“Recommitting to Democracy” Program Season Kick-off Festival
Program Season Kick-off: "Recommitting to Democracy: A Sacred & Creative Struggle"
Pay What You Can $0-25 | In-person with bench seating
In 2026, as the Chapel celebrates its 55th anniversary, the United States marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, beginning our nation’s experiment in realizing an imperfect democracy—governance by the people, for the people. Join us as we open a new programmatic year focused on the roles of art and faith in American democracy, citizenship and civic engagement with a ceremony rooted in sacred connection and energized by the creative spirit. Through inspiring voices, music, and interactive community experiences, you'll leave activated to imagine, connect, and help shape a more just and compassionate world.
1-4pm – Festival Activities on Plaza
Sign the larger-than-life "We the People" constitution preamble banner created by Backbone Campaign, explore hands-on creative activities, and get to know community organizations who are expanding and enhancing democracy locally. Community Partners include ACLU-TX, Align Mind, Children's Museum Houston, Fenceline Watch, FIEL Houston, Friends of the Boulevard, Food Not Bombs Houston, Houston Toolbank, Ice House Radio, Kitchen Table Puppets + Press, League of Women Voters of Houston, Nuestra Palabra, Texas Civil Rights Project and more to be announced! Food vendors including Casita Coffee & Rosa Deli will be onsite.
1:30-2:15pm – Ceremony inside Chapel (Registration Encouraged)
Ceremony presenters include Abdullah Antepli (Rothko Chapel), Avery Belyeu (Montrose Center), DACAMERA Young Artists, Carolyn King (Rothko Chapel), Rebecca McIlwain (Texas Impact), Sonny Mehta (Riyaaz Qawwali), poet Lupe Mendez, Councilmember Joe Panzarella (District C), Shaheen Rahman (Islamic Arts Society), Rabbi David Segal (Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty), Cherry Steinwender (Center for the Healing of Racism), Frances Valdez (Houston in Action), and Dr. Mia Wright (The Fountain of Praise).
2:45-3pm – Young Visitors' Story Time in the Welcome House: Sometimes People March
Gather for a reading of Sometimes People March, encouraging reflection on community, empathy, and peaceful participation in democracy.
Learn more about the our full program season "We the People: Art, Faith & the Sacred Work of Democracy"
