Houston Style Magazine Vol 37 No 08

Houston Style Magazine

LEE CARTER

Publisher Francis Page, Jr. fpagejr@stylemagazine.com

Associate Publisher Lisa Valadez lisa@stylemagazine.com

Social Media Editor/Videographer

Reginald Dominique reggiedominique@me.com

Graphic Design /Layout Editor

Cameron C. Lee thisiscam6@gmail.com

Political Editor

Burt Levine texascampaigns@gmail.com

Sports Editor Brian Barefield brian barefield@yahoo.com

Food & Wine Writer

Monica Jones alexandriajack1991@gmail.com

Entertainment Writer D'Nesha Bell / TotallyRandie Totallyrandie@gmail.com

Career Columnist

Nikki Miles ailormaderesumes2576@gmail.com

NATIONAL WRITERS

Ben Jealous info@benjealous.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Vicky Pink vhpink@gmail.com

ADVERTISING/SALES advertising@stylemagazine.com

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We want to hear from you! editorial@stylemagazine.com

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©2026 Houston Style Magazine, a Minority Print Media, L.L.C. Company. All Right Reserved. Reproduction in whole or within part without permission is prohibited. Houston Style Magazine has a 2021 Audit by Circulation Verification Council (CVC). Houston Style Magazine is a member of the Texas Publishers Association (TPA), Texas Community Newspaper Association (TCNA), National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), Independent Free Paper of America (IFPA), Association of Free Community Papers (AFCP) and Members of Greater Houston Partnership(GHP). National Association of Hispanic Publications, Inc. (NAHP, Inc.), Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (HHCC), League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Latin Women’s Initiative (LWI), National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), Houston Association of Hispanic Media Professionals (HAHMP), National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ), and Supporters of Greater Houston Partnership(GHP)

LOVE IN ACTION: HARRIS COUNTY LEADERS DELIVER HOPE THROUGH MEALS ON WHEELS

By Francis Page, Jr. – www.StyleMagazine.com

In a city known for its heart, Valentine’s Day arrived with more than roses and chocolate. It arrived with compassion on wheels.

On Friday, February 13, 2026 , Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo and U.S. Representative Sylvia Garcia joined Interfaith Ministries President and CEO Sheroo Mukhtiar to personally deliver meals to homebound seniors through Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston’s beloved Meals on Wheels program.

It wasn’t a photo opportunity. It was a reminder. The mission was simple — but powerful.

“What better way to show love to the community ahead of Valentine’s Day than by delivering meals to folks in need.”

Those words from Judge Hidalgo captured the spirit of the day. While many Houstonians exchanged flowers and cards, county leaders delivered something just as meaningful: nourishment, reassurance, and connection.

Why Meals on Wheels Matters More Than Ever in Houston

As Houston families navigate rising grocery costs, housing pressures, and lingering economic uncertainty, one sobering statistic stands out: according to a 2025 report from the Kinder Institute , more than 2 in 5 households in Harris County face food insecurity—nearly three times the national average.

For seniors living alone on fixed incomes, those numbers aren’t abstract. They’re daily realities.

“What better way to show love to the community ahead of Valentine’s Day than by delivering meals to folks

in need,” Judge Hidalgo shared. “With inflation, food insecurity and costs of living still high, the work that Meals on Wheels does is important now more than ever.” And the numbers behind that work are staggering.

• 1,385,654 meals delivered in 2025

• More than 6,000 seniors served across Harris County

• 80,724 pounds of pet food distributed through the Animeals program Yes, pet food. Because in many households, a senior’s cat or dog is family—and companionship is as essential as nutrition.

More Than a Meal: It’s a Wellness Check, a Smile, a Lifeline Meals on Wheels in Houston is about far more than nutrition. Each knock on the door is a wellness check. A friendly face. A few minutes of conversation that can mean everything to someone who may not see another person that day.

Under the leadership of Sheroo Mukhtiar, Interfaith Ministries continues to expand its reach, ensuring that seniors can age with dignity, safety, and connection. In a county of nearly five million residents—the third-largest in the nation—this work is both massive and deeply personal.

Congresswoman Garcia’s partici-

pation underscored a bipartisan truth: caring for seniors is not political. It is moral. It is communal. It is Houston at its best.

A Call to Action for Houston

Houston Style Magazine readers know this city thrives when we show up for one another. Whether through volunteering, donating, or simply spreading awareness, every act counts.

If you or someone you know needs assistance with food benefits, Harris County residents can explore SNAP resources through the Harris County Community Services Department: https://cjo.harriscountytx.gov/

And if you’re looking for a meaningful way to serve in 2026, consider volunteering with Meals on Wheels through Interfaith Ministries. A few hours of your time could change someone’s entire week.

Leadership in Service

As Harris County’s chief executive and Director of the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Judge Hidalgo oversees a $5 billion county budget alongside four precinct commissioners. Yet on this February Friday, leadership looked less like policy and more like presence— walking up driveways, carrying insulated bags, and delivering warmth in more ways than one.

Because in Houston, love isn’t just spoken. It’s delivered.

www.imgh.org/ imhouston-mealson-wheels/ www.StyleMagazine.com

COMMENTARY

RIP: REV. JESSE JACKSON, SR. – LIFTED ALL OF US HIGHER

By Ben Jealous, National Political Commentator

One of the great strengths of our movement is that our leaders do more than inspire young people — they keep the door open for them. The leaders who carried forward the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. understood that movements survive only when the next generation is welcomed in. Leaders like Joseph Lowery, Rev. Orange, Rev. Earl Shinholster, Andrew Young, and many others lived that commitment.

Rev. Jesse Jackson carried it farther than most. He gave time — minutes, hours, sometimes days — to younger people trying to find their way.

When I first raised my hand to volunteer, I was 14. I was short for my age. I had a bad stutter. But I heard that a man who had taken risks alongside Dr. King was running for president, and I wanted to help. I helped lead Youth for Jackson in my county. We registered voters. We believed we could change things. And while I was giving my stump speech around my county on his behalf, I decided I had to conquer my stutter. I set my mind to it until I figured it out.

He asked to meet me when he came to speak at Stanford University. He treated young organizers like we belonged in the room.

In my early 20s, after I had been kicked out of college for organizing protests, I walked into his home in Washington, D.C. He was serving as shadow senator. The topic was winning voting rights for Washington, D.C. — a perennial and yet always urgent battle. We talked strategy. He listened more than he spoke.

Years later, when the pressure mounted while I was leading the NAACP, he was still the person I would turn to first

for advice and quiet moments. And when things got especially hot, he would just look andsay: “Flood rules. Eyes open. Mouth shut. Keep stepping forward.”

In Rockford, Illinois, we drove out together because we heard that threeyear-old girls who had witnessed a police shooting were losing their hair from trauma. We arrived from the funeral of a Black teenager beaten to death with two-by-fours in the streets of Chicago — some said for

crossing into the wrong territory, others because hateful people believed he was gay. Rev. Jackson went where the pain was — to help people heal, to help them find their power to move forward, and to push all of us forward again.

When voting rights came under assault, he did the same. When immigrant rights came under attack, he did the same. When working people of any color came under attack, he did the same.

In my 50s, Dave Chappelle and I sat on either side of Rev. Jackson as we watched Kamala Harris, a Black woman, accept our party’s nomination for president of the United States. It felt more than appropriate that that moment — like President Obama accepting victory on election night years earlier — happened in Rev. Jackson’s town of Chicago.

Across every chapter, he was there. Not as a symbol. As a worker in the struggle. The lesson was simple. Show up. Keep going. Hold the door open for others. That is how movements are reborn and rebuilt — even after setbacks, even when the odds feel like they are mounting against us. That is how freedom moves forward.

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.

Houston, this is your moment. In Houston and across Harris County, the energy is unmistakable. Early voting is underway, and area voters are showing up with purpose. From congressional contests to pivotal primary races, the 2026 election cycle is shaping up to be one of the most consequential in recent memory. For readers of Houston Style Magazine— Houston and Harris County’s most-read and most-followed weekly publication—this moment is about more than politics. It’s about participation, progress, and protecting the power of your voice.

According to recent polling from the University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs, several congressional districts across the region are experiencing competitive, high-stakes matchups. Newly drawn district boundaries have reshaped communities from Humble to Missouri City, from Acres Homes to Independence Heights, creating dynamic races that reflect Houston’s evolving demographics.

In Congressional District 18, anchored by growing suburban communities and anchored by a diverse electorate, generational leadership has become a central theme. Analysts suggest voters are energized—not necessarily dissatisfied— but eager to evaluate vision, longevity, and future-focused representation. Strong favorability ratings for multiple candidates

GO VOTE, HOUSTON! EARLY VOTING IGNITES HIGH-STAKES

CONGRESSIONAL RACES ACROSS HARRIS COUNTY

By Burt Levine, Political Editor for www.StyleMagazine.com

show an engaged Democratic base paying close attention.

Congressional District 29 is equally compelling. Once majority Hispanic, the district now reflects a broader coalition that includes historic African American neighborhoods and long-established Latino communities. Political observers note that turnout among these blocs could determine whether the race is decided outright or moves into a runoff. Enthusiasm is high, and

voter engagement will ultimately shape the outcome.

Meanwhile, in the newly configured Congressional District 9, competitive fundraising and multiple viable candidates signal that every ballot cast will matter. With significant financial resources fueling outreach efforts, the real deciding factor will be participation at the polls.

Early voting offers flexibility and convenience—no need to wait until Election

Day. Super Tuesday primaries are critical because they influence who advances to the general election and who represents Houston’s interests on Capitol Hill. Federal funding, infrastructure projects, healthcare access, small business support, and disaster recovery resources all hinge on the leadership voters choose today.

Houston has always been a city where civic engagement drives progress. From civil rights milestones to economic growth and innovation, our region thrives when citizens show up and speak up. Voting is not simply a right—it is a responsibility that safeguards democracy and strengthens community voice.

Before heading out, confirm your polling location, review your sample ballot, and check voting hours directly through the official Harris County Elections website:

HarrisVotes.com

www.harrisvotes.com

Encourage your family, neighbors, colleagues, and friends to do the same. Share the link. Post it. Text it. Make sure no one misses their opportunity.

Houston’s future is on the ballot.

The power is yours.

Go vote, Houston. Your voice matters.

A LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP: ERICA LEE CARTER APPOINTED NEW HARRIS

COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR

By Francis Page, Jr. – www.StyleMagazine.com

What Does The Harris County Administrator Do?

The Harris County Administrator serves as the chief administrative officer for Harris County, working directly under the Harris County Commissioners Court to manage the day-to-day operations of one of the largest counties in the United States.

At its core, the role is about execution. While Commissioners Court sets policy and approves the county’s multibillion-dollar budget, the County Administrator ensures those decisions are implemented effectively, efficiently, and transparently across dozens of departments.

Key Responsibilities Include:

1. Budget Oversight & Fiscal Management

The Administrator oversees preparation and execution of the county’s annual budget—ensuring taxpayer dollars are allocated responsibly across public health, infrastructure, public safety, flood control, and social services.

2. Department Supervision

The position supervises department directors and senior leadership, helping coordinate operations among agencies such as Public Health, Emergency Management, Engineering, Justice Administration, and more.

3. Policy Implementation

Once Commissioners Court adopts policies or initiatives, the Administrator turns strategy into action—developing timelines, assigning responsibilities, and tracking measurable outcomes.

4. Operational Efficiency & Accountability

The office works to modernize systems, improve performance metrics, strengthen procurement oversight, and increase transparency throughout county government.

5. Crisis & Disaster Coordination

In a region vulnerable to hurricanes and severe weather, the Administrator plays a critical coordination role during emergencies—working alongside local, state, and federal partners to ensure continuity of services.

Why It Matters

With more than 4.8 million residents, Harris County’s scale rivals that of many states. The County Administrator ensures that government operations run smoothly behind the scenes—supporting everything from public safety and courts to health services and infrastructure improvements.

In short, the Harris County Administrator turns policy into performance, keeping one of America’s largest counties moving forward.

In a moment that blends history, heart, and high-level governance, Harris County Commissioners Court has appointed Erica Lee Carter as the new Harris County Administrator — ushering in a powerful new chapter for the nation’s third-most populous county. Her appointment marks a historic milestone, as she becomes the first African American woman to hold the position.

For Houston and Harris County, this isn’t just a personnel announcement — it’s a generational continuation of public service excellence.

“A Force for Positive Change”

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis praised the appointment, noting that Harris County is “in excellent hands.” He highlighted Carter’s brilliant mind, strong character, and lifelong commitment to ensuring government serves as a catalyst for progress.

County Judge Lina Hidalgo emphasized that the County Administrator role—created in 2021 to professionalize local governance—positions Commissioners Court to operate like a board of directors, with the Administrator responsible for implementing the Court’s strategy, streamlining operations, and enhancing accountability. Commissioner Adrian Garcia pointed to efficiency and taxpayer stewardship, while Commissioner Lesley Briones underscored Carter’s proven dedication to constituent services and building a safer, stronger county.

Collectively, the message is clear: leadership matters—and experience counts.

A Daughter of Harris County

Erica Lee Carter’s story is uniquely Houston.

Born and raised in Harris County Precinct One, educated in Precinct Four, and a first-grade teacher in Precinct Two at La Escuela de Lantrip in Houston ISD, she has lived the full geography of service. With friends, mentors, and professional ties across all precincts, she describes herself as “a Daughter, Sister and Mother of this County.”

That perspective shapes her leadership philosophy.

As she stated upon accepting the appointment, her mission is to execute Commissioners Court’s 2050 Vision—ensuring Harris County is: Safe and Fair • Thriving

• Resilient • Connected • Healthy • Secure Those aren’t just aspirational words—they are measurable governance goals that require discipline, transparency, and collaboration.

Experience That Spans Every Level of Government

Erica Lee Carter brings rare breadth to the role:

• Harris County Leadership (2020–2026): Led policy initiatives in Commissioner Rodney Ellis’s Policy Division, focusing on economic opportunity, voting access, and budget oversight. Her work helped launch the County’s first dedicated afterschool funding stream, advance the CROWN Act as county policy, and support a $18 million revolving loan program benefiting minorityand women-owned businesses.

• Education Governance: Served as an elected Trustee of the Harris County Department of Education from 2013 to 2019.

• Federal Service: Represented Texas’s 18th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2024 to 2025 following a special election.

• State & Federal Policy Experience: Worked as a Budget Analyst for the Governor of New York and contributed to federal tax advocacy initiatives. Her academic credentials—a Bachelor of Arts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master of Public Policy from Duke University— complement her on-the-ground public service experience.

The Bloodline of Service

Erica Lee Carter is the daughter of the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and Dr. Ewlyn C. Lee. The legacy of advocacy, perseverance, and public accountability is not just historical—it is deeply personal.

Yet this appointment stands on her own merit. While she honors her mother’s towering legacy, Carter’s record reflects independent leadership, strategic thinking, and a modern governance mindset suited

for Harris County’s scale and complexity. She assumes the role officially on Monday, March 9, 2026, overseeing county operations, implementing strategic priorities, coordinating departments, and ensuring that public service delivery meets the needs of more than 4.8 million residents.

What This Means for Harris County

The County Administrator role was created to bring CEO-level management to county government. With almost 20 departments and billions in public resources at stake, the position demands operational expertise, fiscal transparency, and cross-agency coordination.

Carter has committed to:

• Strengthening county operations

• Leading a transparent budget process

• Improving interdepartmental collaboration

• Delivering responsive government services

In short: governance elevated.

A New Chapter for Houston’s Future

For Harris County residents, this appointment signals continuity and evolution. It reflects a county that values professionalism, inclusion, and results-driven leadership.

For Houston Style Magazine readers—many of whom have followed the Jackson Lee family’s decades of civic impact—this moment resonates deeply. It is a reminder that leadership rooted in community, sharpened by policy expertise, and guided by service can move institutions forward.

As Harris County steps confidently into its next chapter, Erica Lee Carter stands at the helm—ready to translate vision into measurable impact.

History has handed her the torch. Now comes the work.

www.OCA.HarrisCountyTX.gov

www.StyleMagazine.com

In a city as dynamic and diverse as Houston, success in the classroom often begins with something simple: access to quality health care. For the past decade, Legacy Community Health and YES Prep Public Schools have proven that when health and education move in lockstep, students don’t just survive — they thrive.

As the two organizations celebrate 10 years of partnership in 2026, their collaboration stands as a model of what school-based health care can accomplish when mission meets momentum and is one example of Legacy’s broader 39-clinic School-Based Health Care (SBHC) network across the Greater Houston communities. Meeting Students Where They Are: Legacy’s School-Based Health Care Model

Legacy operates the largest SBHC program in Texas and one of the largest in the United States, with 39 clinics across Greater Houston and Galena Park. Legacy SBHC serves students in partnership with YES Prep (21 locations), KIPP Texas–Houston (14 locations), and Galena Park ISD (4 locations). These on-campus clinics deliver medical and behavioral health services directly where students learn, same day, in person or virtually — eliminating the need for families to rearrange work schedules, secure transportation, or travel across the

CELEBRATING A DECADE OF PARTNERSHIP: LEGACY,

PREP TRANSFORM STUDENT HEALTH ACROSS HOUSTON

By Francis Page Jr. – www.StyleMagazine.com

city for an appointment.

It’s a simple but transformative idea: bring care to campus to meet students, siblings, and children of staff where they are.

By embedding clinics within schools, Legacy’s goal is to help reduce student absences, strengthens academic continuity, and eases the burden on working parents – a benefit reflected in more than 72,000 student appointments completed during the 2024–2025 school year alone. It’s not just convenient — it’s strategic. Students thrive academically when their physical, mental, and emotional health are supported.

Healthy students are better able to focus, fully engage in learning, and achieve their goals.

Who Legacy Is — And Why It Matters

As the largest Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Texas, Legacy Community Health serves patients regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.

Sliding fee scales, Medicaid and CHIP enrollment assistance, and dedicated eligibility specialists who help families enroll in coverage or obtain reduced-cost care ensure that no child is turned away.

That commitment has made Legacy not only a trusted healthcare provider, but a stabilizing force across Houston’s neighborhoods. From preventive care to behavioral health, Legacy’s mission is rooted in equity — ensuring every family has access to quality, compassionate care.

Breaking Down Barriers to Care

For many Houston families, traditional clinic visits can mean:

Lost wages from missing work • Transportation challenges • Delays in pediatric and/or behavioral health appointments

• Insurance gaps or financial stress

School-based clinics remove those barriers. Students can receive care during the school day, minimizing lost class time while maximizing access to essential services. The result? Less stress for families. Fewer disruptions to learning. And more equitable access to preventive, medical, and mental health services.

Legacy’s school-based clinics also serve siblings, parents, district students, and school staff — extending support to entire school communities.

The Walk to End HIV is a powerful, community-driven celebration of care, connection, and compassion— proof that Hope Lives Here. Every step taken fuels lifesaving programs, and transforms hope into action for individuals and families across our community.

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In a world increasingly shaped by algorithms, automation, and artificial intelligence, one Houston scholar is proving that purpose and perseverance are just as powerful as any line of code.

Meet Elexis Robinson, a standout student in the Global Online Honors College at Houston City College (HCC), who is pursuing a degree in Artificial Intelligence with clarity, confidence, and a 4.0 GPA to match. Her journey is not just about technology — it’s about transformation.

For Houston Style Magazine readers who believe in reinvention, resilience, and raising the standard, Robinson’s story is the blueprint.

From Pause to Power: A Second Start with Stronger Vision

After graduating high school in 2019, Robinson began her college journey at HCC. Like many students across Houston and beyond, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted her academic plans. Life shifted. Priorities changed.

But what could have been an ending became a reset.

Following the birth of her son, Robinson made a bold decision: return to school — this time with sharper focus, deeper discipline,

LEADING THE WAY IN AI:

HCC HONORS SCHOLAR ELEXIS ROBINSON REDEFINES WHAT'S POSSIBLE FOR

HOUSTON'S FUTURE

By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com

and a clear goal.

She chose HCC Global Online for its flexibility and high academic standards, allowing her to balance motherhood with meaningful momentum. Her performance quickly distinguished her, earning acceptance into the Honors College — a community known for rigor, accountability, and academic excellence.

Today, Robinson maintains a flawless 4.0 GPA and credits faculty mentorship and the

structured Honors environment with refining her study habits and strengthening her critical thinking skills.

Why AI? Discovering Strength in Structured Innovation

Originally interested in healthcare, Robinson discovered something unexpected: her natural talent for pattern recognition, analytical writing, and structured problem-solving aligned perfectly with Artificial Intelligence.

Through HCC’s AI coursework — including classes exploring AI ethics and governance — she found a new calling: helping shape responsible AI systems that prioritize fairness, transparency, and human-centered design.

In a digital age where ethical AI development is more critical than ever, Robinson represents the next generation of Houston leaders who understand that technology must serve communities — not replace them.

After completing her associate degree, she plans to continue into HCC’s Bachelor of Applied Technology in AI and Robotics, positioning herself for a career focused on responsible AI development, policy fairness, and technical communication. Houston’s workforce future? It looks smarter already.

Balancing Motherhood and Academic Excellence

The beauty of HCC Global Online lies in access. Through a combination of live instruction, recorded lectures, academic resources, and faculty support, Robinson seamlessly integrates coursework with parenting. She is proof that flexibility does not mean compromise.

For working parents, returning students, and career changers across Harris County and beyond, her journey sends a powerful message: your path may pause — but it does not end.

Progress, she says, matters more than perfection.

Why Houston City College’s AI Program Matters Now

As Houston continues expanding in energy innovation, robotics, logistics automation, healthcare technology, and smart infrastructure, demand for AI-trained professionals is accelerating.

On Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 5:00 PM, the internationally acclaimed Branford Marsalis brings his signature fire, finesse, and fearless improvisation to the Wortham Theater Center, performing in the intimate Cullen Theater as part of the celebrated chamber music and jazz presenter Da Camera of Houston.

The occasion? A bold reimagining of Belonging, the 1974 masterpiece by jazz icon Keith Jarrett—an album long regarded as one of the most transcendent quartet recordings in modern jazz history. For Houston’s vibrant arts community, this is more than a concert. It’s a historic conversation across generations.

Revisiting a Jazz Landmark

Released in 1974, Belonging marked the debut of Jarrett’s European Quartet and became a defining statement in post-bop lyricism and improvisational freedom. The album fused sweeping melodic architecture with subtle emotional undercurrents—an achievement that still inspires musicians five decades later.

Marsalis, a Grammy Award-winning saxophonist whose career spans jazz, classical, film scoring, and Broadway, approaches this material not as imitation, but

By Francis Page, Jr. –

Marsalis honors the spirit of Jarrett’s work while allowing his own quartet’s chemistry to breathe new life into the compositions.

In true Houston fashion, this performance promises both reverence and reinvention.

Da Camera’s Continued Commitment to Artistic Excellence

For decades, Da Camera of Houston has positioned the city at the intersection of chamber music and jazz innovation. By curating intimate performances in world-class venues, the organization has created a platform where legends and rising stars connect directly with audiences.

Hosting Marsalis at the Wortham

ences. The Cullen Theater—renowned for its acoustics and close-up atmosphere— will allow every note, every pause, and every improvised flourish to resonate deeply.

For Houston Style Magazine readers who champion culture, creativity, and community impact, this event reflects exactly why Houston remains one of America’s most dynamic arts cities.

Why This Night Matters for Houston Houston’s jazz lineage runs deep—from neighborhood jam sessions to global stages. Bringing an artist of Marsalis’ caliber to reinterpret a milestone recording elevates the city’s artistic profile while inviting audiences into a shared,

dominate, live jazz remains a powerful reminder of collective energy—of musicians and audience members breathing in rhythm together. This performance celebrates legacy while affirming the future of improvisational music.

For longtime jazz aficionados, it’s an opportunity to revisit a beloved recording through a new lens. For younger listeners, it’s an invitation to discover why Belonging continues to influence artists worldwide.

Event Details:

Branford Marsalis: Reimagining Belonging Sunday, February 22, 2026 • 5:00 PM Cullen Theater, Wortham Theater • Houston, Texas

Tickets and additional details are available at: www.dacamera.com

Houston has always been a city that understands rhythm—whether in its music, its diversity, or its unstoppable momentum.

When the lights rise inside RODEOHOUSTON, Houston doesn’t just host a rodeo—it stages a 20-day, high-stakes athletic spectacle that rivals any postseason playoff in professional sports . Welcome to the Super Series: a tournament-style showdown where grit meets glory and champions are crowned under Texas-sized pressure.

With a staggering $2,533,500 total payout, RODEOHOUSTON stands as one of the richest stops on the professional rodeo circuit. Each event champion walks away with $65,000, plus accumulated round winnings, a custom-made saddle, an iconic championship belt buckle—and a guaranteed return invitation the following year. Even more significant, RODEOHOUSTON is an official Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) National Finals Rodeo (NFR) money event. That means every dollar earned in Houston counts toward PRCA World Standings and qualification for the NFR in Las Vegas. In rodeo terms, that’s career-defining.

The Format: Built Like a Playoff Bracket RODEOHOUSTON’s structure is precision-designed for drama and fairness. The competition begins with five three-day Super Series, each featuring eight elite athletes in eight classic rodeo disciplines:

Bareback Riding • Saddle Bronc Rid-

RODEOHOUSTON 2026: TWENTY DAYS OF TOURNAMENT-STYLE GLORY IN HOUSTON –

RODEO CAPITAL OF THE WORLD

By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com

ing • Bull Riding • Steer Wrestling • Tie-Down Roping • Team Roping • Women’s Barrel Racing • Breakaway Roping

Across three go-rounds per series, the top four money winners in each event advance to one of two Semifinal rounds. Ten athletes compete in each Semifinal event. From there, the stakes rise even higher.

The top four from each Semifinal advance directly to the Championship Round. The remaining six athletes get one more shot in one of two Wild Card rounds, where only one competitor per event punches the final ticket to Championship Saturday. Then comes the ultimate test.

Championship Saturday:

Thursday, March 5 – Saturday, March 7 (2:45 PM on Saturday) Super Series III

Sunday, March 8 (2:45 PM) – Tuesday, March 10 Super Series IV

Wednesday, March 11 – Friday, March 13 Super Series V

Saturday, March 14 (2:45 PM) – Monday, March 16 Semifinals

Tuesday, March 17 & Wednesday, March 18 – 6:45 PM Wild Card Rounds

Ride Again for the Crown

The Championship features ten athletes in each event. The top four performers immediately compete again in the electrifying Championship Shootout Round, where a single ride, run, or rope determines the event champion—and the $65,000 prize.

It’s sudden-death rodeo at its finest.

2026 Super Series & Championship Schedule

All events take place at NRG Stadium: Super Series I

Monday, March 2 – Wednesday, March 4, 6:45 PM Super Series II

Thursday, March 19 & Friday, March 20 – 6:45 PM RODEOHOUSTON Championship

Saturday, March 21 – 2:45 PM

For Houston Style Magazine readers, Houston families, sports fans, and rodeo enthusiasts across Texas and beyond, RODEOHOUSTON delivers more than entertainment—it celebrates Western heritage, athletic excellence, and the competitive spirit that defines our city. In Houston, we don’t just host champions. We build them.

BluePrint Church

Chicago South Side is preparing for a cultural renaissance that will resonate far beyond city limits. When the Obama Presidential Center opens in June 2026 in historic Jackson Park, it will stand not only as a tribute to President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, but as a bold declaration that art, civic engagement, and community belong at the center of democracy.

In a powerful new announcement, the Obama Foundation revealed five major public art commissions by acclaimed artists Mark Bradford, Tyanna J. Buie, Jay Heikes, Carrie Mae Weems, and the collaborative team of Sam Kirk and Dorian Sylvain. Together, these visionary creators will shape the Center into a global destination for free public art—where history is not just displayed, but experienced.

Spanning 19.3 acres, the campus will include a museum, public library, athletic facility, fruit and vegetable garden, and expansive outdoor gathering spaces. Designed as an open invitation to neighbors and visitors from around the world, the Center reflects the Obamas’ enduring belief

THE BARACK OBAMA PRESIDENTIAL CENTER EXPANDS ITS PUBLIC ART LEGACY — A

MONUMENT TO MEMORY AND MOVEMENT

By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com

that ordinary people, working together, can accomplish extraordinary things.

Art as Civic Dialogue

Each new commission carries a distinctive voice rooted in memory, identity, and collective possibility.

Mark Bradford’s “City of the Big Shoulders” will transform the three-story west wall of the Museum’s Our Story Atrium into a monumental abstract landscape.

Known for his layered compositions using paper and commercial materials, Bradford compresses Chicago’s history into texture and motion—exploring survival, power, and hope through bold visual storytelling.

Tyanna J. Buie’s “Be the Change!” brings deeply personal inspiration. Drawing from her South Side upbringing and her memory of standing among “Obama for Senate” supporters during the Bud Billiken Parade, Buie’s large-scale installation uses hand-applied ink and screen-printed imagery from President Obama’s historic election. The work radiates optimism and underscores the enduring power of civic participation.

Jay Heikes’ “Quintessence” introduces seven-pointed bronze stars installed along an exterior courtyard wall. As sunlight shifts throughout the day, the textured stars invite reflection on the evolving complexity of American identity.

Legendary photographer Carrie

Mae Weems contributes “The Cool Blue Wind,” a luminous photographic collage printed on metallic paper with blue tonal overlays and paired with original music inspired by jazz. The multisensory installation evokes President Obama’s historic victory while celebrating the improvisational spirit that defines both jazz and democracy itself.

Inside the Center’s athletic facility, Sam Kirk and Dorian Sylvain’s “Pass It Forward” will bloom as a vibrant mural honoring the cultural legacy of Chicago’s South Side neighborhoods. Through bold color, narrative imagery, and community storytelling, the work bridges past and future—encouraging the next generation to see themselves as cultural stewards.

A Living Legacy

These new works join an already distinguished roster of artists commissioned for the Center, reinforcing a mission to weave art into everyday civic life.

Houston, we have a mission — and it’s playing larger than life on the biggest screens in the city.

The highly anticipated sci-fi epic Project Hail Mary is blasting into theaters and IMAX® 70mm on Friday, March 20, 2026, with exclusive early IMAX® 70mm screenings set for March 13, 14, and 15. And if there’s one city that understands space exploration, innovation, and bold ambition — it’s Houston.

A Race to Save the Sun

Based on the New York Times bestselling novel by Andy Weir (the visionary mind behind The Martian), this cinematic thrill ride follows science teacher Ryland Grace, portrayed by Academy Award nominee Ryan Gosling.

Grace awakens alone on a spaceship, light years from Earth, with no memory of who he is — or why he’s there. As fragments of memory return, he realizes the unthinkable: the sun is dying. Humanity is on borrowed time. And he may be the only one who can stop extinction.

No pressure, right?

What unfolds is a brilliant mix of heart, humor, hard science, and humanity — the kind of storytelling that reminds audiences why space films capture our imagination so completely.

From Visionary Filmmakers to IMAX® Spectacle

HOUSTON, GET READY FOR LIFTOFF:

PROJECT HAIL MARY LANDS IN IMAX® 70MM THIS MARCH

By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com

Directed by the dynamic duo Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, the Oscar-winning creative force behind genre-defining hits, Project Hail Mary is filmed specifically for IMAX® 70mm — delivering breathtaking scale, immersive visuals, and cinematic clarity that demands to be experienced on the largest screens possible.

The screenplay comes from acclaimed writer Drew Goddard, ensuring the adaptation maintains the novel’s scientific precision while elevating its emotional depth.

The film also features standout performances from Sandra Hüller, Ken Leung, Milana Vayntrub, Lionel Boyce, Priya Kansara, and James Ortiz — assembling a global cast that reflects the universal stakes of the story.

Presented by Amazon MGM

Studios, alongside Pascal Pictures, Open Invite Films, Waypoint Entertainment, and Lord Miller Productions, this PG-13 release blends intellectual sci-fi with emotional resonance — making it accessible for teens and adults alike.

Why Houston Audiences Will Love It

In a city synonymous with NASA, aerospace engineering, and worldclass medical research, Project Hail Mary hits differently. It celebrates curiosity. It honors science. It showcases resilience. Houston families, STEM students, educators, and space enthusiasts will find themselves inspired by the film’s central message: when humanity faces its darkest hour, collaboration, creativity, and courage can light the way.

And yes — there’s an unexpected friendship at the heart of this mission

that adds warmth, humor, and hope to an otherwise cosmic challenge.

How to Watch

Early IMAX® 70mm Screenings: March 13–15, 2026

Nationwide Release: Friday, March 20, 2026

Format: Filmed for IMAX® — Premium Large Format experience

Tickets for advance IMAX® 70mm showings are now on sale. Given Houston’s love for blockbuster premieres and space-centered storytelling, early purchase is highly recommended. For tickets, showtimes, and updates, visit the official website at www. projecthailmary.com and follow the film on social media using #ProjectHailMary.

Final Word

Project Hail Mary isn’t just another space movie. It’s a story about rediscovering purpose, trusting science, and believing that even in the vast silence of space, we are never truly alone. Houston, prepare for liftoff. The future of the sun — and the survival of Earth — begins March 20.