Happy Holidays

The expression, “it takes a village to raise a child,” is never truer than when talking about young adults from Houston’s traditionally underrepresented neighborhoods. Creative programs to educate and encourage their individual strengths, interests, fears, and dreams are certainly needed now more than ever.

Your $25 tax deductible gift will underwrite one grateful student for our 2012 programs.

Dr. Maya Angelou Event

Dr. Maya Angelou is hailed as one of the great voices of contemporary black literature and as a remarkable Renaissance woman.

HOUSTON, TX (April 11, 2011) The Brilliant Lecture Series announced today that Dr. Maya Angelou will be the next speaker to be held Thursday, September 22, 2011 7:00pm at historic St. Paul’s United Methodist Church [5501 Main Street]. A mesmerizing vision of grace, swaying and stirring when she moves; Dr. Angelou captivates her audiences lyrically with vigor, fire and perception.

In the eyes of young people a celebrity is someone who lives a glamorous life of fun and fortune, not someone who’s had to struggle for their success. Through the lecture series, speakers share their story of how they achieved their level of extraordinary achievement and in turn inspire and motivate our audiences – anything is possible.

Our Youth Leadership programs include BRiLL KiDS Talks that are smaller events, specifically designed to encourage young people to view their own lives with fresh eyes, and to offer opportunities for growth and development through hearing how prominent people in the community have accomplished their own goals. The environments for this series are more intimate and allow greater opportunities for the students for dialogue with the speakers.

The International Youth Leadership programming comprises exchange visits for middle and high school age students so they may take the opportunity of getting to know people whose cultural backgrounds are different from theirs: wider knowledge will help promote future peace and understanding.

“She has the unique ability to shatter the opaque prisms of race and class with her unique perspective and that powerful voice,” says Scott Brogan, Founding Director of the nonprofit organization.

For tickets [$100 individual tickets], VIP opportunities, Sponsorships visit brilliantlectures.org or call 713-974-1335.

Plane ride to Amman

I had the priviledge of meeting the “BRILL” students on the plane from JFK to Amman, Jordan. What a wonderful, intelligent, and well-mannered group of young people! I am traveling in Jordan and Qatar this week and feel truly fortunate to have met this group of talented students. Their parents and families should be very proud. I hope you guys are having a wonderful time in Jordan and accomplishing all of the fantastic things that Ms. Freeman and Mr. Brogan had on your itinerary. You guys are totally “brill!!!” – Susan Markham