Rothko Chapel

Guided Meditation by His Holiness Swami Vidyadhishananda Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at the Rothko Chapel His Holiness Swami Vidyadhishananda is a Himalayan siddha monk, who hails from unbroken lineages of the combined heritage of rishi sages and nath meditation adepts. He has directly learnt the Himalayan Kriyayoga meditation system from Tryambaknāth, (popularly known as Mahavatar Babaji). Currently, His Holiness is developing Sambhala Online University based on the teachings from Jñanā-gañja, a siddha enclave commonly known as Sambhala located in Tibet, east of Limpiadhura Pass bordering India. He is among the very few experts outside of India who has been awarded the degree of DLitt et Phil (Mahāmahopādhyāya) by the erstwhile President of the Association of Indian Universities and by the Sanskrit scholars of Calcutta, India. The degree was conferred in recognition of his meditative interpretation, scholarly analysis, and ability to articulate the philosophical nuances of Sanskrit literature. He is the spiritual founder of the US Nonprofit, Self Enquiry Life Fellowship.

“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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

2022.12.01 World Aids Day by Rothko Chapel

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.

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.