Roberts Markland LLP and Texas Southern University Unite to Launch June teenth Remuneration Study with $100,000 Gift
By Francis Page Jr. For www.StyleMagazine.com
In an unforgettable moment of history meeting momentum, Roberts Markland LLP, one of Houston’s most respected Black-owned law firms, made headlines—and history—with the official announcement of a $100,000 donation to fund the Juneteenth Remuneration Study and Symposium at Texas Southern University (TSU).
Held inside the Jesse H. Jones School of Business, the event was equal parts legal milestone, academic triumph, and cultural reckoning. This forward-thinking initiative brings together the powerful intellectual forces of TSU’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law and the Jesse H. Jones School of Business to assess the legal and economic impact of the more than two-year delay in freeing enslaved individuals in Texas after the Emancipation Proclamation—an injustice that birthed the now globally recognized celebration of Juneteenth.
Justice, Legacy, and the Power of Partnership
The event’s speakers shared not only the financial commitment, but a unified call for truth and restitution.
“We’re not just investing in research—we’re investing in the truth. In our collective healing. And in a future built on equity,” declared Sean Roberts, Partner at Roberts Markland LLP, addressing a room filled with students, faculty, attorneys, and community leaders.
He was joined by fellow partner Clive Markland and Hon. Vanessa Gilmore, the trailblazing former U.S. District Judge now adding her legal gravitas to the Roberts Markland team. All three leaders emphasized that the study would provide an empirical foundation for understanding the wealth and opportunity stolen during those unjust two years.
Academic Leadership Rising to the Challenge
From the university side, Dr. Carl B. Goodman, TSU’s Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs, re-
affirmed the institution’s mission: “As a special-purpose urban research institution, we are uniquely positioned to lead this kind of work. This is TSU's legacy and future.”
The research project will calculate the economic damages caused by the delayed emancipation in Texas and contextualize those findings within the modern reparations dialogue. It will culminate in a national symposium where legal scholars, economists, historians, and thought leaders will engage in data-driven dialogue on reparative justice.
Why This Moment Matters
The delay in enforcing the Emancipation Proclamation in Texas—a full 900+ days—meant thousands of Black men, women, and children were kept in bondage unjustly, continuing to labor without freedom, pay, or protection. The Juneteenth Remuneration Study is poised to quantify that lost time and assess the generational financial impact of that delay.
This research isn’t just about numbers—it’s about names, families, and futures. It’s about unmasking a hidden chapter of American history and ensuring that the conversation around reparations is anchored in scholarship and strategy.
Founded in 1927, Texas Southern University is one of the most respected Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the country. Its commitment to serving underserved communities and preparing leaders for a global society has never been more evident than now.
TSU’s deep bench of legal scholars, business economists, and public policy experts is expected to shape not only Texas’ approach to reparative justice—but the nation’s.
A Call to Continue the Conversation
As the nation continues to reflect on Juneteenth and its meaning, this partnership between Roberts Markland LLP and Texas Southern University signals something far more enduring than a single celebration. It’s the start of an intellectual, emotional, and ethical journey to answer a question too long ignored: What is the cost of stolen freedom—and who should bear it?
Houston Style Magazine will continue to follow the progress of this groundbreaking initiative.
TSU: The Vanguard of Justice and Inclusion
COMMENTARY IN IOWA, A PIPELINE FIGHT SHOWS WHAT THE PEOPLE CAN DO
By Ben Jealous – National Political Commentator
It is easy to be cynical about politics these days. More than cynical. The rise of political violence, fueled by partisan division and anti-democracy extremism, continues to leave Americans of every race, religion, state, and political stripe horrified. But every so often, something remarkable happens that reminds us who really holds the power in a democracy.
That is what just happened in Iowa. Imagine a private company wants to build a potentially dangerous pipeline through your backyard and the government decides your rights as a property owner matter less than the profits of said company. And it uses eminent domain – the power to seize private land for public use – to take control over part of your land as a gift to the company. For four years now, farmers and other landowners, environmentalists, Indigenous groups, and Iowans from all walks of life have come together to fight this outrageous idea.
Eminent domain is supposed to be reserved strictly for projects that are in the public good. The carbon capture and storage (CCS) pipeline being pursued by Summit Carbon Solutions in Iowa does not serve the public good. It serves corporate profits. And the people of Iowa – Republicans and Democrats alike – have said no. Loudly. Repeatedly.
This year, that fight reached a new peak.
After years of stonewalling by the GOP leadership of the Iowa state Senate, the body finally allowed debate on legislation to curb eminent domain abuse. Why? Because 12 Senate Republicans joined with Democrats and refused to pass a state budget until the bill got a vote. That has never happened before in Iowa’s Senate. It was a political earthquake.
Those 12 Republicans put their careers on the line. Senate leadership retaliated. Bills were reassigned. One senator, Mark Lofgren, even went public, saying in a letter to constituents that he was being
“bullied” by his own leadership for standing with the people.
In the Iowa House, which had passed similar bills in previous sessions, the vote this year was more than lopsided: 85 to 10 in favor of the bill. That reflects the popular movement that has grown across the state over these past years.
The broad bipartisan coalition that has organized and built that movement was energized by recent passage of a similar bill against eminent domain for pipelines in South Dakota. The bill Iowa lawmakers passed was not a total ban on carbon pipelines, like South Dakota enacted. But it was a strong bill nonetheless – imposing new insurance requirements, limiting liability for landowners, and giving more people the right to participate in the permitting process. Governor Kim Reynolds vetoed it.
Her veto was not just a rejection of a bill. It was a rejection of democracy. Of bipartisanship. Of the voices of hundreds of Iowans who spent week after week at the Capitol, sharing their stories, pleading for fairness.
It was also a gift to Summit Carbon Solutions – the parent company of which is owned by one of Iowa’s biggest political donors, Bruce Rastetter.
The backlash has been swift, perhaps especially among Reynolds’s fellow conservative Republicans who backed the bill. State Rep. Bobby Kaufmann said Governor Reynolds "failed the state...& her legacy now is spitting in the faces of landowners & being Bruce Rastetter's errand girl."
Rep. Steve Holt, another conservative Republican and chair of the House Judiciary Committee, summed up Reynolds’s legacy in one word: “betrayal.”
The people of Iowa are not backing down. They have already vowed to keep fighting and many expect to bring an even stronger bill next session. And voters are lining up to hold accountable the politicians who stood with corporate interests instead of their communities.
This is what democracy looks like. It is not always clean. It is rarely fast. But when people come together – across party lines, across urban and rural divides, across race and class – they can take on the most powerful forces in our country and win. That is the story in Iowa. And it should give us hope.
When we organize. When we listen to each other. When we put people over party and principle over politics, we win.
Governor Reynolds’s veto will not be the final word. That will belong to the voters and the still-growing movement that will be back in the state capital next year – bigger, stronger, and even hungrier for victory.
The use of eminent domain for pipeline projects now promises to be the defining state political issues in Iowa in the near term. State senators who stood with their wealthy corporate benefactors over their constituents – and perhaps the governor herself – will likely face challenging primaries.
The fight in Iowa is not over. But it has already changed the state’s political landscape. It has already proven that we can overcome partisanship. And it has already shown that no corporation, no matter how powerful, is stronger than a united people. That is a lesson all of us would do well to remember. You can write to Ben Jealous in care of this Newspaper or by website at: www.BenJealous.com
Unlocking the Dream: “OWN THE HOU’S” Delivers a Passport to Homeownership & Preservation in the Heart of Houston
By Francis Page Jr. For www.StyleMagazine.com
Houston get ready to unlock the keys to your future — because home is where the HOU is!
On Saturday, June 28, 2025, the city’s aspiring and current homeowners are invited to Houston Community College Central Campus for a life-changing, power-packed event: “Own the HOU’s: A Passport to Homeownership & Preservation!” This transformative gathering takes place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. CDT inside the San Jacinto Building Auditorium at 1300 Holman Street — doors open bright and early at 8 a.m.
Whether you're dreaming of owning your first home, struggling to maintain the one you’ve already invested in, or simply want to get financially and strategically savvy, this FREE community event is your golden ticket.
✨ What to Expect at “Own the HOU’s”
This isn’t just another info session — it's your passport to empowerment. Attendees
will gain insider access to:
Expert-led workshops on buying, budgeting, and building equity
One-on-one consultations with lenders, inspectors, and legal professionals
Access to loans, grants, and down payment assistance programs
Smart maintenance tips to help preserve and enhance your property’s value
Tailored resources for every phase of the homeownership journey
And yes — you’ll walk away with a tangible Homeownership Passport, symbolizing your journey toward financial independence and housing stability.
�� Who Should Attend?
This event is designed for:
First-time homebuyers looking to understand the market and mortgage options
Current homeowners seeking guidance on maintenance, refinancing, or property tax strategies
Anyone curious about leveraging Houston’s homeownership and preservation resources
�� Why This Matters
In a city as fast-growing and dynamic as Houston, owning and preserving
your home is more than a personal goal — it's a community act of empowerment.
“Own the HOU’s” is not just about keys and contracts. It’s about educating, elevating, and equipping Houstonians to build generational wealth and stronger neighborhoods.
As Houston Style Magazine has long championed, informed communities are empowered communities — and we believe knowledge should be accessible to all.
�� Reserve Your Spot Now!
This is a free event, but space is limited and pre-registration is strongly encouraged.
Houston Style Magazine readers, bring a neighbor, bring your questions, and bring your readiness to own your future. Because when it comes to planting roots, growing wealth, and preserving history, there’s no better time — or place — than right here in Houston.
This week, Miller Outdoor Theatre transforms into a living canvas of cultural pride, rhythmic storytelling, and musical brilliance with a three-day stretch of unforgettable programming, all free and open to the public in Houston's beloved Hermann Park.
With June holding space for Juneteenth, America's newest federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery, Miller Outdoor Theatre rises to the occasion— blending artistic celebration with historical reverence. From empowering children’s theatre to orchestral premieres and a powerhouse Juneteenth tribute, this week’s schedule offers something for every generation.
Thursday, June 19 | 11:00 AM
Celebrating Black History: From Ancient Africa to Modern Day
Presented by Express Children’s Theatre
Kicking off the week is a brilliant performance that speaks directly to the hearts of young audiences while resonating deeply with adults. This high-energy theatrical experience traces the legacy of Black excellence from the majestic reign of Queen Nefertiti to the modern-day influence of Barack Obama. With music, dance, and spoken word, audiences will journey
A Celebration of Freedom, Music, and Legacy at Miller Outdoor Theatre
June 19–21 Performances Uplift Black Excellence, Classical Innovation & Juneteenth Joy
By Francis Page Jr. For www.StyleMagazine.com
through time and transformation, honoring iconic changemakers such as Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This interactive and educational show is perfect for school groups, families, and those seeking an engaging cultural refresher on the powerful history of African and African American resilience.
Friday, June 20 | 8:30 PM
Classical Summer Vibes
Presented by Aperio, Music of the Americas
Let the evening breeze carry you into a soundscape of elegance and experimentation. Classical Summer Vibes showcases an inspired blend of familiar favorites and new discoveries, including works by
Burt Bacharach and Arturo Márquez, culminating in a world premiere by acclaimed composer Kevin Day.
Conducted by Marlon Chen and featuring the finest Houston-based musicians, this genre-fusing evening breaks classical boundaries and delivers a global music experience that will satisfy both connoisseurs and curious newcomers alike.
Saturday, June 21 | 8:00 PM
Wells Fargo Presents Juneteenth: The Journey to Freedom
A Signature Tribute to Liberation and Progress
The crescendo of the week is Saturday’s must-attend event: The Journey to Freedom, a multidisciplinary performance
that weaves together the spirit of Juneteenth through music, dance, and dynamic storytelling. Headlined by gospel-soul luminary Brian Courtney Wilson, powerhouse vocalist Mary Griffin, and more, this soul-stirring night is a sonic journey of reflection, emancipation, and future-forward hope.
As a city deeply tied to the legacy of Juneteenth, Houston has long been a torchbearer of this celebration—and this annual signature event continues to uplift that torch, lighting the way toward a just and inclusive future.
�� Know Before You Go
All performances are free. Covered seating requires a ticket—reserve yours online starting at 10 AM the day before each show via www.milleroutdoortheatre.com. No ticket? No problem. Hillside seating is open and un-ticketed, so pack a blanket, gather your crew, and let the city’s cultural heartbeat move you.
Houston Style Magazine encourages families, educators, and music lovers alike to take full advantage of this extraordinary week of performances that honor the past, energize the present, and imagine a brighter tomorrow. ��
Photography By Linda Toyota
Hosuton Mayor - John Whitmire
Mayor Whitmire & Gunther Sales
Jessica Tecson & Linda Toyota
Houston City Hall
Photography
Abbie Kamin - Council, District C
MOM , Abbie Kamin & Husband
Cindy Clifford & Francis Page, Jr.
Pastor LOU & First Lady Jackie
Cindy Clifford & Steve Castello
TECH PREPAREDNESS CRUCIAL AS HURRICANE SEASON BEGINS
When hurricane season officially underway, experts are urging residents to ensure their home technology is ready for severe weather. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently released its 2025 forecast, predicting an active season with above-average water temperatures in the Atlantic setting the stage for future storms. NOAA’s outlook for the Atlantic hurricane season, which goes from June 1 to November 30, predicts a 60% change of an above-normal season.
In addition to hurricane kits with medical supplies, food and water, residents in southeast Texas are urged to make sure their home technology is ready to weather
the season. “Preparation is key,” said Foti Kallergis, Senior Director of Public Relations at Comcast Texas, who emphasized the importance of protecting home technology ahead of any severe storm.
“Using surge protectors for TVs, modems, and cable boxes can prevent damage from lightning strikes and power surges,” Kallergis said. “And moving hardware off the floor helps safeguard against flooding.”
After Hurricane Beryl hit southeast Texas last year, millions were left without power, highlighting the essential role of internet access during disasters. Kallergis noted that restoring electricity takes priori-
ty, but once power crews finish their work, Comcast teams stand ready to reestablish Xfinity services.
To further assist residents during emergencies, Xfinity offers several tools designed to maintain connectivity:
1. Pro Wifi Extender keeps you connected even during power outages. This includes a storm-ready device and battery backup to help keep your home online for up to four hours through network and power outages with unlimited cellular data on a 4G LTE cellular network.
2. Enroll in Text Alerts: Update your contact info through the Xfinity app or Xfinity.com to receive text alerts about service interruptions. Simply text START to 266278 (COMCST).
3. Download the Xfinity Stream App: The Xfinity Stream app lets you watch live local news reports on any device, so you can stay informed no matter where you are.
4. Check Your Data Plan: The Xfinity Mobile app allows you to adjust or upgrade your data plan, turning your phone into a hotspot if needed.
Hurricane season runs through November, with peak activity typically occurring between August and October. Kallergis encouraged residents to visit their nearest Xfinity store for guidance on setting up storm-ready tech.
"Now is the perfect time to prepare," he said. "Staying informed and connected can make a big difference when severe weather strikes."
The University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is stepping into a bold new chapter with the addition of four visionary leaders joining its leadership team. Each brings a unique blend of academic prowess, administrative experience, and cultural insight that will shape the future of one of Houston’s most dynamic institutions. Meet the new power players driving UHD’s mission forward:
��Dr. José Gabriel Ricardo Osorio –Dean, College of Public Service
A multilingual scholar and servant-leader, Dr. José Gabriel Ricardo-Osorio brings more than a decade of transformative leadership to UHD. Previously a tenured Associate Professor at Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania, he also served as Acting Dean of the College of Education and Human Services from 2022 to 2024.
With roots in Colombia and degrees from Universidad de Atlántico, University of Arkansas, and a focus on educational effectiveness, Dr. Ricardo-Osorio now leads UHD’s College of Public Service with a global mindset and a local mission.
�� Learn more about CPS at UHD
�� Dr. Long Huynh – Vice President for Enrollment Management
An enrollment and marketing strategist
UHD WELCOMES DYNAMIC NEW LEADERS TO ITS EXPANDING LEGACY OF EXCELLENCE
By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
with international business expertise, Dr. Long Huynh steps into his role at UHD after leadership positions at Metropolitan State University of Denver and Park University.
A proud graduate of California State University (Hayward) and California University of Technology, Dr. Huynh is also a Harvard-trained executive who brings nearly two decades of experience to UHD’s student recruitment and retention efforts.
�� Explore UHD Enrollment Services
�� Dr. Daniel M. Maxwell – Vice President for Student Success and Student Life
After serving as Interim VP, Dr. Daniel Maxwell now takes the permanent reins with an impressive 36-year legacy of student advocacy. From residence life to international student services, his impact spans institutions like the University of Houston System, Syracuse University, and the University of Arizona.
A proud alum of Syracuse, University of Miami, and Indiana University, Dr. Maxwell is a powerhouse of student-centered leadership now fueling UHD’s thriving student life ecosystem.
�� Visit UHD Student Life
�� Brandon Lee – Title IX / Equal Opportunity Officer
With deep expertise in Title IX compliance, anti-discrimination policy, and judicial services, Brandon Lee brings more than 12 years of UH-Victoria experience to his new post at UHD.
A Prairie View A&M graduate, Lee holds both a Business Management and MBA degree, and is currently pursuing his doctorate in Executive Educational Leadership from Houston Christian University. His arrival signals UHD’s continued commitment to equity and inclusive excellence.
�� Learn about UHD's Title IX Programs
�� UHD: A University on the Rise
With over 14,000 students and 71,000 alumni, UHD is Houston’s rising star of higher education. Offering affordable, diverse, and accessible programs across four colleges, UHD continues to produce leaders who reflect the city’s brilliance and ambition. These new appointments mark a confident step toward UHD’s bright future.
�� For more on UHD’s mission and leadership, visit www.UHD.edu
On Wednesday, June 11, 2025, the world lost an extraordinary voice when television icon Ananda Lewis died of breast cancer at age 52. Her passing marks not only the end of an era for MTV and BET viewers who grew up with her magnetic presence—but also a new chapter in raising awareness around breast cancer symptoms disproportionately affecting Black women.
A Trailblazer with Purpose and Power
A proud Howard University graduate, Lewis burst into public consciousness as the passionate and brilliant host of Teen Summit on BET, empowering a generation of Black teens to speak truth to power. She quickly became a household name on MTV’s Total Request Live and Hot Zone, wielding her history degree with substance and style as she tackled headline-grabbing moments like the Columbine tragedy and racial profiling.
Her presence was powerful. Her words, unforgettable. Her mission, relentless.
Ananda Lewis didn’t just show up—she showed out, broke barriers, and inspired countless Black girls to believe that their stories were valid and vital.
ANANDA LEWIS: A VOICE OF A GENERATION, A WAKE-UP CALL FOR BLACK WOMEN’S HEALTH
By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
Lewis’s diagnosis and death have left many asking:
• Did she notice the signs?
• Could a different diet or earlier screening have helped?
• Why is breast cancer becoming more aggressive in younger Black women?
• These questions are more than speculation—they are part of a larger, urgent conversation.
Breast cancer doesn’t always present itself with a lump. And for too long, the unique ways it manifests in Black women have been underreported, understudied, and misunderstood.
Understanding the Silent Threat: Inflammatory and Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Two deadly culprits—Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) and Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)—disproportionately impact Black women, particularly those under 40.
“Although inflammatory breast cancer only represents 1% to 5% of all breast cancers in the United States, it is a sneaky disease and challenging to diagnose,” explains Dr. Ko Un Park, surgical oncologist at Ohio State University.
Unlike traditional breast cancer, IBC spreads quickly and can be misdiagnosed as an infection. Key symptoms include:
• A red, bruised appearance or rash over the breast
• Thickened, dimpled skin resembling an orange peel
• Sudden swelling, warmth, and tenderness in one breast
• Inverted nipple or swelling under the arm TNBC is just as dangerous — lacking the three common receptors used to treat breast cancer, it's harder to catch early and more difficult to treat effectively.
Urgency for Black Women: Know the Signs, Know Your Power
Dr. Park warns:
“Fifty percent of IBC cases are diagnosed at stage 4. That’s why self-awareness and aggressive medical follow-up are critical.”
That’s the takeaway. It’s not about fear—it’s about power. Knowing your body. Speaking up. Advocating for thorough care. Black women are often diagnosed later and treated less aggressively due to systemic disparities in healthcare access and bias. This must change.
Ananda’s Final Legacy: Gratitude and Joy
In one of her last interviews, published on StyleMagazine.com, Ananda shared:
“Being alive inspires me. The joy is in the gratitude… in waking up every day. Every chance you have to be grateful for today elevates your joy.”
That’s the Ananda Lewis we will always remember—radiant, resilient, and rooted in purpose.
She lit up our screens. She broke down barriers. She now lights the path forward.
Breast Cancer in the Shadows of Strength
Ananda Lewis
A PLACE TO GROW: HOUSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY’S NEW FAMILY PLACE IS A BEACON FOR EARLY LEARNING AND LITERACY
By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
In a vibrant corner of southwest Houston, something powerful is blossoming—not just books and stories, but futures. On June 5, 2025, the Dr. Shannon Walker Neighborhood Library opened the doors to Houston’s newest Family Place Library™, transforming one of the city’s most celebrated library branches into a full-fledged sanctuary for early learning, parenting support, and community connection.
Thanks to the generosity of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation and PNC Foundation’s Grow Up Great® initiative, this innovative space provides families with young children the resources they need to build strong beginnings—and stronger bonds.
“Parenting doesn’t come with a manual,” said Sandy Gaw, Director of Houston Public Library. “But with the right support, every caregiver can become a child’s first and most important teacher. Family
Place Libraries give them the confidence, community, and tools to do just that.”
A
Nationally
Recognized Model Now Thriving in Houston
The Family Place Library™ model, adopted nationwide, is centered on turning local libraries into developmental hubs for children ages 0-5. The new space inside the Dr. Shannon Walker Neighborhood Library (11630 Chimney Rock Rd.) offers free, expert-led programs including:
• Parent-child play sessions with early childhood specialists
• Interactive storytimes and sensory play zones
• Parenting and child development resources
• Referrals to local services and professionals
This is Houston Public Library’s 10th Family Place Library, a major milestone in its mission to reach and uplift all
2.3 million Houstonians.
Celebrating the Power of Partnerships
At the heart of the ribbon-cutting celebration stood a united mission: investing in children is investing in Houston’s future.
“With Family Place Libraries across the HPL system, we aim to be anchors of support for families working hard to give their children a strong start,” said Julie Finck, Ph.D., President & CEO of the Barbara Bush Houston Literacy Foundation. “These programs help build lasting connections between families across our city.”
Julie Young Sudduth, Regional President for PNC Bank, echoed that sentiment: “At PNC, we believe high-quality early learning experiences are essential to a child’s success in school and in life. Supporting Family Place Libraries is one way we invest in local communities and help create equitable opportunities for every child to thrive.”
Where Legacy and Literacy Meet
Fittingly, this new Family Place Library resides within the Dr. Shannon Walker Neighborhood Library, named for Houston’s own trailblazer and first female astronaut, Dr. Shannon Walker. The space is a tribute to exploration—not only beyond the stars but within the growing minds of children and the nurturing arms of their families.
The grand opening event welcomed families with hands-on learning stations, light refreshments, and the joy of seeing a new generation of readers and dreamers discover their place in the world.
Building Houston’s Future, One Page at a Time
With 44 service units including regional libraries, TECHLink centers, history research centers, and even a Mobile Express unit, the Houston Public Library system is one of the largest and most innovative in the country. The Family Place Library model further cements HPL’s role not just as a provider of books—but as a provider of hope.
History, heritage, and Houston pride will take center stage in the heart of Acres Homes as thousands prepare to line the streets for one of the city’s most anticipated cultural celebrations—the 14th Annual Sylvester Turner Acres Home Juneteenth Parade, taking place Saturday, June 21, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This year’s parade honors the enduring legacy of the late Honorable Sylvester Turner, former Mayor of Houston and proud son of Acres Homes, whose vision and commitment to community birthed this now-iconic event in 2008. Today, that legacy lives on through the leadership of his daughter, Ashley Turner Captain, who will host this year’s festivities with a heartfelt nod to family, freedom, and fellowship.
“It was my father’s dream that this parade would always bring our community together in a spirit of celebration and unity,” said Ashley Turner Captain. “It’s not just a parade. It’s a cultural bridge between our past and future.”
�� Star Power with a Purpose
Adding even more Houston flavor to the celebration, this year’s Grand Marshal is none other than Houston’s own Bun B—rap icon, entrepreneur, and community pillar. His presence underscores the event’s mission
A Legacy of Liberation Lives On: Acres Homes Gears Up for the 14th Annual Sylvester Turner June teenth Parade
By Francis Page Jr. For www.StyleMagazine.com
to uplift and amplify voices that represent progress, pride, and perseverance in Black communities.
�� What to Expect
From its humble beginnings to becoming a cornerstone of Houston’s Complete Communities initiative, the Sylvester Turner Juneteenth Parade now draws over 7,000 attendees and features more than 150 high-energy entries, including:
• Marching bands and majorette squads
• Dance and step teams
• Community floats and cheerleaders
• Car clubs with classic and custom vehicles
• Equestrian units and local radio personalities
• Elected officials, civic leaders, and
youth groups
The parade begins at 6719 West Montgomery Road and culminates in jubilation at the 1600 block of Dolly Wright Street—right in the cultural heartbeat of Acres Homes.
✊ Honoring Houston’s Juneteenth Champions
This year’s event is made even more poignant by the inclusion of the families of two late giants of Juneteenth legislation:
State Representative Al Edwards, who authored the bill that made Juneteenth a state holiday in Texas Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, the force behind establishing Juneteenth as a federal holiday
Their families will join in the celebration, further honoring the roots of this freedom-forward tradition.
�� Keep the Celebration Going at Lone Star College
Following the parade, attendees are invited to keep the spirit alive at the Lone Star College Juneteenth Celebration at the North Campus (4141 Victory Drive)—located near the parade route’s end. Expect more community connections, live music, food, and fun for the whole family.
Mark your calendars, Houston! On June 21, the streets of Acres Homes will once again pulse with purpose, pride, and the unmistakable rhythm of progress. This is more than just a parade—it’s a movement, a remembrance, and a rallying cry for unity.
�� Start Location: 6719 W. Montgomery Rd.
�� End Location: 1600 block of Dolly Wright St.
�� Time: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
�� After-Event: Lone Star College North Campus, 4141 Victory Dr. Let freedom ring in full Houston style—#TeamStyleMag will be there. Will you?
CELEBRATES
We stand with the Black community to empower, inspire and build a better future for all.
