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/

Today, we honor Juneteenth, the day that marks the fulfillment of freedom for enslaved African Americans and reminds us that the promise of liberty must extend to all people.

Its presence here carries a remarkable history. In 1969, John and Dominique de Menil offered to place Broken Obelisk near Houston City Hall and dedicate it to Dr. King. While the city accepted the sculpture, it rejected the dedication. Refusing to separate the artwork from its purpose, the de Menils withdrew their offer, purchased the sculpture themselves, and installed it at Rothko Chapel, where it was dedicated to Dr. King during the Chapel’s opening in 1971.

On Juneteenth, we remember that progress is often shaped by those willing to stand firm in their convictions. May we continue the work of building a more just, compassionate, and equitable world for all.

Join the Texas Interfaith Legislators Caucus for an important conversation on polarization, civic discourse, and the role of faith in public life.

Hear from a panel of legislators and faith leaders as they discuss the ongoing tensions and divisions shaping government and communities across Texas, and explore pathways toward greater understanding and collaboration.

🕠 Seating: 5:30–6:00 PM
🗣️ Panel Discussion: 6:00–7:00 PM
🤝 Reception: 7:00–7:30 PM

We hope you'll join us for this timely discussion and opportunity for dialogue.

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

This Pride Month, we honor the many couples who have chosen Rothko Chapel and the Plaza in front of Broken Obelisk as the setting for their weddings and commitment ceremonies.

Long before marriage equality became recognized across the United States in 2015, LGBTQIA2S+ couples gathered on these grounds to celebrate their love, make promises to one another, and build community in a space rooted in human dignity and respect.

For more than five decades, Rothko Chapel has welcomed people of all backgrounds, identities, and beliefs. We remain committed to the simple yet powerful truth that every person deserves the freedom to love openly, live authentically, and be treated with dignity.

This Pride Month, we celebrate the couples, families, and communities who have helped shape this legacy of love, courage, and belonging. 🏳️‍⚧️🌈🏳️‍🌈

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. 🌈