Rothko Chapel

In Memoriam: Tenzin Robert Thurman (1941–2026)
We join communities around the world in mourning the passing of Tenzin Robert Thurman, whose teachings on compassion, mindfulness, and human connection touched countless lives.

In 2014, Thurman visited the Rothko Chapel alongside Sharon Salzberg for Love Your Enemies, a community workshop exploring how love and understanding can transform anger and deepen our connection to one another.
https://rothkochapel.org/experience/events/event/love-your-enemies

We are grateful for the wisdom he shared and the spirit of compassion he brought to our community.

May his memory be a blessing. 🕊️

What do we choose to remember—and how do we honor those stories in public space?

This Juneteenth, the Rothko Chapel welcomed Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, architect Michael Murphy, landscape architect Walter Hood, and Imam Abdullah Antepli for a powerful dialogue on memory, memorials, and Houston’s ongoing pursuit of racial justice. Together, they explored how architecture, public art, and civic spaces can help communities confront difficult histories while imagining a more just future.

We are grateful to our partners, Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis and the Office of Commissioner Rodney Ellis, for helping create a meaningful conversation on remembrance, truth-telling, and collective responsibility. As highlighted in Houston Style Magazine, the discussion reflected the power of bringing civic leadership, design, and community dialogue together in service of a more equitable future.

Read the full feature in Houston Style Magazine:
https://stylemagazine.com/news/2026/jun/22/commissioner-rodney-ellis-joins-rothko-chapel-conversation-on-memory-memorials-and-houstons-fight-for-racial-justice/

New WEBINAR coming tomorrow!
When the World Arrives: Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention During Major Events

Join Rothko Chapel and PACT, in collaboration with The Children's Assessment Center - Houston-Harris County, for a timely and informative webinar exploring human trafficking awareness and prevention during major events.

📅 Thursday, June 11, 2026
⏰ 11:00–11:45 AM CT
📍 Free Webinar

Featuring:
• Lori Cohen, CEO, PACT
• Karen Kennard, Assistant Executive Director, The Children’s Assessment Center Houston
Moderated by:
• Abdullah Antepli

We invite community members, educators, nonprofit leaders, advocates, and anyone interested in protecting vulnerable populations to join this important conversation.

🔗 Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_upI81m78Tk6qncgAJP1_gg #/registration

Compassion is more than a feeling—it is a practice that connects us across differences and reminds us of our shared humanity.

At Rothko Chapel, we honor leaders who challenge us to build a more peaceful and compassionate world. Muhammad Ali's commitment to service and standing up for what is right continues to inspire our work and community. As we observe the 10th anniversary of Ali's passing today, and continue to build our partnership with the Muhammad Ali Center, we are inspired by one of Lonnie Ali's guiding principles:

“We are learning [what] is real compassion is not passive. It is choosing to look suffering in the eye and not turn away. It is listening, showing up and helping another person in need in whatever way we can..”

Today, that call to lead with kindness, empathy, and action feels more urgent than ever. We invite you to watch the Muhammad Ali Center and Rothko Chapel MOU signing video and reflect on how compassion can transform our communities—and ourselves.

https://youtu.be/gvEKT8NyqgQ?si=DgdVglun-MFr0Nsb

This Pride Month, we celebrate the courage, creativity, and resilience of LGBTQIA2S+ communities and affirm that everyone deserves dignity, respect, and the freedom to live as their authentic self.

As a space dedicated to human rights, dialogue, and belonging, Rothko Chapel has been honored to host programs that uplift LGBTQIA2S+ voices and experiences, including:

• Annual World AIDS Day programs and observances, including 2023 "the HOMEGOING concert" by Ashon Crawley
• 2013 LGBT in America with Councilman Joel Burns and Robert Leleux
• 2023 International Women’s Day & Farenthold Lecture: I Was a Q***r Child and So Were You: Toward Social and Cultural Transformation with Kathryn Bond Stockton
• 2025 Transgender Day of Remembrance Vigil & 1st Annual Revolution of Joy Festival
• 2026 Óscar Romero Award recipients: Kevin Anderson of The T.R.U.T.H. Project & The Transgender Education Network of Texas (TENT)

As we honor Pride, we reaffirm our commitment to creating spaces where all people are welcomed, valued, and empowered to bring their whole selves into the world.

Happy Pride Month. 🌈