Houston’s Ultimate Black Panther Party Makes Wakanda Come to Life in Midtown: This is Celebrating With a Purpose

What: The Houston Museum of African American Culture’s Party with a Purpose Gala

Where: The Ensemble Theatre

PC Moment: Sporting the tagline, “Now, More Than Ever! The We Must Come Together Party with a Purpose Gala,” HMAAC’s benefit bash captured the zeitgeist and lined the coffers of this very relevant cultural institution in one night. Riffing on the setting of the Marvel blockbuster movie hit Black Panther, partygoers at HMAAC’s Gala were encouraged to don Wakanda-inspired attire, which led HMAAC CEO John Guess Jr. to light-heartedly welcome his guests as “Zamundians,” a nod to another fictional African country (Zamunda), from the classic Eddie Murphy comedy Coming to America.

Indeed, in dress, jewels, and accessories, revelers joyously captured the spirit of Wakanda as the gala evening proceeded to honor prima ballerina Lauren Anderson and philanthropist Eileen Lawal (wife of energy magnate Kase Lawal), each honoree receiving the Lee P. Brown National Cultural Achievement Award. The night also recognized Nicole Fuller as an HMAAC Fellow. Artists Brionya James and Shawn Artis created canvases on the spot, the paint barely dry as they were live auctioned.

The Party with a Purpose began with a powerful cinematic screening that highlighted HMAAC’s dynamic exhibitions and programming, spun around a Black Panther theme. For the next act, 11:11 Concepts (highlighted by Alycia Miles and Liz Vaughn) entertained with cabaret-inspired numbers, while I’ve Got You Covered catered the buffet dinner. The lively photo booth (courtesy MyEventsTheBomb) was also a scene-maker during this rocking night.

Then the after-party ensued: The C.I.T.Y. brought the house down with a raucous performance that had the crowd dancing in the aisles.

Who: HMAAC curator Dominic Clay; U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee; HMAAC board member Kathleen Jameson with ArtLies founder John Bryant; Carolyn Guess and John L. Guess; curator Philip Rogers, in from Austin; Houston’s own tennis legend Zina Garrison; HMAAC board president Gina Carroll with husband Jon; board members Channel 13’s Melanie Lawson, John Guess IV, Elmer Rogers, and Keith Sparks; the stylish Phyllis Williams; Chris Stanaway; Annette Bracey with daughter Alex Bracey; Community Artists’ Collective’s Michelle Barnes and husband Barry Barnes; Court of Appeals judicial candidate Meg Poissant; and the presenting sponsor HEB’s Winell Herron with husband Doug Herron.

Additional reporting by Catherine D. Anspon.