FEATURED FROM LEFT: Edinburg Mayor Omar Ochoa, Academy Award-nominated actor, recording artist, and entrepreneur Terrence Howard, and Edinburg First Lady Leah Wise. Howard, who is involved in several publicized business ventures, including entertainment technology, alternative science, and aerospace sectors [1], paid visits to deep South Texas, including Edinburg City Hall and the University of Texas Rio Grande, beginning on Monday, July 27, 2026.
Photograph By CAMERON ALSTON
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Terrence Howard, an Academy Award-nominated actor, recording artist, and entrepreneur, honored with city proclamation for his surprise visit to Edinburg, reports Mayor Omar Ochoa
By DAVID A. DÍAZ
[email protected]
Terrence Howard, an Academy Award-nominated actor, recording artist, and entrepreneur who recently wrapped up filming Broken Ones, a legal thriller about a revered attorney who seeks justice, was in the Rio Grande Valley in late July 2026, helping put the region favorably on the national map, Edinburg Mayor Omar Ochoa said.
An Academy Award nominee is an official finalist chosen to compete for an Academy Award. An Academy Award, widely known as an Oscar, is a famous prize given each year for great work in movies. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences gives out these awards to honor actors, directors, writers, and other movie workers.
Howard became a recording artist by writing, producing, and releasing his own studio music, building on musical performances in his acting career – most notably starring as an aspiring rapper in the film Hustle & Flow. [1, 2].
Broken Ones is an upcoming dramatic legal thriller directed by Timothy Gagliardo and inspired by the real-life experiences and memoir of producer and co-writer Alejandro Zavala. The film explores themes of redemption, family, and the heavy moral choices tied to the legal profession and criminal justice system.
Howard, who is involved in several publicized business ventures, including entertainment technology, alternative science, and aerospace sectors [1], paid visits to deep South Texas, including Edinburg City Hall and the University of Texas Rio Grande, beginning on Monday, July 27, 2026.
On Tuesday, July 28, 2026, Howard toured the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley campus, met with students and learned more about the university’s programs.
“Mr. Howard’s presence drew widespread positive attention to our community as a renowned and welcoming place for businesses to grow and invest, and for people from all walks of life to call their hometown,” Ochoa said. “The City of Edinburg is honored to open its doors to Terrence Howard, celebrating not only his extraordinary artistic achievements but also the warmth, grace, and authentic connection he shares with the people of our region and the (four-time) All-America City.”
The All-America City designation, awarded by the National Civic League, annually recognizes 10 cities nationwide for their innovation, community inclusiveness, and civic pride for leveraging civic engagement to solve local problems. Edinburg has been named an All-America City in 2024, 2000, 1995, and 1968.
Howard said he was surprised and honored by being invited to the Edinburg City Hall Council Chambers, which hosts official local government assemblies, public hearings, and community board discussions, to receive a city proclamation designating his presence in Edinburg as “Terrence Howard Day”.
“I’m making friends. Look at this, look at this. I felt we were just saying hello. I like their hello” Howard said, as he was being interviewed by Roxanne Lerma, Director of Communications and Media and official spokesperson of the City of Edinburg. “It’s really beautiful. I think he’s (the Edinburg mayor) got something over there he is going to bring over here.”
With Edinburg City Councilmember Jason De León and several leaders of the South Texas International Film Festival also present at the Edinburg City Council Chambers, Ochoa hand-delivered the city proclamation to Howard.
A city proclamation by the City of Edinburg is an official, non-binding certificate or formal declaration issued by the Mayor and City Council to honor, recognize, or celebrate local individuals, notable achievements, community organizations, and special public awareness events within the city. [1].
The honor states:
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P R O C L A M A T I O N
WHEREAS, the City of Edinburg, Texas takes great pride in welcoming distinguished visitors, visionary artists, and cultural icons to our vibrant community; and,
WHEREAS, born in Chicago, Illinois, and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Terrence Howard discovered his passion for the performing arts during childhood summers spent learning from his great-grandmother, the esteemed New York stage actress Minnie Gentry, whose influence sparked a lifelong commitment to the craft of storytelling; and,
WHEREAS, he has built an extraordinary career as one of the most versatile and compelling actors of his generation, delivering unforgettable performances across iconic television series and films, including his Academy Award-nominated performance in Hustle & Flow, his iconic portrayal of Lucious Lyon in Empire, and standout roles in Crash, Ray, The Best Man, and Iron Man; and,
WHEREAS, his remarkable artistic body of work has earned him widespread critical acclaim, an Academy Award nomination, a Screen Actors Guild Award, multiple NAACP Image Awards, and honored recognition across the global entertainment community; and,
WHEREAS, beyond his artistic career, Mr. Howard is an accomplished musician, inventor, and passionate researcher, exploring innovative concepts in sacred geometry, physics, and creative design to inspire original ways of thinking; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Howard’s relentless curiosity and passion for exploration embody the hard-working, creative, and resilient spirit that defines the Rio Grande Valley; and,
WHEREAS, on this day, July 27, 2026, the City of Edinburg is honored to open its doors to Terrence Howard, celebrating not only his extraordinary artistic achievements but also the warmth, grace, and authentic connection he shares with the people of our region and the All-America City;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, OMAR OCHOA, MAYOR OF THE CITY OF EDINBURG, TX: By the power vested in me by law, do hereby proclaim July 27, 2026, as:
TERRENCE HOWARD DAY in the City of Edinburg and urge all citizens to join me in extending a heartfelt South Texas welcome to Terrence Howard and honoring his inspiring legacy in the arts and beyond.
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Howard expressed his appreciation for the city recognition.
“There is nothing greater than the hospitality of kind people,” Howard reflected. “What you guys have done, the genuine smiles, the exuberance, you can’t buy that, you can’t fake that. It’s been a welcoming city, and I see a very prosperous city. I am blown away from first getting off the plane.”
Ochoa noted that Howard’s appearance in Edinburg came at a perfect time, drawing attention to the upcoming 12th Annual South Texas International Film Festival (STXIFF) will be held in Edinburg from Thursday, September 10 through Saturday, September 12, 2026.
“Terrence Howard honored us with his recent visit to Edinburg, and in just a few short weeks, the South Texas International Film Festival will continue its tradition of bringing legendary figures and rising stars of film and television to Edinburg, including Edward James Olmos, an award-winning actor, director, producer, writer and activist, along with the Valley’s own stars, Valente Rodríguez, and Dannie McCallum of Edinburg. These individuals bring great honor to themselves and to our city, and we thank them for it,” Ochoa said.
Ochoa pointed out that the Texas film and television industry generates billions of dollars in economic activity, supported heavily by the state’s robust incentive programs. State data and impact assessments show that incentivized productions yield roughly $4.50 to $4.69 in economic benefit for every $1 invested by the state.
The mayor said that as a Film Friendly Texas certified community, Edinburg residents actively work with media professionals and provide local resources, permits, and location scouting guidance. He said the city offer opportunities and resources to professional filmmakers interested in producing their next project in the Four-Time All America City.
STXIFF operates as the signature event of the City of Edinburg's Cultural Arts Division and is made possible with support from the Dustin M. Sekula Memorial Library and the Edinburg Arts Foundation.
Yaw Sam, a prominent UTRGV business graduate and the CEO of Brand Geniuz, a well-known digital content marketing agency in the Rio Grande, posted on Sam’s Facebook his interview with Howard.
Sam is a seasoned content marketing expert with more than eight years of experience, specializing in video content marketing, social media strategy, branding, and social media management. As the CEO of Brand Geniuz, Sam has led impactful campaigns for clients such as Lanier Law Firm, Zambrano Law Firm, Méndez Law Office, Laura Ramos James Law Firm, Ricky Rod Law Group, & Leah Wise Law Firm, driving significant growth across their social media platforms.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/yawwsam
“Mr. Terrence Howard – Mr. Howard, a lot of people are saying the city (Edinburg) paid you to be here, so what do you have to say to that?” Sam asked.
“I’m hoping that the city will be pay me ultimately with the investment into my company. But I came here because my nephew let me know the opportunities that are here with manufacturing and with the work ethic overall,” Howard said. “It was really nice to be greeted by the mayor of Edinburg, and seeing the (city) proclamation. That was a very generous and sweet thing to do. I hope to ultimately do business here. Man, I wish somebody would pay me. That would make my wife a whole lot happier.”
“What do you think about the Valley so far?” Sam continued.
“I love this place, I love the genuine nature and the earnestness that everybody shows. Everyone is so encouraging, and I look forward to getting back here,” Howard replied. “I just want to say thank you to the entire Valley for your hospitality, and I want to return here and bring you something that is incredible as a result.”
Edinburg First Lady Leah Wise posted a video of her interviewing Howard, where he talked about the impact having daughters had on his view on women.
“The moment I had my little girl and I’m seeing myself in this feminine form. As she began to grow older, I began to feel ashamed of all the things I did to other people’s daughters because I didn’t know how precious they were,” Howard said.
“That’s why I think every man should be a girl dad,” Wise replied.
A girl dad is a father who is deeply involved, proud, and active in raising his daughters. That term celebrates men who embrace fatherhood for girls without relying on old gender rules.
https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=What+is+a+girl+dad?&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8
Wise is a prominent personal injury attorney and entrepreneur in the Rio Grande Valley. She is the founder of the Leah Wise Law Firm, recognized as the largest 100 percent women-run law firm in the region, with offices serving Edinburg, Pharr, and other parts of Texas. Active in local community philanthropy and engagement, she is also well-known locally alongside her husband, Mayor Omar Ochoa.
https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=Who+is+Leah+Wise+of+Edinburg?&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8
Ochoa was elected in November 2025 to lead the city's next era of progress and growth. A native of Edinburg, he is committed to a clear vision focused on economic expansion, securing long-term infrastructure expansion, and ensuring governmental accountability and transparency.
Ochoa brings a distinguished professional background to his role, including being a nationally recognized trial lawyer, a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), a former federal law clerk, and the first Latino Editor in Chief of the Texas Law Review at UT Law.
https://cityofedinburg.com/government/mayor.php
Howard has five children from his relationships with two different women. He shares three children with his first wife, Lori McCommas, and two sons with his former partner, Miranda (Mira) Pak.
“You realize that the things you are trying to get women to do, would you want somebody instructing your daughter that way? That girl is going to be somebody’s grandmother one day, and a grandchild looks at their grandmother like the saint that they are,” he reflected.
“The effect it had on me, it made me more aware of the consequences of my actions. That I wasn’t just dealing with a girl, I was dealing with somebody’s beloved daughter, I was dealing with somebody’s beloved sister, somebody’s potential mother, somebody’s potential grandmother, and it slows you down,” Howard noted.
https://www.facebook.com/printees.rob/posts/perfectly-said/2134661150790331
Howard’s presence is helping Edinburg generate more attention to the 12th Annual South Texas International Film Festival.
Independent cinema will take center stage in the Rio Grande Valley as the City of Edinburg hosts the film festival for three days from Thursday, September 10, 2026 through Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the Edinburg Arts, Culture, and Events (ACE) Center.
The Edinburg ACE Center (Arts, Culture, and Events Center) is a 36,000-square-foot municipal facility located at 315 W. McIntyre Street in downtown Edinburg, immediately across from Edinburg City Hall. is Opened in November 2024, it functions as a community hub designed to support local arts, creative workshops, and cultural programming across the Rio Grande Valley. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Reinforcing Edinburg’s commitment to fostering local film development and showcasing regional talent, this year’s festival spotlights 31 standout independent works. Attendees can experience 22 regional, state, and world premieres — ranging from gripping documentaries to compelling live-action features —alongside interactive workshops, networking opportunities, and intimate Q&A sessions with featured filmmakers.
Festival Highlights
Opening Night: Celebrating RGV Talent (Thursday, September 10, 2026)
The festival begins with a red carpet entry at 5:30 p.m., followed by a 6:30 p.m. screening of high-octane short films created for the STXIFF 48-Hour Film Race by local Rio Grande Valley filmmakers.
Friday Showcase: (Friday, September 11, 2026)
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for five distinct film blocks running from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., showcasing a diverse selection of voices and genres.
Pitch Competition & Workshops: (Saturday, September 12, 2026)
Saturday morning opens with “The Pitch,” where aspiring screenwriters present original film ideas to a panel of industry professionals for a chance to win a cash prize. Screenings run continuously from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., highlighting films produced by Texas filmmakers.
Headline Celebrity Panel: Legendary actor Edward James Olmos headlines this year’s guest roster, joining beloved local talents Valente Rodríguez and Dannie McCallum on stage.
Olmos (born February 24, 1947) is an American actor and director. He is best known for his roles as Detective Gaff in Blade Runner (1982) and its sequel Blade Runner 2049 (2017), Lieutenant Martin “Marty” Castillo in Miami Vice (1984–1989), high school math teacher Jaime Escalante in Stand and Deliver(1988), Montoya Santana in American Me (1992) (which he also directed), and William Adama in the reimagined Battlestar Galactica (2004–2009).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_James_Olmos
Rodríguez (born February 14, 1964 [1]) is an American actor. He is best known for his role as Ernie Cardenas on the sitcom George Lopez. [2] He also starred as César in the TV Land sitcom Happily Divorced, as well as guest starring on Yes, Dear, Mad About You, and ER, and had film roles as Chuey in Salsa, Frankie in 1993's Blood In Blood Out and as Marco in Suckers (2001).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valente_Rodriguez
McCallum (born February 20, 1997) is an America actress. She is best known for Day 5 (2016), Echo (2023), and Here (2024). She studied at the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts and as a graduate for Texas State University.
https://myrgv.com/local-news/2024/03/01/echo-actor-dannie-mccallums-origin-story-starts-in-edinburg
Red Carpet Awards Gala: (Saturday, September 12, 2026)
The festival concludes Saturday evening with red-carpet interviews at 6 p.m., followed by the official Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony at 7:30 p.m., honoring the festival’s top films and creators.
Ticketing & Pass Information
Admission options are designed to welcome everyone from casual moviegoers to die-hard film buffs:
Single Film Block: $5
Single Day Pass: $10
Full Festival Pass: $25 (Excludes Gala entry)
Awards Gala Ticket: $65 (Includes dinner & awards entry)
Get Your Tickets
To purchase tickets, view the full 2026 screening schedule, or learn more about the schedule and programming, visit www.stxiff.com (under the STXIFF 2026 tab).
For inquiries regarding ticketing, scheduling, or media accreditation, please visit the website or contact [email protected].
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For more on this and other Texas legislative news stories that affect the Rio Grande Valley metropolitan region, please log on to Titans of the Texas Legislature (TitansoftheTexasLegislature.
