Going Whole-Hog

Annise Parker goes Biker Mama: How big is the mayor's ride?

A press conference is a press conference is a press conference, but it's not every day we see Mayor Annise Parker don a black leather jacket and pose on a monster hog.

But nothing short would have done justice to the announcement of the first-ever South Texas Biker Jam & Expo, to take place in Houston at Reliant Arena on Oct. 8-9.

Set to be the largest motorcycle show in the Southeast U.S., the fest will feature demo rides, vintage motorcycle exhibits, freestyle stunt riders, unique bike customizations, a biker fashion show, tattoo design competition, live music by Mean Gene Kelton & The Die Hards and Krimson, kids games, a swap meet and a huge selection of the latest in bikes, accessories and apparel.

Reliant-area hotels Crown Plaza and Holiday Inn are offering special packages that include four expo tickets with a reservation.

“We feel that the South Texas Biker Jam and Expo creates a first class and thoroughly enjoyable family experience for Houston,” Greg Ortale, president of the Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau, said. “This annual event will offer something for everyone from motorcycle enthusiasts wanting to see the newest and best in technology to those who will come out to enjoy the music and entertainment.

"We believe this event will be a huge success for many years to come and greatly anticipated by our visitors and customers.”

Tickets are available now at Ticketmaster: One-day passes start at $15 and two-day tickets are $22.

unspecified

Thanks, Queen Bey

Pop icon Beyoncé donates $100,000 to University of Houston Law School

Photo by Erza Shaw Getty Images

undefined

Pop megastar Beyoncé Knowles-Carter has donated $100,000 to the University of Houston Law Center Criminal Justice Clinic through her BeyGOOD Foundation. The gift will allow the clinic to hire fill-time faculty to head it, benefiting the students who study there.

“I am delighted that the BeyGOOD Foundation has made this very generous gift to the UH Law Center,” said Leonard Baynes, dean of the UH Law Center. “Not only will this funding help establish a full-time criminal justice clinic that provides pro bono legal services in our community, but it will also supercharge our already excellent criminal law and justice programming.”

The clinic is one of nine at UHLC. It helps students learn to navigate the criminal justice system, especially on behalf of clients that are underserved by skilled attorneys. People of color are affected disproportionately by a lack of good, ethical representation.

Beyoncé, the most decorated artist in Grammy history and easily the biggest musical star native to Houston, has a long history of advocating for criminal justice reform. She was a staunch supporter of the police reform following the deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile, asking law enforcement to “stop killing us” in a web post. In 2020, she penned an open letter to the Kentucky attorney general asking for justice in the death of Breonna Taylor.

Through her BeyGOOD Foundation, established in 2013, Beyoncé has focused mostly on expanding the prospects of Black-owned business and offering education opportunities to students. Forwarding the cause of legal representation in Texas while also helping out marginalized communities compliments her other philanthropic work.

“At UH Law, we envision a legal profession where ‘everyone has the opportunity to prosper,’ as BeyGOOD envisions, and we will achieve this vision by providing access to strong and effective legal representation in criminal proceedings,” Baynes said. “And together, through this gift, the BeyGOOD Foundation and UHLC will shepherd the next generation of criminal justice attorneys in the city of Houston, the state of Texas and the nation.”