Houston Has Offically Entered The Future Of Retail Delivery
By Lisa Valadez – www.StyleMagazine.com
Houston officially entered the future of retail delivery this week as Walmart and Wing launched their drone delivery service in the Houston area, making the city only the third market in the country to roll out the innovative technology.
The kickoff event, held last week, brought together executives and technology experts from both Walmart and Wing, along with members of the media and local stakeholders. The launch offered a firsthand look at how autonomous drone delivery is expected to reshape last-mile logistics and improve convenience for Houston-area customers.
The new service allows qualifying customers to receive select groceries, household essentials, and over-the-counter items by drone, often in as little as 30 minutes. Drones operate from designated Walmart Supercenters across the region and can serve nearby neighborhoods within a limited delivery radius, providing an alternative to traditional vehicle-based delivery in one of the nation’s most traffic-heavy metro areas.
During the event, Walmart and Wing representatives highlighted Houston’s role as a proving ground for the technology,
citing the city’s size, diversity, and strong demand for fast, on-demand services. Houston joins a short list of U.S. markets where the companies are testing and expanding drone delivery at scale, following earlier launches in other major metropolitan areas.
Wing’s delivery system relies on advanced automation, flight routing, and safety protocols designed to operate efficiently in urban and suburban environments. The drones are managed through a network of local hubs, often referred to as “nests,” which handle launching, landing, and charging operations.
The Houston launch also emphasized potential benefits for local communities and neighborhood groups. Faster delivery options can support households with limited mobility, reduce vehicle congestion, and showcase how emerging technology can integrate into everyday life. Business leaders attending the event described the rollout as a step forward for innovation and economic development in the region.
Customers interested in using the service can check eligibility through Walmart’s app, with plans to expand availability as operations scale. Additional Walmart locations are expected to join the
program over time as the partnership continues its nationwide expansion.
As drone delivery moves from pilot programs to real-world implementation, Houston’s inclusion signals the city’s growing role in testing next-generation retail and logistics solutions. The launch positions the region at the forefront of a rapidly evolving delivery landscape that blends technology, convenience, and community impact. Customers interested in Walmart’s drone delivery service can find the most accurate, up-to-date ordering information directly on Walmart’s official website by searching “Walmart Drone Delivery,” which routes to service details, eligibility, and participating locations. Additional guidance is available through the Walmart app , where eligible customers can select drone delivery at checkout in supported markets. For broader context on how drone deliveries are regulated and expanded nationwide, customers can also review public updates from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which oversees commercial drone operations in the U.S.
Photos By Monica Vallejo
In Morrow County, Oregon, families are living through a crisis. According to a Rolling Stone investigation, mothers have suffered miscarriages. Neighbors are battling rare cancers.
Local officials have raised concerns about dangerously elevated nitrate levels in the community’s drinking water following the siting of a nearby Amazon data center. The investigation reports that the facility’s massive water consumption—up to five million gallons per day—may have accelerated nitrogen migration into the aquifer faster than natural filtration can occur. Amazon strongly denies any connection between its operations and these health problems.
Whatever the ultimate cause of the health crisis in Oregon, the broader concern is undeniable: when data centers consume enormous amounts of water, communities can face real risks. And now, similar pressures are emerging in Ohio.
Central Ohio already hosts about 130 data centers, representing more than half the state’s total. In Marysville, just two facilities consume roughly ten percent of the city’s entire daily water supply. Amazon operates dozens of data center facilities and campuses across the New Albany, Hilliard, and Dublin region. Residents are watching water demand surge as new facilities are proposed.
Here is what should concern every Ohioan. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has issued a draft General National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit governing wastewater discharges from data center facilities into state waters, including non-contact cooling water, cooling tower blowdown, and associated stormwater. The publicly released draft does not specify nitrate limits among the listed regulated pollutants.
The draft permit also relies on existing antidegradation standards that allow a lowering of water quality when deemed necessary to accommodate important social or economic development. In plain terms, regulators are signaling that some degradation of water quality may be acceptable to support data center growth.
This is not just about water. Modeling by researchers affiliated with the
COMMENTARY
WHEN BIG TECH’S THIRST THREATENS OUR HEALTH, WE MUST DEMAND BETTER
By Ben Jealous, National Political Commentator
California Institute of Technology suggests that air pollution associated with data center growth could contribute to approximately 1,300 premature deaths annually nationwide by 2030, with an estimated public health burden approaching $20 billion.
But it does not have to be this way.
We can build data centers today that eliminate operational water consumption entirely—and with the right policy reforms, they can be built at lower total cost than conventional designs.
The solution is zero-water cooling through immersion systems with dry heat rejection. Instead of water, servers are cooled using specialized dielectric fluids. Instead of evaporative cooling towers, heat is rejected through air-cooled radiators or geothermal systems. In these configurations, operational water use is eliminated.
Some raise concerns about the safety of dielectric cooling fluids. Modern formulations are engineered to be non-toxic, biodegradable, and safe for humans and wildlife. The answer is not avoiding zero-water systems, but requiring the safest available fluids rather than the cheapest.
Industry representatives argue that zero-water cooling is too expensive. That
claim does not withstand scrutiny.
Multiple industry analyses, pilot deployments, and academic studies indicate that zero-water data center systems increase upfront capital costs by roughly 35 to 45 percent. However, analyses synthesizing findings across these studies suggest that targeted policy and procurement reforms can more than offset those added costs.
These reforms include streamlined permitting for zero-water systems, public sharing of facility designs tied to development incentives, competitive bidding requirements, bulk purchasing cooperatives, standardized modular systems, antitrust enforcement in cooling equipment markets, and shared geothermal infrastructure where appropriate.
Taken together, these measures could reduce total project costs by more than ten percent while eliminating operational water consumption altogether. In other words, we can build cheaper data centers without draining aquifers or compromising drinking water.
Strong safeguards must accompany any expansion. Communities deserve meaningful input on whether data centers locate nearby. Facilities should be confined
to industrial zones, with enforceable buffers for noise, heat, and air quality. Homes and schools should be off limits.
Jerome Township has already enacted a moratorium on new data centers, citing utility and safety concerns. Other communities across Ohio are paying close attention.
The technology exists. The economics can work. What remains is political will.
Big Tech will complain. Some companies may threaten to locate elsewhere. But no community should accept development that requires sacrificing clean water or public health.
Whatever ultimately caused the health crisis in Oregon, Ohio communities are already feeling the strain of unchecked data center growth. We know how to prevent similar harm. We know it can save money.
The only remaining question is whether our leaders will act in time—or wait until the damage is done.
Ben Jealous is a professor of practice at the University of Pennsylvania and former national president of the NAACP. He is the author of Never Forget Our People Were Always Free.
Democracy doesn’t take a holiday in Houston—it shows up, marches forward, and votes. As the city honored the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., civic pride and constitutional duty converged with the start of early voting in the CD18 special election runoff, a contest that will send a new voice to Washington to complete the late Sylvester Turner’s term.
Against the vibrant backdrop of the Downtown MLK Day Parade, both Amanda Edwards and Christian Menefee greeted supporters and made their case to voters—then fanned out across the district to urge turnout at one of 17 early voting locations ahead of the Saturday, January 31 runoff.
Service Rooted in Houston
Edwards, celebrating her 44th birthday on parade day, blended joy with purpose—wishing onlookers “Happy MLK” while underscoring a record shaped by hands-on constituent service. A Houston native raised in Aldine, Edwards sharpened her public-service instincts while working for the late Sheila Jackson Lee, then carried them to City Hall as an at-large council member beginning in 2016. With degrees from Emory and Harvard Law School and experience in private practice, she emphasizes results over rhetoric. “I didn’t
HARRIS COUNTY'S DEMOCRACY IN MOTION: CD18 Voters Step Forward In A Pivotal Runoff Week
By Burt Levine, Political Editor for www.StyleMagazine.com
just pass calls along—I worked to deliver outcomes,” Edwards tells voters, framing Congress as a place for responsive, everyday problem-solving.
Menefee brings a record of courtroom leadership and reform-minded governance. The youngest person ever elected Harris County Attorney—and the first African American to hold the office—Menefee resigned after winning reelection in 2024 to seek this congressional seat. A graduate of Alief ISD, UT San Antonio, and Washington University Law School, he often notes that his education was powered by his parents’ U.S. Coast Guard service. At 37, Menefee centers his pitch on accessibility and advo-
cacy: navigating Social Security, Medicare, and veterans’ benefits while reflecting the voices of a richly diverse district back home.
The Road Ahead — and a District Reconnected
Early voting runs through Tuesday, January 27, with Election Day polls open Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The winner will be sworn in immediately—and then face a quick pivot. Both candidates appear on the Super Tuesday Texas Democratic Primary ballot, with early voting beginning Tuesday, February 17, to determine who will carry the banner for a full two-year term.
The challenge is real: representing a district that has lacked a sitting member for nearly a year, and campaigning across a newly drawn map stretching from Humble through Meyerland to Stafford and Missouri City. Add to the mix veteran lawmaker Al Green, who at 79 remains undeterred— walking the MLK parade route, buoyed by decades of service, NAACP leadership, and landslide victories since 2004.
Why It Matters
This moment isn’t just about who wins—it’s about how Houston shows up. Early voting lines, neighborhood rallies, and parade conversations reflect a living democracy animated by participation. In a city built on diversity and determination, the CD18 runoff is a reminder that progress is powered by people who vote, volunteer, and believe that representation works best when it listens.
Houston Style Magazine urges every eligible voter to make a plan, cast a ballot, and keep the promise of democracy moving forward—because here, civic engagement isn’t ceremonial. It’s how Houston gets things done.
In a moment that reflects both continuity and confidence, the Charles Butt Foundation has announced a carefully planned leadership transition that underscores its long-standing commitment to Texas schools, educators, and communities. Effective Thursday, January 1, 2026 , Cody Huie stepped into the role of President, succeeding Dr. Shari Albright, whose more than seven years of steady, visionary leadership helped shape one of the most impactful education philanthropies in the state.
For Houstonians—and Texans statewide—this transition is less about change than it is about stewardship. It signals a deep respect for the Foundation’s history and a forward-looking embrace of what’s possible when leadership, values, and community alignment meet.
A Season of Accomplishment Worth Celebrating
Dr. Albright’s tenure reads like a blueprint for mission-driven leadership done right. Under her guidance, the Charles Butt Foundation expanded its statewide footprint and sharpened its focus on the educators who shape Texas’ future every day. Among her most significant accomplishments was guiding the merger of Raise Your Hand Texas Foundation with the Charles Butt Foundation—an
A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP, A FUTURE OF POSSIBILITY: Charles Butt Foundation Announces Thoughtful Leadership Transisition
By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
Cody Huie – President
alignment that strengthened strategic impact and elevated the Foundation’s voice in education policy and practice.
She also championed initiatives that placed teachers at the center of the conversation, including the widely recognized #TeachersCan campaign, which reframed public dialogue around the profession and celebrated teaching as both a calling and a cornerstone of community well-being. In moments of profound challenge, Dr. Albright helped the Foundation stand with communities in need, including supporting the Uvalde Moving Forward Foundation during the successful construction of a new elementary school—an effort marked by
compassion, resolve, and hope.
With more than four decades of service to Texas education, Dr. Albright’s influence extends well beyond her presidency. Her continued service on boards such as The Holdsworth Center and the Trinity University Board of Trustees ensures her wisdom remains part of the state’s educational fabric. In her next chapter, she will serve as an advisor to the CEO of Fair Winds Management LLC , continuing to lend her expertise to the philanthropic work championed by Charles Butt.
Enter Cody Huie: Experience, Vision, and Texas-Sized Commitment
If Dr. Albright’s leadership laid a strong foundation, Cody Huie’s appointment signals momentum. With more than twenty years across the education ecosystem—spanning classrooms, district leadership, state agencies, and philanthropy—Huie brings both breadth and depth to the presidency.
Most recently, he served as Vice President of Programs at the Charles Butt Foundation, where he led the design and execution of statewide strategies aimed at strengthening teacher preparation, cultivating school leaders, and advancing innovative learning practices. Among his hallmark achievements is the Raising
Texas Teachers initiative—a bold, 10year, $50 million investment supporting 27 university-based teacher preparation programs and awarding more than 1,300 scholarships to aspiring educators across Texas.
Huie’s career reflects a consistent throughline: improving conditions for teaching and learning at scale. His prior work at Education Service Center Region 13 placed him at the helm of statewide efforts to support low-performing campuses, coordinate Title I school improvement initiatives, and guide the implementation of critical state and federal education grants. That systems-level experience—paired with on-the-ground understanding—positions him to lead with clarity and compassion.
Currently completing his Doctor of Education Leadership at Harvard University (expected May 2026), Huie represents a new generation of education leaders grounded in evidence, equity, and action.
For Houston Style Magazine readers, the message is clear: the Charles Butt Foundation is not pivoting away from its values—it’s doubling down on them.
Sam Houston Park | 1000 Bagby | Downtown Houston
Houston’s Lunar New Year season gallops into joyful celebration as the Chinese Professional Club (CPC) hosts its 76th Annual Spring Festival Gala on Sunday, February 22, 2026. This cherished local tradition honors culture, community leadership, and academic excellence — and continues a legacy of engagement that began in 1950 when CPC was founded as the Chinese University Club to bring professionals and students together in fellowship, professional development and service.
Held at the elegant Ocean Palace Restaurant (11215 Bellaire Blvd., Houston, TX 77072), the gala invites guests to enjoy a festive evening complete with a Chinese gourmet banquet, entertainment, and meaningful moments of recognition. This year’s festivities warmly welcome the Year of the Fire Horse, whose energy symbolizes strength, passion, and bold new journeys — perfectly mirroring CPC’s mission and impact
Scholarship Legacy: Investing in Houston’s Future
At the heart of CPC’s annual gala is a mission that Houston deeply respects — investing in students and strengthening the next generation of leaders. CPC’s scholarship program has become a defining pillar of the Club’s service work. Since the program began in 1979, CPC has awarded over $1 million in scholarships to high-achieving, motivated students of Chinese descent.
In recent years, CPC has awarded
THE CHINESE PROFESSIONAL CLUB'S 76TH SPRING FESTIVAL GALA BRINGS
HOUSTON TOGETHER FOR THE YEAR OF THE FIRE HORSE
By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
substantial scholarship funds to deserving students in the Houston area — with top individual awards reaching $10,000
The 2026 Gala serves as a spotlight moment for these scholarship recipients, who will be honored at the event for academic excellence, leadership, community promise, and their courageous pursuit of higher education.
The Honorary Gala Chair is none other than the legendary Hon. Martha Wong, Ed.D. who has been a leading example of firsts such as the first Asian American elected to Houston’s City Council and the first Asian American woman elected to the Texas State House.
Keynote Speaker: A Leader in Innovation
The evening will feature keynote speaker Dr. James Tour, the distinguished TT and WF Chao Professor at Rice University. A unique academic with over 200 patents, 150,000 research citations, owner of 17 companies and new revolutionary processes to retrieve rare earth from waste. Dr. Tour’s contributions to advanced materials, and
nanotechnology exemplify the excellence CPC seeks to inspire — making him a fitting and timely keynote for this milestone gala.
The Golden Service Award
This year the Golden Service Award goes to Drs. James and Elizabeth Tang, longtime Houstonians and lifetime members of the CPC. They have held every position and served as consummate examples of CPC leadership and the CPC volunteer spirit.
Guests are encouraged to attend early, enjoy the fellowship atmosphere, and celebrate with scholarship winners and the legends of CPC’s legacy of community impact.
CPC’s Mission: Professional Development,
Service & Fellowship
For 76 years, CPC’s mission has centered around three enduring themes that have ensured its relevance and impact across generations in Greater Houston:
• Professional Development: Enhancing knowledge, business skills, and professional networking through seminars, lectures, and collaboration.
• Service: Promoting broad community welfare by raising funds for scholarships and meaningful activities that support students and families.
• Fellowship: Advancing mutual understanding and social enjoyment through regular cultural and social gatherings.
Originally established to foster fellowship among Chinese and Chinese American university students, CPC grew to include a broader cross-section of professionals — from doctors and engineers to educators and business leaders — reflecting Houston’s dynamic and diverse professional landscape.
About the Chinese Professional Club (CPC)
Founded in 1950 as the Chinese University Club, CPC was created as a space for Chinese students and young professionals to connect, learn, and contribute.
Houston Style Magazine is proud to spotlight this uniquely Houston event — a celebration that combines heritage, heart, and optimism for a brighter year ahead.
www.CPCHoustonTX.org
Houston Mayor - John Whitmire
Photos By
Lynden Rose and Mayor Whitmire
Downtown Houston came alive with purpose, pride, and possibility as the 2026 MLK Unity Parade concluded in powerful fashion on Monday, January 19, 2026, reaffirming the city’s enduring commitment to unity, service, and justice. From the first steps of the morning procession to the final cheers at Tranquility Park, Houston didn’t just remember history—it actively carried it forward.
Restored to its full glory, this year’s parade was a vibrant expression of Dr.
H 2026 Houston MLK Unity Parade H
Restored To Its Full Glory + Ready for
H Grand Marshalls – MADD HATTA, Mayor John Whitmire & Charles Stamps + Monday, January 19, 2026 H
King’s vision in motion. Families lined the streets, community organizations marched with intention, and the city’s energy reflected a shared belief that progress is strongest when it is collective. The presence of civic leaders, faith voices, educators, artists, and young people created a living portrait of what unity looks like in action—diverse, joyful, and determined. At the heart of the celebration was a renewed dedication to the principles championed by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.—
justice rooted in compassion, leadership grounded in service, and hope anchored in community. The parade’s Grand Marshals and special guests symbolized both legacy and momentum, bridging generations and reminding Houstonians that the work of equality continues, step by step.
Beyond the parade route, the MLK Festival at Tranquility Park extended the celebration with family-friendly programming, educational exhibits, and opportunities for connection—transforming remembrance
into engagement.
As the banners were folded and the streets reopened, one truth remained clear: Houston showed the nation what it means to honor Dr. King not only with words, but with action. The 2026 MLK Unity Parade didn’t just march—it moved hearts, strengthened bonds, and set the tone for a year guided by hope.
KG Smooth, Keisha Nicole & Madd Hatta
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Photos By TeamStyleMag
In Houston, momentum matters—and few stories capture that spirit better than that of Keonte Sowunmi, a driven student at Houston City College who is turning everyday movement into meaningful impact through his role on METRO’s Street Team.
For Sowunmi, education doesn’t stop at the classroom door. It extends onto buses, rail platforms, sidewalks, and community events across the city. When he’s not studying, he’s out in the neighborhoods—by rail, bus, or on foot—helping Houstonians understand how METRO can better connect them to work, school, and opportunity.
“We travel all around the Houston area educating the community about what METRO can offer,” Sowunmi shared. That mission-driven role fits him perfectly. Known for his approachable personality and people-first communication style—what he calls his “gift of gab”—he naturally became a trusted guide for riders navigating routes, fare options, and service changes.
Before joining METRO, Sowunmi worked just blocks away at the Tellepsen Family Downtown YMCA, where a routine membership tour unexpectedly turned into a career pivot. A conversation with METRO Street Team manager Kayona Bas-
EDUCATION IN MOTION: HCC STUDENT FINDS PURPOSE IN THE CLASSROOM –
tian quickly became an interview— and then an opportunity.
“From there, everything took off,” he said.
Today, Sowunmi serves as a vital human link between METRO and the communities it serves.
AND ACROSS HOUSTON – WITH METRO
By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
His responsibilities range from assisting riders during service interruptions to supporting outreach campaigns and distributing information at major community events. Many of those events take place on college campuses—especially HCC—where a longstanding HCC–METRO partnership helps students access affordable transportation options that make higher education more attainable.
Keonte Sowunmi
Public transportation is also how Sowunmi gets around Houston himself, making the role deeply personal.
Already fluent in transit apps and fare programs, he found purpose in empowering others with the same knowledge. “Sometimes I’ll run into people I’ve helped before,” he said. “They thank me and tell me how much I’ve helped them. That’s when you realize you’re making a real impact.”
Originally from California, Sowunmi moved to Houston two years ago and enrolled at HCC in December 2025 during the mini semester. He is currently completing his core coursework and plans to earn
his associate degree in May 2027. From there, he aims to transfer to the University of Houston or the University of Houston–Downtown to study finance or business management—fields that align with his goal of staying people-centered, active, and engaged beyond a desk.
For Houston Style Magazine readers, Sowunmi’s journey is a reminder that education, workforce development, and community service are deeply connected—especially when strong partners like HCC and METRO work in tandem to keep Houston moving forward.
If you’re future-focused and ready to start your own journey, Houston City College offers pathways designed to move with you—wherever life takes you. Learn more and apply today at hccs.edu/apply
Since 1989, Houston Style Magazine has proudly highlighted the partnerships, people, and progress shaping Houston’s future—on campus, on the streets, and everywhere in between.
For more than a century, the Office of the Harris County Attorney has stood as a pillar of public service—protecting taxpayers, defending civil rights, and ensuring justice is not just a principle, but a lived experience across Harris County. That legacy of service continues with a forward-looking commitment to education and equity through the 2026 Summer Legal Academy, now accepting applications from motivated high school students ready to explore the power—and purpose—of the law.
Designed as an immersive, twoweek educational experience, the Summer Legal Academy opens doors for students who may not otherwise see themselves reflected in the legal profession. The program introduces participants to careers in law, public service, and civic leadership while demystifying the path to law school and beyond. For Houston Style Magazine readers who believe opportunity should be local, accessible, and transformative, this program delivers on all three.
Since its launch in 2022, the Academy has empowered more than 120 students from over 20 Harris County
BUILDING THE NEXT GENERATION OF LEGAL LEADERS: HARRIS COUNTY ATTORNEY'S
SUMMER LEGAL ACADEMY RETURNS FOR 2026
By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
high schools, including campuses in Houston ISD, Alief ISD, Klein ISD, and other local districts. These students didn’t just sit in classrooms—they engaged directly with attorneys, judges, public servants, and community leaders who showed them how the law works in real life and how it can be used to serve communities with integrity.
During the program, students gain practical insight into:
• The law school application process
• Preparing for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
• What to expect as a law student
• The wide range of legal careers, from public interest and civil rights to corporate and governmental law
Equally important, students hear firsthand stories from professionals who once stood where they stand now—curious, ambitious, and ready to make a difference.
The 2026 Summer Legal Academy is open to Harris County students entering grades 10 through 12. Applicants are required to submit an online application, a letter of recommendation, a writing sample, a short essay, and a personal statement—components designed not to intimidate, but to help students begin thinking like future advocates and leaders.
Key Dates to Know
• Priority Application Deadline: Sunday, March 2
• Final Application Deadline: Sunday, March 23
• Program Dates: Monday, July 13 through Friday, July 24
(Full attendance for the two-week program is required.)
Parents, educators, counselors, and mentors are strongly encouraged to share this opportunity with students who show promise, curiosity, and a desire to lead. The Summer Legal Academy isn’t just about learning the law—it’s about learning that your voice matters and that public service is a powerful calling.
Additional details and the full application are available at: cao.harriscountytx.gov/students
At Houston Style Magazine, we celebrate programs that invest in our youth, strengthen our civic future, and honor Houston’s long-standing tradition of leadership. The Harris County Attorney’s Summer Legal Academy does all three—boldly, thoughtfully, and with an eye on tomorrow.
www.cao.harriscountytx.gov/students
The heartbeat of Wakanda is getting deeper, richer—and unmistakably legendary.
With Black Panther 3 quietly but confidently moving forward, director Ryan Coogler is once again at the creative helm, and this time he’s welcoming cinematic royalty into the Marvel Cinematic Universe: Denzel Washington
Yes—that Denzel. The Oscar-winning icon whose presence alone elevates every frame he touches.
A Role Written for Greatness
Washington first teased his involvement in 2024, sharing that Coogler was writing a role specifically for him. Since then, confirmations from multiple outlets— and Coogler himself—have made it clear: this isn’t a cameo, and it’s not casual. This is a purpose-built role, crafted with intention and gravitas, designed to expand Wakanda’s mythology and emotional reach.
While Marvel Studios remains character-tight-lipped (as they do best), insiders agree the role is significant—one that
DENZEL WASHINGTON ENTERS WAKANDA: BLACK PANTHER 3 Levels UP with A LEGEND
By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
will resonate deeply within the story’s spiritual, political, or ancestral dimensions. Translation: expect wisdom, power, and a performance that lingers long after the credits roll.
Why This Moment Matters For Washington, Black Panther
3 is more than another blockbuster. He has openly shared that he’s being highly selective at this stage of his career, choosing projects that challenge him and mean something. His decision to step into Wakanda underscores the cultural weight of the franchise—and its global
impact. It also brings things beautifully full circle. The late Chadwick Boseman once credited Washington as a mentor and supporter, famously stating, “There is no Black Panther without Denzel Washington.” That legacy now echoes on screen.
Wakanda Expands, Speculation Soars
As antic -
ipation builds, so does speculation. Social media buzz has floated names like Damson
Idris and David Jonsson as potential new-generation figures in Wakanda’s future—though no casting beyond Washington has been confirmed. What is clear: Coogler’s vision
continues to balance reverence for the past with bold storytelling forward.
Marvel chief Kevin Feige has previously confirmed ongoing conversations with Coogler about the next chapter, signaling that this sequel is being shaped with care, patience, and purpose.
Houston Style Magazine’s Take For Houston—and for Black audiences worldwide—Black Panther has always been more than a movie. It’s culture, pride, Afrofuturism, and possibility wrapped in cinematic excellence. Adding Denzel Washington to that legacy isn’t just smart casting—it’s historic alignment Wakanda is evolving. The crown is expanding. And with Coogler’s pen and Washington’s presence, Black Panther 3 is poised to be not just the next MCU chapter—but a defining one.
Stay with Houston Style Magazine for updates as Marvel makes it official, including casting announcements, release timelines, and exclusive cultural insight.
www.Marvel.com/movies/black-panther
MARSALIS QUARTET BELONGING TOUR
Houston’s global cultural heartbeat will resonate with centuries of spiritual artistry when The Ismaili Center, Houston hosts the internationally celebrated Saami Brothers for an intimate evening of qawwali and classical South Asian music. Set along the scenic Allen Parkway corridor, this one-night-only performance invites Houstonians into a living tradition where devotion, discipline, and virtuosity converge.
A Living Lineage of Sacred Music
Comprising brothers Rauf, Urooj, Ahmed, and Azeem Saami, the Saami Brothers are not simply performers—they are stewards of a musical lineage that stretches back nearly 800 years. Trained under their father, the legendary Ustad Naseeruddin Saami, the brothers are heirs to the revered Qawwal Bachcha (Delhi Gharana) tradition. This lineage traces its roots to Amir Khusrau, the 13th-century Sufi poet, scholar, and composer whose influence still shapes South Asian devotional music today.
The family’s recent recognition with the 2025 Patron’s Award at the Aga Khan Music Awards underscores their global significance and lifelong commitment to preserving classical forms in their most authentic expression. Ustad Naseeruddin Saami himself is a recipient of Pakistan’s highest cultural honors, including the Tamgha-e-Imtiaz and Pride of Performance.
The Ismaili Center Welcomes The SAAMI Brothers For A Unforgettable Night Of Qawwali – Saturday January 31st
By Francis Page Jr. – www.StyleMagazine.com
Why This Performance Matters
Qawwali is more than music—it is an act of remembrance, a spiritual dialogue carried by rhythm, poetry, and breath. The Saami Brothers are internationally renowned for their rare command of the 49-note microtonal scale, an almost-lost classical system that allows extraordinary emotional range and nuance. Their performances bridge sacred devotion with classical rigor, creating an experience that feels at once ancient and immediate.
For Houston Style Magazine readers, and for Houston—one of America’s most diverse and globally connected cities—this concert is a celebration of cultural continuity and shared humanity. It
reflects the Ismaili Center’s mission to foster dialogue, understanding, and exchange through the arts, welcoming audiences of all backgrounds into a space of beauty and reflection.
The Ismaili Center, Houston: https://www.ismailicenter.org Contact: info@ismailicenter.org
A Rare Invitation
In a fast-moving world, moments like this invite us to slow down, listen deeply, and connect across time and culture. The Saami Brothers’ Houston appearance is more than a concert—it is a rare opportunity to experience a sacred musical tradition that has endured for centuries, carried faithfully from generation to generation, now echoing beautifully in the heart of Houston. For lovers of world music, cultural exploration, and transcendent live performance, this is an evening not to be missed.
www.IsmailiCenter.org
Saami Brothers
Purpose met presence, and leadership met restoration as Kyra Rénel Hardwick, founder and CEO of The Kyra Company, set the tone as the Day One keynote speaker at the H.E.R. Retreat, a two-day immersive wellness and leadership experience held Saturday–Monday, January 11–13, 2026, at the iconic The Houstonian Hotel
Hosted by J. Flowers Health Institute in partnership with Hired Power, Stride Denver, and Skyterra, the H.E.R. Retreat convened women leaders, executives, and changemakers for an intentionally designed experience rooted in healing, clarity, and renewal. For professionals whose work centers on serving others, the retreat offered something often postponed: time to reset, reflect, and realign.
Hardwick opened the retreat with her powerful keynote, “Reclaiming Your Voice + Power,” delivering a dynamic, soul-centered message that resonated deeply with the room. Blending wisdom, wit, and real-world leadership strategy, she challenged attendees to redefine success on their own terms—beyond burnout, beyond external validation, and beyond outdated metrics that no longer serve them.
Drawing from years of advising high-performing CEOs, founders, and emerging leaders, Hardwick shared actionable insights on sustainable leadership, intentional decision-making, and aligning
Kyra Rénel Harwick Sparks Renewal, Clarity & Power at H.E.R. Retreat For Women Leaders
By Francis Page Jr. – www.StyleMagazine.com
people, process, and profitability without sacrificing personal well-being. Her message was clear: clarity is not a luxury—it’s a leadership responsibility.
“Sometimes the teacher is the student, and sometimes the student is the teacher. I was both,” Hardwick reflected. “I benefited immensely from two days of dedicated focus—clearing space I didn’t even realize was still crowded. I thought I had done the work, and I realized I’m still doing the work.”
That honesty became a throughline for the retreat.
Beyond the keynote sessions, H.E.R. Retreat participants experienced a thoughtfully curated blend of spa treatments, therapeutic mini-sessions, breathwork, movement, and guided workshops designed to support mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Each element rein-
forced the retreat’s central theme: leadership thrives when wellness is not optional, but foundational.
The experience concluded with a closing ritual centered on integration, gratitude, and forward vision—sending attendees back to their organizations not just recharged, but refocused.
As a trusted advisor and fierce advocate for collaborative, purpose-driven leadership, Hardwick continues to help organizations navigate complexity while building cultures grounded in performance, authenticity, and human-centered strategy. Her presence at the H.E.R. Retreat didn’t just open the program—it anchored it.
For women leaders navigating high-stakes roles in an ever-demanding world, the H.E.R. Retreat delivered what many didn’t know they were missing: permission to pause, power to realign, and a
renewed commitment to lead from a place of purpose.
For more information about The Kyra Company, visit https://www. thekyracompany.com/.
About Kyra Rénel Hardwick
Kyra Rénel Hardwick is the founder and Managing Consultant of The Kyra Company, LLC, an operations and business development consulting firm established in 2015. An accomplished author, speaker, and strategist, Hardwick is known for her ability to identify opportunities for profit protection, operational efficiency, and cultural alignment by leveraging people, process, and profitability. She is also the founder of Imagine Excellence, Inc., a youth leadership development nonprofit launched in 2008.
www.TheKyraCompany.com
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