Al Green Hosts 4th Annual Slavery Remembrance Legislative Update & FREE BREAKFAST:
“WE’VE COME TOO FAR TO TURN BACK NOW”
By Francis Page, Jr., Editor for www.StyleMagazine.com
On Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 8:30
AM CT, history, justice, and remembrance converge in the heart of Houston as Congressman Al Green hosts the 4th Annual Slavery Remembrance Day
Legislative Update Breakfast Meeting
This solemn yet inspiring gathering serves as both a tribute to the millions of enslaved Africans whose labor laid the very foundation of America’s wealth and a rallying call to ensure their stories are never erased from our national memory.
Held at the Wyndham Hotel near NRG Park (8686 Kirby Drive, Houston, TX 77054), the event is FREE TO THE PUBLIC with required Eventbrite registration. Attendees will witness history in motion — a continuation of a movement that is as much about honoring the past as it is about shaping a more just and equitable future.
REGISTER NOW TO SECURE YOUR SEAT: https://2025-Slavery-Remembrance-Day-Houston.eventbrite.com
A Theme That Echoes Across Generations
This year’s theme, “We Are The Dream and Hope of the Enslaved,” reminds us that the freedoms we enjoy today are built upon the courage, sacrifice, and resilience
of those who endured centuries of bondage. As Congressman Green so often notes, “We have come too far to turn back now.”
Legislative Progress and National Recognition
Congressman Green will deliver a legislative update spotlighting the continued momentum for National Slavery Remembrance Day — a day recognized by President Joe Biden and passed by the U.S. House of Representatives during the 117th Congress. Green will also share updates on his push to secure a Congressional Gold Medal honoring the enslaved for their immeasurable contribution to America’s economy and greatness.
A Gathering of Leaders, Clergy, and Changemakers
The event will feature a distinguished roster of special invited clergy guests — from Bishop Kenneth Murray to Pastor Rudy Rasmus — as well as an impressive lineup of ‘invited’ elected officials and community leaders, including many more public servants, activists, and civic leaders.
Their presence underscores the broad coalition of support for truth-telling, historical education, and racial equity. Why This Matters Now More Than Ever
At a time when history is under political siege and uncomfortable truths are at risk of being sanitized or erased, Slavery Remembrance Day is not just symbolic — it is essential. It affirms that acknowledging America’s painful past is not about division but about building a stronger, more united, and more honest future.
Register Here: Click to Register INFO: (713) 383-9234 | algreen.house.gov
Houston Style Magazine’s Call to Action
We encourage our readers to be present for this historic occasion. This is more than an event — it is an act of remembrance, education, and resistance. Let us honor those whose sweat and blood built this nation by standing together to ensure their legacy is not only remembered but revered.
Arrive early. Sit with history. Leave with purpose.
Prominent Clergy, Public Officials, and Civic Organizations Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 08:30AM Wyndham Hotel (. . .near NRG) • 8686 Kirby Drive, Houston, TX 77054
Al Green Hosts 4th Annual Slavery Remembrance Breakfast
There's an old saying in the hip-hop community: "Men lie, women lie, numbers don 't." In this political climate of lies, corruption, and misinformation, working families deserve numbers that work in their favor, especially when it comes to the economy and their wallets.
But the latest numbers tell a hard truth that Democrats can't ignore. A recent Wall Street Journal poll shows that out of every 10 Americans, more than 6 view the Democratic Party unfavorably. That's the worst showing in over 30 years. Put simply: for every person who likes what Democrats are doing, two others don't.
This should keep every Democrat awake at night: even when voters don't like how Trump handles the economy, they still trust Republicans more than Democrats to fix it. It's like saying you don't trust the mechanic who broke your car, but you'd still rather have him work on it than the other guy.
As Democratic pollster John Anzalone bluntly admitted: "The Democratic brand is so bad that they don't have the credibility to be a critic of Trump or the Republican Party."
No wonder Democrats lost ground in the 2024 election with every demographic except Black women. Trump made historic inroads with Black and brown voters, which says more about declining trust in the Democratic Party than any real enthusiasm for Trump.
Despite dismal favorability numbers, there's hope. The Wall Street Journal poll also found voters are willing to give Democrats another chance if the party can prove it deserves one.
Congress is now in August recess, when members return home to reconnect with constituents. For Democrats, this month isn't vacation time; it's a lifeline. While Republicans flee tough questions, Democrats can prove they're listening through town halls, door-knocking, and direct engagement with working families who've lost faith in the party.
WAKE-UP CALL: HOW DEMOCRATS CAN USE AUGUST RECESS TO SAVE THEIR BRAND
By Kevin Harris and Richard McDaniel
To prove our value, Democrats must remember that being anti-Trump isn't enough. We've run on that message for three presidential elections, losing twice while Republicans secured governing majorities. Instead, Democrats need to say what we're for and what we'll do once we have power again. In 2006, Nancy Pelosi led Democrats back to power with her brilliant "Six for '06" campaign, focusing on wages, retirement security, affordable healthcare, and college.
Democrats must meet voters where they are. This means maintaining a consistent drumbeat message on affordability instead of responding to daily Trump controversies. Working-class voters, including Black and brown Americans who form the backbone of our coalition, are stressed about rising costs. We can't only oppose tariffs because Trump supports them, we must oppose them because they make everything from groceries to cars more expensive. We can't just oppose ICE raids because they're cruel, we must oppose them because they disrupt supply chains and raise prices for
working families.
Democrats need to model courage over fear. Pete Buttigieg recently noted Democrats have been "too attached to a status quo that has been failing us." He's right. Democrats should stop letting fear police our messaging and start taking bold positions that serve working families and communities of color. It's time to be unapologetic about who we're fighting for.
While Democrats debate messaging, Republicans are executing a comprehensive strategy to lock in power for decades. Trump's team is putting "maximum pressure" on red states to redraw congressional maps before 2026, with Vice President JD Vance personally visiting Indiana to push redistricting efforts. Beyond Texas, Republicans are targeting Ohio, Missouri, Florida, and other states, potentially netting 10 or more House seats through gerrymandering alone.
Even more concerning, Trump has announced plans for a new census designed to exclude undocumented immigrants from congressional apportionment, a move that
would fundamentally reshape representation and strip seats from diverse, Democratic-leaning areas.
This is the Republican playbook. Change the rules when you can't win the game fairly. While they're playing chess, too many Democrats are still playing checkers.
This August recess isn't just an opportunity; it's time to make a stand. Democrats must use this month to build the coalition and trust needed to counter an unprecedented assault on democratic representation. The question isn't whether Democrats can recover. The question is: when will we start capitalizing on Trump's overreach by speaking plainly about what we're for, who we're for, and what we'll do if we have power again?
Kevin Harris and Richard McDaniel are veteran Democratic strategists with over 100 political campaigns between them, including the past five presidential elections. They co-host "Maroon Bison Presents: The Southern Comfort Podcast."
Houston, history isn’t just written in textbooks — it’s alive in the voices, businesses, and dreams of the people who call this city home. On Thursday, August 21, 2025, the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will host its landmark State of Hispanics – Data Summit & Business Expo at the stunning Thompson Houston. From 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM, the city’s movers, shakers, and change-makers will unite for an electrifying morning dedicated to the influence and economic impact of the Hispanic community — a force that continues to redefine the region’s present and shape its future.
This isn’t just another networking breakfast. It’s the only event of its kind in the region, a meeting of minds where leaders from academia, business, government, and civic organizations come together to examine data, share solutions, and accelerate progress. Attendees don’t just walk away with insights — they leave with connections, strategies, and a renewed sense of urgency to champion the Hispanic voice in every corner of the region.
A Community That Builds and Sustains Houston
The numbers are powerful, and they tell a story that deserves to be frontpage news.
2025 THE STATE OF HISPANICS – DATA SUMMIT & BUSINESS EXPO:
THEPOWER, PROGRESS, AND PROMISE OF HOUSTON’S HISPANIC COMMUNITY
By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
$54 billion: Current annual spending by Houston’s Hispanic community.
Projected to top $80 billion by 2022, representing over 25% of the region’s total spending.
53% of Hispanics in the region own their own home, representing a quarter of Houston’s residential market. Hispanic-owned small businesses account for 42% of the region’s small business ownership.
Hispanics are two times more likely to start a business than other demographic groups.
25% of all auto sales in the region are made by Hispanic buyers.
More than 1 in 4 own an investment.
And in entrepreneurship? Hispanic business owners outnumber all other groups 2 to 1.
This isn’t just economic participation — it’s economic leadership.
Data That Drives Change
The Summit delivers more than inspiration; it delivers actionable intelligence from thought leaders and industry experts, including:
Dr. Jeronimo Cortina, University of Houston – 2024 Texas Trends and Hispanics in Corporate Boards.
Lopez Negrete Communications – Economic Impact of Latinos in Houston. Pablo Pinto, Hobby School of Public Affairs – The State of Hispanics in Houston. Research insights on NAFTA, DACA, and historical Hispanic economic impact data. Telemundo’s 2017 Hispanic Impact Summit Data — a foundation for tracking progress.
More Than a Summit — A Statement
By sponsoring this event, organizations gain more than visibility — they gain membership into a year-long alliance committed to Hispanic advancement. As the annual media sponsor, Houston Style Magazine is proud to amplify this conversation, spotlight the data, and champion the leaders who are shaping Houston’s Hispanic future.
Why This Matters Now
Hispanics are not just a part of Houston’s story — they are the architects of its next chapter. In business, culture, education, and politics, their influence is undeniable. The State of Hispanics – Data Summit & Business Expo ensures that influence is measured, celebrated, and leveraged for greater community prosperity.
Mark your calendars. Bring your business cards. Come ready to be informed, inspired, and ignited. Because when Houston’s Hispanic community thrives, Houston thrives.
�� Date: Thursday, August 21, 2025
�� Location: Thompson Houston, 1717 Allen Parkway, Houston, TX 77019
⏰ Time: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Houston Style Magazine will be there — and so should you.
In the ever-evolving story of Houston’s educational and civic leadership, Dr. Cynthia Lenton Gary is writing chapters of purpose, progress, and power. As a Houston City College (formerly Houston Community College) Trustee, Dr. Lenton Gary has not only completed an impactful first term—nearly six years of service—but has also etched her name among the most visionary leaders in the region.
Her legacy stretches far beyond boardroom votes and ribbon cuttings. This Sunnyside native has lived a life steeped in public service, rising from her days as Majorette Leader at Worthing High School to becoming the first Black woman appointed to both the Missouri City Council and the Fort Bend ISD School Board. And with each role, she has brought an unshakable commitment to making institutions work for the people they serve.
“Serving more than 90,000 students across one of the largest community colleges in the country has been both an honor and a responsibility,” Dr. Lenton Gary shares. “From advancing job training to opening new opportunities in higher education, we are building futures here.”
From Chemist to Changemaker
Armed with a bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree, Dr. Lenton Gary’s
TRAILBLAZING LEADERSHIP: DR. CYNTHIA LENTON GARY’S
TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACT ON HOUSTON CITY COLLEGE AND BEYOND
By Burt Levine, Political Editor for www.StyleMagazine.com
career began in the corporate world as a chemist before transitioning into public service—alongside her husband of more than 43 years, a dedicated Houston Police Department officer. The values of service, integrity, and community uplift run deep in her family: one son is an HPD Sergeant, and her grandson currently serves overseas as a U.S. Marine.
“My parents and my family Bible taught me that public service is both noble and necessary,” she reflects. “It’s about doing our part to improve the neighborhoods and the world around us.”
A Record of Results at Houston City College
Since joining the Board of Trustees in 2019, Dr. Lenton Gary’s leadership has been transformative. Under her tenure— during which she served as the Board’s longest-serving chair over three consecutive terms—HCC has achieved milestones that solidify its standing as a premier institution for workforce and academic excellence:
• Increased enrollment through innovative outreach and program expansion
• Opened Digital Access Centers to bridge the technology gap
• Launched the state-of-the-art Culinary Arts Building
• Named one of the Houston Region’s
Best Places for Working Parents
• Earned a Rodeo Award for dedication to educational outcomes
• Ranked among Forbes’ Top 10 Trade Schools in the U.S. and #4 Employer in Texas
• Recognized as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense
• Secured approval for Baccalaureate Degrees in Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
• Established the HCC Alumni Association
• Hosted the Consular Corps of Houston, strengthening international partnerships Presiding over six HCC graduation ceremonies, Dr. Lenton Gary has witnessed the tangible results of her leadership—thousands of graduates stepping confidently into the future.
Community Recognition and Lifelong Service
Dr. Lenton Gary’s service at the city, school district, and college district levels has earned her recognition from the YMCA, the NAACP, and countless community organizations. Yet, for her, the true reward lies in seeing others succeed.
“Everything I do is about making a difference—whether it’s for one student or an entire community,” she says.
Houston Style Magazine readers, as Houston City College steps boldly into the future—with new programs, expanded access, and a steadfast commitment to excellence — Dr. Cynthia Lenton Gary remains a driving force, ensuring that education stays at the heart of Houston’s growth and prosperity.
Dr. Margaret Ford Fisher & Dr. Cynthia Lenton-Gary
In the summer heat in Houston hits like a wall of fire, we know it’s more than just a sweaty inconvenience—it can be a serious health hazard. Now, thanks to the Houston Health Department (HHD), Houstonians have a powerful new ally in the fight against heat-related illness: the Houston Summer Surveillance Dashboard.
Launched by HHD’s Data Science Program—the same visionary team behind the acclaimed Houston Wastewater Dashboard— this first-of-its-kind public tool is designed to track how extreme heat impacts public health and to help inform life-saving interventions.
Why This Matters Now
“Extreme heat is becoming increasingly more common, and it is essential to formulate tools and strategies to keep our community safe,” said Dr. Loren Hopkins, Chief Environmental Science Officer at HHD.
And the numbers speak volumes: As of August 7, 2025, there have been 1,630 heat-related illness (HRI) emergency visits in Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery counties since April 1.
The dashboard doesn’t just spit out numbers—it paints a full, interactive picture. Pulling emergency room visit data from HHD’s syndromic surveillance system and combining it with forecasted Heat Index data from the National Weather Service, the dashboard
Houston Health Department Unveils Groundbreaking Dashboard to Combat Extreme Heat’s Toll On Health
By Francis Page Jr., For www.StyleMagazine.com
offers visualizations by time, location, and demographics.
Targeting Hotspots, Saving Lives
“This dashboard is one segment of the work that HHD is conducting to understand the increase in risk of various health outcomes that the Houston community may experience due to extreme heat,” explained Komal Sheth, Senior Staff Analyst. “The data displayed can highlight the populations most burdened by heat-related illnesses and identify hotspot areas or times of day when a cooling center may be most effective.”
Users can dive deep into the data, filtering by age group, race, or specific conditions
This isn’t just for academics and health officials—the general public can access it too, giving everyone from local nonprofits to neighborhood associations the insight needed to protect our most vulnerable residents.
Comparisons That Tell a Story
Want to see how 2025 stacks up against pre-
vious years? The dashboard makes it easy. On July 29, 2025, there were 42 HRI emergency visits—up from 31 in 2024 and 21 in 2023. “It’s that kind of year-over-year perspective that can motivate both policy change and personal action,” said Kaavya Domakonda, another Senior Staff Analyst.
Alerts Are Coming
And this is just the beginning. “HHD is currently developing an alert system that, when complete, will issue warnings on high heat days with reminders to stay safe and cool,” added Dr. Hopkins.
The dashboard updates every Wednesday at 2:00 a.m., running from May through October—the heart of Houston’s heat season.
Access the Dashboard
The Houston Summer Surveillance Dashboard is free, public, and easy to navigate. Whether you’re a concerned resident, a healthcare provider, or a community leader, this tool gives you the data you need to take action.
Bottom line? The Houston Health Department isn’t just reacting to extreme heat— they’re predicting, preparing, and empowering our community to protect itself.
Because in Houston, beating the heat isn’t just about comfort—it’s about survival.
Photos By Linda Toyota & SiVo Photography
Melinda Little – Vice President
Justin Canas - Manager/MC
Nicholas Jimenez - Director
Local Focus. Global Reach. With those words, Houston Community College — one of the largest and most respected educational institutions in Texas — has officially unveiled its new identity: Houston City College. This transformation, approved by the Board of Trustees, is far more than a name change. It is a declaration of ambition, progress, and pride — one that aligns the college’s mission with the bold spirit of the city it serves.
For more than five decades, the college has been woven into the very fabric of Houston, championing accessible, affordable, and high-quality education for students from every neighborhood, every background, and every dream imaginable. Since its founding in 1971, Houston Community College expanded into one of the most diverse and forward-thinking institutions in the country. Now, with its reintroduction as Houston City College, it is ready to meet the demands of a new era — an era where education is not just local, but global.
From Community Roots to City-Wide Impact
Houston’s story is one of resilience, diversity, and innovation — and Houston City College reflects those same qualities. The new name not only honors the college’s deep roots in the community but also reflects
HOUSTON CITY COLLEGE: A HISTORIC LEAP FORWARD FOR HOUSTON’S FUTURE
By Francis Page Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
the modern, thriving metropolis that Houston has become.
“Houston City College signals that we are both grounded in the neighborhoods we serve and positioned for a global stage,” shared Chancellor Dr. Margaret Ford Fisher. “This is a commitment to our students, our city, and the future workforce of the world.”
Why the Change Matters
This bold rebranding arrives at a pivotal moment in higher education. In a city known for its leadership in energy,
healthcare, aerospace, and technology, the college is now expanding opportunities for its students in ways that will transform lives and industries alike.
For the first time in its history, Houston City College will offer four-year baccalaureate degrees — beginning with in-demand programs such as Healthcare Management and Artificial Intelligence. These additions will allow students to earn a world-class degree without leaving the city they love, while also keeping tuition affordable.
Key Highlights of the Change:
• Expanded Degree Options: Bachelor’s programs tailored to high-growth industries.
• Modern Curriculum: Career-focused courses designed to match Houston’s economic strengths.
• Global Competitiveness: A name and mission that resonate internationally.
• Community Pride: Stronger recognition of Houston’s role in shaping future leaders.
A Name That Travels Well
In today’s interconnected world, a college name carries weight beyond the city limits. Employers, graduate schools, and international partners will instantly recognize Houston City College as a world-class institution based in one of America’s most influential cities. The rebrand gives graduates a competitive edge while strengthening the college’s reputation across borders.
The new programs and name recognition will attract not just local students, but also talent from around the globe — boosting Houston’s economy, enriching its cultural fabric, and solidifying its standing as a leader in education and innovation.
Imagine a Texas where your zip code no longer determines your lifespan, where mothers live to see their children grow, where every family has access to nutritious food, and where preventable diseases like diabetes no longer cast a shadow over entire communities. That’s not just wishful thinking — it’s the future the Episcopal Health Foundation (EHF) is determined to create.
This month, EHF — one of Texas’s largest and most impactful health foundations, led by physician and visionary Dr. Ann Barnes — rolled out its Strategic Framework for 2024–2030, a bold roadmap to tackle the most stubborn and preventable health challenges facing Texans today. And this isn’t about adding more doctors’ visits — it’s about getting to the root of what really makes people healthy.
Beyond the Doctor’s Office: Tackling Non-Medical Drivers of Health
For the past eight years, EHF has championed a transformative approach: addressing non-medical factors that shape health outcomes — things like access to healthy food, safe neighborhoods, and equitable policies.
Now, they’re doubling down with a laser focus on three game-changing priorities:
EPISCOPAL HEALTH FOUNDATION UNVEILS BOLD STRATEGIC FRAMEWORK TO
TRANSFORM
TEXAS HEALTH BY 2030
By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
1. Food & Nutrition Security – With over 4 million Texans facing food insecurity and one in four Black children going hungry, EHF knows that better nutrition is the cornerstone of better health. Poor access to fresh, healthy foods fuels obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Fix the food pipeline, and you fix the future.
2. Maternal Health – In a state where up to 90% of maternal deaths are preventable, EHF refuses to accept a status quo where Black Texans die from pregnancy-related causes at twice the rate of White Texans. Equitable, accessible maternal care is not a luxury — it’s a necessity.
3. Diabetes Prevention – Nine out of ten cases are preventable, yet Texas’s diabetes rate remains higher than the national av-
BAYOU CITY ART FESTIVAL
erage, disproportionately affecting Latino and Black communities. EHF’s prevention push is aimed at cutting those numbers dramatically.
The Inequality Divide: A 20-Year Life Expectancy Gap
Across Texas, health outcomes vary wildly from one zip code to the next — sometimes by 20 years of life expectancy. That’s a direct result of economic inequality, systemic discrimination, and policy neglect.
“Opportunities to be healthy are not equal in Texas,” says Dr. Barnes. “We must work beyond health care and change the conditions that create poor health in the first place.”
Changing the Conversation: #HealthNotJustHealthCare
EHF’s plan is rooted in the belief that better health starts with better environments. That means:
• Advocating for policies that make health care affordable and accessible to all.
• Supporting safe, active communities where exercise is easy and enjoyable.
• Expanding access to fresh food and reducing dependence on fast-food diets.
• Partnering with community leaders and nonprofits to create lasting change.
And they’re not just talking — they’re investing. EHF’s 2024 grantmaking strategy will be a year of listening and learning from those with lived experience, ensuring solutions are community-informed and results-driven.
A Future Worth Fighting For
The foundation’s commitment is crystal clear: by 2030, they envision a Texas where nutritious food is abundant, pregnancy is safe for all mothers, and chronic diseases like diabetes no longer define a person’s health trajectory.
“No single organization can do this alone,” Dr. Barnes emphasizes, “but together, with strong partnerships and bold action, we can ignite lasting change.”
Dr. Ann Barnes, President and CEO of the Episcopal Health Foundation
Grab your favorite brew and log in for a jolt of innovation, because Harris Health System is pouring out more than just coffee at its upcoming “Coffee & Conversations” session. Set for Monday, August 18, 2025, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., this virtual event promises a power-packed hour of insights, updates, and opportunities designed to keep Greater Houston stakeholders informed and engaged in the future of healthcare infrastructure.
Titled “Building Forward: Project Updates & Opportunities Across Harris Health,” this timely and engaging session is part of Harris Health’s commitment to transparency, inclusion, and excellence as it reshapes the region’s health system for generations to come.
What’s Brewing?
This isn't your average sit-down chat. This strategic session will spotlight game-changing initiatives across Harris Health, including:
• LBJ Hospital Campus Expansion Project – Get the inside scoop on the current progress, upcoming milestones, and the transformative impact this state-of-the-art expansion will bring to one of Houston’s most vital hospitals.
• Clinic Renovations Across 30+ Locations
– From timelines to scopes, attendees will receive a roadmap to the future of patient care across a broad network of clinics undergoing modern renovations.
• Upcoming Vendor Opportunities – Contractors, suppliers, and local businesses, take note: this is your chance to learn how to prepare and partner with Harris Health
BUILDING FORWARD: HARRIS HEALTH’S VIRTUAL COFFEE & CONVERSATIONS BRINGS BIG OPPORTUNITIES TO THE TABLE
By Francis Page Jr. For www.StyleMagazine.com
on a scale that could shape your business’s trajectory.
• Best Practices with Facilities & Construction Teams – Real-world advice on how
internal teams for seamless collaboration and successful project execution.
A Virtual Gathering with Real-World Impact
Whether you're a healthcare advocate, community leader, construction partner, or someone curious about where Houston’s healthcare infrastructure is headed, this is the Zoom link you don’t want to miss.
This initiative is part of Harris Health's broader vision to ensure the underserved and underrepresented have access to world-class care in environments that are functional, beautiful, and future-ready. With over 30 clinics set to receive vital updates, and the LBJ expansion poised to become a cornerstone of community healthcare, the message is clear: Harris Health is not just renovating buildings—it's rebuilding trust, care, and connection.
Mark Your Calendar. Share Your Voice.
With its finger firmly on the pulse of Houston’s evolving health needs, Harris Health’s “Coffee & Conversations” is more than a meeting—it's a movement. Be part of the dialogue, be part of the progress.
�� Date: Monday, August 18, 2025
�� Time: 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
�� Location: Virtual
��Register Here: https://tinyurl. com/39fppsc7
In Texas, loyalty runs deep — to our families, our communities, and yes, to our grocery stores. But not just any grocery store. We’re talking about H-E-B — the Texas-born, Texas-proud institution that has been nourishing hearts, bellies, and communities for over a century.
While Governor Greg Abbott and Texas Republicans posture and politic, H-E-B quietly does what real leaders do: shows up, rolls up its sleeves, and takes care of its people.
For generations, Texans have relied on H-E-B as more than a place to buy groceries. It’s a symbol of resilience, compassion, and the best of what Texas can be. When disaster strikes, H-E-B is there — trucks rolling in before the politicians can hold a press conference. After Hurricane Helene, they didn’t just care for Texans; they sent funds and trailers to North Carolina. Because to H-E-B, people matter, no matter where they live.
Ask any Texan why they love H-E-B, and you’ll hear stories filled with heart. One customer joked they moved back to Texas from Italy for two things: authentic Mexican food and H-E-B. Another recalled how the company threw a full ballgown party — not a breakroom sheet cake — for a truck driver who went over a decade without an accident. They even gave his family a generous check for the money he saved the
H-E-B: The Heartbeat of Texas That Greg Abbott Could Never Be
By Francis Page Jr. For www.StyleMagazine.com
company. That’s not corporate PR. That’s Texas hospitality in action.
H-E-B’s values put Abbott’s politics to shame. While Abbott rushed to lift mask mandates during COVID, H-E-B kept them in place longer, prioritizing safety over optics. While Texas Republicans push policies that roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion, H-E-B invests in DEI programs, hires people with disabilities, pays fair wages, and treats every employee like family — calling them “Partners” because that’s exactly what they are.
The company doesn’t just sell groceries; it enriches communities. In Austin,
H-E-B sponsors free concerts like Blues on the Green when the city could no longer fund them. In every store, familiar faces greet you year after year thanks to high employee retention. And let’s not forget their life-changing butter tortillas — a Texas culinary treasure in their own right.
Charles Butt: The Heart Behind the Brand
At the core of H-E-B’s culture of care is Charles Butt, the modest yet mighty leader who has guided the company since 1971. He’s not your typical CEO hiding behind boardroom walls. Butt is a hands-on philanthropist whose giving has reshaped Texas communities time and again.
• When Texas hurts, Butt steps up. He has personally donated tens of millions to feed hungry Texans, most recently contributing $20 million in 2024 to food banks across the state.
• After the Uvalde school shooting, Butt and H-E-B pledged $10 million to build a new elementary school, ensuring children could return to a safe, supportive environment.
• Following the Smokehouse Creek Fire, Butt and H-E-B contributed $1 million to help ranchers, first responders, and displaced families.
• His Charles Butt Foundation invests heavily in Texas public education, from leadership development to scholarships for aspiring teachers.
This commitment isn’t new — it’s rooted in the legacy of his mother, Mary Elizabeth Holdsworth Butt, a trailblazer in Texas philanthropy who championed libraries, community programs, and services for children long before it was common.
While Abbott and Texas Republicans wage political battles over culture wars, Charles Butt and H-E-B quietly build the culture of community — proving that compassion, equity, and integrity aren’t just good values, they’re good business.
Charles Butt - H-E-B CEO
Thirty -six years ago, on August 7, 1989, the world lost a towering humanitarian whose heart was as big as his vision — Congressman George Thomas “Mickey” Leland III. His life’s mission? To fight hunger, eradicate poverty, and bring justice to corners of the globe where hope was often in short supply. His journey from the vibrant halls of Texas Southern University (TSU) to the power corridors of Washington, D.C., was a masterclass in service, courage, and unrelenting advocacy for the world’s most vulnerable.
From community health clinics in Houston’s underserved neighborhoods to famine-stricken refugee camps in Africa, Leland’s work was defined by one principle: humanity knows no borders. His legacy lives on not just in history books, but in action — through TSU’s Mickey Leland Center on Hunger, Poverty, and World Peace, a beacon for students determined to follow in his footsteps. Here, future leaders learn that leadership is not about titles, but about impact.
�� Visit the Mickey Leland Center, Room 105 in the Barbara Jordan–Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and be part of a legacy that still changes lives.
TSU: Where Excellence is a Tradition
TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY HONORS THE ENDURING LEGACY OF CONGRESSMAN GEORGE THOMAS “MICKEY” LELAND, III
By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
Texas Southern University stands among America’s premier comprehensive urban universities, delivering exceptional programs, high-quality instruction, and groundbreaking research that shapes both local communities and the global stage. With a proud history of championing underrepresented voices, TSU’s mission is deeply intertwined with the work of leaders like Mickey Leland, who embody service over self.
A Vision for the Future: The College of Science, Engineering, and Technology
The College of Science, Engineering, and Technology (COSET) at TSU is shaping the innovators, problem-solvers, and changemakers of tomorrow. Determined to become one of the nation’s preeminent
schools in contemporary interdisciplinary science and technology, COSET stands as a leader in producing highly skilled graduates — particularly from minority and urban backgrounds. From producing exceptional STEM educators to advancing cutting-edge research, COSET is a force for academic excellence and community transformation. Its mission? To integrate science and technology with education, scholarship, and service — all while addressing critical urban and global challenges.
TSU PROUD: Core Values That Drive Change
At TSU, PROUD is more than a word — it’s a way of life: T – Teamwork is our strength. Together, we achieve more.
can see it, they can do it.
U
– Unprecedented resolve to succeed, with accountability at every step.
P
– Proud to serve our students and community as an independent, urban university.
R – Research-driven and committed to collaboration and excellence.
O – Optimistic innovators, ready to turn ideas into impact.
U – United, unbeatable, and unrelenting in our pursuit of progress.
D – Distinct in diversity, thought, and action.
Carrying the Torch
Mickey Leland once said, “I would like to be remembered as a person who cared about people, and who tried to improve the quality of life for those less fortunate than himself.” Thirty-six years after his passing, Texas Southern University ensures that his life’s work continues to inspire a new generation — one committed to justice, equality, and global responsibility. Houston Style Magazine readers, at TSU, leaders aren’t just born. They’re forged — in classrooms, in research labs, in community service, and in the belief that one person truly can make a world of difference.
S – Student Success first, always. If students
GREAT EDUCAT RS THE HEART OF LEARNING STARTS WITH
Nominate a deserving teacher, counselor, principal, early childhood learning center, school board or school district.
Created in 2002, the H‑E‑B Excellence in Education Awards was designed to honor and thank outstanding public school professionals. Through this program, H‑E‑B awards over $780,000 annually to deserving educators who go the extra mile to serve their students and communities.
To submit a nomination or application, go to HEBLovesTeachers.com
