A Houston native, pioneer, trendsetter, well accomplished, kind, and warm-hearted man, Llyod Gite, a former journalist who worked at Fox 26 news for 25 long years and made TV Personality his life. He enjoyed every year he worked there, interviewed so many wonderful people from all walks of life behind the camera. Although he had a deep love for journalism, he also loved Africa. In fact, Gite’s news reporting career led him to take his very first trip to Africa in 1976.
“I was fascinated about Africa ever since I was child, and then fast forward, I took my very first trip there while still working in television. Best moment of my life,” he said. His first stop was to the West Coast of Africa, where he visited Ghana, Togo, and Nigeria. “That’s when I fell in love with the art there,” he added. From there, Gite started collecting art pieces and paintings from Africa to bring back to Houston. He started out handing art pieces to friends as a gift and then slowly sold them one piece at a time. Gite then developed a passion to expose the art to the youth and community. The Gite Art Gallery is a place where the Black community can make a connection to Africa, especially for those who’ve never been or who have no intentions on traveling there.
The Gite Art Gallery is in the heart of Third Ward at 2024 Alabama Street, where you will find a charming and loving two-story brick home built in 1943. This amazing Art Gallery has been recognized as one of the most stunning galleries in Texas, but the gallery is so unknown to most Blacks around the community. As it was time to make his transition from Fox 26 News, Gite retired after 25 years of being a well-known journalist in Houston. He knew exactly where his life was going take him next, which was another flight back to Africa. It became an instant passion of Gites to fly back and forth from the U.S and Africa.
“Art is really important to the soul, and after I retired from Fox, I knew exactly what I was going to do next and that was opening my own Art Gallery,” Gite stated. That’s exactly what he’s been doing since the early 2000s, and since the grand opening of his gallery to now, it has been a huge success. In addition to art, the gallery has participated in non-profit work. “We’ve held events here where kids come in and take tools or ancient African masks, which is important because it gives them a chance to see what art looks like, and I just want it to open young Black kid’s minds.”
His gallery has donated over $10,000 dollars’ worth of art to Emancipation Park for renovations. They also raised and donated more than forty thousand dollars’ worth of art to The Ensemble Theatre at HCC Downtown.
The Art Gallery is very important, especially for the youth in the Black communities. What makes this Art Gallery special is the origins of each of the art pieces. About 95 percent of the Gallery pieces comes from Africa and five percent comes from Cuba. Mr. Gite doesn’t have plans on expanding his gallery right now or in the near future, but for what it’s worth, the gallery has done great right here locally in Houston. People travel from all over who may read about his gallery and will come to shop.
If you’re ever in the area stop by The Gite Art Gallery and expose yourself to some of the best African paintings you’ll ever see.
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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.
