In a moment that electrified pro-democracy movements across Latin America, María Corina Machado — Venezuela’s fearless opposition leader — has been awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize for her unwavering commitment to democracy and human dignity under one of the world’s most repressive regimes.
The Norwegian Nobel Committee praised Machado as “a woman who keeps the flame of democracy burning amid a growing darkness,” celebrating her as a “key, unifying figure” who rallied a divided opposition and inspired millions with her courage.
“When authoritarians seize power, it is crucial to recognize courageous defenders of freedom who rise and resist,” said committee chair Jørgen Watne Frydnes in Oslo.
✊A Beacon of Hope Amid Repression
Machado, 58, has endured what few could imagine. Once poised to challenge President Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela’s 2024 presidential election, she was barred from running, harassed by security forces, and ultimately forced into hiding. Yet she refused exile — staying in her homeland as a living symbol of resistance.
“This is something that the Venezuelan people deserve,” Machado said in a call with the Norwegian Nobel Institute.
“Even though we face the most brutal violence, our society has resisted. I’m humbled and grateful — and I believe that freedom
for our country is closer than ever.”
Her words, both defiant and hopeful, echo through a nation still yearning for liberty.
��The Struggle for Democracy in Venezuela
Machado’s political journey reads like a saga of perseverance. Her movement, Vente Venezuela, once fractured and marginalized, now stands as the moral compass for citizens tired of fear and silence. Despite government crackdowns, mass arrests, and international isolation, her leadership remains intact — inspiring millions of Venezuelans at home and abroad.
The July 2024 election — widely viewed as fraudulent — left over 20 civilians dead in protests and led to a sweeping diplomatic fallout across Latin America. Machado’s ally Edmundo González, who replaced her on the ballot, fled to Spain after facing criminal charges. More than 800
political prisoners remain behind bars, according to Foro Penal, including González’s own son-in-law.
Yet through it all, Machado’s movement persists, fortified by faith and global recognition.
�� Global Recognition: From TIME to the Nobel Stage
Earlier this year, TIME Magazine named Machado one of the 100 Most Influential People in the World, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio calling her “the Venezuelan Iron Lady — the personification of resilience, tenacity, and patriotism.”
Now, as the 20th woman ever to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, Machado joins a historic lineage of freedom fighters — from Malala Yousafzai to Aung San Suu Kyi and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Her Nobel Prize not only honors her courage but reignites international focus on Venezuela’s struggle for democratic renewal.
��A Message to the World
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Machado wrote:
“I dedicate this prize to the suffering people of Venezuela — and to all our allies in the United States, Latin America, and across the democratic world who continue to stand with us in our pursuit of freedom and democracy.”
Her message resonated far beyond Caracas. From European capitals to Houston’s Venezuelan-American community, supporters hailed the award as both a moral victory and a catalyst for global awareness.
�� The Legacy of Courage Machado’s story is more than political — it’s profoundly human. She represents every mother, student, and dissident who dares to dream of a Venezuela where free elections, human rights, and opportunity are not distant ideals but daily realities.
As Houston Style Magazine celebrates her recognition, we echo the sentiment of millions who see in María Corina Machado not just a politician, but a symbol of enduring hope — a woman who reminds the world that even in the darkest moments, democracy’s light can never be extinguished.
Corina Machado wins the Nobel Peace Prize
COMMENTARY HYPOCRISY IN HOLY ROBES
When a revered church leader blesses cruelty as holiness, he’s not preaching Paul’s gospel.
He’s sanctifying Sodom’s sin. It’s been a month since Cardinal Timothy Dolan compared right-wing activist Charlie Kirk to Saint Paul, and I still can’t shake it. Maybe it lingers because of what else was happening that week in Chicagoland.
The same week much of the city was still mourning Silverio Villegas González — an immigrant father from Michoacán who dropped his boys at school, was pulled over on the way to work, and was shot in the back by an ICE officer — the Cardinal praised a man who had urged “lethal force” to be used against people like Silverio.
The contrast was too much to ignore: a father dying to stay with his children, and a prince of the Church invoking the name of Jesus while celebrating a man who called for such executions.
Yes, that Jesus — the one who told us to love our NEIGHBOR as ourselves, to welcome the stranger, to leave vengeance to the Lord. The same Jesus whose spirit is etched at the base of our Statue of Liberty: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” That Jesus.
It was in that Jesus’s name that Cardinal Dolan praised Charlie Kirk as “a modern-day St. Paul — a missionary, a hero who wasn’t afraid to say Jesus’s name.”
A man who evangelized about using lethal force against immigrants and preached that Michelle Obama and several other brilliant Black women “did not have the brain processing power to be taken seriously.”
Yes, Cardinal Dolan praised the man who said those terrible things as if he were the very apostle Jesus selected to spread the Gospel.
When I first heard it, the old wristband slogan came to mind: WWJD — What
By Ben Jealous – National Political Commentator
Would Jesus Do?
I’ll confess, another three-letter word popped into my head first. But let’s not go there. Father, please forgive me. If the question is WWJD, then the answer in this case can only be: repent.
Catholicism is not just one faith among many; it is America’s largest Christian body and the predominant faith across much of the region where Cardinal Dolan spoke. In Chicago, Catholic churches anchor whole neighborhoods — Polish, Mexican, Irish, Filipino, Haitian, Brazilian. Nearly half of the area’s Catholics are Latino, the majority Mexican. For generations of immigrants, the Church has been more
than ritual. It’s been refuge.
So, when Cardinal Dolan praised a man who urged violence against migrants, much of his own flock was still in mourning. They were grieving Silverio Villegas González, but they were also grieving something larger — a sense of decency under attack.
The Bible is clear about how God judges such moments. The prophet Ezekiel tells us that Sodom’s sin was not lust, but “arrogance, gluttony, and unconcern for the poor and needy.” It was their hardness of heart toward strangers that brought them down.
When a church leader blesses cru-
elty as holiness, he’s not preaching Paul’s gospel. He’s sanctifying Sodom’s sin. Even the Gospel most cherished in conservative pulpits — Matthew — leaves no room for such cruelty. Its Jesus does not build walls; He breaks bread. He warns that all the law and prophecy rest on love of God and neighbor, and He defines that love in action: “For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”
To preach that Gospel while excusing violence against the stranger is not fidelity — it’s hypocrisy in holy robes.
From Chicago to America, to the world, to Rome — Cardinal Dolan owes a deep apology.
To the immigrants who have carried this nation’s labor and its faith.
To the children who will grow up knowing their father died trying not to be torn from them.
To the mothers who teach their sons that love is stronger than hate.
To the parishioners who still believe that “love your neighbor as yourself” means all neighbors.
Yes. Cardinal Dolan owes an apology to each of them and to every believer who, like Jesus himself, knows the words “Whatever you did to the least of these, you did to me” are a commandment.
Because when cruelty is crowned as courage and violence is blessed as virtue, the Gospel itself is profaned.
We are all flesh and blood, all fallible and all beloved. I know I am. And when we fail, we must seek repentance — even from those who already love and respect us. I worry this plea will fall on deaf ears.
Please, Cardinal Dolan — in our Lord and Savior’s name — prove me wrong.
You can write to Ben Jealous incare of this Newspaper or by website at: www.BenJealous.com
Texas politics just got a lot more interesting — and a lot more powerful. As the 2026 election season looms on the horizon, two of North Texas’ most dynamic and outspoken women, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett and State Representative Katrina Pierson, are each eyeing higher legislative offices that could dramatically reshape the state’s political landscape. Both are fierce, fiery, and unapologetically bold — and both are setting their sights on making history.
Jasmine Crockett: From the Courtroom to the Capitol — and Now, Possibly the U.S. Senate
Jasmine Crockett, the 44-year-old attorney-turned-lawmaker, has become one of the most visible and vocal figures in Texas politics. With roots that stretch from Bowie County to Houston’s Third Ward, Crockett embodies the modern Southern Democrat — intelligent, unflinching, and unafraid to speak truth to power.
A former Texas State Representative and public defender, Crockett studied accounting at Rhodes College before earning her law degree from the University of Houston Law Center. Her journey has been fueled by advocacy — for equity, for justice, and for the everyday Texans often left out of the political conversation.
Now, the University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs shows Crockett leading the early polling for the 2026 Democratic U.S. Senate nomination. In a field that includes notable names like Beto O’Rourke, James Talarico,
CROCKETT AND PIERSON: TWO TEXAS POWERHOUSES POISED TO REDEFINE LEADERSHIP IN 2026
By Burt Levine, Political Editor for www.StyleMagazine.com
(L to R ) U.S. Reps - Jasmine Crockett and Katrina Pierson
and former Congressman Colin Allred, Crockett stands out as the voters’ choice — with 31% of likely Democratic voters saying she’s their pick to take on the Republican establishment.
“Every time a poll comes out, somehow I end up at the top,” Crockett told supporters. “This is what the people of Texas are telling pollsters throughout the state — and I’m listening.”
If Crockett officially jumps into the race and clinches the nomination, she would make history as the first African American to represent Texas in the U.S. Senate — and only the second woman ever to do so, following Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison. Her potential opponent? A crowded
and contentious Republican field that could include Attorney General Ken Paxton, 24-year incumbent Senator John Cornyn, and newly declared Congressman Wesley Hunt, a West Point and Cornell graduate who represents Houston’s westside oil corridor. Hunt’s candidacy underscores what’s shaping up to be one of the most watched — and most diverse — Senate races in Texas history.
Katrina Pierson: A Conservative Firebrand with Congressional Ambitions
While Crockett’s potential Senate run electrifies the left, Katrina Pierson, a 49-year-old Rockwall County legislator and communications powerhouse, is igniting energy on the right. Known for her unflinching views and high-oc-
tane political style, Pierson is weighing a run for Texas’ 32nd Congressional District — the same seat vacated by Colin Allred when he pursued the Senate in 2024.
“There’s been a lot of pressure for me to run for Congress,” Pierson said recently. “I’m blessed to have so many people across the state pushing me to do this.”
A graduate of Kilgore College and the University of Dallas, Pierson first made headlines as a grassroots organizer before rising through the ranks of Texas’ conservative political network. She’s proven herself as a skilled campaigner — and a formidable debater — securing victory in her last race with a decisive 56.4% of the vote.
Her supporters see her as the future face of a modern, media-savvy GOP — one that connects with suburban and rural Texans alike while still commanding national attention. A Pierson run could position her as a central voice in shaping the party’s next generation of leadership.
Texas Politics: Where the Future Is Female
It’s not often that two women — both African American, both fearless, and both representing starkly different political philosophies — simultaneously command this level of attention in Texas.
THE GOLD STANDARD IN NURSING
Harris Health Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital
Texas Southern University is preparing to celebrate its 98th Homecoming with renewed purpose and Tiger pride as President J.W. Crawford III delivers the State of the University Address on Friday, October 17, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. The annual address will set the tone for an exhilarating Homecoming weekend, blending history, progress, and vision as the university inches closer to its monumental centennial in 2027.
A Season of Ascent and Acceleration
Now in his second year at the helm, President Crawford has steered Texas Southern through a season of transformative growth.
“We’re not just preparing students for today—we’re positioning them to lead tomorrow,” Crawford said in anticipation of the upcoming address. His leadership has ushered in groundbreaking investments, campus enhancements, and community partnerships that continue to elevate TSU’s national profile.
Among the university’s most notable accomplishments is a major expansion of its Aviation Science Management Program, highlighted by the purchase and delivery of 12 Cirrus SR20 aircraft. The acquisition, Crawford noted, is “a defining moment in TSU’s continued ascent as a leading institution in aviation education.” This milestone places Texas Southern in rare company among Historically Black
TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT J.W. CRAWFORD III CHARTS BOLD PATH FORWARD AHEAD OF 98TH HOMECOMING CELEBRATION
By Francis Page, Jr., Editor – www.StyleMagazine.com
Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with advanced flight training fleets, strengthening its ties to Houston’s booming aerospace industry.
Leading with Purpose in Education and Health
Under Crawford’s direction, Texas
Southern has reaffirmed its leadership role in K–12 education. Through enhanced partnerships with local school districts—most notably Houston ISD—TSU is shaping education policy, mentoring young educators, and developing innovative pipelines that bridge public education and higher learning.
Further extending its community reach, the university forged a landmark partnership with Legacy Community Health, a federally qualified health center headquartered in Houston. This alliance focuses on improving access to healthcare in underserved neighborhoods while providing TSU students with experiential learning, career pathways, and a front-row seat to addressing health disparities across the Gulf South.
Road to 100: A Centennial Vision
Looking toward its 100th anniversary, Texas Southern University has launched the “Road to 100” fundraising campaign—a bold initiative that reimagines what a modern HBCU can be. The campaign will transform campus infrastructure, enhance academic programs, support worldclass faculty, and empower students through scholarships, mentorship, and innovation hubs designed for the next century of excellence.
“The Road to 100 is not just about buildings or dollars—it’s about legacy,”
Crawford shared. “It’s about ensuring that the next generation of TSU Tigers inherit a campus that inspires greatness and honors the giants who paved the way.”
Homecoming 2025: Honoring
the Legacy, Igniting the Future
This year’s Homecoming theme, “Honoring the Legacy, Igniting the Future,” captures the momentum reverberating through the campus. As alumni return home to celebrate nearly a century of achievement, TSU stands proudly as a cornerstone of academic empowerment, cultural expression, and civic leadership.
Houston Style Magazine salutes President J.W. Crawford III and the entire Texas Southern University family for continuing to shape the future with excellence, equity, and enduring Tiger pride.
Media representatives are invited to attend the State of the University Address at the Roderick Paige Education Building, with parking available in the President’s Circle (Hannah Hall).
James W. Crawford III
Photography By Linda Toyota
Tammi Wallace - President & CEO
Stephen, Tammi & Ruth (Rice)
Rachel, Jeffrey & Carmen
Katherine Perez & Dalton Dehart
Jill Maxwell & Ryan Wilson
Dr. Laura Murillo - Trailblazer Award
Chris Hollis Delivers City Proclamation
Dr. Laura Murillo & Jesse Martinez
Emmanuel Guerrero, Victoria Laura & Claudia Hogue
Phillip Yates & Kodi Bailey with Honorees - Dr. Laura Murillo & Jesse Martinez with event
Louis Becerra, Ilsa Garcia, Phillip Yates, Laura Murillo, Linda Toyota & Virgie Ornelas Ilsa & Adrianna with Peek-A-Boo Pic – Laura
Phillip, Laura & Kodi
Ilsa, Linda, Juliet & Dr. Sergio and Maria Lara
Francisco Sanchez, Dr. Laura Murillo & Emmanuel Guerrero
Phillip Yates, Dr. Laura Murillo, Jojo (Moderator) & Jesse Martinez
With the Houston region’s unemployment rate in August reaching its highest level in nearly a decade — 5 percent — the need for education and training opportunities is urgent.
Houston City College (HCC) is stepping up to help those who have lost jobs prepare for in-demand roles that require more than a high school diploma but less than a two- or four-year degree through its Connect 2 Workforce program.
“The program is structured for people seeking to learn the skills they need for quick entry into high-demand fields,” said Daniel Dylla, HCC director of instructional initiatives “It offers scholarships for dozens of short-term training tracks, which can be completed in 16 weeks or fewer.”
These tracks can lead to careers in construction, digital technology, health sciences, manufacturing and transportation. Graduates may qualify for technician jobs in air conditioning, plumbing, electrocardiography, phlebotomy, patient care and welding, or for roles as commercial truck drivers and data analysts.
HCC EXPANDS PATHWAYS TO GOOD-PAYING JOBS AS HOUSTON UNEMPLOYMENT HITS 8-YEAR HIGH
By Francis Page Jr. For www.StyleMagazine.com
toward completion.
“Both of these programs allow HCC to make a profound difference for people who may wish to quickly earn a credential or move on toward an academic degree,” said Chancellor Margaret Ford Fisher, Ed.D . “We are keenly aware of the needs of our region’s employers, and we are helping people on their path toward taking jobs that need to be filled.”
For workers like veteran Matthew Creed, the Reconnect scholarship has been a turning point. Creed first enrolled at HCC in the mid-90s but had to drop out. Today, the Army veteran is pursuing an associate degree in manufacturing engineering.
“Thanks to the scholarship, I’m pursuing a degree that will be a big plus on my résumé when I look for employment,” he said. “I believe you’re never too old to learn, and the program is allowing me to continue my journey.”
“Not everyone needs or wants a four-year degree,” Dylla said. “Right now, Houston needs skilled workers who can quickly step into roles where demand is high.”
In addition to Connect 2 Workforce, HCC offers options for those who have already earned some college credit and want to finish what they started.
The college’s Reconnect program, for instance, is aimed at adults at least 25 years old who previously earned some credit but did not complete a certificate or degree. It provides scholarships to help cover tuition and academic advising to guide students
HCC Student – Matthew Creed discusses his ‘Reconnect’ scholarship
In a city celebrated for its heart, style, and humanity, few embody those values more than Dr. Joseph Gathe and Mrs. Deanna BreauxGathe, the 2025 Hope for Houston Ball Chairs. Together, they bring leadership, grace, and vision to one of Houston’s most anticipated philanthropic galas — a black-tie evening where elegance meets impact and hope takes center stage.
The 3rd Annual Hope for Houston Ball, benefiting Allies in Hope (formerly AIDS Foundation Houston), will take place on Friday, November 14, 2025, at The Revaire (7122 Old Katy Rd.), beginning at 6:00 PM. With the captivating theme “Casino Royale,” the evening will sparkle with live entertainment, exquisite dining, and stories of courage that remind us why Houston remains a beacon of compassion and strength in the fight against HIV.
Champions of Compassion and Change
Houston’s Power Couple Lead with Purpose: Dr. Joseph & Deanna Breaux-Gathe Chair the 2025 Hope for
By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
As one of Houston’s leading infectious disease experts, Dr. Joseph C. Gathe, Jr. has spent his career on the frontlines of the HIV epidemic, serving patients with unparalleled expertise and empathy. His commitment to eradicating stigma and advancing access to care has transformed countless lives. Partnering in purpose, Mrs. Deanna Breaux-Gathe brings her refined elegance and philanthropic drive to every cause she champions — her influence extending across Houston’s civic, cultural, and business communities.
Together, this remarkable couple continues to uplift the city through their shared belief that hope and humanity can heal. “Our mission is about more than medicine — it’s about dignity, love, and creating a community where everyone thrives,” says Dr. Gathe.
A Night Where Elegance Meets Impact
The Hope for Houston Ball is more than an evening of glamour — it’s a celebration of progress and perseverance. Funds raised will
directly support Allies in Hope’s programs, which provide essential HIV prevention, testing, care, and advocacy to thousands across Greater Houston.
Guests can expect a luxurious experience inspired by the intrigue of Casino Royale — complete with live music, fine dining, and inspiring tributes to those leading the fight for health equity.
Honoring 2025 Sponsors Who Make Hope Possible
Houston
Ball
The success of this year’s Hope for Houston Ball would not be possible without the generosity and vision of its sponsors. Allies in Hope proudly recognizes the outstanding support of Husch Blackwell, Joseph C. Gathe, Jr., MD, Christopher Lewis Architecture, Gilead Sciences, HEB, Oceaneering, CORT Furniture, Ravin Consulting, The Frost Foundation, King & Spalding, AARP, Frost Bank, and Unity of Houston — organizations that share in the mission to uplift, empower, and inspire change.
Their partnership ensures that vital programs and services continue to reach those in need across the Greater Houston area.
As the official Media Partner, Houston Style Magazine is honored to amplify this mission, shining a spotlight on the individuals and institutions that keep hope alive in our city.
Join Houston’s Night of Hope
• Theme: Casino Royale
• Venue: The Revaire – 7122 Old Katy Rd., Houston, TX
• Date: Friday, November 14th • 7:00 PM
• Attire: Black Tie
• Tickets and sponsorships are selling fast — reserve your table today:
• www.aihhouston.org/hopeforhoustonball
For more than a century, H-E-B has been the backbone of Texas communities, from feeding families after hurricanes to sponsoring schools and lifting up small businesses. Now, in a historic move, the San Antonio-based grocer has once again etched its name in the Texas history books by appointing Roxanne Orsak as its first-ever female President, effective January 2026.
This is more than a corporate promotion. This is a glass ceiling shattered.
A 120-Year Legacy Comes Full Circle
H-E-B’s story began in 1905 with Florence Butt, a trailblazing entrepreneur who opened a small grocery store in Kerrville, Texas. Fast forward 120 years, and the company she founded now passes the presidential torch to another groundbreaking woman.
With this appointment, Orsak doesn’t just step into leadership—she steps into history. Her promotion reaffirms H-EB’s DNA: bold, people-first, and deeply Texan.
From Store Trainee to President Roxanne Orsak’s journey is a Texas-sized story of grit, growth, and grace. She joined H-E-B in 1988 as a store management trainee and never looked
ROXANNE ORSAK MAKES HISTORY AS FIRST FEMALE PRESIDENT OF H-E-B
By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
back. Over 37 years, she rose through nearly every division: store operations, merchandising, procurement, format design, and more.
Her fingerprints are on some of H-E-B’s biggest innovations, from the H-E-B Plus! mega-stores to the beloved Joe V’s Smart Shop. In 2022, she was named Chief Operating Officer. Now, she will make history as President—continuing to report to CEO Howard Butt III.
“I’ve always believed that H-E-B is more than a grocery store—it’s a family committed to making life better for Texans,” Orsak shared. “I’m honored to lead with integrity, heart, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.”
Carrying Forward Craig Boyan’s Legacy Orsak’s appointment comes as Craig Boyan, H-E-B’s President since 2010,
transitions to a senior advisor role ahead of his 2026 retirement. Under Boyan’s steady hand, H-E-B expanded sales from $10 billion to $50 billion, pioneered e-commerce innovation, and steered Texans through crises from hurricanes to a pandemic.
Boyan leaves behind not just numbers but a culture of collaboration. “Retail is a team sport,” he often said, and Roxanne Orsak is the MVP stepping into the captain’s seat.
A Champion of People, Community, and Innovation Orsak’s leadership style is simple yet profound: listen to the Partners (employees) so they can take great care of customers. She is also deeply engaged in philanthropy, from supporting rural schools and youth development to championing the South Texas Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Her academic credentials are equally impressive: Texas A&M graduate, with advanced training at Harvard Business School and the University of Southern California’s Food Industry Management Program.
Why This Moment Matters
In a state where H-E-B is more than a grocer—it’s a lifeline—Orsak’s historic appointment sends a resounding message: women not only belong at the table, they can lead it.
Her presidency echoes the pioneering spirit of Florence Butt while paving the way for future generations of women leaders in Texas and beyond.
What’s Next for H-E-B
As H-E-B celebrates its 120th anniversary, Orsak’s presidency marks the beginning of a new chapter: one rooted in innovation, inclusivity, and impact. With over 455 stores, 175,000 Partners, and annual sales topping $50 billion, H-E-B is poised for continued growth under her leadership. And as every Texan knows, when H-E-B leads, communities thrive.
Roxanne-Orsak
In a city that never stops innovating, Comcast and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston (BBBS Greater Houston) are lighting the way toward a safer, smarter digital future. With a $25,000 grant from Comcast, the two organizations are joining forces to launch Digital Tech Connect – Cybersecurity Mentorship for Bigs and Littles in Fort Bend County.
This groundbreaking initiative will blend mentorship with modern tech education, giving young Houstonians the skills and awareness they need to navigate an increasingly digital world — safely, responsibly, and confidently.
For eight weeks, mentors (“Bigs”) and mentees (“Littles”) will connect through both on-campus and virtual sessions exploring real-world lessons on password protection, phishing awareness, online privacy, and digital footprints.
The program will even culminate with a creative capstone project —where participants design and present their own digital safety campaigns, complete with podcasts, PSAs, and multimedia storytelling.
A Future-Focused Approach to Mentorship
Pierce Bush, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters Lone Star, calls this program “mentorship meeting the future.”
COMCAST EMPOWERS HOUSTON’S YOUTH: A $25,000 BOOST FOR BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS’ CYBERSECURITY MENTORSHIP PROGRAM
By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
“By pairing mentors and mentees in structured sessions that blend technology education with trusted relationships, we’re giving young people both the knowledge and the support system they need to navigate the digital world,” said Bush. “It’s exactly the kind of innovation our community needs.”
The program’s design is as forward-thinking as it is heart-centered — empowering students with access to laptops or tablets, hands-on workshops, and even a special presentation by Crime Stoppers to reinforce digital vigilance in daily life.
Comcast’s Commitment to Connection and Equity
Melinda Little, Vice President of External Affairs for Comcast Texas, emphasizes that this initiative is about more than
just technology — it’s about opportunity.
“Our investment in Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston reflects our commitment to lifelong learning and community impact. By helping mentors guide children through foundational lessons in cybersecurity, we’re preparing them to succeed. This partnership is about building a smarter, safer tomorrow for Houston’s youth.” said Little.
The grant is part of Comcast’s Project UP, a $1 billion commitment to connect people to the internet, expand digital literacy, and advance economic mobility in communities nationwide.
Legacy of Empowerment
Founded in 1950, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston has spent
over seven decades igniting the power and potential of youth through mentorship. As part of BBBS Lone Star, the nation’s largest affiliate, the organization serves thousands of children annually — transforming lives through one-on-one connections that inspire resilience and achievement.
With Comcast’s support, the agency is now bridging the gap between mentorship and the modern tech landscape — ensuring that today’s Littles grow into tomorrow’s leaders, ready to protect, create, and thrive in a connected world.
About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Houston Houston Style Magazine readers, as part of the national Big Brothers Big Sisters network, BBBS Greater Houston builds meaningful, professionally supported mentorships that empower youth to reach their full potential. With a track record of measurable impact and community trust, the organization stands as a cornerstone of Houston’s youth development ecosystem.
Discover ways to volunteer or support at:
TSU MARCHES TOWARD 100 YEARS OF GREATNESS WITH: “98 DEGREES OF EXCELLENCE"
By Francis Page, Jr. for www.StyleMagazine.com
When its 100th anniversary on the horizon, Texas Southern University (TSU) proudly unveils Homecoming 2025: 98 Degrees of Excellence, Road to 100 — a jubilant salute to nearly a century of Tiger pride, progress, and perseverance.
This year’s celebration captures the essence of Houston’s cultural heartbeat while
honoring TSU’s legacy as one of America’s premier Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Building upon last year’s “H.O.T. 97: Honoring Our Traditions,” the 98 Degrees theme radiates both warmth and will — a symbolic reflection of TSU’s relentless drive toward transformation, empowerment, and academic distinction.
“Homecoming is more than a celebration — it’s a reflection of our collective legacy and a testament to the excellence that defines Texas Southern University,” said TSU President J.W. Crawford III, Vice Admiral (Ret.), U.S. Navy. “As we move toward 100 years of history, we honor our past and embrace the momentum that propels us into the future.”
President Crawford emphasized that TSU’s Homecoming remains one of the nation’s most spirited collegiate traditions — a joyful convergence of alumni, students, faculty, and the greater Houston community. “It’s my responsibility to protect and grow this tradition of unity and excellence,” he added, “ensuring it shines even brighter with each passing year.”
This year’s Homecoming theme embraces three defining pillars of Tiger Nation: Excellence in Achievement – A salute to 98 years of producing scholars, leaders, and changemakers.
Legacy and Community – Honoring the generations of Tigers shaping the University’s enduring story.
The Road to 100 – A forward march toward TSU’s centennial, marking not an end, but a renewed mission of impact.
Shannette Prince, Homecoming Committee Chair and Executive Director for Alumni Engagement, shared, “98 Degrees of Excellence reflects our warmth, resilience, and the courage to build what’s next. Every Tiger — past, pres-
ent, and future — contributes to this living legacy.”
The 2025 Homecoming Week is set to dazzle with beloved traditions and new experiences, including a reimagined parade route through Emancipation Avenue, a 1:00 PM kickoff for the Homecoming Game against Virginia University of Lynchburg, and a tailgate finale at 7:00 PM featuring live music, food, and Tiger spirit in full swing.
