The Ensemble Theatre: Celebrating 40 Years
TSU President Dr. Austin Lane and Mrs. Loren Lane
On Saturday, August 20, 2016, The Ensemble Theatre held its 2016 Black Tie Gala to Celebrate Forty Years at the Hilton Americas-Houston. The evening program included Deborah Duncan (Mistress of Ceremonies), Reverend Drs. Yolande and Joe Palmore (Invocation), Sylvester Turner (Mayor of Houston) Opening Remarks. The Dramatic Presentations included: Tony Glover – African Griot, God’s Trombones – Directed by Rachel Hemphill Dickson featuring Jason Carmichael, Two Trains Running – Directed by Mirron Willis featuring Henry Edwards and Lakeisha Randle, A Raisin in the Sun – Directed by Kelvin Hamilton featuring Jobari Collins and JoAnne Davis Jones, and The Wiz – Directed by Adrian Porter featuring Delsondra Sims, Nickolas Mucklerory, Ron John and An’Gelle Sylvester.
Award Presentations included:
- Lifetime Achievement Award – Louis Gossett, Jr.
- Actress Of The Year Award – Angela Robinson
- Actor Of The Year Award – Harry Lennix
- President’s Award – Anna Maria Horsford
- Rising Star Award – C. T. Emmons
- Corporate Partner Of The Year Award – Houston First Corporation
- Community Partner Of The Year Award – METRO
- Founder’s Award – Mildred and Willie Bright
In 1976, The Ensemble Theatre was founded by George Hawkins in Houston. His goal was to create a theatre that would provide diverse roles for black artists. The programs and operations of the theatre benefits a multicultural audience that is diverse in age, income, ethnicity and culture. The Ensemble Theatre is known as one of Houston’s finest historical cultural institutions.
This year’s Honorary Chair (Janiece M. Longoria, the Gala Co-Chairs (Paula McCann-Harris, John Rolfe), Ensemble Board Chair (Argentina James), Ensemble President (Alaina Benford) and Ensemble Executive Director (Janette Cosley) and Ensemble Artistic Director (Eileen Morris).
Mayor Sylvester Turner
State Rep. Ron Reynolds and Janette Cosley
Dr. Jonita Reynolds and State Rep. Ron Reynolds
Anthony R. Chase and guest
Terence Fontaine and Diedra Fontaine
Harry Lennix, Actor of the Year Award and Anna Maria Horsford, President’s Award
Diana Fallis (right) and guest
Fort Bend County Chapter Of The Links, Incorporated
Event Attendee
The Fort Bend County Chapter Of The Links, Incorporated held a Royal Tea and Fashion Show Kick Off Party on August 13, 2016 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at The Health Museum on 1515 Hermann Drive, Houston, Texas 77004. Underwritten by Destiny Wines and Gulfgate Dodge Chrysler Jeep, there was also a raffle and event tickets were available for purchase at this event. For more info about this event email FBCLTea@ fortbendcountylinksinc.org.
Event Attendees
Lereca Monik: Ms. Texas America 2016
Lereca Monik, Ms. Texas America 2016
Celebrating Lereca’s Path to the Crown was a private fundraising reception entitled, “SHE REIGNS: The Unveil”, held on August 11, 2016 from 7pm – 9pm, in the Aventine Ballroom at Hotel ICON, located at 220 Main St, Houston, TX 77002. At the event, she unveiled her path to the crown, revealed her platform, and helped raise the funds so that she may continue to help those embrace who they are, despite their adversities.
Lereca Monik of Houston, Texas has recently been crowned Ms. Texas America 2016. This title will allow Lereca to connect with the community, and use her “Crown for a Purpose” to make a difference in the lives of women and children. She intends to encourage them to embrace their uniqueness, and maintain a positive self-image, despite life’s transitions.
Her Dream Team:
- Ceclia Alatriz
- Rhonda Williams Battles
- Saba Haile
- Diva Herazo
- Ronald & Regina Jackson
- Carla Lane
- Kimberly Myers
- Keith & Shawntell McWilliams
- Will & LaToshia Norwood
- Chau Nguyen
- LaQuita Passmore
- Cherie Renee
- Gloria Scott
- Maurice & Miara Shaw
- St. Raine
- Dr. John & Judy Foston-Stanford
- Tristen & C.C. Sutton
- Victor & Stephanie Walker
For more information regarding sponsorships, email: pr@lerecamonik.com or Call (281) 783-9913.