SUPERHEROES ASSEMBLE! Houston’s WAGS & WHISKERS 2026 Is Offically Underway
By Francis Page, Jr., Editor – www.StyleMagazine.com
Houston’s most heartwarming runway is back — and this time, it’s going full superhero mode. Following a spirited and stylish kickoff gathering in Porter, Texas, excitement is building for the 2026 Wags & Whiskers Luncheon & Pet Fashion Show benefiting the Animeals program of Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston. With capes fluttering (and tails wagging), the 2026 theme — “Superheroes Unleashed!” — promises to be the most heroic edition yet.
A Kickoff Filled with Heart (and a Few Happy Barks)
On Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 2:00 PM–4:00 PM, supporters gathered at the home of event co-chairs Chaun and Derrick Vaughn in Porter, Texas for an intimate and energizing kickoff celebration. Light bites, refreshing sips, and meaningful conversation filled the afternoon as community leaders, philanthropists, and animal lovers came together to champion a cause that touches lives across Houston.
Chaun Vaughn — Chief Inspirational Officer of VaughnMedia LLC and sister of Misha McClure — and her husband Derrick are leading this year’s charge with passion, creativity, and unmistakable Houston flair. Their message was simple: when we support pets, we support people. And Houston responded.
Why Wags & Whiskers Matters
At the heart of the event is Animeals, a beloved program of Interfaith Ministries that provides pet food, toys, and preventative veterinary supplies to more than 1,300 pets of homebound seniors across Greater Houston.
philanthropy with personality — and paws.
Get Your Tickets & Support the Cause Tables, tickets, and donations are now available. Whether you’re assembling your own “Justice League” table or flying solo, every seat supports seniors and their beloved pets. Purchase tickets or donate here: https://givebutter.com/c/wags26
For additional details, contact Chris Johnson at cjohnson@imgh.org.
“SUPERHEROES UNLEASHED”
For many seniors, these pets are not just companions — they are comfort, consistency, and connection. By helping seniors care for their animals, Animeals strengthens emotional well-being, reduces isolation, and preserves dignity.
That’s why Wags & Whiskers isn’t just a pet fashion show. It’s a lifeline dressed in sequins and superhero capes.
Save the Date: The Main Event Saturday, April 11, 2026
LUNCHEON - 11:00 AM–1:30 PM
The Ballroom at Bayou Place 500 Texas Avenue, Hou., TX 77002
This year’s luncheon and pet fashion show will honor Chrissy Tate, whose dedication to community service embodies the spirit of heroic giving.
Expect prancing pups, couture-clad companions, and a runway filled with imagination. Think Superman meets spaniel. Wonder Woman meets whiskers. It’s Houston
Any excess funds raised will be applied where needed most within Interfaith Ministries, ensuring the impact extends well beyond the runway.
Houston’s Compassion, On Display
Houston has always led with heart — especially when it comes to caring for our most vulnerable neighbors. Wags & Whiskers 2026 continues a proud tradition of blending style, service, and community spirit in one unforgettable afternoon.
As Houston Style Magazine celebrates the leaders and organizations that define our city’s generosity, we proudly spotlight Wags & Whiskers as a shining example of what happens when creativity meets compassion.
So, grab your cape. Rally your sidekicks. And prepare for a fashion show that proves heroes come in all shapes, sizes — and species.
Houston, it’s time to unleash your superpower: giving.
https://givebutter.com/c/wags26
Across the country — from South Carolina to the South Side of Chicago — we are celebrating the life of Rev. Jesse Jackson. This weekend, he will finally be laid to rest.
As we funeralize Reverend Jackson and reflect on what he gave us, I find myself thinking not only about his courage, but about his strategy — and about the power of words to build or break coalitions.
On Saturday, I will stand with my son — who carries Reverend Jackson’s last name as his first. We named him Jackson in no small part because of the Reverend’s importance to our people and to my own life. There were family reasons too. But it was his insistence that we build something broader than grievance — that we unite across lines others tried to harden — that made that name feel like a blessing to pass on.
It was his 1988 campaign that first pulled me into organizing. The Rainbow Coalition wasn’t poetry. It was strategy. It was a recognition that racism is the oldest political wedge in American history — used again and again to divide working people so none of us are strong enough to demand more for our children.
People sometimes call me a bridge. They mean that I am a Black civil rights leader with a white father. They mean I grew up rooted in both working-class and middle-class communities — Black and white — learning how to sit in rooms where folks didn’t look alike or vote alike and still search for common ground.
The truth is, I was raised by bridges.
My father grew up in overwhelmingly white Maine. His father — my grandfather — was a white doctor in Portland who made house calls in the city’s small Black community when few others would. Most of his patients were white, and he also served as the factory doctor in Biddeford. But there was a current in that family: serve your fellow human beings. Recognize common need. Be part of common solutions.
My father joined the civil rights movement in Maine more than a decade before he married my mother. He later supported Reverend Jackson’s campaigns
COMMENTARY
AS WE PREPARE TO LAY REV. JACKSON TO REST, I’M THINKING ABOUT WORDS THAT BUILD COALITIONS
By Ben Jealous, National Political Commentator
in ’84 and ’88. And for decades, he worked with thousands of men — mostly white — helping them confront trauma, break cycles of abuse and rediscover empathy and accountability.
Those men were not caricatures. Many were crushed when factories closed and industrial America hollowed out. Many struggled with addiction. Many carried untreated trauma from childhood. My father sat with their pain without denying the systems that shaped them.
My mother was a bridge of a different kind — Black, Southern and fearless. Born into a family with generations active in the NAACP, she joined a lawsuit at 12 to integrate her local all-white girls’ high school. She spent summers helping desegregate churches in Petersburg, Virginia. Later, she co-authored Combined Destinies, exploring how racism against Black people has also wounded white people in their own
lived lives.
She taught me that racism distorts everyone it touches — though not equally.
So, when my white dad says we should use the phrase “white advantage” instead of “white privilege,” I listen.
Because he has seen what words can do in a room.
Say “white privilege,” and too often you trigger a litany: “My grandfather worked in a mill.” “My mother cleaned houses.” “We were poor.” In a nation built literally by the underdogs of multiple nations — and by the underdogs within our own — people hear that word and feel their family’s suffering erased.
That’s not usually what people mean when they say it. But it is often what many hear.
“White advantage,” by contrast, is harder to argue with. It does not deny hardship. It does not pretend white communities
have been spared deindustrialization, opioid addiction or rising suicide rates. It simply names a measurable tilt in the system.
Researchers have shown that identical résumés get different responses depending on the name at the top. That white applicants with criminal records can receive more callbacks than Black applicants with clean ones.
That even when family income is similar, outcomes diverge.
That’s not about whether your life was easy. It’s about how the system sorts us. Reverend Jackson understood this better than anyone. The Rainbow Coalition was never about denying white suffering. It was about refusing to let racism weaponize it.
Racism keeps working communities weak by keeping us divided across what has historically been the most powerful line of division in this country — race — preventing working people, from union halls to churches, from our big cities to our small towns, from coming together in the interest of all our children.
If a word shuts down conversation before it begins, we should be wise enough to reconsider it — not to soften the truth, but to widen the coalition that can act on it. As we prepare to lay Rev. Jackson to rest, I’m asking how we continue his work. How do we tell the truth about racism’s permanence and pervasiveness while still building the broad alliances necessary to defeat it? Maybe part of the answer is simple: choose words that open doors.
Racism is real. It punishes. It persists. But if we are serious about breaking its power, we need language that allows people to see themselves in the solution.
Reverend Jackson taught us that working people can come together across lines that once seemed immovable — Black and white, North and South.
As we honor his life this week, let’s recommit to that project — with clarity, courage and words that build the coalition our children deserve.
Ben Jealous is a professor of practice at the University of Pennsylvania and former national president of the NAACP. He is the author of Never Forget Our People Were Always Free.
Democracy made its presence unmistakably clear across Texas on Super Tuesday, March 3, 2026, as voters turned out in strong numbers to cast ballots in primaries that reshaped several major races across the state. From Houston to Dallas, long lines and energized voters demonstrated that civic participation remains a powerful force in shaping Texas’ political future.
Across the state, several races produced decisive victories, while others now head toward critical runoff elections scheduled after Memorial Day on Tuesday, May 26, 2026. The results also propelled a number of prominent leaders and rising political figures toward high-stakes general election battles this November.
A New Democratic Senate Nominee
One of the evening’s most closely watched contests came in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate. State Representative James Talarico, a former schoolteacher and Christian pastor, secured the nomination with 53.2% of the vote, totaling 792,662 ballots.
His opponent, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, captured 45.49% of the vote in a spirited contest that drew statewide attention. Crockett has indicated that confusion surrounding polling locations in Dallas County may have impacted turnout and has not formally conceded.
SUPER TUESDAY 2026 SENDS SHOCKWAVES ACROSS TEXAS POLITICS: High Voter Turnout, Emerging Leaders, and Key Runoffs Highlight Democracy
By Burt Levine, Political Editor for www.StyleMagazine.com
Draw Attention
Houston-area races also generated significant attention. Longtime Congressman Al Green, who has represented the Ninth Congressional District since 2004, secured 47.7% of the vote (38,807 ballots) and advances to a runoff.
County Commissioner, State Senator, and Chief Municipal Judge.
Harris County Judge Race Heads to Runoff
The race for Harris County Judge also produced a competitive outcome. Former Houston Mayor Annise Parker led the Democratic field with 46.62% of the vote (155,688 ballots) but did not reach the majority required to avoid a runoff.
She will now face Letitia Plummer, who secured 37.29% (124,514 votes), in what promises to be a closely watched contest.
Governor’s Race Takes Shape
In the Democratic primary for governor, State Representative Gina Hinojosa won a decisive victory with 59.34% of the vote—more than 1.2 million ballots— defeating former Houston City Council Member and former Congressman Chris Bell, who earned 9.7%.
Hinojosa will now face incumbent Governor Greg Abbott, who dominated the Republican primary field with 81.87% of the vote (1,667,532 ballots) in a crowded contest featuring ten candidates.
Houston Congressional Races
He will face Christian Menefee, who earned 41.83% of the vote (33,989 ballots) in the Democratic contest for the neighboring 18th Congressional District seat. The upcoming runoff is expected to draw significant interest across Houston’s political landscape.
Meanwhile, Congresswoman Sylvia Garcia successfully defended her seat in the 29th Congressional District, winning 59.44% of the vote (27,799 ballots) against former State Representative and Houston City Council Member Jarvis Johnson, who received 34.76% (16,255 votes).
Garcia’s victory reinforces her long record of public service that includes roles as Houston City Controller, Harris
On the Republican side, former Houston City Council Member and Harris County Treasurer Orlando Sanchez led the field with 26.46% (47,397 votes) and advances to a runoff against Houston Fire Fighters Association President Marty Lancton, who received 20.57% (36,861 votes).
Texas Voters Make Their Voices Heard
Super Tuesday 2026 delivered a clear message: Texans remain deeply engaged in the democratic process. Across Houston and throughout the state, voters showed their commitment to shaping the future of their communities through participation at the ballot box.
For Houston Style Magazine readers, the message is simple and powerful: democracy thrives when citizens show up, speak up, and vote.
Talarico now awaits the outcome of the Republican runoff between longtime Senator John Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton. Cornyn led the Republican primary with 41.73% (854,873 votes) while Paxton followed closely with 40.99% (839,625 votes).
Houston stand up. The H-Town powerhouse known globally as Megan Thee Stallion is adding another jewel to her already sparkling crown—this time under the bright lights of Broadway.
The three-time Grammy Award-winning superstar, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and proud Houston native is set to make her Broadway debut in Moulin Rouge! The Musical, stepping into the role of the legendary impresario “Zidler” for a strictly limited eight-week engagement from Tuesday, March 24, 2026, through Sunday, May 17, 2026, at the iconic Al Hirschfeld Theatre in New York City.
And in true Megan fashion, she’s not just entering the building—she’s making history.
A Historic Broadway First
Megan Thee Stallion becomes the first female-identifying performer to portray “Zidler” in any production of Moulin Rouge! The Musical worldwide. Yes, you read that right. First. Ever.
For a show that has dazzled more than 12 million audience members across 15 global productions, this casting choice isn’t just bold—it’s Broadway brilliance. The 10-time Tony Award-winning Best Musical, inspired by Moulin Rouge!, is closing its celebrated Broadway run on July 26, 2026.
HOUSTON’S OWN MEGAN THEE STALLION MAKES BROADWAY HISTORY IN MOULIN ROUGE!
HOUSTON’S HOTTEST STAR TAKES CENTER STAGE ON BROADWAY
By Francis Page, Jr. – www.StyleMagazine.com
Megan’s appearance is part of the show’s grand farewell celebration—a glittering sendoff worthy of theatrical legend. As the impresario of the famed Parisian nightclub, Megan will command the stage with charisma, couture, and cultural impact. And yes—fans can expect a playful nod to her own chart-topping catalog woven into the spectacle.
From Houston Roots to Global Royalty Born and raised in Houston, Megan Thee Stallion’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. With Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hits including “Savage (Remix)” with Beyoncé, “WAP” with Cardi B, and “HISS,” she has redefined what it means to dominate the music industry. But Megan is more than a hitmaker.
She’s a trailblazer. In 2022, she became the first Black woman to grace the cover of Forbes Under 30. She has been named to TIME’s 100 Most Influential People list and honored for her advocacy work supporting women’s rights, mental health, and underserved communities. Through the Pete and Thomas Foundation, she continues investing in education, housing, and health initiatives—especially in her hometown of Houston.
Her Broadway debut marks yet another chapter in a career defined by fearless evolution. From hosting Saturday Night Live to appearing in film and television, Megan has consistently expanded her creative universe. Broadway simply becomes her next frontier.
And trust us—she’s stepping into it in heels.
Why This Matters for Houston At Houston Style Magazine, we celebrate those who elevate our city on the world stage. Megan’s Broadway debut is more than entertainment news—it’s a cultural milestone for Houston.
She embodies the ambition, resilience, and creativity that define this city. From the South Side to the spotlight of Times Square, Megan carries Houston’s spirit with her.
For Houston’s aspiring artists, performers, entrepreneurs, and dreamers, this moment sends a powerful message: there are no ceilings—only stages waiting to be conquered.
About Moulin Rouge! The Musical
Directed by Tony Award winner Alex Timbers with a book by John Logan and choreography by Sonya Tayeh, Moulin Rouge! The Musical is a high-energy mashup celebration of over 160 years of music—from Offenbach to Lady Gaga. Lavish sets, couture costumes, electrifying choreography, and pop anthems transform Broadway into a Parisian fever dream of truth, beauty, freedom, and love.
Tickets are available at:
www.MoulinRougeMusical.com
In one of the most watched and hotly contested races in the state, voters in Texas waited well into the night — and into the next day — to learn the outcome of the Democratic U.S. Senate primary between Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico, a matchup that drew national attention and intense grassroots organizing.
A Heated Primary and Early Voting Surge
Early voting ahead of the March 3 primary showed both campaigns aggressively mobilizing voters across Texas. The race was framed not only as a battle for the Democratic nomination but also as part of a broader debate within the party about strategy in a state Republicans have dominated for decades. Crockett, a Dallas congresswoman with a high-profile, progressive record, leaned on her advocacy on voting rights and criminal justice reform, while Talarico emphasized coalition-building, public education, and a campaign designed to appeal to moderates and independents.
Grassroots enthusiasm was evident, with volunteers and community groups working door-to-door in urban centers and suburbs alike — partly explaining the surge in turnout that saw early ballots pour in statewide.
DEMOCRATIC WINNER EMERGES IN TEXAS AFTER VOTING CONFUSION DELAYS RESULTS
By Lisa Valadez for www.StyleMagazine.com
JAMES TALARICO
1,188,297 VOTES + 53% OF VOTES
Election Day Confusion
in Dallas County Election night was anything but smooth in parts of North Texas. In Dallas County, changes to voting procedures sparked confusion as voters accustomed to countywide vote centers were required under new rules to vote only at assigned precinct locations. Hundreds of voters showed
JASMINE CROCKET
1,034,202 VOTES + 46% OF VOTES
up at incorrect sites and were turned away, leading both campaigns to publicly raise concerns about disenfranchisement.
Dallas County elections officials acknowledged the chaos, with systems crashing and lines forming at precincts days after early voting concluded. A local judge ordered polling places for Democratic voters
to stay open later, though a subsequent Texas Supreme Court ruling limited the counting of late ballots, adding more uncertainty to already delayed results.
Results and Aftermath
The race wasn’t called right away as votes trickled in overnight. By early Wednesday, state and national outlets projected a victory for James Talarico. His campaign celebrated a hard-fought triumph in the Democratic Senate primary, clearing the way for a general election challenge in November against a Republican nominee emerging from a separate runoff.
Despite the loss, Crockett conceded and urged party unity. In her concession, she called on Democrats to come together behind Talarico to keep up momentum in a state increasingly seen as pivotal for national politics.
The high stakes of this primary — the first of its kind in recent memory in Texas — underscored deep divisions over strategy within the party and highlighted ongoing debates about election access and voting policy. The fallout from the voting issues in Dallas County is expected to figure into discussions about election administration and legal challenges in the weeks ahead.
BEHIND THE SCENES AT TMC: HOW METRO IS MAKING ONE OF HOUSTON'S BUSIEST TRANSIT HUBS MORE ACCESSABLE
By Kaila Contreras-Aradillas for METRO
When people think about METRO, they often picture buses and trains moving across Houston. But getting around the region begins well before someone boards a vehicle and continues after they step off.
From sidewalks and transit centers to elevators, crossings, and connections, METRO plays a critical role in how people move through their everyday lives. That behind-the-scenes work is on full display at one of the busiest transit hubs in the region: the Texas Medical Center Transit Center
“As Houston continues to grow and welcome major events and visitors, it is critical that our transit system is ready,” METRO Chair Elizabeth Gonzalez Brock said. “These improvements help ensure we are prepared to serve both our everyday riders and the millions of people who rely on the Texas Medical Center each year.”
What’s happening at the Texas Medical Center Transit Center?
METRO is investing more than $17 million to improve the TMC Transit Center; a major hub that connects riders to METRORail, bus routes, and key destinations throughout the Texas Medical Center area.
The project includes:
• Replacing four elevators and four escalators
• Rehabilitating the pedestrian skybridge that connects riders safely across busy corridors
• Preparing the facility for the future with infrastructure to support electric buses, including charging stations
As improvements are completed, the skybridge will reopen with an increased police presence to support a safe and secure rider experience.
Why this work matters for riders
The Texas Medical Center Transit Center serves more than 10,000 riders every weekday and connects people to one of the largest medical complexes in the world. Each year, the area supports more than 120,000 employees, tens of thousands of students, and millions of patients and visitors.
For many riders in this area, accessibility is not optional. It is essential. Elevators, escalators, and safe pedestrian connections are critical for seniors, people with disabilities, patients traveling to medical appointments, and anyone navigating the system with mobility challenges.
“Our goal is to make every part of the rider experience safer and easier to navigate,” Interim President and CEO
Tom Jasien said. “These upgrades improve how people move through the transit center, especially for seniors, patients, and riders with mobility needs.”
These improvements are about more than infrastructure. They are about dignity, safety, and reliability for the people who depend on METRO to get where they need to go.
Mobility is more than boarding a bus or stepping onto a train. It starts when people begin their trip and ends when they reach their destination safely.
The TMC Transit Center connects patients to essential care, workers to their jobs, and students to education. When these connections work smoothly, riders experience a system that feels easier, safer, and more dependable, even if they never notice the behind-the-scenes that made it possible.
How this fits into METRO’s bigger picture
These improvements support METRONow’s focus on safety, reliability, and accessibility, starting with the basics. Investing in a state of good repair ensures METRO is maintaining the infrastructure riders already rely on, protecting taxpayer investment, and building a stronger foundation for future growth. With increased visitation across the region and major events like the FIFA World Cup on the horizon, readiness today helps ensure METRO can serve both everyday riders and future visitors safely and reliably.
What riders can expect
Some riders may experience temporary closures or detours as work continues. While disruptions may be inconvenient, they are part of long-term improvements that will deliver safer, more accessible facilities.
Once complete, riders will notice:
• Easier access for seniors
• Better mobility for people with disabilities
• Safer movement for all METRO customers through the transit center
The big takeaway
METRO is about more than transportation. It is about mobility. By connecting people to jobs, healthcare, education, and opportunity, METRO helps support Houston’s growth, safety, and future as a global city. Projects like the improvements at the Texas Medical Center Transit Center reflect METRO’s commitment to doing the behind-the-scenes work that keeps the region moving today and into the future.
www.RideMetro.org
Behind-the-scenes work is on full display at one of the busiest transit hubs in the region: the Texas Medical Center Transit Center
In a city fueled by resilience, diversity, and opportunity, journalism plays a vital role in shaping conversations and strengthening communities. For Brittaney Wilmore, that calling began at Houston City College (HCC), where a scholarship, strong mentorship, and hands-on newsroom experience helped transform her ambition into a thriving career in broadcast journalism.
Today, Wilmore serves as Director of Community Engagement at KTRK-TV (ABC13 Houston) — a leadership role that connects one of Houston’s most trusted news stations directly with the people it serves. Her journey, however, started years earlier inside the classrooms and studios of Houston City College.
A Scholarship That Changed Everything
A graduate of Cinco Ranch High School in Katy, Wilmore enrolled at HCC with the support of the David and Jean Wiley Scholarship through the HCC Foundation. The scholarship covered tuition and books, allowing her to focus fully on her education and future without the weight of student debt.
She graduated in 2011 with an Associate of Arts in Communications — but the degree was only part of the story.
Her defining experience came at HCC-TV, the college’s on-campus televi-
FROM CLASSROOM TO COMMUNITY: HOW HOUSTON CITY COLLEGE
HELPED BRITTANEY WILMORE BUILD A THRIVING JOURNALISM CAREER
By Francis Page Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
sion station at 3100 Main Street. There, she immersed herself in every aspect of production: learning Final Cut Pro and Premiere, producing programs, booking interviews, and meeting lawmakers and community leaders.
“HCC-TV has my heart,” Wilmore has shared. “Some of my fondest memories are learning the craft and understanding how the television business works.”
Under faculty with real newsroom experience, she gained practical skills and professional confidence — tools that would soon open doors across Houston’s competitive media landscape.
Breaking Into Houston’s Newsrooms
After leaving HCC debt-free, Wilmore completed her bachelor’s degree at the University of Houston. She then launched her professional career as a line producer for the morning show at KHOU, one of Houston’s leading television stations.
The fast-paced role sharpened her editorial judgment and newsroom instincts.
A few years later, she joined ABC13 as a digital content producer, managing online publishing and breaking news alerts in an era when immediacy and accuracy matter more than ever.
Now, as Director of Community Engagement at ABC13, Wilmore stands at the intersection of journalism and civic connection. She coordinates outreach
initiatives, organizes public appearances, and helps shape community-centered storytelling that reflects Houston’s vibrant and diverse neighborhoods.
Paying It Forward
Wilmore remembers the early days — sending out resumes, crafting cover letters, and hoping someone would take a chance on her work. That memory fuels her commitment to mentoring the next generation.
“When I meet students trying to break into the industry, I want to give them the same care and advice that was shown to me,” she has said.
Her message to donors who support the HCC Foundation is equally heartfelt: investing in students creates lasting impact. Scholarships don’t just remove financial barriers — they unlock potential and confidence.
And her advice to aspiring journalists is refreshingly simple:
Stay connected to mentors. Embrace new tools. Say “yes” to opportunities that stretch your comfort zone.
Brittaney Wilmore - KTRK-TV Director of Community Engagement
In a city that prides itself on bold growth and cultural brilliance, few places embody Houston’s timeless elegance quite like The Lancaster Hotel. Located in the heart of Downtown’s celebrated Theater District, this iconic boutique hotel is officially commemorating its 100th anniversary—a milestone that reflects not only longevity, but legacy.
For a century, The Lancaster has welcomed artists, executives, travelers, and Houstonians seeking a refined retreat steps away from the stage lights of Jones Hall and the city’s premier performing arts venues. Its centennial celebration in 2026 honors that extraordinary journey with yearlong festivities, exclusive packages, and curated experiences designed to spotlight its enduring connection to Houston’s arts and cultural community.
A Grand Beginning in the Roaring Twenties
Originally opened in 1926 as the Auditorium Hotel, the property was developed by Italian immigrant entrepreneur Michele DeGeorge and designed by renowned Houston architect Joseph Finger. Built in an elegant Italianate style, the hotel was strategically positioned to serve patrons of the nearby City Auditorium—today known as Jones Hall.
The 1920s marked a transformative era for Houston. The city was rapidly evolving into a center of commerce and culture, wit-
LANCASTER HOTEL CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF TIMELESS ELEGANCE IN
HOUSTON’S THEATER
By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
nessing milestones such as the founding of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, the launch of its first radio station, and early aviation innovations. The hotel quickly became a gathering place for visiting performers, business leaders, and cultural tastemakers, embedding itself into the fabric of Downtown Houston life.
Reinvention as Houston’s Boutique Pioneer
In 1981, a visionary renovation reintroduced the property as The Lancaster Hotel, becoming Houston’s first luxury boutique hotel. The redesign reduced the original 200 rooms to 93 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites—prioritizing intimacy, comfort, and elevated service while preserving the building’s historic charm.
A new chapter began in 2017 when the Shinn family, experienced Texas hoteliers,
acquired the landmark property. Under the artistic leadership of Jay Shinn, the hotel underwent a multimillion-dollar transformation beginning in 2018. The renovation preserved architectural integrity while introducing timeless design, modern amenities, and a bold new identity: Houston’s Art Hotel.
A Cultural Touchstone in the Theater District
Today, The Lancaster Hotel stands as more than a place to stay—it is a living gallery. Its permanent collection features more than 200 works by internationally recognized contemporary Texas artists, including Robert Rauschenberg, Donald Judd, Trenton Doyle Hancock, Terrell James, James Surls, Margo Sawyer, and Rick Lowe. The carefully curated collection reflects Houston’s dynamic creative spirit and reinforces the hotel’s deep ties to the performing arts community.
For decades, members of the Houston Symphony, Houston Ballet, Houston Grand Opera, and visiting Broadway productions have made The Lancaster their home away from home. Its proximity to world-class venues and its quiet sophistication continue to make it a preferred destination for artists and patrons alike.
A Centennial Worth Celebrating
The official centennial celebration begins on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, launch-
DISTRICT
ing a year of commemorative experiences. A special Centennial Package, available through December 31, 2026, invites guests to become part of history with curated keepsakes, including a custom Lancaster candle featuring the hotel’s signature scent and a beautifully designed booklet chronicling 100 years of hospitality.
Quarterly events throughout 2026 will spotlight Houston’s theater, symphony, opera, and dance partners with intimate mezzanine gatherings featuring live performances and community tributes. The celebration will culminate in a grand finale event later in the year honoring the hotel’s enduring role in shaping Texas’ arts scene.
A Century of Style in the Heart of Houston
As Downtown Houston continues to evolve, The Lancaster Hotel remains a graceful constant—proof that history and innovation can coexist beautifully. Its centennial is not just a reflection of the past, but a confident step into the future of hospitality in Houston’s Theater District.
For reservations and centennial details, visit www.thelancaster.com
For 100 years, The Lancaster has set the stage for unforgettable stays—and in 2026, the curtain rises on its next remarkable act.
On Thursday, February 26, TDECU and the Houston Texans presented a $21,000 donation to Kids’ Meals, furthering efforts to combat childhood food insecurity throughout the Greater Houston area. The donation fulfills the credit union’s commitment as the team’s Red Zone Sponsor during the 2025 season, a program that pledged $300 to Kids’ Meals for every trip the Texans made to the Red Zone. Each $300 donation provides 150 meals for preschool-aged children, meaning Thursday’s contribution will help deliver more than 10,000 meals to children in need.
The check presentation event featured Texans Legend Chris Clark, team mascot TORO, and the Texans Cheerleaders, highlighting a community-wide commitment to addressing childhood hunger. These appearances underscored the role of local organizations and community partners in ensuring children have consistent access to nutritious meals.
Harris County has been identified as the nation’s leader in child food insecurity, with an estimated 100,000 children not knowing where their next meal will come from. Organizations like Kids’ Meals play a critical role in bridging that gap, delivering free, nutritious lunches to preschool-aged children throughout the school year. During school breaks, the nonprofit expands its program to provide meals for every child in the
TDECU, HOUSTON TEXANS DONATE $21K TO KIDS’ MEALS
By Lisa Valadez for www.StyleMagazine.com
household up to 18 years of age, ensuring that children continue to receive nourishment even when school is not in session.
TDECU, a member-owned credit union headquartered in Lake Jackson, Texas, serves more than 300,000 members across the Houston metropolitan area and surrounding communities. Founded with the principle of “People helping people prosper,” TDECU supports initiatives that enhance the well-being of the communities
where its members live and work. The credit union has maintained a partnership with Kids’ Meals for six years, reflecting a sustained commitment to improving the lives of children and families in need.
Beyond financial support, TDECU also engages its members and staff in community initiatives, volunteering with local organizations and sponsoring programs that focus on education, health, and community development. By linking
community engagement with its financial mission, TDECU emphasizes the importance of collaboration between corporate partners, nonprofits, and local residents in creating lasting social impact.
Thursday’s donation demonstrates the tangible results of such partnerships. By providing more than 10,000 meals, TDECU and the Texans are helping to ensure that children in Greater Houston have access to healthy food, supporting both immediate nutritional needs and long-term growth and development. The donation also reflects TDECU’s ongoing focus on programs that address pressing social issues while encouraging other organizations to contribute to the welfare of the community.
As childhood food insecurity continues to challenge families across Harris County and the surrounding region, contributions like this one play a vital role in providing stability, nourishment, and hope for children who rely on these programs every day. Through continued collaboration, TDECU, the Houston Texans, and Kids’ Meals aim to strengthen community resilience and create opportunities for children to thrive.
(L to R): Texans Cheerleaders, Texans Legend Chris Clark, Kids’ Meals CEO Beth Braniff Harp, TDECU Chief Growth Officer Josh Brian, Kids’ Meals Chief Advancement Officer Ali Flanders Dodson
When leadership meets legacy, the results can reshape institutions. That’s precisely the moment unfolding at the Texas Southern University as the Jesse H. Jones School of Business proudly announces the appointment of C. Gabriel Hayes, MBA, as Chairman of its Business Advisory Council (BAC).
For Houston’s thriving business community — and for the thousands of TSU alumni shaping boardrooms across the country — this appointment signals more than a title. It signals momentum.
A Proven Executive with Houston Roots
Hayes brings more than two decades of senior leadership experience across institutional asset management, consultant relations, and retirement and workplace benefits markets. As Vice President and Sales Director at Voya Financial, he oversees institutional sales strategy and consultant engagement across a 12-state territory — a role that demands vision, precision, and the ability to build trusted partnerships at scale.
And trust is a currency Hayes understands well.
Known as a strategic advisor to C-suite executives, plan sponsors, and global consulting firms, Hayes has built a career defined by growth through collaboration. His expertise spans institutional sales leadership, enterprise business development, retirement solutions, and consultant
LEADERSHIP WITH LEGACY: C. GABRIEL HAYES ELEVATED TO CHAIRMAN OF TSU’S BUSINESS ADVISORY COUNCIL
By Francis Page Jr. – www.StyleMagazine.com
strategy — all powered by a talent for aligning diverse stakeholders around a shared objective.
In an era when business is increasingly data-driven yet deeply relational, Hayes embodies both disciplines.
A Champion for Higher Education Advancement
Beyond the corporate sphere, Hayes has demonstrated a sustained commitment to strengthening institutions of higher learning.
His prior leadership roles at Clark Atlanta University — including Vice President of Philanthropy and Chief Operating Officer of Institutional Advancement — positioned him at the forefront of major gift cultivation and organizational transformation initiatives.
That dual lens — corporate performance and academic advancement — uniquely equips him for this next chapter at TSU.
As Chairman of the Business Advisory
Council, Hayes will provide strategic counsel to the Dean and school leadership, strengthen corporate and alumni engagement, and support initiatives advancing student success, innovation, and industry relevance. His approach is collaborative, metrics-oriented, and anchored in excellence.
The Power of the Business Advisory Council
The Jesse H. Jones School of Business Advisory Council is composed of 33 distinguished business leaders and alumni committed to guiding the school’s trajectory. Their collective mission: provide strategic, operational, and financial insight that ensures graduates are prepared to compete ethically and globally in a rapidly evolving marketplace.
By contributing time, expertise, networks, and resources, the council amplifies both on-campus and off-campus initiatives — strengthening industry partnerships while expanding experiential learning opportunities for students.
With Hayes at the helm, that mission takes on renewed clarity and confidence.
TSU’s Enduring Impact on Houston and Beyond
Founded in 1927, Texas Southern University has long honored its designation as a special-purpose institution for urban programming
and research. As one of Texas’ most diverse and respected universities, TSU continues to expand access to higher education for underserved communities while addressing critical urban issues through research and innovation.
The Jesse H. Jones School of Business stands as a cornerstone of that mission — producing ethical, globally minded leaders who are not only prepared for today’s marketplace, but ready to shape tomorrow’s economy. And that’s where this appointment resonates most.
Houston is a city defined by resilience, enterprise, and bold ambition. When one of its own returns to invest in the next generation of business leaders, it’s more than a professional milestone — it’s a community statement.
C. Gabriel Hayes’ elevation to Chairman is not just about governance. It’s about growth. It’s about stewardship. And it’s about ensuring that the future of Houston business remains as dynamic and diverse as the city itself. For Houston Style Magazine readers — entrepreneurs, executives, civic leaders, and rising professionals — this moment reflects something powerful: when alumni give back with purpose, institutions rise.
And when institutions rise, so does Houston. www.TSU.edu
C. Gabriel Hayes - CHAIR
HISTORIC RIVERSIDE HOSPITAL REOPENS: A $200 MILLION INVESTMENT IN HEALTH EQUITY
By Francis Page Jr. – www.StyleMagazine.com
On Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 10:00 AM CT, Houston witnessed history renewed. Nearly a century after first opening its doors to serve African Americans during segregation, Riverside Hospital in the heart of Third Ward celebrated the completion of Phase I of its transformative $200 million restoration project. What once stood as a vital refuge for Black Houstonians denied access to segregated hospitals now rises again — restored, reimagined, and recommitted to community care.
Led by Rodney Ellis, the ribbon-cutting ceremony marked a powerful moment of reflection and progress. Joined by public health officials and international partners, community leaders gathered at 3204 Ennis Street to celebrate a milestone that blends preservation with purpose.
Phase I: Restoring History, Expanding Access
The first phase included renovations to three historic buildings — the original hospital, the Nursing School, and the Utility Building. These restored spaces will begin delivering services in June 2026 under the leadership of Harris County Public Health (HCPH).
Residents will have access to vaccinations, immunizations, dental care, and sexually transmitted infection (STI) screenings. Just as important, HCPH’s Accessing Coordinated Care and Empowering Self Sufficiency (ACCESS) program will offer on-site support for individuals facing mental and physical health challenges, housing instability, substance use recovery, and financial hardship.
This is public health with a holistic
lens — meeting residents where they are and addressing the social factors that shape longterm wellness.
A Partnership for Equity
The project reflects meaningful collaboration. In addition to county funding, grants from the Houston Endowment, the State of Qatar’s Harvey Fund, and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development helped bring the restoration to life.
Phase II will include a new administrative building for HCPH, strengthening coordination and expanding the county’s public health footprint.
A Century Later — Still Serving
Riverside Hospital’s reopening is more than a construction milestone. It is a declaration that historic communities deserve modern investment. It is proof that equity can be built into infrastructure. And it is a reminder that Houston honors its past not by preserving it in silence — but by activating it in service.
Houston Style Magazine readers, the ribbon may have been cut on Saturday, but the real celebration begins in June, when doors open wide and community members once again walk through them — this time into a fully restored beacon of health equity in Houston’s Third Ward.
In Third Ward, history is no longer just remembered. It is restored. And it is ready to heal again.
