The Houston Sun honored women of power and purpose on March 30th at the
Power Center for their Points of Light: 30 Women of Power and Purpose Conversations
over Breakfast event. This event was one of many to come to celebrate the paper’s 30 TH
anniversary is business.
Honorees and their guest filled up a beautifully decorated ballroom that
coordinated with the pearl theme of a 30th anniversary. The honorees were escorted arm
and arm into the ballroom by the men of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, while every one
looked on.
The Master of Ceremony was Fox 26’s anchor, Jose Grinan, Distinguished guest,
Mayor Annise Parker, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson spoke as well as Congressman Al
Green. Shuronda Robinson, a future heir of the company and daughter to the publisher,
welcomed all to the breakfast and presented history of the Houston Sun.
Tammie Campbell, an honoree for her work with the Honey Brown Hope
Foundation, loved the introduction by Robinson, the rich history of the paper and its
foundation. She was pleased to be involved and was thoroughly excited.
“It was like a royal event and I was elated. It was superb. For 30 years of
producing a printed paper it is incredible for African Americans for when we think back
there was a time when we were denied an opportunity to read or to write, it was against
the law,” said Campbell. “Then to have great people like the Robinson’s to come in and
recognize the importance of having a paper so we can tell our stories, it is incredible. So
to be honored at an event like that was an honor because the event itself was an honor for
our community as well.”
The fashion show truly kicked off the event as the Houston Sun models, T.J.’S
Modeling Troop & Ogle Cosmetology School ripped the runway with various styles from
hats to themed attire.
“The part I like the most was the fashion show. It was unique and it showed our
heritage in terms of what we have experienced in the past. It was entertaining,” said
Campbell.
Following the fashion show breakfast was served. During breakfast there was a
video of all the honorees that detailed them personally and professionally.
“It was awesome, the video, the fashion show, the food was excellent and the
people. The entertainment was out of sight,” said Veronica Deboest, an honoree for her
work as the Youth Director with Cuney Homes.
Honoree Gwendolyn Beavers, Owner and CEO of Wen’s Janitorial Inc. loved
the video of the honorees created by Ted Irving. She stated when she was filming her
interview she had no clue it would come out so beautiful.
“Ted did a wonderful job on the video, I want a copy for myself,” said
Gwendolyn Beavers. “While I ate my breakfast I couldn’t keep my eyes off the screen,
everything was top notch.”

After breakfast it was time for the presentation of the honorees. One by one each
honoree was called up and showcased. All of the women were able to see the people who
were being honored with them and see the works of one another.
“The experience gave me the reassurance to be strong, live honorably and with
dignity,” said Keiundra Jackson, an honoree for her work with Covenant House Texas.
“This makes me want to keep pushing to make a change.”
Honoree Vanessa Wade, Owner and CEO of Connect the Dots PR, was very
impressed with the venue and caliber of women present. She enjoyed the event as a
whole and expressed how pleased she was with the different types of professionals being
honored.
“It boiled down to the professional and not age. The mixture was good,” said
Wade.
Pearls were given to the honorees as gifts were given by the Houston Sun,
handmade paper cranes that were made out of the Houston Sun were given by honoree,
Sister Mama Sonya and proclamations from Congresswoman Lee’s office and State
Representative Ron Reynolds.
“The experience was humbling and overwhelming,” said honoree Lydia Brew. “I
am grateful for the personal gifts including artwork and the pearls.”
The honorees looked marvelous in their hats and gloves and smiled at their
accomplishments that led them to be honored. Many people reconnected and some made
new connections while the cameras flashed. After the event many people lingered as they
seemed very pleased with the breakfast.
“I thought the event was very professionally done and it was unique and I’m sure
all the women who were honored thoroughly enjoyed it as I did,” said Patricia Sullivan,
an honoree for her excursions all over the world.
The honorees were Debbie Allen, Naomi Carrier, LaShandra Hall, Kim Roxie,
Tammie Campbell, Lanora “Onney” Laws, Patricia Sullivan, Keiundra Jackson, Dr.
Jonita Reynolds, Theola Petteway, Thelma Joyce Todd, Cerendy Sias , Judge Maria T.
Jackson, Gayle Fallon , Vanessa Wade, Tarsha Hardy, Nicky Ferguson, Dr. Carol A.
Lewis , Sherry Browning , Kijana Wiseman , Lydia Brew , Monica P. Fontenot ,
Delmicia Joy Williams, Serbino Sandifer- Walker, Dr. Anjanette Wyatt , Veronica
Deboest, Gwendolyn Beavers, Dr. Edith Clark, Melanie Singleton, Sister Momma Sonya,
Keir Sylvester “Fiyah”, Attorney Jalene Mack, Fiona Robinson, Polly Turner and Judge
Alexandra Smoots- Hogan.
These women embody the power and purpose the world needs to keep thriving.
All of these women come from different sectors, geographic locations and backgrounds.
The Houston Sun celebrates their work and 30 years in business as well.