Houston, Texas had a major role in Drake’s rise to fame. Therefore, he is aware of the indebtedness for which he owes to the area. In addition to his brief upbringing in Memphis, Tennessee with his father, the Texan city of Houston marks a significant point in Drizzy Drake's rise to prominence, as it is where he first met his mentor, boss and confidant, Lil Wayne.
Impressed by a selection of songs by Drake that was presented to him, Weezy immediately invited the young Toronto rapper to join him on his tour, which at the time was in progress in Houston. This past weekend, Drake hosted his annual Houston Appreciation Weekend (H.A.W.) during the dates of July 20-23, 2017, as his tribute to the city.
Among the list of events of H.A.W. included several events starting on Thursday, (July 20), the charity Barbecue was held at Emancipation Park where Drake gave out school supplies to everyone following a private party at the Jet Lounge. On Friday, (July 21), Habibiz Hookah Party was given at Prospect Park from 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Also, Friday night The Ballet Pop Up was hosted by Lil Wayne at the Mercy Nightclub from 10:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. Then, Saturday (July 22), the OVO Pool Party was hosted by Roy Woods, Chubbs and Jas Prince at CLE from 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Also, hosted by Baka & Preme and Tings was held at the House of Tings at the Engine Room from 10:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. Houston Appreciation Weekend concluded on Sunday (July 23), the event was hosted by Drake at SPIRE from 10:00 p.m–2:00 a.m.
The APRI (A. Phillip Randolph Institute) Tideland Houston Chapter hosted their Saluting Our 2017 Living Legends Banquet on Saturday, July 15, 2017 at Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church located at 4300-B. Noble Street, Houston, Texas. The Honorable Claude Cummings, Jr. (Master of Ceremony), The Honorable Evelyn Smith (Vice President, CWA District 6), and the prayer was led by The Honorable John Bland. Funds raised at this event will go towards scholarships for deserving students. Congratulations to all of the honorees!
Honoring Our Living Legends – 2017
The Honorable Apostle C.D. Boulden
The Honorable Rev. Andrew Burks
The Honorable Steve Flores
The Honorable Raphus Foley
The Honorable Cynthia Ginyard
The Honorable Ruthie Johnson
The Honorable Lee Medley
The Honorable Linda Morales
The Honorable Lillie Schechter
The Honorable Vivian Willis
On Thursday, July 6, 2017, Bee Brilliant Summer Event included “Entrepreneur Day” workshop and lunch was held at the Holthouse Boys & Girls Club at 2411 Canal Street, Houston, Texas. The special guests included pro football players Arian Foster (Former Running Back of the Houston Texans & Miami Dolphins, and Glover Quin (Safety, Detroit Lions & Houston Texans). Also, Mikaila Ulmer the twelve-year old from the Shark Tank Entrepreneur, and Bees Lemonade. There were inspirational speeches addressing “What are you most passionate about and Why is it important to always pay it forward”, “What are you most passionate about. Share how you spend, save share monies and how you like to pay it forward” and “Mikaila recapped how she got started, shared a few lessons learned, and ended with a quote. Free pizza snacks for lunch were compliments provided by Whole Foods Market.
