My Inauguration Experience: "Embrace Your Greatness"

Dear Constituents:

On January 20, 2009, an historic moment took place in our country that has ushered in a new era of change.

Barack H. Obama was sworn in as the 44th President of the United States and the country's first African-American Commander-in-Chief.

I witness this with my family. We first arrived in Philadelphia, a city in which I learned a lot of history. It is a city that acknowledges slavery and so it served as an opportunity for me to teach my children. We visited the home of one of the former Presidents and also Constitutional Hall.

While in D.C., it was just amazing to see so many people from so many different backgrounds on the Washington Mall. People had a look of rejuvenation in their eyes. Seeing Obama sworn in made me reflect on how much we have to do in our communities.

I was reading in the USA Today and hip-hop artist David Banner was quoted saying "Just seeing Barack (Obama) inaugurated made me want to be a better father and man". If we all could take on that attitude we would do even greater things.

Let's start talking and promoting the greatness of our culture. Embrace your greatness. I know there are negative things that surround us but we won't make progress if we just keep talking about the problems. We have to be solution-oriented. Embrace the positive things of life that we may show our children something of substance to counter the negative images that they are being bombarded with everyday. What role will you play?

What a wonderful and glorious day it was. God is good and has shown us that when we put Him first and differences aside, the glory we can experience. Let us relish in the dawn of a new day but also be mindful that much work is still needed to be done.

Take time to talk with your children or a student and let them know of the sacrifices of those that came before us to make Jan. 20th possible. And it is now their responsibility to charge forward and carry the torch. Let us take advantage of the tremendous opportunities that are before us to teach and learn.

Let's enjoy this historic moment and accept our responsibilities.

Jarvis Johnson
Council Member

"The Soda Cutback": Alicia Jackson's Fitness Challenge Update

(Blogger's Note: Alicia Jackson, a constituent of District B, has taken on the B Healthy Challenge with Council member Johnson. She will be sending in articles for this blog on her progress. Go Ms. Jackson!)

Hey District B:

Just wanted to update you on my progress. I have been getting more exercise. I even walked to my grandmother's house one Sunday afternoon instead of calling for a ride.

I have been eating fruit instead of candy when I want something sweet and have cut back my soda intake to 3 a week ( it was about 3 a day before ). I went shopping the other night and was able to buy pants 1 size smaller.

I'm still working on it. Hope you are too.

Alicia Jackson

Honoring a Legend in Our Community & Nation

Council Member Johnson recently honored Dr. Thomas Freeman, the legendary debate coach of Texas Southern University, for his nearly 60 years of work of empowering students and the community. The Council member is pictured above with Dr. Freeman and his supporting wife Mrs. Freeman.

Get Fit Weekly with Councilmember Jarvis Johnson at the Fonde Recreation Center

As we enter a new year, the District B office has taken on an initiative to become more healthy.

Our “B” Healthy Initiative plan includes eating healthier which includes more fresh fruits and vegetables, meditating and breathing exercise to help the flow of oxygen to the brain and lungs and physical exercise.

With this in mind, I would like to invite you all to join me on every Monday and Thursday at the Fonde Recreation Center (110 Sabine St
Houston, TX 77007) for 30 minutes of exercise.

This will be primarily centered around 3 on 3 or 5 on 5 basketball. If b-ball is not your thing, there are weights and tread mills there to keep you active.

We have reserved the recreation center from 12:30pm to 1:30pm on those days.

The goal is simple, to get our heart rates up and our stress levels down. It is also a great way to simply build relationships.

I look forward to seeing you there as we bring sexy back!

Respectfully,

Jarvis Johnson, Council Member

City of Houston, District B

TAKE THE "B" HEALTHY INITIATIVE WITH COUNCIMEMBER JARVIS JOHNSON

Your City Councilmember Jarvis Johnson wants you to take the B-Healthy Initiative! Let us know what your fitness goals are. Leave a comment now!