Month: January 2026

By Francis Page, Jr.

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    January 6, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — That legacy comes full circle in 2026, as the Black Heritage Society, Inc.—the original steward of Houston’s MLK celebrations—leads a citywide moment of reflection, celebration, and unity. Longtime supporters may even recognize the familiar voice of the organization’s late founder recounting the original MLK Jr. Parade and Houston’s early commitment to honoring Dr. King—a reminder that history, when protected, has a way of guiding the future.

A Parade Powered by Purpose—and People

This year’s MLK Unity Parade is built on a simple but powerful idea: every community matters, and every voice belongs. Each participating organization will proudly showcase its own Grand Marshal and creative entries, alongside the City of Houston, creating a tapestry of civic pride, culture, and shared values.

Leading the march as Grand Marshal is Houston radio icon Madd Hatta, whose decades-long career has informed, entertained, and uplifted the city. Joining him are John Whitmire, a steadfast advocate for unity and civic progress, and community leader Charles Stamps. Co–Grand Marshals Debora Nixon, RN, and legendary vocalist Freddie Jackson add depth and distinction to an already remarkable lineup.

Adding historical resonance are two special guests whose presence underscores the intellectual and moral lineage of the movement: Rev. Dr. Derek King, nephew of Dr. King himself, and Jeffrey Peck, great-grandson of W. E. B. Du Bois. Their participation reminds us that Houston’s celebration is not symbolic—it is substantive.

An MLK Weekend That Speaks to Every Generation

The MLK Unity Parade anchors a full MLK Weekend of Celebration, thoughtfully curated to engage minds, uplift spirits, and bring families together.

MLK Podcast & Comedy Jam • Friday, January 16, 2026 | 6:30–9:30 PM A vibrant evening blending elegance, humor, and insight, hosted by Emecc Funky Larry Jones and Co-Emcc Amanda Sapp. Expect laughter with purpose—and conversations that matter. MLK Choir City-Wide Fellowship Celebration • Sunday, January 18, 2026 | 5:00 PM Held at Community of Faith Church under the leadership of Bishop James Dixon II, this gathering reflects the heart of Dr. King’s vision—unity, spiritual strength, and collective joy—through powerful gospel music and fellowship. MLK Unity Parade Day • Monday, January 19, 2026 The day begins with a VIP Breakfast at St. John Methodist Church (2019 Crawford Street) from 7:30–8:30 AM, followed by the MLK Unity Street Procession at 9:15 AM, and the Parade Kickoff at 10:00 AM at Smith and McKinney Streets. From 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM, Downtown Houston becomes a moving testament to hope. MLK Festival at Tranquility Park • Monday, January 19, 2026 | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM A family-friendly celebration featuring vendors, educational exhibits, prizes, and community resources—open to the public and designed to pass Dr. King’s legacy forward.

Why Support Matters—Right Now

Behind the scenes, timing is everything. The Black Heritage Society, Inc. is working to secure vital resources, including transportation and meals for the beloved Prairie View A&M University Band—a crowd favorite whose presence elevates the parade experience for thousands.

Sponsorship isn’t just about visibility; it’s about values. Supporting the MLK Unity Parade affirms a commitment to justice, compassion, and shared humanity. Small business sponsor packages remain available, with flexible options to meet partners where they are. For those already committed—thank you. For those considering—this is your moment to stand on the right side of history.

Houston’s Promise, On Parade

Dr. King taught us that unity is not passive—it is intentional. As Houston gathers on January 19, 2026, the MLK Unity Parade will do more than commemorate a legacy. It will activate it.

One city. One dream. One unforgettable march toward hope.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. 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.

Francis Page, Jr
fpagejr@stylemagazine.com
7139275444

By Francis Page, Jr.

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    January 6, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — On Monday evening, January 5, 2026, Harris Health did something both rare and refreshing in modern civic life—it leaned into public dialogue. Not with talking points. Not with polished platitudes. But with openness, clarity, and a genuine invitation for Houstonians to help shape the future of public healthcare. At a well-attended town hall hosted in Harris County Precinct 2, residents gathered at the BakerRipley Ripley House Campus to learn more about the proposed expansion of Ben Taub Hospital, one of the most critical healthcare institutions in Texas and a national leader in trauma care. The meeting focused on Harris Health’s proposal to acquire 8.9 acres of land adjacent to Hermann Park through eminent domain—a topic that naturally carries emotional, historical, and civic weight. Rather than sidestepping concerns, Harris Health confronted them head-on. A Conversation, Not a Monologue Led by Harris Health President and CEO Esmaeil Porsa, MD, the town hall centered on transparency. Dr. Porsa walked attendees through the rationale behind the proposed expansion, emphasizing patient safety, growing capacity needs, modernization, and long-term resilience for Houston’s public healthcare system. Importantly, the evening was not framed as a fait accompli. Questions were welcomed. Concerns were acknowledged. Perspectives—both supportive and skeptical—were heard. That tone set the meeting apart and underscored Harris Health’s commitment to community accountability. Hosting the event alongside Adrian Garcia, Harris Health reinforced that public healthcare decisions do not exist in a vacuum. They are civic decisions—rooted in neighborhoods, families, and shared public spaces. Why Ben Taub’s Future Matters For generations of Houstonians, Ben Taub Hospital has been far more than a hospital. As a Level I Trauma Center, it is often the last line of defense on the worst day of someone’s life. It is where accident victims, emergency patients, and those without insurance receive world-class care—without question and without delay. The proposed expansion aims to ensure that Ben Taub can continue fulfilling that mission as Houston grows larger, older, and more complex. From emergency response to specialty services, Harris Health made clear that standing still is not an option when lives are on the line. Respecting Houston’s History While Planning Its Future Hermann Park holds a special place in Houston’s cultural fabric, and Harris Health acknowledged that reality throughout the discussion. The town hall reflected a deliberate effort to balance preservation with progress—recognizing that strong cities protect both their people and their public spaces. For residents unable to attend in person, Harris Health also reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive participation by keeping public comment open via email at bentaubexpansion@harrishealth.org and continuing to share updates through harrishealth.org. Sixty Years of Service—and Still Listening The timing of the town hall was especially meaningful as Harris Health celebrates 60 years of service, having been established on January 1, 1966. Over six decades, the system has grown into one of the nation’s most respected public healthcare providers, anchored by Ben Taub Hospital and Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital, and supported by nearly 40 clinics, specialty centers, and virtual care platforms. Its record speaks volumes: • Magnet® Nursing Excellence designations • Magnet® with Distinction for Ben Taub Hospital • An ‘A’ Leapfrog Grade for LBJ Hospital • National recognition for patient-centered care Those achievements are strengthened through academic partnerships with Baylor College of Medicine, UTHealth McGovern Medical School, and The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center—ensuring Harris Health remains both compassionate and cutting-edge. A Model for Civic Engagement What stood out most on Monday night was not just the content of the conversation, but the willingness to have it at all. In an era when communities often feel talked at instead of talked with, Harris Health chose dialogue. For Houston, that matters. As discussions continue and plans evolve, one thing is clear: Harris Health understands that public trust is built not only through clinical excellence, but through listening—especially when the decisions are complex.

Houston Style Magazine will continue to follow this important story, because when it comes to healthcare, community, and the future of our city, showing up is how progress happens. More information: HarrisHealth.com

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. 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.

Francis Page, Jr
fpagejr@stylemagazine.com
7139275444

By Francis Page Jr

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    January 6, 2026 (Houston Style Magazine) — Houston’s jazz story has always been about place, people, and purpose—and on Sunday evening, January 11, all three converge inside one of the city’s most storied rooms. DACAMERA brings its acclaimed Rising Jazz Stars series back to the legendary Eldorado Ballroom, welcoming trumpeter Brandon Woody and his soulful, high-octane ensemble Upendo for a can’t-miss early evening set that promises both intimacy and lift.

Event Details

Sunday, January 11, 2026 5:00 PM Set Choose-What-You-Pay Tickets: $10 | $25 | $50 Eldorado Ballroom | 2310 Elgin St., Houston, TX 77004 713-524-5050 | boxoffice@dacamera.com

This is the kind of night Houston does best: world-class artistry in a room that carries history in its walls, offered with accessibility and open arms. The Eldorado—once a cornerstone of Black cultural life and live music in Third Ward—feels like the perfect match for Woody’s sound: homegrown, heartfelt, and unapologetically human.

A Voice Rooted in Home, Reaching Everywhere

Raised in Baltimore’s vibrant creative ecosystem, Brandon Woody has built a career that refuses shortcuts. Rather than chasing polish for polish’s sake, he’s honed a voice that embraces texture—celebrations, struggles, and all the jagged beauty in between. That approach caught the attention of both The New York Times and The Los Angeles Times, who’ve hailed him as one of contemporary jazz’s most compelling young voices.

In May 2025, Woody released his Blue Note Records debut, For the Love of It All—a title that doubles as a mission statement. Recorded with his longtime band Upendo (Swahili for “love”), the album feels lived-in and communal, the kind of music shaped not just in studios, but in front of audiences. Songs were refined on bandstands, tested and transformed by hometown listeners who remembered melodies before they had names. That dialogue—between artist and community—remains at the core of Woody’s work.

Upendo: Music with a Pulse

Onstage, Upendo doesn’t just play to the room—they play with it. Expect compositions that move from lyrical warmth to propulsive swing, punctuated by Woody’s trumpet tone: searching, radiant, and fearless. As DownBeat put it, “There’s a lot to love in Brandon Woody’s trumpet playing…a spectacular debut on all fronts.” Houston audiences will hear why.

Woody’s journey—from Berklee summer intensives to the Brubeck Institute, from New York’s promise to Baltimore’s pull—has shaped an artist deeply aware of lineage and responsibility. Studying with mentors like Ambrose Akinmusire and Cecil Bridgewater sharpened his craft, but returning home sharpened his purpose. The result is jazz that feels rooted yet forward-looking, honoring tradition while speaking plainly to now.

Why This Night Matters for Houston

DACAMERA’s Rising Jazz Stars series has long been a bridge between Houston listeners and the next generation of global jazz leaders. Pairing that mission with the Eldorado Ballroom isn’t nostalgia—it’s continuity. It’s a reminder that jazz lives where community gathers, where stories are shared, and where young voices are invited to lead.

This performance is generously sponsored by Kipp Baxter, Niké Beltran Luqman, and Adel and Maureen Chaouch, in honor of the Baxter, Beltran, and Chaouch/Donovan families—another testament to Houston’s culture of stewardship and support for the arts.

Bottom line: If you love jazz that tells the truth, venues that mean something, and evenings that leave you lighter than when you arrived, Brandon Woody’s Upendo at the Eldorado is your Sunday plan. Come early. Bring a friend. Leave inspired. DaCamera.com

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. 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.

Francis Page, Jr
fpagejr@stylemagazine.com
7139275444

By Kristen Consillio

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    CHINATOWN (KITV) — Business operators woke up to a stream of blood drops that went from here at Kekaulike Mall up King Street and all the way to the police station on Maunakea.

“When the sun goes down this area becomes kind of violent, especially in the market where there is no presence. So a lot of the local customers out here know not to come out at night,” said Ra Long, owner of Fred’s Sundries. “They’re either getting robbed or getting mugged or getting stabbed.”

A late-night fight at Kekaulike Mall put two men in the hospital — one suffering from severe wounds to his arm, the other his upper body from a sharp weapon. This video obtained by Island News shows a man with what appears to be large knife chasing someone in the street.

“Machete is very common weapon. You know, drug dealers, homeless, they use it for protection,” said Chu Lan Shubert-Kwock, founder of the Chinatown Business & Community Association. “That’s why we need to really address the drug problem.”

Despite the city installing dozens of cameras and businesses investing in their own surveillance systems and security teams: “A lot of it, you know, it goes unreported because the mentality now is in Chinatown, is why bother calling if nothing’s going to be done? So when you do call, they get arrested and the next day they’re out,” Long said.

The Honolulu Police Department opened multiple cases, but said all parties involved were uncooperative.

“The incident does not appear to be a random act of violence and the parties involved appear to be acquaintances,” said HPD’s District 1 Acting Maj. Henry Roberts.

And without their cooperation, HPD said it cannot make an arrest.

“It’s half a block away from a police station. They’re not afraid of the city cameras across the street,” Long said. “If we’re not tough on crime, everyone loses in this state. No one’s winning. The only people that was winning is our criminals.”

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. 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 Lindsay Weber, Maricela De La Cruz

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    NEVADA COUNTY, Calif. (KCRA) — One person died following an avalanche near Truckee on Monday, according to the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office.

Around 2:19 p.m., dispatchers received a call about a possible avalanche that unfolded among a group of five snowmobilers near Johnson and Castle peaks, with one person unaccounted for.

The sheriff’s office said the missing snowmobiler was found buried under the snow minutes later, and was pulled out by others in the group. Despite lifesaving efforts, he died from his injuries.

Two additional snowmobilers assisted the group when the avalanche occurred and stayed with them, Sgt. Dustin Moe with the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office told KCRA 3.

“Just given the recent snow conditions out there, we want to keep the safety of the searchers a priority, so mitigating those risks, trying to plan out a route in a way that we can safely make it to the people out there, was the biggest task to overcome during this incident. We deployed people in different locations, and trying to get out in the field proved extremely difficult. The victim in this case ended up being on a different route than we initially planned,” Moe said.

Officials haven’t released information on the victim. No other injuries were reported.

Officials said around 45 personnel from the sheriff’s office, Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue, the California Highway Patrol, the Truckee Fire Department, North Truckee Fire Department and the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office are involved in the search.

The area where the avalanche occurred is commonly used for recreational activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Officials say treacherous terrain, steep peaks, and cliff faces can be dangerous for people navigating.

The Sierra Avalanche Center depicts a “considerable” risk for an avalanche in the Tahoe Basin as of Monday afternoon. The sheriff’s office said further avalanche activity remains possible, and recreationists should avoid the area.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. 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 Najahe Sherman

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    MIAMI (WFOR) — The founders of a Broward County based non-profit are working to ensure that all children can walk tall and jump high.

Co-founder of In Jacob’s Shoes, Harlene Zweig, gave CBS News Miami a tour of the non-profit’s shoe warehouse in Deerfield Beach.

The facility was filled with hundreds of shoes but they go quickly.

As Zweig explained, the need is great. Since its inception in 2009 the nonprofit has provided more than 275,000 pairs of shoes to children and families in need.

“We have a pop-up shoe store, and our volunteers act as personal shoppers, and walk around with the children and help them pick out a new pair of shoes for back to school and some cases this is the first time a child is getting a new pair of shoes or picking out their own and not getting a hand-me-down,” Zweig said.

Zweig and her husband started the non-profit 16 years ago in memory of their son, Jacob. He was tragically killed at the age of 17 in 2008.

The couple says In Jacobs Shoe’s honors the love and encouragement Jacob gave to all who knew him. The nonprofit pairs with 200 local charities, social service agencies and homeless shelters. They also have about 150 shoe closets in schools and shelters.

“So this way, a child doesn’t have to wait to request a pair of shoes, they’re in school, they need a pair of shoes, the teacher can send them to the closet, they pick out a pair of shoes, they go back to class and they don’t have to miss school,” Zweig said.

The group takes in donations from the public of gently warn shoes, and then thousands of volunteers help clean and restore those shoes to pristine condition. In Jacob’s Shoes also provides cleats and socks for entire sports teams in underserved communities.

Maddy Chusid has been the executive director of the organization for 13 years.

“I can help them carry on Jacob’s legacy,” Chusid said. “Look at all the good we’re doing, 275,000 pairs of shoes. That’s a lot,”

Nearly 20% of children in South Florida live in poverty and thousands more are in foster care. Since 2009, In Jacob’s Shoes has been addressing these issues in Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade Counties.

Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. 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.