Houston
City Controller Chris Hollins Kicks Off Cartoon Showcase at TSU CommWeek
City of Houston Controller Chris Hollins led a ceremonial ribbon-cutting to officially open the My Humorous Brushstrokes cartoon exhibition, hosted by Texas Southern University (TSU) professor and veteran journalist-cartoonist Dr. Anthony Ogbo. The event, held April 9 at TSU’s MLK Center, was part of the School of Communication’s annual CommWeek celebration.
Sponsored in part by the City of Houston through the Houston Arts Alliance, the five-day exhibition showcased over 20 editorial cartoons, digital illustrations, and T-shirts featuring cartoon inscriptions. Designed to highlight the enduring relevance of traditional cartoons in journalism, the exhibit aimed to blend humor with thought-provoking commentary on current events and cultural themes.
In his opening remarks, Hollins commended the City of Houston’s ongoing support for arts and education and praised Dr. Ogbo’s work for its “powerful blend of creativity, commentary, and community engagement.”
The exhibition marked another highlight in TSU’s CommWeek lineup, reinforcing the university’s commitment to fostering creativity, critical thought, and cultural enrichment through media and the arts.
Exhibition front desk: This event showcased over 20 cartoons, digital illustrations, and T-shirts featuring cartoon inscriptions.
“This exhibit reminds us that laughter and reflection often go hand-in-hand,” Hollins said. “Art like this speaks volumes, not just through images but through the stories they tell.”
The exhibition also featured a special digital artwork titled Heartbeats of Houston, a poem by Dr. Chris Chinwe Ulasi from his collection Demigods of the Rainy Season. The piece was commissioned and designed by Dr. Ogbo using digital illustration techniques.
Dr. Ogbo, a visiting professor in TSU’s School of Communication, emphasized the role of editorial cartoons in media storytelling and highlighted the growing impact of artificial intelligence on the creative process.
“My Humorous Brushstrokes represents not just my artistic style but also the evolving nature of storytelling,” Ogbo said. “Through cartooning, I can write, illustrate, and reflect on the world around us in a way that is engaging, insightful, and accessible.”
Open to the public from April 7–11, the exhibition invited students, faculty, and community members to experience the joy of visual satire while celebrating the fusion of tradition, technology, and talent. Organizers say the event not only entertained, but also encouraged dialogue around the value of artistic expression in contemporary journalism.
The exhibition marked another highlight in TSU’s CommWeek lineup, reinforcing the university’s commitment to fostering creativity, critical thought, and cultural enrichment through media and the arts.
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Low-turnout runoff races for Houston City Council and Houston Community College trustee seats revealed how message discipline, local credibility, and voter mobilization determined clear winners—and decisive losers.
The final ballots are counted, and Houston’s runoff elections have delivered clear outcomes in two closely watched local races, underscoring a familiar truth of municipal politics: in low-turnout elections, organization and credibility matter more than name recognition alone.
In the race for Houston City Council At-Large Position 4, Alejandra Salinas secured a decisive victory, winning 25,710 votes (59.27%) over former council member Dwight A. Boykins, who garnered 17,669 votes (40.73%). The margin was not accidental. Salinas ran a campaign tightly aligned with voter anxiety over public safety and infrastructure—two issues that consistently dominate Houston’s civic conversations. Her emphasis on keeping violent criminals off city streets and expanding Houston’s water supply spoke directly to quality-of-life concerns that resonate across districts, especially in an at-large contest where candidates must appeal to the city as a whole.
Salinas’ win reflects the advantage of message clarity. In a runoff, voters are not looking to be introduced to candidates—they are choosing between candidates they are already familiar with. Salinas presented herself as forward-looking and solutions-oriented, while Boykins, despite his experience and political history, struggled to reframe his candidacy beyond familiarity. In runoffs, nostalgia rarely outperforms momentum.
The second race—for Houston Community College District II trustee—followed a similar pattern. Renee Jefferson Patterson won with 2,497 votes (56.63%), defeating Kathleen “Kathy” Lynch Gunter, who received 1,912 votes (43.37%). Though the raw numbers were smaller, the dynamics were just as telling.
Patterson’s victory was powered by deep local ties and a clear institutional vision. As an HCC alumna, she effectively positioned herself as both a product and a steward of the system. Her pledge to expand the North Forest Campus and direct resources to Acres Home connected policy goals to place-based advocacy. In trustee races, voters often respond less to ideology and more to proximity—those who understand the campus, the students, and the neighborhood. Patterson checked all three boxes.
By contrast, Gunter’s loss highlights the challenge of overcoming a candidate with genuine community roots in a runoff scenario. Without a sharply differentiated message or a strong geographic base, turnout dynamics tend to favor candidates with existing neighborhood networks and direct institutional relevance.
What ultimately decided both races was not a surprise, but execution. Runoffs reward campaigns that can re-mobilize supporters, simplify their message, and convert familiarity into trust. Salinas and Patterson did exactly that. Their opponents, though credible, were unable to expand or energize their coalitions in a compressed electoral window.
The lesson from Houston’s runoff elections is straightforward but unforgiving: winners win because they align message, identity, and ground game. Losers lose because, in low-turnout contests, anything less than that alignment is insufficient.
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Houston was thrown into mourning on September 19, 2025, following the sudden passing of businessman and community advocate Lawrence Mike Obinna Anozie, who peacefully joined his ancestors. Immediate family member in Houston, Nick Anozie, confirmed his untimely death and expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and condolences from both the Houston and Owerri communities.
Lawrence was born to Chief Alexander and Lolo Ether Anozie of Owerri in Imo State, Nigeria, and will be dearly remembered by family members, friends, and the entire Houston community.
An accomplished accountant, the late Lawrence incorporated and successfully managed three major companies: Universal Insurance Company, LLC, Universal Mortgage LLC, and Universal Financial Services. Through these enterprises, he not only built a thriving business career but also created opportunities for countless individuals to achieve financial stability. His contributions to entrepreneurship and community development will remain a lasting legacy.
According to the family, arrangements for his final funeral rites are in progress and will be announced in due course.
Lawrence will forever be remembered as a loving and compassionate man who dedicated much of his life to uplifting others. He helped countless young Nigerians and African Americans overcome economic challenges by providing mentorship, financial guidance, and career opportunities. His generosity touched the lives of many who otherwise might not have found their footing. A devout Catholic, he was unwavering in his faith and never missed Mass, drawing strength and inspiration from his church community. To those who knew him, Lawrence was not only a successful businessman but also a pillar of kindness, humility, and faith whose legacy of service and compassion will continue to inspire generations.
For more information, please contact Nick Anozie – 832-891-2213
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When it comes to international culinary gems and cultures across the United States, the city of Houston is counted among one of the best places to experience an authentic taste of every corner of the world.
On the evening of Friday, August 8th, Houstonians will have a chance to engage all of their senses into the world of real West African flavors at Grubido’s ‘Art of Fufu’ Food & Art Show, a free culinary and art experience taking place at Flatland Gallery (1709 Westheimer Rd.) in Montrose.
Curated by Grubido founder and Culinary Cultural Curator Kavachi Ukegbu, the annual celebration of west African cuisine and artistry will once again open its doors to patrons to witness the delights of creating and eating Fufu (a starchy, dough-like food that is a staple in many West and Central African countries), and its delicious and diverse pairings of soups and stews that originate from various parts of the continent, and uniquely compliment the beloved food staple as a complete meal. The event will also celebrate the observance of National Fufu Day in the United States on August 11th.
From the process of how different types of fufu are grown and manufactured, to the careful guidance on properly preparing the fufu to be eaten, the ‘Art of Fufu’ Food & Art showcase will give patrons a full circle perspective and appreciation for the food staple that has gained global popularity on social media and in many countries around the world.
Attendees will be treated to fufu and soup samples, live Afrobeats music, an impressive display of fufu inspired artwork and collectables from over the years, and the opportunity to purchase Grubido food products, t-shirts, and the official The Art of Fufu cookbook. Originally published and released by Chef Kavach in 2021, “The Art of Fufu is a fascinating and informative guide to fufu, one of the most delicious and beloved staple foods of West Africans.” All cookbook purchases at the event will be signed by Chef Kavachi.
Entry for this event is free to all guests, but RSVP is strictly required in advance. To RSVP for the upcoming Art of Fufu Food & Art show, please visit the official website online at www.TheArtofFufu.com, or contact Grubido at (832) 818-6847.
The Art of Fufu Cookbook is a culinary treasure that explores the flavors, techniques, and cultural significance of fufu. It is a testament to the artistry of West African cuisine and serves as a guide for those seeking to immerse themselves in this beloved dish.
For more information, please visit www.theartoffufu.com & www.artoffufu.com
- Turnout, Trust, and Ground Game: What Decided Houston’s Runoff Elections - December 14, 2025
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VIDEO: Chris Hollins Opens Cartoon Art Showcase at TSU’s CommWeek
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