Francis Page Jr.

Houston City College Soars Past 100,000 Students — and Houston’s Future Just Got Brighter

Houston City College has reached a major milestone, surpassing 100,000 students for the first time since 2019, underscoring its growing role in expanding educational access, workforce training, and economic opportunity across Greater Houston.

Harris Health’s 2026 Summer Junior Volunteer Program Plants Seeds for Houston’s Future Healthcare Heroes

Harris Health’s Summer Junior Volunteer Program is giving 145 Houston teens a hands-on introduction to healthcare, inspiring the next generation of medical professionals through service, compassion, and real-world experience.

Horizon Lands at Avenida Houston: A Free, Dreamy Downtown Escape Where Art Gently Rocks the Soul

Downtown Houston's Plaza at Avenida Houston will debut Horizon, a free interactive art installation featuring glowing, egg-shaped domes that blend light, sound, and movement into a unique public experience from July 4 through September 7, 2026.

ESSENCE’s Black Women in Music Returns to New Orleans, Honoring Brandy, Kandi Burruss, Missy Elliott & Mona Scott-Young

ESSENCE revives its iconic Black Women in Music celebration, honoring Brandy, Kandi Burruss, Missy Elliott, and Mona Scott-Young for their groundbreaking contributions to music, culture, and Black excellence.

Texas Southern’s Earl Carl Institute Receives $300,000 Rockwell Fund Grant to Protect Homes, Heirs’ Property and Generational Wealth in Northeast Houston

A new $300,000 grant will help Texas Southern University's Earl Carl Institute for Legal & Social Policy expand free legal services in Kashmere Gardens, helping Black families protect inherited homes, preserve generational wealth, and safeguard their legacies.

Who Cares About Our Youth? Rep. Jolanda Jones Sounds the Alarm on AI, Social Media, and the Future of Texas Students

Texas State Representative Jolanda Jones is urging parents, educators, and policymakers to ensure young people develop critical thinking and life skills before relying on artificial intelligence and social media.

Rep. Al Green Helps Put Housing Justice on the National Roadmap with Bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act

A sweeping bipartisan housing bill advancing through Congress includes key provisions championed by Rep. Al Green, aiming to improve disaster recovery, veteran homeownership access, and housing transparency in response to America’s affordability crisis.

Exodus Women's Conference 2026: "She Is Planted" — A Powerful Weekend of Faith, Growth & Transformation Awaits Houston Women

Women from across Texas and beyond will gather in Houston this August for the 2026 Exodus Women’s Conference, a faith-filled weekend of worship, healing, empowerment, and spiritual growth centered on the theme, “She Is Planted.”

Project Prom: Civic Heart, Boynton Methodist Church & J&L Insurance Help Houston Students Step Into Confidence

More than 200 students at Jane Long Academy received free prom dresses through Project Prom, a community-driven initiative led by Civic Heart Community Services that helped turn a milestone moment into a celebration of confidence, opportunity, and support.

Fort Bend County District Clerk Beverley McGrew Walker Expands Public Access with New E-Certify System

Fort Bend County is making court records more accessible with the launch of Phase II of its E-Certify system, allowing residents to obtain certified court documents online faster, more securely, and without a courthouse visit.

Riverside Hospital Centennial Celebration Honors 100 Years of Healing, History, and Houston Resilience

On Juneteenth, Houston celebrated the 100th anniversary of the historic Riverside Hospital, honoring its legacy of Black healthcare leadership while unveiling a renewed vision for community health and wellness in Third Ward.

Fort Bend Regional Partnership Sweeps Texas Chamber Media Awards, Proving Fort Bend Knows How to Tell Its Story

The Fort Bend Regional Partnership earned first-place honors in all four major media categories at the 2026 Texas Chamber of Commerce Executives Conference, showcasing excellence in communications, marketing, and regional storytelling.

Commissioner Rodney Ellis Joins Rothko Chapel Conversation on Memory, Memorials, and Houston’s Fight for Racial Justice

On Juneteenth, a powerful conversation at the Rothko Chapel explored how memorials, public spaces, and honest storytelling can help Houston confront its past while shaping a more just future.

Texas Southern University’s Ocean of Soul Marches Into Vogue — and History — on Juneteenth

Houston’s own Ocean of Soul earned a national spotlight in Vogue’s Summer 2026 issue, celebrating HBCU culture, Black musical excellence, and the enduring legacy of Juneteenth.

The Wolfman’s Fight Lives On: New Memoir Honors Black Entrepreneur Who Helped Shape Houston’s Nightlife Culture

Sandra Williams Pierce’s new memoir, The Wolfman: And the Fight Goes With It, preserves the inspiring legacy of her father, Frank 'Wolfman' Williams, whose decades of entrepreneurship, community leadership, and resilience left a lasting mark on Houston and Baytown.

Civic Heart Masquerade Ball 2026 to Celebrate 37 Years of Houston Community Impact

Civic Heart Community Services will host its 2026 Masquerade Ball in Houston, blending Halloween celebration with philanthropy to support programs that strengthen families, expand opportunity, and empower local communities.

Pursuing a More Perfect Union: Just The Beginning Brings Its 13th National Conference to Houston

Houston will host the 13th National Conference of Just The Beginning in 2026, bringing together judges, attorneys, students, and civic leaders to inspire the next generation of legal professionals and advance a more representative justice system.

Houston City College Celebrates History-Making VICEROY Scholar Caressa Brown First HCC Student Selected for Prestigious Air Combat Command ENVOY Internship

Houston City College student Caressa Brown is making history as the first HCC scholar selected for the prestigious U.S. Air Force VICEROY ENVOY internship, turning a journey from entrepreneur to cybersecurity professional into a national success story.

Abbie Kamin: First Woman. First Mother. Harris County Attorney.

With her swearing-in as Harris County Attorney, Abbie Kamin makes history as the first woman and first mother to lead one of the nation’s largest public law offices, marking a significant milestone for local government and representation.

Fort Bend County Libraries Honor Juneteenth with a Weekend of Reflection, Reading, and Digital Discovery

As Fort Bend County Libraries pause for the Juneteenth holiday, residents can still celebrate freedom, learning, and community through the library’s always-open digital resources.

Texas Women’s Empowerment Conference 2026: “Let There Be” Light, Purpose, Power — and a Sisterhood Ready to Rise

Faith, fellowship, and empowerment take center stage as the Texas Women’s Empowerment Conference returns to Plano in 2026, offering women and girls a transformative weekend inspired by the theme “The Creation: Lessons from ‘Let There Be.’”

Small Changes, Big Difference: Legacy Community Health Urges Houston Men to Make Prevention a Priority

A new awareness campaign from Legacy Community Health is encouraging Houston men to prioritize preventive care, highlighting how routine checkups, early screenings, and small lifestyle changes can help prevent serious conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.

Houston Dynamo FC and Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Score Big for Business, Culture, and Community

As Houston gears up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a new partnership between Houston Dynamo FC and Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce aims to unite soccer, culture, and economic opportunity while giving local businesses a larger role in the city's global soccer celebration.

Spurs Strike Back: San Antonio Silences Madison Square Garden, 115–111, Behind Wembanyama’s 32-Point Masterclass

Facing a daunting 2–0 series deficit, the San Antonio Spurs stormed into Madison Square Garden and stunned the New York Knicks 115–111 behind a dominant 32-point performance from Victor Wembanyama, breathing new life into the NBA Finals and turning the pressure squarely back on New York.

A Juneteenth Legacy Rises: Inside the $850 Million Obama Presidential Center

Opening on Juneteenth 2026, the Obama Presidential Center will honor the legacy of Barack and Michelle Obama while celebrating Black history, civic engagement, and the enduring promise of American democracy.

Commissioner Rodney Ellis Urges Houston to Plan Ahead as World Cup Brings the World — and Traffic — to Our Doorstep

As Houston prepares to welcome the world for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Commissioner Rodney Ellis is urging residents to plan ahead, use transit, and help showcase the city’s hospitality during one of the largest events in Houston history.

Texas Southern University Takes Flight Again with New Twin-Engine Diamond DA42

Texas Southern University’s aviation program reaches new heights with the arrival of a state-of-the-art Diamond DA42 aircraft, strengthening Houston’s pipeline of future pilots and aerospace professionals.

Houston City College Lands Historic $17 Million Bloomberg Philanthropies Investment to Power Gulf Coast TradeUp Careers

Houston City College will receive a record-breaking $17 million investment from Bloomberg Philanthropies to launch Gulf Coast TradeUp Careers, a workforce initiative aimed at expanding skilled trades training and apprenticeship opportunities across Greater Houston.

Abbie Kamin’s Next Chapter: A Historic Harris County Legal Seat Meets a Houston-Built Public Servant

Abbie Kamin is set to make history as Harris County’s first woman and first mother County Attorney, bringing a record of public service and civic leadership to the role.

Houston Chronicle Endorses James Talarico for U.S. Senate: A Democracy-Supportive Call for Texas to Choose Service Over Scandal

The Houston Chronicle Editorial Board endorses James Talarico for U.S. Senate, framing the Texas race as a defining choice between integrity-driven public service and controversy-laden politics.

Harris Health Earns NIH Praise for Turning Compassion Into a Clinical Care Comeback Story

National recognition is shining on Harris Health after its addiction treatment program helped lead a major NIH study and expand pathways to recovery for Houston-area patients battling substance use disorders.

Women Professionals in Government Sets the Stage for “An Evening of Elegance and Excellence” in Houston

Women Professionals in Government's 2026 Summer Social will bring Houston leaders together for an evening of networking, scholarship fundraising, and inspiration featuring Harris County Administrator Erica Lee Carter.

Houston City College and Tesla Charge Up Houston’s Workforce Future with Advanced Manufacturing Partnership

Houston City College and Tesla, Inc. have launched a workforce training partnership to prepare students for careers in advanced manufacturing and clean energy.

The Rustic Rides Again: Downtown Houston’s Favorite Front Porch Begins Its Big Comeback

The Rustic is returning to Downtown Houston with a larger venue, live music stage, and a key role in the city’s growing entertainment district.

NIA Cultural Center’s 5th Annual Emancipation Gospel Celebration Brings Gospel Royalty to Galveston, the Birthplace of Juneteenth

Galveston’s 5th Annual Emancipation Gospel Celebration Concert will honor Juneteenth with gospel music, Black history, and powerful performances from gospel legends and rising stars.

Houston’s KSRC Media Plus Wins 12 Telly Awards, Proving Local Stories Can Move at Global Speed

Houston-based KSRC Media Plus earned 12 Telly Awards for its creative storytelling, spotlighting the city’s growing influence in media, advertising, and digital entertainment.

Houston’s Pride In Business Celebration Names Francisco Sánchez, Jr. Co-Chair for Historic 10th Annual “Decade of Impact” Milestone

The Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce will mark a decade of impact with its 2026 Pride In Business celebration in Houston, highlighting leadership, inclusion, and economic opportunity.

Culture Is Capital: BOMESI Summit 2026 Brings Media Ownership, Opportunity, and Economic Power to Detroit

BOMESI’s 2026 Summit in Detroit will bring together media, brand, and entertainment leaders to discuss the future of diverse-owned media and the $5.3 trillion cultural economy.

White Castle Breaks Ground in North Texas, Bringing a Century of Slider Royalty to the Lone Star State

White Castle is finally coming to Texas, bringing its iconic sliders, century-old fast-food legacy, and a new restaurant opening to North Texas.

Houston City College Teen Summit 2026 Opens Doors for Fort Bend Students to Dream Bigger, Build Smarter, and Lead Next

Fort Bend students are invited to a Houston City College Teen Summit designed to spark curiosity, explore careers, and show that the future starts now.

Texas Supreme Court Draws the Line: Democracy Prevails as Gene Wu Defeats Abbott-Paxton Power Play

The Texas Supreme Court unanimously rejected efforts to remove State Rep. Gene Wu from office, delivering a major victory for democracy, constitutional balance, and voter representation.

One Election After Another: Why Showing Up Still Matters More Than Ever

As voter fatigue grows nationwide, Black Americans are being reminded that democracy has never been a spectator sport — and progress still depends on showing up.

Goal! FIFA Fever Takes Manhattan: FIFA Museum and Hyundai Motor Launch “Legacies of Champions” at Rockefeller Center During FIFA World Cup 2026™

Rockefeller Center is bringing FIFA World Cup 2026 history to life with the free “Legacies of Champions” exhibition this summer.

Francis Page Jr.

Stories by Francis