DOJA CAT TO ELECTRIFY THE 2025 LACMA ART FILM GALA WITH UNSTOPPABLE ENERGY
By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
Los Angeles is about to experience a seismic cultural moment. The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) has announced that global superstar Doja Cat will headline the 14th Annual Art+Film Gala Presented by Gucci, taking place on Saturday, November 1, 2025, 6:00 PM PT. This year’s gala will honor the creative brilliance of artist Mary Corse and visionary filmmaker Ryan Coogler, co-chaired by longtime supporters Eva Chow and Leonardo DiCaprio.
For more than a decade, the Art+Film Gala has fused Hollywood glamour with boundary-pushing artistry. Adding Doja Cat to the lineup ensures that this year’s event will be one for the history books.
“Doja Cat is a boundary-breaking creative force who will bring her incomparable energy to the evening,” said Eva Chow, LACMA trustee and Gala Co-Chair.
The Rise of a Global Icon
Doja Cat’s journey is a masterclass in turning vision into dominance. At just 16, she uploaded her first tracks to SoundCloud in 2013, showcasing her genre-bending artistry inspired by icons like Erykah Badu, Nicki Minaj, and Busta Rhymes. Within a year, she signed with RCA Records and began carving a lane uniquely her own.
Her playful viral hit “MOOO!” in 2018 cemented her as a cultural phenomenon, but it was her platinum 2019 album Hot Pink that catapulted her into global superstardom. From the GRAMMY-nominated “Say So” to the hypnotic “Streets,” Doja Cat’s sound proved both innovative and irresistible.
By 2021, she was unstoppable. Her third studio album Planet Her topped charts worldwide, delivering multi-platinum hits like “Kiss Me More” featuring SZA and “Woman.” Along the way, Doja Cat collected one GRAMMY Award, five American Music Awards, and five Billboard Music Awards, while also being named to TIME100’s Most Influential People in 2023.
Her momentum only grew with the release of Scarlet (2023), the follow-up Scarlet 2 CLAUDE (2024), and her genre-blending fifth album Vie (2025)—a daring homage to the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s that has already garnered critical acclaim. With more than 36 billion streams worldwide, Doja Cat is not just a pop star—she’s a cultural architect reshaping the sound and style of a generation.
Doja Cat at the Art+Film Gala
The 2025 LACMA Art+Film Gala promises to be more than an elegant evening—it will be an artistic explosion at
the intersection of film, fine art, fashion, and music. Previous gala performers have included Charli XCX and Billie Eilish, but Doja Cat’s presence marks a bold new era. Her fearless creativity and magnetic stage presence are the perfect reflection of what the Gala represents: innovation without boundaries.
Funds raised during the evening will directly support LACMA’s curatorial programming, educational initiatives, exhibitions, and acquisitions, reinforcing the museum’s mission to expand access to art and film on both local and global scales.
Why This Matters for Houston Style Readers
Though Los Angeles hosts the event, Doja Cat’s performance at the Art+Film Gala resonates far beyond the Pacific coast. Houston Style Magazine readers recognize her as a trailblazer who reflects the fusion of art, music, and culture that defines today’s generation. Her journey from viral videos to headlining Coachella 2024 and commanding one of the most prestigious galas in the world is proof that boundary-defying creativity is the future of entertainment.
Doja Cat is not just performing at a gala—she’s making history on one of art’s grandest stages.
Event Details
�� Saturday, November 1, 2025 �� 6:00 PM PT
�� Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036
�� Honoring: Mary Corse and Ryan Coogler
�� Musical Guest: Doja Cat �� Presented by: Gucci
For tickets and table sales, contact artandfilm@lacma.org or call 323-8574770.
Final Note
Houston Style Magazine readers, as Doja Cat takes the stage at the 2025 LACMA Art+Film Gala, she’s not just performing—she’s redefining what it means to be a modern icon. Stylish, daring, and unapologetically original, she embodies the kind of fearless creativity that Houston Style Magazine champions.
Expect the night to be dazzling, expect the art to inspire, and most of all— expect Doja Cat to bring the fire.
Doja Cat
COMMENTARY
In my house, two legacies face each other.
On one wall hangs a reproduction of The Spirit of ’76, painted by my cousin Archibald M. Willard for the nation’s hundredth birthday. The central drummer in that painting — the older man leading the trio — was modeled after Archibald’s father, my cousin too.
The Spirit of ’76 is America’s most famous Revolutionary painting — the definitive image of independence, instantly recognizable wherever it appears. First displayed at the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia, it captured the mood of a nation celebrating its hundredth year and looking back on its birth in revolution.
For my family, it is not just symbolic. My father descends from six officers in the Massachusetts Line of the Continental Army — and from a seventh, a 13-year-old fifer who fought at Lexington and Concord. He was the youngest combatant on that battlefield, carrying both a fife and a musket into the first fight of the Revolution. He lived into his 90s, long enough to be photographed — the only person from that battlefield whose face we can still see.
That painting is the definitive picture of 1776: a battered but unbroken march for freedom and equality. My family is literally in the frame — and in the fight.
Across the room sits another inheritance: the desk of my mother’s great-great-grandfather, Peter G. Morgan, born enslaved in Nottoway County, Virginia, in 1817.
Beside it rests the courting set he bought so his three daughters, once freed, could welcome suitors in dignity.
My family isn’t just in the picture of 1776. We live the unfinished fight of 1876.
A wager for freedom and equality
In 1864, while Petersburg was under Confederate siege, Morgan walked into a Confederate court and freed his wife and daughters.
Virginia law was brutal: any Black
By Ben Jealous – National Political Commentator
person gaining freedom — and their family — had 12 months to leave the state. Fail to leave, and you could be seized and enslaved again.
So, Morgan wagered exile — or even re-enslavement — if Confederate authorities got to them before the Union did. Still, he took the risk. He bet everything on freedom and equality.
He was right on the first count. And for a time, right on the second.
Reconstruction’s promise
After the war, Morgan served in Virginia’s House of Delegates from 1869 to 1871. He sat on Petersburg’s city council and school board.
He helped build schools, relief associations, and even a bank. He believed that Reconstruction — America’s “second founding” — could finally make freedom and equality real.
But he also lived to see those hopes collapse.
The collapse came just after the hopeful celebration of 1876, with the Compromise of 1877 — a backroom deal to resolve the contested race between Democrat Samuel Tilden and Republican Rutherford Hayes. Republicans kept the White House by giving in to Democratic demands to pull federal troops from the South.
With the old Union soldiers gone, white supremacists unleashed murderous violence to retake power. Reconstruction ended not with a bang but a betrayal — and lynch mobs burning human flesh.
Twin revolutions, both unfinished
That is America in a nutshell: twin spirits, twin moments, both unfinished.
1776 was for freedom.
1876 was for equality.
Yet neither dream dies.
The fire passes from Harriet Tubman to Ella Baker. From Frederick Douglass to Martin Luther King Jr. From Chicago’s Jacqueline Jackson to Chicago’s Michelle
Obama. And it burns on in young organizers today.
The warning is clear: freedom and equality are fragile, and gains can be rolled back. Today, both are under attack again — with democracy itself on the line, racial equality undermined, and immigrants targeted with open hostility.
The charge is clearer still: if my great-great-great-grandfather could bet on freedom and equality in 1864 while Petersburg burned — and my father’s young ancestor could join his father and brothers in arms at Lexington — surely, we can fight for freedom and equality in our own time.
You can write to Ben Jealous incare of this Newspaper or by website at: www.BenJealous.com
In the sprawling heart of northwest Harris County, where community and classrooms intertwine, one woman is challenging the status quo with passion, experience, and purpose. Meet Kendra Camarena — a mother, educator, entrepreneur, and advocate who believes that the future of Cypress-Fairbanks ISD (Cy-Fair ISD), Texas’ third-largest school district, must be rooted in unity, innovation, and inclusion.
As Early Voting begins on Monday, October 20, Camarena steps boldly into the spotlight, determined to lead a movement that prioritizes students over politics. “Our children deserve a future filled with opportunity, innovation, and achievement,” she says with conviction. “And our school board must reflect that — putting kids first and leaving behind the divisive rhetoric that distracts from their success.”
A Legacy of Service and Determination
Public service runs deep in Camarena’s family. Her father, Ken Yarbrough, served in the Texas Legislature, led the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union, and proudly wore the uniform of the U.S. Navy. From him, Kendra learned that leadership means listening — and that progress begins when people come together.
“I grew up understanding that public schools are the heartbeat of every community,” Camarena reflects. “When our schools thrive, our neighborhoods thrive. When our students succeed, so does our entire city.”
KENDRA CAMARENA: A FRESH VOICE RISING IN CY-FAIR ISD’S FUTURE
By Burt Levine, Political Editor for www.StyleMagazine.com
Educator, Entrepreneur, Advocate
Camarena’s story reflects Houston’s diverse spirit. A graduate of Scarborough High School, she went on to earn three degrees from the University of Texas at Austin before continuing her studies at the University of Houston. Her teaching career began at Wheatley High School, where her innovative approach to curriculum earned recognition across Houston ISD. Later, she became a district instructional leader, coaching teachers and shaping the next generation of educators.
Together with her husband, Kendra also built Perico’s Mexican Café, a beloved local restaurant that celebrates family, flavor, and community. Their success as small business
owners mirrors their commitment to Cy-Fair’s growth. The couple has long supported the Cy-Fair Chamber of Commerce and have volunteered for more than 20 years with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo — a symbol of their Texas pride.
Building a Better Future for Cy-Fair Families
Camarena’s platform focuses on fiscal responsibility, student safety, and community engagement. “This school district’s 2025–2026 budget is $1.2 billion,” she emphasizes. “That’s not just numbers on paper — that’s the future of 120,000 students. Every family deserves to have their voices heard in how those dollars are spent.” Her advocacy has already delivered tangible results. When parents raised concerns
about unsafe travel routes, Kendra worked alongside local officials and neighbors to restore school bus services and secure new sidewalks and bike paths for children.
She has also been vocal about ensuring that Cy-Fair’s school board reflects the diversity of its students — now more than 46% Hispanic, 20% African American, 20% white, and 10% Asian.
“With more than 20 years of experience in public education and business,” she says, “I understand the challenges this community faces — but I also see the incredible opportunities ahead.”
No More Politics. Just Progress.
Camarena’s campaign message cuts through the noise: “Our kids should come first — not political arguments. We want no more bus route cuts, no more division, and no more distractions from what matters most: educating and empowering our children.”
Her call resonates across Cy-Fair’s neighborhoods — from parents and pastors to chambers of commerce and teachers — all eager for a fresh, community-centered approach to leadership.
THE GOLD STANDARD IN NURSING
Harris Health Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital
(L to R ) Sandra Levine, Kendra Camarena, Burt Levine
In a heartfelt gesture that speaks to the very soul of Houston’s community spirit, H-E-B has generously contributed $100,000 to the SHAPE Community Center’s Restoration Campaign. This monumental gift underscores H-E-B’s continued dedication to uplifting neighborhoods and supporting organizations that have long stood as pillars of education, empowerment, and equality.
For over four decades, the SHAPE Community Center has served as a beacon of cultural pride and progress, nurturing generations of leaders through its After-School Education and Empowerment Programs. The Center’s mission—rooted in service, culture, and growth—aligns seamlessly with H-E-B’s longstanding tradition of investing in communities that shape the future of Texas.
Investing in the Next Generation
H-E-B’s contribution will provide critical support to expand SHAPE’s educational and creative programs, ensuring Houston’s youth have access to safe, nurturing spaces where they can learn, lead, and excel. From tutoring and academic enrichment to creative expression and leadership workshops, the donation will directly impact hundreds of children and families across the city.
“It is our sincere hope that our
H-E-B’S $100,000 GIFT TO SHAPE COMMUNITY CENTER STRENGTHENS HOUSTON’S LEGACY OF EMPOWERMENT
By Francis Page, Jr., Editor – www.StyleMagazine.com
support will help to make your After-School Education and Empowerment Program a success,” an H-E-B spokesperson shared.
“Our commitment has always been to strengthen families and neighborhoods— because when our youth thrive, Houston thrives.”
A Shared Vision for Restoration and Empowerment Leaders at the SHAPE Community
Center expressed profound gratitude for the partnership, noting that H-E-B’s generosity extends beyond financial support—it reinforces a shared belief in restoration, empowerment, and sustainable community development.
“This gift reaffirms what we’ve always believed: that when businesses and communities stand together, transformation follows,” said a SHAPE representative.
“H-E-B’s partnership allows us to
continue our mission of creating environments where children and families not only dream but achieve.”
The donation will help restore key facilities and expand after-school programs that serve as lifelines for working families. These programs teach resilience, discipline, and self-confidence—values that echo SHAPE’s motto: Restoring. Empowering. Uplifting.
Building a Stronger, Brighter Houston
This collaboration is a reminder that Houston’s greatness lies in its unity.
H-E-B, already known for its consistent investment in education, disaster relief, and food security, continues to set the standard for corporate citizenship in Texas.
“Partnerships like this one with SHAPE Community Center are at the heart of what makes Houston so special,” said Francis Page, Jr., Publisher of Houston Style Magazine. “H-E-B’s unwavering support of education and empowerment ensures that our next generation has the tools to lead with purpose and pride.”
Learn More
To support or learn more about SHAPE Community Center’s Restoration Campaign and After-School Programs, visit www.shape.org
October is painted pink for a reason—it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time when communities across the globe rally together to honor survivors, support those in treatment, and advocate for prevention through education and early detection. From Wednesday, October 1, 2025, through Friday, October 31, 2025, Houston’s own Harris Health System is amplifying awareness with free resources, support programs, and community engagement that could change and even save lives.
Did you know? Breast cancer remains one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among women in the U.S., yet early detection can lead to survival rates of nearly 99% when caught at the earliest stages. Test your knowledge by taking this quick quiz.
The Power of Awareness and Action Breast Cancer Awareness Month isn’t just a campaign—it’s a global movement. National Breast Cancer Awareness Month was founded to shine a light on prevention, research, and treatment while reminding us that knowledge is a life-saving tool.
Here in Houston, Harris Health is making this message deeply personal. Through its Cancer Resource Centers (CRCs), patients, survivors, and caregivers receive education, guidance, and hands-
HARRIS HEALTH LEADS THE CHARGE: OCTOBER IS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH
By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
on support that extends from diagnosis to recovery. Staff and volunteers collaborate with non-profit partners to ensure no patient feels alone on their journey.
Free Resources That Make a Difference
- At Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital and Smith Clinic, Harris Health offers robust, no-cost programs that tackle every step of the cancer journey:
- Oncology Patient Orientation – Offering a clear roadmap of what to expect during treatment, along with available services and community resources.
- Education Programs – Distributing literature and health education resources on treatment and prevention.
- Navigation Assistance – Guiding patients and caregivers through Harris Health’s network of services.
- Financial Resource Referrals – Con-
necting patients with community partners to offset costs of treatment, transportation, and living expenses.
- Support Groups & Art Therapy – Creating safe spaces for patients, survivors, and caregivers to share, heal, and build resilience together.
- Community Resources & Nonprofit Referrals – Linking families to nonprofit support organizations.
- Support Items – Providing donated wigs, scarves, hats, and prostheses to help restore dignity and comfort during treatment.
- Cancer Awareness Campaigns – Encouraging prevention and early detection across Houston’s diverse communities.
Why This Matters to Houston
In a city as vibrant and diverse as Houston, health equity matters. Harris Health’s commitment ensures that financial
barriers, language gaps, or lack of access never silence a patient’s hope. Every wig donated, every caregiver supported, and every early diagnosis made is a win for Houston’s families.
This October, Harris Health invites the Houston community to learn, engage, and support:
�� Take the Breast Cancer Awareness Quiz.
�� Learn more about Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
�� Explore Harris Health’s Cancer Resource Centers to discover free programs, education, and survivor support.
Houston Style Magazine’s Take
At Houston Style Magazine, we know that community is stronger when knowledge is shared. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is not just about pink ribbons— it’s about amplifying voices, spreading facts, and standing in solidarity with our neighbors, friends, and families.
So, Houston—don’t just wear pink. Act pink. Think pink. Live pink. Share resources, encourage screenings, and be part of a movement that saves lives every single day. innovation back on the map.
MICHAEL ANDRADE:
Driving Accessibility and Empowerment Through Paratransit
By Francis Page Jr. For www.StyleMagazine.com
In Houston, where a city’s heartbeat is measured by its people’s ability to move, Michael Andrade, Vice President of Specialized Transit Services at the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO), has spent his 35year career ensuring that mobility is not a privilege-but a promise. His leadership of METROLift and curb2curb services has become a shining example of how the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) translates from policy into empowerment for thousands of Houstonians every day.
Paratransit as a Civil Rights Commitment
For Andrade, paratransit is more than buses and vans — it is a civil rights mission under the ADA. “Paratransit isn’t just a transportation product; it’s a civil rights commitment,” Andrade emphasizes. “For many Houstonians, it’s the difference between isolation and participation.”
That commitment is visible across 808 square miles of METROLift coverage, where reliable, clean, and safe rides ensure that residents with disabilities are not left behind but instead remain connected to healthcare, education, faith, family, and community.
Stories That Move the Heart
The true value of paratransit isn’t measured in miles driven but in lives improved. Andrade recalls moments that define his work:
• A dialysis patient who depends on recurring trips to reach lifesaving treatment.
• A rider with cognitive disabilities who uses METROLift to access day programs.
• A caregiver who rides along at no cost, reinforcing family bonds and security.
As Andrade puts it: “When transportation is dependable and affordable,
about more than individuals — it’s about strengthening families and communities. Riders with the Freedom Q® card enjoy free transfers on bus, rail, and curb2curb, lowering household costs and encouraging shared travel. Families can connect from their neighborhoods into the larger transit system, turning what was once a barrier into a bridge of inclusion.
“These are exciting times,” Andrade says with optimism. “Our focus now is on educating communities about how accessibility benefits everyone — not just those who use paratransit.”
Heroes Behind the Wheel
The success of paratransit lies not only in leadership but also in the dedication of drivers, dispatchers, and staff. During Hurricane Beryl, operators stayed late to ensure dialysis patients returned home safely despite power outages. Dispatchers worked around the clock, tracking closures and re-sequencing trips in real time. Many staff even camped overnight at METRO headquarters to keep lines open and services steady.
“That spirit of teamwork is what makes paratransit succeed in a city as complex as Houston,” Andrade reflects proudly.
Protecting Moments That Matter
One story defines Andrade’s mission: a woman called METRO in tears after finishing a medical treatment without a ride home. METROLift arranged a same-day trip. Her words still echo: “You didn’t just get me home, you gave me my day back.”
“That’s why we do this work,” Andrade affirms. “We aren’t just moving people; we’re protecting moments that matter.”
A Legacy of Service
healthcare, education, faith, and family move from ‘maybe’ to ‘I’ll be there.’”
Innovation That Expands Access
In a city as vast as Houston, innovation is not a luxury — it’s a necessity. METRO is investing in modernized routing and scheduling technology , including an app-based booking system that makes trip management easier and more flexible. Real-time optimization means fewer delays, shorter waits, and more freedom for riders to design their days.
Beyond technology, METRONow is reshaping the rider experience with better lighting, stronger security patrols, and upgraded transfer points, ensuring paratransit customers can connect seamlessly with bus and rail services.
Expanding Mobility for Families and Communities
Accessibility at METRO is
From spearheading METRO’s first On-Demand operation in 2015 to expanding five curb2curb zones, Michael Andrade has reshaped accessibility across Houston. His decades of service underscore a larger truth: mobility is empowerment, and empowerment builds stronger communities
Houston Style Magazine readers, as Houston grows, Andrade’s work ensures that growth is shared. Every ramp, every ride, and every reliable trip under METROLift honors the ADA’s promise of equality, proving that when a city makes space for all, everyone moves forward.
Michael Andrade – METRO's Vice President of Specialized Transit Services
In a groundbreaking stride for higher education and community health, Texas Southern University (TSU) has been awarded a five-year, $21.5 million U54 grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) — the largest extramural research award in the university’s history. This landmark grant establishes TSU as a national leader in biomedical, socio-behavioral, and clinical research, while also positioning it as a powerhouse for developing the next generation of minority scientists, health professionals, and innovators.
The funding will support the Center for Biomedical and Health Research (CBMHR) at TSU, co-led by an elite team of researchers: Dr. Esther Arike Olaleye, Ph.D., MPH (Principal Investigator), Dr. Huan Xie, Ph.D. (Principal Investigator), and Dr. Dong Liang, Ph.D. (Program Director). Together, this trio is setting the stage for transformative change in both healthcare delivery and community well-being across Houston, Harris County, and beyond.
A Vision for Health Equity and Innovation
“This extraordinary $21.5 million award from NIH represents a powerful affirmation of the mission we pursue at Texas Southern University,” said Dr. Huan Xie, Principal Investigator and Director of the Graduate Program of Pharmaceutical
TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY SECURES HISTORIC $21.5 MILLION NIH GRANT TO TRANSFORM BIOMEDICAL AND HEALTH RESEARCH
By Francis Page, Jr. Editor – www.StyleMagazine.com
Sciences. “I am thrilled to lead a dedicated team advancing research into real-world impact by driving scientific discovery, improving health outcomes, and uplifting the communities we serve, while providing exceptional training and mentorship to the next generation of scientists and health professionals.”
Dr. Dong Liang echoed this sentiment, noting the broader scope of the grant: “This is the largest extramural research funding TSU has ever received, and it stands as a testament to the dedication and excellence of our faculty and students. We
are both excited and committed to doing our utmost to advance biomedical, socio-behavioral, and clinical research and education.”
For Dr. Esther Arike Olaleye, the achievement was both historic and deeply personal:
“To God be all the glory, for making this breakthrough happen for TSU and the communities we serve. We are thrilled and blessed to continue the great work of transforming health outcomes, training our students, enhancing faculty development, and promoting a culture of research excellence.”
Tackling Critical Health Challenges
The NIH-funded Center will focus on pressing health disparities that disproportionately affect African American and underserved communities, including cancer, hypertension, and aging-related conditions. The initiative will support two major flagship projects:
Project 1: Development of Novel Peptide-Based Agents for the Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Led by Dr. Dong Liang (TSU) in collaboration with Dr. Chun Li of MD Anderson Cancer Center.
Project 2: Innovative Management of Hypertension in Older African American Adults Led by Dr. Creaque Tyler and Dr. Ivy Poon.
These projects not only aim to improve healthcare outcomes but also to inspire breakthroughs that will resonate nationally in the fight against health inequities.
Building Research, Mentorship, and Community Engagement
The grant also funds a robust fourcore infrastructure to amplify impact: Administrative Core – Led by Drs. Olaleye, Xie, and Liang.
AMERICA’S TABLE RETURNS – AJC HOUSTON TO HOST: ANNUAL COMMUNITY BREAKFAST
ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2025, 8:00 AM
By Francis Page, Jr. for
Unity takes center stage once again as the American Jewish Committee (AJC) invites Houston’s civic, business, and faith leaders to its annual America’s Table Community Breakfast — a morning of storytelling, reflection, and celebration on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 8:00 a.m.
Hosted as part of the AJC Community of Conscience initiative, the event embodies Houston’s rich cultural mosaic — highlighting personal stories that remind us of the power of shared humanity. This year’s storytellers represent journeys of resilience, faith, and identity that mirror the enduring strength of Houston’s diverse communities.
A Tradition of Community
and Compassion
“America’s Table reminds us that the true strength of Houston lies in our ability to come together — to listen, to learn, and to lift one another,” said Francis Page, Jr., Publisher and Editor of Houston Style Magazine. “As Houston’s leading voice for diversity and inclusion, we’re proud to once again support an event that honors our city’s shared spirit of resilience and hope.”
This year’s breakfast is generously supported by Houston Style Magazine as official media sponsor, alongside dedicated committee members Linda Toyota, Conchita Reyes, Dorit Aaron, and Barbara Winthrop, whose commitment to inclusion and civic engagement continues to shape the success of this event.
A Call to Action for Unity
America’s Table is more than a breakfast — it’s a call to action. Attendees affirm their commitment to the values of pluralism, mutual respect, and collaboration across lines of faith, race, and identity. Through storytelling, AJC fosters dialogue that builds bridges and deepens understanding among Houstonians.
As a global Jewish advocacy organization, AJC works year-round to strengthen democracy, human rights, and interfaith partnerships — from City Hall to Capitol Hill, and from Houston to global capitals worldwide.
Join the Movement Toward Understanding
Your participation supports AJC’s ongoing Community of Conscience initiative — a program dedicated to promoting empathy and unity throughout Houston. Together, we create a stronger, more inclusive future for all.
Tickets start at $75, and tables are limited.
Reserve your seat today at donate. ajc.org/americastable.
Location details will be shared upon confirmed registration.
Join us — and ensure everyone has a place at the table.
Yona Starosta
Emcee - Khambrel
T. Dorina Papageorgiou
Officer - G Lual
When TRON: Ares powers up on Friday, October 10, 2025, audiences will once again enter a world where pixels pulse with purpose, algorithms have ambition, and artificial intelligence dreams of crossing into reality. Directed by Joachim Rønning (Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil), this electrifying new installment in Disney’s legendary TRON franchise boldly asks: What happens when the digital world decides it’s ready to live among us?
A New Dawn in the Grid
In TRON: Ares, Oscar-winner Jared Leto takes center stage as Ares, a highly advanced Program sent from the Grid — the digital universe first imagined in 1982’s groundbreaking TRON — into the real world. His mission? A dangerous, paradigm-shifting quest that marks humankind’s first true encounter with sentient AI life.
Ares isn’t your typical computer code; he’s the embodiment of technological aspiration and existential anxiety — a Program with heart, consciousness, and an unrelenting curiosity about humanity. Opposite him is Eve (played by Greta Lee), the brilliant innovator who unlocks the “permanence code,” a digital Rosetta Stone capable of manifesting virtual creations into physical reality. Her dream is noble — feeding the
TRON: ARES — WHEN DIGITAL DREAMS CROSS INTO REALITY
DISNEY’S HIGH-VOLTAGE SCI-FI SAGA RETURNS TO THE BIG SCREEN FRIDAY,
By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
When Innovation Meets Introspection
The TRON legacy has always been about more than glowing motorcycles and high-octane data duels. Since the original 1982 film broke cinematic ground with early CGI, TRON has reflected our complicated relationship with technology
— our desire to master it, and our fear that it might master us.
TRON: Ares updates that conversation for an AI-powered world. Its sleek IMAX 3D visuals fuse nostalgic neon with cutting-edge realism, while its narrative dives deep into humanity’s evolving ethics around artificial intelligence. Can compassion coexist with code? Can the real world absorb the digital one without losing its soul?
A Cast That Transcends Worlds
Alongside Jared Leto and Greta Lee, TRON: Ares features a powerhouse ensemble: Evan Peters, Hasan Minhaj, Jodie Turner-Smith, Arturo Castro, Cameron Monaghan, Gillian Anderson, and the iconic Jeff Bridges, reprising his role as the visionary Kevin Flynn.
From Nostalgia to Next-Gen Sure, TRON: Ares carries a sense of nostalgia — a digital echo of the ‘80s dream that first dared to visualize cyberspace — but it’s also a striking reflection of where we stand today. As artificial intelligence reshapes industries, art, and even personal identity, Disney’s latest entry invites us to imagine what happens when our inventions begin to invent themselves. It’s sleek. It’s self-aware. And yes, it’s a little
OCTOBER 10, 2025
meta. But that’s the TRON promise — to blur the boundaries between machine and man, fantasy and future.
Film Details
Title: TRON: Ares Rating: PG-13
Release Date: Friday, October 10, 2025
Genre: Action-Adventure, Live Action, Science Fiction
Directed by: Joachim Rønning
Written by: David Digilio, Jesse Wigutow, Steven Lisberger
Produced by: Sean Bailey, Jeffrey Silver, Justin Springer, Jared Leto, Emma Ludbrook, Steven Lisberger
Executive Producer: Russell Allen
Houston Style Magazine’s Take
At Houston Style Magazine, we celebrate stories that fuse art, innovation, and imagination — and TRON: Ares does exactly that. It’s not just a film; it’s a mirror reflecting humanity’s next leap — from the world we’ve built to the one we’re still coding. So, grab your 3D glasses, power up your curiosity, and prepare to be transported. Because in 2025, the future isn’t coming — it’s uploading.
hungry, housing the unhoused — but power, as ever, attracts darker ambitions.
Hyundai Motor America just dropped a campaign that’s as stylish as it is soulful—and it’s making waves “For the Culture.” The brand’s newest marketing effort, “I See You,” stars none other than Grammy Award-winning music legend Lil Jon, blending iconic beats with bold visuals to showcase the all-new 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid.
Directed by acclaimed Ghanaian American filmmaker Joshua Kissi, the campaign isn’t just selling a car—it’s telling our stories. With a backdrop that feels like a cultural mixtape, the ad celebrates the heartbeat of the Black family SUV shopper, from HBCU homecomings and Sunday brunches to neighborhood block parties that remind us of joy, style, and community pride.
A Campaign That Sees Us Hyundai partnered with Culture Brands, the trailblazing, Black woman-owned creative agency founded by Eunique Jones Gibson, to bring this vision to life. Together, they flipped the script on what a car commercial can be—authentic, celebratory, and rooted in cultural affirmation.
“OKAY! is more than a catchphrase—it’s a cultural affirmation,” said Gibson. “This campaign shows how
LIL JON TURNS UP THE CULTURE IN HYUNDAI’S “I SEE YOU”
CAMPAIGN FEATURING THE ALL-NEW 2026 PALISADE HYBRID
By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
Hyundai’s latest SUV fits seamlessly into the lives of style-conscious, value-driven Black families, with all the features, flair and reliability they deserve.”
Hyundai’s leadership echoed the same sentiment:
“With the new Palisade Hybrid, we’re not just introducing a vehicle—we’re honoring the moments that matter most to our consumers,” said Sean Gilpin, Vice President, Global Sales Marketing for Hyundai Motor Company and CMO for Hyundai Motor America. “Partnering with Culture Brands and Lil Jon, we’ve created a campaign that champions authenticity, sophistication and the power of seeing yourself celebrated on screen.”
Lil Jon’s Signature Stamp of Approval
The ad bursts with Lil Jon’s en-
ergy, using his iconic crunk-era sound to fuel a celebration of everyday triumphs. Each vignette feels cinematic—families, friends, and communities gathered in ways that feel familiar yet elevated. With Lil Jon hyping the moment, the Palisade Hybrid doesn’t just roll into the scene—it owns it.
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade Hybrid: Built for Style and Substance
Beyond the campaign’s cultural resonance, the Palisade Hybrid is a showstopper in its own right. The SUV debuts with:
Elegant new design inside and out
- Hybrid powertrain offering over 600 miles of driving range
tures
- Backed by America’s Best Warranty
- This is Hyundai’s boldest family SUV yet—a perfect balance of luxury, efficiency, and reliability.
About the Collaborators
Culture Brands: An independent, minority- and woman-owned agency founded in 2017, dedicated to authentically reflecting African Americans in media. Known for culturally affirming campaigns like Because of Them We Can and IYKYK Games, they continue to keep Black culture at the forefront.
Hyundai Motor America: A global leader in innovation and sustainability, with deep U.S. roots including its headquarters in California, a major assembly plant in Alabama, and a multibillion-dollar impact on the American economy.
About the Collaborators
- Spacious, tech-forward interior for families and road warriors alike
- Advanced safety and connectivity fea-
The “I See You” campaign doesn’t just sell SUVs—it sells a vision of joy, unity, and cultural pride. And with Lil Jon behind the wheel of the soundtrack, Hyundai has turned the volume all the way up on what it means to see and celebrate community on screen.
HCTS TEAMS WITH COUNCIL MEMBER POLLARD TO OFFER JOBS AND CAREER RESOURCES IN HOUSTON
ouston -based technology firm Custom Technology Solutions LLC, led by Nadeem Mazhar, is bringing a new approach to connecting citizens with employment opportunities. Mazhar emphasizes that his firm is boutique in the sense that it does very customized, high-end development in technology, creating its own proprietary products and providing software as a service to clients. With 25 years of experience, Mazhar has turned his expertise toward civic engagement, developing a platform that aggregates job listings for Houston residents.
The initiative was the brainchild of Houston City Council Member Edward Pollard , who by chance met Mazhar and discovered his work in high-end technology solutions. Pollard shared his vision for a job platform similar to Indeed or Monster. com—but tailored specifically for the Greater Houston Area, including surrounding counties such as Fort Bend. He emphasized that making jobs easily accessible improves the community by increasing employment, stimulating local commerce, and giving residents meaningful economic opportunities.
“What we’ve built is an automated aggregator that collects all public job listings across Houston,” Mazhar said. “At any given time, there are about 2,000 to 3,000 jobs available, refreshed weekly, so no human intervention is needed to update the informa-
By Lisa Valadez, www.StyleMagazine.com
tion.” Users can search by sector, location, and classification, and the system removes jobs that have already been filled, providing a streamlined and reliable resource.
The platform also features a ticker at the top of the website, constantly updated to show users how many job opportunities are available on any given day. Residents can directly apply to jobs from the website, making the process fast and seamless. In addition, morejobshouston.com offers a variety of career resources, including guidance on creating a strong LinkedIn profile, working with recruiters, preparing for in-person interviews, and more.
The project reflects Pollard’s unique approach to improving his district and citywide community services. Known for finding innovative, hands-on solutions, Pollard has applied the same mindset to morejobshous-
BAYOU CITY ART FESTIVAL
ton.com, making it a resource not only for his constituents in District J—now referred to as #JCity—but for all Houstonians citywide. Pollard emphasized: "To have a thriving city, we must have a thriving economy which is driven by a thriving workforce. More Jobs Houston enables job seekers to have easy access to thousands of career opportunities. Meaningful employment is a direct correlation to public safety, housing, homelessness, and mental health. My priority will continue to be connecting Houstonians to high paying jobs so they may have a high quality of life and our city benefit from the money they earn."
A team of roughly 15 technical experts customized existing company assets, including Mazhar’s proprietary marketing platform Lead 2Rev, to build the interactive and dynamic site. Mazhar emphasized that the project took seven months to automate,
ensuring scalability and accuracy for all users. Mazhar’s path to entrepreneurship began after years in corporate leadership, including serving as CIO of a highly successful multi-billion-dollar public company, where he recalls, “I learned from the best of the world.” The move allowed him to invest in innovation while giving back to the community, combining business acumen with civic-minded technology.
With platforms like morejobshouston.com, Mazhar hopes to make a lasting impact on the Houston job market while demonstrating how tailored, high-end technology solutions can enhance accessibility, efficiency, and transparency for residents. The platform also reflects Council Member Pollard’s dedication to ensuring his office provides available resources for the community and shares information that creates tangible opportunities. By combining technology with a focus on empowering residents, Pollard aims to make it easier for Houstonians to access jobs, career guidance, and other tools that can help improve their economic well-being.
To learn more about Custom Technology Solutions, visit: www.ctssys.com
To learn more about Council Member Edward Pollard’s initiatives, visit: www.HoustonTX.gov/council/j/ index.html
Nadeem Mazhar
The Asian Chamber of Commerce (ACC) is rolling out the red carpet for an unforgettable evening of celebration, inspiration, and legacy as it commemorates its 35th Anniversary at the Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards Gala. Set against the elegant backdrop of the Post Oak Hotel (1600 W Loop S, Houston, TX 77027), this milestone event will spotlight the entrepreneurial brilliance, resilience, and cultural impact of Houston’s thriving Asian business community.
A Legacy of Leadership and Impact
Founded in 1990, the Asian Chamber of Commerce has been a driving force in advancing Asian-owned businesses and fostering an inclusive, globally competitive economy in the Houston region. For 35 years, ACC has empowered generations of entrepreneurs through advocacy, education, mentorship, and opportunity—fueling growth in one of America’s most diverse cities.
“This milestone is not just about our Chamber—it’s about the thousands of entrepreneurs, innovators, and leaders who have turned dreams into enterprises and created opportunities that lift our entire region,” said Fan Chen, Chair of the Asian Chamber of Commerce. “The Spirit of Entrepreneurship Gala honors that shared success while inspiring the next generation to keep building, connecting, and leading.”
Asian Chamber Commerce Marks 35 Years: Empowering Entreprenuers at the Spirit
of Entreprenuer Awards Gala
By Francis Page, Jr., Editor – www.StyleMagazine.com
An Evening of Inspiration
The gala will feature keynote addresses by two of the nation’s most dynamic thought leaders:
• The Honorable Don R. Cravins, Jr., Interim President & CEO of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) and former U.S. Department of Commerce MBDA Under Secretary, whose visionary leadership has expanded supplier diversity and championed minority business growth nationwide.
• Dr. Ruth López Turley, Professor of Sociology at Rice University and Director of the Kinder Institute for Urban Re-
search, renowned for her groundbreaking work on educational equity and data-driven policies shaping the future of Houston’s communities. These speakers will ignite conversation around innovation, inclusion, and the shared responsibility of building sustainable prosperity for all.
Celebrating Excellence and Community
Guests will gather for a VIP reception and cocktail hour at 6:00 PM, followed by a 7:00 PM awards program recognizing trailblazers in business achievement and community leadership. Honorees will represent industries spanning technology, health care, real estate, energy, retail, and nonprofit
sectors—each a testament to Houston’s entrepreneurial spirit.
The black-tie optional evening will also offer opportunities for networking among executives, civic leaders, and rising founders. Corporate sponsors will enjoy enhanced visibility, VIP access, and year-round engagement with one of the city’s most influential business ecosystems.
About the Asian Chamber of Commerce
For more than three decades, the Asian Chamber of Commerce has served as a cornerstone of Houston’s economic and cultural success. The Chamber connects its members to procurement opportunities, executive education, and leadership development while amplifying the voices of Asian entrepreneurs in public and private sectors.
Its mission remains clear: to accelerate growth, build bridges across communities, and celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit that defines Houston
Event Details
Location:
The Post Oak Hotel 1600 West Loop South, Houston, TX 77027
Date & Time: Saturday, October 25, 2025 • VIP 6:00PM
The Honorable Don R. Cravins, Jr. Dr. Ruth López Turley
