Rothko Chapel

"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.

Loop38 explores human creativity, perseverance, and all that binds us all together. Works by George Lewis and Chen Yi look inward, considering humanity's inherent creativity and life force, while Carolyn Chen's work looks outward, contemplating our relationship with the environment. Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton joins the musicians of Loop38 to present the world premiere of a work by Martha Horst based on D.E.E.P.'s poetry about hope, aspiration, and the power of creation. About Loop38 Loop38 is a boundary-pushing, artist-driven new music ensemble based in Houston, Texas, that aims to build community around innovative, stimulating, and culturally relevant musical experiences. Loop38 specializes in the performance of contemporary classical music for solo instrument, chamber ensemble, and large ensemble—instrumentations that collectively allow the full timbral spectrum of an orchestra while showcasing the virtuosic solo capabilities of its performers. Named after the 38-mile freeway (“the loop”) that encircles our hometown, Loop38 focuses on presenting distinctive and memorable aural experiences that push stylistic boundaries, feature underrepresented voices, and incorporate meaningful collaborations with composers and artists of other disciplines. About Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton, poet Deborah D.E.E.P. Mouton is an internationally known writer, librettist, educator, activist, performer, and the first Black Poet Laureate of Houston, Texas. Formerly ranked the #2 Best Female Performance Poet in the World (PSI), Her work has appeared in Houston Noir by Akashic Press (2019), Black Girl Magic by Haymarket Books (2019), the Texas Observer, and Fjords Journal, and on such platforms as NPR, BBC, ABC, Apple News, Blavity, Upworthy, and across the TedX circuit. Honored by Houston Business Journal as a part of their 2021 40 Under 40 class, She has served as a contributing writer to Texas Monthly, Glamour Magazine, and ESPN's The Undefeated. This season, Plumshuga: The Rise of Lauren Anderson has its world premiere at STAGES Houston, which D.E.E.P. directs and wrote the book for. She also is slated to perform in Unison for Da Camera Society of Texas, which she also wrote poems for. Her recently published memoir, Black Chameleon (Henry Holt & Co, 2023), explores the use of modern mythology as a path to social commentary. About Martha Horst, composer Martha Horst is a composer who has devoted herself to the performance, creation, and instruction of classical music. Ms. Horst has won the Copland Award, the 2005 Alea III International Composition Competition for her work Threads, and the Rebecca Clarke International Composition Competition for her work Cloister Songs, based on 18th century utopian poetry. She has held fellowships at the MacDowell Colony, Atlantic Center for the Arts, Wellesley Conference, Norfolk Chamber Music Festival and Dartington International School in the UK. Her work Piano Sonata No. 1, recorded by acclaimed pianist Lara Downes, was released nationally by Crossover Media. Dr. Horst is a professor of composition and theory at Illinois State University and has also taught at the University of California, Davis, East Carolina University, and San Francisco State University. She recently served as the composer-in-residence for the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra in Chicago, IL. This program is supported in part by funding from Texas Commission for the Arts, Houston Arts Alliance, and Poets & Writers.

People Enjoyed an afternoon of free art, music, poetry, and family activities in celebration of our vibrant neighborhood. Participating organizations include: DACAMERA, Houston Center for Photography, Inprint, The Menil Collection, Pride Chorus Houston, Rothko Chapel, Writers in the Schools (WITS), and Watercolor Art Society. Ars Lyrica presented an interactive, family-friendly musical story time featuring Maria's Magical Music Adventure focused on mindfulness, with narrators reading the book in English and Spanish with live string quartet accompaniment. The performance included excerpts from Vivaldi's Four Seasons and was followed by a book signing by author Emma Kent Wine and translator Verónica Roméro at the Suzanne Deal Booth Welcome House between performances. Presenters for this event included Emma Kent Wine, author and English narrator; Verónica Roméro, translator and Spanish narrator; Joanna Becker, violin; Maria Lin, violin; Matthew Weathers, viola; and Fran Koiner, cello.

Since 1986, the Rothko Chapel has given the Óscar Romero Award in recognition of courageous, grassroots human rights advocacy. This award is named in honor of Saint Óscar Romero of San Salvador, who was assassinated in March 1980 while conducting Catholic Mass in a local hospital chapel. He is recognized internationally for his vocal opposition against oppression and has inspired countless others to advocate for justice even in the face of great economic and political pressure. The 2023 Rothko Chapel Óscar Romero Award recognizes individuals and organizations exercising courageous, grassroots, human rights advocacy to further civil rights in the United States. At a time when many urgent, intersecting civil liberties and human rights are under attack and actively losing protections in the US, the Rothko Chapel continues a multi-year effort to further community engagement on the topic of civil rights, following our 2021-22 Symposium “Beyond the Rhetoric: Civil Rights & Our Shared Responsibility.” 2023 Awardees included Rev. Erika Ferguson, Principal, Envision Justice & Reproductive Justice Post Roe (Dallas, Texas); Secunda Joseph, Co-Founder & Director of Smart Media & Organizing with ImagiNoir/BLMTX (Houston, TX); and The People's Paper Co-Op (Philadelphia, PA). The program included an awards ceremony followed by a moderated conversation with the awardees facilitated by Omar El-Halwagi, The Anti-Discrimination Attorney PLLC, Co-Founder of Grassroots Islam, and Rothko Chapel Board Member & Program Committee Chair.

Reflect on women's social, economic, cultural, and political achievements with a call to collective action for accelerating gender equity. This year's global theme set by the United Nations is “Embrace Equity”, which involves challenging gender stereotypes, calling out discrimination and bias, and cultivating inclusive environments and systems. Bear witness to intersectional reflections on the state of gender equity today with women leaders from the Houston community sharing their perspectives. Presenters include Kimberly Baker, Assistant Dean, UTHealth Houston School of Public Health Kelly Johnson, Director of Public Programs, Rothko Chapel Rachna Khare, Executive Director, Daya James McAloon Jr., trumpeter & DACAMERA Young Artist Rev. Diane McGehee, Senior Pastor, Bering Memorial Leslie Contreras Schwartz, poet Kesley Sham, harpist & DACAMERA Young Artist Eden Rose Torres, Founder, Pride Portraits & transgender activist Donya Ziraksari, Iranian women's rights activist, author, producer

“The Long Struggle to Abolish Reproductive Slavery” with Dorothy Roberts Annual Frances Tarlton “Sissy” Farenthold Endowed Lecture in Peace, Social Justice and Human Rights Presented in partnership with the Bernard and Audre Rapoport Center for Human Rights and Justice at UT-Austin School of Law The Rothko Chapel and the Bernard and Audre Rapoport Center for Human Rights and Justice at the University of Texas at Austin present the eighth annual Sissy Farenthold Lecture featuring acclaimed scholar of race, gender and the law, Dorothy Roberts, George A. Weiss University Professor of Law and Sociology and the Raymond Pace and Sadie Tanner Mossell Alexander Professor of Civil Rights, on the intersections between reproductive rights, criminalization of pregnancy, and the family policing/separation systems in the aftermath of the June 2022 Dobbs decision. Roberts will explore the histories of compelled births in the US dating back to Black women's reproductive bondage during slavery, and the abolitionist frameworks that call for the dismantling of these targeted, oppressive structures for more compassionate and equitable reproductive rights and family support systems. The lecture will be followed by conversation moderated by Eleanor Klibanoff, women's health reporter at the Texas Tribune, and a book signing on the Welcome House Plaza of Robert's Torn Apart: How the Child Welfare System Destroys Black Families--and How Abolition Can Build a Safer World (2022). Named in honor of Sissy Farenthold (1926-2021), who dedicated her life to exposing and responding to injustices as a lawyer, legislator, and global leader in human rights, this lecture series inspires audiences to think and act creatively in response to the greatest human rights challenges of the 21st century.

In partnership with the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) and The Gordon Parks Foundation, the 2023 Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Observance explores the role of the media in civil rights movements past and present. Inspired by the MFAH's current exhibition Gordon Parks: Stokely Carmichael and Black Power, panelists share their work and perspectives on how photographers and journalists shape narratives around social justice movements and leaders. Presenters include Lisa Volpe, Curator of Photography at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; Michal Raz-Russo, Program Director at the Gordon Parks Foundation; Baltimore-based photographer Devin Allen; and moderator Tony Diaz, Houston-based writer, activist, and media personality.

“Little Central America, 1984”: A Sanctuary Then, and Now Presented in partnership with DiverseWorks Pay What You Can $5-20 | In-person event with chair seating In advance of the Houston premiere of “Little Central America, 1984,” a performance that reanimates the history of the Sanctuary Movement that offered safe space to refugees fleeing Central American civil wars of the 1980s, performer-writers Elia Arce and Rubén Martínez offer a conversation about the role of art in solidarity and accompaniment. Drawing upon their first-hand witness of the civil wars of the 1980s and the subsequent creation of “Little Central Americas” in places like Houston, Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area and Washington D.C., they contextualize the most recent refugee crisis. What place does Houston's Central American community occupy in the city's culture, politics and imagination? What role does artistic representation play in collective memory and healing? Sixto Wagan, project director of BIPOC Arts Network and Fund, served as interlocutor, joined by Allison Sáenz, a PhD Candidate in the Department of History at the University of Houston who has been recovering history about Houston's sanctuary movement via oral histories.

2022.12.01 World Aids Day by Rothko Chapel

Community members contemplated cycles of life and death across cultures with music, poetry and personal reflections in observance of Dia de los Muertos, All Saint's Day, and National Hospice and Palliative Care Month. 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. Presenters included Acharya Bramdeo ji, Arya Samaj Greater Houston David Leslie, Executive Director, Rothko Chapel Rana S. McClelland, President & CEO, Houston Hospice Diana X. Muniz, Chaplain, Bayou City Hospice Juan Palomo, Poet & Guild Member, Rothko Chapel Tammy Zwahr, Bereavement Counselor, Houston Hospice Jesus Lozano, Guitarist, MECA Rice MusicMDs: David Nemoto, pianist; Serena Kim, violinist; Amara Anyanwu, violinist Houston Hospice is a nonprofit organization that provides uncompromising, compassionate, end-of-life care to patients and families across 13 counties in Texas. Since 1980, we have been committed to the highest quality hospice care for patients of all ages, races, ethnicities and places of origin, with or without insurance. Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is celebrated annually November 1 & 2 to reunite the living and the dead, where mourning is exchanged for celebration. Families create ofrendas (offerings) decorated with marigold flowers, photos of the departed, and the favorite foods and drinks of the family members being honored. The offerings are believed to encourage visits from the land of the dead as the departed souls hear their prayers, smell their foods and join in the celebrations! All Saints' Day, also known as All Hallows' Day, the Feast of All Saints, the Feast of All Hallows, the Solemnity of All Saints, and Hallowmas, is a Christian solemnity celebrated in honour of all the saints of the church, whether they are known or unknown. National Hospice and Palliative Care Month takes place in November, honoring the millions of nurses, home care aides, therapists, and social workers who make a remarkable difference for the patients and families they serve. These heroic caregivers play a central role in our health care system and in homes across the nation.

Songs for Justice: A Series Exploring Music in Social Justice Movements 2022 Annual MLK Birthday Celebration in partnership with Community Music Center of Houston In 2022, the Rothko Chapel presents Songs for Justice, a series of concerts and conversations exploring the role that music plays to further social justice movements, addressing today's inequities and injustices. Coinciding with the Chapel's annual observance of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday on January 15, the series opened with a performance of and discussion about music central to the US Civil Rights Movement. The Community Music Center of Houston Scott Joplin Chamber Orchestra conducted by Dr. Anne Lundy shared a selection of music central to Dr. King's transformative leadership and Black Americans' historic and contemporary struggles for equity. Dr. Shana Redmond, scholar of music, race and politics, discussed the broader history surrounding the relationship between music and activism in the U.S., the importance of music in Rev. King's life, and the strategic use of music within the Civil Rights Movement. Buy Shana Redmond's book Anthem: Social Movements and the Sound of Solidarity in the African Diaspora. Listen to Anthem: The Mixtape, compiled by Shana Redmond & The Dreadstar Movement. The Rothko Chapel started the annual MLK Birthday Celebration in 1979 to connect the contemporary implications of Dr. King's legacy to the ongoing struggle for civil and human rights, captured by artist Barnett Newman's Broken Obelisk. This sculpture, located on the plaza adjacent to the Chapel, is dedicated to Dr. King. Learn more about upcoming programs in the Songs for Justice series. About the presenters Community Music Center of Houston (CMCH), formerly the Society for the Preservation of Spirituals, was founded in 1979. In 1983 CMCH formed the Scott Joplin Chamber Orchestra (SJCO), a 40 member predominantly Black community orchestra in response to the lack of opportunity for Black classically trained musicians in the world of symphony orchestras. Today SJCO is the nation's second oldest predominantly Black chamber orchestra actively performing. Dr. Anne Lundy, CMCH Music Director, Conductor, Violinist, Educator and Ethno-musicologist, began her musical studies on the violin. She received a Bachelor of Music Education in 1977 from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Master of Music in Conducting from the University of Houston in 1979. Dr. Lundy received her Doctor of Musical Arts from University of Houston's Moores School of Music in 2015. She has lectured extensively throughout the United States. In addition, Dr. Lundy has published articles on finding and performing music written by African American composers. In 1989, she is the first African American woman to conduct the Houston Symphony at Miller Outdoor Theater in Houston, TX. She founded and currently conducts the CMCH Scott Joplin Chamber Orchestra, the William Grant Still String Quartet, and teaches violin and viola. Shana L. Redmond, Ph.D. (she|her) is a scholar and author of Anthem: Social Movements and the Sound of Solidarity in the African Diaspora (NYU, 2014) and Everything Man: The Form and Function of Paul Robeson (Duke, 2020), which received a 2021 American Book Award. She has written widely for public audiences, including the critical liner essay for the vinyl soundtrack release of Jordan Peele's film, Us (Waxwork Records, 2019). She is President-Elect of the American Studies Association and Professor of English and Comparative Literature and the Center for the Study of Ethnicity & Race at Columbia University.

In commemoration of World AIDS Day, the Rothko Chapel hosted a morning observance to show support and stand in solidarity with the millions of people living with and impacted by HIV/AIDS. The morning program included live music, personal testimonials, and guided reflection. Shadawn McCants, Owner and Clinical Director of Know and Live Counseling and Consulting, provided first-person testimonial on living with HIV and issues facing Black women in the HIV community. Jeffrey Campbell, Chief Program Officer at AIDS Foundation Houston, shared information on the state of the battle against HIV in Houston and Texas. Moments of reflection were led by Rev. Troy Treash, Senior Pastor of Resurrection MCC, and music was performed throughout by Kelsey Sham on harp. Established by the World Health Organization in 1988 as the first ever global health day, World AIDS Day takes place on the 1st day of December each year. It is an occasion to reflect on the millions of people who have died from HIV/AIDS since the virus was first identified in 1984, and a time to consider how to better care for the 38 million people living with HIV/AIDS, and their families, friends and loved ones who have been deeply impacted.

Charles Kamasaki (Unidos US) & Sister Norma Pimentel (Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley) engaged in a timely conversation exploring immigrants' rights in the US, including how they have historically been understood and changed over time, and the current policy decisions that drive today's US immigration issues. Charles Kamasaki shared a national perspective and Sister Norma Pimentel gave first hand accounts of what is happening at the Texas-Mexico border, including the impact of these policies on thousands of families each year. Their addresses were followed by a moderated conversation with Q&A facilitated by Frances Valdez, Executive Director of Houston in Action. About the Presenters Charles Kamasaki is Senior Cabinet Advisor of UnidosUS, formerly the National Council of La Raza (NCLR). Previously the Executive Vice President of NCLR, Kamasaki for two decades managed the group's research, policy analysis, and advocacy activity. He has authored, co-authored, and supervised the preparation of dozens of policy and research reports, journal articles, and editorials, testified frequently at Congressional and Administrative hearings, coordinated pro bono litigation and legal analysis, and represented the organization at research and policy conferences and symposia. Kamasaki is also a Resident Fellow at the Migration Policy Institute, where he conducted research that produced the book, Immigration Reform: The Corpse That Will Not Die (Mandel-Vilar Press, 2019), about the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 and its follow-on bill the Immigration Act of 1990, the last comprehensive immigration reforms enacted into law. Norma Pimentel, a Sister with the Missionaries of Jesus, is Executive Director of Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley for over 12 years. She oversees the charitable arm of the Diocese of Brownsville, providing oversight of different ministries & services in the Rio Grande Valley through emergency assistance, homelessness prevention, disaster relief, clinical counseling, pregnancy care, food programs, and the Humanitarian Respite Center. Sister Norma has been recognized by many organizations for her humanitarian work on the US-Mexico border overseeing the provision of a safe space for migrants to rest and regain strength. Most recently Pope Francis sent her a video message encouraging her and all the volunteers to continue their work. She was also named to the 2020 TIME100 list of the most influential people in the world. Moderator Frances Valdez (she/her) is the Executive Director of Houston in Action, a collective impact initiative that believes that by working together to reduce systemic barriers we can increase civic participation in the greater Houston region. Their collective work is moved by the shared ethos that, regardless of social identity, people should have equal opportunities to participate in, and have a meaningful impact, on civic life. In 2020, Valdez engaged Houston in Action to be a leader in the first-of-its-kind 2020 Census coordination and historic 2020 election coordination in Harris County. In 2021, that work continued post-Census to include coordinating efforts for equitable Covid vaccination access in Harris County, the creation of Unity Maps with member organizations to affect redistricting lines, and the implementation and funding of Black, Latinx and AAPI Grassroots Organizing Cohorts in Houston. Prior to starting Houston in Action, Valdez had a 13-year career as an immigration attorney, advocacy and policy advisor, director, and civic engagement coordinator within the immigrant rights movement. About the series In conjunction with the Chapel's 50th Anniversary and commitment to furthering social justice nationally and internationally, "Beyond the Rhetoric: Civil Rights & Our Shared Responsibility" speaker series will examine different understandings of and approaches to furthering human rights and civil liberties in the United States.

The Rothko Chapel presented a livestream lecture and conversation with art historian Sheldon Nodelman and Christopher Rothko. In 1997, Nodelman authored Rothko Chapel Paintings: Origin, Structure, Meaning, where he explored the Rothko Chapel as "a masterpiece of twentieth century art and incontestably the greatest work of pictorial installation to date, both dauntingly complex and enigmatic." The quarter century that has elapsed since the publication of Nodelman's book on the Chapel paintings has allowed for further reflection and the emergence of some new evidence regarding Mark Rothko's design and creative process that promotes a fuller estimation of its achievement. Of particular importance is a new understanding of the second of the three painting design phases that culminated in the finished work. This revelation is not only impressive but also enables a better appreciation of the leap of inspiration that resulted in what we know as the Rothko Chapel today. About the presenters Sheldon Nodelman is Emeritus Professor of the History of Art at the University of California, San Diego. He received his B.A., M.A. and Ph.D degrees from Yale University. Before joining the Visual Arts faculty at UCSD, he taught at Bryn Mawr College, Princeton University and Yale. His research fields include Classical Greek and Roman art--especially Roman sculptured portraiture, the twentieth century avant-garde, and art historical theory and method. Prominent among his published works is the major critical study so far of the Rothko Chapel paintings. He is currently pursuing two parallel investigations of the work of Marcel Duchamp. Christopher Rothko, the second of Mark and Mary Alice Rothko's two children, is a psychologist, writer and for the last thirty years, the custodian of the Rothko legacy. He is editor of his father's book of philosophical writings, The Artist's Reality. His book of essays, Mark Rothko from the Inside Out, was published in 2015 by Yale University Press. Dr. Rothko has helped prepare more than two dozen Rothko exhibitions at museums and galleries around the globe and is co-curator of the recent Rothko exhibition at the Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna. He is Past Chair of the Rothko Chapel Board and is currently head of the Opening Spaces Project, guiding the restoration of the Chapel and enhancement of its campus.

Tink Tinker and Dina Gilio-Whitaker engaged in dialogue moderated by Suzanne Benally exploring the concept of rights for the American Indian people. Juxtaposed to western frameworks that focus on individual rights, for American Indians the idea of rights has often been used against the collective interests of tribal nations because the philosophical foundations at the core of Indigenous and western worldviews are dramatically different. About the Presenters Dina Gilio-Whitaker (Colville Confederated Tribes) is a lecturer of American Indian Studies at California State University San Marcos, and an independent educator in American Indian environmental policy and other issues. At CSUSM she teaches courses on environmentalism and American Indians, traditional ecological knowledge, religion and philosophy, Native women's activism, American Indians and sports, and decolonization. She also works within the field of critical sports studies, examining the intersections of indigeneity and the sport of surfing. As a public intellectual, Dina brings her scholarship into focus as an award-winning journalist as well, with her work appearing at Indian Country Today, the Los Angeles Times, High Country News, Time.com, Slate, History.com, Bioneers, Truthout, the Pacifica Network, Grist, and many more. Dina is the author of two books; the most recent award-winning As Long As Grass Grows: The Indigenous Fight for Environmental Justice from Colonization to Standing Rock. She is currently under contract with Beacon Press for a new book under the working title Illegitimate Nation: Privilege, Race, and Accountability in the U.S. Settler State. Tink Tinker is a citizen of the Osage Nation (wazhazhe) and the Clifford Baldridge Emeritus Professor of American Indian Cultures and Religious Traditions at Iliff School of Theology. During his 33 year career at Iliff, Dr. Tinker brought a distinctly American Indian perspective to a predominantly White, euro-christian school, as he continues to do in lectures across the continent. For three decades he volunteered both administratively and as a traditional spiritual leader at Four Winds American Indian Council in Denver, and he continues to work closely with the American Indian Movement of Colorado. His publications include: American Indian Liberation: A Theology of Sovereignty (Orbis, 2008); Spirit and Resistance: American Indian Liberation and Political Theology (Fortress, 2004); Missionary Conquest: The Gospel and Native American Genocide (Fortress Press, 1993); and nearly a hundred journal articles and chapters for edited volumes. Moderator Suzanne Benally is Navajo and Santa Clara Tewa, and she currently serves as the Executive Director of Swift Foundation. She has worked in higher education and the non-profit sector for 40 years. Formerly, Suzanne served as the Executive Director of Cultural Survival, an international Indigenous Peoples rights advocacy organization that advocates for Indigenous Peoples' rights, self-determination, land, language, culture, and political resilience. Prior to Cultural Survival, she served as the Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs at Naropa University and was a core faculty member and previous chair of the environmental studies department. Her extensive experience spans work devoted to social justice, diversity, and equity. Suzanne is currently co-chair of the International Funders for Indigenous Peoples and a Trustee of the Naropa University Board of Trustees. She was a cohort member of the Rothko Chapel's Spirituality and Social Justice initiative to further contemporary understandings about spirituality and social justice. Deeply committed to social, environmental and climate justice, her work, passion, and interests center on relationships and interconnectedness between land, spirituality, culture,

JoDee Winterhof, Senior Vice President for Policy and Political Affairs at Human Rights Campaign and Adri Perez, Policy & Advocacy Strategist at ACLU of Texas discussed the state of LGBTQIA+ rights in the US. JoDee Winterhof addressed national LGBTQIA+ issues and initiatives, followed by Adri Perez who focused on the state of Texas. A moderated conversation with Q&A was facilitated by Rev. Troy Treash, Senior Pastor at Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church. About the Presenters JoDee Winterhof, a veteran political strategist and respected advocate with over 25 years of experience in navigating the complex intersection between politics, campaigns, messaging and public policy, currently serves as Senior Vice President for Policy and Political Affairs for the Human Rights Campaign. In this role, she leads the organization's federal, state and local legislative, field and legal teams, while overseeing management of HRC's political action committees and electoral engagement. This includes the launch of HRC Rising, the largest grassroots expansion effort in the organization's history. Winterhof joined HRC after serving as a Chief of Staff in the US Senate and US House of Representatives, as well as head of advocacy for CARE, an International Non-Governmental Organization. She served as Chief of Staff to former US Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa and Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema (AZ-09).  In addition to her work on the Hill, Winterhof has held leadership roles on multiple presidential, senatorial and congressional campaigns including Hillary Clinton's 2008 presidential campaign. She hails from Walnut, Iowa and is a graduate of Simpson College. She presently resides in Washington, D.C. with her wife and two children.  Adri Perez is a life-long El Pasoan, UTEP graduate, and policy & advocacy strategist for the ACLU of Texas, where they lead LGBTQIA+ advocacy on the Sexuality & Gender Equality team. Adri represents the ACLU of Texas in statewide coalitions, trains and educates families of trans kids, and advocates at the legislature on bills that affect trans Texans. Adri is an organizer whose intersectional experience motivates their advocacy as a native fronterizx, transgender, queer educator and abortion storyteller. Prior to joining the ACLU of Texas in 2018, Adri started West Fund, the first abortion fund in West Texas. They also co-founded the Fronterizx Fianza Fund that raises money to pay bonds for people in immigration detention. Adri previously worked at Ngage New Mexico, Fund Texas Choice, and YWCA El Paso Del Norte. Adri received the Rising Star Award from the League of Women Voters of El Paso and the “Golden Girl” Award from the El Paso Queer Bar Association in 2019. They were recognized as the Texas Rising 2015 Organizer of the Year while a student at the University of Texas at El Paso.   Rev. Elder Troy Treash has served for eight years as the Senior Pastor of Resurrection MCC in Houston, TX. For ten years prior to Resurrection as the Executive Director of Reconciling Ministries Network, Troy flew nationally from home base in Chicago, IL to advocate for equality for LGBTQ persons church by church, network by network, and conference by conference within the United Methodist Church. His ordained ministry began in 1991 in the trenches of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Houston, TX as the Director of the Bering Support Network. He is a member of Houston Coalition Against Hate and serves on the Congregational Council for Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston. He shares life with Walter, his husband of 23 years; Michael, their adopted son; one beagle, Tip; and one cat, Spot. He enjoys cooking, reading, weeding, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, oceans, and aspen trees. He struggles at times with teenager parenting, marathon zoom meetings, defeating white supremacy, and balancing life. He relies upon God's grace.

Texas Children's Hospital Music Therapists Marial Biard and Hillary Gómez presented a family-oriented, interactive contemplative experience focused on mindfulness and music. Join us in 3 different approaches to achieving mindfulness through music at any age! About the Twelve Moments series Since 2005, the Rothko Chapel has shared a monthly contemplative practice featuring different spiritual and faith traditions. Taking place on the first Wednesday of each month from 12-1pm, this series engages teachers and religious leaders from the greater Houston community, providing opportunities to learn more about specific traditions and participate in a contemplative practice. About the presenters The Music Therapy Program at Texas Children's Hospital focuses on creating a safe environment for children and families to relax, have fun, learn, grow, and express themselves through music. Music therapy activities include active music engagement, developmental stimulation through music, movement to music, engaging with music videos and audio recordings, directed singing, songwriting, and therapeutic music instruction. Marial Biard joined the music therapy team at TCH in 2016. Marial became a board-certified music therapist after completing her Master's in Music Therapy at Colorado State University and her Bachelor's in Music Education from Louisiana State University. Marial is a certified Neurologic Music Therapist, gaining Fellowship status in 2019. She currently serves as the Internship Director and the Acute Care music therapist, working with patients in West Tower (Inpatient Rehab Unit, Medical/Surgical Unit, Neurology Unit, and Pulmonary and Adolescent Medicine Unit). Hillary Gómez recently joined the music therapy team at TCH earlier this year. Hillary became a board-certified music therapist after completing her Master's in Music Therapy at Sam Houston State University and her Bachelor's in Piano Performance from Ave Maria University. Hillary currently serves as the Critical Care music therapist, working with patients in Legacy Tower (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Transitional Intensive Care Unit, Heart Failure Intensive Care Unit, Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, Neonatal Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, Heart Center, and Cardiac Patient Care Unit).

Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, President & Senior Lecturer of Repairers of the Breach and Co-Chair of the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call For Moral Revival, addressed his perspective on US civil rights through a moral and faith-based lens. Rev. Dr. Barber shared historical and contemporary experiences of organizing around issues of economic and racial justice across the country, and discussed the work of his coalitions to create lasting, systemic change. Rev. Dr. Barber's talk was followed by a moderated Q&A session led by Rev. Laura Mayo, Covenant Church & Rothko Chapel Board Member. About the series In conjunction with the Chapel's 50th Anniversary and commitment to furthering social justice nationally and internationally, "Beyond the Rhetoric: Civil Rights & Our Shared Responsibility" speaker series will examine different understandings of and approaches to furthering human rights and civil liberties in the United States. Visit the series page to learn more about and register for related events. About the Presenter The Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II is the President & Senior Lecturer of Repairers of the Breach, Co-Chair of the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call For Moral Revival; Bishop with The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries; Visiting Professor at Union Theological Seminary; Pastor of Greenleaf Christian Church, Disciples of Christ in Goldsboro, North Carolina, and the author of four books: We Are Called To Be A Movement; Revive Us Again: Vision and Action in Moral Organizing; The Third Reconstruction: Moral Mondays, Fusion Politics, and The Rise of a New Justice Movement; and Forward Together: A Moral Message For The Nation. Rev. Dr. Barber is also the architect of the Moral Movement, which began with weekly Moral Monday protests at the North Carolina General Assembly in 2013 and recently relaunched again online in August 2020 under the banner of the Poor People's Campaign. In 2018, Rev. Dr. Barber helped relaunch the Poor People's Campaign, which was begun by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968, starting with an historic wave of protests in state capitals and in Washington, D.C., calling for a moral agenda and a moral budget to address the five interlocking injustices of systemic racism, systemic poverty, the war economy and militarism, ecological devastation, and the false moral narrative of Christian nationalism. There are currently 45 state coordinating committees across the country, mobilizing around the Poor People's Jubilee Platform and We Must Do M.O.R.E. (mobilize, organize, register, and educate people for a movement that votes). About the Moderator Rev. Laura Mayo is the Senior Minister of Covenant Church in Houston. She is a graduate of Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, Tennessee and Wake Forest University Divinity School in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Laura is active in Houston interfaith work including membership in American's United for the Separation of Church and State clergy advisory group, The Coalition for Mutual Respect (of the Anti Defamation League), The Faith Leaders Coalition, and Interfaith Ministries' Multi-Faith Council. Laura has been part of many panel discussions including a panel hosted by The University of Houston Law School about what the Bible says about LGBTQ+ relationships, a panel hosted by Project Lifeline concerning the treatment of people at our borders, and panels hosted by The Alley Theatre, The Foundation for Contemporary Theology, Lifeline Chaplaincy, and PFLAG.

Over the next year, each Twelve Moments will highlight the role of music and sound in spiritual practices, and how these practices sustain us in the face of current challenges and injustices. For the month of July, the Rothko Chapel presented a family-friendly laughter meditation, led by Stephen Findley. This offering focused on the power of laughter and humor to encourage healing and release stress from our bodies. Please note some technical difficulties from 5:08-6:30. About the Twelve Moments series Since 2005, the Rothko Chapel has shared a monthly contemplative practice featuring different spiritual and faith traditions. Taking place on the first Wednesday of each month from 12-1pm, this series engages teachers and religious leaders from the greater Houston community, providing opportunities to learn more about specific traditions and participate in a contemplative practice. About the presenter Stephen Findley has been a Presenter and Trainer in Laughter for over a decade delivering Humergy and Mirth to audiences through Laughter Yoga. Certified as a Laughter Yoga Teacher through Laughter Yoga International, Stephen is recognized as an Ambassador of Laughter for his selfless service to spreading laughter and wellness. He was also instrumental in developing the Laughter for Health Program for outpatients and caregivers at the Integrative Medical Center at U.T. M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Available as a Keynote Speaker and Workshop Facilitator, Stephen shares his knowledge by speaking on topics related to Wellness and Spirituality.

Members of First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston celebrated Pride Month with a powerful, family-friendly service including social justice songs, readings and interactive meditations. The offering was organized by the Rev. Dr. Colin Bossen and Music Director Mark Vogel, joined by Rev. D. Scott Cooper, Tawanna Grice, Alma Viscarra, Karen Carlson, and Carol Burrus. In the Chapel's 2020-2021 season, each Twelve Moments highlights the role of music and sound in spiritual practices, and how these practices sustain us in the face of current challenges and injustices. About the Twelve Moments series Since 2005, the Rothko Chapel has shared a monthly contemplative practice featuring different spiritual and faith traditions. Taking place on the first Wednesday of each month from 12-1pm, this series engages teachers and religious leaders from the greater Houston community, providing opportunities to learn more about specific traditions and participate in a contemplative practice. About the presenters The Rev. Dr. Colin Bossen is senior minister of the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston. He has a PhD in American Studies and master's degree in History from Harvard University, an MDiv. from Meadville Lombard Theological School (affiliated with the University of Chicago), and an undergraduate degree from Denison University. A scholar and organizer as well as a religious leader, he has been active in the labor movement and human rights work for many years. He has led worship, workshops or given lectures for congregations, community centers, unions, and academic institutions throughout North America and Europe. He keeps a blog at www.colinbossen.com Mark Vogel received his master's degree from Manhattan School of Music. He serves as Music Director at both First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston and Congregation Beth Israel, and is Artistic Director for International Voices Houston, a multicultural community choir of singers from over 35 different countries. His work also includes regular performance lectures at the Texas Medical Center, exploring how music relates to science and health.

Over the next year, each Twelve Moments will highlight the role of music and sound in spiritual practices, and how these practices sustain us in the face of current challenges and injustices. In May, during the holy month of Ramadan, the Rothko Chapel presented a meditation in the Islamic tradition, led by Mohamed Hussein with Fatimah Ali, Imam Dr. Basem Hamid and Mouaz Al Nass, organized by the Minaret Foundation. A major part of Islamic tradition is the recitation of the Holy Quran. It isn't simply read during holy days - Muslims read the Quran daily and listen to it to relax and reflect. This session compared elements of sound in different recitation styles and showcase how these recitations contribute to the connection people feel when reading and listening to the Quran. It will showcased a thematic recitation where the tunes and melodies match the tone and story being read. About the Twelve Moments series Since 2005, the Rothko Chapel has shared a monthly contemplative practice featuring different spiritual and faith traditions. Taking place on the first Wednesday of each month from 12-1pm, this series engages teachers and religious leaders from the greater Houston community, providing opportunities to learn more about specific traditions and participate in a contemplative practice. About the presenters Mohamed Hussein is an Egyptian American singer/songwriter who has produced songs in both Arabic and English. His songs aim to inspire and deliver a positive message of compassion and unity. He has worked with some of the most talented teams in Egypt and has performed in Cairo as well as touring the USA. All of Mohamed's songs are meant to inspire and direct the listener to perform good deeds and strengthen one's most essential relationships. Imam Dr. Basem Hamid is a practicing neurologist and pain specialist, as well as the Imam of Shadowcreek Islamic Center and a member of the Jurist Council of the Islamic Society of Greater Houston. Born and raised in Syria as part of the refugee program for Palestinians, he graduated from Damascus University’s School of Medicine and attained a Master’s Degree in Islamic Studies. Since immigrating to the United States in 1996, he founded Wasat Institute, an organization dedicated to exploring the intersectionality of health and spirituality. His work has been published numerous times regarding his research overlapping socio-economic issues, health, and faith. Mouaz Al Nass is of Syrian descent and was born in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He holds a degree in Management Information System and studied Inshad and Maqamat (the various styles of religious poetry & songs) under foremost singers in Syria. An expert singer and drummer, he has been involved in many renowned musical performances in the USA, UK. He currently resides in Houston, Texas, and works for the University of Texas Health science center as an IT specialist. Fatimah Ali is the outreach coordinator at Masjid Warithdeen Mohammed and is active in engaging both young people and women in Islamic activities. She has served with Interfaith Ministries on their young leaders team and is active in bridgebuilding efforts throughout Houston.

Over the next year, each Twelve Moments will highlight the role of music and sound in spiritual practices, and how these practices sustain us in the face of current challenges and injustices. For the month of April, the Rothko Chapel presented a meditation in the Zarathushti tradition, led by Kaemerz Dotiwala of the Zoroastrian Association of Houston. This session was focused on The Gathas, seventeen hymns composed by poet-prophet Zarathushtra around 1200 BCE that form the core of Zarathushti liturgy. About the Twelve Moments series Since 2005, the Rothko Chapel has shared a monthly contemplative practice featuring different spiritual and faith traditions. Taking place on the first Wednesday of each month from 12-1pm, this series engages teachers and religious leaders from the greater Houston community, providing opportunities to learn more about specific traditions and participate in a contemplative practice. About the presenters The Zoroastrian Association of Houston (ZAH) was established in 1976 to promote the religious, social, and cultural aspects of the Zoroastrian faith. ZAH is fortunate to have in the local Mobeds (priests) who conduct religious services, ceremonies, and rituals; numerous individuals whose serve on executive boards and committees (i.e. youth, sports, Sunday school, religious services, outreach,Golden Group & Library) provide leadership and vision to growing community and countless active members who through their participation, initiative, and hard work are committed to building a strong community. Kaemerz P. Dotiwala is the President of Mazda Yasni Zarathushti Dar-E-Meher Funds, a non-profit organization established to construct the first consecrated Dar-E-Meher (Fire Temple) in the Western World. Kaemerz has been a resident of Houston since 1975 and is one of the founding members of the Zoroastrian Association of Houston. He has served on its Executive Committee for many years and presently serves as its Chairperson on the Outreach Committee. Kaemerz teaches Sunday School and has been instrumental in founding the Zoroastrian Association Of Houston Youth Group. He has served on the Zoroastrian Association of Houston's Building Fund Committee, and chaired its Fund Raising and Finance Committee. Kaemerz was a Founding participant of The Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America (FEZANA) as well as the representative from ZAH. Kaemerz also served as the first Chairperson of FEZANA’S Zarathushti, Unity and Welfare Committee. This committee was instrumental in resettling Zarathushti refugees from Iran in North America.

In honor of Mark Rothko’s Latvian heritage, Latvian jazz ensemble the Māris Briežkalns Quintet commissioned ten Latvian composers to each create an original jazz composition, arranged and performed by the Quintet. Each composition is created to illustrate the moods and atmosphere evoked by an iconic Rothko painting selected by the composer. This program is underwritten by Peter Ragauss. Performers include Māris Briežkalns – drums, band leader; Viktors Ritovs – piano, keys; Raimonds Macats – harmonica, cello, keys; Kristaps Lubovs – saxophone; and Andris Grunte - double bass Māris Briežkalns Quintet (MBQ) is one of the leading acoustic mainstream bands on the Latvian jazz scene, stretching special accents on pop, jazz, and Latin jazz. MBQ has performed on several international stages, including MIDEM, Pori Jazz, London Jazz Festival, Ottawa Jazz, Jazz at Castle in Prague, Venice Jazz Festival, Blue Note Jazz Club in New York, and Tokyo Jazz Fest. MBQ’s project Latvian Evergreens has two volumes, showcasing Latvian classical and pop music in versatile jazz arrangements. Māris Briežkalns Quintet released five albums: Felix Jazz, Latvian Evergreens Vol 1, Jazz At Castle, Latvian Evergreens Vol 2, and Rothko In Jazz. Māris Briežkalns, the leader of the quintet, is a drummer and producer. Among other things, he is the Head of Latvian Radio Recording Studios Department, was the Artistic Director of Latvian Radio Big Band for several years and has participated in the recording of over 70 music albums, has hosted workshops in Norway, Germany, Great Britain. He runs the Contemporary Music Centre and produces the "Rigas Ritmi Festival” and the International Jazz Artists Competition “Riga Jazz Stage”. Māris Briežkalns has been nominated for and received many awards, including the highest Latvian state honor, The Order of the Three Stars.

To lift up the last 50 years of the Rothko Chapel’s work and mission, and renew and strengthen its commitment to serve as a welcoming interfaith sanctuary for all and a place to rally around the significant human rights issues of the day, the Chapel will hold an interfaith service and human rights celebration including Sufi Whirling, prayers, reflections, and music. Find the full order of service in our digital program: http://rothkochapel.org/assets/pdfs/50th_Interfaith_Service_Digital_Program.pdf

Published by Rizzoli Electa, this beautiful new large-format volume provides photographic testimony along with the insights of scholars who give an intimate look into this sacred space, where visitors seek solace and inspiration. Commemorating the first monograph on Rothko Chapel in more than 20 years, the book’s contributors speak about the Rothko Chapel’s history and how the restoration project came to fruition. Contributors and panelists include: Stephen Fox, architectural historian and Fellow of the Anchorage Foundation of Texas; Paul Hester, architectural photographer, Hester + Hardaway; and Pamela Smart, Associate Professor, Binghamton University; moderated by Ashley Clemmer, Director of Programs and Community Engagement, Rothko Chapel

Following an eighteen-month restoration, the Chapel has reopened to the public with transformed lighting that brings the space into alignment with the founders’ original vision for the first time. This conversation explores the original design of the Rothko Chapel, the importance of light within the building, the Chapel’s growing campus, and the creative process of the Opening Spaces Design Team. Panelists include: Adam Yarinsky, Principal, Architecture Research Office; George S. Sexton III, Principal, George Sexton Associates; and Thomas L. Woltz, Principal, Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects; moderated by Carol Mancusi-Ungaro, Melva Bucksbaum Associate Director for Conservation and Research, Whitney Museum of Art.

Today, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is celebrated for his 'dream' of a just America, but by the end of his career King was calling for a "radical reconstruction" of the United States. What compelled the transformation of King's ideas and what do they tell us about our society today? For the 2021 Annual MLK Birthday Celebration, Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor engaged these questions in hopes of unlocking the ideas and strategies necessary to enact effective and lasting change in the United States. A Q&A session followed the lecture, moderated by Brandon Mack, community activist and lead organizer for Black Lives Matter: Houston. The Chapel started this important annual gathering in 1979 to connect the contemporary implications of Dr. King’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. About the Presenter Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor is an Assistant Professor in the Department of African-American Studies at Princeton University. She is author of Race for Profit: How Banks and the Real Estate Industry Undermined Black Homeownership, published in 2019 by the University of North Carolina Press, longlisted for a National Book Award for nonfiction and a 2020 finalist for the Pulitzer in History. Taylor’s book From #BlackLivesMatter to Black Liberation, won the Lannan Cultural Freedom Award for an Especially Notable Book in 2016. She is also editor of How We Get Free: Black Feminism and the Combahee River Collective, which won the Lambda Literary Award for LGBTQ nonfiction in 2018. Taylor is a columnist for The New Yorker. About the Moderator Brandon Mack is a community activist and sociologist dedicated to issues related to the intersections of race, gender, and sexual orientation. He is a lead organizer with Black Lives Matter: Houston, Co-Chapter Director of New Leaders Council - Houston, Screening Committee and Education and Advocacy Chair of the Houston GLBT Political Caucus, and Research Coordinator for the Mayor’s LGBTQ+ Advisory Board. Mack is currently a Ph.D. student in the Higher Education Leadership & Policy Studies at University of Houston.

Frances Tarlton “Sissy” Farenthold Endowed Lecture Series in Peace, Social Justice and Human Rights Is this really a racial reckoning? with Charles M. Blow Presented in partnership with the Rapoport Center for Human Rights and Justice at UT’s School of Law After the killing of George Floyd, millions of people, of all races and ethnicities, in America and around the world, poured into the streets as part of historic protests to demand racial justice. Some began to call those protests a major civil rights moment, a long-overdue, honest dealing with racial justice and equality. But, as months have passed, as progress has stalled and protests narrow, we are forced to wrestle with the question: Is this really a racial reckoning? Join the Rothko Chapel and the Bernard and Audre Rapoport Center for Human Rights and Justice at the University of Texas at Austin for the 6th annual Frances Tarlton “Sissy” Farenthold Endowed Lecture in Peace, Social Justice and Human Rights. The 2020 Farenthold Lecture kicked-off a series of Rothko Chapel programs exploring the past, present, and future of civil and human rights in this country. Which rights are particularly at-risk in today’s society, and how can we become more effective advocates and activists as we work to undo injustice and create a society of equality and equity? A moderated Q&A session by ABC13’s news anchor Melanie Lawson followed the lecture. About Charles M. Blow Charles M. Blow is an Op-Ed columnist at The New York Times, where his column appears on Mondays and Thursdays. Mr. Blow’s columns tackle hot-button issues such as social justice, racial equality, presidential politics, police violence, gun control, and the Black Lives Matter Movement. Mr. Blow is also a CNN commentator and was a Presidential Visiting Professor at Yale, where he taught a seminar on media and politics. He is the author of the critically acclaimed New York Times best-selling memoir, Fire Shut Up in My Bones. The book won a Lambda Literary Award and the Sperber Prize and made multiple prominent lists of best books published in 2014. People Magazine called it “searing and unforgettable.” Mr. Blow joined The New York Times in 1994 as a graphics editor and quickly became the paper’s graphics director, a position he held for nine years. He then went on to become the paper’s design director for news before leaving in 2006 to become the art director of National Geographic Magazine. Before coming to The Times, Mr. Blow had worked at The Detroit News. He graduated magna cum laude from Grambling State University in Louisiana, where he received a B.A. in mass communications, and he holds an honorary doctorate from Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston. He lives in Brooklyn and has three children.

Los servicios de interpretación estarán a cargo de Antena Houston El Premio bienal Óscar Romero de la Capilla Rothko, se ha otorgado cada dos años, desde 1986, en reconocimiento al valeroso trabajo de incidencia comunitaria en favor de los derechos humanos. El premio lleva su nombre en honor al arzobispo Óscar Romero de San Salvador, quien fuera asesinado el 24 de marzo de 1980 debido a su fuerte oposición contra la violenta opresión de sus compatriotas. Partiendo de los temas sobre cambio climático discutidos en nuestro Simposio de Primavera del 2019: “Hacia un mejor futuro: Transformando la crisis climática”, la Capilla Rothko reconocerá a tres personas comprometidas con la justicia del medio ambiente y quienes juntas representan la intersección de la Capilla Rothko con el arte, la espiritualidad y los derechos humanos. Los galardonados del 2020 incluyen a: Germán Chirinos, Fundador de MASSVIDA (Honduras); Bernadette Demientieff, Directora Ejecutiva de Gwich’in Steering Committee (Alaska); y a Jorge Díaz, Co-Fundador de AgitArte (Puerto Rico). Gérman Chirinos es activista hondureño por los derechos del agua y la tierra. Desde hace más de 10 años, tierras protegidas y públicas del sur de Honduras han sido privatizadas y proyectos de energía a gran escala y de explotación forestal han limitado el acceso al agua y a la tierra. Motivado por esta creciente crisis medioambiental, en el 2014 Gérman se unió a otros activistas para fundar el Southern Environmental Movement for Life (Movimiento Ambientalista del Sur por la Vida) o MASSVIDA, una asociación que incluye a 37 comunidades que se encuentran en resistencia activa en contra de la destrucción de la tierra y el agua. Cuando se le preguntó sobre el impacto de este premio para MASSVIDA, Germán dijo: “Ya no nos podrán silenciar, nuestro trabajo será reconocido.” Bernadette Demientieff es la Directora Ejecutiva de la Gwich’in Steering Committee (Junta Directiva de Gwich’in) y es Gwichyaa Zhee Gwich’in. Bernadette es firme en su protección del Refugio Ártico Nacional de la Vida Silvestre del Llano Costero, el Porcupine Caribou Herd (La Manada del Puerco Espín Caribú) y el modo de vida Gwich’in. Bernadette es miembro del consejo del Arctic Refuge Defense Council (Consejo de Defensa de Refugio Ártico). También ejerce como miembro del comité asesor del NDN Collective (Colectivo Indígena), el Care of Creations Task Force (Grupo de Trabajo del Cuidado de las Creaciones), el Native Movement Alaska (Movimiento Nativo de Alaska) y el Defend the Sacred Alaska (Defensa de la Sagrada Alaska). Es miembro tribal del Gwichyaa Zhee Gwich’in Tribal Government (Gobierno Tribal Gwichyaa Zhee Gwich’in) y es líder del consejo del ITR. Cuando se le preguntó sobre sus años de activismo, Bernadette respondió, "Todxs debemos recordar que estamos en un camino espiritual, y que son fundamentales tanto la co-existencia como el respeto mutuo hacia las formas de vida de lxs demás". Jorge Díaz co-fundó AgitArte en 1997 en Santurce, PR, y es uno de los editores del libro When We Fight, We Win! (Cuando luchamos, ¡ganamos!). Jorge es titiritero, educador popular y organizador bicultural con más de 25 años de experiencia. Está profundamente comprometido con las luchas de la clase trabajadora contra sistemas opresivos, concretamente el colonialismo, el patriarcado, la supremacía blanca y el capitalismo. Jorge es también uno de los fundadores de Papel Machete, un colectivo radical de artistas y trabajadores de teatro callejero/titiriteros dedicado a la educación, agitación y trabajo solidario en el Puerto Rico del siglo XXI y en su Diáspora. Al recibir la noticia del premio, Jorge dijo: “Acepto este premio como una oportunidad para reafirmar mi compromiso individual de continuar en la lucha colectiva por una vida en la que podamos liberarnos de la violencia”. Este programa está financiado por The Jacob and Terese Hershey Foundation.

The Rothko Chapel's biennial Óscar Romero Award has been given every two years since 1986 in recognition of courageous, grassroots human rights advocacy. The award is named in honor of Archbishop Óscar Romero of San Salvador who was assassinated on March 24, 1980, because of his vocal opposition to the violent oppression of his fellow citizens. Building upon climate change topics addressed at our 2019 Spring Symposium: “Toward a Better Future: Transforming the Climate Crisis,” the Chapel honors three recipients who are committed to climate justice, and together represent the Chapel's intersection of art, spirituality and human rights. 2020 Awardees include: Gérman Chirinos, Founder of MASSVIDA (Honduras); Bernadette Demientieff, Executive Director of the Gwich’in Steering Committee (Alaska); and Jorge Díaz, Co-Founder of AgitArte (Puerto Rico). The virtual ceremony was led by David Leslie, Executive Director of the Rothko Chapel and an invocation was given by Myokei Caine-Barrett, Shonin, the Resident Priest of Myoken-ji Temple in Houston. This year's Nomination Committee included Cassandra Carmichael, Executive Director at the National Religious Partnership for the Environment; Guillermo Kerber, former Program Executive for Climate Justice at the World Council of Churches; Cara Mertes, Project Director for Moving Image Strategies at the Ford Foundation; Marianne Møllmann. Director of Regional Programs at the Fund for Global Human Rights; Bryan Parras, Healthy Communities Campaign Organizer at the Sierra Club; and Nato Thompson, Artistic Director at Philadelphia Contemporary. About the Awardees: Gérman Chirinos is a land and water rights activist from Honduras. Over the past 10 years, protected and publicly held lands in southern Honduras have been privatized, and large-scale energy projects and logging have limited access to water and land. Motivated by this growing environmental crisis, Gérman joined other activists in 2014 to found the Southern Environmental Movement for Life (Movimiento Ambientalista del Sur por la Vida) or MASSVIDA, an association of 37 communities in active resistance to the destruction of land and water. When asked what difference the award will make for MASSVIDA, Gérman said: “We will no longer be silenced, our work will become known.” Bernadette Demientieff is the Executive Director of the Gwich’in Steering Committee and she is Gwichyaa Zhee Gwich’in. Bernadette stands strong to protect the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge-Coastal Plain, the Porcupine Caribou Herd and the Gwich’in way of life. Bernadette is a council member for the Arctic Refuge Defense Council. She also serves as an advisory board member for NDN Collective, the Care of Creations Task Force, Native Movement Alaska, and Defend the Sacred Alaska. She is a tribal member of the Gwichyaa Zhee Gwich’in Tribal Government, and on the leadership council for ITR. When asked about her years of advocacy, Bernadette said, "We must all remember that we are on a spiritual path and that co-existing and respecting each other’s ways of life is important." Jorge Díaz co-founded AgitArte in 1997 based in Santurce, PR and is an editor of the book When We Fight, We Win! He is a puppeteer, popular educator and bicultural organizer with over 25 years of experience. He is deeply committed to working class struggles against oppressive systems, namely colonialism, patriarchy, white supremacy, and capitalism. Jorge is also a founding member of Papel Machete, a collective of radical artists and street theater/puppetry workers dedicated to education, agitation and solidarity work in 21st century Puerto Rico and its Diaspora. Upon announcement of receiving the award, Jorge said, "I take this award as an opportunity to reaffirm my individual commitment to continue in the collective struggle for a life in which we can be free from violence." This program was underwritten by The Jacob and Terese Hershey Foundation.

Over the next year, each Twelve Moments will highlight the role of music and sound in spiritual practices, and how these practices sustain us in the face of current challenges and injustices. For the month of February, the Rothko Chapel presented a meditation in the Bahá'í tradition, led by members of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of Houston, organized by Marcel Wormsley. According to the Baha’i writings, music is “a ladder for our souls, a means whereby we may be lifted up unto the realm on high.” In the Baha’i tradition, music will often involve the setting of sacred writings to song and instrument, or may be in the form of a prayer chant. Join to experience an immersion into a slice of the musical soul of the Baha’i community, including performances by Badie Khaleghian (vocals, keyboard), TJ Stapleton (vocals, guitar), Robyn Smith Retzlaff (vocals), and Kamal Khanjani (vocals). The musical offerings will be uplifting, contemplative, and sublime, and are exemplary of what the Baha'i community may hear during periodic gatherings, devotionals and holy day celebrations. About the Twelve Moments series Since 2005, the Rothko Chapel has shared a monthly contemplative practice featuring different spiritual and faith traditions. Taking place on the first Wednesday of each month from 12-1pm, this series engages teachers and religious leaders from the greater Houston community, providing opportunities to learn more about specific traditions and participate in a contemplative practice. About the presenters The Bahá'í Faith has been part of the Houston community since the 1930s. The first Local Spiritual Assembly in Houston was established in 1942, and local members were involved in legal and social civil rights movement efforts from the 40s through the 60s. Since the early 2000s, the Houston Baha'i Center has made its home in Midtown Houston. Currently, the Houston Bahá’ís are involved in various community building efforts throughout the city, including children's education, junior youth groups, and study circles, all punctuated by regular devotional gatherings throughout the city, and firesides in homes and at the Houston Baha'i Center. To learn more visit bahaihouston.com

Over the next year, each Twelve Moments will highlight the role of music and sound in spiritual practices, and how these practices sustain us in the face of current challenges and injustices. For the month of March, the Rothko Chapel presents a meditation in the Hindu tradition, led by Dr. Hansa Medley and representatives of International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) of Houston. In this traditional Vedic or Hindu meditation we will vibrate sacred sound in the form of the maha-mantra (maha - great, man - mind, tra - liberating). To start, our first mantra meditation will be chanted individually (japa), then we will chant the maha-mantra collectively in call-and-response (kirtan) accompanied accompanied by Doug Sauer (mridanga drum) and Damodar Sharan (harmonium & vocals). About the Twelve Moments series Since 2005, the Rothko Chapel has shared a monthly contemplative practice featuring different spiritual and faith traditions. Taking place on the first Wednesday of each month from 12-1pm, this series engages teachers and religious leaders from the greater Houston community, providing opportunities to learn more about specific traditions and participate in a contemplative practice. About the presenter Hansa Bhakti Medley M.D. has been practicing Gaudiya Vaisnavism since 1981 under the guidance of H.H. Tamal Krishna Goswami, a disciple of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder of the Hare Krishna Movement. In addition to being the Director of Outreach for the Hare Krishna Temple where she serves as a teacher, priest and advisor, she also works as primary care physician. Douglas Sauer has been serving as a brahmacari, student-monk, in the ISKCON Houston community for the past 2 years. Born & raised in Pittsburgh, PA, he completed a BA in Criminology from Pennsylvania State University. While in college he developed an interest in eastern spiritual practices and began his personal practice of meditation and yoga. It was there that he met some practitioners of the Gaudiya Vaisnava tradition, and became attracted by both the rich depth of its philosophy and the sincere application of its principles by its followers. He is currently preparing for formal initiation or baptism in ISKCON. Damodara Sharana das (Devesh Kasireddy) has been practicing mantra meditation since his childhood, for nearly 21 years, committing to a daily regimen of chanting and singing in prayer. He is a youth leader at ISKCON who also engages in outreach & interfaith activities. He is currently a senior at the University of Houston, studying Biochemistry with the hopes of pursuing medical school.

Please note, this livestream recording is choppy during the Q&A session due to some connection disruption during the live event. Over the next year, each Twelve Moments will highlight the role of music and sound in spiritual practices, and how these practices sustain us in the face of current challenges and injustices. For the month of January, the Rothko Chapel presented a crystal bowl meditation to mark New Year's Day, led by Dana Shamas of Bayou Bliss Yoga. About the Twelve Moments series Since 2005, the Rothko Chapel has shared a monthly contemplative practice featuring different spiritual and faith traditions. Taking place on the first Wednesday of each month from 12-1pm, this series engages teachers and religious leaders from the greater Houston community, providing opportunities to learn more about specific traditions and participate in a contemplative practice. About the presenter Dana’s passion for health and wellbeing comes from the heart. As a therapeutic yoga teacher, breathwork facilitator, biofield tuning practitioner, and crystal bowl musician, Dana understands how complementary tools in the healing arts can facilitate a profound and lasting transformation. Her work as a certified practitioner in biofield tuning brings structure and form to the power of healing vibration that is available to all beings. With her generous spirit and open nature, she creates a safe and nurturing environment in which her clients can explore, release, receive, and heal. Dana’s previous work in the world of business and finance gives her a unique perspective on the challenges we face day to day, and how elusive a sense of wholeness and harmony can be. Dana knows that harmony within ourselves gives us the capacity to create a more harmonious life. She is dedicated to helping people find a deeper connection to their Higher Selves so that they may fully express who they are and what they are meant to do.

Over the next year, each Twelve Moments will highlight the role of music and sound in spiritual practices, and how these practices sustain us in the face of current challenges and injustices. For the month of December, the Rothko Chapel presented a meditation in the Christian tradition, led by representatives from Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church Music Ministry. Organized by Music Minister Leon Lewis (keyboard) and featuring Sabrina Gatson (vocals) and Jamie Perry (violin), this contemplative performance explored the history and significance of gospel music in the Baptist tradition. About the Twelve Moments series Since 2005, the Rothko Chapel has shared a monthly contemplative practice featuring different spiritual and faith traditions. Taking place on the first Wednesday of each month from 12-1pm, this series engages teachers and religious leaders from the greater Houston community, providing opportunities to learn more about specific traditions and participate in a contemplative practice. About the presenters Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church is a worshiping, witnessing and welcoming congregation committed to a spirit of excellence in the praise of the Almighty God through Jesus Christ; the Christian Education of children, youth and adults for the maturation in the faith; and worldwide ministry for the promotion of peace and justice in every aspect of life. In March of 1962, 13 pioneering worshipers assembled in the lounge of Texas Southern University’s Baptist Student Union for the sole purpose of establishing an ecclesiastical form of expression through which the worship of God and service to mankind could co-exist. Led by Founding Pastor Rev. William A. Lawson until 2004 and by Senior Pastor Rev. Dr. Marcus D. Cosby today, the congregation has grown to over 12,000 members and a multitude of ministries. To learn more visit wheelerbc.org.

The Rothko Chapel presented a meditation in the Jain tradition, led by Samani Punya Pragya Ji & Samani Jigyasa Pragya Ji of JVB Preksha Meditation Center. We are all familiar with external music but have you ever experienced internal music? This session compared elements of sound in two different approaches to meditation in the Jain tradition - Mantra Meditation (external sound) and Deep Breathing Meditation (internal sound). Mantra Meditation focuses on humming or chanting certain syllables and frequencies to create healing vibrations in the body, while Deep Breathing Meditation emphasizes attention to the inner vibrations and sounds within the body. Samani Ji's shared the histories of these healing meditative traditions and facilitate practices of both methods.

The Rothko Chapel presented a meditation in the Jewish tradition, led by Cantor Rollin Simmons of Congregation Emanu El. During these uncertain times, it is essential to find ways to be present in the moment, to not just wish this time away, but to find joy and gratitude around and within ourselves. As we near the most sacred time of the Jewish calendar - Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year and Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement - we will use the tools of Jewish ritual and prayer to bring awareness to our bodies and lift our spirits up with song.

Aset Hetep presented a family friendly meditation focused on unconditional love in the Ancient Kemetic (Nubian Egyptian) tradition. Amidst the developing COVID-19 pandemic, concerns about returning to school, and ongoing work to address racial injustices, this guided meditation for all ages helped us to release judgement, negativity, and attachments, moving into a space of understanding and unconditional love. Let go of passing judgement in order to tap into the high vibrational frequency of unconditional love for self, others and the planet. About the presenter Aset Hetep is the founder of Shemsu Ra Inc - a Non-profit 501 (c)(3) Organization dedicated to helping spread Divine Light, Love, Peace, Wisdom, Harmony, Order and Equanimity (Maat) throughout the world. She is a Certified Yoga Instructor, Certified Reiki Practitioner and Teacher. She also teaches classes on how to effectively meditate. Aset left the corporate world two years ago, where she worked as a Senior Computer Security Engineer to serve a higher purpose in the world fulltime. About the Twelve Moments series Since 2005, the Rothko Chapel has shared a monthly contemplative practice featuring different spiritual and faith traditions. Taking place on the first Wednesday of each month from 12-1pm, this series engages teachers and religious leaders locally from the greater Houston community, providing opportunities to learn more about specific traditions and participate in a contemplative practice.

Please note the meditation recording is choppy for the first 40 seconds. For the month of November, the Rothko Chapel presented a meditation in the Bön Buddhist tradition, led by Tibetan Lama Geshe Denma Gyaltsen and Tibetan meditation teacher, Alejandro Chaoul of Ligmincha Texas. This session of Tibetan meditation used seed syllables, comprised of three vocalized sounds that connect and awaken your body, speech, and mind. Each seed sound is explored first individually then combined to promote clarity and balance amidst the stressors of a pandemic, hurricanes, wildfires, and election season. Dr. Alejandro Chaoul is the founding director of The Jung Center's Mind Body Spirit Institute (MBSI) and holds a doctoral degree in religious studies from Rice University. He is currently an adjunct faculty member at UT Medical School and MD Anderson Cancer Center, where since 1999, he has been leading people with cancer and their family members through mind/body/spirit techniques aimed at reducing stress and facilitating healing. He has also engaged in research to assess the benefits of these practices in different populations. Dr. Chaoul is the author of Tibetan Yoga for Health and Well-Being and Chöd Practice in the Bön Tradition. Dr. Chaoul has personally studied Buddhist practices and traditions with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Löpon Tenzin Namdak and Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche. He brings over 20 years of experience as a teacher of Bön Buddhism and Tibetan yoga. His affiliation with the Ligmincha Institute has given him the opportunity to instruct throughout the United States, Latin America, and Europe. He is also a senior teacher of the 3 Doors program and has been recognized as a Fellow of the Mind & Life institute. Dr. Chaoul serves as an advisor of the Rothko Chapel. Geshe Denma Gyaltsen is the resident lama of Ligmincha Texas. He arrived in Houston in January 2016 to serve as Ligmincha Texas’s first resident lama. Geshe Denma was born in northern Nepal. His father brought him to Menri Monastery, India, regarded as the mother Bon monastery in exile, in 1981 to begin his program of study toward the Geshe degree. He received all the Bon teachings, initiations and transmissions in sutra, tantra and dzogchen from His Holiness Lungtok Tenpai Nyima Rinpoche, the 33rd Menri Trizin, and His Eminence Yongdzin Tenzin Namdak Rinpoche. When he became a senior student, he was asked to teach philosophy to younger students. He successfully completed this degree program in 1996 and was awarded the Geshe certificate, which is considered equivalent to a Ph.D. in Bön Buddhist philosophy and religion. Geshe Denma was an accomplished teacher and in 1998 was appointed, with the approval of the Tibetan government in exile, first abbot of Zhu Rishing Yungdrung Kundak-Ling Monastery, a Bon Monastery in Sikkim, India by His Holiness. He served two terms in this capacity until 2003. In addition, from the time he graduated until 2008, Geshe Denma also was active in assisting Geshe Nyima Dakpa with the Bon Children’s Home, which houses many children in Dolanji, India, providing them with food, healthcare and free education.

Celebrating the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the Rothko Chapel, in partnership with the Barbara Jordan – Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University, presented a conversation exploring the influence of MLK and the Civil Rights Movement on the environmental justice movement. Scholars, activists and community leaders explored the evolution of the environmental justice movement, continued environmental challenges and inequities faced by vulnerable and frontline communities, and actions being taken to improve the health of the region. Speakers include: George Kieh, TSU BJ-ML School of Public Affairs Dean; David Leslie, Executive Director of the Rothko Chapel; Dr. Robert Bullard, Distinguished Professor of Urban Planning and Environmental Policy at Texas Southern University; Richard M. Mizelle, Jr., Associate Professor of History and Director of Graduate Studies at the University of Houston; Bridgette Murray, Founder and Executive Director of Achieving Community Tasks Successfully (ACTS); and Yvette Arellano, policy research and grassroots advocate with Texas Environmental Justice Advocacy Services (t.e.j.a.s.). This program was presented as part of the Rothko Chapel’s two-year programmatic initiative exploring climate change's impact on individuals around the world, culminating with the biennial Rothko Chapel Óscar Romero Award for Human Rights in 2020.

Offsite Program 5/16/19 Neuroscience and Visual Art: The Complex Relationship of Light, Color and the Brain Houston Museum of Natural Science (HMNS) “It is not what you look at that matters. It is what you see.” – Henry David Thoreau Light allows us to experience our world, including art, and different lighting conditions have a profound impact on our overall visual perception. This lecture by neurologist and Rothko Chapel board member, Dr. Aziz Shaibani, illustrated the physical properties of light and the way the brain processes light and color, providing insight into the complex relationship between light, perception, and art. This event was one in a series of offsite programs presented by the Rothko Chapel in partnership with Houston-area organizations while the Chapel is closed for restoration. The Rothko Chapel and grounds are closed to the public, to reopen in early 2020. This temporary closure is the first part of the implementation of the Rothko Chapel Opening Spaces master plan, focused on preserving the Chapel as a unique public art site and spiritual space, serving the growing number of visitors and program participants, and setting the stage for programmatic expansion. About the presenter: Aziz Shaibani, MD, is a practicing neurologist in Houston who also specializes in neuromuscular medicine and neurophysiology. Dr. Shaibani graduated from Mosul University in Iraq in 1983 and completed residency in neurology and fellowship in neuromuscular disorders at Baylor College of Medicine, and currently is the director of Nerve & Muscle Center of Texas and is affiliated with Baylor St Luke's Medical Center. He is a clinical professor at Baylor College of Medicine. He is past president of the Texas Neurological Society and current vice president of the neuromuscular section of the American Academy of Neurology, and the past president of the National Arab American Medical Association, and currently serves as the President of the Arab-American Educational Foundation and is on the Board of the Arab American National Museum and the Rothko Chapel. Dr. Shaibani published a prize winning book "Video Atlas of Neuromuscular Diseases," the second edition was released in 2018 by Oxford University Press. He has published many articles in peer reviewed journals including the New England Journal of Medicine.

4/8/19 Offsite: Texas Light: The Art & Architecture of the Rothko Chapel University of Houston Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design Theater Presented in partnership with the University of Houston School of Architecture, this program explored the role of light in creating intentional experiences, and the history of the Rothko Chapel’s architectural design with special focus on the skylight, from conception to post-renovation. The program included presentations by Christopher Rothko, George Sexton, and Stephen Cassell, and will be followed by a moderated conversation by Sandra Zalman, UH Art History Professor. Christopher Rothko, writer, son of the artist Mark Rothko, and former Chair of the Rothko Chapel Board of Directors, will share the history of the commission and design of the Rothko Chapel, the collaboration between Mark Rothko and original architect Phillip Johnson, the importance of natural light in the Rothko Chapel (and how this differs from Rothko paintings) and the past iterations of the Chapel skylight since its opening in 1971. Stephen Cassell, founding Principal of Architecture Research Office (ARO), who is leading the restoration effort of the Chapel, will discuss the current state of the Chapel and the planned restoration project, including the new skylight, that will for the first time fully bring the Chapel into alignment with Mark Rothko’s original vision. Cassell will also describe the expansion of the Chapel’s campus with three new buildings that support the Chapel’s public programs. George Sexton, Founder and Principal of George Sexton Associates, and an expert in museum lighting will discuss how the design of the new skylight and baffle system was developed through the use of a large-scale day-light model. Sexton will also discuss the innovative artificial lighting system that will light the paintings. This event was one in a series of offsite programs presented by the Rothko Chapel in partnership with Houston-area organizations while the Chapel is closed for renovations. The Rothko Chapel and grounds are closed to the public, to reopen in winter 2019/2020. This temporary closure is the first part of the implementation of the Rothko Chapel Opening Spaces master plan, focused on preserving the Chapel as a unique public art site and spiritual space, serving the growing number of visitors and program participants, and setting the stage for programmatic expansion.

3/2/19 1-2:30pm Legislation and Public Policy Strategies Positive climate change outcomes depend on sound legislative decisions at the local, state, and national levels. Attendees learned about current policy initiatives and how we can be more effective advocates. Lara Cottingham, Chief of Staff of the Administration and Regulatory Affairs Department and the Chief Sustainability Officer for the City of Houston Jay Blazek Crossley, Executive Director of Farm&City Luke Metzger, Executive Director of Environment Texas Bakeyah Nelson, Executive Director of Air Alliance Houston Moderator: Elizabeth Love, Senior Program Officer for the Houston Endowment, Inc. The Rothko Chapel and University of St. Thomas hosted a three day symposium exploring the current climate crisis, its impact on vulnerable communities, and mitigation efforts being implemented locally and nationally. Given the global interconnectedness of the climate crisis, the symposium explored how best to move to a zero emission, low carbon economy through the engagement of presenters from religious, Indigenous, public health, energy, government, philanthropic, academic and arts sectors and communities. A central focus was on individual and institutional actions, practices and policies that must be taken to create a more livable and equitable future.