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.

The Frontline Formula: NAACP Unit 6820 Advocacy Training Experience—a two-part, hands-on training designed to introduce students to the history, structure, and impact of the NAACP

 

Greetings from the NAACP Houston Youth Council, Unit #6820-B,

We invite your child, grandchild, niece, nephew, cousin, or godchild (ages 0–25) to join us for The Frontline Formula: NAACP Unit 6820 Advocacy Training Experience—a two-part, hands-on training designed to introduce students to the history, structure, and impact of the NAACP.

This interactive training is open to elementary, middle, and high school, and junior college students. No one is too young to learn how to organize, advocate, and lead. Whether new to social justice or ready to deepen their engagement, students will build essential skills in leadership, public speaking, and civic action.

Part 1: The NAACP Blueprint

Saturday, July 19, 2025

11:00 A.M. – 6:00 P.M. CST

NAACP Houston Branch Office

2002 Wheeler Avenue, Houston, TX 77004

Students will gain a foundational understanding of how the NAACP operates across all levels, including:

• History, Hierarchal Structure, and Governance
• National Board and Foundation
• Washington & Hollywood Bureaus
• Legal Defense Fund and ACT-SO Program
• Image Awards
• National Convention and CRATI Training
• Governing Documents and Compliance Standards
• Unit Types, Functions, and Leadership Opportunities
  

  Part 2: From Blueprint to Frontline Formula Saturday, July 26, 2025 9:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M. CST NAACP Houston Branch Office 2002 Wheeler Avenue, Houston, TX 77004 This session focuses on action and impact. Students will explore: The NAACP 7-Point Advocacy Agenda C-HOPE (Centers of Innovation) Direct Action Guidelines Collaborative advocacy planning with 2025–2026 Standing Committee Chairs Students will begin developing Fall and Spring advocacy campaigns that support the association's C-Hope initiatives. What to Bring (Both Sessions): Laptop (or tablet/phone if no laptop), with charger Notebook, pencil, sharpener Lunch (microwave and fridge available) Snacks and drinks will be provided Registration Deadlines: Part 1: Register by Friday, July 18, 2025 at 11:59 P.M. CST Part 2: Register by Friday, July 25, 2025 at 11:59 P.M. CST Click below to register. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfc5vdEFfFoLHfn_Ocmu1DePsB09i8Vo78cbwehDHHrveXa6A/viewform This is more than a bootcamp—it’s a launchpad into lifelong leadership. Note: If your student is a current paid member, NAACP Houston Youth Council T-shirts will be available for purchase at $20 each (cash only). Not yet a member? Join us for the training, and we’ll guide you through the membership process. Warm Regards,  NAACP Houston, TX Youth Council Unit 6820 Executive Committee  Email: naacphoustontxyc@gmail.com Instagram: @naacphoustonyc Follow Us On Instagram NAACP Houston Branch| 713-526-3389 | 2002 Wheeler Avenue, Houston TX 77004 www.naacphouston.org Join NAACP   Donate to NAACP

  NAACP Houston Branch | 2002 Wheeler Ave | Houston, TX 77004 US

Announcing.. Efamily member Louis Hook's son Randy Saavy of the Compton Cowboys' latest video release with Burner Boy!!

 Click Here! https://youtu.be/7dDJi9WI_3Y

Efamily member Louis Hook's son Randy, his Compton Cowboys nonprofit and his horses were featured in Beyonce's country genre performance at the holiday football half-time show... https://www.randysavvy.com/ and latest song https://youtu.be/BO2nslAU_ys For more information, you can visit his official website at randysavvy.com or follow him on Instagram and YouTube.

Spotify+9CSUN Today+9The Blueprint Group+9

Musically, Savvy pioneers the "Street Country" genre, blending elements of country and rap music. His tracks often feature acoustic guitars combined with 808 drums and hi-hats, reflecting his diverse musical influences. YouTube+3Randy Savvy+3The Blueprint Group+3The Blueprint Group+1Randy Savvy+1

Savvy has collaborated with brands like Ariat and Boot Barn, and his work has been featured in various media outlets. He holds a Master's degree in Music Industry Administration from California State University, Northridge. CSUN Today+1Randy Savvy+1

Randy Savvy, born Randy Hook, is a multifaceted artist and community leader from Compton, California. He earned a Master’s degree in Music Industry Administration from California State University, Northridge (CSUN) in 2016, equipping him with the skills to merge his passions for music, community service, and entrepreneurship. Instagram+15CSUN Today+15CSUN Today+15

Raised in Compton's Richland Farms neighborhood, Hook was immersed in equestrian life from a young age through the Compton Junior Posse, a nonprofit founded by his aunt, Mayisha Akbar, in 1988. This organization aimed to provide at-risk youth with positive alternatives to gang involvement through horseback riding and mentorship. americanhorsepubs.org+5Los Angeles Times+5CSUN Today+5CSUN Today+2CSUN Today+2Huck+2

In 2017, Hook co-founded the Compton Cowboys, a group dedicated to preserving the legacy of Black cowboys and promoting positive images of African Americans in urban communities. The group's motto, "Streets Raised Us, Horses Saved Us," encapsulates their mission to use equestrian culture as a means of empowerment and community building. Voyage LA+14Los Angeles Times+14CSUN Today+14YouTube+1Los Angeles Times+1

As a musician, performing under the name Randy Savvy, Hook developed a unique genre called "Street Country," blending elements of hip-hop and country music. His debut single, "Colorblind," produced with the help of Dr. Dre, addresses themes of racial injustice and urban violence, reflecting his commitment to social activism through art. Facebook+13The Blueprint Group+13Randy Savvy+13Occidental College+1Los Angeles Times+1

Beyond music and horsemanship, Hook serves as the executive director of the Compton Junior Equestrians, the successor to the Compton Junior Posse. In this role, he continues to mentor youth, fostering personal growth and resilience through equestrian training and community engagement. TikTok+10CSUN Today+10CSUN Today+10Occidental College+3Huck+3The Blueprint Group+3

Randy Savvy's work exemplifies the power of combining cultural heritage, artistic expression, and community service to inspire and uplift future generations.

Background efamily info... Randy's dad Louis probably got Randy into music...  you may remember from grad school back in the day (Louis was an awesome DJ at many parties!)  Louis is an Occidental College grad that completed his  Masters in Economics from MIT and MBA from Harvard Business School.. 

Robotics graduate school fellowship opportunity.thanks efamily member Sam Denard for sharing! DEADLINE Aug 15, 2025

 Hello Everyone, 

We are glad to announce another round of Robotics Masters Fellowship Support in partnership with 3M! This supports up to $50k in tuition for MS students studying Robotics in the United States.

• Applications are open, and due August 15, 2025 - with support being available as early as this Fall 2025: https://blackinrobotics.org/bir-3m-ms-student-tuition-fellowship
  • Direct link to application form: https://forms.gle/3eaXDFPjDtNwKoX39
• Typically, in meeting the tuition need, we have been able to support ~2-3 students each year, so please apply!

-- 

Sincerely, 

Black in Robotics