Porch Talk: Stronger Together
June 4 @ 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
This June, our Porch Talk series brings together leaders from across Houston in historic Freedmen’s Town for an honest conversation about the work happening in communities across the city. Join us for a reception and conversation between John Nickols II, entrepreneur and Chair of Juneteenth Houston, Keda Sharber, and Rain Eatmon, CEO of Acre Homes Community Advocacy Group. with Sharon Fletcher, HFTC Executive Director, highlighting efforts rooted in Houston’s Black communities while discussing what’s working, where challenges remain, opportunities for growth, and how we can continue building stronger futures together.
ABOUT:
John Nicklos II, a native Houstonian, considers himself an multipotentialite. He is a multi-hyphenated creative and serial entrepreneur with a colorful background that canvases over ten industries. He has been a pivotal part in launching hundreds of businesses and nonprofit organizations across the country generating over 100 million dollars in revenue. He serves as chair for Juneteenth Houston, the citywide collaborative and hub for all things Juneteenth in the city. Having lived in many of Houston’s historic Black neighborhoods, John is an advocate that uses storytelling to center the joy and humanity of Black people. As chair he’s lead the expansion of Juneteenth from a single day of celebration to a month long celebration with the launch of 19 Days of Juneteenth in the city of Houston.
Keda Sharber is a Houston-based storyteller who uses film, photo, and written/spoken word to investigate and reveal the beautifully complex truths of her community. Passionate about the intersection of art and social impact, Keda is dedicated to creating spaces where creativity thrives and where art serves as a catalyst for positive change. Her approach is grounded in a commitment to diversity, collaboration, and the belief that every community has a unique story to tell through art. Through her work, she aims to empower individuals, elevate community voices, and contribute to a richer, more connected cultural landscape. She has had the pleasure of serving as the 5th Ward Cultural Arts District Manager for the Fifth Ward Community Redevelopment Corporation since fall of 2024
Rain Eatmon is a native Houstonian from the Acres Homes community and is a former music educator, state representative staff member, City of Houston Council staff member, and she currently serves as the founder & CEO of the Acres Homes Community Advocacy Group. She aims to lend her expertise in community engagement to help strengthen grassroots leadership in the Acres Homes Community and leverage her partnerships to consolidate resources for residents across Acres Homes. Rain strives to create spaces where community members, non-profit organizations, and leaders are able to participate in uplifting their own neighborhoods through intentional, specialized engagement.