The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo doesn’t officially start until Tuesday, March 1st , however, this is party season for many of the rodeo committees.
On Saturday night, hundreds of men and women strapped on their finest western wear to attend the 18th Annual Black Heritage Western Gala at Reliant Center.
It was a fun-filled night featuring dinner, drinks and dancing to Zydeco music.
The evening was also a nonstop fashion show of cowboys and cowgirls wearing their best jeans, jackets, dresses, leather skirts and boots.
Several community leaders were also honored during the evening. The honorees were Cynthia clay Briggs/Executive Director of Communities in Schools; George Durham/retired deputy from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office;Eveyln Henry/Houston Independent School District;Karen Levingston-Franklin/Chairman and CEO, World Youth Foundation; Rissie Owens/Chairman, Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles; Kimberly Ratcliff/Vice President, 100 Ranchers-Texas and Wesley Ratcliff/Former Chairman, Independent Cattlemen’s Association of Texas.
The Black Heritage Committee hosts several activities during the year. The gala is its major fundraiser to support youth scholarships.
Last year, the Black Heritage Committee awarded $285,000 in scholarships to nineteen outstanding students.
Members say the purpose of the committee is tot promote the Houston Livestock Show and rodeo in the African-American community.
Mark your calendars. 
Friday, March 4, is Black Heritage Day at the Rodeo.
Janet Jackson is scheduled to perform.
Mary Benton Media 
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