KTSU Community Shines at 2025 HABJ Sneaker Ball: A Night of Legacy and Excellence

HOUSTON, TX — The Houston Association of Black Journalists (HABJ) traded traditional loafers for limited-edition kicks this past Saturday, Dec. 20, 2025, for its annual Scholarships & Awards Gala Sneaker Ball. Held at the historic Ensemble Theatre, the star-studded event, presented by H-E-B, was a monumental night for the KTSU 90.9 FM family, as staff and students alike walked away with some of the evening’s most prestigious honors.

The Sneaker Ball serves as HABJ’s premier fundraising initiative, blending high fashion with community impact to support the next generation of storytellers. This year, the spotlight shone brightly on the halls of Texas Southern University, proving that the talent within the KTSU airwaves and the ACCESS student program is truly second to none.

A Legacy Defined: Chilly Bill Smith

Leading the night’s honors was KTSU’s very own William “Chilly Bill” Smith. The host of Morning Vibes and a recent Texas Radio Hall of Fame inductee was presented with the HABJ Legacy Award. Known for his signature “peace and blessings” and his “ain’t nobody bad like you” tagline, Chilly Bill’s decades of service have made him a staple of Houston’s cultural fabric. This award further cements his status as a titan in the industry.

Impact Beyond the Airwaves: Dr. Zuri Dale

The celebration continued with Dr. Zuri Dale, a frequent KTSU contributor and public health expert, who received the Community Change Maker award. Dr. Dale has been instrumental in providing KTSU listeners with vital, life-saving health information, and her recognition highlights the station’s commitment to being more than just a source of music—it is a lifeline for the community.

The Future is Bright: Student Scholarship Recipients

The night also served as a launchpad for the rising stars of the ACCESS program, KTSU’s student experiential learning initiative. Among the 16 scholarship recipients were:

• Jourdan Mathis: ACCESS student and KTSU Contributing Writer.
• Xavier “Zay” Hearse: Host of The Vibe Morning Show and current TSU graduate student.
• Jerry Ledoux III: KTSU Tiger Thursday student co-host.

The success of these students at a professional gala like the HABJ Sneaker Ball is a testament to the hard work and mentorship fostered within KTSU and the TSU School of Communication.

Seeing our staff and students recognized at this level is an amazing testament to the hard work and valuable contributions of the KTSU community. We are incredibly proud to see the KTSU mission of informing and inspiring the city being reflected on such a prestigious stage.