HARRIS CO. JUDGE LINA HIDALGO: STEPPING DOWN, NOT AWAY
By Francis Page Jr. for
In politics, timing is everything—and for Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo, the timing of her latest announcement reflects both integrity and vision. True to the promise she made when she first entered office, Judge Hidalgo has confirmed she will not seek a third term. But make no mistake: she is stepping down, not stepping away.
A Promise Kept
When Hidalgo ran for office in 2018, she vowed she would not serve more than two terms. Many politicians might have bent that pledge once the spotlight turned their way, but not Hidalgo. With grace, grit, and a sense of responsibility that defined her tenure, she is choosing principle over permanence.
Her leadership has guided Harris County through floods, fires, freezes, and even a global pandemic. Along the way,
she expanded access to early childhood education, invested record amounts in public safety, and helped Harris County make historic progress in reducing homelessness. In short, she led with her heart and delivered with results.
Challenges That Defined a Leader
From sparring with state officials over life-saving COVID-19 measures to navigating natural disasters and industrial crises, Hidalgo consistently centered the needs of everyday Houstonians. Her immigrant story—as a young Colombian woman who rose to lead the third-largest county in the United States—added weight and inspiration to her voice on the national stage.
Yes, critics circled, attacks came from all sides, and political storms brewed. But through it all, Hidalgo embodied resilience. Even in moments of personal vul-
nerability, when she openly shared her own mental health journey, she redefined what leadership in the 21st century looks like: transparent, courageous, and profoundly human.
A Future Still Unwritten
Her announcement is not the end of her public service—it’s an intentional pause. With two years left in her term, Hidalgo remains focused on unfinished business: from bolstering early childhood education to strengthening protections against human trafficking.
And as for what comes after? She leaves the door open. Whether her path leads back into politics, community advocacy, or a new chapter altogether, one thing is certain: Lina Hidalgo is far from finished.
The Legacy of a Trailblazer
When she first stunned Texas by unseating a Republican incumbent at just 27 years old, Hidalgo was a fresh voice in a state thirsty for change. She quickly became a symbol of possibility for young progressives and Latina leaders nationwide. Her record may be debated, her decisions sometimes contested, but her impact? Undeniable. She didn’t just occupy Harris County’s highest office—she transformed it.
A Farewell That Isn’t Goodbye
Judge Lina Hidalgo’s choice is a reminder that leadership isn’t about clinging to power, but knowing when to pass the torch. She is leaving on her terms, with accomplishments etched into Harris County’s story and an energy that signals her journey is only shifting gears.
For Harris County, and for Texas Democrats, the message is clear: Lina Hidalgo is stepping down, but she is not stepping away.
Lina Hidalgo - Harris County Judge
COMMENTARY
There's a deep sense of despair settling over America. Families are working harder and falling further behind. The cost of raising children grows, while schools, housing, and healthcare remain out of reach for too many. It’s no wonder people across this country — rural and urban, Black and white — feel left behind and politically homeless.
But our past offers a powerful, largely forgotten story of how people once came together — across race and class — to put their children first. It happened in post–Civil War Virginia, through a political force called the Readjuster Party.
The Readjusters emerged in the late 1870s, when Virginia’s elites were insisting the state repay its massive pre-war debt in full — even if that meant closing schools and slashing public services. Poor and working-class families, Black and white, saw clearly what was at stake: the future of their children’s education. Public schools had been significantly expanded during Reconstruction, and they were now under threat.
In response, Black voters and white working people — farmers, laborers, veterans — formed the Readjuster coalition. Their message was simple but bold: public debt should be “readjusted” so that education and opportunity for all children could come first.
For a brief but impactful time in the 1880s, the Readjusters controlled Virginia’s state government. They raised public school funding, protected Black voting rights, and pushed for reforms that served the working class, not just the elite. It was one of the most successful examples of cross-racial, working-class solidarity in American history.
One of the leaders of this movement was Edward David Bland, a Black Reconstruction-era legislator from Petersburg. Elected to the Virginia House of Delegates in 1879, Bland was supported by both Black and white working-class voters — the kind of broad, grassroots coalition
By Ben Jealous – National Political Commentator
our politics rarely sees today. While in office, he championed public education and helped secure funding for Black schools and institutions. But his base was never just “the Black community” — it was the working people of Petersburg, Black and white alike, united by a shared demand for dignity and opportunity.
The Readjusters were eventually dismantled by a well-funded and racially charged backlash that ushered in Jim Crow. But the impact of their brief victory endures. Virginia’s public school system — now ranked among the strongest in the country — still benefits from the foundational reforms won by that movement.
Their story offers urgent lessons for today.
Too often, the struggles of poor white families are rendered invisible, while Black poverty is hyper-visible but rarely treated with empathy. Both distortions serve to divide people who might otherwise stand together. In a political environment designed to pit us against each other, the Readjusters remind us that it doesn’t have to be this way.
We can choose something better. We can build a politics rooted in our shared concern for our children. We can refuse to let race be used to divide the working class, as it so often is, and instead invest in a future where every child — rural or urban, Black
or white — gets a real chance at success. The Readjusters weren’t perfect, and they weren’t permanent. But they proved what’s possible when people stop fighting each other and start fighting for each other. If they could do it — in the shadow of the Civil War — then surely, we can find the courage to do it again.
You can write to Ben Jealous incare of this Newspaper or by website at: www.BenJealous.com
The Tuesday, November 4, 2025, special election for Texas’ 18th Congressional District is shaping up to be one for the history books. With 17 candidates officially on the ballot (so far), each competing for the honor to succeed the late Congressman Sylvester Turner, this race is less about who’s ahead and more about what each brings to the table.
A Legacy to Uphold
From Barbara Jordan to Mickey Leland, Craig Washington, Sheila Jackson Lee, and most recently Sylvester Turner—whose passing in March left the district without a representative—CD-18 has a rich tradition of impactful leaders. This election isn’t just to fill a vacant seat; it’s to keep that legacy alive and moving forward.
Candidates Listed (Approximate
Alphabetical / Ballotpedia Order)
Here are the contenders, listed in an approximate alphabetical or filing‐informed order:
• Reyna Anderson (Independent) –homemaker, community voice
• Feldon Bonner II (Democrat) – minister and faith leader
• Theodis Daniel (Republican) – veteran and father to DJ Daniel, cancer survivor’s story in the family
17 CANDIDATES, ONE GOAL: SERVING TEXAS’ 18TH
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT CANDIDATES
By Burt Levine, Politucal Editor
• Vince Duncan (Independent) – builder with persistent civic engagement
• Amanda Edwards (Democrat) – former Houston City Councilmember, seasoned in city-wide issues
• George Edward Foreman IV (Independent) – son of the boxer, stepping into politics
• Stephen Huey (Democrat) – entrepreneur, tech background, forward-thinking platform
• Jolanda Jones (Democrat) – State Representative, deeply rooted in Third Ward and Montrose
• Ollie Knox (Republican) – community activist aiming to bring new perspectives
• Isaiah Martin (Democrat) – former staffer, young, energetic, focused on grassroots issues
• Christian Menefee (Democrat) – outgoing County Attorney, with both legal and administrative experience
• Carmen María Montiel (Republican) – activist, former Miss Venezuela, with broader political name
• Carter Page (Republican) – controversial advisor, drawing interest for national ties
• Tammie Jean Rochester (Green Party)
– social worker with passion for equity and service
• Ronald Whitfield (Republican) – local businessman, grounded in neighborhood-level concerns
• Valencia Williams (Democrat) –philanthropist committed to community uplift
• ( SPECIAL NOTE*: Some sources list 29 candidates total by party and independent
affiliations.
Some may still be pending verification or final ballot placement.)
What’s Next: Dates & Stakes
+ EARLY VOTING: Monday, October 20
– Friday, October 31, 2025
+ ELECTION DAY: Tuesday, November 4, 2025
SPECIAL NOTE*: If no candidate earns a majority, the top two vote-getters will advance to a run-off in January 2026.
Why Each One Counts
Every single person listed has something valuable to offer; lived experience, local roots, professional background, community trust. The sheer diversity of this group—across age, profession, ideology, and affiliation— means voters have real choices, not just names. CD-18 isn’t about party labels alone; it’s about who can listen, who can lead, and who can carry forward a legacy of strong representation.
Let’s see who rises. Because in November, your voice is the one that matters. season.
THE GOLD STANDARD IN NURSING
Harris Health Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital
The City of Houston is turning the page to a bold new chapter in public health.
Mayor John Whitmire has officially appointed Dr. Theresa Tran Carapucci, M.D., M.B.A., F.A.C.E.P., as the new Director of the Houston Health Department, following the retirement of longtime director Stephen Williams after 21 years of distinguished service.
Mayor Whitmire, never one to shy away from big expectations, summed it up best: “You have some huge shoes to fill, but I think you can take the health department to the next generation.” And Houston agrees.
From the ER to City Hall:
A Proven Leader in Health
Dr. Tran is not only a board-certified emergency physician with more than a decade of frontline clinical experience, but also a respected health policy leader who has spent her career bridging the gap between patient care and systemic change.
At UTHealth Houston, where she
DR. THERESA TRAN APPOINTED AS HOUSTON HEALTH DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR:
A NEW ERA OF PUBLIC HEALTH LEADERSHIP
By Francis Page Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
served as Associate Vice President for Clinical Population Health and Advocacy and Assistant Dean at the UTHealth School of Public Health, Dr. Tran developed innovative strategies to improve health outcomes across diverse communities. She also brought her expertise to Harris Health, leading strategic initiatives that reshaped care for high-need patients.
Her résumé isn’t just impressive— it’s tailor-made for the challenges Houston faces. With chronic disease rates, environmental health concerns, and the ongoing need for equitable access to care, Dr. Tran brings the balance of medical expertise, community compassion, and policy innovation that public health demands in 2025 and beyond.
Mayor Whitmire’s Vote of Confidence
Mayor Whitmire underscored his optimism for the future: “Dr. Tran’s leadership, experience, and vision make her the right choice to guide the Houston Health Department at this important time. Her background as both a physician and a health policy leader ensures that our city is prepared to address today’s challenges while building a healthier future for every Houstonian.” In other words—expect results.
A Director with Heart and Vision
In her remarks to City Council, Dr. Tran struck a balance of humility and determination.
“I am truly honored and grateful to Mayor Whitmire for his confidence in me to lead this department. With his support, I look forward to working alongside our dedicated team to serve our community with compassion, innovation, and excellence,” she said. Acknowledging the current climate of skepticism toward public health institutions, Dr. Tran emphasized the need for trustworthy, evidence-based, and community-engaged health leadership. Her mantra: public health is not just about prevention—it’s a pillar of public safety.
The Houston Health Department’s Ongoing Mission
Under Dr. Tran’s leadership, the
Houston Health Department (HHD) will continue its critical mission: to promote and protect the health and social well-being of all Houstonians. HHD is already recognized nationwide as a full-service department accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, with programs that support low-income mothers and children, minority populations, seniors, and communities most in need.
With Dr. Tran at the helm, expect to see expanded community partnerships, groundbreaking reforms in health education, and renewed trust in science-based solutions to Houston’s health challenges.
Rice University Unveils $76 Million
Sarofim Hall , A Dazzling New Home for the Arts
By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
Houston’s cultural heartbeat grew stronger this week as Rice University officially unveiled the Susan and Fayez Sarofim Hall, a breathtaking $76 million, 94,000-square-foot facility that now serves as the central hub for the university’s visual arts programs.
For the first time in Rice’s history, once-scattered art disciplines—including painting, sculpture, film, media, photography, and printmaking—are brought together under one luminous roof. More than a building, Sarofim Hall represents a bold promise: to nurture imagination, collaboration, and public engagement at the very gateway of campus.
Honoring Visionaries and Building Legacy
Named in honor of Susan and the late Fayez Sarofim, one of Houston’s most influential philanthropists and founder of Fayez Sarofim & Co., the new facility is a towering testament to his enduring generosity and Houston’s artistic spirit.
Robert T. Ladd, chair of Rice’s Board of Trustees, summed it up best:
“Sarofim Hall is a bold realization of Rice’s enduring commitment to the arts — a space that invites imagination, fosters collaboration, and opens new doors for creative expression.”
Rice University President Reginald DesRoches added, “Today is both a culmination and a beginning. With Sarofim Hall proudly standing at one of our most visible campus gateways, we complete Rice’s on-campus arts district, joining the Moody Center for the Arts and Brockman Hall for Opera to form a vibrant constellation of creative spaces.”
Architecture That Inspires
Designed by the acclaimed New York firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro and led by Rice alumnus Charles Renfro, Sarofim Hall pays homage to Rice’s historic Art Barn and Media Center with exposed steel portals, glass intersections, and natural light streaming into every corner. Oversized industrial doors create seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, turning studios and workshops into vibrant living rooms of creativity. Inside, the facility houses flexible studios, a
215-seat cinema, and a performance lab—each designed to evolve alongside future generations of artists. From dawn to midnight, Sarofim Hall will hum with life, offering not just a place for Rice students, but also a new cultural venue for the Houston public.
A Flourishing Arts Ecosystem
Kathleen Canning, dean of Rice’s School of Humanities, emphasized the soaring demand for art education: more than 800 students enroll in visual arts classes annually, with waitlists nearly across the board. The trend of double majors—art and architecture, art and engineering, art and sciences—reflects just how deeply creativity intersects with every field of study.
A University on the Rise
Sarofim Hall is just the latest jewel in Rice’s ongoing expansion. From the Moody Center Complex for Student Life, backed by a record-breaking $100 million Moody Foundation gift, to the William T. Cannady Hall for Architecture, Ralph S. O’Connor Building for Engineering and Science, and new residential halls, Rice University is shaping itself into one of the most dynamic campuses in the nation.
With undergraduate enrollment projected to grow from 4,776 to 5,200 by 2028, and total student enrollment approaching 9,500, Rice is building not only new structures but also a new era of opportunity, innovation, and cultural impact.
Houston’s Cultural Landscape Shines
For Houston, Sarofim Hall is more than an academic facility. It is a public invitation—a living building where art collides with community. Exhibitions, screenings, and collaborations with local institutions will make Sarofim Hall a vital contributor to Houston’s role as a national arts powerhouse.
Houston Style Magazine readers in a city celebrated for its diversity and creativity, Rice University’s new arts district—anchored by Sarofim Hall—cements Houston’s place as a beacon where scholarship and artistry flourish side by side.
Dr. Maragaret Ford Fisher - Chancellor
Eva Loredo - HCC Board Chair
Dr. Ford Fisher and Francis Page, Jr.
Todd Duplantis - HCC Executive Director
Chancellor, Board Chair & Board Members
Sean, Cynthia & Renee Rodney, Remmele & Michael Gabriel, Stephen & Francis
Dr. Harrison, Dr. Webster, Dr. Glover, Dr. Herod, Dr. Fortune & Dr. Adil
Francis Page, Jr. and Dr. Rima Adil
Photos By Jorge Luna & TeamStyleMag
Dr. Maragaret Ford Fisher – Chancellor, Houston City College Eva Loredo – Board Chair, District VIII, Houston City College
Francis Page, Jr & Dr. Harrison
Team Houston City College
AARP Texas has appointed Lisa A. Rodriguez as its new State Director, effective September 15, 2025. Rodriguez, a longtime community leader with extensive experience in public service and civic engagement, becomes the first Latina to lead AARP Texas. She succeeds Tina Tran, who served as Director until earlier this year. Rodriguez most recently served as Senior Director of Community Strategy for AARP Texas, overseeing staff and volunteers in Dallas, Fort Worth, El Paso, and San Antonio. She previously led AARP’s work in San Antonio for more than a decade, managing the organization’s first office in the city and guiding San Antonio’s entry into the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities. Her career also includes positions with the City of San Antonio’s Fort Sam Houston Community Development Office, J.P. Morgan Chase, and the San Antonio Housing Authority, where she also served as a commissioner. In addition, she has held board roles with the San Antonio Public Library. Rodriguez holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at San Antonio and an MBA from Our Lady of the Lake University.
Rodriguez’s leadership has been noted for building strong partnerships, expanding community awareness of AARP’s mission, and championing culturally relevant programming. She has also been
AARP TEXAS NAMES LISA A. RODRIGUEZ AS
By Lisa Valadez for www.StyleMagazine.com
Lisa Rodriguez - AARP Texas Director
instrumental in increasing volunteer diversity across the state, helping to strengthen AARP’s grassroots impact.
Her appointment coincides with the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities with roots in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. AARP Texas is marking the
adults at Finca Tres Robles in Houston; and Nuestras Voces Live! in San Antonio, a performance by the Guadalupe Dance Company and Mariachi Azteca de América. AARP will also host Sabor, Música, y Tradición in Dallas, a festival featuring mariachi, ballet folklórico, food, and crafts. Additional events include the La Casita del Barrio 1K/5K Walk/Run in San Antonio, a community gardening workshop in Austin, and the 12th annual Celebrando con AARP festival in San Antonio with live Tejano and conjunto music.
Virtual events offer opportunities to join Zumba classes, participate in cultural craft workshops, and explore Latin American traditions through cooking demonstrations and cultural education sessions. These online programs provide statewide access to activities that promote wellness, creativity, and cultural understanding.
month with a series of in-person and virtual events statewide, including cooking classes, fitness workshops, cultural festivals, music and dance performances, arts and crafts sessions, genealogy workshops, and community resource fairs.
Highlights include hands-on cooking classes in Houston and Dallas featuring traditional dishes such as tortillas, street tacos, and arepas; a Zumba class for older
AARP Texas serves more than 2.5 million members across the state and is supported by a volunteer network of more than 400 individuals who advance the organization’s mission through advocacy, education, and community service.
For more information on Hispanic Heritage Month activities and other AARP Texas programs, visit aarp.org/local.
ARTHUR SZE NAMED NATION’S 25TH U.S. POET LAUREATE,
SET TO LAUNCH HISTORIC READING AT THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
By Francis Page Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
The nation’s literary spotlight now shines on Arthur Sze, the distinguished poet from Santa Fe, New Mexico, as he prepares to step into history as the 25th U.S. Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry (2025–2026). The Library of Congress recently announced Sze’s appointment, marking the beginning of a chapter where poetry will once again remind us of its timeless ability to connect hearts, cultures, and generations.
On Thursday, October 9, 2025, Sze will officially begin his laureateship with a pre-laureateship reading at the Library’s his-
toric Coolidge Auditorium in Washington, D.C. The event will be free to the public, with tickets available through the Library’s website beginning Thursday, September 18, 2025—a clear invitation for poetry lovers across the nation to witness a milestone moment.
A Poet Rooted in Tradition,
Blossoming in Innovation
Arthur Sze is no stranger to acclaim. Winner of the 2024 Rebekah Johnson Bobbitt National Prize for Poetry and countless other literary honors, Sze is
celebrated for his lyrical landscapes that blend the spirit of the Southwest with global perspectives. His words move like brushstrokes across desert skies, fusing imagery, philosophy, and rhythm into a tapestry that reflects both America’s literary past and its ever-evolving voice.
As Acting Librarian of Congress Robert Randolph Newlen remarked, “Sze forges something new from a range of traditions and influences – and the result is a poetry that moves freely throughout time and space.”
Much like Emily Dickinson and Walt Whitman before him, Sze invites readers to pause, breathe, and embrace poetry not as a luxury but as a necessity in our hurried age.
A Laureateship of Translation and Connection
During his term, Sze has pledged to champion poetry in translation, shining light on works originally written in other languages. This focus promises to expand the reach of poetry, ensuring it resonates
with America’s diverse cultural fabric. In his own words, Sze reflects on his journey from New York City, the son of Chinese immigrants, to becoming one of the most honored poets in the nation: “As laureate I feel a great responsibility to promote the ways poetry, especially poetry in translation, can impact our daily lives. We live in such a fast-paced world: poetry helps us slow down, deepen our attention, connect and live more fully.”
Following in Legendary Footsteps
Arthur Sze joins an illustrious roster of Poet Laureates, including Ada Limón, Joy Harjo, Tracy K. Smith, Juan Felipe Herrera, Natasha Trethewey, Billy Collins, Louise Glück, and Rita Dove. Each poet has used their tenure to open new doors for poetry, and Sze’s emphasis on cross-cultural translation signals a groundbreaking continuation of that tradition.
Arthur Sze, the Nation's 25th U.S. Poet Laureate
Health is wealth, and in Houston, our community has long embraced the tradition of gathering, shared knowledge, and empowering one another to live stronger, healthier lives. Continuing that legacy, Harris Health System invites residents to the FREE Health & Wellness Fair at Gulfgate Health Center, located at 7550 Office City Drive, Houston, TX 77012.
This uplifting event, held on Saturday, September 20, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM, is more than just a fair—it’s a lifeline of resources designed to keep Houstonians informed, proactive, and engaged in their health journeys.
A Tradition Rooted in Service
For decades, Harris Health has been at the forefront of public health initiatives, bridging gaps in care and ensuring that underserved communities have access to essential services. The Gulfgate Health Center continues this tradition by bringing doctors, nurses, and community partners directly to the people they serve.
The Health & Wellness Fair reflects Houston’s ongoing commitment to prevention, education, and empowerment. In a city as diverse and dynamic as ours, the importance of free screenings and health education cannot be overstated—especially for families juggling work, school, and caregiving.
HARRIS HEALTH GULFGATE HOSTS FREE HEALTH & WELLNESS FAIR: A LEGACY OF COMMUNITY CARE
By Francis Page, Jr. for
What to Expect: Screenings, Immunizations, and More
Visitors to the fair will be able to access:
Health Screenings — From blood pressure checks to vital health assessments, participants can take the first step toward early detection and prevention.
Immunizations — Protecting Houston families from preventable diseases remains a top priority.
Women’s Health Services — Free cervical cancer screenings, HPV screenings, and mammograms will be available, ensuring women have the resources they need to safeguard their health.
BAYOU CITY ART FESTIVAL
FEATURED ARTIST JONAH BALLARD
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Appointments for women’s health services can be scheduled in advance by calling 281454-0913.
Why It Matters Now
Houston is a city built on resilience, and the wellness of its people is at the heart of that strength. With chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension, and cancer disproportionately affecting communities of color and underserved neighborhoods, events like this one play a critical role in turning the tide.
As Mayor John Whitmire recently reminded Houstonians in a separate health initiative, “Our future depends on how well we care for our people today.” The Gulfgate Health & Wellness Fair embodies that spirit—bringing together care, compassion, and
community in a way that uplifts us all.
How to Get Involved
Mark your calendars, bring your loved ones, and take part in this free opportunity to take charge of your health. Spread the word to neighbors, church members, and coworkers—because health is not just personal, it’s collective.
�� Date & Time: Saturday, September 20, 2025, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM CDT
�� Location: Harris Health Gulfgate Health Center, 7550 Office City Dr., Houston, TX 77012
�� Schedule Your Appointment: For cervical cancer screening, HPV, or a mammogram, call 281-454-0913
Closing Thought
Health and wellness have always been pillars of Houston’s growth, from the city’s earliest medical clinics to the globally recognized Texas Medical Center. By offering accessible, free, and preventative care, Harris Health continues to champion a healthier tomorrow.
Houston Style Magazine readers, because in Houston, wellness isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving.
The Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC) invites audiences to witness one of independent cinema’s most groundbreaking works, SLAM, directed by award-winning filmmaker Marc Levin. With screenings at 12:00 PM CT and 2:00 PM CT, this film event is more than a movie—it’s a cultural conversation that continues to echo through history.
The Film That Gave Poetry
SLAM AT HMA AC : A POWERFUL STORYTELLING EXPERIENCE RETURNS TO HOUSTON
By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
• Year: 1998
Its Voice in Cinema
First released in 1998, SLAM shattered boundaries by bringing spoken word poetry and the fight for justice onto the big screen. Starring acclaimed poet and actor Saul Williams, alongside Sonja Sohn and Bonz Malone, the film follows Raymond Joshua, a young Black performance poet in Washington, D.C., who is imprisoned on a petty marijuana charge.
Inside prison walls, Raymond’s voice becomes his weapon, his lifeline, and his rebellion. With guidance from a prison writing teacher, Lauren Bell (Sonja Sohn), and his encounters with a prison gang leader, Raymond finds the courage to transform his survival into self-liberation. The story is a searing critique of racial inequities in America’s criminal justice system, while also celebrating the redemptive power of creative expression.
Why This Screening Matters Now
SLAM is not just a film—it’s a landmark. Its cinéma vérité style offers an unflinching yet poetic look at systemic injustice, and its resonance has only deepened over the years. Winning the Grand Jury Prize for a Dramatic Film at the 1998 Sundance Film Festival, the film continues to inspire audiences to reimagine freedom, identity, and resilience.
For Houston, the HMAAC screening is a chance to reflect on how art and activism intersect, reminding us that creativity remains one of the strongest tools of resistance. The film’s exploration of poetry, identity, and justice aligns with HMAAC’s mission to amplify African American stories that shape history and the future.
Event Details
�� Date: Saturday, September 27, 2025
�� Screenings: 12:00 PM CT & 2:00 PM CT
�� Location: Houston Museum of African American Culture
• Awards: Grand Jury Prize – Sundance Film Festival
A Legacy That Speaks Today
In an era where conversations around mass incarceration, racial justice, and cultural identity remain urgent, SLAM stands as a cinematic anthem. It affirms that art—especially poetry—can illuminate pathways to freedom, healing, and resistance.
Houston Style Magazine readers this weekend, Houston audiences will not only watch a film but also step into a living dialogue between history and present struggles. SLAM at HMAAC is a celebration of creativity, resilience, and the transformative power of voice.
Houston Public Library (HPL) is raising the curtain on a citywide celebration of culture, history, and community during Hispanic Heritage Month 2025 (September 15 – October 15). With one of the most diverse Hispanic populations in the nation, Houston is the perfect stage for this vibrant month-long showcase. HPL’s robust lineup of events will spotlight the voices, traditions, and artistry of Latin America, uniting communities through music, dance, poetry, literature, and storytelling.
The highlight? The Hispanic Heritage Music Festival on Saturday, October 11, 2025, 10:00 AM–3:00 PM CT at the Central Library, presented in partnership with L.O.U.D. Muzik. This unforgettable cultural showcase pays tribute to nine nations—Belize, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, and Nicaragua. Beloved Tejano tribute artist Cristina Amaro will take the stage, filling the air with throwback rhythms and fan-favorite hits that guarantee to get Houstonians on their feet.
Literary Voices that Inspire
The celebration goes beyond music and dance. HPL is amplifying literary excellence with author talks and readings:
Author Talk with Reyes Ramirez Saturday, October 11, 2025 | 12:00 PM–1:00
HOUSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY TURNS UP THE VOLUME FOR HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH 2025
By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
PM CT | Stanaker Neighborhood Library
Houston Poet Laureate Reyes Ramirez shares his acclaimed works in conversation with poet Võ Đức Quang. His poetry and stories bravely examine race, class, and cultural identity in America—powerful themes that resonate deeply during Hispanic Heritage Month.
Author Visit: Jasminne Mendez
Thursday, September 18, 2025 | 10:00
AM–11:30 AM CT | Robinson-Westchase Neighborhood Library Award-winning Dominican American poet, playwright, and Pura Belpré Honor recipient Jasminne Mendez will captivate families with stories that bridge generations. Her celebrated books for children and teens embody the resilience and creativity of the Hispanic community.
Family-Friendly Festivities
HPL is bringing fun and education together with events for all ages:
A fiesta filled with food, entertainment, and community spirit.
Canciones De Mi Corazon
Tuesday, September 23, 2025 | 4:00 PM–5:00 PM CT | Park Place Regional Library
Tuesday, October 7, 2025 | 4:00 PM–5:00 PM CT | McGovern-Stella Link Regional Library
Children K–12 dive into the music and traditions of Latin America through interactive learning and collective singing.
Dance and Discover: Cultural Dances from Latin America
Wednesday, September 24, 2025 | 5:00
PM–6:00 PM CT | Hillendahl Neighborhood Library
Led by dancer Lily Soriano, families can learn and perform traditional dances, moving together in rhythm and celebration.
Powered by Sponsors and Supporters
This year’s event is made possible through the generosity of sponsors who believe in IM Houston’s mission. From Presenting Sponsor Shell USA, Inc. to Gold Weaver Sponsors like Houston Style Magazine and MAREK, the wide spectrum of support underscores Houston’s commitment to unity and service.
“Partnership is how Houston thrives,” said an IM Houston representative.
“Every sponsor, every volunteer, every supporter helps us extend our reach and deepen our impact.”
Houston is about to witness an unforgettable evening where peace, music, and global inspiration unite.
On this Saturday, September 20, 2025, 6:00 PM, the Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston will open its doors to two of the world’s most celebrated changemakers: Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Kailash Satyarthi and three-time GRAMMY® Award-winning musician Ricky Kej.
This intimate event, “Music, Mindfulness, and Mission,” celebrates the release of their new album, GANDHI: Mantras of Compassion—a transcendent project blending ancient wisdom with world-class artistry.
A Global Movement in Sound
This isn’t just an album—it’s a global call to action. Produced by Houston-based artist, poet, and lyricist Sumathy Ram, the album is a stunning collaboration featuring more than 230 musicians from 40 countries, including GRAMMY®-nominated Chinese American cello virtuoso Tina Guo and GRAMMY®-winning Japanese shamisen master Masa Takumi.
The compositions reimagine Gandhi’s favorite Indian mantras and hymns, weaving them into an immersive soundscape of New Age and world music. Each track carries Gandhi’s timeless messages of peace, love, tolerance, and resilience—messages the world needs now
NOBEL LAUREATE KAILASH SATYARTHI & GRAMMY® WINNER RICKY KEJ BRING
MUSIC, MINDFULNESS, AND MISSION TO HOUSTON
By Francis Page, Jr. for
www.StyleMagazine.com
more than ever.
Legends with Purpose
Kailash Satyarthi has spent his life freeing over 100,000 children from slavery and was named one of Time Magazine’s Most Influential People. His activism continues to inspire global movements for justice and compassion.
Ricky Kej, a world-renowned composer and producer, has released 24 albums and holds India’s Padma Shri Award, the UN’s Global Humanitarian Award, and GQ’s Man of the Year. His music transcends borders, carrying a mission of sustainability and peace.
Together, these icons are amplifying Gandhi’s voice for a new generation.
Event Highlights
�� Premiere Performance & Album Presentation – Hear selections from
Mantras of Compassion along with stunning visuals.
�� Special Remarks by Satyarthi & Kej – A conversation that bridges activism and art.
�� Unveiling of the Nobel Laureate Exhibition – Honoring Satyarthi’s lifelong mission to end child slavery.
�� Music Video Premiere – A first look at a new video from the album.
Event Details
��Where: Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston, 12379 Riceville School Road, Houston, TX 77031
�� When: Saturday, September 20, 2025, 6:00 PM CT
�� More Info & Tickets: Eternal Gandhi Museum Houston
Why Houston?
As one of the most diverse cities in America, Houston provides the perfect stage for this global message of peace and compassion. The Eternal Gandhi Museum, the only one of its kind in the U.S., continues to champion dialogue around nonviolence, making this event both historic and profoundly relevant.
Final Note
This Saturday is more than a concert—it’s a movement of harmony, healing, and humanity. Don’t miss your chance to be part of a night where history, activism, and music converge to honor Gandhi’s everlasting light.
�� Stay tuned with Houston Style Magazine for full coverage of this extraordinary evening.
GANDHI:
DIVERSITY
IS THE SPICE
H-E-B’s Supplier Diversity Program works hard to ensure we’re selling goods and utilizing services from a wide variety of Texan businesses. We’re proud that our suppliers are as diverse as the Lone Star State itself.
As a former small business ourselves, we believe in and celebrate the value & strength that working with small businesses, local businesses, and businesses owned by diverse suppliers, women, LGBTQ+, Veterans, and disabled Texans brings to both our business and the communities we serve.
