Senator Ellis addressed the Houston Forum on April 18, 2002. For over 20 years, the Houston Forum has been the Southwest's foremost platform for distinguished speakers. It is a nonprofit, nonpartisan educational organization that provides an independent community platform for distinguished speakers. Its philosophy is taken from the words of our city namesake Sam Houston. "It is in the diversity of opinion that democracy may rest securely.
Among the notable speakers who have participated in the Forum are Secretary of State Colin Powell, playwright Shelby Foote, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Richard Myers, and Houston Texans owner Robert McNair. Senator Ellis is the first sitting member of the Legislature invited to address the Forum.