The Houston Sun Newspaper wrapped up its 30th Anniversary celebration in grand style with the “Sun After Dark Explosion,” finale where they showcased the “two became one” theme honoring 30 remarkable infinitive honoree couples on March 29th at the Reliant Crowne Plaza Hotel.
It was a wonderful festive event that began with Sirrod Robinson, eldest son of Houston Sun’s founders Lonal and Dorris Ellis Robinson. He introduced the prestigious Master of Ceremony Len Cannon, KHOU Channel 11 Anchor, who rang the bell for the night to begin.
The Houston Sun family guided by Dorris Ellis Robinson along with her children and grandchildren entered the grand ballroom followed by the honorees and the Houston Sun staff as seated guest welcomed them with a round of applause.
A word of deference came from Mayor Annise Parker who showed-off some of her comedic wit.
“Dorris I am so glad to be a part of this grand finale celebration as I must say this is one of the longest celebration I believe I have ever seen,” said Mayor Parker as the crowd broke out into roaring laughter.
Rev. Dr. Patricia Williams of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church gave the blessing of the occasion and dinner. Famed operatic gospel singer Barbara Tucker graced the audience with an a cappella song that sent chills throughout the grand ballroom. The crowd stood up in an enthusiastic ovation.
The event featured a salute video entitled “Two Became One” created by two talented Houston Sun interns, Derrick Ellison and Chasity Brewer. The video segment showed the 30 couples talking about their special bond and commitment to each other.
Honorees were presented with a beautiful colored suspended hand blown Oscar-sized glass infinity sculpture with a bronze engraving on its base. The honorees all appeared surprised and delighted when they opened their boxes to see the exquisite sculptures.
They were also given special proclamations from State Legislator Ron Reynolds and a 30th Anniversary Commemorative Book capturing and highlighting the history of The Houston Sun Newspaper.
Another milestone occurred when Dorris Ellis Robinson gave a special tribute to her late husband, Lonal Robinson and late son Lonal Xela Ellis Robinson. She shared how her son gave so many ideas to move the paper forward and also how the vision that she and her husband brought to life is still moving forward from 30 years ago.
Entertainment in the form of a fashion show, live band, and comedians kept the crowd lively has the festivities move into the midnight with a breakfast fit for a king with bacon, sausages, ham, salmon, omelets, eggs, grits, hash brown, biscuits, pastries, assorted cheeses and fruits, coffee, tea and juices.
This grand finale capped a year-long celebration of The Houston Sun’s 30th Anniversary that included an anniversary kick-off event in March of 2013 with a First Amendment Symposium for College and High School Students, Launch Party to honor 30 Women of Power and Purpose, Future Journalist of American Symposium, then in June, Houston’s Finest Men; Beacon of Light Men of Valor and Purposes, and in July a Veterans Career Fair; Concluding with the celebration with HALO-Aspiring to Be and Sun After Dark Explosion.
These well-attended events were made possible by the expertise, enthusiasm and commitment of event chairs, steering committees and The Houston Sun Staff and interns.
sheilarayreed@houstonsun.com