Month: September 2025

By Francis Page, Jr.

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    September 8, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — For more than six decades, IM Houston—formerly known as Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston—has been a beacon of hope, unity, and service across the Bayou City. With its roots planted firmly in the belief that Houston’s diversity is its greatest strength, the organization has built bridges of dialogue, compassion, and collaboration that continue to shape lives today. On Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Hilton Americas–Houston (1600 Lamar St.), IM Houston will host its highly anticipated annual celebration. This signature event promises to be a night of community, compassion, and recognition of those who embody the organization’s enduring mission.

Honoring Service, Faith, and Compassion The evening will shine a spotlight on remarkable honorees: • Charlene Chuang, recognized for her extraordinary leadership and philanthropy. • Bishop C. Andrew Doyle of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas, honored with the Spirit of Respect Award for his tireless commitment to faith and inclusivity. Co-chairing the event are Miya Shay & Rep. Gene Wu and Nihala & Shaukat Zakaria, who embody the very spirit of civic engagement and cultural unity. “IM Houston has shown us, year after year, that service is more than charity—it’s about building a stronger, more compassionate Houston,” said Rep. Gene Wu. “This year’s honorees reflect that same mission of faith in action.” A Legacy of Four Pillars IM Houston continues to impact the community through its four core service areas: • Meals on Wheels/Animeals: Providing nutritious meals—and love—to seniors and their pets. • Refugee Services: Helping newcomers achieve self-sufficiency and dignity. • Interfaith Relations: Promoting dialogue and understanding across Houston’s rich faith traditions. • Community Engagement & Volunteer Houston: Connecting thousands of volunteers to causes across 13 counties. For Houstonians like Wilbert, a Meals on Wheels client, the program is life-changing: “When the first meal came, I was hooked,” he said. “It’s not just about the food—it’s about someone caring enough to check on you.” And for refugee youth like Mohammad, the art program offers healing: “Working on a large canvas brought back many memories of Afghanistan. Some were joyful, others sad—but art gave me a way to express them. That experience made me stronger,” he shared. Powered by Sponsors and Supporters This year’s event is made possible through the generosity of sponsors who believe in IM Houston’s mission. From Presenting Sponsor Shell USA, Inc. to Gold Weaver Sponsors like Houston Style Magazine and MAREK, the wide spectrum of support underscores Houston’s commitment to unity and service. “Partnership is how Houston thrives,” said an IM Houston representative. “Every sponsor, every volunteer, every supporter helps us extend our reach and deepen our impact.” Event Details 📅 Saturday, November 1, 2025 📍 Hilton Americas–Houston, 1600 Lamar St, Houston, TX 77010 ⏰ Reception: 6:00 PM | Dinner & Program: 7:00 PM ✨ Sponsorships and table opportunities are available now. Contact Chris Johnson at cjohnson@imgh.org for more details.

A Call to Action At IM Houston, the mission is clear: “When our seniors need comfort and a warm meal—we provide. When our neighbors need belonging—we welcome. When our community needs help—we serve.” To support this mission, text IMHouston to 53-555, volunteer your time, or simply spread the word. As Houston Style Magazine proudly affirms, IM Houston is proof that when faith, compassion, and action unite, the whole city rises. ✨ Houston Style Magazine is proud to serve as a Gold Weaver Sponsor and partner in celebrating IM Houston’s 60+ years of community service. More info.: imgh.org

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Jo-Carolyn Goode
editorial@stylemagazine.com
7133205611

By Francis Page, Jr.

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    September 8, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — Houston’s crown jewel of creativity is back! The Bayou City Art Festival, produced by Art Colony Association, Inc. (ACA), is set to transform Memorial Park into Houston’s biggest outdoor art gallery from Friday–Sunday, October 10–12, 2025, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM CT. This annual celebration of artistry, culture, and community promises to be bigger, bolder, and brighter than ever before. 🌟 Supporting Local Nonprofits Through Art At its core, the festival isn’t just about showcasing masterpieces—it’s about giving back. This fall, six outstanding local nonprofit organizations will benefit directly from the proceeds while also engaging festivalgoers through volunteer efforts and interactive creativity in the Active Imagination Zone. The 2025 nonprofit partners include: • ArtReach • Brave Little Company • Fresh Arts • The Health Museum • Houston Repertoire Ballet • The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston Their presence ensures that every brushstroke, sculpture, and melody at the festival is tied to a larger purpose: uplifting Houston’s cultural, educational, and artistic landscape. 🎨 Featured Artist: Jonah Ballard This year’s spotlight shines on Jonah Ballard, a self-taught acrylic painter from Phoenix, Arizona, celebrated for his ethereal, dreamlike canvases awash in soft pink hues. His work is more than just art—it’s an invitation into a world of transformation, awakening, and imagination. With his distinct palette and ability to evoke reflection, Ballard’s showcase promises to be one of the festival’s most talked-about highlights. 🎶 More Than an Art Show—It’s a Festival Experience Guests can look forward to live entertainment, culinary delights from Houston’s favorite food trucks, and craft beverages scattered throughout Memorial Park. From the Wine Garden to the Craft Beer Garden, the festival offers refreshing stops to sip, savor, and socialize. For art aficionados who want the red-carpet treatment, the VIP Hospitality Lounge is a can’t-miss. Nestled under the shade of Memorial Park’s iconic trees, this exclusive space features: • Complimentary light bites, beer, and wine • Artistic décor and roaming musicians • VIP parking and early access from 11:00 AM–5:00 PM Single-day VIP passes are available for $75, with a three-day pass for $150—a worthy investment in Houston’s most immersive cultural weekend. 🎟️ Tickets & Entry Early bird online tickets are now available at bayoucityartfestival.com: • Adults: $18 ($20 after October 1) • Children (6–12): $5 • Children under 5: Free • VIP Tickets: $75/day or $150 for all three days 💡 Important Note: Physical tickets will NOT be sold at the gate. Online pre-purchased tickets are required for entry. 🌍 Why Bayou City Art Festival Matters For more than 50 years, Bayou City Art Festival has provided a stage for over 20,000 artists while raising nearly $4 million for Houston-area nonprofits. With support from the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance, corporate sponsors, and thousands of volunteers, this fall’s event is expected to attract tens of thousands of art lovers from across Texas and beyond. Mark your calendar: October 10–12, 2025. Houston’s art heartbeat will be louder than ever. Early bird online tickets are now available at bayoucityartfestival.com:

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

By Francis Page, Jr.

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    September 8, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — HOUSTON, TX — Texas Southern University (TSU), one of the nation’s proudest Historically Black Colleges and Universities, is entering a bold new chapter thanks to a transformative $300,000 investment from the Geneviève McMillan-Reba Stewart Foundation. This gift, matched dollar-for-dollar by TSU’s Office of Civil Rights Scholarship Matching Fund, establishes a $600,000 endowment that will provide scholarships for generations of students at the Barbara Jordan–Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs. This historic endowment represents more than financial support—it is a vote of confidence in the leadership pipeline cultivated on TSU’s campus. By anchoring resources in the school that bears the names of two of America’s most distinguished public servants—Barbara Jordan and Mickey Leland—this investment ensures their legacies of justice, equity, and service to humanity continue to shape the leaders of tomorrow.

A Legacy of Philanthropy Meets a Legacy of Leadership “This generous gift from the Geneviève McMillan-Reba Stewart Foundation reflects the power of philanthropy to create lasting change,” said Charlie Coleman, III, TSU’s Senior Associate Vice President of Development and Alumni Engagement. “We believe the next great political leaders of this generation are being taught right here at Texas Southern University, and this endowment affirms that promise.” The foundation, born from the vision of Geneviève McMillan and in honor of her friend, artist Reba Stewart, has spent nearly 25 years advancing civil rights, human dignity, and cultural understanding. Today, by choosing TSU, the foundation strengthens an institution that has produced barrier-breaking icons like Barbara Jordan—the first African American woman from the South elected to the U.S. House of Representatives—and Mickey Leland, a champion for global humanitarianism whose legacy continues to inspire.

More Than Scholarships: Building Leaders for a Just Future For TSU students, this endowment is more than a scholarship fund—it is a pathway to opportunity. Undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate academic excellence and embody the spirit of public service will be supported in their quest to become change-makers. Kibebe Gizaw, President of the McMillan-Stewart Foundation, emphasized: “Geneviève McMillan believed the arts and education unlock understanding of our shared humanity. By investing in Texas Southern University, we prepare the next generation of leaders who will embody equality, justice, and service for all.” The scholarship will be awarded by a TSU selection committee, requiring full-time enrollment, good academic standing, and a GPA of 2.75 or higher.

Why It Matters for Houston and Beyond TSU’s Barbara Jordan–Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs is not just a Houston treasure—it is a national incubator for civic leadership. The school produces graduates who lead city governments, influence public policy, and advocate for communities often left out of decision-making. With this endowment, TSU strengthens its role as an engine of equity and access. Students who might otherwise struggle financially will be empowered to focus on what matters most: learning, leading, and living up to the legacies of Barbara Jordan and Mickey Leland.

How You Can Join This Legacy The McMillan-Stewart Foundation has set the bar high, but sustaining this mission requires community involvement. Houstonians and TSU alumni are invited to contribute to the endowment and join this movement for educational equity. For more information, contact TSU’s Office of Development and Alumni Engagement at advancement@tsu.edu or visit tsu.edu/give. ✨ Houston Style Magazine salutes the McMillan-Stewart Foundation, Texas Southern University, and all those who carry the torch of Barbara Jordan and Mickey Leland. This investment in education is an investment in democracy, justice, and the leaders of tomorrow. ✨

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Jo-Carolyn Goode
editorial@stylemagazine.com
7133205611