Segment 1 - Major Kent Davis and Larry Bowen of The Salvation Army of Greater Houston discuss the organization's Christmas campaigns and its long history in the Houston area helping those in need. Major Davis is The Salvation Army of Greater Houston's Area Commander and Bowen is Director of the Harbor Light Center and Red Shield Lodge. For more information, visit www.redkettlereason.org
Segment 2 - An interview with Ren Moore, Texas Southern University's 2016 winter commencement valedictorian. Moore spent 20 years in prison on a murder charge and transformed himself from prison inmate to college valedictorian. He shares his remarkable story with our Melanie Lawson. Moore hopes to one day become an actor and work in television/film industry.
Segment 3 - A preview of the Conrad Johnson Music & Fine Arts Foundation's "Let the Children Play" gala, featuring young musicians from the Houston area. The foundation hopes to train and mentor the next generation of musicians. Guests are Dr. Aubrey Tucker, a longtime HCC music instructor, and world renown jazz artist and Houston native, Hubert Laws. For more information on the January 8 event, visit www.conradjohnsonfoundation.org
Segment 4 - Deloyd Parker, founder and Executive Director of the Shape Community Center, discusses Kwanzaa celebrations in Houston. Kwanzaa is a seven day experience based on the agricultural celebrations of Africa called the "first fruits." It honors ideals like reverence, commemoration and celebration. 2016 marks the 50th year Kwanzaa has been observed. It began in 1966 when Maulana Karenga created it to be the first specifically African American holiday. For more information, visit www.shape.org