Councilmember Carolyn Evans-Shabazz

09/17/2026

09/16/2026

THE CONVERSATION ABOUT AFFORDABILITY CAN NO LONGER WAIT.

Councilmember Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz and Council Member Edward Pollard will host an important panel discussion during the 2026 Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.

Across Houston and communities throughout our nation, families are being forced to make increasingly difficult choices — paying for food, housing and utilities, or purchasing the medications they need to stay healthy.
At the same time, rapid advances in artificial intelligence are raising urgent questions about job security, workforce preparedness, economic opportunity and the future of work.
Who will benefit from the next era of economic growth — and who risks being left behind?
Councilmember Evans-Shabazz believes these challenges require more than conversation. They require leadership, preparation and solutions that ensure working families and historically underserved communities have a meaningful place in the economy of the future.
We sincerely thank former Congresswoman Erica Lee Carter and our distinguished panelists for joining us for this timely and consequential conversation.
Affordability. Opportunity. Technology. Jobs.
The future is already arriving — and our communities must have a voice in shaping it.
Carolyn Evans-Shabazz
Council Member Edward Pollard

09/14/2026

50 Years of Excellence. 50 Years of Culture. 50 Years of The Ensemble Theatre.

Councilmember Carolyn Evans-Shabazz has long been a faithful supporter of The Ensemble Theatre and Houston’s vibrant arts community. Last week, we proudly joined in celebrating The Ensemble Theatre’s remarkable 50th Anniversary—five decades of artistic excellence, powerful storytelling, cultural enrichment and extraordinary contributions to the City of Houston.
The celebration also recognized the contributions of legendary Houston journalist and longtime ABC13 anchor Melanie Lawson, whose distinguished career and commitment to our community have helped tell Houston’s story for generations.
As we celebrate these remarkable legacies, we also look toward the future. Houston’s greatness is reflected not only in the city we build, but in the artists, storytellers and cultural institutions we choose to support.
Congratulations to The Ensemble Theatre on 50 extraordinary years. Here’s to the next 50.

09/14/2026

The future is being built right here in District D — the District of Destination.

Councilmember Carolyn Evans-Shabazz was honored to give remarks for Texas Southern University’s historic groundbreaking ceremony marking the beginning of a transformative new chapter for one of our nation’s great HBCUs.

Located in the heart of Houston’s District D, Texas Southern University has launched an ambitious $1.7 billion, 10-year Campus Master Plan (2025–2035) designed to modernize and transform the university as it approaches its centennial.

The plan includes more than 20 phased projects, with the first phase now underway. Supported by $95 million in state funding, the initial projects include:
• The Catalyst for Urban Transformation
• The Health and Wellness Center
• The Nabrit Science

This historic investment represents far more than new buildings. It is an investment in education, innovation, health, economic opportunity, and the future of Houston’s next generation.
Councilmember Evans-Shabazz is proud that this extraordinary transformation is taking place in District D and looks forward to supporting TSU as it continues building upon its remarkable legacy.
The future is being built right here in District D the District of Destination.

07/30/2026

🎙️ The Passport to Possibility Podcast has officially arrived!

Our Passport to Possibility Resource Fair was about more than connecting residents with valuable resources. It was about hearing directly from the people who make our community stronger every day.

A special shoutout to District D intern Makenzi Henderson Makenzi Henderson, who hosted the podcast with confidence and professionalism, and District D intern Chris Williams sosamodernday, whose outstanding production work helped bring each conversation to life. We are incredibly proud to provide opportunities for our interns to showcase their talents while serving the community.

This special edition features thoughtful conversations and feedback from distinguished members of the District D community, including Harris County Precinct 7 Constable Smokey Phillips James "Smokie" Phillips, Houston Health Department Sunnyside Health & Multi Service Center Community Liaison Toni Henderson, Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz Director of Constituent Services Ingrim Mitchem, and many other outstanding guests. Together, they reflect on the success of the resource fair, the importance of community engagement, and why staying connected to the resources and opportunities available in District D is so vital.

At District D, we believe the best conversations happen when we listen to our community, celebrate its leaders, and continue creating spaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

🎧 Be sure to watch the Passport to Possibility Podcast, let us know what you think in the comments, and tell us who you’d like to hear from next. We appreciate your continued support and can’t wait to see you at the next District D event as we continue building the District of Destination!

07/24/2026

What a day to remember! 💃🏽🕺🏽

Our seniors were getting on down, enjoying great food, wonderful fellowship, and dancing the afternoon away at today’s Sunnyside Senior Citizens Luncheon & Dance!

It was truly heartwarming to celebrate alongside more than a dozen incredible seniors who are 90 years young and over, as well as more than 100 other seniors who came together to laugh, dance, reconnect, and make lasting memories.

This is what District D is all about. Bringing our community together, celebrating the generations who paved the way, and creating spaces where joy, connection, and appreciation can flourish. Our seniors have given so much to our neighborhoods, and it is always an honor to give back by celebrating them in such a meaningful way.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this event so special. We cannot wait to do it again!

📍District D: The District of Destination.

07/24/2026

What a day to remember! 💃🏽🕺🏽

Our seniors were getting on down, enjoying great food, wonderful fellowship, and dancing the afternoon away at today’s Sunnyside Senior Citizens Luncheon & Dance!

It was truly heartwarming to celebrate alongside more than a dozen incredible seniors who are 90 years young and over, as well as more than 100 other seniors who came together to laugh, dance, reconnect, and make lasting memories.

This is what District D is all about. Bringing our community together, celebrating the generations who paved the way, and creating spaces where joy, connection, and appreciation can flourish. Our seniors have given so much to our neighborhoods, and it is always an honor to give back by celebrating them in such a meaningful way.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this event so special. We cannot wait to do it again!

📍District D: The District of Destination.

07/23/2026

As promised, the photos from our incredible Passport to Possibility Resource Fair are here! 📸✨

A special thank you to District D Director of Constituent Services Ingrim Mitchem and Houston Health Department Community Liaison for the Sunnyside Health & Multi Service Center Toni Henderson for their outstanding leadership in bringing this event to life. Their dedication, along with the support of so many incredible partners, made for an amazing day of opportunity, connection, and community.

We also want to extend our sincere gratitude to every vendor, organization, and resource table that came out to serve our Sunnyside community. From Houston City College (HCC) and Harris County Constable Precinct 7 to the Children's Museum Houston, and the many other organizations that participated, thank you for investing your time, resources, and expertise into helping connect residents with valuable opportunities. Your presence made this event a tremendous success.

Events like Passport to Possibility remind us what can happen when organizations come together with one shared goal: empowering our community and opening doors to new possibilities.

And we're not done yet! 🎙️ Be on the lookout for the official Passport to Possibility Podcast, where you'll hear directly from attendees, community leaders, and partners about what made this event so impactful. It's coming very soon, and we can't wait to share those conversations with you!

Thank you again to everyone who helped make this event a true success. Together, we're continuing to build a stronger, more connected District of Destination.

07/21/2026

✨ The Passport to Possibility Resource Fair was truly a success!

From free food and clothing to job opportunities, engaging panel discussions, and inspiring podcast conversations, this event was a true gem for the District D and Sunnyside community. Thank you to everyone who came out and helped make the day so impactful.

This is just the beginning. Stay tuned for more event photos and the official release of the Passport to Possibility Podcast coming later this week! 🌟

07/20/2026

Last week, we celebrated a transformational milestone for the residents of District D with the groundbreaking of the new Edgewood Park Community Center, an investment that will serve generations to come and further strengthen the heart of our community.

It was an honor to stand alongside Mayor John Whitmire, Houston Parks and Recreation Department Director Kenneth Allen, Cynthia Pharms, community leaders, and residents as we officially broke ground on this long anticipated project. Together, we celebrated not only the start of construction, but a shared commitment to creating spaces where our neighborhoods can continue to grow, connect, and thrive.

Once completed, this new 12,000 square foot community center will feature a full size gymnasium, multipurpose rooms, and modern gathering spaces designed to support youth programs, senior activities, educational opportunities, wellness initiatives, and countless community events. This facility will become a place where young people can learn and play, families can come together, and neighbors can continue building the strong sense of community that makes District D so special.

Investments like this are about far more than bricks and mortar. They are about creating opportunity, expanding access to high quality recreational spaces, and ensuring every resident has a place to gather, grow, and succeed. This groundbreaking represents another important step toward delivering the resources and amenities our community deserves while investing in the future of District D.

Construction is expected to be completed by June 2027, and we look forward to celebrating the day this incredible new facility officially opens its doors to the community.

The future of Edgewood Park is bright, and this groundbreaking marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the neighborhood.

Together, we continue building the District of Destination.