Looking back at 2022 gives me much promise. The future looks so bright I have to put on shades. Not only did we just celebrate our 12^th edition of the Blackbook Yearbook & Directory last week, but I also look forward to celebrating 30 years of Avista Products in April. 

In the next 10 years, the San Antonio to Austin corridor is expected to generate over $40 billion in extra revenue from the manufacturing sector. That is an average of $4 billion per year. Those who move here or get hired will need to find a new place to live, worship, educate, eat, entertain, etc. I think you get the picture. For 2023 the city of San Antonio’s budget is $3.4 billion. Not bad! The business and the people are coming. I’m hoping the Black business community will also benefit from the growth.

Avista Products is heavily involved in technology, with our roots in graphic design. We have seen a lot of changes in the industry. From the beginning of HTML to the metaverse, the tech world has been exploding with Artificial intelligence or AI. This new technology (AI) has helped us produce graphics based on concepts we thought about. Storytelling is part of our culture. You can literally write the words to describe the image you want to create, and AI will create it for you. This week’s cover combines AI and manual input – possibly a perfect collaboration. Technology will definitely make our lives easier. 

In the famous words of Pastor TD Jakes, “Hold on, I’m not finished.” Recently, scientists have announced nuclear fusion stabilization. Of course, nuclear power is not news, but its waste and stability are a risk to the world that’s already experiencing extreme climate change. This new version does not produce a harmful by-product. It’s like announcing the internet is fully developed. It’s expected it won’t be mainstream for another 20 years, but for the wealthy, they will probably get it in five to 10 years. Can you imagine buying your energy once, passing it down to future generations, or buying gas for your car once? Scientists are also experimenting with computers and smartphones that are 100 times faster and smaller. I’m excited about what the future holds. 

Innovation is also coming from Avista Products and Black Life Texas. We are now in 78 locations citywide, including 41 HEB locations and select Jim’s Restaurants. Stay tuned as we increase our event coverage, stories, and culture-engaged commentary. We are proud to provide the San Antonio community with a product that understands the Black community, recognizes and honors its leaders, and is willing to objectively cover issues you likely won’t see in mainstream media. 

Thank you for being a reader. Happy New Year!

Carl Booker
Owner of Avista Products
Publisher – Black Life Texas and Blackbook Yearbook & Directory

The trial of former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin came to an end yesterday with the jury finding Chauvin guilty on three counts: second degree unintentional murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter. The trial spanded three weeks with the jury deliberating about 11 hours over two days to come to their final guilty decision.

For the first time in almost a year, it feels like the family and friends of George Floyd and the rest of the world can finally somewhat breathe again. Many have prayed, protested and held their breath while on pins and needles since the cruel and blatant murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020 at the hands of former officer Chauvin who kneeled for 9 minutes and 29 seconds on Floyd’s neck while he was handcuffed and lying face down on the street. The April 20^th verdict was a sigh of relief. Some feel justice has been served while many others believe that there’s still a long journey before we experience consistent and equal justice for Black and Brown people in this country. Most certainly however, folks feel that police accountability has finally been carried out.

This case is monumental and will go down in history because this verdict has set a new precedent for how police officers are held accountable for their irresponsible and intentionally cruel and negligent behaviors. From Rodney King, Philando Castile to Breonna Taylor and far too many others, the world has watched officers walk and get off without taking or receiving any accountability for the abuse, shooting or taking of innocent Black lives? Far too many times police have gotten away with murder, yet in any other field employees are fired, prosecuted, etc. when they’ve violated policy or have caused harm or damage to others. 

Let’s be clear, citizens know police officers play a vital role in our society and know that not all cops are bad cops, but the disconnect and lack of trust for police has widened over decades. Instead of feeling safe when calling or in the presence of police, the feeling and fear of loosing your own life has increased. The message that cops are above the law is all that has been witnessed in the past, but this verdict is a sign of what many hope is a new day.

Cities all over the country are hearing cries for much needed police policy reform and accountability. A victory indeed has been won, but the real justice will be determined during the sentencing process when the judge renders Chauvin’s sentence 8 weeks from now. Americans will continue to follow this case as the two other officers await trial.

Bexar County closes out June with a record-breaking 1268 coronavirus cases. With over 110 COVID-19 death cases bexar county inters into a new phase of the covid-19 crisis.

Show your vote counts. Early voting has already started. Find your local voting station at Bexar.org.

Early Voting Ends July 10^th.

Alamo City Chamber announces new chairman of the board Greg Thompson.
Congratulations Greg!
Show your support for the chamber by visiting their website at www.alamocitychamber.org

As growth in the African American restaurant community has increased, Governor Abbott orders Bars to close and Restaurants to reduce capacity to 50 percent as virus spreads

A dozen Black Artist Explore the Triumphs and Tribulations of life in America in a new online exhibition.
Renaissance Noir. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Artist Relief.

www.utaartistspace.com

Lebron James’ Spring Hill Entertainment inks deal with ABC Studios for two year overall contract to develop scripted tv projects for all platforms. For more projects list visit shentertainment.com