Date Tuesday, September 22, 2026 | Time 9:00 AM | Location The Community Collective | Guest Speaker Dr. Travis McPhail |
About Convocation
Convocation is one of the most cherished traditions at The Imani School. Each year, we come together as a school community to celebrate our students, honor the gift of learning, and set a tone of purpose and excellence for the school year ahead.
This meaningful gathering brings together students, families, faculty, and friends to share in performances, reflection, and inspiration. It is a moment to recognize what makes our Imani community so special — the relationships, the commitment to excellence, and the faith that guides everything we do.
We invite all Imani families to join us as we celebrate the 2026–2027 school year together!
Program Participants
 Invocation Rev. Alexander JohnsonBrentwood Baptist Church Proud Imani Parent of |  Benediction Pastor Derrick SmithThe Church of St. Andrew Proud Imani Parent of |
Guest Speaker Spotlight
 | 2026 Convocation Speaker Travis McPhail, Ph.D.Technology, Science & Innovation Executive — Google Maps Platform Dr. Travis McPhail is a Technology, Science, and Innovation Executive at Google, where he leads engineering across Software Solutions Development, Technology Innovation, and Infrastructure Design & Development for the Google Maps Platform — the technology that powers mapping and location experiences for billions of people around the world. A Houston native and Rice University alumnus, Dr. McPhail earned his Ph.D. in Computer Science from Rice University, where his doctoral research focused on realtime visualization of volumetric data. He is a published researcher, a named inventor on multiple Google patents in digital mapping technology, and has presented his work on the world stage — including at Google I/O and the National Urban League Annual Conference, where he was featured as a panelist for “Leading African-Americans in Tech.” Among his most remarkable achievements, Dr. McPhail led a groundbreaking collaboration between Google and the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African-American History and Culture (NMAAHC), bringing rare artifacts to life through immersive 3D technology and helping the museum find powerful new ways to tell the story of Black America. This partnership, supported by a $1 million Google contribution, is a testament to how technology can serve culture, history, and community. We are deeply honored to welcome Dr. McPhail home to Houston and to The Imani School community. His journey — from a life of academic excellence to leading innovation at one of the world’s most influential companies — is exactly the kind of story our students need to hear. |
A Convocation Tradition: TSU Ocean of Soul
One of the most beloved traditions of our Annual Convocation is the electrifying presence of the Texas Southern University Ocean of Soul Marching Band. Year after year, the Ocean of Soul brings incredible energy, talent, and school spirit to our celebration — and our students and families absolutely love every moment of it.
Renowned as one of the premier marching bands in the nation, TSU’s Ocean of Soul is a fixture of excellence and showmanship. We are especially proud to note that this year’s performance will be led in part by Trenton Hunter, Assistant Director of the Marching Band — and a proud Imani School parent. We know this year’s performance will be nothing short of spectacular.
What to Expect
Community A Celebration of Our School Gather with fellow Imani families, faculty, and friends as we come together to kick off a new year of growth, learning, and community. | Performances Student Talent on Display Be amazed by performances from some of our most talented students, showcasing the creativity and gifts that make Imani Angels shine. | Inspiration A Message to Remember Hear an inspiring keynote address from our distinguished guest speaker, Dr. Travis McPhail, as he speaks directly into the lives of our students and community. |
Event Sponsor: Three Keys Coffee
 | We are proud to welcome Three Keys Coffee as a sponsor of Convocation 2026. Three Keys is a Houston-based craft coffee roastery founded in 2019 by husband-and-wife team Kenzel and Tio Fallen — and proud parents of Imani students Zane, Kaio, and Luca. Named after the three valves of the trumpet — the instrument at the heart of jazz culture and a nod to co-founder Tio’s roots as a roaster and musician — Three Keys believes coffee is meant to be a multi-sensory experience. Their mission is built on three pillars: Quality, Community, and Environment. We are grateful for the Fallen family’s generosity and support of The Imani School community. Visit them at threekeyscoffee.com. |
Arrival: Families are encouraged to arrive early to ensure seating. More details regarding arrival times and logistics will be communicated closer to the event. Stay Connected: Check your email and the school website regularly for program updates, schedule details, and any additional event information. |
We Look Forward to Seeing You There! Convocation is a celebration for the entire Imani family. Come ready to be inspired, uplifted, and proud of your Imani Angels. |
Questions? Contact us at 713-723-0616.