From Xi’an to Houston: Ailian Yang’s Harmonious Bridge Between Cultures
Music has always been a universal language, but in the hands of a visionary like Ailian Yang, it becomes a bridge—one that connects cultures, continents, and generations. A distinguished choral conductor and vocal educator, Yang has devoted her career to fusing the rich traditions of Eastern and Western music. Now, as the assistant conductor of the Houston Yellow River Chorus, she is amplifying the voices of cultural harmony right here in Houston.
April Ryan’s Historic Leap: A New Era for Black Press USA’s Washington Bureau
Houston Style Magazine • January 31, 2025
In a dazzling convergence of history, trailblazing journalism, and forward-thinking leadership, renowned White House correspondent April Ryan embarks on her newest chapter as Washington Bureau Chief and Senior White House Correspondent for Black Press USA. With an illustrious career that spans 28 years at the White House and coverage of five presidencies, Ryan’s appointment signals a vibrant and transformative era in American journalism—one that Houston and beyond can proudly celebrate.
Houston Community College Elects New Board Leadership to Shape a Brighter Future
With education and workforce development at the heart of Houston’s growth, the Houston Community College (HCC) Board of Trustees is embracing new leadership to drive the institution forward. In a decisive move at its Jan. 29 meeting, HCC elected Eva L. Loredo as the new board chair, Laolu Davies-Yemitan as vice chair, and Sean Cheben as secretary—each bringing a wealth of experience and a passion for serving Houston’s diverse communities.
Bridging the Divide: How Smaller Communities Can Thrive in the Tech Economy
An influx of new residents in rural and semi-rural areas, combined with the rise of remote work, presents an exciting opportunity for innovation. Smaller communities now have access to an innovative workforce that can participate in the global economy, while positively impacting their local economies, bringing new ideas, diverse perspectives, and a wealth of skills to drive technological growth. – Jamal Lewis
Brays Bayou Greenway Expansion Underway with New Trails, Amenities, and Memorial Plaza
Harris County Precinct 4 and the Houston Parks Board have begun construction on 4.4 miles of new trails, seven underpasses, and a memorial plaza along Brays Bayou Greenway, enhancing connectivity, safety, and public spaces.
FAA Leadership Crisis and Aviation Safety Concerns Amidst American Eagle Flight 5342 Tragedy
The FAA faces a leadership crisis, as aviation safety concerns mount after the tragic crash of American Eagle Flight 5342.
City of Houston Welcomes Industry-Leading Engineer Oluwole ‘O.J.’ McFoy to Spearhead Transformational Infrastructure Projects
The city of Houston is making power moves in public infrastructure with a game-changing appointment. Mayor John Whitmire proudly introduced Oluwole ‘O.J.’ McFoy as the new City Engineer for Houston Public Works (HPW), a position that will see him shaping the future of the city’s engineering landscape. Bringing over two decades of executive leadership, infrastructure expertise, and a commitment to equity in water management, McFoy is set to play a pivotal role in Houston’s progress.
PlazAmericas Hosts Free ‘San Valentín’ Celebration
Folklórico, Chinelos and Mariachis will provide free entertainment during the event with a special appearance by The Milto Show -
PlazAmericas invites Houston residents to celebrate Valentine’s Day with free music, dance, comedy, contests, and more on February 9, 2025.
Baytown Native Jonathan Gomez: Serving with Excellence Aboard USS Howard
In the heart of the Pacific Ocean, a Texas native is making waves—both figuratively and literally—as he serves aboard one of the U.S. Navy’s most formidable vessels. Machinist’s Mate 2nd Class Jonathan Gomez, a proud son of Baytown, Texas, plays a crucial role aboard the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Howard (DDG 83).
Grammy-Nominated Artists October London and Tamar Braxton Bring Soulful Elegance to the Stage with "The October Nights: Calling All Lovers" Tour Featuring Ro James
Get ready, R&B lovers! The stage is set for a show-stopping, soulful spectacle as Grammy-nominated artist October London and platinum-selling powerhouse Tamar Braxton embark on their highly anticipated 24-city tour, The October Nights: Calling All Lovers. This electrifying musical journey, produced by the Black Promoters Collective (BPC), is poised to be a celebration of love, passion, and the rich tapestry of contemporary R&B.
Sherri Shepherd Hosts Exclusive Screening of The Six Triple Eight for Young Girls in Harlem
Celebrating History, Empowering the Future
In a heartfelt tribute to Black history and female empowerment, Emmy-winning host and actress Sherri Shepherd brought an unforgettable experience to over 150 young girls in Harlem. Over the weekend, Shepherd hosted an exclusive screening of Tyler Perry’s critically acclaimed film, The Six Triple Eight, at the AMC Magic Johnson Harlem Theater. The event, held just ahead of Black History Month, was designed to inspire and educate the next generation about the groundbreaking contributions of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, the first and only all-Black Women’s Army Corps unit to serve overseas in World War II.
Voices Unshaken: Fisk Jubilee Singers® and Houston Scott Joplin Orchestra Unite for a Soul-Stirring Black History Month Celebration
In a breathtaking fusion of history, culture, and musical brilliance, the Houston Fisk Alumni Association, in partnership with Christ Church Cathedral and the Houston Area Urban League, proudly presents "Voices Unshaken: An Evening of Legacy and Liberation" on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 5:30 PM. This unforgettable night will feature the Grammy-winning Fisk Jubilee Singers® alongside the renowned Houston Scott Joplin Orchestra, celebrating the transformative power of African American music.
Omni PGA Frisco Resort Unveils SAVOR: A Premier Culinary, Golf, and Entertainment Event
Join Celebrity Chefs Aarón Sánchez and Dean Fearing, Michael Strahan and musical group, Midland at this unprecedented Texas experience May 1-4, 2025
Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa, in partnership with presenting sponsor Lexus, will introduce SAVOR, a premier event taking place from May 1–4, 2025.
Houstonians Demand Justice: Green and Turner Call Out Discriminatory Disaster Relief Failures HUD’s Findings on GLO Discrimination Spark Outrage as Trump Administration Stalls Justice
The fight for equitable disaster relief took center stage on Wednesday, as Congressman Al Green (TX-09) and Congressman Sylvester Turner (TX-18), alongside Texas Housers and community leaders, addressed the shocking revelations of racial discrimination in the Texas General Land Office’s (GLO) handling of Hurricane Harvey recovery funds.
Harris County Attorney Menefee Joins Legal Battle Against Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Order
Harris County Attorney Christian D. Menefee joins a nationwide legal challenge against Trump’s executive order restricting birthright citizenship, arguing it is unconstitutional and harmful to communities.
University of Houston’s Donna Stokes Earns Prestigious White House STEM Mentoring Award Celebrating a Legacy of Leadership, Innovation, and Student Success
In the heart of Houston, where innovation meets ambition, one educator stands as a beacon of excellence in STEM mentorship—Dr. Donna Stokes. A veteran physics professor at the University of Houston (UH), Dr. Stokes has been honored with the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM)—the nation’s highest distinction for mentorship in these critical fields.
More than Skiing: A Cultural Adventure at the 2025 NBS Ski Summit
When the snow begins to fall, and the mountains of Keystone, Colorado glisten under the winter sun, there's one event that stands out above the rest—the 2025 National Brotherhood of Skiers (NBS) Ski Summit. But this isn’t just any ski event; it’s a vibrant cultural experience that blends the thrill of the slopes with camaraderie, networking, and a mission to foster diversity in winter sports.
Alora Restaurant Opens in Montrose, Offering Peruvian-Vietnamese Fusion Cuisine
Experience the bold fusion of Peruvian and Vietnamese flavors at Alora, Houston's newest dining destination, opening January 29 in Montrose.
Turnaround Houston Job Fair Returns to District I: A Gateway to Employment and Economic Empowerment
The highly anticipated Turnaround Houston Job Fair is back, bringing exciting opportunities for job seekers across Greater Houston! The first job fair of 2025, hosted by the Office of Business Opportunity (OBO), will take place on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at the Magnolia Multi-Service Center located at 7037 Capitol St., from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This event is a golden opportunity for individuals in search of new career paths to connect directly with employers from diverse industries and secure meaningful employment.
Rep. Charlene Ward Johnson: A Trailblazing Start in the Texas Legislature
In a moment of history and hope, Charlene Ward Johnson took the oath of office on January 14th, marking the beginning of her journey as Texas State Representative for District 139. With a district stretching from Loop 610 near Ella to FM 1960, encompassing the heart of Acres Homes, Rep. Johnson steps into the storied halls of the Texas Legislature, bringing with her a lifetime of commitment to education, civic engagement, and community empowerment.

