Laura Onyeneho

United States

Education Reporter at The Houston Defender

📰Education Reporter @defendernetwork 🎥 Defender Top 3 Takeaways: Fox 26 HTX 📧 Tips/Ideas: [email protected] Views=Mine

Articles

Refreshing your social circle: The art of friendship cleansing

1 week ago | spokesman-recorder.com | Laura Onyeneho

Spring is here, and that means it’s time for spring cleaning! But while most people think of scrubbing floors, donating old clothes, and decluttering their homes, your social circle is another area often overlooked. Just as a messy, disorganized living space can weigh you down, so can unhealthy friendships. It’s time to assess the company you keep and determine who truly belongs in your life.
The changing dynamics of respect in multi-generational society

1 week ago | spokesman-recorder.com | Laura Onyeneho

I recently watched an episode of Family or Fiancé on OWN, and a particular scene really stuck with me. It was a moment between a Nigerian mother-in-law and her future daughter-in-law, a Black American woman. The disagreement started over something as simple as clearing a plate, but it quickly escalated into a heated conversation, with the mother-in-law insisting that the younger woman was being disrespectful.
Black Restaurant Week, Erykah Badu and Amber Ruffin

1 week ago | defendernetwork.com | Laura Onyeneho

Every year when Black Restaurant Week rolls around, I know one thing is for sure: I'm going to be outside enjoying some great cuisine and my dollars will be put to good use. This is the 10th anniversary of Houston's Black Restaurant Week. What started with a handful of restaurants has now expanded across the state, creating opportunities for Black-owned eateries to thrive.
Texas universities navigate federal crackdown on DEI policies

2 weeks ago | defendernetwork.com | Laura Onyeneho

Texas universities face mounting pressure from the federal government as the Trump administration intensifies its crackdown on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies. The U.S. Department of Education has warned that institutions risk losing critical funding if their programs violate anti-discrimination laws, forcing universities to re-evaluate how they implement DEI initiatives.
Tina Knowles, UH Sweet 16, Tyler Perry

3 weeks ago | defendernetwork.com | Laura Onyeneho

I know Beyoncé fans are counting down to the Cowboy Carter Tour in April, but if you can't make the concert and you're in Houston, you might have the next best thing-her mama, Tina Knowles. The businesswoman, fashion designer, art collector, and all-around powerhouse is hitting the road for a nine-city tour to promote her memoir Matriarch, which will be dropping on April 22. Of course, one of her stops is right here in Houston at the Smart Financial Centre in Sugar Land on May 5. The best part?
Christian Menefee, Black masculinity, Death of music icons

1 month ago | texasmetronews.com | Laura Onyeneho

By Laura OnyenehoDefenderhttps://defendernetwork.com/Christian Menefee to run for late Congressman Sylvester Turner’s CD-18 SeatWhen I heard that Christian Menefee was stepping down as Harris County Attorney to run for the late Congressman Sylvester Turner’s seat, my first thought was: Who else is running? I’ve been wondering who would step up to fill this role, and while I respect Menefee’s leadership, I can’t help but hope for more young, vibrant candidates to enter the race.
The community remembers Congressman Sylvester Turner

1 month ago | defendernetwork.com | Laura Onyeneho

Sylvester Turner's legacy extends far beyond his time in public office. A lifelong advocate for the Black community in Houston, he was a leader who walked-and danced-alongside the people he served. Turner's passing leaves a deep void, but his contributions to Houston, particularly Third Ward and Acres Homes, will not be forgotten. Deloyd Parker, the executive director and co-founder of Shape Community Center, remembers Turner as a politician and a man who engaged directly with the community.
Relatives As Parents help kinship caregivers keep families together

1 month ago | defendernetwork.com | Laura Onyeneho

Tauneshia Mattox never imagined she would suddenly become a parent to a teenager. But when she learned that her cousin's children were on the verge of being separated by the child welfare system, she didn't hesitate. The family held a meeting, and before CPS could intervene, they made a difficult decision-Mattox would take in her 14-year-old second cousin to live with her in Houston, while the younger children would stay in California.
Your friendly Houston Black-owned alternatives to Starbucks

1 month ago | defendernetwork.com | Laura Onyeneho

Black consumers wield a staggering $1.7 trillion in buying power, yet much of that money doesn't have enough staying power within the Black community. Meanwhile, major corporations that once pledged to prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are now quietly rolling back those commitments. Companies have cut DEI programs, citing political backlash and economic pressures leading to cost-cutting.
What does Bun B's have up his sleeve for Black Heritage Night?

1 month ago | defendernetwork.com | Laura Onyeneho

H-Town's rap icon, Bun B has once again ignited a firestorm of anticipation and curiosity with his announced lineup for the upcoming RodeoHouston performance on March 7th. The confirmed lineup boasts a diverse array of talent, including the smooth crooner Keith Sweat, Grammy-winning R&B sensation Coco Jones, the iconic '90s group Jagged Edge, Ludacris, Houston's new-school hitmaker Don Toliver and the incomparable gospel queen Yolanda Adams.