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The Forward Times in Houston: Carrying Forth a Special Vision

NNPA NEWSWIRE — Because of the leadership of “Doll” Carter, the Forward Times newspaper reached a paid circulation of roughly 65,000 and is still one of only a few publications in the region to hold a second-class mailing permit, which gives the company the ability to mail its newspapers directly into the homes and the offices of their loyal and dedicated subscribers.
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195 Years of the Black Press

By Jeffrey L. Boney, Forward Times Associate Editor for NNPA Newswire

The spirit of Black journalism, which was inspired by Russwurm and Cornish, found its way to Houston 128 years later through a vision given to a local Black businessman to birth a newspaper that positively reflected the Black community, while also reporting the hard truths happening in our communities on the local, state, and national level.

After initially casting his vision to a group of friends in 1955, entrepreneur Julius P. Carter started investing every extra dollar he could from his cigarette vending business that he operated out of his office garage, into the equipment he needed to print his first tabloid-sized publication.

It was Mr. Carter’s plan to print a publication that featured only photos and positive stories about Black Houstonians in that first edition.

Thanks to his bold vision, the Forward Times newspaper published its first edition on January 30, 1960, out of his office garage.

“The idea of launching a newspaper like the Forward Times came about because of my father’s strong business acumen and community prowess amongst Houston’s Black elite,” said Karen Carter Richards, CEO and Publisher of the Forward Times and NNPA Chair.

“My father wanted Black people to be highlighted during a new era where it was time for African Americans in the City of Houston to move forward, and he did that successfully from the founding of the newspaper to his passing in 1971.”

Mr. Carter successfully ran the Forward Times from 1960 to 1971.

In 1971, after reporting a story that was not so favorable to the powers that be, the Forward Times’ building was bombed.

After the bombing, Mr. Carter died of a massive heart attack, only four days later, primarily because of all the pressure he had endured.

Upon his death, Mr. Carter’s wife, Lenora “Doll” Carter took the helm at the Forward Times in 1971.

Affectionately known by many simply as “Doll” Carter, she took on the daunting task of being the Publisher and Editor of the newspaper and the CEO of the company, as a 29-year-old widow with two little girls, who were 9 and 11 at the time.

“The bold decision that my mother made to upgrade the business by purchasing an 8-Unit Goss press with the capability of printing two color newspaper jobs at one time gave Forward Times Publishing Co. a significant edge in the regional market,” said Karen Carter Richards.

“Not only was she responsible for the day-to-day operations of one of the only publishing companies in the country to own its own printing press, but she was also responsible for maintaining and securing clients who owned other major newspapers and magazines in the region.

“One of those clients was the University of Houston Daily Cougar, which Forward Times Publishing Co. printed every single day for over 28 years.”

Because of the leadership of “Doll” Carter, the Forward Times newspaper reached a paid circulation of roughly 65,000 and is still one of only a few publications in the region to hold a second-class mailing permit, which gives the company the ability to mail its newspapers directly into the homes and the offices of their loyal and dedicated subscribers.

During her tenure, the Forward Times continued to add to its impressive resume of never missing a week of print since inception.

The business celebrated over fifty years in business under her visionary and dedicated leadership from 1971 until her untimely death in April of 2010.

The Forward Times remains the only Black newspaper in the Greater Houston area that is still operated by its founding family and is the only Black newspaper in the Greater Houston area that has printed its newspaper consecutively, having never missed a week a print, for over 62 years.

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How to Use Credit Wisely

(NewsUSA) – As the holiday season approaches, more people are out shopping, searching crowded stores and online promotions for the best discounts, and using their credit cards to pay for it all. But beware the financial dangers of credit use — how you pay for these deals could safeguard your budget or lead to debt. […]
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A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional can help you guard against costly credit mistakes, paving the way for a financially sound festive season and beyond. Learn more about how to use credit in a way that works for you with the insights below.

Choose Your Credit Card Wisely

Whether you’re shopping for holiday gifts or purchasing necessities like groceries, the credit card you use can make a big difference. There are several factors to consider:

  • Interest Rates. Rates generally run from 21-33%. The standard bank card charges at the low end of the range, and retailer credit cards (those typically with the store’s name on them) charge as much as 33%.
  • Cash Back. Among the best deals are bank cards that offer cash back ranging from 1-4% of your purchase.
  • Rewards Points. Some cards have rewards programs where you earn points that you can redeem for products or services. They may seem attractive but are worthwhile only if you’re actually interested in the rewards offered.
  • Cash Discounts. While retailer credit cards have the highest rates, some offer big cash discounts at the point of purchase. That may be the only time they’re worth using.

Improving Your Credit Score

Boosting your credit score can help you qualify for the lowest available interest rates on auto loans, personal loans and mortgages. If you can, pay the full balance when your credit card bill arrives. But most importantly, never miss a payment. Paying on time not only avoids late fees, but also is a key factor in improving your credit score. The easy way to ensure timely payment is to set up automatic online payments.

A CFP® professional can help you develop other strategies to save money while improving your credit profile, including the following:

Establishing Credit

Lenders offer credit to people with a long and reliable credit history. Most young adults don’t have one. There are various ways to obtain credit, but steer clear of debit cards that claim they can help you build a credit history. When you consider the costs and requirements, they’re usually no bargain. You have better and cheaper options for establishing credit. Here are three of them:

  • Get a secured credit card.
  • If you have a student loan, make sure you’re up-to-date with payments.
  • If you pay rent, ask your landlord to report your on-time payments to the credit bureaus.

The choices we make in managing credit can have a lasting impact on our financial journey. As you navigate the complex credit landscape, remember that CFP® professionals can offer tailored guidance for your unique circumstances. Whether it’s identifying strategic debt payments, exploring balance transfer options or establishing credit responsibly, a CFP® professional can provide a roadmap for achieving your financial goals. Find a CFP® professional today.

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Acura ZDX Type S features

LA Auto Show was the venus for the Acura ZDX Type S details.
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LA Auto Show was the venus for the Acura ZDX Type S details.

The post Acura ZDX Type S features first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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Subaru Forester exhibit LA Auto Show

LA Auto Show was the venue for the Subaru Forester. This was the most interesting display technologically.
The post Subaru Forester exhibit LA Auto Show first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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LA Auto Show was the venue for the Subaru Forester. This was the most interesting display technologically.

The post Subaru Forester exhibit LA Auto Show first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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