Edison Cultural Arts Center in Houston Honors ‘A Different World’ Alum Charnele Brown and More

The city of Houston hosted a calendar of events in May—like the celebration of the Edison Cultural Arts Center right here in H-Town. A monumental vision through the eyes of the Founder and Executive Director, Charity Edison Carter, and named in honor of her parents, Robert and Bertha Edison. Charity’s husband, Troy Carter, is the foundation’s director of government affairs. Their motto, “Strengthening the Family. Bridging the Community. Developing the Arts,” has contributed to the non-profit’s expansion since its inception in 2013.

A crowd of over 500 joined Troy and Charity and the Board of Directors to support and celebrate the Sixth Annual Tutus and Tuxes Gala at the Edison Cultural Arts Center in Missouri City (Southwest of downtown Houston). This year’s theme: “Super Heroes” honored ‘A Different World’ alum— actress, director, and producer, Charnele Brown— legendary jazz and saxophonist artist, Ronnie Laws— Alvin Ailey dancer and arts educator, Isabel Wallace-Green, and Grammy-nominated gospel artist, Gene Moore. Brown, who recently wrapped shooting for the much-anticipated ‘A Different World’ sequel, says of being honored, “THANK EDISON CULTURAL ARTS FOUNDATION FOR INVITING ME TO YOUR GALA. TRULY GRATEFUL.” – Charnele Brown, Facebook

Hosted by Briana Conner and Brandon Hamilton of KTRK ABC13, Commissioner Grady Prestage was named one of the Super Heroes for his support of the Edison Arts Foundation.

The program honored some of Houston’s most prestigious and notable artists and arts advocates, as well as highlighted Edison Arts Foundation’s impactful programs and bold, transformative future endeavors. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the center happened on January 5, 2026.