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In conversation with Lonnie Ali, CEO of the Muhammad Ali Center, Valdez reflects on the themes at the heart of the series: identity, solidarity, resistance, resilience, and hope. Through intimate portraits and evocative scenes, The New Americans explores the shared struggles and collective spirit that define contemporary America.

As part of the Rothko Chapel’s Program Season Kick-Off, Recommitting to Democracy: A Sacred & Creative Struggle, community leaders, artists, and voices from across Houston reflect on democracy, civic engagement, collective action, and how we can work together to build a more connected, just, and hopeful future. Press play, hear their perspectives, and join the conversation about what we can do better—together.

How does the growing politicization of religion impact democracy, religious freedom, and community life in Texas? Hosted by the Rothko Chapel in partnership with the Texas Interfaith Legislators Caucus, this timely panel discussion brings together Texas legislators, faith leaders, and journalists to examine the rise of anti-Muslim and antisemitic hate, the importance of interfaith dialogue, and the role of religious literacy in building a more inclusive democracy. Panelists explore how communities can strengthen relationships across faith traditions, defend religious liberty, and create pathways toward solidarity for all Texans.

31st Annual MLK Birthday Observance ”We Got Us: Health & Care Beyond Capitalism” by Rothko Chapel

Guided Meditation by His Holiness Swami Vidyadhishananda Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at the Rothko Chapel His Holiness Swami Vidyadhishananda is a Himalayan siddha monk, who hails from unbroken lineages of the combined heritage of rishi sages and nath meditation adepts. He has directly learnt the Himalayan Kriyayoga meditation system from Tryambaknāth, (popularly known as Mahavatar Babaji). Currently, His Holiness is developing Sambhala Online University based on the teachings from Jñanā-gañja, a siddha enclave commonly known as Sambhala located in Tibet, east of Limpiadhura Pass bordering India. He is among the very few experts outside of India who has been awarded the degree of DLitt et Phil (Mahāmahopādhyāya) by the erstwhile President of the Association of Indian Universities and by the Sanskrit scholars of Calcutta, India. The degree was conferred in recognition of his meditative interpretation, scholarly analysis, and ability to articulate the philosophical nuances of Sanskrit literature. He is the spiritual founder of the US Nonprofit, Self Enquiry Life Fellowship.

"The Deadly Rise of Anti-Science," Talk by Dr. Peter Hotez, epidemiologist & professor Villa Albertine’s signature evening of arts and culture marathon, “Night of Ideas,” took place from March 27 through April 6 across 20 US cities. The event brought together thought leaders, activists, performers, authors, and academics to engage the public in late-night discussions addressing major global issues. This year’s unifying theme, “Common Ground,” encouraged participants to reflect on how we can commit to and protect what we share. Conversations explored ways to foster authentic interpersonal connections in an increasingly digital world, opportunities for dialogue in a polarized political landscape, and strategies to preserve the land amidst extreme weather threats. Night of Ideas was presented by Villa Albertine and Albertine Foundation and coordinated worldwide by the Institut Français.

“The Advocacy Power of Music & Poetry,” Performance & Discussion with Toni Hickman & Sofia Heyl Special Thanks to Community Partner ReelAbilities Villa Albertine’s signature evening of arts and culture marathon, “Night of Ideas,” took place from March 27 through April 6 across 20 US cities. The event brought together thought leaders, activists, performers, authors, and academics to engage the public in late-night discussions addressing major global issues. This year’s unifying theme, “Common Ground,” encouraged participants to reflect on how we can commit to and protect what we share. Conversations explored ways to foster authentic interpersonal connections in an increasingly digital world, opportunities for dialogue in a polarized political landscape, and strategies to preserve the land amidst extreme weather threats. Night of Ideas was presented by Villa Albertine and Albertine Foundation and coordinated worldwide by the Institut Français.

“Connecting through Music & Medicine,” Performance by Texas Medical Center Orchestra Villa Albertine’s signature evening of arts and culture marathon, “Night of Ideas,” took place from March 27 through April 6 across 20 US cities. The event brought together thought leaders, activists, performers, authors, and academics to engage the public in late-night discussions addressing major global issues. This year’s unifying theme, “Common Ground,” encouraged participants to reflect on how we can commit to and protect what we share. Conversations explored ways to foster authentic interpersonal connections in an increasingly digital world, opportunities for dialogue in a polarized political landscape, and strategies to preserve the land amidst extreme weather threats. Night of Ideas was presented by Villa Albertine and Albertine Foundation and coordinated worldwide by the Institut Français.

This year's observance provided space for learning, restoration, and renewal through a conversation and meditative moment on sustaining action focused particularly on youth organizers working for climate justice and community health. Inspired by the 2023 ruling in the Held v. Montana case on the state’s constitutional rights to health, representatives from Our Children’s Trust including staff attorney David Schwartz and youth plaintiffs shared the development and success of this case, and how their methods could be applied across the country. A community discussion followed with Texas-based youth and grassroots activists including Chanté Davis (Sunrise Houston) and Armon Alex (Gulf of Mexico Youth Climate Summit) about the links between environmental and climate justice and community health, moderated by Andre Segura, VP of Litigation at Earthjustice. Reflection time was facilitated by Tiffany Jin, Co-Director of Houston Climate Justice Museum. Special thanks to Hershey Foundation for underwriting support

Led by conductor Delyana Lazarova, people experienced Aaron Copland’s iconic tone poem Appalachian Spring in its original 13-piece version, along with the world premiere of a new companion work by James Stephenson—as Houston Contemporary Dance Company, choreographed by Founding Artistic Director Marlana Doyle.

Gun violence in the United States—the country with the highest gun ownership per capita—is an entrenched public health issue that impacts Americans across demographics and geographies. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, 327 people a day are shot in the US, and 42,654 die from gun violence each year. Since the 1990s, Texas firearm-related homicides rose 66% and suicides involving firearms rose 40%. The Austin American-Statesman stated that Texas topped the list of gun related deaths in 2021, and in 2022 we witnessed the catastrophic mass-shooting in Uvalde leaving 19 children and two teachers dead at an elementary school. In the spirit of Dr. King’s commitment to address critically important justice issues and create a more equitable society through engaging in nonviolent tactics, this event provides space to learn more about the public health impacts of gun violence, and to delve into our collective responsibilities to address this critical epidemic. The event will feature keynote speaker David Hogg, Co-Founder of March For Our Lives, followed by a panel of local public health researchers and organizers including Dr. Jeff Temple, Dean of Clinical Research in the School of Behavioral Health Science at UTHealth Houston; Dr. Bindi Naik-Mathuria, Pediatric Trauma Surgeon at UTMB; Karlton Harris, Executive Director of The Forgotten Third; and Kimberly Mata-Rubio, who recently ran for mayor of Uvalde after her daughter was killed in the Robb Elementary School Shooting. The program featured a temporary memorial installation on the Plaza by Sandeigh Kennedy exploring the impacts of gun violence in 2023, contemplative music by DACAMERA Young Artists and poetry by Texas Poet Laureate Lupe Mendez. Local organizations addressed gun violence in Houston and Texas were onsite after the event to share information about how to get involved in gun violence prevention efforts. About the Annual MLK Birthday Observance In 1979, The Rothko Chapel started the annual MLK Birthday Observance to connect the contemporary implications of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy to the ongoing struggle for civil and human rights, captured through artist Barnett Newman’s Broken Obelisk. This sculpture, located on the plaza adjacent to the Chapel, is dedicated to Dr. King. Recent presenters have included Civil Rights Freedom Singer Rutha Mae Harris, artist David Banner, columnist Leonard Pitts, Jr., environmental justice leader Dr. Robert Bullard, MacArthur Fellow Dr. Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, the Scott Joplin Chamber Orchestra, and photographer Devin Allen.

"loss. nothing. memorial: the HOMEGOING Concert—a sonic memorial" focuses on the impact of the AIDS crisis in Black communities in the United States between 1980-2005. This music honors fallen Black queer musicians, choir directors and singers. Songs performed are written to and about musicians, singers and choir directors from the Black church tradition, and Black queer musicians that were victims of the AIDS crisis. We sing songs to honor, to remember and to wish them well on their journey to otherwise and beyond. The Houston-debut performance will feature vocalists from Phillip Hall Singers, Hammond organist Abdul Hamid Robinson-Royal, percussionist Vernon Daniels and the William Grant Still String Quartet. Composer Ashon Crawley is a writer, artist and teacher. A professor of Religious Studies and African-American and African Studies at the University of Virginia, he is author of Blackpentecostal Breath: The Aesthetics of Possibility and The Lonely Letters. He was a Yaddo fellow, a MacDowell interdisciplinary arts fellow, and a New City Arts Initiative Fellow. All his work is about otherwise possibility. Photo credit Benita Mayo.

Community members contemplated cycles of life and death with music, poetry, and personal reflections in observance of Dia de los Muertos, All Saint’s Day, and National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. This year's offering focused on the loss of children, with remarks from local peer support group The Compassionate Friends - Houston Inner Loop Chapter. Contemplative music was shared by DACAMERA Young Artists and guitarist Jesus Lozano. Attendees were invited to bring a small memento, photo, or item to place on a community altar in remembrance of those who have passed on (no food, drinks, or live flowers please). About The Compassionate Friends When a child dies, at any age, the family suffers intense pain and may feel hopeless and isolated. The Compassionate Friends provides highly personal comfort, hope, and support to every family experiencing the death of a son or a daughter, a brother or a sister, or a grandchild, and helps others better assist the grieving family. TCF has over 600 chapters serving all 50 states plus Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and Guam, that offer friendship, understanding, and hope to bereaved family members during the natural grieving process after a child has died. Learn more about the Houston Inner Loop Chapter.

Beginning in 2020, Brad Braxton and Anthony Pinn exchanged a series of email conversations that together form the basis for the book A Master Class on Being Human: A Black Christian and a Black Secular Humanist on Religion, Race, and Justice (Beacon Press 2023). In this time of marked polarization in our communal life, the authors embarked on an experiment, attempting in-depth discussions that probed their deep differences about serious topics, with the ultimate goal of promoting constructive engagement, enhanced understanding, and more compassion among people with different identities, beliefs, and practices. Master Class is an exploration of what it means to be human, drawing on each authors' expertise in philosophy, religion, and African American studies. The book covers seven issues of social importance relevant to these theological-philosphical groups, including non-theism, violence against Black Americans and the Black Lives Matter movement, and whether religion does or should have a public role. The authors acknowledge the centuries-long opposition between Christian and secular humanist traditions. In their conversations, they seek to expose the assumptions each group makes about the other, with "intellectual rigor and compassion." While they don't claim that dialogue or mutual understanding is a panacea for the discord between the two groups, they do believe that the embrace of difference—not the elimination of difference—is an effective classroom for learning to be better humans. Their nuanced discussion lays the groundwork for constructive dialogue between all who wish to move from tolerance of differing opinions to celebration. In business and in life, Tracie Jae is The Quiet Rebel. Her work in the world is creating incremental and organic shifts to the status quo. In her work, she centers on humans, celebrates differences and honors lived experiences. The expertise of her proprietary approach is based on evidence-based practices in clinical and cognitive psychology, and communications research, and focuses on what makes us fully human, at both our best and worst. Tracie holds a BA in Business Management and MA in Strategic Communication and Leadership.

In collaboration with Jaipur Literature Festival Houston, the Rothko Chapel hosted classical Indian quartet Anirudh Varma Collective and Houston Poet Laurate Aris Kian for a contemplatived morning music and poetry experience inside the sanctuary followed by light bites on the Plaza. About the presenters The spirit of the iconic Jaipur Literature Festival, held annually in Jaipur, India, travels across countries and continents with a caravan of writers, thinkers, poets, influencers, balladeers and raconteurs. The Anirudh Varma Collective (AVC) is a contemporary Indian classical ensemble from New Delhi, India. It is led by pianist, composer & producer, Anirudh Varma. The Anirudh Varma Collective comprises musicians & artistes from across India, America, and Canada. The Collective aims to discover, re-discover, and present the tradition & diversity of Indian music in a contemporary yet rooted manner in order to reach and connect with the masses. Aris Kian Brown is currently the Houston Poet Laureate 2023-2025 and ranked #2 in the 2023 Womxn of the World Poetry Slam. Previously an Inprint C. Glenn Cambor Fellow, she received her MFA from the University of Houston. She was ranked #10 in the 2020 Women of the World Poetry Slam and #4 in the nation at the 2019 ACUI College Unions Poetry Slam Invitational with UH team Coogslam. She is a current member of Smoke Slam alongside LeChell “The Shootah” R.H, R.J. Wright, Blacqwildflowr, and Sherrika Mitchell, coached by Ebony Stewart. About the observance This event was held in observance of International Day of Peace which takes place annually on September 21st. Established in 1981 by unanimous United Nations resolution, Peace Day provides a globally shared date for all humanity to commit to reace above all differences and to contribute to building a global culture of peace. This year's theme is "Actions for Peace," recognizing our individual and collective responsibilities to foster peace and more just and inclusive societies, free from fear and violence.