Houston’s 2026 Annual Faith for Social Justice Luncheon brought faith, public service and community action to the same table Friday, August 7, under the powerful theme “Freedom Rising 2026.”

Presented by Kingdom Builders Global Fellowship, the annual gathering at 1024 Pinemont Drive in Houston reflected a historic tradition deeply rooted in the Black church: using faith not simply as inspiration, but as a force for civic participation, equality and social progress.

 

Bishop James Dixon II, co-leader of Freedom Rising, delivered the movement message, challenging attendees to transform belief into meaningful action. Houston television personality Isiah Carey served as moderator of a powerhouse panel featuring U.S. Rep. Al Green, U.S. Rep. Christian Menefee, State Rep. Lauren Ashley Simmons, State Rep. Ron Reynolds, Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Rev. Dr. Max Miller, Shekira Dennis and Rev. Alex Moorer.

The luncheon also recognized an impressive group of 2026 honorees, including Johnny Mata, State Sen. Royce West, U.S. Rep. Sylvia Garcia, State Rep. Barbara Gervin-Hawkins, Conchita Reyes, Dr. Coretta Mallett-Fontenot and Rev. Dr. Samuel Gilbert II.

For generations, Houston’s churches and faith leaders have helped turn moral conviction into community progress. Freedom Rising 2026 carried that legacy forward with a timely message: justice works best when people of faith, elected leaders and everyday citizens rise together.

And in Houston, that movement is clearly still rising.

More on The Community Of Faith Church, go to: https://www.thecommunityoffaith.org/