Renowned Grammy-nominated vocalist René Marie, along with her ensemble Experiment in Truth, is set to perform “Jump in the Line!” a Tribute to Harry Belafonte” on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.

This special tribute celebrates the music and legacy of the legendary Harry Belafonte, featuring a dynamic seven-piece band led by René Marie. Attendees can anticipate soulful renditions of Belafonte’s classics, including “Matilda,” “Man Piaba,” and “Cocoanut Woman,” capturing the vibrant spirit and cultural significance of his work. René’s deep admiration for Belafonte’s artistry is evident in her heartfelt reflections: “Maybe it was the audible, irrepressible joy, the mischief, or the heartfelt delivery in every song he sang; qualities that obliterated any pain or doubt.”

René Marie is a celebrated jazz vocalist and songwriter known for her powerful voice and emotive performances. René Marie’s is the type of voice that first comes to mind when someone asks for a jazz singer — big and expressive, at home in classic swinging settings, and comfortable in crowds. There’s plenty to set her apart. She made her first recording in her early 40s, so she’s a late bloomer by any standard. Her tastes admit many influences, and she’s got a penchant for original songwriting, especially where social justice intersects with personal biography. With multiple Grammy nominations, she has captivated audiences worldwide with her unique blend of jazz, soul, and blues. Her ensemble, Experiment in Truth, comprises talented musicians who share her passion for delivering authentic and transformative musical experiences.

Tickets for this anticipated event are available for purchase online. For more information and to secure your seats, please visit the official event page at www.jazzhouston.org.  Don’t miss this unique opportunity to experience a live musical homage to one of the most influential artists of our time, performed by the exceptional René Marie and Experiment in Truth.

Jazz Houston is a vibrant organization that explores the entirety of jazz while preserving and promoting the music for the greater Houston community and beyond. The organization programs jazz concerts and educational programs annually. Education is a pillar of Jazz Houston. Our orchestra members and teaching artists regularly lead community educational opportunities for children and adults including workshops, public school programs, and educational residencies. These engaging, lively educational experiences foster personal relationships with the music for people of all ages while cultivating new audiences for the art form.

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Texas Guardian News

INTERNATIONAL GUARDIAN is the boldest and brightest issue-oriented international newspaper published in Houston, Texas. Strategically, it strives to promote private enterprise, support responsible government and advocate social justice.

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With the new year underway, many are preparing to celebrate several special life moments and events with their loved ones. From weddings to senior proms, industry parties, fancy galas, and more, every lady and every gentleman around the Greater Houston area is looking for their perfect custom fit for the big day!

This weekend, Nma Couture, an emerging bespoke fashion brand founded by CEO and fashion designer Julie Ihe, and known in the wedding industry for their exquisite custom wedding gowns, will celebrate the opening of their brand-new showroom with an official grand opening soirée this Sunday in Sugar Land from 2 pm until 6 pm.

Hosted by Houston area TV personality and news reporter Chelsea Edwards, attendees will enjoy an afternoon of luxury, glamour and style with a tour of the beautiful Nma Couture showroom, a micro exhibit experience featuring a host of premium vendors (including Wedding Cakes by Tammy Allen, So-Chic Event Draping & Design, FB Photography, Donyale, Changing Facez Studio, 2T Healthy Sips, Michelle Posh Hair, Mobile Intoxicologists, Los Chefs Hermanos, and Big Truck Entertainment), a visual presentation about the brand’s history and the fashion designer, and a curated fashion show with an exclusive first look at Nma Couture’s original works (including dresses from the brand’s The Dream Collection, The La Richesse Collection, and many more).

Additionally, Nma Couture will introduce their very own Men’s Zone custom suit brand (created by Nma Couture co-founder Gibson Ihe) featuring a variety of customized suits for weddings, prom, and other formal affairs. All attendees are encouraged to come dressed to impress for the cameras. Complimentary bites and refreshments will be served during the celebration.   (continued on next page)

Originally founded in 2017 by Julie with the loving support and partnership of her husband Gibson who oversees executive operations, Nma Couture continues to illuminate a path in the fashion industry for creating one-of-a-kind original gowns and formal wear for the most special and important days of their client’s lives. In 2022, Nma Couture was recognized in the digital edition of Essence Magazine’s lifestyle section for the stunning creation of Ashley-Tuner Captain (daughter of former City of Houston mayor and newly minted U.S. Congressman Sylvester Turner). Additionally, Nma Couture has continued to gain recognition on social media from fans and notable figures who are in love with her client’s dress creation process and big reveal videos.

The event is open to the public by RSVP or VIP invitation only (while seating reservations are still available). To attend the official grand opening, all guests must RSVP online at Eventbrite.com (search “Nma Couture Grand Opening Soiree”). To learn more about Nma Couture, please visit the brand’s official website online at www.NmaCouture.com and follow on social media (@NmaCouture) on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

Nma Couture is a haute couture fashion house located in Sugar Land, Texas and founded by fashion designer and CEO, Julie “Nma” Ihe. Established in 2017, the brand specializes in curating bespoke, handmade wedding dresses and evening gowns for social affairs and special occasions that draw attention for their elegant and non-traditional appeal. Over the past eight years, the innovative and dazzling creations of Nma Couture have been worn by and adorned by customers worldwide and from all walks of life. In 2022, Nma Couture was recognized in the lifestyle section of Essence Magazine’s digital edition and in the Houston Chronicle. Julie manages Nma Couture alongside her husband Gibson Ihe, and they reside in Houston, Texas with their young son named Gibson III.

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Texas Guardian News

INTERNATIONAL GUARDIAN is the boldest and brightest issue-oriented international newspaper published in Houston, Texas. Strategically, it strives to promote private enterprise, support responsible government and advocate social justice.

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…Honoring His Memory On What Would Have Been Mickey’s 80^th Birthday

As a founding member of the Mickey Leland Youth Task Force at the age of nine, alongside my sister, who was eleven, I reflect on how much his legacy has shaped my life. Now, at 53 years old, I carry vivid memories of witnessing Mickey Leland’s impactful work in the community, in Washington, and in Africa.

Though yesterday is gone forever, his mission reminds us there is still much to do. Mickey Leland was more than a congressman—he was a warrior against hunger and a champion for creating educational opportunities. Through programs like the Kibbutz Program with the Jewish community and the Student Exchange Program with Kenya, he ensured youth had transformative experiences that expanded their worldview and understanding.

On November 27, I celebrate the memories of this beacon of light as we mark what would have been his 80th birthday. Mickey Leland’s life was a testament to extraordinary leadership. From his beginnings in Lubbock, Texas, in 1944, to his journey to Houston’s 5th Ward, and his relentless mission on Capitol Hill, he dedicated himself to eradicating hunger, addressing healthcare, and uplifting the lives of the forgotten. His work still inspires and calls us to action today.

These formative experiences instilled in Leland an unwavering dedication to justice, equity, and opportunity for all. His journey to Congress was fueled by a deep passion for service. After graduating from Phillis Wheatley High School in Houston’s 5th Ward, he pursued his education at Texas Southern University, becoming a pharmacist. However, his true calling was in the community among the people, where he organized free medical clinics for underserved neighborhoods. Through this work, he witnessed the stark realities of hunger and poverty firsthand, igniting a resolve to tackle these challenges on a broader scale.

In 1978, Leland was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Texas’s 18th congressional district. He wasted no time taking hunger to Capitol Hill, believing it was unacceptable for anyone to starve in a world of plenty. “Hunger knows no boundaries,” he often said, “and our fight must be just as boundless.” As the chair of the House Select Committee on Hunger, Leland’s efforts transcended partisan politics. He brought international attention to the plight of famine-stricken regions, particularly in Africa, where millions were starving. In 1985, he led congressional delegations to Ethiopia, drawing the world’s eyes to the devastation. His advocacy resulted in increased funding for food aid programs and partnerships with global organizations to combat hunger.

At home, Leland championed policies to address prescription drug costs, homelessness, and the challenges facing low-income communities. He understood that hunger was often a symptom of larger systemic issues. He fought for housing programs to support the homeless and economic initiatives to create jobs for unskilled and under-skilled workers. His efforts provided a lifeline to countless families who had lost hope. Leland’s ability to connect with people—whether a world leader or a struggling parent—was unparalleled. “Once you met Mickey, you felt like you’d known him forever,” his colleagues often said. His passion inspired action and his charisma drew supporters from all walks of life. Tragically, Mickey Leland’s life was cut short on August 7, 1989, when his plane crashed in Ethiopia during a humanitarian mission to deliver food and medical supplies to refugees.

The world lost a bold and compassionate leader, but his legacy endures. Today, programs he championed continue to provide food, housing, and opportunities for those in need. Statues and schools bear his name, but his greatest monument is the lives he touched and the movements he ignited. Mickey Leland believed that hunger and poverty were not insurmountable. “We are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers,” he often reminded others. Through his life and work, he proved that one person’s determination could indeed change the world.

_______________

♦ Rep Jarvis Johnson represents House District 139. In 2005, Johnson was elected to the Houston City Council to represent District B, making him one of the youngest Council Members in history.

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Texas Guardian News

INTERNATIONAL GUARDIAN is the boldest and brightest issue-oriented international newspaper published in Houston, Texas. Strategically, it strives to promote private enterprise, support responsible government and advocate social justice.

Latest posts by Texas Guardian News (see all)

• Trump’s sudden suspension of foreign aid puts millions of lives in Africa at risk - January 27, 2025
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• Over 10,000 Black Women Come Together to Thank Kamala Harris - January 25, 2025