Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Hip Hop Legend ‘YoYo,’ Black media professionals honor Houston’s Jose Grinan at masquerade ball
HOUSTON — A clear, crisp evening, perfect weather and a mansion in Houston’s historic Third Ward set the perfect backdrop for an evening of sipping, chatting and chowing —and dancing— in honor of one of the city’s most requested and recognized anchors— KRIV Fox 26’s Jose Griñán.
Nearly 100 people packed the Groovey Grill Mansion on Saturday, Nov. 2, donning their best black tie or cocktail attire —complete with masks— for the Houston Association of Black Journalists’ inaugural media masquerade ball and scholarship fundraiser. The theme of the evening was “Eyes Wide Open, Mouths Never Shut,” paying homage to various H-Town media trailblazers and rising stars.
The main honoree was Griñán, for his tireless work in the community and excellence in journalism. Other special recognition awardees included KTRK ABC 13’s Melanie Lawson, KHOU’s Deborah Duncan, KTSU 90.9 FM program Director Charles Hudson, up-and-coming media mover and shaker Ja’ Leah Davis and more.
Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee presented Griñán with an official proclamation, signed by Mayor Sylvester Turner, officially designating Nov. 2 as Jose Griñán Day.
Attendees were surprised by a legendary party crasher, hip hop icon and rap pioneer YoYo, who is currently starring in VH1’s Love and Hip Hop Hollywood, executive produced by Mona Scott Young.
“I was nearly brought to tears to see the look of surprise on Mr. Griñán’s face as he proudly mingled with all the people who came out in his honor,” said Nakia Cooper, HABJ president. “He was so instrumental in my career, giving me so much valuable advice when I was an intern at Fox. And the caveat of the evening was when I looked at my phone and saw a message asking if THE YoYo could join our party for Jose. I was like ‘Heck yeah!’ Like seriously, did anyone really need to ask?”
YoYo joined the congresswoman and other notables at the podium to honor Griñán.
Fox 26 evening anchor Jonathan Martin told Griñán how much he was valued as a newsroom leader, and how much he meant to the community.
“When I first got to the station, there was something that was happening that wasn’t necessarily fair, and I was afraid to speak up for myself. Jose went into the boss’ office and spoke up for me and immediately that problem was corrected,” Martin said. “You’re that kind of person. You speak up, you give voice to a lot of people who feel like they don’t have a voice. We know a lot of times when anchors have been around in the community for a long time, they get tired of doing the same community appearances and feel like they don’t need to anymore, but you continually do that, you continually give back and you’re a person so many of us look up to.”
Emcees Brandon Walker (KPRC), Erica Simon (ABC 13) and Alexis Herron (KHOU) kept the attendees entertained and DJ Donald Cooper kept them on their feet on the dance floor.
The evening could not have been made possible without a group of proud sponsors: Gilbreath Communications- Houston’s largest and oldest African American advertising agency, Booked Design Space, Houston Sports Show, DJS Entertainment and realtor Shad Bogany.
ABOUT Houston Association of Black Journalists:
HABJ is a nonprofit organization of media professionals from the Houston area with members in every facet of print and broadcast media. Part of HABJ’s mission is to provide professional development, honor excellence in journalism, cultivate young journalists and ensure accurate coverage of the minority community. Consistent with its mission, HABJ provides scholarships, future workforce development and summer training opportunities for college students majoring in communications. Additionally, HABJ presents community outreach programs, seminars and town hall forums free for community groups and communication professionals.
HABJ is a 501 c(3) organization, developing and offering quality programs to the community and journalists, as well as supporting African-American student scholars as they pursue degrees in the media industry.
Empowering Journalists for the future,
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