Bitcion is back in the headlines again. As always, the story is volatility. Prices fall. Prices rise. Critics cheer. Believers celebrate. The cycle repeats. But the headlines miss the deeper story.
I learned to respect Bitcoin not from traders or tech executives. I learned from dissidents and from people who lived through economic collapse. For them, Bitcoin was not about getting rich. It was about staying free.
Across the world, people facing repression or broken economies have learned the same lesson. When institutions fail, the ability to hold value outside the reach of rulers can mean the difference between fear and agency.
For many, this is daily life. Governments freeze bank accounts to punish journalists. Activists lose access to wages. Savings disappear under inflation. In those places, economic freedom and personal freedom are the same thing.
Look at Venezuela. At the height of its collapse, inflation soared toward one million percent. Teachers were paid in bills worth less than bus fare. Millions fled. Those who stayed survived with dollars, remittances and, increasingly, Bitcoin. The state could not inflate it away or block it with a phone call.
In neighboring Colombia, artists began weaving worthless Venezuelan banknotes into bags and purses. Money that once held savings became craft material. It was worth more as fabric than as currency.
That image stays with me.
Look at Nigeria. A government cash redesign left families without money. Activists saw accounts restricted. Many turned to Bitcoin simply to keep life moving — paying school fees, receiving money from relatives abroad, keeping businesses alive. Not out of fashion. Out of necessity.
A former graduate student of mine, Jacqueline Escobar from Peru, wrote to me about why she believes in Bitcoin. She grew up during hyperinflation. As a child, she played with paper money that had suddenly become worthless. “I played with money
COMMENTARY
How Dissidents and Survivors Of Economic Collapse Taught Me To Believe In – BITCOIN
By Ben Jealous, National Political Commentator
that no longer had value,” she told me. “That’s when you learn that systems can fail.” Her father lost his business. Her family lost their home.
The experience shaped her path. She became a fintech lawyer, drawn to how financial systems can expand — or deny — human freedom. For her, Bitcoin became a lifeline. It offered a road back toward middle- class stability and a steadier alternative to a system people no longer trusted.
This past fall, at the Black Block-
chain Summit at Howard University, activists from the African continent reminded me that refugees face the same reality. In conversations there, people told me that crossing a border often means losing access to banks, documents and savings overnight — and that Bitcoin can travel when everything else is confiscated or left behind.
Years ago, dissidents living inside a wealthy Asian nation known for severe repression told me how the state could erase people economically before ever touching
them physically. Control the money and you control the person.
Bitcoin matters because it is different from the carnival of other digital coins. It has no company. No CEO. No marketing department. Its supply is fixed. Its rules are public. It is recognized around the world the way gold is recognized — by habit and trust, not by decree.
I do not confuse Bitcoin with the broader digital-coin marketplace. Stablecoins tied to the dollar have practical uses for remittances and payments. But many alternative coins look like casinos dressed as technology. Bitcoin stands apart because it answers one narrow question well: how can ordinary people store value beyond the reach of rulers?
There are real concerns. Bitcoin uses significant energy, and that energy increasingly needs to come from renewables if the technology is to align with climate goals. Those debates matter. None erase the core fact that the network itself belongs to no government and no bank.
Critics say Bitcoin is volatile. They are right. So are currencies run by politicians. Critics say criminals use it. Criminals also use dollars and shell companies and a banking system that launders far more dirty money every year than Bitcoin ever has. The question is not whether a tool can be abused. The question is who controls it.
I pray we never need such tools here. I want my children to trust courts more than code. But history humbles proud nations. Emergency powers sold as temporary have a habit of staying.
Whenever I listen to people who escaped repression, they speak of Bitcoin the way earlier generations spoke of safe houses — as the difference between begging and choosing.
Markets will rise and fall. Human beings will still need freedom.
That is why I believe the world will always need Bitcoin.
is the author of Never Forget Our People Were Always Free.
Ben Jealous is a professor of practice at the University of Pennsylvania and former national president of the NAACP. He
Houston, doesn’t wait. Houston moves. And this election season, voters across Harris, Fort Bend, and Brazoria counties are proving once again that democracy in the Gulf Coast isn’t passive — it’s powerful, purposeful, and in motion.
Hundreds of Thousands Turn Out for Early Voting in Houston
In the first week of Early Voting ahead of Super Tuesday’s primaries, hundreds of thousands of voters streamed into polling locations across the region. From seasoned civic participants to first-time voters, the surge reflects a renewed energy around local, state, and federal leadership.
According to reports from Harris County Clerk Teneisha Hudspeth, more than 163,000 ballots were cast early in Harris County alone within the opening days. Fort Bend County followed with tens of thousands of voters already making their voices heard. Even more striking? Nearly half of those who turned out had little to no prior voting history — a signal that new voters, particularly younger and more diverse Houstonians, are stepping forward.
That’s not just turnout. That’s transformation.
West Gray Leads the Way
As in many previous election cycles, the West Gray Multi-Service Center has once again become the epicenter of Early Voting
RUSH TO EARLY VOTE: HOUSTON’S DEMOCRACY IN MOTION
By Burt Levine, Political Editor for www.StyleMagazine.com
activity in Harris County. Thousands of voters have lined up daily from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, energized by competitive races for U.S. Senate, Congress, Governor, County Judge, and dozens of judicial seats.
Other high-traffic Early Voting locations drawing steady streams of voters include the George H.W. Bush Community Center in the Cypresswood/Spring area, the Trini Mendenhall Community Center in Spring Branch, the Prairie View A&M Northwest campus site, and the Cinco Ranch Library in Fort Bend County, each serving as a vital hub for civic participation across the region.
Across these sites, voters are greeted not only by dedicated election workers but by candidates and campaign volunteers eager to connect with constituents in real time. Democracy is not happening behind closed doors — it’s unfolding face-to-face in community centers, libraries, and civic spaces.
A New Generation of Voters Steps Forward
Data analysis shows a meaningful demographic shift. Many early voters are younger, more diverse, and more representative of Houston’s evolving population. Communities of color are showing up in
strong numbers, and first-time voters are stepping into a civic tradition that shapes everything from school funding and public safety to infrastructure and healthcare.
This year’s ballot is packed with high-profile contests that will shape leadership at every level of government, including races for the U.S. Senate and U.S. Congress, the Governor of Texas, Harris County Judge, and Fort Bend County Judge. Voters are also weighing in on key State Representative and State Board of Education seats, along with multiple County and District Clerk positions that play critical roles in the day-to-day operations of local government.
From federal leadership to hyper-local offices that impact daily life, these contests are motivating voters to engage early rather than wait until Election Day.
Why Early Voting Matters
Early Voting in Texas provides flexibility and convenience. For busy professionals, parents, students, and seniors, the expanded voting window ensures participation isn’t limited by work schedules or unforeseen conflicts.
In a city known for resilience, compassion, and unapologetic leadership, Houston is once again stepping forward — boldly and beautifully — for a cause that still demands our attention. The 2026 Walk to End HIV Houston is not simply a community gathering. It is a powerful declaration that awareness, prevention, and access to care remain non-negotiable priorities in our region.
HIV has not disappeared. And neither has Houston’s heart.
Why the Walk Still Matters in 2026
Despite medical advances and expanded treatment options, thousands of individuals across Texas continue to be impacted by HIV. Public health leaders agree: awareness saves lives, testing prevents transmission, and equitable access to treatment ensures dignity and longevity for all.
The Walk to End HIV Houston stands at the intersection of compassion and action — mobilizing families, advocates, healthcare professionals, corporate sponsors, and everyday Houstonians to keep the momentum strong.
This annual event supports critical local programs that expand prevention services, increase testing access, reduce stigma, and provide care to individuals and families navigating life with HIV.
Because ending the HIV epidemic
LACE UP FOR HOPE, HOUSTON!
2026 Walk To End HIV - Houston Calls Our City To Action
By Francis Page, Jr. – www.StyleMagazine.com
requires more than medicine — it requires movement.
How You Can Get Involved
Whether you are walking in honor of a loved one, standing in solidarity, or championing public health equity, there is a place for you at the starting line.
• Start a Team
• Join a Team
• Become a Sponsor
• Walk in Honor of Someone Special
• Every step taken is a statement: Houston cares.
Register today : https://givebutter. com/13gP91
Learn more: www.walktoendhivhouston. org
Houston Leads with Heart
Since 1989, Houston Style Magazine has championed health equity, community awareness, and empowerment across Greater Houston. As the Official 2026 Media Sponsor, Houston Style Magazine and #TeamStyleMag are proud to amplify this vital initiative and encourage readers across Houston, Harris County, and beyond to participate.
For decades, this publication has stood at the forefront of conversations that matter — from public health to civil rights to economic opportunity. Supporting the Walk to End HIV Houston is a natural extension of that legacy.
And this year, we are not just covering the movement.
We are walking it.
A City United in Compassion
Houston has long been recognized as one of the most diverse and dynamic cities in America. When our community comes together — across neighborhoods, industries, and generations — change happens.
The 2026 Walk to End HIV Houston is an opportunity to:
• Raise awareness about HIV prevention and testing
• Support organizations providing life-saving services
• Honor those we’ve lost
• Celebrate those thriving
• Strengthen Houston’s commitment to ending the epidemic
Ending HIV is not an abstract goal. It is a measurable, achievable mission — fueled by education, advocacy, medical innovation, and unwavering community support.
And it starts with us.
Let’s Show the Nation What Houston Compassion Looks Like
The road ahead is paved with purpose. The energy will be electric. The message will be clear: Houston moves together. So lace up. Show up. Stand up. Because awareness leads to action. Action leads to impact. And impact leads to an end to the HIV epidemic.
• REGISTER TODAY: https:// givebutter.com/13gP91
On Thursday, February 19, 2026, the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce didn’t just host another networking event—it made history.
With 163 attendees, the Chamber’s signature 3rd Thursday Breakfast reached an all-time attendance record, underscoring a powerful truth: the region’s LGBTQ+ business community is not only present—it is thriving, expanding, and leading.
From the moment guests entered the room, the atmosphere pulsed with optimism and purpose. Entrepreneurs, corporate executives, nonprofit leaders, creatives, and public officials gathered with one shared understanding—economic inclusion fuels innovation, and innovation fuels Houston. Leadership, Vision, and Legislative Impact
The morning featured remarks from Council Member Alejandra Salinas, who shared legislative priorities and reinforced her commitment to advancing policies that strengthen Houston’s diverse business ecosystem, addressed issues that impact City of Houston workforce, and ultimately move Houston forward. Her message was clear: collaboration between city leadership and inclusive business networks is essential to regional growth.
Also joining the program was Interim Harris County Attorney Jonathan
163 STRONG AND GROWING: Greater HOUSTON LGBTQ+ CHAMBER Ignites Momentum At Record-Breaking 3rd Thursday Monthly Breakfast
By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
Fonbomme , noting his support for the LGBTQ+ community and offering insights on his office, civic engagement and public service partnerships that protect and empower communities.
Together, their presence affirmed that the Chamber’s influence extends beyond networking—it shapes policy conversations and regional strategy.
Celebrating the Builders Behind the Movement
The Chamber also paused to honor two extraordinary contributors:
• Rick Bryant, a dedicated and longtime Chamber volunteer
• Chandrayee Soneja of Soneja Creative, whose visionary branding and creative force behind the Show Your Pride campaign, continues to elevate LGBTQ+
visibility across Houston
Their recognition served as a reminder that behind every milestone are individuals who quietly—and passionately—build the foundation.
A Decade of Impact. Stronger. Bolder. Unstoppable.
As the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber celebrates its 10-Year Anniversary, the theme resonates deeply:
A Decade of Impact. Stronger. Bolder. Unstoppable. Together.
That message will carry special weight later this year at the Chamber’s landmark Pride In Business 2026 Celebration Luncheon + After Party, which will be held at the Hilton Americas–Houston. With more than 1,000 attendees expected, the event will cement the Chamber’s position as Houston’s
largest LGBTQ+ gathering during Pride Month—outside of the parade itself.
Under the leadership of Tammi Wallace, Co-Founder, President & CEO, the organization has evolved into an economic powerhouse advocating for supplier inclusion, workforce development, and measurable equity outcomes for the LGBTQ_ community.
Houston’s inclusive economy is no longer aspirational—it’s operational.
What’s Next for Houston’s LGBTQ+ Business Community?
The momentum continues:
• 10-Year Anniversary Reception at POST Houston’s Penthouse rooftop
• Show Your Pride Open Studio Photo Shoot (March 9) in partnership with Soneja Creative
• March 3rd Thursday Breakfast, recognizing National LGBTQ+ Health Awareness Week and sponsored by Legacy Community Health, featuring Dr. Melanie Melville
Each gathering builds more than connections—it builds opportunity.
Why This Matters for Houston
For Houston Style Magazine readers, the message is clear: the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber is shaping a business landscape where visibility drives growth, authenticity fuels leadership, and belonging translates into bottom-line impact.
You probably already know about the convenience of using Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) roadways, but …
Did you know: How easy is it to get an EZ Tag?
Create an EZ Tag account in minutes on the HCTRA website (hctra.org) with your vehicle’s license plate number and a payment method. You will receive your EZ Tag in the mail in 7-10 business days. Once you get your EZ Tag you can start using it immediately - and installation is EZ. Simply peel and stick the tag to the interior of your car windshield. If an in-person experience is more of your style (and you want to get your tag immediately), you can also get an EZ Tag at any of the EZ Tag stores located throughout Harris County. Check out our newest location on the eastside near the Ship Channel Bridge!
There’s an app for that?
The free EZ TAG mobile app (available on the Apple App Store and Google Play) lets you easily manage your HCTRA EZ Tag account on the go. Monitor your activity and add or remove vehicles from your account.
Using your EZ Tag gets you a ten percent discount on HCTRA toll roads?
Ten percent discount. On all HCTRA toll roads. Every time you use your EZ Tag.
The more you use it the more you save.
DID YOU KNOW? The Harris County Toll Road Authority (HCTRA) Edition
HCTRA continues to work to make your journey more efficient.
No more stopping or bottlenecks at toll booths. Keep driving and get to your destination sooner!
EZ Tag works across Texas and Kansas, Oklahoma, Florida, and Colorado?
HCTRA EZ Tag has you covered on toll roads throughout the state of Texas and beyond. That’s one less thing you need to worry about when you travel.
HCTRA is working to increase the number of interoperable states, so stay tuned for more additions. Enjoy your road trips!
You can register up to eight vehicles on most EZ Tag accounts. Get a separate tag registered with each license plate and manage them all under one account. It’s perfect for families – even if everyone doesn’t live in Harris County.
HCTRA’s Incident Response Team (IRT) is here to help with roadside assistance on every HCTRA toll road?
IRT provides complimentary roadside assistance seven days a week from 5 a.m. – midnight. If you need help, call the number on the back of your EZ Tag - 281-5847500. A member of the team will help with things like
flat tires, dead batteries, empty fuel tanks, and basic mechanical repairs. If your vehicle needs towing, IRT will tow it to the nearest safe spot.
Add peace of mind to your journey!
HCTRA is completely self-funded?
HCTRA uses toll fees to cover all its operations, maintenance, and expansion projects. It does not use any tax dollars.
Your tolls are used to improve mobility throughout the region.
HCTRA operates more than just toll roads?
HCTRA operates the Lynchburg Ferry (on the Houston Ship Channel) and the Washburn Tunnel (which connects Pasadena and Galena Park) as well as the Ship Channel Bridge.
These connections are vital to the Port of Houston – an economic engine for the area, and best of all, you can use them free of charge.
Now you know!
HCTRA is always working to fulfill its mission to responsibly operate and maintain a safe, reliable, sustainable, and evolving mobility system that meets the diverse connectivity needs of every Harris County resident.
For the latest news, information, and other developments about HCTRA, follow us!
All HCTRA’s toll roads now use all electronic tolling?
You can register multiple vehicles on one EZ Tag account?
photo credit: HCTRA
Blueprint Church
Houston has always been a city that moves with purpose — and now, getting from the heart of Downtown to the runway at William P. Hobby Airport is smoother than ever.
Beginning Sunday, February 22, METRO’s expanded 500 Downtown Direct route officially raised the bar for affordable airport transportation in Houston. At just $4.50 per ride, travelers can enjoy a fast, reliable connection between Downtown Houston and Hobby Airport — no surge pricing, no parking garage maze, no stress.
A Smart Move for a Smarter City
The expanded route isn’t just a tweak — it’s a transformation. With additional downtown stops, including the Downtown Transit Center, the 500 Downtown Direct now connects even more commuters, business travelers, students, and visitors to one of Houston’s busiest airports.
For a city known for innovation in energy, medicine, and global commerce, improved transit infrastructure is more than convenience — it’s economic momentum. Whether you’re heading to a conference, a family reunion, a cruise departure, or a weekend getaway, this expansion delivers a seamless travel experience that matches Houston’s world-class ambition.
METRO's 500 DOWNTOWN DIRECT Expansion: IS A – ' HIT FROM DAY ONE ' – FOR HOUSTON TRAVELERS
By Francis Page, Jr. – www.StyleMagazine.com
tainability — fewer cars on the road means less congestion and a greener footprint for our growing city.
Transportation That Reflects Houston’s Growth
Houston continues to evolve as a global gateway. With Hobby serving millions of passengers annually and Downtown Houston booming with residential towers, corporate headquarters, entertainment venues, and cultural attractions, seamless airport access is essential.
Affordable. Efficient. On Time.
Houston travelers know the math: airport parking fees add up fast. Rideshare costs fluctuate. Traffic can test anyone’s patience. The 500 Downtown Direct offers a refreshing alternative — dependable service
at a predictable price point.
For Downtown professionals, residents in the urban core, and visitors staying in Houston’s thriving hotel district, the route makes Hobby Airport more accessible than ever before. It’s also a strong win for sus-
This expansion signals a larger commitment to modern mobility — investing in infrastructure that keeps Houston competitive, connected, and convenient from day one.
Plan Your Ride
Travelers can learn more about the expanded service and route details here:
• https://bit.ly/3OhToPz
For Houstonians who value time, savings, and simplicity, the message is clear:
Skip the stress. Travel smart. Ride the 500 Downtown Direct. Houston is on the move — and now, getting to Hobby is too.
www.RideMetro.org
Houston’s spring political calendar has a marquee moment on it: Saturday, March 21, 2026, when Democrats from across Harris County gather at the University of Houston for the 2026 Harris County Democratic Convention — a countywide kickoff designed to connect the grassroots, sharpen strategy, and build momentum for the November 2026 midterms
This is where precinct power meets big-stage inspiration. It’s where clubs and community partners link arms. It’s where first-time volunteers get plugged in… and longtime organizers get re-energized. In other words: it’s not just a convention — it’s a launch pad Convention hub (registration + updates): https://www.harrisdemconvention.com Register to attend: https://www.harrisdemconvention.com
The Who’s Who: Featured Speakers (Confirmed on the Convention Site)
The convention website currently lists these Featured Speakers:
• Adam Kinzinger (former U.S. Congressman; Jan. 6 Select Committee member)
• Beto O’Rourke
• Rick Wilson
• Lesley Briones (Harris County Commissioner, Precinct 4)
HOUSTON DEMOCRATS GATHER AT UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON (UH): FOR THE 2026 HARRIS COUNTY
DEMOCRATIC
By Francis Page Jr. – www.StyleMagazine.com
• Chris Hollins (Houston City Controller)
• Kendall Scudder (Texas Democratic Party Chair)
• Mike Doyle (Harris County Democratic Party Chair)
And yes — the rally portion is built to bring the energy: the convention site promises “exciting speakers,” plus entertainment and a high-powered message aimed squarely at 2026 turnout.
What to Expect (And Why You’ll Leave Fired Up)
According to the convention site, the day is designed for both the party’s official work and the wider public to engage:
• Morning delegate meetings by congressional district (party business, delegates, rules/resolutions)
• Breakout sessions/workshops (organizing skills, precinct chair pathways, staying calm in trying times, and more)
• A major rally to “get charged up” for the 2026 elections
• Trade-show style booths to meet candidates, clubs, and organizations face-to-face
• Mix & Mingle to celebrate unity and close the day with community and connection
CONVENTION
Translation: you can show up as a curious voter and leave as a connected volunteer — with a plan, a team, and three new contacts in your phone.
Ways to Show Up Strong (Attend, Sponsor, Advertise, Booth, Donate)
• 3) Donate (because momentum runs on resources) https://secure.actblue.com/ donate/harrisdemconvention-individuals
Houston Style Magazine Take
Harris County doesn’t just participate in Texas politics — it drives it. And this convention is built to turn Democratic energy into measurable action: training, organizing, turnout, and sustained coalition-building through November 2026.
