Houston Museum of African American Culture 10am Feb 5th

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 2, 2026

Council Member Edward Pollard to Present Historic Funding to Houston Museum of African American Culture in Partnership with Houston Public Library

Who:
Council Member Edward Pollard, Houston City Council District J
John Guess, Jr., CEO, Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC)
Houston Public Library Representatives

What:
Council Member Edward Pollard will present a check to the Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC)—marking the first time a public official has allocated funding directly to the museum. This event, held in partnership with the Houston Public Library, reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to arts and educational experiences across communities.

This presentation follows Pollard’s recent support of ALMAAHH—Advocates of a Latino Museum of Cultural and Visual Arts & Archive Complex in Houston, Harris County—demonstrating his inclusive vision to uplift Houston’s diverse cultural landscape through public investment.

A representative from HMAAC will provide remarks on current exhibitions and announce a new initiative utilizing Oculus virtual reality (VR) technology to bring immersive art and cultural experiences into public libraries, schools, the Harris County Women’s Empowerment Center, and other community spaces. This partnership with Houston Public Library will allow broader access to high-quality cultural content citywide.

When:
Thursday, February 5, 2026 at 10 a.m.

Where:
Houston Museum of African American Culture
4807 Caroline Street, Houston, TX 77004

Why:
This initiative aligns with Council Member Pollard’s mission to broaden educational opportunity and technological access citywide, ensuring that all communities, regardless of socioeconomic background, can experience the transformative power of art and culture.

Media Opportunities:

• Remarks by Council Member Edward Pollard and HMAAC CEO John Guess, Jr.
• Photo and video opportunity of check presentation
• Demonstration of VR technology

Contact: 

Misty Starks

Director of Communications

City of Houston District J

(832) 393-3366 Office

(346) 577-4440 Mobile

Misty.Starks@houstontx.gov 

 

Prevent Diabetes Program Begins Thursday Feb. 5th hosted by Wheeler Ave Social Justice Ministry

 We are excited to announce that the 3rd cohort of our nationally recognized Prevent T2 Diabetes Prevention Program will begin Thursday, February 5th.

Prevent T2 is a faith-based lifestyle change program designed to help participants prevent or delay Type 2 diabetes through education, support, and sustainable habits.

This program is sponsored by the Social Justice Ministry as part of our ongoing commitment to address and mitigate the disproportionate impact of Type 2 diabetes in our community. Please share with other ministries, family, and friends. 

Begins: Thursday, February 5, 2026

Location: Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church

Register: Scan the QR code to sign up or use the link: https://bit.ly/4k9fvDx

 

Scholarship

Scholarship Are you a currently enrolled post-secondary student? Do you know a graduating high school senior who is looking to continue their educational journey? The AMA Foundation offers several scholarships, and applications close in less than one week!  With scholarships available for both graduating high school seniors and currently enrolled post-secondary students, we look forward to helping aspired youth reach their academic goals each year. Qualified students could be awarded up to $15,000 in financial aid!  The AMA Foundation has awarded upwards of $1.5 million in financial aid to youth across the country, and we can't wait for that number to continue to grow. "The AMA Scholarship Judging Panel looks forward to reviewing the outstanding applications that our young members never fail to produce! We are impressed by the ambition and experience each applicant brings to the world of aviation, and we look forward to supporting the next generation of driven professionals."    -Gwen Mathis, AMA Education Development Coordinator  Apply for scholarships before the February 2 deadline! For any questions about scholarships or the application process, contact AMA Education Development Coordinator Gwen Mathis by emailing gwenm@modelaircraft.org or calling (765) 287-1256, extension 514.  Sincerely,     Stephen Haston  AMA Foundation Executive Director   (765) 287-1256, ext. 279   modelaircraft.org/donate   modelaircraft.org/foundation Catch up on AMA Foundation news that you may have missed! CCRCC: Building Pilots, Families, and Community READ MORE   New Video Series: Flightline Founders READ MORE   AMA Foundation Awarded Enhancement Grant READ MORE   © 2026 Academy of Model Aeronautics. 5161 E. Memorial Dr., Muncie IN 47302.   Tel.: (765) 287-1256; Fax.: (765) 289-4248 - All rights reserved. For problems with this email please contact websupport@modelaircraft.org   .   Manage your email subscriptions. Or to unsubscribe Click Here.  This email sent to : proprietor@empiricalproducts.com

Host your next event at The Signature Kafe! Catering by the Breakfast Klub recommended by efamily member Jacquelyn Pierre

 

Further information from the TBK Katering:

 Your TBK Katering family is here for you, offering a range of flexible options to host your next event. In addition to delivery and convenient pick-up, you can also host your Birthday Celebration, Business Meetings, Graduation, or even a Family Reunion inside The Signature Kafe.    

Act now and connect with our Katering team to secure your spot.

Scholarship Luncheon - Washington-Lincoln Alumni Association of Dallas, Houston Chapter

 

Passing of Les Morris First African American pilot/captain hired by Eastern Airlines

 

FYI: We lost a pioneer in aviation Monday evening…Ret. Captain Les Morris, the first African American pilot/captain hired, by Eastern Airlines, went from labor to reward. Les’ achievements are noted in the Smithsonian Institution. Final arrangements and funeral services are pending.

Shared by a friend from the Bronze Eagles Flying Club

Houston Museum of African American Culture Feb 6th - 8th

 

Let's Get The Family Together! Black Art in America™ is proud to bring the BAIA Fine Art Print Fair back to Houston, February 6–8, 2026, hosted at the Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC). Over the years, this fair has become a true gathering point for the BAIA Family—long time collectors, first-time buyers, artists,  and art lovers coming together to celebrate the rich legacy and future of Black printmaking. The three-day fair will feature limited-edition fine art prints and original works on paper, spanning from the Harlem Renaissance to today’s leading African American artists and master printmakers. Alongside museum-level works at collector-friendly price points, the weekend will include thoughtfully curated programming, conversations, and moments of learning designed to deepen understanding of printmaking and its role in Black visual culture. Friday, February 6, 2026 2:00 PM - Sunday, February 8, 2026 5:00 PM BAIA Fine Art Print Fair Houston - Opening Weekend RSVP 4807 Caroline St Black Art in America, LLC. 1802 Connally Drive, East Point, Georgia 30344 US

Freedman's Town Inaugural Gala - Check out the website and the awesome work being accomplished!

 For more information on tickets, online silent auction and more - https://houstonfreedmenstown.org/

Get a Boarding Pass to Artemis II Moon Mission

 https://www3.nasa.gov/send-your-name-with-artemis/#user-information

About Third Ward Little League

 

Third Ward Little League Ages 4-6 thanks for sharing Ryan Evans son of efamily member Stelena Evans

 

VOTE BY MAIL ASSISTANCE - VIRTUAL TRAINING thanks efamily member Laura Peavy for sharing!

 https://mobilize.us/s/KIO8BG

Ensemble Theater - Owl and the Pussycat - thanks efamily member Renee Logans for sharing

 

Message from Renee

 this is Judi Mazique’s brother in-law Charles event.
Please come and help show support.
I will be at the Reading on Sunday, however, I wanted to send both events out. Please pass along.
Thx


STAGED READING: The Owl and The Pussycat

Enjoy a staged reading of the classic 'The Owl and the Pussycat' at The Ensemble Theatre!
Written by Bill Manhoff and edited with new dialogue by Ifa Bayeza, 'The Owl and the Pussycat' is a new, fresh take on the 1960s hit musical. Directed by Eileen J. Morris.
 
This reading is FREE and open to the public
Sunday, February 1, 2026 5:30PM
The Ensemble Theatre's Performance Centre
 
This staged reading of 'The Owl and the Pussycat' is being produced in association with CHARTOR Entertainment, LLC and the African Grove Institute for the Arts, Inc.

This staged reading of 'The Owl and the Pussycat' is supported by a generous grant from the Kenneth F. & Harle G. Montgomery Foundation.

Univ, of St Thomas Career Newsletter -thanks efamily member Sam Denard for sharing!

 

Directors Note I hope everyone made it through our first winter storm no worse for wear. We had an excellent turnout for our first DDP lecture with Professor Michael O’Hanlon. Next week, The Center for International Studies will host former U.S. Ambassador Michelle Gavin to give a talk about the dynamics of the urban youth movements in Africa. Check the flyers below to register. Students are encouraged to take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn from an experienced foreign service practitioner. Students, I also recommend that you consider joining one of our student clubs to get the most out of your education and build relationships. You will also notice there are many opportunities for internships that are featured in this newsletter. If you are interested check with the office of career services. Good luck. Prof. Eric  Upcoming Programs Program Recaps DDP Luncheon with Michael O'Hanlon The Center for International Studies was honored to host Michael O'Hanlon, the Philip H. Knight Chair in Defense and Strategy and director of research in the Foreign Policy program at the Brookings Institution. Mr. O'Hanlon discussed his new book, “To Dare Mighty Things: U.S. Defense Strategy Since the Revolution”. The discussion was well attended and received. The Center for International Studies would like to thank all you attended and participated. Internship Opportunities The Harris County Judge’s Office has an opportunity for students to apply for a Community Relations Fellowship for the 2026 Spring semester. The fellowship will provide an opportunity to engage with Harris County communities and learn more about our County’s policymaking process. If you have any questions reach out to Emily.Ramirez@harriscountytx.gov. Programs and Clubs Looking for real-world summer opportunities for your students? We can help! Our D.C.-based academic internship program offers: Course credit from George Mason University A guaranteed internship  Furnished housing Professional development and networking The Fund for American Studies (TFAS) awards more than $1 million in program scholarships annually. 85% of students receive aid, and more than 70 receive full scholarships. Help Us Find Top International Affairs Students Nominate students for priority scholarship consideration or share our resources via newsletter, or social media, or forward this email. For questions, call us at 202.986.0384 or email admissions@TFAS.org.  Thank you! Support Global Cybersecurity Program Fund Our Global Cybersecurity Program has a new fund established for donations and financial contributions. These donations will go a long way in contributing toward the overall program for mentorship exercises, internships and the purchasing of equipment to construct our cyber lab. Any contribution would be most appreciated and will go a long way in ensuring the growth and development of our Global Cybersecurity Program. To donate, please either click the link or scan the QR code below. Thanks! Donate Support Distinguished Diplomat Program (DDP) Fund Similar to our Global Cybersecurity Fund, the Center for International Studies also has a Distinguished Diplomat Program Fund in which we will attempt to raise funds in order to facilitate and coordinate different events and programs such as our biennial Distinguished Diplomat Endowed Lecture Series, DDP Luncheons, Foreign Service Officer Meetings, among many others. The funds generated will go a considerable way in bringing greater visibility to the Center for International Studies Distinguished Diplomat Program and everything that it entails Please kindly consider donating. Every cent is deeply appreciated. To donate please click the Donate button below or scan the QR code. Thanks! Donate Study Abroad for U.S. College and University Students Are you pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree? Study abroad to enhance your education. You will gain important career skills and knowledge, and alumni of some U.S. government exchange programs even receive special hiring authorities that make it easier to pursue federal jobs. Find a program that’s right for you. Learn More Additional Internship Opportunities Internships Packet FEATURED INTERNSHIPS Honors Internship Program - Our Honors Internship Program (HIP) is the perfect opportunity to set your career in motion. Ideal for undergraduate students between their junior and senior years, as well as graduate students pursuing a master’s degree, JD, or PhD, this paid internship can be a direct pipeline to full-time employment after college. This is a unique opportunity for students to learn and work alongside our professionals. Learn More Benjamin A. Gillman International Scholarship Program The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announced that qualifying U.S. undergraduate students who want to pursue study or internships abroad as part of their higher education experience may now apply for the Benjamin Gilman Scholarship. Learn More  Remote Volunteer / Internship Opportunities - Democracy Lab Democracy Lab has a database of in-person and remote volunteer opportunities to use technology to solve challenging social, economic, environmental, and civic problems. They connect volunteers with the social, nonprofit, and civic sectors "through the power of tech-for-good volunteerism." Learn More Joseph S. Nye, Jr. National Security Internship and Mentoring Program - The Center for a New American Security (CNAS) established its flagship internship and mentoring program in honor of Dr. Joseph S. Nye, Jr., who has devoted his career to the preparation and mentoring of generations of Americans and global strategists. Learn More   Job Openings FEATURED ITEMS DOS Careers Dedicated to identifying, recruiting and hiring competitive, diverse candidates. Learn More Data Analyst / Development Assistant / Administrative Assistant. Learn More Methodist Global Health Care Services | Houston Methodist Hospital is recruiting for a number of positions. Join our team at the #1 hospital in Texas and be a part of our education mission. Learn More   Freelance Linguists Job Opportunity Do you have skills in languages other than English? Freelance contractors play a vital role in providing language interpreting and translating services to US government officials and in support of US foreign exchange and assistance programs. Learn More Remote Volunteer Opportunities with Humanitarian Street Map Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team is a global community of volunteers, community leaders, and professionals who work together to create open map data to support disaster response and sustainable development. Learn More Remote Paid Summer Internship on UN Relations and Policy Learn more and apply  Texas House of Representatives has the following positions open. Learn more and apply FBI Language Specialists positions available. Learn more and apply Hiring Soon: Civil Service STEM & Foreign Affairs Fellows To support the Secretary’s Modernization Agenda goal of acquiring more specialized talent, the Department of State will soon start hiring Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) and Foreign Affairs Fellows in Civil Service positions across the Department on an ongoing and as needed basis. Learn more and apply Election Night Support Staff (ENSS) The Election Night Support Staff plays a vital role as runners or intake clerks, responsible for receiving essential voting equipment from vote centers at the conclusion of election day. This is a temporary paid position offering a competitive rate of $17 per hour, with a paid 2-hour training session provided. Learn more and apply  Around The City Upcoming Programs Wine & Wisdom with Fmr. SSA FBI Daniel Fuentes January 27, 2026 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM WACH Offices 1235 North Loop W. Suite 1025 Houston, TX 77008 ‘How to Survive Being Held at Gunpoint by the Gulf Cartel’ – Fmr. Supervisory Special Agent Daniel Fuentes – Federal Bureau of Investigation FBI Daniel Fuentes Osiel Cardenas, the (sadistic) kingpin of the notorious Gulf Cartel and the founder of Los Zetas, has his gold-plated AK-47 aimed straight at you. Fifteen of his henchmen also have their assault rifles locked onto you. You are only half a mile from the U.S. border and only yards away from police headquarters. But this is of little use, some of the men pointing guns at your head are wearing police uniforms. Ambassador Michelle Gavin - How Urban Youth Are Changing Africa February 03, 2026 06:00 PM - 07:30 PM Junior League of Houston, 1811 Briar Oaks Dr, Houston, TX 77027 Africa is undergoing an astounding transformation that will usher in a new era of political volatility and experimentation in the coming years. The region is in the midst of a historically unprecedented demographic surge that has skewed the median age in most countries to below twenty years old. This demographic moment coincides with three factors likely to amplify the political agendas of African youth: rapid urbanization, dramatically increased digital connectivity, and increasing recognition that old political narratives are no longer fit for purpose. Gavin argues that these clear trends will result in an increase in political volatility. Anti-government movements will continue to find new expression, incumbents will be more vulnerable, honeymoon periods for new leaders will be shorter, and transfers of power and leadership will be more frequent. Citizens frustrated by the status quo will show more willingness to experiment with different forms of government and different external partnerships, all with significant implications for those hoping for a global democratic resurgence. Upcoming Programs Press Freedom in Mexico: A Conversation With Sergio Sarmiento Thu, Feb. 05, 2026 5:00 am - 7:00 pm (GMT-06:00) America/Chicago, James A. Baker III Hall  The Claudio X. González Center for the United States and Mexico at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy presents “Press Freedom in Mexico: A Conversation With Sergio Sarmiento.” At this event, renowned journalist, columnist, and political commentator Sergio Sarmiento will examine the role of a free press in sustaining democracy in Mexico, the risks confronting journalists, and the implications for democratic life and governance. Upcoming Programs Film Screening and Discussion: 'Alone on a Secret Toll' February 06, 2026 06:00 PM - 09:00 PM Asia Society Center, 1370 Southmore Blvd Houston, TX 77004 Asia Society Texas and the French-American Cultural Foundation are honored to present a screening of the new documentary, Alone on a Secret Atoll. Filmed in the crystalline waters of French Polynesia, Alone on a Secret Atoll follows biologist Matthieu Juncker as he undertakes 200 days of complete solitude on an uninhabited atoll in the Tuamotu Archipelago. His mission is to observe nature without interruption, to witness its rhythms and fragility firsthand, and to document an ecosystem that remains among the most vulnerable on Earth. Follow us on Social Media! Visit Website Email CIS

University of St. Thomas | 3800 Montrose Blvd. | Houston, TX 77006 US