Houston Style Magazine Vol 34 No 25

LOCAL: JATATA HUTTON ASSUMES ROLE AS PRINCIPAL OF ACADEMIC AND BEHAVIOR

By StyleMagazine.com - Newswire

The Harris County Department of Education has announced the appointment of Jatata Hutton as the new principal of Academic and Behavior School West.

"Mr. Hutton is the ideal educator to lead ABS West. His extensive experience and impressive credentials left a lasting impression on the selection panel," stated Charles Ned, Ed.D., Senior Director of Special Schools. "His unwavering commitment to students and student-centered approach enables him to build positive relationships with even the most challenging students. With Mr. Hutton at the helm, ABS West will continue to excel as a premier school for students with special needs in Harris County. I eagerly anticipate working with Mr. Hutton as he assumes his new role."

Hutton brings over 20 years of experience as an esteemed educator. He holds a master's degree in educational management from the University of Houston-Clear Lake and a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and correctional services from Jackson State University.

"I was drawn to HCDE because of its significant impact on the community," expressed Hutton. "Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to enhancing student outcomes. Serving as the principal of ABS West is the next step for me, where I can develop other professionals to support students and families."

Before joining HCDE, Hutton served as the principal of the Cambridge

School in the Humble Independent School District, which caters to special needs students from kindergarten to twelfth grade.

"It is my passion to serve students with disabilities who require exceptional support," Hutton affirmed. "This particular student population holds a special place in my heart because I am a foster child. Having been adopted at birth, I don't know my biological parents. Students in special education who come from backgrounds similar to mine are often overlooked and deemed unlikely to succeed. Hence, I am an advocate for the underdog."

Hutton's career began as a corrections officer with the Jackson County Sheriff's Department, where he worked closely with adjudicated youth. He also worked as a substitute teacher to supplement his income, an experience that revealed his true calling.

To discover more about HCDE Schools, please visit: www.HCDE-Texas.org/special-schools

Jatata Hutton

Texas is suffering from record high temperatures, with heat indexes topping a staggering 120 degrees.

40 million people are at risk from what scientists call a “heat dome,” and storm chasers call a “death ridge.” Texas already is the state that suffers the highest number of deaths from heat exposure,

And the National Weather Service warns that the “extreme heat and humidity will significantly increase the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly for those working or participating in outdoor activities.” Officials warn Texans to stay cool and hydrated.

In response, the Republican Texas State legislature and Republican Governor Greg Abbott passed and signed into law a bill that voids any city law that requires water breaks for employees.

You read that right. At the midst of a deadly heat wave, Republican officials passed a law to revoke city laws – such as one

'HAVE YOU NO SENSE OF DECENCY, SIR?'

By Jesse Jackson, National Political Writer

as young as 14 to be employed on evening shifts using caustic chemicals in meat coolers and industrial cleaners. Republican justices have rolled back the right to organize, and disemboweled the powers of existing unions. Republicans oppose raising the minimum wage, enforcing workplace safety, and seek to weaken unemployment support for those who are laid off.

passed in Austin in 2010 and Dallas in 2015 – that require water breaks for workers. The law takes effect in September, but next summer, this will end up killing people.

“Construction is a deadly industry. Whatever the minimum protection is, it can save a life. We are talking about a human right,” said Ana Gonzalez, deputy director of policy and politics at the Texas AFL-CIO. “We will see more deaths, especially in Texas’ high temperatures.”

The threadbare excuse for the law is that companies don’t want to deal with a confusing patchwork of local regulations. Of course, the governor could have removed that irritation by supporting a state law to mandate sensible water breaks rather than one banning them.

In reality, this legislation essentially treats workers as property –without human rights, even the right to life – to be used as their employers deem fit. The extreme expression of this, of course, was slavery, in which

slaves literally were valued and sold as property. The 13th Amendment, passed after the Civil War, outlawed slavery – but it did not enshrine basic human rights or economic rights.

The majority of construction workers in Texas are Latinos, many undocumented, and relatively easy for employers to abuse and legislatures to oppress, as Blacks were under slavery. Linking a fake populism with appeals on conservative social issues like abortion, Republicans have been gaining ground among Latino voters – but apparently not enough to begin to respect their basic human right to survival.

In any case, this is less about race than about workers of all races. Under Donald Trump, Republicans have offered workers heated rhetoric about nativism, about crime, even about mythical Democratic pedophiles, using populist rhetoric as a cover for relentlessly anti-worker policies. Republican legislatures in Iowa and Ohio have weakened child labor laws, allowing children

Passing a law to ban local protection of water breaks in the midst of a record and deadly heat wave speaks for itself. It reminds me of the famous moment in the McCarthy hearings at the height of the ’50s Red Scare. Wisconsin Senator Joe McCarthy, after feeding the Red Scare with repeated screeds about communists subverting the government, convened hearings on whether the US Army was soft on communism. Frustrated by the Army’s defense attorney, Joseph N. Welch, McCarthy slurred a young associate in Welch’s firm as linked to communists. Flabbergasted, Welch responded: “Until this moment, senator, I think I never really gauged your cruelty or your recklessness. Have you no sense of decency, sir, at long last?” That moment marked the effective end of McCarthy’s reign of terror.

Now in the wake of the cruel law passed by the Republican legislature and signed by its governor, surely it is time to ask each of them, “Have you no sense of decency, sir, at long last?”

You can write to the Rev. Jesse Jackson in care of this newspaper or by email at: jjackson@rainbowpush.org

LOCAL: HOUSTON CITY CANDIDATES CONTINUE TO PLAY MUSICAL CHAIRS

By Burt Levine, Political Writer

Edwards was the only major African American candidate other than Jackson Lee still in the race after former interim Harris County Clerk Chris Hollins left when Jackson Lee announced his candidacy for Mayor to run himself for City Controller.

With two months to go until the Monday, August 21 filing deadline for Houston Mayor, City Controller, five at large (citywide), and 11 City Council seats, the list of candidates continues to shuffle at the city secretary’s office, where candidates are required to name a campaign treasurer before being permitted to politicize, raise, or spend campaign money.

On Monday, former at-large Pos. 4 City Council Member Amanda Edwards announced she was no longer running to succeed term-limited May-

or Sylvester Turner. Edwards instead announced she was running for the Congress seat Sheila Jackson Lee has held since she left the at-large Pos. 4 City Council seat to serve in Congress 28 years ago. Jackson Lee has not announced she is not running in 2024. Edwards, a Houston native and Harvard-trained public finance attorney with experience at Bracewell and Vinson & Elkins, has wanted to serve in Congress since she interned for Jackson Lee after graduating from Emory in 2004, where she served as President.

Tidwell Transit-Oriented

In 2019, Edwards left her seat on city council, where she had won more votes in 2015 than Mayor Turner had won in 2015, to run in the Democratic Primary for the US Senate, hoping to face incumbent Senator John Cornyn. She came in fifth out of 12 candidates. Some blame her presence for keeping Dallas-area African American State Senator Royce West from being the 2020 Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate.

In addition to Jackson Lee, others running for mayor are 50-year legislator State Senator John Whitmire, former three-term City Council Member, entrepreneur, and Professional Engineer MJ Khan, former Metro Chairman and finance bondsman Gilbert Garcia, term-limited District I City Council Member Robert Gallegos, Lawyer Lee Kaplan, and others.

Monday term limited at large

Development

Developing Places with Purpose

Pos. 3 Houston City Council Member Michael Kubosh announced he was no longer running to succeed term-limited Houston City Controller Chris Brown. Kubosh announced that it was for health reasons. Others reported that it involved fundraising. In 2015, Kubosh was re-elected to his second term with more votes than any city council candidate in the country’s history, with more than 113,000 votes.

On Monday, former Channel 13 Meteorologist Casey Curry was reported to have changed her run from the race to succeed term-limited Pos. 1 Houston City Council Member Mike Knox, who is running for Harris County Sheriff, to run for Kubosh’s at-large Pos. 3 seat. She joins Houston Community College Professor and civic leader Donnell Cooper, the Astros Foundation Director Twyla Carter, Harris County Education Department Trustee Richard Cantu, Realtor Ericka McCructcheon, and former Houston District F City Council Member Richard Nguyen in that race.

Early voting begins Monday, October 24, for the Tuesday, November 7 General Election.

(TOD) Plan

We’re looking for suggestions on how METRO can unite outstanding transit service with housing, mobility and economic development to help enhance the vibrant Eastex-Jensen community.

He wavered back and forth before falling backward with the microphone still in his hand. Milton "Big Pokey" Powell passed away on Sunday, June 18, 2023, doing what he loved.

Big Pokey had collapsed midsong while performing at Pour09 Bar and Rooftop in Beaumont, TX, before a packed crowd. Police and EMTs were immediately called and arrived on the scene in minutes to begin CPR on the unconscious rapper. He was rushed to

ENTERTAINMENT: HOUSTON LEGEND BIG POKEY PASSES AWAY DOING WHAT HE LOVED

By Jo-Carolyn Goode, Managing Editor

the hospital, where he was pronounced deceased shortly thereafter. It is suspected that he died of cardiac arrest, but the cause of death has not been officially declared. Justice of the Peace Tom Gillam III of Jefferson County said an autopsy was pending.

The entertainer, whose career began in the 1990s, was a Houston native who graduated from the historic Jack Yates High School in Third Ward. He rose on the music scene as one of the original members of the Screwed Up Click, founded by DJ Screw, with that unique sound of chopped and screwed music. His first solo album, "Hardest Pit in the Litter," dropped in 1999, with five others to follow. Throughout his career, he collaborated with the best, making the Billboard Hot 100 with Paul Wall’s "Sittin’ Sideways" and having music featured on HBO’s Entourage.

Upon news of his death, the music community, especially those with Houston ties, began to flood social media with their shock and sympathy for

Bun B. "One of the most naturally talented artists in the city. Low key, humble mountain of a man who moved with honor and respect. He was easy to love and hard to hate. He'd pull up, do what he had to do, and head home. One of the pillars of our city if heart of gold was a person. Iconic member of the SUC. There will never be another, and it will be missed dearly. We love and honor you, Sensei. Rest in heaven."

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner expressed regret over not giving the Houston legend his flowers while he could still smell them. "The City of Houston and I extend our prayers and condolences to our own Screwed Up Click legendary rapper #BigPokey family and friends. Though many called him "low key", his presence was larger than life, helping to catapult our hip hop scene nationally. We are grateful."

Slim Thug said via Instagram, "Sad day in the city. Htown legend (triple crown emoji) SUC HOF... Hardest Pit… Prayers to his family (triple

Paul Wall said, "It is with an extremely heavy heart that I make this post, saying rest in peace to @sucbigpokey What a great mentor and friend. A trendsetter and leader. I am so blessed to have known #BigPokey My love, prayers, and condolences go out to your family. Rest in peace, big bro. Sensei Forever #ripbigpokey."

Lil Flip, who was supposed to perform with Big Pokey in a show later this month, had these sentiments. " "It doesn't matter how much fame he had; he always had the same spirit. It's a huge loss because we considered him one of the freestyle kings. The world just needs to know, Big Pokey, he died doing what he loved; he died performing, and I find peace in that."

As a tribute to Big Pokey, Bun B has asked fans to make his last album, "Sensei," number one by streaming it on their favorite music platform.

Milton Powell aka Big Pokey

Aubrey Drake Graham

The BET Awards Sunday, June 25 at 7PM On BET

Leads The Nominations With 7 for the 2023 BET Awards, Including Album Of The Year Watch

By Francis Page Jr. for

The highly anticipated BET Awards 2023 nominations have been announced, and it comes as no surprise that Drake has once again emerged as a dominant force in the music industry. With a staggering seven nods, including best male hip hop artist, album of the year, and best male R&B/pop artist, Drake solidifies his position as one of the most influential and successful artists of our time.

The BET Awards, which celebrate African American and other minority achievements in music, acting, sports, and other fields of entertainment, hold immense significance within the industry. The nominations are selected by the BET Voting Academy, a distinguished group comprising entertainment professionals and influencers from various fields such as music, media, digital marketing, sports journalism, public relations, and creative arts. The academy’s collective expertise ensures that the nominees truly represent the best and brightest talents in the industry. Drake’s dominance in this year’s nominations is a testament to his versatility and continued musical excellence. As a best male hip hop artist nominee, he faces stiff competition from some of the industry’s heavyweights. However, with his chart-topping hits and undeniable talent, Drake is a strong contender for the title. His album of the year nomination reflects the impact his music has had on the industry and the cultural significance of his work.

In addition to Drake’s impressive nominations,

other popular artists have also secured coveted spots. Beyoncé, an icon in her own right, received several nominations, including best female R&B/pop artist and album of the year for her critically acclaimed project. Another standout nominee is Kendrick Lamar, who has consistently pushed the boundaries of hip hop with his thought-provoking lyrics and innovative soundscapes.

The BET Awards 2023 will be broadcast live on BET on Sunday, June 25 at 8pm ET/5pm PT, allowing fans to witness the celebration of excellence in black entertainment. The ceremony promises to be a star-studded event, featuring captivating performances and memorable moments. Viewers can expect to see a lineup of talented artists, actors, and athletes coming together to celebrate their collective achievements.

Beyond the music categories, the BET Awards also recognize excellence in acting, sports, and other fields. This year’s nominations include outstanding performances in film and television, highlighting the diverse talent within the entertainment industry. It is a platform that not only celebrates achievements but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring artists, reminding them of the endless possibilities within their chosen fields.

The BET Awards have become a staple in the entertainment calendar, serving as a platform for underrepresented voices and celebrating the cultural contributions of African Americans and other minorities. As the music

industry continues to evolve and diversify, these awards play a crucial role in recognizing and honoring artists who have made significant impacts on the global stage. With Drake leading the nominations, the BET Awards 2023 promises to be an unforgettable night. As fans eagerly anticipate the live broadcast, they can rest assured that they will witness an extraordinary showcase of talent and creativity. Whether it’s celebrating the achievements of established icons or discovering emerging stars, the BET Awards remain a vital platform for showcasing the best in black entertainment. www.BET.com www.StyleMagazine.com

feedback from many members of the community.

Houston residents are eagerly awaiting the upcoming mayoral election, which presents an opportunity to select a new leader for their city. Among the diverse pool of candidates, one contender stands out: Gilbert Garcia. Although relatively new to politics, Garcia has made a significant impact on the Houston community and gained recognition for his vision and passion.

Garcia’s journey began in Corpus Christi, Texas, where he grew up and attended public schools. He became the first person in his family to attend college, earning a life-changing opportunity to study at Yale University. Since 1990, Houston has been his home, and he initially partnered with former Mayor Henry Cisneros to establish the Cisneros Asset Management Company. Through dedication and hard work, Garcia rose to become the President of the company. He later joined Garcia Hamilton & Associates, where he currently serves as the Managing Partner. Under his leadership, the firm’s fixed-income assets under management have grown significantly from $200 million to an impressive $21 billion as of March 16, 2023.

Before officially announcing his candidacy for mayor, Garcia sat down with Houston Style for an interview to discuss his motivations. It became evident that Garcia possessed boundless energy and enthusiasm for envisioning a brighter future for Houston. His commitment to public service and community engagement was apparent from the start. Garcia’s passion for politics was ignited during his college years when he successfully managed a City Council race for a female candidate. This experience, along with his work supporting Walter Mondale and serving as a delegate at the Democratic National Convention, solidified his dedication to public service. Garcia’s political journey continued as he served as the campaign chairman for Annise Parker during her initial mayoral run. Following the campaign, Mayor Parker appointed him as the chairman of the Metro Board, recognizing his fresh

Meet Mayoral Candidate – Gilbert Garcia

By: Jeanette V. Rocha, Special to www.StyleMagazine.com

perspective and business-oriented mindset. This marked the beginning of a transformative period for the Metro, addressing inefficiencies, funding challenges, and transparency issues.

During his tenure on the Metro Board, Garcia witnessed the impact of a business-oriented approach to city affairs. Recognizing a gap in understanding the challenges faced by small business owners among career politicians, he saw an opportunity for transformation. Garcia firmly believes that Houston needs a leader with a business mindset to tackle unresolved issues, financial challenges, and governance concerns. With his qualifications and determination, he is confident that he is the best-equipped candidate to address these pressing issues and lead Houston toward positive transformation.

As a Democrat, Gilbert emphasizes his willingness to work with individuals from all political affiliations, emphasizing that good government and prioritizing the needs of everyday people are nonpartisan issues. He places great importance on city services and acknowledges the city’s dire financial situation. Gilbert believes that taking decisive action is essential to ensure the provision of essential services. His approach involves conducting a thorough examination of the city’s finances, exploring alternative revenue generation methods, and streamlining operations through departmental consolidation to enhance efficiency.

Regarding public safety, Gilbert understands that the concept of defunding the police is often misunderstood. He acknowledges that while some argue for reallocating police funds, others desire a stronger police presence. To address these concerns, Gilbert suggests adopting a neighborhood policing model, like the firefighter model, where police posts are established throughout the city. This approach would increase visibility and improve response times to crime scenes, potentially at no additional cost.

When discussing matters important to the Houston community, Gilbert emphasizes the need for a higher level of service than the city currently provides. He finds it disheartening that Houston still struggles to provide clean water, as evidenced by the need for boil water notices, especially on the city’s East Side. Gilbert attributes this issue to a lack of investment and neglect, emphasizing the importance of transparency from the administration to inform the public about the true state of affairs. Additionally, he highlights the need for streamlining and expediting the lengthy permitting process, which poses obstacles for small business owners and hampers growth and development.

When asked about his plans if elected Mayor of Houston, Gilbert Garcia emphasized his commitment to

gaining a thorough understanding of the city’s finances, which currently face significant challenges. He stressed the importance of transparency and clarity in communicating the true state of affairs to the residents. Drawing from his experience at Metro, where he successfully implemented cost-saving measures, Garcia believes in running the city like a business. Just as one would address financial issues within their household, he aims to increase revenue or reduce expenses to ensure the allocation of funds to essential services that have been lacking for far too long. By making Houston an appealing destination, Garcia envisions generating revenue to support the city’s needs. To achieve this, the first step is establishing transparency and a clear understanding of the budget, addressing the lack of transparency and structural deficit. It is crucial to assess commitments and expenses beyond revenue to determine the necessary steps for improvement. Garcia suggests implementing a hiring freeze, like what was done at Metro, to evaluate each department and identify opportunities for increased efficiency and improvement.

Engaging in open dialogue and actively seeking opportunities to connect with various communities is another priority for Gilbert Garcia. He expresses his willingness to speak wherever he is invited, as it allows him to continuously learn and gain valuable insights. To truly understand the concerns and priorities of the people, Garcia takes a hands-on approach by personally meeting with elected officials and touring different districts. Attending community meetings has been particularly enlightening for him, and he intends to maintain this approach as it has proven to be a valuable and enriching experience.

In conclusion, Gilbert Garcia has emerged as a standout contender in the upcoming mayoral election in Houston. Despite being relatively new to politics, his impact on the community and his vision for a brighter future have garnered attention and support. With a background in business and a commitment to public service, Garcia believes that a business-oriented approach is crucial to addressing the city’s challenges effectively. His priorities include gaining a thorough understanding of the city’s finances, increasing transparency, providing essential services, streamlining permitting processes, and engaging with the community. If elected as Mayor of Houston, Gilbert Garcia is determined to lead the city towards positive transformation by implementing cost-saving measures, fostering growth, and addressing the pressing issues that Houston faces.

To learn more about Gilbert Garcia, visit: www.GarciaforHouston.com

Gilbert Andrew Garcia

The City of Houston activated its Public Health Heat Emergency Plan, providing resources for individuals to find relief from the extreme heat.

The National Weather Service had issued an excessive heat advisory for the Houston region until Monday.

HEALTH: CITY OF HOUSTON ACTIVATES HEAT EMERGENCY PLAN

LIBRARIES, COMMUNITY CENTERS, AND MULTI-SERVICE CENTERS WERE MADE AVAILABLE AS COOLING CENTERS FOR PEOPLE TO SEEK REFUGE FROM THE SCORCHING HEAT.

By StyleMagazine.com - Newswire

days, all City of Houston libraries and multi-service centers served as cooling centers during their regular business hours. Community centers operated by the Houston Parks and Recreation Department opened to the public once daily programming for enrolled participants concluded.

Individuals with disabilities, limited access, or specific functional needs had the option to visit the Metropolitan Multi-Service Center located at 1475 W. Gray Street, although all city sites welcomed everyone.

"Houston is known to experience uncomfortably hot summers.

I want everyone to understand that this forecast indicates dangerous and potentially fatal heat and humidity for some of our vulnerable Houstonians.

air-conditioning were able to find shelter at designated city buildings serving as cooling centers during the heat emergency. These locations extended their normal hours and remained open from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 18, and Monday, June 19 (City of Houston Juneteenth holiday).

The designated cooling centers included:

Tidwell Community Center, located at 9720 Spaulding St. Metropolitan Multi-Service Center, located at 1475 W. Gray St.

Acres Homes Multi-Service Center, located at 6719 W. Montgomery Rd.

Sunnyside Health and Multi-Service Center, located at 4410 Reed Rd.

The plan was put into action when the heat index, which calculates air temperature and humidity, reached 108 on two consecutive days. The forecast predicted heat index values ranging from 108 to 114 starting Thursday and continuing throughout the weekend.

During weekdays and Satur-

I encourage people to turn on their home's air conditioners or seek relief at one of our cooling centers. Houstonians should also check on their family members who may require assistance," Mayor Sylvester Turner stated. "I would like to express my gratitude to all our city departments and partners who have worked to activate the heat emergency plan and open the cooling centers."

Individuals without access to

Central Library, located at 500 McKinney St.

For individuals who lacked transportation to reach a designated cooling center, they could call 3-1-1 to request a free ride from METRO or zTrip.

Read more at StyleMagazine.com

HOW THE MOST POPULAR HOUSTON DAD’S SPENT

THIER FATHERS DAY 2023

HOUSTON, TEXAS • USA

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LENARD SMITH, JR.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LENARD SMITH, JR.

Happy Fathers Day 2023

Happy Fathers Day 2023

Happy Fathers Day 2023

Happy Fathers Day 2023

Happy Fathers Day 2023

Happy Fathers Day 2023

Happy Fathers Day 2023

Happy Fathers Day 2023

Happy Fathers Day 2023

Happy Fathers Day 2023

Happy Fathers Day 2023

Happy Fathers Day 2023

Happy Fathers Day 2023

Happy Fathers Day 2023

Happy Fathers Day 2023

Happy Fathers Day 2023

Amanda Edwards Unleashes Her Power Move: Bidding For Houston’s 18th Congressional Seat

By: Francis Page, Jr. and Photos By Vicky Pink For www.StyleMagazine.com

In an awe-inspiring announcement that has captured the attention of Houstonians, the remarkable Amanda Edwards, a leading contender in the Houston mayoral race, has revealed her ambitious bid for the esteemed 18th Congressional Seat. With unwavering determination, Edwards declared her intent to represent Houston, Texas, in the U.S. Congress, igniting a wave of excitement and enthusiasm among her supporters.

On the historic day of June 19th, which marks Juneteenth, Edwards stood before a captivated audience at the Community Mural, located across from the iconic St. Mark’s Missionary Baptist Church. She was joined by influential community leaders who wholeheartedly endorsed her congressional aspirations. The vibrant atmosphere and palpable energy reflected the unity and collective hope that Edwards inspires in her

Amanda Edwards Is Running For Congress

followers.

Amanda Edwards, a proven force to be reckoned with, has already made an indelible mark on the political landscape. Her formidable fundraising abilities have been demonstrated through the remarkable achievement of raising an astounding $1.3 million in 2022 alone. This resounding success has allowed her to construct an unparalleled grassroots operation, empowering communities and amplifying their voices.

In an audacious move, Edwards has chosen to redirect her boundless passion and abundant resources towards the coveted U.S. Congress seat currently held by the esteemed Sheila Jackson Lee. This strategic decision underscores Edwards’ unwavering commitment to effecting transformative change on a broader scale, leveraging her platform to champion the needs and aspirations of the Houston community on a national level.

To delve further into Amanda Edwards’ visionary campaign and her resolute drive to represent Houston in the U.S. Congress, visit the official campaign website at edwardsforhouston. com. This comprehensive resource offers an in-depth exploration of Edwards’ platform, accomplishments, and unwavering dedication to building a brighter future for Houstonians.

With unyielding determination and an unshakeable belief in the power of community, Amanda Edwards has set her sights on the 18th Congressional Seat, embarking on a remarkable journey to reshape the future of Houston, Texas. Join her and her devoted supporters in this momentous endeavor, as they forge ahead towards a more prosperous and inclusive nation.

More about Amanda Edwards, visit: www. Edwards For Houston .com

CITYCENTRE, Houston's premier dining, shopping, and entertainment destination, is inviting families to join in the Fourth of July festivities at their highly anticipated Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular. On Tuesday, July 4, from 7 to 10 p.m., a fun-filled evening of food, fireworks, and freedom awaits all attendees.

The event promises an exciting lineup of activities. While enjoying live country and pop music performed by The After Party from 7 to 10 p.m., families can indulge in delicious food and beverages available at CITYCENTRE's

LOCAL: INDEPENDENCE DAY FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR AT CITYCENTRE

FAMILIES INVITED TO CELEBRATE FOURTH OF JULY WITH AN EVENING OF FESTIVITIES AT THE PREMIER DINING, SHOPPING AND ENTERTAINMENT DESTINATION

By StyleMagazine.com - Newswire

p.m.

It's important to stay informed about any updates or changes related to the event. In case of inclement weather, please check CITYCENTRE's Facebook and Instagram pages for the latest information on delays or cancellations.

Admission to the CITYCENTRE Independence Fireworks Spectacular is free and open to the public, allowing everyone to come together and celebrate this significant day in American history.

various dining spots. Savor the flavors while immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere. However, the highlight of the evening will be a breathtaking 10-minute fireworks display, set to illuminate the night sky at 9:30 p.m. This mesmerizing spectacle is not to be missed.

For those looking to extend the celebration, The Moran CITYCENTRE offers a special 4th of July package, aptly named "Got it all." This package includes a deluxe room with exclusive views of the plaza's festivities, a swag bag, and a Freedom Fizz welcome

cocktail. Bookings are available from Friday to Tuesday, with a minimum stay of two nights. Guests staying in the deluxe rooms on Tuesday will have the privilege of enjoying a stunning view of CITYCENTRE's Fireworks Spectacular.

To ensure a smooth experience, guests are encouraged to carpool or utilize ridesharing services like Uber or Lyft, as parking is available on a firstcome, first-served basis. If you choose to park in one of CITYCENTRE's parking garages, please note that a $10 cash-only parking fee will apply starting from 4

For a comprehensive list of events and promotions at CITYCENTRE, visit their official website at citycentrehouston.com. Stay up-to-date with the latest news and updates by following @citycentrehou on Instagram or liking CITYCENTRE on Facebook.

Make this Fourth of July unforgettable by joining the vibrant community at CITYCENTRE's Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular. Celebrate freedom, enjoy delectable cuisine, groove to live music, and witness spectacular fireworks display that will light up the Houston skyline.

Visit www.citycentrehouston. com for a full list of events and promotions at CITYCENTRE.

Enjoy music under the stars with this free Houston Symphony performance at Miller Outdoor Theatre.

Saturday, June 24 – Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 4 – 8:30 p.m.

Experience a suite from Rimsky-Korsakov’s penultimate stage work, The Legend of the Invisible City of Kitezh, a powerful symbol of cultural resilience in the face of oppression. Lost for several decades after it was written, Florence Price’s tone poem Ethiopia’s Shadow in America experiences of enslaved Africans in America. The evening culminates with

ART: JOIN THE HOUSTON SYMPHONY AT MILLER OUTDOOR THEATRE THIS SUMMER

By Kathleen Coleman, Arts Editor

Saturday, July 1 – Prokofiev Symphony No. 7 – 8:30 p.m.

Outstanding Van Cliburn International Piano Competition finalist and Gilmore Young Artist awardee

Clayton Stephenson takes the stage for Gershwin’s jazzy Concerto in F. Plus, conductor Alpesh Chauhan leads the orchestra in Lili Boulanger’s evocative Of a Spring Morning and Prokofiev’s enchanting Symphony No. 7.

Admission

All performances at Miller Outdoor Theatre are free.

Location & Parking

Salute – 8:00 p.m.

Location: Cynthia Woods Pavilion

If you’ve been to Houston Symphony’s Star-Spangled Salute, then you know what it feels like to fly like an eagle. The magnitude of the musical moment always seem to lift the thousands of fans out of their seats (or off the lawn) and into pure patriotic wonder.

Tchaikovsky’s fiery Fourth Symphony, one of the most beloved symphonies of all time. Lidiya Yankovskaya is the conductor.

Friday, June 30 – Beethoven Symphony No. 7 – 8:30 p.m.

Conductor Vinay Parameswaran leads Beethoven’s beloved Symphony No. 7, and Houston Symphony violinist Sergei Galperin dazzles with performances of Ravel’s crowd-pleasing Tzigane and Bloch’s “Nigun” from Baal Shem. The program also

Miller Outdoor Theatre is located at 6000 Hermann Park Drive. Parking at Miller Theatre is free, but can be limited! Consider riding METRORail to and from the performance.

Seating

There are two types of seating at Miller Outdoor Theatre: Covered Seating and Hillside Seating. Both are free, but covered seating does require an assigned ticket. These concerts are sponsored in part by the City of Houston through the Miller Theatre Advisory Board.

Monday, July 3 - Star-Spangled

Whether you’ve been coming for years or are excited to experience it for the first time, Star-Spangled Salute remains the unmissable event that kicks off Independence Day for all. So gather your family and friends and get ready to celebrate America’s birthday with her greatest music – we’ll bring all the red, white and blue accessories you could ever need.

The conductor is Steven Reineke.

This event will be at the Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in The Woodlands.

These performances are possible in part thanks to the generous support of the George P. and Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavillion Concerts Fund within the Houston Symphony Endowment.