By: N. L. Preston
The Houston Association of Black Journalists (HABJ) hosted its annual Scholarship and Fundraising Gala was held at the historic Eldorado Ball Room in Third Ward. The evening turned out to be a “Who’s Who” event, mixing media pioneers, up-and-comers and college students all under one roof as they celebrated accomplishments, then danced the night away comfortably while wearing their “flyest kicks” for the themed “Sneaker Ball.” HEB was title sponsor of the event, providing 12 students from across the Houston area with scholarships to help fund their educational endeavors.
James Harris, HEB’s Director, Diversity & Inclusion and Supplier Diversity, and nearly 20 more representatives from the company were in attendance, witnessing the impact their sponsorship dollars have on the youth. HABJ wanted to cast the net wide, reaching out to colleges across the Houston area to bring more students, who may not have even known HABJ was an available resource for development and mentorship. Students were selected from Alvin Community College, University of Houston, Texas Southern University, Houston Community College, Lamar University, North American University, Lee College and College of Biblical Studies.
Then there were the honorees. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner was given a standing ovation and a warm send-off from the journalists of color, thanking him for eight years of service to the community. In addition, National Association of Black Journalists President Ken Lemon flew down to Houston to participated, with Lemon being awarded for his leadership. Tributes were also paid to other media and business powerhouses and rising stars, including Gene Dias of the Houston Astros, Radio One’s “Uncle Funky” Larry Jones, Fox 26’s Nate Griffin, Karen Jackson of Sisters Network Inc. and rising star Nawara Blue, a reality show producer with dozens of hit shows under her belt.
ABC 13 Chief Meteorologist David Tillman was surrounded by his family as he was honored by the organization. Anchors Melanie Lawson, Gina Gaston, and Erica Simon were just a few of the colleagues who proudly stood by his side. “David Tillman is the epitome of professional. He knows science like the back of his hand and is always accurate, always delivers with the right tone, and works hard to keep Houstonians safe,” said Simon. “As a Black meteorologist, he represents us well, and has for decades — from Jackson, Mississippi to Memphis to H-Town. What a lot of people don’t know is that he loves to storm chase and is a big basketball fan. He’s a joy to work with and be around. No one is more deserving of his flowers than him.”
In addition, African American News & Issues’ Roy and Shirley Malonson were also honored for their fearless advocacy of truth and justice in the community. “I know and love the Malonsons,” HABJ President Nakia Cooper said. “I have worked for them, learned from them, and appreciate them for making me see the world through a different lens. We all need a Mrs. and Mrs. Malonson in our life, and it was my honor and privilege to pour a little back of what they’ve always poured into me.” For more information, visit www.habj.net.
