The Power of Progress: The 2025 State of Hispanics –Data Summit & Business Expo Shines Bright in Houston
By Francis Page Jr. For www.StyleMagazine.com
In a city as dynamic and diverse as Houston, data isn’t just about numbers—it’s about people, progress, and power. On Thursday, August 21, 2025, the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will once again shine a spotlight on one of the region’s most powerful and fastest-growing demographics during its landmark event: The State of Hispanics – Data Summit & Business Expo.
Set against the skyline of innovation at Thomson Houston, this highly anticipated summit will gather over 400 distinguished guests from business, academia, civic leadership, and public service for a morning of transformational insight and celebration.
Houston’s Hispanic Engine of Economic Excellence
The Hispanic community in Houston is no longer a rising force—it is an undeniable engine driving regional prosperity. With over $54 billion in annual spending power, Hispanics are transforming industries, communities, and boardrooms. And that number is climbing—with projections pointing to $80 billion in spending in the near future, representing over a quarter of all consumer spending in the Houston region.
But it’s not just about purchasing power. Hispanics are entrepreneurs, investors, and homeowners at rates that outpace their peers. More than 53% of Hispanics in the region own their homes, and 42% of all small businesses in Houston are Hispanic-owned—underscoring a remarkable spirit of self-determination and growth.
2025 Summit Theme: "Data as a Catalyst for Change"
This year’s summit is anchored by some of the sharpest minds in policy and economics.
Dr. Jeronimo Cortina of the University of Houston’s Center for Mexican American Studies returns with cutting-edge insights from the “Texas Trends” data report, delving into the political pulse of Hispanic voters. His follow-up presentation will shine a light on the rising representation of Hispanics on corporate boards, a topic increasingly central to conversations around equity and access.
Lopez Negrete Communications will present their acclaimed analysis on the economic contributions of Latinos in Houston, while Dr. Pablo Pinto of the UH Hobby School of Public Affairs will guide attendees through a vision of future Hispanic impact on Houston’s business and political ecosystem.
The event will also feature new data snapshots from the DACA Economic Impact White Paper, NAFTA legacy insights, and key takeaways from Telemundo’s 2017 and post-pandemic data on Latino influence in American markets.
A Vibrant Community of Builders and Believers
From owning businesses to building equity through real estate, Houston’s Hispanic population is twice as likely to launch new ventures compared to other demographic groups. They now account for 25% of all auto sales, and 27% of Hispanics own investments, demonstrating a solid foundation in wealth-building practices and forward-thinking financial planning.
These aren’t just statistics—they’re stories of progress, families lifted, and neighborhoods thriving. Every home purchased, business launched, or investment made is another chapter in the narrative of Hispanic excellence.
What’s Next? Empowerment through
Engagement
The 2025 State of Hispanics – Data Summit & Business Expo isn’t just a recap of achievements—it’s a rallying cry for more inclusive growth, smarter policy, and culturally competent business practices. It reaffirms that when data is leveraged with intention and equity, it can drive meaningful change across communities.
As Houston prepares to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing economic landscape, the Summit reminds us of a vital truth: the future of Houston is Hispanic— bold, visionary, and determined to lead.
Attend. Engage. Empower.
Date: Thursday, August 21, 2025 Time: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Location: Thomson Houston, 1717 Allen Parkway, Houston, TX 77019 For event registration and details, visit houstonhispanicchamber.com
Houston Style Magazine readers let’s champion a future where data drives equity—and where Houston’s Hispanic community continues to define the region’s heartbeat, hustle, and hope www.StyleMagazine.com
COMMENTARY
A NEW CHAPTER FOR THE BLACK PRESS: DR. JOHN WARREN ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF NNPA
By Francis Page Jr. – Editor, StyleMagazine.com
On a historic stride that bridges decades of journalistic legacy with bold forward-thinking leadership, Dr. John E. Warren, publisher of the San Diego Voice & Viewpoint, has been elected Chairman of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA). At the 2025 NNPA Annual Convention held in Savannah, Georgia, Warren became only the third West Coast leader in the 85-year history of the organization—ushering in a visionary new era for more than 230 Blackowned newspapers and media companies across the United States.
With over 20 years of preparation and dedication to the craft, Dr. Warren is far from new to leadership. A multi-hyphenate public servant—attorney, ordained minister, U.S. Army veteran, former D.C. Board
of Education member, and congressional aide—Warren enters this new role with an unshakable commitment to equity, innovation, and community.
“I will reinvigorate the NNPA— starting with each region,” he proclaimed, promising a renewed sense of purpose, inclusivity, and transparency.
This new administration arrives with fresh energy and a full board of new directors determined to deliver change.
Warren is calling for major member training sessions, deep organizational reviews, and a cultural reawakening that opens the NNPA doors wider than ever before. “We will bring back those who have pulled away,” Warren said, acknowledging the importance of unity as the Black Press evolves in today’s media landscape.
Warren’s election came at a time when the NNPA is celebrating not just leadership transition, but also journalistic excellence. At the June 27 awards gala, The Sacramento Observer—a flagship publication in the Black Press—swept the evening with 154 total points, capturing first-place awards in Education Reporting, Business Reporting, Youth Coverage, and more.
Publisher Larry Lee, whose lead-
ership at the Observer has turned it into a model of modern Black journalism, noted: “We don’t do what we do for awards—but to be recognized is always special. Our newsroom is filled with excellence.”
Meanwhile, The Los Angeles Sentinel also made its mark, receiving honors in Religion Coverage, Community Service Reporting, and Digital Video Campaigns. These wins collectively signal a vibrant and competitive NNPA, bursting with talented storytellers, powerful visual artists, and relentless truth-seekers.
But beyond accolades, Dr. Warren’s focus is squarely on the future—especially the digital future. At 79, with over six decades in the trenches of the Black Press since starting at age 17, Warren still champions innovation.
“We need to find new revenue, build digital tools, and advocate through policy,” he shared, reminding members that
while digital expansion is necessary, “print is not dead.”
Warren’s leadership is a call to action for every NNPA member and every Black media stakeholder: To grow. To unify. To sustain. And most importantly, to reclaim the power of the Black narrative in our own voice.
From Freedom’s Journal in 1827 to today’s high-tech headlines, the Black Press has been—and will remain—the voice of our people. With Dr. John Warren at the helm, it’s safe to say the future of the NNPA is not only secure—it’s soaring.
Houston Style Magazine proudly supports the newly elected NNPA Chairman, Dr. John Warren, and celebrates over 35 years as a dedicated member in good standing of the National Newspaper Publishers Association.
Dr. John-Warren NNPA New Chairman, Francis Page Jr. Publisher Houston Style Magazine, Larry Lee Publisher Sacremento Observer
Houston's political landscape is buzzing again—and in the best way. Enter Dwight Boykins: entrepreneur, public servant, and the Houston native who’s bringing a bold, seasoned, and community-rooted vision back to City Hall. As he enters the special race for Houston City Council AtLarge Position 4, Boykins isn’t just running for office — he’s reigniting a legacy of leadership built on service, accountability, and economic empowerment.
With Council Member Letitia Plummer stepping into the race for Harris County Judge, Boykins — who previously represented District D from 2013 to 2019 — is ready to step into the citywide spotlight. But make no mistake: this is not a comeback, it’s a continuation.
From Inner-City Houston to Citywide Visionary
Boykins is the embodiment of “Houston Strong.” Raised in Houston’s inner city, he’s a proud graduate of Stephen F. Austin High School and earned his BBA in Marketing from Texas Southern University’s prestigious School of Business. A lifelong advocate for the underserved, Boykins has always fused his deep Houston roots with a big-picture business perspective—making him a rare bridge between grassroots needs and fiscal know-how.
And yes, he’s still proudly repping
DWIGHT BOYKINS: A FAITH-FUELED FORCE RETURNS TO CITY HALL WITH BUSINESS
ACUMEN AND A HEART FOR HOUSTON
By Burt Levine, Political Editor for www.StyleMagazine.com
Public Service with a Private-Sector Mindset
Boykins’ track record on the council speaks volumes. While serving District D, he secured improvements in street infrastructure, drainage, affordable housing, and economic development. From the historic Third Ward to Sunnyside and the bustling South Belt, Boykins didn’t just talk the talk — he paved the road (literally) to uplift communities long neglected.
His vision brought grocery stores like H-E-B and Plyburns into fresh-food deserts, and small businesses finally found a council ally who not only returned phone calls but showed up — early and often.
“I learned how to navigate public service with the same grit I bring to business,” said Boykins. “When I say I’ll do something, I do it — and that’s how trust is built.”
A Councilman of the People and the Possibilities
Boykins is now taking his blueprint citywide. As a candidate for At-Large Position 4, he’s leveraging relationships built across all 11 districts — relationships forged through years of real work. Whether collaborating with Mayors Annise Parker and Sylvester Turner or engaging with institutions like the Texas Medical Center, HCC, and UH, Boykins’ approach is always proactive, professional, and people-first.
“My foundation is faith, family, and free enterprise,” says Boykins, whose wife Genora has stood by his side for 34 years of marriage and mission. Together, they’ve built businesses — and lives — on purpose.
From Rodeo Boots to Boardrooms
Beyond the council chambers, Boykins is as Houston as they come. He’s
an active member of Windsor Village United Methodist Church, a dedicated volunteer with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, and a contributor to both the Greater Houston Partnership and the Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce. Most weekends, you’ll find him lending a hand to senior citizens and veterans—mowing lawns, fixing roofs, and offering hope. It’s not a photo op. It’s a calling.
A Citywide Special Election with Statewide Implications
This November 4, Houston voters will help shape the city’s future—not just with the At-Large Position 4 seat, but in tandem with the HISD School Board, HCC College Board, and the race to succeed the late Mayor Sylvester Turner in Congressional District 18. Early voting begins October 20 through October 31, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
With the heart of a servant and the mind of a strategist, Dwight Boykins is poised to bring his lifelong love for Houston into its next chapter — citywide. And Houston Style Magazine will be here, every step of the way, celebrating his story and the soul of this city.
Dwight Boykins
Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
HARRIS HEALTH’S TOWERING LEAP FORWARD: A NEW ERA OF HEALING RISES IN NORTHEAST HOUSTON
By Francis Page Jr. For
The is no stranger to innovation, and Harris Health is making sure the momentum doesn’t skip a beat. A bold new chapter in healthcare is unfolding in the heart of northeast Houston, where Harris Health is building a state-of-the-art 12-story Level I trauma-capable hospital on the campus of Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital.
This isn’t just a new hospital—it’s a monumental step toward healthcare equity and emergency response access for underserved communities in Harris County. With 390 private patient rooms and the blueprint to expand to 450, this towering facility will stand tall as a regional hub for critical trauma care, reshaping the landscape of community health across southeast Texas.
Designed to meet the gold-standard criteria for Level I trauma facilities, the new hospital will be only the third of its kind in Harris County—and the first ever built outside of the Texas Medical Center. That’s not just progress—it’s history in the making.
More than just concrete and cranes, this project represents Harris Health’s commitment to lifesaving access and resilience in a growing region. As construction pushes skyward, so too does the promise of faster response times, better patient outcomes, and a new icon of healthcare excellence for generations to come.
From an abandoned lot to a thriving beacon of community wellness— Palm Center Park gets a powerful new lease on life.
On a radiant Saturday morning, June 28, 2025, families, city leaders, and community champions gathered at 5400 Griggs Road to witness the joyous rededication of the Park at Palm Center—a space that now pulses with renewed purpose, vibrant activity, and lush possibility.
Originally dedicated in April 2013, the park has undergone a stunning transformation thanks to the vision and efforts of the TIRZ #7 Board, the City of Houston, and the Old Spanish Trail/Almeda Corridor Redevelopment Authority. Once a pioneering retail destination before the mall concept took hold, Palm Center is again a trailblazer—this time, as Houston’s model for health equity, green space revitalization, and food access.
�� The Upgrades Sparkle with Intention
Palm Center Park now boasts a brand-new splash pad, shaded picnic areas, barbecue grills, upgraded restrooms, and a jogging/walking trail that loops around a flourishing community garden. This is not just a park—it’s an outdoor living room for the neighborhood.
Kids squealed with delight in the
Palm Center Park Rededication: A Fresh Chapter of Community, Health, and Hope in Southeast
By Francis Page Jr. For www.StyleMagazine.com
splash pad while nearby, residents browsed a bustling Farmers Market filled with organic treasures like tomatoes, cherries, apricots, and the now locally famous black onions.
As one board member proudly shared, “I left with several bags of fresh produce—and an even fuller heart.”
�� Sowing Seeds of Sustainability
Palm Center Park is home to one of Houston’s first urban gardens and the first space in the city to integrate fruit-bearing trees directly into its landscape. It's a community solution to food deserts—offering nourishment, education, and hope. The edible landscapes, supported by local volunteers,
provide seasonal fruits while promoting healthy eating and teaching residents how to prepare garden-to-table meals.
�� Civic Space and Social Grace
The park’s new pavilion and open-air gathering space are primed to host everything from neighborhood performances and educational workshops to joyous celebrations and civic forums. Designed to activate connection, Palm Center Park serves as a platform for Southeast Houston voices to be seen, heard, and celebrated.
Rebirth of a Landmark
What was once a declining retail
Houston
strip has now bloomed into one of Houston’s most successful community trail facilities. The rededication marks more than a ribbon-cutting—it’s a recommitment to inclusion, reinvestment, and restoration. It’s also an invitation to all Houstonians to witness what happens when equity, environment, and engagement come together.
Calling All Volunteers!
With popularity growing, there’s a call for community heroes to assist in garden care, fruit harvesting, and leading nutrition classes. This isn’t just a park—it’s a movement.
�� Palm Center Park is proof that with enough care, collaboration, and community pride, even the most forgotten spaces can bloom again
Photography By TeamStyleMag
Sandy Close - Founder
Nakia Cooper & Sandy Close
Francis Page , Sandy Close & Laura Murillo
Rose Taylor, Sandy Close & Francis Page, Jr.
XFINITY GOES ALL-IN WITH NEW NATIONAL INTERNET PLAN
EVERYTHING’S INCLUDED IN EVERYDAY PRICING STRUCTURE
Following the successful launch and positive consumer reaction to Xfinity’s new 5-year guarantee, the nation’s largest Internet Service Provider (ISP) has launched its everyday pricing (EDP) structure with four simple national Internet tiers that include unlimited data and the advanced Xfinity WiFi Gateway for one low monthly price. This move is part of the company’s broader strategy to give consumers simple, predictable, all-in plans for the best WiFi in the market. All plans include a line of Xfinity Mobile at no additional cost for a year.
“We said we were going to go ‘all-in’ on a new pricing strategy and we are delivering with our 5-year price lock and our new everyday
By Foti Kallergis, Comcast Contributor
price plans. Now all our Xfinity Internet packages are built on simplicity and transparency – no hidden fees, no confusion – just the best, most reliable and secure WiFi that sets a new standard for the ultimate connected experience,” said Steve Croney, Chief Operating Officer, Connectivity & Platforms, Comcast. “We’re coming out swinging with a superior WiFi product that easily beats the competition at an even better price point for customers.”
Xfinity delivers the fastest, most reliable* WiFi experience with multi-gig speeds, a low-lag connection for gaming and streaming, the capacity to connect hundreds of devices in the home, and unbeatable wall-to-wall WiFi
coverage. The Xfinity WiFi Gateway blankets the home with cybersecurity protection and provides other advanced WiFi features and parental controls all easily accessible in the newly redesigned Xfinity app, allowing customers to optimize and manage their WiFi experience in the home.
An unlimited line of Xfinity Mobile is also included at no cost for a year with these plans. Only Xfinity Mobile customers have access to WiFi PowerBoost, a game-changing feature which increases Xfinity Mobile speeds up
to 1 gig – no matter the plan they choose – when they are connected over WiFi in the home or anywhere else on the Xfinity WiFi network, the largest and fastest in the nation. With 90 percent of mobile traffic traveling over WiFi, Xfinity Mobile is created for how customers use their mobile devices, combining the nation’s best WiFi with the most reliable 5G network. Consumers can sign up for Xfinity Internet and Xfinity Mobile online at www.xfinity. com or at their local Xfinity store.
Lauren Simmons Delivers Big for HD 146: $30M Secured, 23 Bills Passed, and a Bold Vision for Texas’ Future
By Francis Page Jr. For www.StyleMagazine.com
In the political arena of Austin where freshmen legislators often struggle just to find their footing, Representative Lauren Ashley Simmons didn’t just stand out — she soared.
Returning triumphantly to Houston after her first legislative session, Rep. Simmons brings with her a track record that would make even the most seasoned lawmakers take note. With 23 bills passed and more than $30.9 million in funding secured — including over $26 million earmarked directly for House District 146 — Simmons has quickly become a beacon of bold, community-rooted leadership.
�� A Freshman With Fire
It’s rare for a new voice in the minority party to move the needle, but Simmons did exactly that. Among her landmark wins? The passage of HB 107, a Speaker-designated priority bill creating Texas’ first statewide sickle cell disease registry — backed by $1 million in funding. This is more than policy; it's personal, powerful, and purposeful.
“Passing a Speaker’s priority bill as a freshman is practically unheard of,” said Rep. Simmons. “But when your work is driven by lived experience and deep connection to your community — the impossible becomes inevitable.”
�� A Down Payment on the Future
The funding wins are just as impressive as her legislative output. In a state where too many communities are overlooked, Simmons ensured HD 146 was front and center:
• $10 million to renovate the Texas Southern University Law School
• $10 million for a new Biomanufacturing Training Institute at San Jacinto College
• $3.5 million for the N.E.X.T. Targeted Intervention Program to support early reading and math
• $1 million to revitalize Zollie Scales Park in Southeast Houston
• $5 million to modernize TSU’s Tiger Bus Fleet
Investments in statewide OBGYN care and homelessness studies, prioritizing health equity and housing justice “This is a powerful down payment on the future we’re building together,” Simmons said. “And I’m just getting started.”
✊ Fighting the Good Fight
But the session wasn’t without its battles. Simmons didn’t mince words about the challenges ahead. “This session was defined by cruelty,” she noted, calling out the passage of harmful voucher schemes and the targeting of LGBTQ+ Texans.
“Our state government is being hijacked by the MAGA agenda — one
that’s anti-public education, anti-women, and anti-equality,” Simmons stated. “But we’re fighting back — and we won’t stop until justice and compassion lead again.”
�� Looking Ahead
With the gavel down and the session closed, Simmons is already back to work. Her interim plan includes:
• Hosting community listening sessions
• Overseeing implementation of funded programs
• Gearing up for an even stronger next session
As Chair of the Labor & Workforce Caucus and a key member of both the Appropriations and Public Health Committees, Simmons is perfectly positioned to turn bold dreams into measurable progress.
�� Sunnyside’s Rising Star
Representing the vibrant and historic Sunnyside, South, Southwest, and Southeast Houston, Rep. Simmons is redefining what it means to serve. She’s not waiting her turn. She’s leading from the front — with integrity, tenacity, and an unwavering commitment to the people of Texas.
Follow the journey. Support the movement. And stay inspired.
Lauren Ashley Simmons - Texas House District 146
TSU’s Joseph Carter Named Du Bois Scholar at Harvard University
By Francis Page Jr. For www.StyleMagazine.com
Joseph Carter, a rising junior at Texas Southern University (TSU), has been selected as a research fellow for the Du Bois Scholars Program at Harvard University. Now in its second year, the prestigious program is designed to recognize and support outstanding students from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). It is housed within the Harvard College Summer Undergraduate Research Village (HSURV), which offers students the opportunity to conduct advanced research, participate in professional development workshops, and present their scholarly work.
Carter is one of just 35 students selected nationwide to participate in the highly competitive program. He is currently conducting research under the mentorship of Dr. Gary Adamkiewicz at the Healthy Cities Lab, focusing on a project titled “Climate Justice in Boston.” His research explores the intersection of housing, neighborhood infrastructure, and community environments with public health outcomes in urban areas disproportionately affected by climate change. As part of the nine-week, in-person residential program, Carter is engaged in rigorous fieldwork and data analysis to investigate environmental justice in historically underserved communities.
A Political Science major and a distinguished Thomas F. Freeman Honors Scholar from Detroit, Michigan, Carter has demonstrated exceptional leadership on and off campus. He recently completed his term as Mister Sophomore, during which he launched an original initiative called “The Carter Experience,” a monthly workshop series promoting mental wellness, academic achievement, public speaking, and student empowerment. He also contributes to campus life as a Campus Ambassador and Undergraduate Assistant, supporting student programming and leading campus tours for prospective students.
In addition to his academic and
leadership achievements, Carter is the founder of the nonprofit “Changed by Carter,” which has provided over 200 free haircuts and hygiene care kits to underserved populations in Houston. The project began as an undergraduate research initiative focused on homelessness and health equity and went on to earn first place in Texas Southern’s Research and Innovation Pitch Competition.
Texas Southern University, located in Houston, Texas, is a comprehensive HBCU founded in 1927. It is one of the largest HBCUs in the nation and serves as a vital institution for higher education, research, and public service, particularly within underserved communities. The university houses more than 100 academic programs across 10 colleges and schools, including the Thurgood Marshall School of Law, and has a longstanding tradition of producing leaders in public service, education, law, and business. The Thomas F. Freeman Honors College, to which Carter belongs, is named after the legendary debate coach and scholar known for mentoring generations of students in intellectual excellence and civic engagement.
Carter is the second TSU student to be named a Du Bois Fellow. The first was Student Regent Kohl Crawford, who joined the program’s inaugural 2024 cohort and is one of seven scholars returning for a second year. Carter aspires to pursue a career in international and environmental law, aligning with his passion for justice, sustainability, and community advocacy.
Joseph Carter - Harvard Scholar
On Friday, July 11, the campus of Texas Southern University (TSU) buzzed with curiosity, creativity, and community as nearly 200 rising 6th to 8th graders showcased their summer-long achievements during the culminating event of the Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers Program. The vibrant closing ceremony, held at TSU’s Science Building and Sawyer Auditorium, served as both a celebration of youthful innovation and a powerful reminder of what’s possible when opportunity meets vision.
In partnership with Verizon and the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE), TSU hosted this no-cost, immersive STEM camp with a mission: to equip students in under-resourced communities with access to cutting-edge technology, real-world learning, and mentors who believe in their brilliance.
This wasn’t your average summer camp.
Throughout the program, students dove headfirst into hands-on experiences in 3D printing, augmented reality (AR), social entrepreneurship, and STEM career exploration. They didn’t just learn about the future—they built it. Each project reflected the ingenuity and collaborative spirit of tomorrow’s engineers, innovators, and changemakers.
Rooted in Verizon’s broader com-
EMPOWERING THE FUTURE: TSU WRAPS UP VERIZON STEM
ACHIEVERS PROGRAM WITH PURPOSE, PASSION, AND PROMISE
By Francis Page Jr. For www.StyleMagazine.com
mitment to digital inclusion through its Citizen Verizon initiative, the STEM Achievers program is more than an educational experience—it’s a pathway to purpose. By breaking down barriers and opening doors, this initiative ensures that young minds from underserved communities can dream big and explore limitless possibilities.
“Watching our students present their ideas and prototypes with such confidence and clarity is a testament to the transformative power of this program,” said a TSU program coordinator. “They’re not just learning science and tech—they’re becoming leaders.”
And leaders they were. From augmented reality environmental apps to 3D-printed community solutions, the student showcase wowed guests, parents, and TSU faculty alike. The proud energy was palpable. Each display table stood as a tribute to what happens when mentorship, education, and opportunity align.
For TSU, a university proudly committed to urban education and community uplift since 1927, the STEM Achievers program aligns perfectly with its mission to prepare students from diverse backgrounds for roles of leadership in a global society.
Friday’s closing event underscored that commitment—and reminded attendees that building a better future starts with believing in our youth.
So, Houston Style Magazine readers as the curtains closed and students took their final bows, one thing was clear: the Verizon Innovative Learning STEM Achievers program isn’t just shaping futures—it’s igniting them.
Houston, meet your future innovators. And they’re just getting started.
Houston we have a hotspot! Nestled in the heart of Upper Kirby, Confessions Restaurant & Lounge has erupted onto the city’s upscale culinary and nightlife radar with all the flash and flavor of a Hollywood premiere. Since opening its doors, this luxe, late-night destination has quickly become the see-and-be-seen backdrop for a dazzling lineup of celebrities, influencers, and local luminaries.
From GloRilla and 50 Cent to NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal and the ever-glam Jayda Cheaves, A-listers have been lighting up Confessions’ ultra-chic space, often caught indulging in decadent plates and custom cocktails. And we mean indulgent — we’re talking Strawberry Wings kissed with a house-made strawberry reduction, buttery Lamb Chop Rockefeller, and spicy Grilled Caesar Salad that’s anything but ordinary.
In a city known for elevating both food and flair, Confessions is rewriting the late-night script. Founded by Houston’s own hospitality tastemaker and event maestro, Sterling Lewis, the concept is bold: give the Bayou City a place where elegance, energy, and entertainment meet — and make every guest feel like the main character.
“Confessions was designed to be more than just a restaurant,” says Lewis. “It’s a vibe — a destination where memories are made, music flows, and you never know which icon will walk through the door. This
FROM BRUNCH TO BRANSON:
CONFESSIONS RESTAURANT
& LOUNGE HEATS UP HOUSTON’S STAR SCENE
By Francis Page Jr. For www.StyleMagazine.com
is Houston hospitality at its most unforgettable.”
And unforgettable it is. On any given night, you might catch Atlanta rappers Gunna and Hunxho celebrating milestone moments, or Fabolous savoring a private D’Ussé dinner featuring that famed Salmon in white wine garlic butter sauce. Even Pleasure P kept things plush with a classic lamb chop plate, while GloRilla made waves with
a pre-Beyoncé tour feast that spanned nearly the entire menu. This isn’t just dinner — it’s a red carpet rendezvous served table-side.
The interior of Confessions is just as magnetic as its menu. The walls pop with street-art-inspired visuals, plush velvet seating invites luxurious lounging, and the patio — complete with a life-sized swing — offers a perfect perch for selfies, stargazing, or a late-night toast. Don’t forget the Premium Shisha, curated DJ sets, and a glowing private lounge for those who prefer their evenings with a side of exclusivity.
Weekend warriors, take note: “Confessions After Dark” runs Fridays and Saturdays until 2 a.m., serving a full, chef-driven menu alongside an immersive nightlife experience that feels like part supper club, part secret society. It’s where the lines blur between upscale dining and seductive celebration — and Houston’s tastemakers are absolutely here for it.
Whether you're a foodie looking for the next iconic bite or a culture connoisseur chasing elevated vibes, Confessions is where the city’s pulse beats loudest.
��Confessions Restaurant & Lounge
3200 Kirby Drive, Suite 2A, Houston, TX
�� Open Sunday–Thursday 4 p.m. – 12 a.m., Friday–Saturday until 2 a.m.
�� www.confessionstx.com
�� Follow @ConfessionsHou on Insta-
gram for celebrity sightings, menu drops, and behind-the-scenes action.
For more celebrity food culture, nightlife reviews, and Houston’s most buzzworthy destinations, keep it locked to Houston Style Magazine – where culture meets class. www.StyleMagazine.com
At Houston Community College Central Campus, transformation is more than a mission—it’s a movement.
On Commitment Day, the HCC VAST Academy proudly launched its newest student-centered initiative, the Pathways Bridge to Careers program, ushering in a new era of inclusive, real-world education that puts opportunity at the center of every student’s journey.
Families, students, community partners, and champions of accessibility came together to celebrate students’ commitment to pursuing Level 1 and Level 2 Certificates and Associate Degree’s. This milestone event didn’t just mark a personal step forward for many—it signaled a collective stride toward educational equity and workforce empowerment for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Commitment with Purpose, Powered by Partnership
At the heart of the event was a wealth of vital resources and community partnerships, ready to help students soar. From career coaching and mentorship to accessible financial aid and wraparound academic support, the VAST Academy's new Pathways Bridge is more than a program—it’s a launchpad.
“Our students deserve more than
HCC VAST ACADEMY’S COMMITMENT DAY
CELEBRATES PATHWAYS TO BRIGHTER FUTURES
By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
a seat at the table,” one speaker noted.
“They deserve the tools to build the future themselves—and that’s exactly what HCC is doing.”
STEM Camps That Inspire and Include
Summer got a lot more exciting for students aged 14–22 years old, thanks to the VAST Explore STEM Summer Camps.
Hosted across HCC campuses throughout June and July, these full-day camps offered a dynamic mix of hands-on science, engineering, and tech exploration—complete with lunch, guidance, and joyful discovery. Campers not only gained exposure to
high-demand career fields but also found confidence and community.”
A Legacy of Empowerment
For more than 30 years, the Vocational Advancement and Skills Training (VAST) Academy has been rewriting the script for students often underserved in traditional academic settings. Since 1990, VAST has equipped students with practical, career-readiness training that leads to meaningful credentials, employment opportunities, and above all—independence. Whether seeking certificates, degrees, or transferable skills, VAST students
are rewriting what success looks like, proving that access and ambition are a powerful combination.
Want to learn more or support the movement?
�� VAST Summer Camp Info �� VAST Academy Program Overview �� HCC Foundation | 3100 Main Street, Suite 12B12 | Houston, TX 77002 �� Phone: 713-718-8595 | �� Fax: 713718-8631
Houston's skyline won’t be the only thing shining on Friday, August 29 at 8:00 PM—Broadway brilliance is coming home, and it’s lighting up the iconic Miller Outdoor Theatre. Proudly presented by H-E-B, Broadway On The Hill promises to be a musically magical night that blends the heartbeat of Houston with the spirit of Broadway, featuring hometown stars who’ve conquered New York stages and are now giving back to the community that raised them.
This inaugural event is not just a concert—it’s a celebration. From the first note to the final curtain call, Broadway On The Hill will take audiences on an unforgettable journey through classic and contemporary musical theater. Picture this: under a blanket of stars, nestled in the heart of Hermann Park, the voices of Ashley Tamar, Jarvis Manning Jr., Jennafer Newberry, Michael Woefel, DaQuina Moore, and Anthony Glover will fill the air with songs that have defined generations.
Why This Night Matters
This is more than a performance— it’s a proud Houston homecoming. Each of the featured artists has walked the same streets, dreamed big under these very skies, and now they return not only to perform,
H-E-B Presents Broadway On The Hill: Houston’s Own Take Center Stage Under the Stars
By Francis Page Jr. For www.StyleMagazine.com
but to inspire. This concert pays homage to the deep roots and dazzling talents that connect Broadway to Bayou City, elevating local pride while delivering world-class entertainment.
Free, Fabulous, and For Everyone
As with all Miller Outdoor Theatre productions, Broadway On The Hill is
entirely free to the public. Covered seating does require a ticket—available starting Wednesday, August 28 at 10:00 AM, online or at the box office on the day of the show.
Attendees can also bring a blanket, grab a spot on the hill, and soak in the show picnic-style. Rain or shine, the show will go on, promising a soul-stirring experience for everyone in attendance.
A Few Notes Before Curtain Up
This special performance will not be livestreamed, so make plans now to be there in person.
Seating is first come - first served, and free tickets (limit 4 per person over 16) are available.
Box office opens one hour before showtime.
Don’t forget: photos may be taken for promotional use by Miller Outdoor Theatre—so dress for the spotlight!
Presented with Purpose
Thanks to the generous support of H-E-B and the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance, this showcase of excellence continues Miller’s mission of making the performing arts accessible to all. For decades, the theatre has stood as a pillar of culture, unity, and joy in Houston—and with this inaugural Broadway concert, the tradition continues in grand style.
