The Texas Black Expo recently held its 16th Annual Corporate Awards Luncheon, honoring leaders for their business excellence and community empowerment initiatives. The event was part of Texas Black Expo’s annual Summer Celebration held at the George R. Brown Convention Center and Marriott Marquis Houston, featuring workshops, networking, a free college fair, and entertainment featuring Grammy Award-winner Elle Varner. Luncheon attendees included Jerome Love (TBE President), Mayor Sylvester Turner, Tyla-Simone Crayton, Khambrel Marshall, Dr. Ka-Ron Wade, Ed Ryland, Councilmembers Amanda Edwards and Martha Castex-Tatum, Pastor Rachelle Carson, Carol Guess, Andrea Baudy and more.

I'm originally from Cincinnati. I'm a husband and father to six children. I'm an associate pastor for the Shrine of Black Madonna (Houston). I am a lecturer (adjunct professor) in the University of Houston...