NASA Accepts Proposals for 2026 Student Launch Challenge

 NASA is kicking off the 2026 Student Launch challenge, looking for new student teams to design, build, and launch high-powered rockets with a scientific or engineering payload next April. 

The agency is seeking proposals until Monday, Sept. 22. Details about this year’s challenge are in the 2026 handbook, which outlines the requirements for middle school, high school, and college students to participate. After a competitive proposal selection process, selected teams must meet documentation milestones and undergo detailed reviews throughout the activity year. 

Click HERE

Young Women in STEM organization thanks efamily member Sam Denard for sharing!

 

I was just introduced to one of the officers of Rewriting The Code (https://rewritingthecode.org/).  They seem like a group that you might find interesting.  They support young women in STEM fields.  Apparently, they have local events here in Houston.  

Sam

UT Black Homecoming Weekend - Non UT alumni invited as well!

 

BLACK HOMECOMING Black Homecoming Weekend The Black Alumni Network cordially invites our fellow Longhorn alumni, students, faculty and sponsors to the 2025 We Are One…Stronger Together Fundraising Gala and Awards Ceremony on Friday, September 19th, 2025.  It is our mission to ensure we are building our legacy for generations to come. In addition to reminiscing with old friends and new ones, the gala provides an opportunity for you to contribute to our Legacy Endowment which will support Black students for generations to come. TICKETS Early Bird Tickets Available Early bird ticket price of $175 will end on Friday, August 15th. Tickets will increase to $200 on Saturday, August 16th.   Get Tickets Here ALL ticket sales will end on Friday, September 12th at 11:59 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance as no tickets will be available the night of the gala. KEYONTE SPEAKER ANNOUNCED Keynote Speaker: Marlen D. Whitley We’re excited to announce that corporate attorney, leader, and champion of diversity in the legal profession, Marlen Whitley, will deliver the 2025 Keynote Address!  Whitley serves as partner-in-charge at the Black-owned law firm of Townsend & Lockett. His legal career spans more than two decades, from Fortune 500 boardrooms to the C-suites of disruptive startups. Throughout his career, Whitley has been guided by a simple belief: leadership is about making room for others. His work reflects that commitment—a return to purpose, community, and legacy-building within a Black-owned legal institution. He is a Texas Law alum who earned his undergraduate degree in African American Studies and served as UT’s third African American Student Body President. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha and remains deeply invested in mentoring emerging leaders and legal professionals. ACCOMMODATIONS Hotel Room Accommodations Book your hotels with a group rate for the Texas Exes Black Alumni Scholarship Fundraiser Gala: W AUSTIN HOTEL | 200 Lavaca St., Austin, TX 78701 $369/night (single or double room); Book by Friday, August 29th Valet parking $30. Additional parking options include City Hall, nearby garages, and street parking Includes: 15% off spa treatments at AWAY Spa, 10% discount on tours of the iconic ACL Live Theatre Book W Austin COURTYARD MARRIOT AUSTIN DOWNTOWN | 300 E. 4th St., Austin, TX 78701 $209/night; Book by Friday, August 29th Overnight parking $35 Book Courtyard AWARDS Nominate a Deserving Alumni, Student & Faculty Help us recognize deserving Black alumni, submit your nomination here. The deadline to nominate is Friday, August 8th. PREVIEW ’95 ALUMNI A Message to Preview ’95 Alumni My fellow Preview ’95 alumni, we arrived on campus 30 years ago this summer. As we prepare for this year’s Black Alumni Homecoming Reunion, we’d like to represent and support scholarships for current students. We are working on a creative way to capture the impact our class has made since 1995. If you are interested in learning more about ways you can participate, please complete the INTEREST FORM and we will invite you to an interest meeting to discuss the project. If you have questions or need additional information, contact Corey Tabor at corey@coreytabor.com or at 512-535-8672. IN MEMORIAM Longhorns Beyond the 40 Acres We want to honor our Black Texas Exes who have passed away since we were last together in the Fall of 2024. Please submit info outlined below to BlackAlumniNetwork@texasexes.org by Friday, August 15th. • Alum Full Name • Date of birth to Date of death • Years attended UT • Picture For additional information or questions, please contact the Texas Exes Black Alumni Network at BlackAlumniNetwork@texasexes.org. BLACK EX-STUDENTS OF TEXAS BEST Happy Hour/Check in FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 | 5:00 p.m. @ COURTYARD MARRIOT | 300 E. 4th St., Austin, TX 78701 Pick up T-shirts and swag boxes! RSVP here to receive 1 free drink ticket as you make your way to the Legacy Gala   Homecoming Party: A Soul Night Experience FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 | 9:30 p.m. – 2 a.m. @ SPEAKEASY | 412 Congress Ave Ste D, Austin, TX 78701 Tickets and Tables are available for purchase. Go to tinyurl.com/2025UTBlackHomecoming for more info.   BEST Game Watching & Tailgate: Texas vs Sam Houston State SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20 | Tailgate starts 4 p.m. Tickets and Tables are available for purchase. Go to tinyurl.com/2025UTBlackHomecoming for more info. Volunteer shifts and information will be included in the description details. PRECURSORS 75th Anniversary of Supreme Court Decision – Sweatt vs. Painter FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 | 12 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. @ UT SCHOOL OF LAW ATRIUM | 727 E. Dean Keaton St., Austin, TX 78705 ENGAGE WITH STUDENTS

THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS

The FUTURE of Black Ophthalmology is in CRISIS

 FEATURE STORY:

The FUTURE of Black Ophthalmology is in CRISIS 
A key NIH GRANT was cancelled.. it funded a program that really made a difference in Blacks getting in Residency in Ophthalmology. If you are with a foundation or are a benefactor or KNOW ONE..  PLEASE CONSIDER THE IMPACT OF THIS GRANT BEING CANCELLED... there were 3 years remaining on this grant at the level of $150,000 a year. You know what happened...its in the news.. 
FACTS:
What does this program do?  IT WORKS!!
The grant supports 100 3rd and 4th yr Medical Students who present research papers at the National Medical Association Conference and these grants pay their transportation and lodging to the NMA every year. (see program books in background section you will be so proud of these students!)
Due to this program, participants have an over  90% acceptance rate to the highly coveted Ophthalmology Residency programs.

Black Ophthalmologists are only 2% of all Ophthalmologists

If you want to help - text me 713-304-3336

Why Do We Want to See Black students in Programs Like this? The impact on Society...  Giving Back... see this extract from "The Shape of the River" which addressed race conscious admissions... Not to mention the stats on outcomes of physicians who are culturally competent. Our communities NEED more representation! Getting into residency is NOT guaranteed. Networking, professional development, research are ALL KEY!!!

The Shape of the River, authored by William G. Bowen (former president of Princeton) and Derek Bok (former president of Harvard), was published in 1998. It's a foundational study analyzing the long-term effects of race-conscious admissions at 28 selective colleges over several decades/

One of the key findings highlighted was that minority graduates—especially Black and Hispanic alumni—demonstrated significantly higher levels of civic engagement and public service than their peers. As noted in The New Yorker, Bowen observed that:

“The civic contributions and engagements of the minority graduates of these selective universities were far greater than the civic commitments and contributions of their classmates.”

Background:Blacks in Ophthalmology - THE HISTORY in recent Gala Program Book Link HERE: https://www.rabbvenable.com/25thanniversarygala
(see PDF booklets towards the bottom)

MORE TO THE STORY https://www.rabbvenable.com/_files/ugd/20b60d_3b80d91234b34055ab03eeb24d945930.pdf

Papers and Presentations - Be PROUD... (PDF is towards the bottom of the gala booklet pag) https://www.rabbvenable.com/_files/ugd/20b60d_2055d2eae49242d99082561a267956c1.pdf (or click hers and download - its well worth checking out!)

SO PROUD of efamily member and longtime friend Stephanie Jones Marioneaux and this program she MC'd -- scholarships for med students interested in Ophthalmology. Stephanie has recently been selected as the President‑Elect of the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)

Washington Black now a SERIES on HULU!!! Thanks Dr. Stephanie Jones Marioneaux for sharing!

 

AEROSPACE JOB FAIR! Tuesday July 22

 

Pass the Word

The second annual Space City Job Fair will be held next Tuesday, July 22, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership, located at 1150 Gemini Street in Houston.

Attendees will hear from and network with employers from leading aerospace companies in the Houston area.

hashtag#GiantLeapsStartHere

Heading to the NBA? Don't miss Efamily Member Andrea Hence - Intellectual Property Attorney

 

We recently celebrated 18th firm anniversary, and we are filled with deep gratitude! To our incredible clients, trusted referral partners, and unwavering supporters—thank you. Your belief in our work has allowed us to protect, enforce, and champion the intellectual property behind some of the most inspiring ideas, innovations, and brands. At The Law Firm of Andrea Hence Evans, LLC, we’ve always believed: Your dreams are worth protecting. For 18 years, it’s been our honor to walk alongside creators, entrepreneurs, and businesses to turn that belief into action. Thank you for letting us be part of your journey. Here’s to many more years of protecting and enforcing your intellectual property. Thank you!      I’m excited to share that I’ll be speaking on a panel at the 100th Annual National Bar Association Convention in Chicago on July 28! As a proud Life Member of the NBA, it’s an honor to be part of this historic Centennial Celebration. I’ll be joining a dynamic panel to discuss a topic that’s shaping the future of law: AI and Intellectual Property. The conversation promises to be insightful and forward-thinking—don’t miss it! Looking forward to connecting with many of you in Chicago!   WATCH MY TEDX TALK   I’m honored to share my TEDx Talk, “Silencing Self-Doubt,” delivered at TEDx Nokesville! In this talk, I open up about the internal voice that holds so many of us back—and how to quiet it so we can step fully into our purpose. Whether you're navigating a new career path, launching a business, or simply working toward personal growth, this message is for you. THANK YOU FOR YOUR FEEDBACK! Watch Here!     MAKE48 SEASON 8! Make48, the thrilling documentary series that captures the excitement of invention, is back for Season 8, and this year's Nationals are set to impress.    Attorney Evans had a wonderful time taping on November 8-10, as six teams of talented makers converged on Kansas City! This year's challenge theme, Carriage House Entrepreneurs, was inspired by the rich history of innovation at the Kansas State School for the Blind.   We are thrilled to announce that the Season 8 Make48 NATIONALS is set to premiere on Roku’s This Old House Makers Channel (channel 458) on June 25th (Wednesday) at 8pm (CST)! Are uou watching?    Tune into old seasons and catch Attorney Evans is action on the big screen hard as work as a Patent Attorney.

ABOUT THE LAW FIRM OF ANDREA HENCE EVANS, LLC The Law Firm of Andrea Hence Evans, LLC is your one stop shop to intellectual property protection.  The Firm provides patent, trademark and copyright legal services.  Working as a former Patent Examiner and Trademark Examining Attorney at the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Evans uses her education, legal skills, resources, training and hands-on USPTO experience to provide quality services at reasonable rates.   The Firm currently represents a range of clients all over the world.     Please Note: This practice is limited exclusively to federal intellectual property matters in all 50 states. Evans is a member of the Texas Bar, USPTO Bar and the Supreme Court Bar.   info@evansiplaw.com (301) 497-9997 office (888) 799-0847 fax Share: Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

 

14625 Baltimore Ave. #853
Laurel MD 20707
USA

Innovation Coin Release Party at Space Center Houston - Texas Innovation Dollar

Read More at Coin Week Magazine - HEREEfamily members key coordinators of this event below... learn about Numismatics... a passion of the Ross Family - leaders in the hosting organization. Read more at Coin Week magazine HERE

TEXAS INNOVATION DOLLAR RELEASE
COIN COLLECTORS INVITED TO NASA's Official Visitor Center, Space Center Houston HOUSTON, TEXAS (Below info from Dr. Ralph Ross)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, July 7th, 2025

CONTACT: Dr. Ralph W. Ross
E-Mail: Coinmanross@gmail.com
Phone: 713-829-8022

TEXAS INNOVATION DOLLAR RELEASE

EFAMILY and FRIENDS... YOU ARE INVITED

YOU are cordially invited to join the celebration on Tuesday, July 29th, 2025 at 12 noon, the United States Mint will release the 29th dollar of the American Innovation® program that began in 2018. The TEXAS dollar reverse design features an astronaut walking in space. The obverse is a common statue of liberty. The theme “SPACE WALKER”, emphasizes the significance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and Numismatics. On July 29, 1958, sixty-seven (67) years ago President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the National Aeronautics and Space Act establishing the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) “to provide for research into problems of flight within and outside the earth’s atmosphere.”

We wholeheartedly want you to attend this great numismatic opportunity and celebrate our “TEXAS” sized event. Historians, educators, coin collectors, and others from around the state and country will gather at the Space Center Houston at 1601 NASA Parkway, Houston, Texas 77058. The award-winning Space Center Houston is a popular family attraction where visitors get a behind-the-scenes view of the Johnson Space Center. The Space Center Houston entry fee is $33 per person (entrance fee into the facility).

Plan to come early and stay late to visit the great exhibits and interactive opportunities at the center.

Special guest speaker Retired NASA Astronaut Colonel Jerry Ross will share his amazing journey of walking in space (known as NASA’s “frequent flyer”); door prizes are autographed copies of his award winning books. A live video presentation from the U.S. Mint’s Acting Director Kristie L. McNally with complimentary official “early release” sets of P and D mint dollars for attendees (not issued for general circulation). Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee (CCAC) past chairman Dr. Lawrence S. Brown will speak on the themes and designs of all U.S. coins and medals. Representatives from the American Numismatic Association (ANA); Texas Numismatic Association (TNA); Greater Houston Coin Club (GHCC); U.S. Coins and Jewelry; and Universal Coin and Bullion will be on hand for a planned social occasion.

For more information and to register your interest for a group discount please contact Dr. Ralph Ross at
713-829-8022 or email: Coinmanross@gmail.com.

For additional information contact www.usmint.gov or
www.money.org.

###

Blacks in Ophthalmology - these program books (click link on your PC)

https://www.rabbvenable.com/25thanniversarygala When I opened on my PC and not my phone I was able to read the program books - great history we should know and share! FEATURE STORY: Blacks in Ophthalmology - THE HISTORY in recent Gala Program Book Link HERE: https://www.rabbvenable.com/25thanniversarygala MORE TO THE STORY https://www.rabbvenable.com/_files/ugd/20b60d_3b80d91234b34055ab03eeb24d945930.pdf Papers and Presentations - Be PROUD... https://www.rabbvenable.com/_files/ugd/20b60d_2055d2eae49242d99082561a267956c1.pdf

Back to School Giveaway - Please share !!!

NASA HAS IDEAS FOR PARENTS AND TEACHERS - DIY PROJECTS AND MORE!

https://www.nasa.gov/learning-resources/for-students-grades-k-4/?utm_source=FBPAGE&utm_medium=NASA+-+National+Aeronautics+and+Space+Administration&utm_campaign=NASASocial&linkId=834588085 PARENTS AND TEACHERS: Do you need new ideas for keeping your kids busy at home this summer break, NASA has you covered! From space-themed crafts and DIY experiments to videos and activities, CLICK HERE these free resources will keep curious minds engaged until the school year begins.

Looking for Community in Houston? Efamily member Carin Pinto has the answer! Young Adults are the focus of this group! All ages Support their Gala

 Looking for community in Houston?

Philly Connect® is where young adults gather to grow in faith, purpose, and real connection. It’s a co-ed, faith-based hub for young professionals, students, entrepreneurs and creatives. From Thursday night Bible studies to fitness workouts, social events and service projects, PC is where it’s happening. 

Check them out at Bible study every Thursday at 6:30PM at 1003 Washington Ave, and don’t miss their 10-Year Anniversary Black Tie Gala on Saturday, August 9 at the historic Julia Ideson Library downtown, celebrating a decade of impact, discipleship and community.

Themed The Power of One, Multiplied, the gala will be a night to remember, full of honor, legacy and Kingdom impact. Guests will experience a beautifully curated evening with live music, a 360° video booth, gourmet bites, luxe décor, a coffee bar, and a vibrant mix of current and next gen leaders, creatives and change-makers. The night will also feature the inaugural Kingdom Impact Awards, recognizing individuals boldly living out their faith and transforming culture in Houston and beyond. VIP guests will enjoy a private reception with a live violinist, special moments and exclusive perks.

Sponsorships and ads are available.

To support or attend the gala: https://givebutter.com/PC10YearGala/phillyconnect

Follow @phillyconnecthtx on IG to get plugged in

With love, 

Carin

St Elizabeth Hospital NEW BIRTH!

 

Women of IT Summit - Implementing AI in Government thanks efamily member Sam Denard for sharing!

 

https://atarc.org/event/women-in-it25/ - Link to Register 

Kids Fly Free! This Saturday July 19th Learn more about scholarships to aviation summer camp, tour planes, role models in African American Pilots - GREAT Experience for Kids of all ages!

 

About Bronze Eagles - African American pilots, aviation enthusiasts and friends

 

Cardiac amyloidosis, particularly transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM), disproportionately affects Black men in the United States due to a prevalent genetic mutation.

Cardiac Amyloidosis in Black Men

🎯 Overview

Cardiac amyloidosis, particularly transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR‑CM), disproportionately affects Black men in the U.S., driven by a common genetic mutation.

Genetic Risk: The V122I Mutation

• Approximately 3–3.9% of African Americans carry the V122I (Val122Ile) mutation in the TTR gene, which destabilizes transthyretin and causes hereditary ATTR‑CM :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
• Not all carriers will develop the disease, but those who do typically present symptoms after age 60 :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.

Clinical Impact & Underdiagnosis

ATTR‑CM progresses to heart failure, arrhythmias, and cardiac complications. Early symptoms often mimic other cardiac conditions, resulting in frequent delays or misdiagnoses. Black patients are diagnosed at roughly twice the rate of White patients, yet are still underrepresented in clinical trials :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

🥼 Treatment Advances

Several disease-modifying therapies have demonstrated benefits in reducing mortality and hospitalization:

• Tafamidis: In the ATTR‑ACT trial, it reduced all‑cause mortality from 42.9% to 29.5% (HR 0.70) versus placebo :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
• Acoramidis (Attruby): FDA-approved November 2024. In Phase III ATTRibute‑CM, it showed significant reductions in all-cause mortality and cardiovascular-related hospitalizations versus placebo :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.
• Vutrisiran: In the HELIOS‑B trial, it cut risk of death or cardiovascular events by ~28–33% and improved six-minute walk distance in ATTR‑CM patients :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}.

💡 Why Awareness & Screening Matter

• Due to high V122I prevalence, increased awareness and early screening (e.g., genetic testing) are essential in Black communities.
• Cardiologists should include ATTR‑CM in the differential for Black older adults with unexplained heart failure.

Summary

Black men in the U.S. carry a disproportionate burden of hereditary ATTR‑CM due to the V122I genetic mutation. Recent therapeutic advances — tafamidis, acoramidis, vutrisiran — can significantly slow progression and reduce mortality. Early recognition, genetic testing, and specialist referral are key to improving outcomes.

References:

1. ICER report on ATTR‑CM: V122I prevalence & disparities :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
2. PMC: Racial trends / prevalence :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
3. ATTR‑ACT trial (tafamidis) :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
4. Acoramidis (Attruby) and outcomes :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
5. HELIOS‑B and vutrisiran effects :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
6. V122I prevalence & mutation details :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}

Janice Weaver is raising funds for research on the "Black Man's Disease" of her husband Alvin Weaver - Link to Alvin's Homegoing Service

Janice Weaver Shares: Raising Awareness of “Black Man’s Disease”

Janice's husband, Alvin Weaver, recently passed away after a 45-year marriage. Married couples, parents, grandparents—Janice and Alvin shared a full, loving life.

Spreading the Word

Janice spoke with me about the disease that deeply affected her family and emphasized: “More people need to know about her husband's disease—Cardiac Amyloidosis.”

Cardiac Amyloidosis has disproportionately impacted Black men, and Janice urges greater public awareness.

How You Can Help

Janice, through her nonprofit, is raising funds for research on this disease and organizing blood drives in Alvin's memory.

To donate via Zelle to One Body Network Amyloidosis Research in honor of Alvin Weaver, please send any amount to:
Zelle: 281‑799‑6518

Learn More

↪ Mayo Clinic: Cardiac Amyloidosis

Read Alvin’s full story in the July 4 issue of the African American News—which highlights his impactful life as a Sunday school teacher, deacon, veteran, coach, and punctual family man ("if you’re on time you’re late").

Watch the moving homegoing service: YouTube Service for Alvin Weaver

Support the African American News: Subscribe and read more about Alvin
Also, shop at Shirley Ann Gift Shop—owned by the same proprietors.

About Alvin Dwight Weaver

Alvin was born March 27, 1947, and passed away June 30, 2025, at age 78, in Houston, TX :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}. He was part of Klein High School’s first integrated class in 1966, graduated from Carver Senior High, attended Prairie View A&M, and served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War—earning the Army Medal for Meritorious Service :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

A devoted community leader, Alvin was a 36‑year member of Starlight Church, served as a Sunday school teacher, deacon, and finance committee member. He coached youth football and baseball in Acres Homes and St. Monica Youth Sports, mentoring countless young people :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.

Known for his legendary barbecue skills, craftsmanship, and love for the outdoors—especially as a longtime member of the Six Hundred Yard Hunting Club—Alvin was a family-first man through and through :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}.

He is survived by his wife, Janice Weaver—herself a community leader and one of the Top 30 Women—and their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and godson. Alvin’s legacy of service, mentorship, and love continues to inspire.