of you by surprise. So if the title has you envisioning a wranglers-wearing (with a pearl snap shirt), tobacco chewing white man with a southern draw as with a lot of cowboys and bull riders, you’re in for a Texas-size education. Or maybe you envision a white cowboy who loves hip hop music. Well tip your Stetson and exit because you’re wrong. Stereotyping people has always been the wrong trail to travel. This may be a newsflash for some of you (perhaps if you live in places other than southern states), but oh yes; there are black cowboys in the U.S.  Giddy-up! 

Rodeos are to a cowboy/bull rider as NASCAR is to a race car driver. Houston, TX has the largest and richest rodeo and it’s a cowboy’s and bull rider’s anticipated venue location for a world-class competition. A rodeo is “an exhibition or contest in which cowboys show their skill at riding broncos, roping calves, wrestling steers, etc.”

*Highest Governing Body: Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association 

“Although black bull riders have played an instrumental part in rodeos since the late 1800s with guys like Bill Pickett, Jesse Stahl, and Charles Sampson, it seems the only sport outside of hockey with fewer African-American participants had to be rodeo. Not only is Championship Bull Rider Craig Jackson helping to continue knocking down the racial barrier in the sport, but he is bringing a whole new culture with him.”

🌟 Allow me to introduce you to CRAIG JACKSON, the 1st Black-American National Championship Bull Rider. Yep! You read that right. Craig has competed in contests that included professional contestants as local as his home state of Texas and as far as Mexico and Brazil. Bull riding isn’t a cowboy fetish; it’s a sport. Craig is following in his father’s footsteps; like father, like son. Bull riding is in his blood.

                 {Craig Jackson has changed the stereotypes about bull riders.}

There’s an interesting twist to Craig’s professional bull riding skills. He’s put his own signature on bull riding entertainment. Because of his love for Hip Hop music and rarely heard around bull riding, he’s known as the “Hip Hop Cowboy”. Craig manages to enjoy his favorite music genre while riding a bull to earning many winning titles.  “So when you hear Craig Jackson is also a musician along with being a bull rider, one would by and large assume he sang country music. Wrong again! Jackson is a rapper. Not even a Cowboy Troy-like "hip-hop" rapper, but a real hip-hop rapper. At first glance it seems out of place, but it's kind of like peanut butter and honey, seems weird until you try it. It's actually pretty good,” wrote Butch with New 99.1 Country. 

                 {Photo: Internet Retrieved}

To sweeten this story even more about Craig and his bull riding successes, he has partnered with the NAACP.  The historical organization will match dollar-for-dollar with a mission to award college scholarships to students with an interest 
in the agriculture field. Craig’s philanprothic goal to helping young people attend college and encouraging students to pursue careers in agriculture are more reasons to admire the young man. Success is not real success if you’re not helping others along your journey. 

Craig has plans to introduce the world even more to Hip Hop rodeos. Times have changed and Craig’s style of entertaining in the rodeo arena will bring more young people to watch professional bull riders and maybe even become interested in the sport. 

Craig has one child, a daughter. I can only imagine her excitement when she sees her father bull riding. “My mom had to put up with my dad being a bull rider and me being a bull rider. It makes me glad I had a little girl,” he says. 

Thank you, John (Craig’s cousin), for telling me the story about the national bull riding champion!  It’s been my pleasure sharing his unique style and sport with the world. This is a perfect story in celebration of Black History Month. 


In celebration of a national champion bull rider,

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Chad Boseman: A SC Native - Ruler of Wakanda

YES; as the February 2018 TIME magazine cover points out, “A Hero Rises”!  If anyone makes it to the cover of TIME magazine, well let’s just say that person has made it’s mark in the world, impacting lives and society on a large scale. That certainly qualifies CHADWICK BOSEMAN. He was “timeless” in Black Panther and one year later after appearing on Time magazine last year, Chad remains a star to watch. His latest film is Avengers: Endgame which will be released April 26, 2019. 

BRAVO, Chad!

South Carolina natives are certainly proud of Chad. He was born in Anderson, SC in 1977.  His southern routes are evident in his hospitable and gentlemanly character. His strong presence while in a room is noticeable no matter the audience. Attending a Historically Black Colleges and Universities [HBCU] institution, he’s a graduate of Howard University in Washington, DC with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Directing and also attended the British American Academy in London. Phylicia Rashad was one of his teachers at Howard and became his mentor. Chad has been an “active actor” since 2000. Chad’s craft has won him roles that had us making our way to the TV to see him act and now, fans get in line at movie theaters to see him. His brilliant acting work is notable in:

1. 42 as Jackie Robinson

2. Get on Up as James Brown

3. Marshall as Thurgood Marshall

4. Captain America:  Civil War as superhero Black Panther

5. Black Panther, Avengers:  Infinity War as the superhero 

6. Lincoln Heights

7.Persons Unknown

8. The Express

9. Draft Day

10. Message from the King

✔️11. Black Panther as Ruler of Wakanda

12. Avengers:  Endgame 

13. Gods of Egypt as Thoth

[And Countless Unlisted TV Roles]

It’s safe to say that Chad’s most popular, acting based on movie critics, was his role as the Ruler of Wakanda in the Black Panther movie. The success of the movie certainly deserves the applause of the creator, producers and his very talented co-actors. And they got it!!!

*Stated in March 2018:  “Since it opened on Feb. 16, “Black Panther” has continued to crush milestones, including passing the $1 billion mark at the global box office in just 26 days. It made $12.9 million at the international box office this weekend, bringing its total worldwide gross to $1.23 billion.” The gross amount has increased since 2018. 

{Chad in Black Panther}

“Boseman was raised a Christian. He was baptized and part of a church choir and youth group. His former pastor said that he still keeps his faith. Boseman has stated that he prayed to be the Black Panther before he was cast as the character in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.”    -Wikipedia 

Celebrating talent,

🦚GPS - Your Innovative Blogger

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HONORING WOMEN SERIES: COOKIE JOHNSON

💫Because I respect and believe in the power of a woman, I’ve decided to honor women in 2019 and beyond on my blog page. There will be one woman “embraced” at least once per week. There will be “no biases”, and the women will be representatives of all walks of life from all over the world who contribute “positively” to family, community, city, state, country, and therefore the world. 

🌟Today’s Honoree

{Photo: Internet Retrieved}

Everyone knows that COOKIE JOHNSON is married to former Los Angeles Lakers basketball star, Earvin “Magic” Johnson. Cookie has been widely admired for being a supportive wife of her husband. But her life does not begin nor end with Magic. As an independent-minded woman, her stage is large for many reasons.  She’s an author, philanthropist, entrepreneur and started a blue jeans line some years ago. She’s always had an interest in fashion. The CJ blue jeans are every woman’s dream based on size options, flexible fit, and design. 

{Cookie Models One of Her Jean Designs}

Cookie’s birth name is Earletha Kelly. She’s gone by the name Cookie, given to her by her Mother, since a small child. Everyone called her Cookie. It wasn’t until first grade when she knew her real name. Cookie was born in Huntsville, Alabama but she claims Detroit as her home. Her family moved to Detroit when she was six years old.

Cookie is a woman with her own direction.  Although very supportive of her famous husband, she’s quite philanthropic. Cookie is a Christian and very supportive of her church. She serves on the board of directors for the Magic Johnson Foundation. She has helped develop and fund programs addressing HIV/AIDS prevention, HIV testing, and effective treatments for those living with AIDS; started an AIDS scholarship program (named after now-deceased Magic Johnson Enterprises’ COO Taylor Michaels); and built technology empowerment centers in urban areas. Cookie has always been a volunteer for different charitable organizations. She devotes herself to causes benefittng battered and homeless women, such as the Union Rescue Mission and the Downtown Women’s Center. 

One of Cookie’s passionate accomplishments is becoming a bestselling author. Believing in Magic: My Story of Love, Overcoming Adversity, and Keeping the Faith was published in 2016. Her powerful and inspiring memoir shares details of her marriage, motherhood, faith, and how her husband’s HIV diagnosis twenty-five years ago changed their life. 

⚾️ So let’s talk Major League Baseball (MLB).  Cookie and her husband put their signature on the Los Angeles Dodgers. Magic leads a group which made the investment in 2012 for a U.S. sports franchise record fee of $2 billion. The Johnsons are successful entrepreneurs and their fame and fortune keep Cookie very busy with helping her husband manage their businesses and wealth. 

{Photo: Internet Retrieved}

{Cookie enjoys vacationing.}

{The Johnsons & Their Private Jet} 

{Magic & Cookie}

Cookie’s faith and strength surely have proven what’s possible when you have them. She trusts GOD and her social media posts and interviews are evident of that. 

Cookie and Magic have two adult children and reside in California.

Encouraging all women to support and empower one another,

🦚GPS - Your Innovative Blogger

Read more of my blogs: 1goya.blogspot.com

Send a private message: 1goyaspry@gmail.com

🏈 NFL Scouting Combine 2019: The 338 Invitees

⭐️The Future Stars of the NFL⭐️

🏈The NFL Scouting Combine will be held February 26 - March 4, 2019 in Indianapolis, IN.  *It’s not open to the general public.

“Top Executives, Coaching Staffs, Player Personnel Departments and Medical Personnel from all 32 NFL teams will be on hand to evaluate the nation’s top college football players eligible for the upcoming NFL Draft. This intense, four-day job interview is an exciting time for the athletes and a vital step in achieving their dreams of playing in the NFL.”

*Over 300 of the VERY BEST college players have been invited to the NFL Scouting Combine 2019.

Five (5) states will be sending the most players to the NFL Scouting Combine. 👇🏼
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.saturdaydownsouth.com/sec-football/these-states-sent-the-most-players-to-the-nfl-combine/amp/

Full List of Invitees 👇🏼
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2019-nfl-draft-full-list-of-338-prospects-invited-to-nfl-scouting-combine-including-kyler-murray/amp/

🏆Clemson University, 2019 National Champions, has eleven (11) players who have been invited:

1.  Austin Bryant
2.  Clelin Ferrell
3.  Mark Fields
4.  Albert Huggins
5.  Mitch Hyatt
6.  Kendall Joseph
7.  Trae Lamar
8.  Dexter Lawrence
9.  Trayvon Mullen
10. Hunter Renfrow
11. Christian Wilkins

South Carolina’s Complete List 👇🏼

{The 2019 SC invitees, 19 players, may be a record number.}

Congratulations to all invited players! 

Celebrating the players, 

🦚GPS - Your Innovative Blogger

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HONORING WOMEN SERIES: HISTORICAL MOMENT IN GOVERNING

 #leadership  #diversity  #usgovernment  #congresswomen

💫Because I respect and believe in the power of a woman, I’ve decided to honor women in 2019 and beyond on my blog page. There will be one woman “embraced” at least once per week. There will be “no biases”, and the women will be representatives of all walks of life from all over the world who contribute “positively” to family, community, city, state, country, and therefore the world. 

🌟Today’s Honorees: U.S. Representatives 

{Congresswomen stand in solidarity on Capitol Hill before the 2019 State of the Union Address}

Historic Governing:  There are a record number of women serving as legislators for the first time, making history in the United States, and most are Democrats. “Each representative is elected to a two-year term serving the people of a specific congressional district. Among other duties, representatives introduce bills and resolutions, offer amendments and serve on committees.”

Read more here about Democrat Congresswomen. 👇🏼

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-democrats-women-congress-20181107-story.html%3foutputType=amp

{Nancy Pelosi:  52nd Speaker of The U.S. House of Representatives}

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is the only woman to have served as Speaker, and is the highest-ranking elected woman in United States history.  Pelosi is second in the presidential line of succession, immediately after the vice president.

Read Pelosi’s biography here. 👇🏼

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nancy_Pelosi

I applaud the newly-elected women who have been entrusted to make decisions for not only their perspective state of residence but the nation as a whole. No matter an American’s chosen political party; i.e., Republican, Democrat or Independent, our country must support unification and make the best decisions for the American people.  As Americans, we should routinely exercise our right to vote during local, state and national elections. 

Celebrating ALL women in politics, 

🦚GPS - Your Innovative Blogger

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WOMEN OF DISTINCTION: FEMALE ASTRONAUTS

February is Black History Month. There’s a lot to learn and celebrate about Black-African Americans. But let’s not do it once per year; learn the contributions of Black Americans year-round. “Know the past; shape the future”. 

{Image: Internet Retrieved}

In celebrating Black History Month, President Gerald Ford said in one of his messages, “We can seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”  Ford was right. Today and in honor of Black History Month and History [period], I lift the heroism and accomplishments of five (5) Black American female astronauts.

Before spotlighting all of them, let’s give credence to the “1st Black female astronaut”, Dr. Mae C. Jemison.  Dr. Jemison didn’t allow anyone to place limits on possibilities; certainly, she didn’t allow limits to be placed on her.  She said, “Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.”  Just imagine if adults lived by that mantra.  Imagine if children were taught it very early and throughout their life. Children should know that every success story started with an imagination. They should know that their dream can become a reality.  All young girls should know that just because there may not be many or no women in a particular profession does not mean they cannot break the mole, the stereotype. Our children can change the statistic. 

{Dr. Mae C. Jemison, “1st” Black Female Astronaut}

{Dr. Mae C. Jemison}

📌Jemison’s Short Video: How To Be A Strong Woman
👉🏼 https://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Mae+C.+Jemison&ibp=askj;krj7WXGw%7CAT0PSJ

{Astronauts: Mae C. Jemison, Stephanie D. Wilson, Joan E. Higginbotham, Yvonne Cagle, and Jeanette J. Epps}

{An Evening of Recognition}

⭐️Get To Know Our Astronauts⭐️

👩🏽‍🚀Each astronaut has a fascinating biography. Read about each one. 

👉🏼Mae C. Jemison: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mae_Jemison

👉🏼Yvonne Cagle:  https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yvonne_Cagle

👉🏼Stephanie D. Wilson: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephanie_Wilson

👉🏼Joan E. Higginbotham:  https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joan_Higginbotham

👉🏼Jeanette J. Epps:  https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeanette_J._Epps

Celebrating  imaginations and possibilities, 

🦚GPS - Your Innovative Blogger

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