Def Jam Recordings China Launch: Universal Music Brings Hip Hop Legacy To Chengdu
By Francis Page, Jr. - Editor • www.Stylemagazine.com
In a move that signals both cultural confidence and global ambition, Universal Music Group has officially launched Def Jam Recordings China, planting one of hip-hop’s most iconic brands in Chengdu, a city widely celebrated as the creative heartbeat of Chinese hip-hop. For music lovers in Houston—one of America’s most influential hip-hop cities—this moment resonates deeply. It’s another reminder that hip-hop is no longer a genre with borders; it’s a global language with local dialects.
Founded more than 40 years ago, Def Jam has long stood as a cultural amplifier for authentic voices—artists who speak from lived experience and shape movements far beyond the booth. From New York City’s street corners to global arenas, the label has consistently proven that when hip-hop stays rooted in truth, it travels far. With Def Jam Recordings China, that legacy now expands into one of the world’s fastest-growing and most dynamic music markets.
Chengdu, often called the capital of Chinese hip-hop, is a strategic and symbolic choice. Known for its vibrant live-music ecosystem, street culture, and creative risk-taking, the city mirrors the very conditions that helped hip-hop thrive in places like Houston, Atlanta, and Los Angeles. Chengdu’s youth-driven energy, coupled with its growing international cultural profile, makes it fertile ground for Def Jam’s next chapter.
At the heart of the launch is a powerful commitment to community leadership. Def Jam Recordings China named three respected voices as Special Guest Curators—Xie Di (谢 ), Yitai Wang ( ), and Deng Dianguo “DDG” (谢 DDG). These artists aren’t just chart-makers; they’re cultural architects. Their role is to identify, mentor, and elevate emerging talent across China, ensuring the next wave of hip-hop artists remains authentic, innovative, and deeply connected to local realities.
Equally significant is Def Jam China’s collaboration with Migu Music, a leading digital content platform under China Mobile. Together, they are championing Guofeng Hip-hop—a creative direction blending modern hip-hop production with Chinese language, storytelling traditions, and cultural references. Think of it as the sonic equivalent of Southern hip-hop’s rise in the U.S.: proudly regional, unapologetically original, and globally influential.
This partnership isn’t just about music releases. It spans talent incubation, digital distribution, live performances, merchandising, and street-culture expression—building an ecosystem designed to move Chinese hip-hop from local scenes to global stages. For Houston creatives watching closely, the parallels are striking: community investment, digital innovation, and respect for cultural roots are the same pillars that helped Houston hip-hop reshape the global soundscape.
Universal Music executives made clear that this launch is about long-term cultural exchange, not imitation. Def Jam Recordings China is designed to help
Chinese artists define hip-hop on their own terms—while giving them access to a worldwide audience hungry for fresh perspectives. In an era where global listeners crave authenticity, that approach feels not just respectful, but smart.
The label’s official unveiling at Chengdu’s Eastern Suburb Memory—an industrial space reborn as a cultural hub— perfectly captured the moment. A celebration of Def Jam’s four-decade legacy met the promise of a new generation, as artists, designers, venue operators, and cultural leaders gathered to witness history in the making.
For Houston Style Magazine readers, this launch underscores a powerful truth: hip-hop’s future is global, but its power remains local. From Houston to Chengdu, the culture thrives wherever communities are empowered to tell their own stories—loudly, creatively, and without compromise.
In Minnesota this winter, amid the steady stream of grim headlines out of Minneapolis, one story barely made it beyond Duluth’s city limits. The Duluth News Tribune and other regional outlets are inviting residents to dig into the city’s archives, retell old stories, and share plans for America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. Town halls are discussing parades. Local museums are planning exhibits. Families are marking the milestone in small, thoughtful ways.
Amid the snow and long nights, there is a quiet insistence on remembering, on telling the stories that matter. And yet, not far away, the news tells of lives ended, of authority deployed without accountability, of neighbors afraid to act. The contrast is sharp. It is both a blessing and a wound.
This year, as America approaches its 250th anniversary, the circumstances that led our ancestors to rebel feel more familiar than they should. Standing armies enforcing laws without consent. Violence meted out without accountability. Ordinary people afraid to act. And yet, like the colonists in Boston, we are reminded that liberty is not inherited; it is earned, defended, and demanded.
In Minneapolis, the killings of Renée Nicole Good and Alex Jeffrey Pretti by federal immigration agents have underscored that lesson in the harshest terms. Their deaths remind us that no one is immune to injustice when authority acts without accountability. Some administration officials have publicly suggested that federal agents enjoy sweeping immunity from local oversight — claims that legal experts dispute — but the rhetoric underscores how far we’ve drifted from the principle that no authority should be above the law.
I watch my children, and the people I love, grow more fearful with each news cycle. I watch neighbors endure quietly, afraid to speak out. Their courage is tested not in the abstract, but in daily life — just as it was for my ancestors under British rule. They endured fear. They felt the weight of authority without accountability. And yet they stood, risking life and limb, to insist that liberty was not a privilege of the powerful, but a right of all.
I carry their legacy with me. I
COMMENTARY
REMEMBERING THE REVOLUTION: LESSONS FOR TODAY
IN A STATE WHERE TOWNS REVISIT OLD STORIES AND CITIES REEL FROM NEW ONES, AMERICA’S 250TH ASKS WHAT IT REALLY MEANS TO BE FREE.
By Ben Jealous, National Political Commentator
am a descendant of seven members of the Massachusetts line of the Continental Army, enslaved people who supported the Revolution, and two Black Reconstruction-era statesmen in Virginia who helped rebuild the nation after the Civil War. I am also the child of parents who were active in the civil rights movement — a multiracial family that taught me early: freedom is never given. It must be defended.
As we did 50 years ago, we will honor this 250th anniversary by telling stories to our children, much like communities in Duluth are doing now. That year, 1976, marked the bicentennial of the Revolution and the centennial of the end of Reconstruction. It was my grandmothers who told most of the stories — one White, one Black — each with her own focus. My White grandmother kept the Revolution close to her heart. My Black grandmother told stories of the Civil War and the era of Reconstruction.
They shared these histories not as trivia, but as instruction: to teach, to inspire, and to hold firm to the principles that guided our ancestors, white and Black alike. In their different stories, the same thread ran through both: the American principles that led our ancestors to throw off kings also made it possible to throw off slave owners. Liberty, they showed us, was never limited to one race, one time, or one struggle.
Our nation’s story is one of struggle and perseverance. For people across races, regions, and walks of life, liberty has always been contested. The ideals of the Revolution were aspirational from the start, limited by the exclusions of the time, and extended only through centuries of struggle: abolition, civil rights, voting rights, labor rights, and the ongoing fight for accountability and justice for all.
As cities plan parades, concerts, and tall ship flotillas for the 250th, we should ask who will be invited to the stage and
whose stories will be told. Celebrations of liberty mean little if they erase the struggles that made it possible or ignore freedoms still denied today.
The deaths in Minnesota are not merely local tragedies; they are a call to the conscience of every American. They remind us that the revolution — the effort to define freedom as something real and universal — is not over. It didn’t end on a battlefield, and it doesn’t stop with another fireworks display.
So when we tell the stories this year, let’s do it as my grandmothers did. Let us tell history to the children as instruction for the America we must all build together again.
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.
In 2026, the world’s attention will be fixed squarely on Houston — and for good reason.
As the Bayou City prepares to host some of the largest international sporting events on the planet, the Houston Port Region continues to play its essential, often unseen role behind the scenes. From moving people, products, and energy to ensuring infrastructure, manufacturing, and workforce systems perform flawlessly, this region is where global ambition meets real-world execution.
That story takes center stage on Thursday, February 12, 2026 , when the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region convenes business, civic, and industry leaders for its Annual Membership Banquet — an evening where global sports, economic development, and Houston’s long-term regional strength collide.
Houston Style Magazine is proud to serve as an official Gold Sponsor, amplifying the voices, vision, and leadership driving Houston’s moment on the world stage.
When Global Sports Meet Regional Power
This year’s banquet explores what it truly means for Houston to host three marquee international sporting events:
You’ll hear firsthand insights from industry leaders Chris Canetti (FIFA), Marcel
HOUSTON TAKES THE GLOBAL STAGE: CENTER OF THE WORLD’S BIGGEST EVENTS
By Francis Page, Jr. for
Braithwaite (Houston Astros), and Doug Hall (Toyota Center/Houston Rockets) as they break down what these marquee events mean for our region. With Ryan Walsh, CEO of the Harris County-Houston Sports Authority moderating this powerhouse panel, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of how Houston is positioning itself as a rising force in the global sports arena. If you want to stay ahead of what’s coming next for our city, this is the event to attend.
While fans will pack stadiums and millions more watch worldwide, the real work happens far beyond the spotlight. Ports must operate seamlessly, freight must flow, workforce pipelines must be ready, and infrastructure must perform without pause. The Houston Port Region is the backbone that makes it all happen — efficiently, strategically, and globally.
Perspectives You Won’t Hear in the Bleachers
The 2026 program features four influential speakers directly involved in delivering these global events. Their insights offer a rare, behind-the-scenes look at:
• The economic ripple effect of mega-events across the Houston region
• How international sports accelerate infrastructure and private investment
• Workforce readiness and job creation tied to global visibility
• The long-term legacy these moments leave for communities and commerce
This is not a fan’s conversation — it’s a leadership dialogue about scale, readiness, and regional opportunity.
More Than a Banquet — A Strategic Moment for Houston
The Annual Membership Banquet is
more than a celebration. It is a strategic convening focused on collaboration, preparedness, and legacy. As Houston steps confidently into 2026, the Economic Alliance Houston Port Region continues to unite the partners and decision-makers ensuring the region doesn’t just host the world — it leads it.
For readers of Houston Style Magazine, this event represents a front-row seat to the conversations shaping Houston’s economic future and its growing influence on the global stage.
Event Details
Economic Alliance Houston Port Region – Annual Membership Banquet
Thursday, February 12, 2026 San Jacinto College – LyondellBasell Center for Petrochemical, Energy & Technology 7901 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena, TX 77505
Houston is ready. The world is watching. And Houston Style Magazine is proud to help tell the story.
As Houston’s recent freeze begins to thaw, one thing never cooled down: the urgency surrounding local politics. This Saturday, January 31, voters across Congressional District 18 will decide who completes the unfinished term of the late, trailblazing Congressman Sylvester Turner—bringing long-awaited representation back to a district that has gone nearly a year without a voice in Washington.
The special election runoff between Christian Menefee and Amanda Edwards now heads into its final stretch, energized by a pivotal ruling that extended early voting after winter weather shuttered polls earlier this month. Thanks to Latosha Lewis Payne, voters have additional days to cast ballots at 17 early voting locations—an expansion that both campaigns agree is critical for democratic access.
A District Ready to Be Heard
As of midweek, turnout numbers underscored both the challenge and the opportunity ahead. Fewer than 9,000 early votes had been cast, with strong participation at historic community anchors like Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in Third Ward, SPJST Lodge in The Heights, and the Acres Homes Multi-Service Center. Campaigns on both sides say those numbers reflect pent-up civic energy—and the stakes
SHOWDOWN FOR CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 18: Houston’s Voice Nears Its Return at the Ballot Box
By Burt Levine, Political Editor for www.StyleMagazine.com
of restoring representation.
Menefee, 37, welcomed the extension, emphasizing fairness and access.
“Our community shouldn’t have to settle for a rushed process in such an important election,” he said, noting that residents have waited far too long for a seat at the congressional table. Backed by leaders including Rodney Ellis and Jasmine Crockett, Menefee frames the moment as a chance for the district to reassert itself nationally.
Edwards, 44, echoed that urgency, calling the runoff a turning point for a district sidelined from federal advocacy. Trailing narrowly in the November election, she has leaned into grassroots engagement and symbolic alliances, highlighting her ties to the legacy of District 18 icons like Barbara Jordan and Mickey Leland. “We are on the
cusp of getting our voice back,” Edwards said. “And every eligible voter deserves the chance to participate.
What Happens Next
Whoever emerges victorious Saturday will immediately step into the role of incumbent—just weeks before Super Tuesday Democratic primaries begin, with early voting starting February 17. That means a rapid transition: opening offices in Washington and Houston, tackling constituent needs, and catching up on nearly a year’s worth of unfinished business for a district central to the region’s economic and social fabric. Looking ahead, the race does not end with the runoff. Both candidates are expected to face additional competition, including Gretchen Brown and veteran
lawmaker Al Green, who has signaled he is ready for a spirited contest. Green, never one to shy away from political theater, reiterated his record of securing billions in federal investment for Houston-area institutions— from the Texas Medical Center to the Port of Houston and the VA Hospital—while reaffirming his reputation as an unflinching independent voice.
The Bigger Picture
Beyond personalities and percentages, this election is about momentum. Congressional District 18 has long stood at the crossroads of civil rights history, economic opportunity, and grassroots activism. Saturday’s runoff is more than a procedural finale—it is a civic reset, a chance for voters to reclaim representation and shape how Houston’s priorities are heard in Washington during a consequential election year. For Houston Style Magazine readers, the message is clear: democracy here is alive, active, and worth showing up for. Whether through early voting or Election Day turnout, this is the moment for District 18 to turn anticipation into action—and finally bring its voice back to Congress.
Houston is a city built on momentum—on leaders who understand that real progress happens when service, vision, and collaboration intersect. That spirit takes center stage at the Leadership Houston Inspire Luncheon 2026, set for Friday, February 13, 2026, from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM, at the Junior League of Houston, where two very different—but deeply aligned—leaders will be honored for their lasting contributions to the city.
This year’s Inspire Luncheon 2026 recognizes Winell Herron of H-E-B with the Icon Award, and Richard Jennings, Leadership Houston Class VII, with the Luminary Award—a pairing that reflects the full arc of Leadership Houston’s mission: cultivating leaders who serve both from positions of institutional influence and from sustained civic commitment.
Icon Leadership: Winell Herron and the Power of Corporate Citizenship
Winell Herron’s leadership at H-E-B represents the modern standard for corporate responsibility in Texas. More than a grocery retailer, H-E-B has long functioned as a community anchor—showing up in moments of crisis, investing in neighborhoods, and building trust across generations. Herron’s recognition with the Icon Award honors not only her professional achievements, but her role in ensuring that business leadership remains people-centered, values-driven, and deeply connected to the communities it serves.
In a city as vast and diverse as Hous-
AND RICHARD JENNINGS, CLASS VII LUMINARY
LEADERSHIP HOUSTON’S INSPIRE LUNCHEON 2026 CELEBRATES TWO MODELS OF IMPACT: WINELL HERRON OF H-E-B
By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
ton, that kind of leadership matters. It sets a tone—one where success is measured not just by growth, but by impact.
The Luminary Award: Richard Jennings and Leadership That Endures
While the Icon Award honors community leadership from the outside in, the Luminary Award celebrates Leadership Houston alumni who have carried the organization’s values forward long after their class year concluded. This year’s Luminary honoree, Richard Jennings of Class VII, embodies that legacy.
Jennings’ career reflects what Leadership Houston was designed to produce: leaders who understand Houston’s complexities, respect its diversity, and commit to civic engagement as a lifelong responsibility. His selection places him among a distinguished group of past Luminary honorees—including Sanjay Ramabhadran, Linda Toyota, and Gordon Quan—whose work continues to
shape Houston’s public, private, and nonprofit sectors.
A Conversation Rooted in Experience
Adding depth to the luncheon program will be a moderated conversation led by Sanjay Ramabhadran, himself a Luminary Award recipient and respected civic voice. The dialogue between Herron and Jennings promises insight into leadership across sectors—how corporate influence and alumni-driven civic leadership can work in concert to strengthen Houston’s future.
Leadership Houston: More Than Four Decades of Civic Impact
Founded in 1982, Leadership Houston was created to bring leaders from different communities and industries together, increase dialogue, and foster collaboration on the issues shaping Houston’s quality of life. Today, the organization boasts more than 2,000 alumni, including elected officials, CEOs, nonprofit
leaders, and innovators such as Sheila Jackson Lee, Alejandra Salinas, Annise Parker, David Cordua, Vanessa Wyche, Beth Wolf, Martha Castex-Tatum, Sheroo Mukhtiar, Christian Menefee, Judson Robinson, Jagdip Ahluwalia, Tammi Wallace, and Amanda Edwards. At the heart of that impact is Leadership Houston’s Signature Program, a tenmonth immersive experience that explores Houston’s history, economy, and key sectors— energy, healthcare, education, government, and the creative economy—through retreats, monthly learning sessions, and civic projects designed to create transformational leaders. The overall theme for this year is ‘Celebrating the Ripple Effects of Leadership” reflecting the idea that leadership is a symbiotic relationship, empowering others as our actions inspire further action.
Mark Your Calendar
Leadership Houston Inspire Luncheon 2026
Friday, February 13, 2026 • 11:30 AM–1:00 PM • Junior League of Houston Honorees: Winell Herron (Icon Award), Richard Jennings – Class VII (Luminary Award)
TDECU has named Glenn Applewhite III as Market President for the Greater Houston Region, positioning him to lead growth and relationship-building efforts in one of the credit union’s largest and most active markets.
In his new role, Applewhite will oversee strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening Member engagement, expanding TDECU’s footprint, and supporting continued growth across the Houston area.
Applewhite brings more than 24 years of experience in banking and financial services. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President and Regional Manager for First National Bank and First Convenience Bank, where he managed operations for more than 45 branch locations and 300 employees throughout Houston, Southwest Texas, and East Texas. His background includes a strong focus on operational performance, business development, and team leadership, with an emphasis on enhancing the customer experience.
“I’m excited to join TDECU and support its mission of helping people prosper,” Applewhite said. “The Greater Houston Region presents significant opportunities, and I look forward to working closely with the community and our Members to help them reach their financial goals.”
TDECU President and CEO Isaac
TDECU NAMES GLENN APPLEWHITE III MARKET PRESIDENT FOR GREATER HOUSTON REGION
By Lisa Valadez – www.StyleMagazine.com
Johnson said Applewhite’s experience and leadership style align well with the organization’s growth strategy.
“Glenn brings a deep understanding of the market and a strong commitment to Member service,” Johnson said. “His leadership will play an important role as we continue to expand and innovate across the Houston region.”
Applewhite holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Alcorn State University and completed graduate-level coursework in economics at Tennessee State
University.
Active in the community, Applewhite is involved with One Church Harvest Point and has led outreach efforts focused on community engagement and financial literacy. He and his wife, RosAnne, have been married for 25 years and are the parents of three children.
Founded in 1955, TDECU is a notfor-profit credit union that has grown into one of the largest financial cooperatives in Texas, serving nearly 400,000 Members and managing more than $4.8 billion in assets.
The credit union maintains a significant presence across Greater Houston, where it operates numerous Member Centers and continues to expand access to financial services in one of the nation’s fastest-growing metropolitan areas.
TDECU offers a broad range of consumer and business financial products, including checking and savings accounts, certificates, auto and mortgage lending, credit cards, personal loans, digital and mobile banking services, and financial education programs. Members also have access to a nationwide network of tens of thousands of surcharge-free ATMs, as well as online tools designed to support budgeting, credit building, and long-term financial planning.
Applewhite’s appointment comes as Houston remains a critical market for financial institutions focused on accessibility and inclusion. Local research shows that a significant share of Houston-area residents remain unbanked or underbanked, relying on alternative financial services despite the region’s economic growth. Credit unions like TDECU play a key role in addressing those gaps by offering lower-cost banking options, financial literacy initiatives, and community-based outreach programs aimed at helping households build financial stability.
www.StyleMagazine.com
Glenn Applewhite, III - Houston President
The Houston Housing Authority has rebranded as Housing Alliance HTX, unveiling a new name, logo, and visual identity that signal a renewed focus on trust, respect, and care in serving residents and the broader Houston community. The transition includes the launch of a new website, alliancehtx.org, designed to offer clearer and more accessible information for residents, partners, and the public. Visitors to the former website will be automatically redirected to the new site during the transition.
A Shift in Identity and Approach
The new name reflects a shift in how the agency positions itself in the community. Housing Alliance HTX emphasizes its role as a service provider and partner, working alongside individuals and families as they pursue housing stability, self-sufficiency, and opportunity. The rebrand highlights collaboration and shared responsibility between the agency, residents, and community partners.
HOUSTON HOUSING AUTHORITY REBRANDS AS HOUSING ALLIANCE HTX
By Lisa Valadez for www.StyleMagazine.com
economic mobility and long-term stability, including Jobs Plus, Family Self-Sufficiency, and YouthBuild.
A new tagline, Opening Doors. Impacting Lives., underscores the agency’s work beyond housing alone. In addition to providing affordable homes, Housing Alliance HTX administers programs aimed at futures.
Marking Nearly Nine Decades of Service
The rebrand coincides with the agency’s 88th anniversary, marking nearly nine decades of public housing and community service in Houston. Agency leadership has indicated that the new identity reflects a commitment to working collectively with residents and partners, prioritizing respect, collaboration, and operational excellence while supporting families as they build their
The name Housing Alliance HTX also signals a broader community commitment. The agency positions itself as being in alliance with Houstonians, promoting not only housing access but also hope, a sense of home, healthy living, and human dignity.
New Visual Identity
The new visual identity was developed in partnership with Houston-based creative designer Chris Izaguirre, a Houston native and former participant in affordable housing programs. The logo is intended to
represent the agency’s mission of opening doors and expanding opportunity through housing and supportive services.
What Remains the Same
While the name and branding have changed, the agency’s core mission remains unchanged. Housing Alliance HTX continues to focus on providing quality, affordable housing options and promoting education and economic self-sufficiency for residents.
The new name and logo will be phased in across agency buildings, signage, and official documents over the coming months. Clients, partners, and stakeholders will receive direct communications outlining details of the transition.
About Housing Alliance HTX
Housing Alliance HTX, formerly the Houston Housing Authority, is a public housing agency serving more than 100,000 Houstonians. The organization provides affordable housing and partners with residents, community organizations, and public and private stakeholders to deliver programs that strengthen neighborhoods and create pathways to economic stability.
Photo courtesy of alliancehtx.org
Houston's classical music community is poised for an extraordinary moment as DaCamera presents one of the most emotionally daring vocal masterpieces of the 20th century—Harawi (Chant d’amour et de mort / Song of Love and Death) by Olivier Messiaen—performed by Grammy Award–winning soprano Julia Bullock alongside her longtime collaborator, acclaimed pianist Conor Hanick.
The performance takes place Friday, January 30, at 8:00 PM, inside the luminous Cullen Theater, Wortham Theater Center (501 Texas Avenue, Downtown Houston), as part of DaCamera’s prestigious Claudia and David Hatcher Series. For Houston audiences, this concert represents a rare and resonant opportunity to experience Harawi live—an event as intellectually rich as it is emotionally overwhelming.
A Vocal Masterpiece of Love, Loss, and the Eternal Messiaen’s Harawi is not simply a song cycle—it is a mythic journey. Composed in 1945 during the shadowed
SONG OF LOVE AND DEATH: JULIA BULLOCK BRINGS MESSIAEN’S HARAWI
TO HOUSTON IN A RARE, SPELLBINDING EVENING
By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
aftermath of World War II, the work draws inspiration from the Quechua culture of the Andes while exploring universal themes of passionate love, spiritual ecstasy, and inevitable death. Birdsong, jagged rhythms, lush harmonies, and surreal imagery collide, creating a soundscape that feels at once ancient and avant-garde.
For listeners, Harawi unfolds like a fever dream: stone idols loom, lovers whisper and cry out, monkeys chatter, dancers rattle ankle bells, and the music pivots effortlessly from jazzy wartime Parisian influences to imagined Andean folk traditions. Messiaen’s unmistakable
harmonic language—radiant, dissonant, and otherworldly—casts a spell that lingers long after the final note fades.
Julia Bullock: A Voice Made for Harawi
Few artists today are as uniquely suited to Harawi as Julia Bullock. Celebrated for her critically acclaimed appearances at the Metropolitan Opera and revered for boundary-breaking recital work, Bullock brings not just vocal command but dramatic fearlessness to the stage. Her interpretations are immersive, emotional, and intellectually precise—qualities essential for navigating Messiaen’s demanding score.
National critics have taken notice:
“Julia Bullock gives an extraordinary performance of Messiaen’s song cycle. Her voice filled the hall and never wavered.” — OperaWire
“Bullock took a spectacular deep dive into this hour of agony and ecstasy… She made Harawi into a beauteous yet dark landmark of singing.” — Los Angeles Times
At the piano, Conor Hanick proves an equal partner—his virtuosic, razor-sharp playing illuminating Messiaen’s intricate rhythms and kaleidoscopic harmonies with clarity and urgency. Together, Bullock and Hanick form a musical partnership defined by trust, intensity, and shared artistic vision.
A Houston Night to Remember Concerts like this don’t come around often. Harawi is rarely programmed, demanding not only exceptional performers but also an audience willing to lean in, listen deeply, and surrender to the music’s emotional extremes.
MARSALIS QUARTET BELONGING TOUR
On a crisp January morning marked by hard hats, hope, and history, Harris Health reached a major milestone with the topping-out of the John M. O’Quinn Hospital on the campus of Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital. The ceremonial placement of the ‘final beam’ on Thursday, January 23, 2026, signaled more than construction progress—it marked a bold investment in the future of public health care for Harris County and a reaffirmation of the system’s six-decade mission as the region’s essential safety-net provider.
The 12-story, $2 billion hospital is the centerpiece of Harris Health’s sweeping $3.2 billion strategic facilities plan, approved by voters in 2023 and designed to modernize and expand care across one of the nation’s most diverse and fastest-growing counties. Scheduled to open in 2029, the John M. O’Quinn Hospital will initially serve hundreds of patients daily, with the flexibility to expand to approximately 450 beds as community demand grows.
“This moment belongs to our people,” said Harris Health President and CEO Dr. Esmaeil Porsa, addressing a crowd that included county leaders, medical professionals, construction partners, and community stakeholders. “Our employees, our physicians, our students—they are the reason this vision is becoming reality. And they’re just getting started.”
HARRIS HEALTH TOPS OUT THE $2 BILLION JOHN M. O’QUINN HOSPITAL —
A DEFINING MOMENT FOR PUBLIC HEALTH IN HARRIS COUNTY
By Francis Page Jr. – www.StyleMagazine.com
Joining Porsa were Harris County Commissioners Rodney Ellis and Lesley Briones, along with Dr. Andrea Caracostis, chair of the Harris Health Board of Trustees and CEO of Hope Clinic, and Dr. Melina Kibbe, president of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. Together, they underscored the project’s significance not only as a building, but as a platform for equity, resilience, and world-class care outside the Texas Medical Center.
Named in honor of legendary Houston trial lawyer John M. O’Quinn, the hospital reflects a landmark philanthropic commitment. The John M. O’Quinn Foundation contributed $40 million—the largest
single gift in Harris Health’s history—helping the system reach its $100 million philanthropic goal a remarkable seven years ahead of schedule. The name joins a distinguished list of O’Quinn-supported institutions across Houston’s medical and academic landscape. Construction of the campus is a true Houston collaboration. McCarthy Building Companies leads development of the hospital tower, while Houston-based Tellepsen is constructing a central utility plant and O’Donnell/Snider Construction is delivering a new parking garage. Beyond bricks and mortar, the campus is being designed with resilience in mind: six backup generators, buried power lines through an
agreement with CenterPoint Energy, and a helipad positioned to support future trauma and emergency response services.
Notably, Harris Health plans to seek Level 1 trauma certification for the LBJ campus—an achievement that would make it the first Level 1 trauma center in Houston located outside the Texas Medical Center. The hospital will also feature green spaces, walking trails, and a new pavilion to expand Harris Health’s beloved farmers market and urban farm, blending wellness with community connection.
The timing could not be more critical. With Harris County’s population continuing to rise and potential shifts in health insurance coverage looming, Harris Health is preparing for increased demand. The John M. O’Quinn Hospital, alongside new community clinics and strategic upgrades systemwide, positions Harris Health to meet that challenge head-on—safely, sustainably, and with dignity.
Houston Style Magazine readers, as Harris Health also celebrates its 60th anniversary, the topping-out of the John M. O’Quinn Hospital stands as a powerful reminder: when voters, philanthropy, and public institutions align, the result is not just a hospital—but a promise kept to generations of Houstonians who depend on it.
For Houston Style Magazine, this milestone is more than news—it’s history in the making,
At a moment when access to affordable, high-quality health care feels increasingly fragile for many families, Legacy Community Health is doubling down on what it has always believed: health care is a right, not a privilege. Guiding that mission forward is Legacy’s recently appointed CEO, Robert Palussek, a steady, thoughtful leader whose vision blends compassion with operational excellence—and whose roots inside the organization run deep.
Named CEO in June 2025 after serving as interim CEO and previously as Chief Operating Officer, Palussek steps into the role during a period of unprecedented demand. Houston and Southeast Texas continue to grow at a rapid pace, post-COVID health care needs remain high, and affordability pressures—from insurance premiums to out-of-pocket costs—are squeezing working families. For Palussek, the challenge isn’t just growth; it’s responsible growth.
“Every decision we make starts with one question: does this help our patients?” Palussek says. “Expansion isn’t about getting bigger, it’s about making sure every person who walks through our doors receives care that is accessible, compassionate, and dependable.”
That philosophy aligns seamlessly with Legacy’s nearly five-decade legacy
GET TO KNOW LEGACY COMMUNITY HEALTH’S NEW CEO: Robert Palussek Leads With Purpose, Growth, and Community at the Core
By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
of service. As Texas’ largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) and the seventh largest in the nation, Legacy serves 250,000 patients annually through more than 60 clinics across Houston and the Texas Gulf Coast. From Stafford and Missouri City to Baytown, Deer Park, and Beaumont, Legacy intentionally places clinics where care is needed most—including 39 school-based health centers, making it the largest school-based health care program in the country.
Under Palussek’s leadership, growth is viewed through a long lens.
Recent years have marked an important inflection point, including the systemwide implementation of Epic, a major investment that strengthens care coordination and continuity for patients. “Looking at growth over multiple years tells the real story,” Palussek explains. “More patients staying connected to care. More consistency. Systems that work better for patients and providers alike.”
Affordability remains front and center—especially as many Affordable Care Act plans have become increasingly difficult for families to sustain. Legacy’s response is unwavering: a sliding fee scale, on-site Eligibility Specialists to help patients enroll in Medicaid, CHIP, or ACA Marketplace plans, and wraparound services that remove financial barriers before they become health crises. “Care should never depend on what someone can afford that day,” Palussek says plainly.
The organization’s physical footprint is also expanding in meaningful ways. Two new community clinics—in Pasadena and Acres Homes—are slated to open by 2026, supported by a transformational $50+ million gift from Houston Methodist. In Acres Homes, a state-of-theart facility will soon provide adult medicine, pediatrics, OB/GYN, behavioral health, pharmacy services, and infusion therapy, bringing critically needed oncol-
ogy care directly into the community. Meanwhile, growing engagement in Beaumont points toward a future capital campaign, with plans to break ground around 2027 and open by 2028.
All of this is guided by Legacy’s strategic framework built on three core pillars: strengthening the foundation, expanding reach, and standing out as centers of excellence. Supported by strategic priorities focused on people, financial sustainability, patient access, and healthy growth, the plan serves as both a roadmap and a promise—growth with accountability.
For Palussek, leadership ultimately comes back to stewardship. “We take seriously the responsibility that comes with growth,” he reflects. “Listening to communities, protecting our mission, and ensuring Legacy remains a trusted medical home—not just today, but for generations.”
Houston Style Magazine readers, in a healthcare landscape defined by uncertainty, Legacy Community Health’s direction feels refreshingly clear. With Robert Palussek at the helm, the organization isn’t just expanding—it’s reaffirming its purpose: driving healthy change, every day, in every way.
