In Houston and all across the Lone Star State, there are sisters and brothers who have been doing great things. Some of them have been in the spotlight, but that light is about to get much brighter. Others may have been under the radar. But not in 2026. These folks will be front-and-center, displaying their Black brilliance for the world to see.
Rev. Dr. Freddie Haynes
Rev. Dr. Freddie Haynes is a Dallas-area pastor with a national reach and a reputation for serving the Black community. In 2026, he will be running to win the seat currently held by U.S. Congressman Jasmine Crockett. Because of that reality alone, and the impact Crockett has been able to make, national eyes will be on this race. Whether Haynes wins or not, the fact that he is now willing to jump into the political arena means we should definitely keep an eye on his moves in 2026 and beyond.
Brandon Cofield
A significant issue for Black people and Black communities in Houston and nationwide is the issue of losing family homes, assets that have been in families for generations, taken or lost for various reasons. Harris County has taken a significant step toward protecting its residents who are most vulnerable to losing their homes (Black and Brown residents) with the opening of the Office of Public Probate Administrator. Lawyer Brandon Cofield leads the office. It is designed to assist individuals who lack financial resources from family support in managing their estates, especially, but not limited to, the elderly and those with disabilities. Cofield is part of a statewide coalition of individuals and organizations working to change the narrative from one of Blackfolk losing their homes “on the regular” to one where we hold onto and pass down homes as engines of generational wealth.
Tonya Holloway
Tonya Holloway is a native of Fort Worth, Texas, with over 20 years of experience spanning the film, commercial, and theatre industries. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Performing Arts from Prairie View A&M University and completed screenwriting studies at Monterey Peninsula College. Holloway is co-founder and co-artistic director of Soul Rep Theatre Company, the longest-running African American theatre company in Dallas, established in 1996. In 2001, she was nominated by the Dallas Theatre League for Best Director for “Purlie Victorious.” The Atlanta Film Festival, Hollywood Black Film Festival, and NYC African American Film Festival have recognized her screenwriting work. Her completed projects include documentaries, short films, feature screenplays, and a television pilot. A longtime NAACP ACT-SO mentor, she also served as a scriptwriter for national ceremonies. Holloway continues to work as a writer, director, filmmaker, and videographer throughout the Metroplex.
Melva K. Wallace, Ph.D.
In 2026, the “Eyes of Texas” and the nation will be on Melva K. Wallace, Ph.D., a true powerhouse sister who is widely recognized as a solutionist, innovator, and fierce advocate for higher education. For over two decades, she has made a significant impact in the world of education, combining her passion for leadership with a tireless commitment to driving change. But when Huston-Tillotson University (HT), the school for which Wallace serves as president and CEO, received a $150 million grant from the Moody Foundation, Wallace’s national profile rose dramatically. The gift, the largest single donation in HBCU history, comes after Wallace has already worked miracles on the campus located in Austin, Texas. Under her visionary leadership, HT has skyrocketed from being unranked to claiming the prestigious title of the #3 HBCU in the country, as recognized by Niche.com. Additionally, HT is now recognized as the top HBCU for students earning the most immediately after graduation.
Ja’Leah Davis
Ja’Leah Davis is the CEO and creator of a Houston-area television station, Eyeconic Television, currently streaming nationwide on Roku, Amazon, Apple TV+, and more, that spotlights entrepreneurship and hosts over 20 shows, including an educational sketch/variety show that teaches financial literacy to children, a home improvement show, and a weekly financial news show. She is also the founder of The Eyeconic Academy, a nonprofit organization with a similar mission to her TV station: to educate children and adults to enrich their lives through media. She has appeared on the past Forbes 30 Under 30 list. And with local and national media (and social media) being bought up and controlled by GOP and right-wing-leaning entities, all eyes should definitely be on the owners and controllers of Black-owned media companies.
