Shelby's Social Diary

Celebrating a museum on the move even before its building is complete

Melanie Lawson, left, Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Rita Dove and John Guess Jr.inspect plans for the renovation of the Houston Museum of African AmericanCulture.
Photo by Shelby Hodge
Malcolm Sykes, left, and Bryce Kennard
Photo by Shelby Hodge
Jonathon Glus, left, Toni Whitaker and Alton LaDay
Photo by Shelby Hodge
Licia Green-Ellis, from left, Saundria Chase Gray and Barbara Friedman
Photo by Shelby Hodge
Audrey Lawson and the Rev. Bill Lawson
Photo by Shelby Hodge
Rich Levy and Karl Killian
Photo by Shelby Hodge
Rhea Lawson and Meller Langford
Photo by Shelby Hodge
A rendering for the future Houston Museum of African American Culture.
Photo by Shelby Hodge

We had no idea what a splendid space and a splendid building that the Houston Museum of African American Culture had obtained until we joined supporters at "A Spring Sonata" luncheon held there this afternoon.

The contemporary structure of wide open spaces rests comfortably on a shaded block of Caroline Street, a stone's throw from the Holocaust Museum Houston and within walking distance of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. As HMAAC board chairman Melanie Lawson told the gathering of more than 100 supporters, "We feel like this is our 'hood and we are very excited about being here."

"How do you like our new home," the Channel 13 news anchor asked. "It's a fixer-upper." Work on the building is expected to be completed with the opening scheduled for 2012. In the meantime, the museum is running full steam ahead with programming to be held at various venues across the city.

Actually, the building appeared in good shape to the naked eye. Plans for the renovation at 4807 Caroline were on display and guests were encouraged to continue their support to make the dream a complete reality. Museum CEO John Guess Jr. brought the state of the museum up-to-date for the crowd that included heavy-hitters Tony Chase, Ellena Stone Huckaby, Eileen Lawal, Drucie Chase and Jonathon Glus, Houston Arts Alliance CEO.

Special guest was Pulitzer Prize-winning Rita Dove, a former U.S. Poet Laureate, who was in town for a reading Wednesday night at the Menil Collection. Her presence at the luncheon was part of the collaborations that HMAAC plans to have with museums throughout the city.

The cross-section of luncheon guests was indicative of the broad support that the museum enjoys. Among them were the mayor's assistant for cultural affairs Minnette Boesel, Houston Public Library director Rhea Lawson, fashion designer Toni Whitaker, Inprint Inc. executive director Rich Levy, activist Licia Green-Ellis and Mayor Annise Parker, who arrived just in time to provide remarks in support of the museum. The luncheon was chaired by Karen Manning and Malcolm Sykes.

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health and hope

Rockin’ Resiliency Luncheon empowers Houston women and girls

Women’s Fund for Health Education and Resiliency luncheon

Photo by Alexander Rogers

Magen Pastor and Roz Pactor.

The ballroom of the Royal Sonesta was filled with Houstonians gathered to support The Women’s Fund for Health Education and Resiliency at the 14th Annual Rockin’ Resiliency Luncheon. Held on November 3, the event aimed to empower Houston-area women and girls to take charge of their health and well-being.

Co-chairs Donae Chramosta and daughter Bella Chramosta set the tone for the “Spread Your Wings and Fly. Be Her.” luncheon, where guests flocked early to start their holiday shopping at a mini-market featuring 20 local vendors. The sparkle continued with the champagne raffle, where hopefuls popped bottles courtesy of champagne sponsor Pierpoint and dreamed of winning prizes donated by The Vintage Contessa and Times Past and Tego Jewelers.

Houston’s Partnerschools and The Treble Houston Choir greeted guests with lovely tunes while Gina Gaston from ABC13 served as emcee.

The event’s emotional core came as The Women’s Fund recognized Amy Pierce, a board member and advocate, with the Sue Trammell Whitfield Award for Resiliency. Dorothy Gibbons, CEO and co-founder of The Rose, received the John P. McGovern Foundation Champion in Women’s Health and Wellness Award, accepted on her behalf by board chair Shannon Weideseppe. Lifetime member Lili Kirchner was honored for her commitment to the organization, with more than 40 years of continuous support.

Keynote speaker Alexis Loving, CEO of Search Homeless Services, delivered a powerful talk on resilience, sharing her journey to “be someone” for others who need a steady hand.

The morning before the luncheon, The Women’s Fund hosted 90 young girls from their programs for an educational session, “Own Your Voice: Empowering Self-Advocacy for Girls,” led by Bella Chramosta, who spoke candidly about her personal health journey. The session, sponsored by Elizabeth Grimm offered the girls a chance to hear directly from a peer navigating the challenges of adolescence with resilience and grace.

Advisory board members Jackie Macha and Monica Fulton led a successful appeal, boosted by a $15,000 match from an anonymous donor. Presenting sponsor John P. McGovern Foundation, along with a notable roster of supporters, helped raise more than $300,000 for the organization.

Tossing to good health and good spirits were Stephanie Hill-Franco, Shaunna Mason, Natalie Mohtashami, Jillian Nel, Elysa Nelson, Mona Shah, Aradine Stephenson, Lauren K. Summerville, Kathryn Tees, Katie Tsuru, Martha Walton, Philamena Baird, Lindsey Duhon, Nan Duhon, Patricia Hogan Korge, Crystal Nguyen, Mary Beth Robinson, Elaine Turner, Rachel Regan, Laura Davenport, Aliza Dutt, Cherise Esparza Gutierrez, Jennifer Pinkerton, Kristina Somerville, Jamie Freeny, Roz Pactor, Stephanie Perkins, Shelly Hendry, Anna McGrath, Ronnie Hagerty, Helen Perry, Brian Faulkner, Janette Masten Gardner, Stacy Lindseth, and Nancy Mathe.

$Women\u2019s Fund for Health Education and Resiliency luncheon$

Photo by Alexander Rogers

Magen Pastor and Roz Pactor.

Shelby's Social Diary

Celebrating a museum on the move even before its building is complete

health and hope

Rockin’ Resiliency Luncheon empowers Houston women and girls

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