Texas Rep Lauren Ashley Simmons Visits HCC - Coleman College For Health Sciences
By Francis Page, Jr. for
Texas State Representative Lauren
Ashley Simmons visited Houston City College (HCC) – Coleman College for Health Sciences to discuss expanding workforce education and tour the college’s state-of-the-art learning facilities in the Texas Medical Center, the world’s largest medical complex.
Rep. Simmons met with HCC
Chancellor Dr. Margaret Ford Fisher, HCC Coleman College President Dr. Lutricia Harrison, and other campus leaders to explore new pathways that empower Houstonians through affordable, high-impact higher education.
Chancellor Margaret Ford Fisher: Transforming Houston’s Educational Landscape
Dr. Margaret Ford Fisher, Ed.D., the ninth chancellor of Houston City College, oversees a system of seven colleges and 22 campuses serving more than 88,000 students annually across 700 square miles in the nation’s fourth-largest city.
Since joining HCC in 1985, Dr. Fisher has demonstrated visionary leadership—most notably as founding president of HCC Online College, where she built over 60 fully online and 70 hybrid degree programs, growing enrollment to more than 62,000 students. Under her leadership, Newsweek named HCC one of America’s Best Online Colleges for 2022 and 2023.
A respected global educator, Dr. Fisher has represented U.S. higher education at international conferences in Switzerland, England, and Canada, while serving on boards including the Greater Houston Partnership, Texas As-
sociation of Community Colleges, and Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce.
Her honors include recognition among Houston Woman Magazine’s 50 Most Influential Women of 2023, the World Affairs Council’s Jesse Jones Award for Global Education, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.
An accomplished author of more than 50 publications and four books, Dr. Fisher holds a Doctor of Education from the University of Houston and both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in English from Wichita State University.
HCC Coleman College: Where Education Meets Innovation
Founded in 2004, HCC Coleman College for Health Sciences stands at the intersection of education, healthcare, and workforce development. As a proud member of the Texas Medical Center, the college provides students with world-class access to hospitals, clinics, and research institutions.
With more than 20 accredited programs, Coleman College prepares students for high-demand careers in nursing, dental hygiene, diagnostic medical sonography, health information technology, pharmacy technician training, respiratory therapy, radiography, surgical technology, physical therapy assistance, and medical laboratory technology. Each program combines rigorous academics with immersive, hands-on clinical experience to ensure graduates are ready to meet the evolving healthcare needs of Houston and
beyond.
Meet the President: Dr. Lutricia Harrison, DNP, APRN, FMP-BC
Dr. Lutricia Harrison, president of HCC Coleman College, brings nearly three decades of experience as an educator, clinician, and healthcare leader. Her career includes roles as Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Houston-Katy, faculty at UTMB-Galveston, and Professor of Nursing at Lone Star College-Kingwood.
A licensed Nurse Practitioner and former CEO of NPC Family Clinic, Dr. Harrison blends academic leadership with clinical expertise, inspiring a culture of excellence and compassion.
She earned her Doctorate in Nursing Practice from the University of Alabama and both her Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Nursing from Prairie View A&M University.
“Our mission at Coleman is to advance healthcare education while equipping our students to serve, heal, and lead in their communities,” Dr. Harrison said.
Two Campuses, One Mission HCC Coleman College operates from two key locations:
• Coleman Campus, located at 1900 Pressler Street, Houston, TX 77030, in the heart of the Texas Medical Center, connects students directly with Houston’s top hospitals, clinics, and research facilities for immersive, real-world experience.
• Coleman College at Midtown, located at 1300 Holman Street, Houston, TX 77004 , provides an accessible, transit-friendly hub for students across the city, fostering inclusion and opportunity through education.
Together, both campuses are shaping the future of healthcare—one student, one patient, and one community at a time.
HCC: Shaping Houston’s Workforce of Tomorrow
From Dr. Margaret Ford Fisher’s transformative leadership to Dr. Lutricia Harrison’s forward-focused vision, Houston City College continues to stand as a national model of excellence, inclusion, and community empowerment. Through education, collaboration, and innovation, HCC remains dedicated to preparing students for success—and strengthening Houston’s healthcare and economic future.
Houston City College Chancellor – Dr. Margaret Ford Fisher, with Texas State Rep - Lauren Ashley Simmons with HCC Coleman College President Dr. Lutricia Harrison and with other HCC Leaders.
COMMENTARY
By Ben Jealous – National Political Commentator
My parents' marriage was against the law in Maryland in 1966, so they moved west. By the time I was born in 1973, they had settled in Monterey County, California—the same year the last cannery on Cannery Row shut down. The Hovden Cannery closed its doors, marking the end of an era. Where it stood, the Monterey Bay Aquarium would eventually rise, a monument to what we'd lost and hoped to restore.
When I was 12, in 1985, I became a guide at that aquarium—the youngest in my class. Standing in a building literally constructed on cannery ruins, I told visitors about kelp forests, sea otters, and the remarkable return of the sardines. Through the 1980s and 1990s, they came back. The ocean, given a chance to rest, proved resilient.
As a kid who often felt out of place in the local community, the ocean was my refuge.
I learned that the ocean can be a patient teacher. But the lesson she's teaching now, according to leading scientists, is one humanity may never recover from. Worse, its impact will be felt across the entire nation—first with rising seafood costs, then with far more serious consequences.
Last week, scientists announced the world has reached its first climate tipping point. Coral reefs—supporting a quarter of all marine life and nearly a billion people— are in widespread, irreversible collapse. Since 2023, over 80% of the world's reefs have suffered the worst mass bleaching event ever recorded. Underwater explosions of color and life are turning into bleached wastelands.
This is fundamentally different from the sardines. When sardine populations crashed in the 1940s and 50s, the fish survived elsewhere. The ocean remained intact. When fishing stopped, they had somewhere to return. Recovery took decades - but was possible.
Coral reefs ARE the foundation.
When they die, the habitat disappears. The three-dimensional structures providing shelter, feeding grounds, and nurseries collapse into rubble. Unlike sardines that bounce back in decades, coral reefs take centuries or millennia to rebuild—if they can rebuild at all under continued warming.
Scientists are clear: we've crossed a threshold. Unless we reverse global temperatures back to just 1°C above pre-industrial levels—not just stop them rising but bring them down—these ecosystems will be lost. Small refuges may survive, but vast, thriving reefs will be gone on any timeline that matters to our children.
Here's what keeps me awake: this is just the first domino.
The same report warns we're approaching other catastrophic tipping points—the Amazon rainforest, Atlantic ocean currents regulating weather worldwide, ice sheets controlling sea levels. Each one, if it tips, could trigger others in a cascade of irreversible changes.
These aren't abstract threats for any American. The Atlantic Meridional
Overturning Circulation, including the Gulf Stream, could collapse within our lifetimes. If it does, global food production faces devastation. Nearly 60% of land suitable for wheat would become unusable. Same for 59% of corn-growing land. America's agricultural economy would face catastrophic disruption—drastic rises in bread prices, widespread hunger, potentially mass starvation in vulnerable regions worldwide. Amazon rainforest collapse—another looming tipping point—would remove one of the world's largest carbon sinks, accelerating warming everywhere and intensifying droughts, heat waves, and extreme weather already plaguing communities from coast to coast.
We're not discussing problems our grandchildren will face. We're talking about changes fundamentally reshaping civilization within decades.
But we still have agency. Scientists documenting this crisis also found positive tipping points in our favor. Solar power has gotten cheap enough that people are choosing it over coal. Electric vehicles are
following the same path. We're proving we can change how we power our world. What we need now is action that matches the threat. Next month, world leaders meet in Brazil for COP30—the annual climate summit where countries make promises about cutting pollution. For a farmer worried about next year's growing season, here's why it matters: if countries commit to stopping the burning of coal, oil, and gas—and fast—we can slow the damage. If they don't, we're looking at soil that won't grow crops, water that won't come when seeds need it, and weather so extreme it wipes out entire harvests.
The small pockets of healthy coral that remain need protection from pollution and overfishing—every other stress we can remove. And we need to pull some of the carbon pollution back out of the air, the same way you'd pump water out of a flooded basement. It's not enough to stop adding more; we have to remove what's already there.
As that 12-year-old aquarium guide, I taught visitors about resilience and recovery. Sardines taught me the ocean can heal when we give it a chance. But coral reefs teach a harder lesson: there are thresholds beyond which healing becomes impossible on human timescales. We're learning the difference between damage that can be undone and wounds that become permanent.
The ocean has been a patient teacher. But this lesson—about irreversible tipping points and cascading collapse—is one we cannot afford to fail. The consequences won't stay in the ocean. They're coming for all of us, no matter where we live.
We crossed the first tipping point. We cannot afford to cross the next ones.
You can write to Ben Jealous incare of this Newspaper or by website at: www.BenJealous.com
Democracy was alive and well as Early Voting kicked off across Harris County on Monday, October 20, 2025, at 7:00 AM sharp. By the time polls closed at 7:00 PM, an impressive 10,702 in-person ballots had been cast, and 3,268 mail-in ballots were received — clear proof that voters are turning out early, informed, and energized for one of the most consequential election cycles in recent memory.
This year’s ballot packs a political punch — from the special election to succeed Congressman Sylvester Turner, to the race to replace Houston City Council Member Letitia Plummer , along with school board contests and 17 proposed Texas constitutional amendments that could reshape policy at every level of government.
A Civic Duty and a Community Moment Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth, who has led the county’s election operations since 2022, called the first day a success story of efficiency and civic pride.
“This election gives voters the power to shape the future of their country, their state, and their city,” said Hudspeth. “We’ve built a system that’s transparent, secure, and accessible — and it’s working. Every election teaches us how to make the next one even better.”
EARLY VOTING ENERGIZES HARRIS COUNTY: Democracy In Motion Across Houston Neighborhoods
By Burt Levine, Political Editor for www.StyleMagazine.com
Hudspeth added that Harris County’s 70 early voting locations ran smoothly, thanks to “technical teams in clusters” ready to address any issues in real time. “So far, no hiccups or concerns. Our teams are dedicated, and every voting machine is audited, tested, and certified. We’re ready for the rush leading into Election Day, Tuesday, November 4.”
Where the Voters Are Showing Up
Some polls were buzzing from the moment doors opened. The Metropolitan Service Center on West Gray led the county with 662 voters, fueled by interest in congressional and city races that drew passionate Montrose residents.
Close behind, Juergens Hall in northwest Harris County saw 566 voters, many motivated by the chance to shape the direction of one of the state’s largest and most diverse school districts. The Richard & Meg Weekley Community Center in Cypress-Fairbanks followed with 500 ballots cast , as residents of Houston’s fastest-growing suburbs showed up early and in force.
The momentum didn’t stop there — Freeman Library in Clear Lake tallied 341 votes, while Prairie View A&M University’s campus site logged 340, underscoring the growing civic engagement among young and Black voters in the region.
Other high-energy polling sites in-
cluded Jersey Village Community Center, Trini Mendenhall Community Center in Spring Branch, Bayland Park, and HCC Southwest Loop Campus, where turnout surged thanks to hotly contested Houston ISD and Bellaire City races.
Every Vote, Every Voice Early Voting continues daily through Friday, October 31, giving Harris County residents plenty of opportunities to make their voices heard before Election Day.
“Voting early means avoiding long lines and ensuring your ballot is counted without delay,” Hudspeth reminded voters. “This is your city, your future — and your voice matters.”
Whether you live in Montrose, Missouri City, Bellaire, Third Ward, Sunnyside, Memorial or Cypress-Fairbanks, Harris County is proving that democracy doesn’t just happen on one Tuesday in November — it’s a community effort that starts early and continues strong.
Find your nearest polling location and voting hours at www.HarrisVotes.com and make your voice count this election season.
In a time of shifting federal operations and growing travel demand, Fort Bend County District Clerk Beverley McGrew Walker has once again proven her steadfast leadership by assuring residents that passport services at all Fort Bend County District Clerk’s Offices remain fully operational.
Walker’s announcement comes as a wave of questions has surfaced regarding the status of local passport processing centers following national reports of federal passport office disruptions. Her clear and confident communication has calmed concerns while reinforcing her long-standing reputation for transparency and public service excellence.
All Passport Offices Remain Open and Fully Staffed
Residents can continue to rely on two convenient locations to process new passports or renewals:
Missouri City Office: 5855 Sienna Springs Way, Missouri City, Texas 77459
Both offices maintain regular business hours from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Appointments are recommended for guaranteed service, while walk-ins are accepted on a limited basis depending on daily scheduling.
FORT BEND DISTRICT CLERK BEVERLEY MCGREW WALKER REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO PASSPORT SERVICES FOR FORT BEND COUNTY RESIDENTS
By Francis Page, Jr., Editor – www.StyleMagazine.com
“These passport offices are a lifeline for families, students, and professionals preparing to travel abroad,” said District Clerk Beverley McGrew Walker. “We are committed to keeping the process convenient, efficient, and accessible right here in Fort Bend County.”
• Passport Fair Set for October 25, 2025 – Bringing Service Directly to the Community
In keeping with her community-first approach, Clerk Walker announced the continuation of the District Clerk’s annual Passport Fair, scheduled for:
• Kerala House – 1415 Packer Lane, Stafford, TX 77477
• Saturday, October 25, 2025
• 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon
During this event, certified pass-
port agents will be on hand to assist residents with both new passport applications and renewals using Form DS-11. The fair offers families the opportunity to complete the process locally without the long wait times often associated with federal centers.
Walker emphasized that the Passport Fair is part of her office’s broader effort to make government services mobile, approachable, and customer centered.
“Our goal is simple—meet the people where they are,” said Walker. “We want to eliminate barriers and make sure every resident who needs a passport can obtain one efficiently and affordably.”
A Trusted Resource for International Travelers
The Fort Bend County District Clerk’s Passport Services provide a comprehensive range of support for residents
preparing for international travel, including:
- Processing new passport applications (Form DS-11)
- Managing passport renewals for eligible applicants
- Providing passport photo services
- Offering assistance for minors and firsttime applicants
- Educating the public on required documentation and fees
Whether residents are planning a study-abroad program, business trip, mission journey, or long-awaited vacation, Walker’s team ensures that their documentation needs are handled with professionalism and care.
Beverley McGrew Walker: A Model of Integrity and Innovation
Since taking office, District Clerk Beverley McGrew Walker has modernized numerous aspects of the Fort Bend County District Clerk’s Office, from digital filing systems to citizen outreach. Her focus on customer experience, accessibility, and technological advancement has set a new benchmark for county-level government service.
Democracy takes center stage this week as Early Voting officially opens across Harris County, giving Houstonians the opportunity to make their voices heard long before Election Day. From Monday, October 20 through Friday, October 31, voters can cast their ballots at one of 70 conveniently located vote centers throughout the county.
“This election provides Harris County voters an opportunity to shape the future of their communities and impact leadership at both the local and state levels,” said Harris County Clerk Teneshia Hudspeth, whose office continues to expand voter access and education across the region.
What’s on the Ballot
This year’s election features 17 proposed amendments to the Texas Constitution, along with key races including:
• The 18th Congressional District
• Houston City Council At-Large Position 4
• And several local contests impacting school districts, utility boards, and college trustees.
Each of these positions holds influence over issues that affect daily life—from education funding and water management to local taxation and community development.
When and Where to Vote
Early Voting runs October 20–31 , from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily (except Sunday, October 26,
YOUR VOTE, YOUR VOICE: HARRIS COUNTY EARLY VOTING
MONDAY OCTOBER 20th - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 31st
By Francis Page, Jr. Editor – www.StyleMagazine.com
when hours are Noon to 7:00 PM ).
Election Day is Tuesday, November 4, with nearly 600 vote centers open countywide from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Harris County voters can locate their nearest polling place, preview a sample ballot, and review wait times by visiting HarrisVotes.com or following @HarrisVotes on social media for real-time updates.
What to Bring
To cast your vote, bring one of the following approved photo IDs:
• Texas Driver’s License or Personal ID
• Texas Handgun License
• U.S. Passport or Citizenship Certificate (with photo)
• U.S. Military ID (with photo)
• Texas Election Identification Certificate
If you do not possess a photo ID, don’t stay home—simply complete a Reasonable Impediment Declaration (RID) and provide a supporting document such utility bill, bank statement, or voter
county during the voting period—can apply for a mail-in ballot by Friday, October 24 Applications and full eligibility details are available at HarrisVotes.com
Why Early Voting Matters
Early Voting isn’t just convenient—it’s empowering. By voting early, residents help shorten Election Day lines, ensure their ballot counts, and set an example for civic engagement across Houston’s diverse neighborhoods. Every vote contributes to decisions that affect everything from infrastructure and healthcare to schools and public safety.
A Call to Action
As Commissioner Adrian Garcia recently reminded Houstonians: “When we show up, we shape the future.” So, grab your ID, review your ballot, and make a plan to vote early. Whether you’re voting before work, between classes, or on your lunch break—remember: your vote is your power.
For polling locations, wait times, and ballot information, visit:
H DACAMERA’s 2025 Fall Jazz Kickoff Party H SETTING THE TONE FOR A SEASON OF SOPHISTICATED SOUND
Brandon Bell, Yvonne Chen, Jacquelyn and Collin Cox, Chris George & Sarah Comeaux
Houston’s vibrant jazz scene came alive in elegant style as DACAMERA—the city’s premier presenter of chamber music and jazz—hosted its 2025 Fall Jazz
Kickoff Party at the stunning Wortham Theater Center’s Grand Foyer. The evening blended culture, class, and community, serving as a prelude to an extraordinary concert season celebrating the soul of Houston through the universal language of jazz.
A Sophisticated Prelude to the Season
Guests were greeted with a refined atmosphere filled with jazz-infused ambiance, gourmet bites, and signature cocktails as the acclaimed duo Natalie & Alex, Standards & Strings performed live. Their seamless blend of rhythm and elegance set the mood for an evening of sophistication and joy—a signature hallmark of DACAMERA’s commitment to both artistry and audience experience.
Walter Smith III Quartet Brings
Bayou City Brilliance
As the evening crescendoed, the
spotlight turned to the Walter Smith III Quartet , led by the Houston-born saxophonist and Blue Note recording artist Walter Smith III. In celebration of his newest album, humorously titled “Three of Us Are from Houston and Reuben Is Not,” Smith reunited with hometown heroes Jason Moran on piano and Kendrick Scott on drums, alongside world-renowned bassist Reuben Rogers
The quartet delivered a heartfelt tribute to Houston through a series of emotionally rich compositions—“610 Loop,” “Lone Star,” “Cézanne,” and “Montrose Nocturne.” Each song resonated like a love letter to the city, blending innovation with nostalgia, and proving once again that Houston remains a heartbeat of modern jazz.
A Gathering of Houston’s Finest
The Grand Foyer sparkled with energy as notable attendees included Mary and Robert Fusillo, Lori Kennedy and Joe Muscara, Lynn and Bill Hargrove, Carla and Rob Leslie, Judge Lucia and Robert Bates, Michelle and Roy Rodney,
Claudia Hatcher , Meghan and Kevin Downs, Andy Moran, Drs. Annette and Anthony Brissett , Yvonne Chen and Brandon Bell , and Sarah Rothenberg and Robert Azencott. Their presence underscored Houston’s unwavering support for the arts and DACAMERA’s legacy as a cultural cornerstone.
A Night to Remember
Beyond the melodies and mingling, the 2025 Fall Jazz Kickoff Party embodied Houston’s creative spirit—a reminder that jazz is not just music, but a movement connecting generations through rhythm, resilience, and reverence for artistic excellence.
As the final notes faded into the Wortham’s golden glow, one thing was clear: DACAMERA continues to orchestrate more than concerts—it curates unforgettable experiences that define Houston’s artistic heartbeat.
Photo Credit: Johnny Than
Sarah Rothenberg & Robert Azencott
Claudia Autry, Andy Moran & Sophia Deaver
Yvonne Chen & Brandon Bell
Kethia Webber, Patricia Bonner, Leticia Bailey & Karla Hoskin
Roy and Michelle Rodney Chrystal Wright & Lisa Bynam Drs. Annette and Anthony Brissett
H Sarah Rothenberg – Artistic Director H Brandon Bell – General Manager H Wortham Theater - Grand Foyer H Friday, October 17,
Amanda Edwards, a former Houston City Council member and attorney, is running in the special election for Texas’ 18th Congressional District. Early voting is underway from October 20 through October 31. Recent polls indicate a highly competitive race, with Edwards and Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee in a close contest.
Background and Experience
A native of Houston, Edwards graduated from Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD and earned a political science degree from Emory University in 2004. She began her political career interning in Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee’s office, where she learned about constituent services and the legislative process. Edwards earned her law degree from Harvard Law School in 2007, where she served as a Criminal Justice Institute student attorney, co-chaired the Harvard Black Law Students Association Annual Spring Conference, and received the Elaine Osborne Jacobson Award for her work supporting underserved communities in healthcare law.
From 2016 to 2020, Edwards served on the Houston City Council (At-Large Position 4), building a reputation as a champion of innovation, equity, and community-driven solutions. She established the Mayor’s Technology & Innovation Task Force, contributing to Houston’s Innovation District and The Ion. She launched the Womenand Minority-Owned Business Task Force, which
Amanda Edwards A Community-Focused Candidate For Texas' 18th Congressional District
By Lisa Valadez – www.StyleMagazine.com
became the Business Ecosystem Alliance for Minorities & Women (BEAMW), helping entrepreneurs access capital, counseling, and growth opportunities. Edwards also brought expertise in municipal finance, serving as Vice Chair of the Budget & Fiscal Affairs Committee and on the Economic Development Committee. She co-vice-chaired the High-Capacity Transit Task Force, supported transit infrastructure expansion, led Hurricane Harvey relief efforts, and launched the Community Empowerment Signature Series, offering programming around healthcare, senior services, and women’s empowerment.
Campaign Focus
Edwards’ campaign emphasizes civil rights, economic opportunity, healthcare access, education, infrastructure, and resilience. She continues to support women- and minority-owned businesses, job creation through infrastructure investment, and federal support for Community Development Financial Institutions. She advocates protecting healthcare access under the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid, bolstering social services for seniors and low-income families, and expanding educational and youth mentorship programs. Edwards’ infrastructure goals include improving transit, roads, and resilient public works. She
focuses on policies that affect everyday lives, from lowering grocery costs to strengthening protections for healthcare and Social Security, while ensuring equitable opportunities for all.
Polling and Voter Engagement
Recent polling shows Edwards in a close race with Menefee, highlighting a competitive contest where name recognition, grassroots engagement, and direct voter contact could be decisive. Edwards has been actively engaging voters across the district, meeting residents in their neighborhoods and addressing confusion about the special election. She emphasizes the importance of staying connected to the community, saying, “Every time we're out, every time we knock, every time we have calls, there are groups of people — who are in the cohort of people who typically vote — who are confused.”
Conclusion
Amanda Edwards positions herself as a candidate deeply connected to the community, with a record of public service and a commitment to addressing the issues that matter most to the residents of Texas’ 18th Congressional District. As early voting continues, her campaign remains focused on mobilizing voters and securing strong support ahead of Election Day.
Learn more at www.EdwardsForHouston.com
State Representative Jolanda Jones, who has served on the Houston City Council and in the Texas Legislature, is running for the U.S. House of Representatives in Texas’s 18th Congressional District. Her campaign emphasizes public service experience and a focus on issues affecting the district, including healthcare access, economic development, and representation for underserved communities.
A Legacy of Advocacy and Action Jones's political journey is marked by bold actions and a steadfast dedication to her constituents. In 2025, she gained national attention when she and fellow Democrats broke quorum in the Texas House to block restrictive voting legislation. This act of defiance underscored her commitment to protecting democratic rights and standing up against policies she views as unjust. Her tenure in the Texas House has been characterized by efforts to expand Medicaid, secure tax relief for seniors, and hold powerful institutions accountable.
Platform and Policy Priorities
Jones's campaign focuses on several key issues:
• Healthcare Access: She advocates for
Texas REP – Jolanda Jones Seeks
United States House Seat In CD-18
By Lisa Valadez – www.StyleMagazine.com
expanding access to affordable healthcare, including abortion care, aiming to ensure that all Texans receive the medical attention they deserve.
• Economic Justice: Jones is committed to creating better jobs and supporting stronger schools, recognizing the interconnectedness of education, employment, and community well-being.
• Public Safety and Justice Reform: She emphasizes the need for safer streets and a justice system that serves all people equitably.
• LGBTQ+ Representation: As the first
Black lesbian elected to the Texas Legislature, Jones is a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ rights and aims to bring this advocacy to the federal level.
Electoral Outlook
In the upcoming special election, Jones faces a competitive field. A recent University of Houston poll indicates that Harris County Attorney Christian Menefee leads with 27% support, followed by former Houston City Council member Amanda Edwards at 23%. Jones holds 15%, with other candi-
dates trailing behind. Given the crowded field, a runoff election is anticipated.
Houston Style Magazine’s Engagement
Houston Style Magazine reached out to Representative Jones for a one-on-one interview to delve deeper into her platform and vision for the district. However, due to scheduling conflicts, we were unable to secure an interview before the commencement of early voting. Nonetheless, we remain committed to providing our readers with comprehensive coverage of all candidates and their positions.
Conclusion
Jolanda Jones stands as a testament to resilience and advocacy. Her track record in the Texas Legislature, combined with her bold stance on critical issues, positions her as a candidate ready to represent the diverse and dynamic communities of Texas’s 18th Congressional District. As voters head to the polls, they have the opportunity to elect a leader who has consistently fought for justice and equality.
Learn more: www.jolandajones.com
openly
Isaiah Martin, a 27-year-old Democrat from Houston, is campaigning to bring a new generation of leadership to Texas’s 18th Congressional District. A University of Houston graduate, Martin has gained recognition for his civic engagement and efforts to mobilize youth participation in elections. Despite not having held public office, he aims to address the everyday challenges of working families and restore public trust in politics.
Interview with HSM
Martin outlined a platform centered on transparency and accessibility in government. He argues that entrenched political interests and corporate donors have too much influence in Washington and vows to prioritize the voices of constituents over special interests. His policy agenda includes expanding access to affordable healthcare, investing in education and job training, and supporting small businesses. Martin says he wants to create opportunities for economic growth within the district—particularly for underserved neighborhoods—through federal investment and local partnerships.
Public safety and social justice are also key components of his platform Martin advocates for improved community–police relations, accountability in law enforcement, and increased investment
Isaiah Martin’s Bid for 18th Congressional District
By Lisa Valadez – www.StyleMagazine.com
in programs that strengthen neighborhoods. He has also pointed to the need for modern infrastructure, such as broadband internet expansion and transportation upgrades, to ensure equitable access to resources across the district.
Despite his strong online following and significant fundraising success, Martin has faced growing scrutiny in recent weeks, particularly over his claim of having served as a Senior Advisor to the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee. Critics, including for-
mer staffers, dispute this, saying he was never officially employed in that capacity.
Martin defended his claim, stating Jackson Lee personally appointed him as a senior advisor. Lillie Coney, Jackson Lee’s former chief of staff, supported Martin, affirming his close advisory role. However, other former staff, like Remmington Belford, challenged this narrative, insisting Martin's role was unofficial and not recorded in staff designations or campaign finance reports.
Houston Style Magazine reached
out to others who worked closely with the late Congresswoman for more than 30 years. They expressed anger over Martin’s claims and said the assertions were not true. Most requested anonymity, citing the politically sensitive climate, and emphasized that their priority is ensuring Democratic success in upcoming elections rather than disputing Martin publicly.
When asked how he plans to implement many of his proposed ideas or address the district’s most pressing issues, including flooding, infrastructure inequality, and environmental hazards, Martin offered no direct answers. He did note that he would work with the Environmental Protection Agency and Texas Southern University to tackle pollution in neighborhoods near the Houston Ship Channel and pledged to support minority-owned small businesses through federal funding opportunities.
Engagment in the Digital Age
Martin also pointed to his near-nightly TikTok town halls as a sign of transparency, saying voters can engage with him directly online. When asked what he would do with his campaign funds if not elected, Martin was blunt: “I don’t think about losing.”
Learn more at:
BUILDING
A DREAM: HOUSTON UNITES TO SUPPORT AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND HOPE FOR ALL
By Francis Page, Jr. for
Beneath the dazzling chandeliers of The Post Oak Hotel, compassion met action at Houston Habitat for Humanity’s annual Building a Dream Luncheon, where more than 360 civic leaders, philanthropists, and changemakers gathered to advance one mission—making the dream of homeownership a reality for every Houstonian.
Guests were welcomed with uplifting music, laughter, and the comforting clink of mimosa glasses as the event celebrated Houston Habitat’s decades-long commitment to building homes, strengthening neighborhoods, and
fostering generational stability.
Honoring a Visionary: Joel Deretchin
This year’s spotlight fell on Joel Deretchin, recipient of the 2025 Carl Umland Award, honoring six decades of visionary service in affordable housing development. From shaping policy to spearheading community initiatives, Deretchin’s work has opened doors—literally and figuratively—for families across Houston and beyond.
Inspiration and Innovation
The keynote address, delivered by Adrienne Goolsby, Senior Vice President of the U.S. Office and Canada for Habitat for Humanity International, electrified the room. Goolsby underscored the urgency of Houston’s affordable housing challenge, emphasizing the city’s growing demand for starter homes amid a nationwide shortage. Yet her message was one of hope: “Houston Habitat embodies gumption and ambition—the spirit that builds dreams and communities that endure.”
The event was emceed by KPRCTV2’s Danielle Guzman, whose charm guided the program seamlessly. The afternoon was co-chaired by an all-star lineup of women leaders—Crystal Allen (Transwestern), Chenee Franklin (Honeywell), and Paula Musa (Transwestern)—whose passion for community and collaboration mirrored Habitat’s mission.
Stories That Build Futures
The most emotional moments came as Habitat homeowners and long-time volunteers took the stage, sharing personal stories of resilience and gratitude. Each testimony was a reminder that every nail hammered and wall raised is not just construction—it’s transformation.
Notable guests in attendance included Angela Blanchard, Susan Boggio, Gregg Hamson, Leela Krishnamurthy, Connie Kwan-Wong, Mike Nichols, Christie Obiaya, Paul-David Van
Atta, Teresa Cox Reading, Jerre Williams, and many others who continue to move Houston forward through service and philanthropy.
About Houston Habitat for Humanity
Since its founding, Houston Habitat for Humanity has built more than 1,400 homes across 15 neighborhoods, including the Fifth Ward, Clinton Park, Settegast, Sunnyside, and Robins Landing. The organization also leads post-disaster home repairs—having restored over 900 homes since Hurricane Harvey—ensuring that families not only have roofs over their heads but also communities they can thrive in.
With every home built and repaired, Houston Habitat continues to prove that the real foundation of Houston is its people—resilient, compassionate, and united in purpose.
Houston Style Magazine
Salutes the Builders of Hope
Houston Style Magazine proudly celebrates organizations like Houston Habitat for Humanity that strengthen the heartbeat of our city. Their work reminds us that progress begins at home—and that every dream deserves a door, a key, and a community ready to open both.
Luncheon Co-Chairs – Paula Musa, Chenee Franklin, Crystal Allen
Nicholas Payton Brings New Orleans BRILLIANCE to Houston for One Night Only
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2025 | 8:00 PM | WORTHAM
THEATER CENTER’S CULLEN THEATER
By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
When a city that thrives on rhythm, soul, and creativity, DACAMERA is set to deliver an unforgettable evening as it presents Grammy Award-winning trumpet virtuoso Nicholas Payton live at the Wortham Theater Center on Friday,
November 14, 2025, at 8:00 PM.
Known for redefining the boundaries of jazz, Payton embodies the vibrant heartbeat of New Orleans while infusing his performances with modern funk, soul, and Black American Music. His artistry
pays homage to the legends—Louis Armstrong, Buddy Bolden, Al Hirt, Wynton Marsalis—yet fearlessly propels the genre into the future with his innovative sound.
A Legacy Rooted in New Orleans
Born into a family of musicians— his father, Walter Payton, a bassist, and his mother, a pianist—Nicholas Payton was practically raised on stage. Picking up the trumpet at age four, he quickly became a prodigy, practicing for hours a day and performing alongside his father in the city’s famed clubs. That early exposure shaped his distinct musical language—a blend of tradition and fearless experimentation he now calls Postmodern New Orleans Music. er, as ever, attracts darker ambitions.
Grammy-Winning Greatness
Payton’s talent has earned him widespread acclaim, including a Grammy for Best Jazz Instrumental Solo for his collaboration with Doc Cheatham on Stardust. His works like Dear Louis—a tribute to Armstrong—and Sonic Trance have garnered multiple nominations, while his recent features on Terri Lyne Carrington’s Grammy-winning album, “New Standards Vol. 1,” showcase his enduring versatility. His latest album, Notes from the
Zen Gangster, pushes creative boundaries further—Payton plays nearly every instrument himself, weaving layers of trumpet and keyboards into a textured, meditative soundscape.
A Night of Unfiltered Musical Alchemy
For this special Houston performance, Payton will be joined by a powerhouse ensemble: Houston native and Kinder HSPVA graduate Mike Moreno on guitar, Ben Williams on bass, and Corey Fonville on drums. Together, they promise a performance that transcends genres and expectations.
“Come with open hearts and minds ready to engage in a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we will all be part of in this room, never to be repeated again,” Payton shares. “The less you come with an expectation, the more enjoyable it will be.”
Tickets & Details
Tickets for the Nicholas Payton Quartet are available at $53.50, $68.50, and $83.50.
Reserve your seat today at www. dacamera.com or by phone at 713-5245050.
Nicholas Payton @Wortham Theater LIVE, Friday November 14, 2025 @ 8:00pm
