December 9th, 2024

Star studded, creative vibe, vitality, and generosity were a few words that described the atmosphere at the Edison Arts Foundation 4th Annual Tutus and Tuxes Gala Fundraiser. It took place on the future site of the Edison Cultural Arts Center and was hosted by ABC 13’s news anchors Briana Conner and Chauncy Glover. This was truly a night to remember. Edison Arts Foundation honored Music Conductor Dr. Anne Lundy, Actor Kendrick Sampson, and Tony Award winner Roshunda Jones-Koumba, while fundraising for the Edison Cultural Arts Center to train the next Fort Bend Superstars.

After a decade of providing impactful arts programming to the Fort Bend/Greater Houston area, the Edison Arts Foundation is proud to celebrate the construction kick-off of its bold, transformative Edison Cultural Arts Center revitalization project. Edison Cultural Arts Center- is a mixed-use economic community revitalization development in Fort Bend, Houston. The center will blend residential, retail, entertainment, educational, cultural, and performing arts into one, thus creating a place to live, learn, work, and play. Edison Arts Foundation has partnered to provide vitally needed programming in arts and culture, job creation, outdoor green space, youth development, affordable housing, quality healthcare, and public art commissions. The Edison Cultural Arts Center is a unique community hub that will transform Fort Bend Houston into an active and resilient community with the arts at its core.

The Edison Arts Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit fine arts organization whose mission is to strengthen the Fort Bend and Greater Houston families and community through education in the arts. Since 2013, The Edison Arts Foundation, under the leadership of founder Charity Edison Carter, has been providing high-quality fine arts and afterschool programs such as the After School Arts Academy, ANDance Jr. Company, Lauren Anderson Ballet Master Class Series, and Summer Theatre Arts Repertory (S.T.A.R.).

Afterschool Arts Academy is an after-school fine arts program for kids ages 5 to 13 that desire to build on their interest in the arts and are designed to reach youth in their most critical hours after-school. The Afterschool Arts Academy students are picked up from school daily, brought safely to the EAF facility, and provided with a healthy snack, homework assistance, and daily enrichment in the arts.

ANDance Jr. Company is a pre-professional dance company that prepares young Dancers aged 7-18 for career paths in dance. ANDance Jr. builds self-esteem and confidence, while equipping young dancers with performance-based Dance company experience. Members have danced under the instruction of legendary companies such as The Debbie Allen Dance Academy, The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, and the Dance Theatre of Harlem. They have performed for public figures and organizations like the NAACP, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson- Lee, and the late Councilmember Larry Green. In 2016, ANDance accompanied Misty Copeland in the production of “Cinderella.”

Lauren Anderson Ballet Masterclass Series (LABMC) is a unique annual program for intermediate and advanced level dancers, ages 12-18. This program is a 9-month artistic and educational series taught by ballet legend Lauren Anderson, the FIRST African American prima ballerina of a major ballet company, Houston Ballet. Ms. Anderson instills dance techniques and develops confident youth while teaching them to believe in themselves and never give up. In this high-value program, dancers can train with the Ballet Master utterly free of charge. Full scholarships are awarded to committed dancers who desire to build upon their technical foundation each fall.

The Summer Theatre Arts Repertory (S.T.A.R.) is for youth ages 7-17, who desire to build on their love and passion for the performing arts. S.T.A.R. provides the
performance and technical combination of theatre, music, and dance, while continuing education with daily reading and academic activities. S.T.A.R. culminates
with a full-scale production, allowing all participants to showcase what they have learned. S.T.A.R. consists of two four-week instructional periods. Each
participant is engaged daily in classes that teach and strengthen the basics of theatre, dance, and vocals.

The 4th Annual Tutus and Tuxes Gala was a huge success with generous donations from Home Bank, which contributed 8 million dollars to this worthy cause. Ms. Carter was asked, “What will the Edison Cultural Arts Center mean to the Fort Bend community and surrounding areas?” She said, “The Edison Cultural Arts Center will mean impact, opportunity, renaissance, and revitalization to the Fort Bend community and surrounding area.

The Edison Cultural Arts Center is expected to draw 80,000 visitors annually, generating millions in economic impact, and will attract new businesses and jobs. It will create opportunities to increase the quality of life for area residents. The Edison Center project represents renaissance, a revival or renewed interest in the rich culture of Fort Bend, Houston. Once completed, The Edison Cultural Arts Center will leverage Fort Bend Houston’s talented multicultural arts community to create a catalyst for community revitalization through the arts.” The Fort Bend Community is excited about this extraordinary development and the excitement it will bring. To find out more about the Edison Arts Foundation you can visit https://edisonartsfoundation.org/.

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October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com

As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.

Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.

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