Black leaders, elected officials, and Democratic candidates used the first day of the Texas Democratic Convention to discuss representation, healthcare disparities, criminal justice, voter engagement, and strategies to strengthen political participation in Black communities.

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 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.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo is donating 250 FIFA World Cup tickets to local children through nonprofit partners, giving youth from across the county a chance to experience one of the world's biggest sporting events firsthand.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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 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.

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.

On Juneteenth in Acres Homes, a new Houston housing development broke ground with a promise that freedom must include ownership, opportunity, and a place to call home.

Fresh off upset primary victories, Harris County Democratic nominees Letitia Plummer and Darlene Breaux rallied supporters in Meyerland, framing their campaigns as a grassroots movement for the future of Harris County.

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.