Houston's Turner on actor Amer: 'Through his comedy and show on Netflix, Mo continues to bring attention to our great city'

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner issued held a Twitter livestreamed press conference on July 13, announcing that comedian Mo Amer will be honored with his own day in September. Houston NPR affiliate Houston Public Media (HPM) reported that Sept. 16 will officially be known as “Mo Day” in Texas’ largest city.

“Through his comedy and show on Netflix, Mo continues to bring attention to our great city,” Turner said, according to the video posted by the City of Houston’s Twitter account. “What an ambassador for the City of Houston.”

According to a release issued on July 17, HPM reported that Amer, whom Turner said originally came to Houston as a young refugee from Palestine, will perform a show at the Bayou Music Center in Downtown. The mayor made the announcement on what has become an unofficial holiday in Houston, 713 Day, which honors the original of the city’s four area codes, according to the report. Turner touted Amer as an example of the array of talent and diversity the Bayou City has to offer, HPM reported.

According to a report from Houston NBC affiliate KPRC, the Alief native is best known for semi-autobiographical Netflix show, “Mo,” and is a product of Hastings High School in the Alief Independent School District (AISD). Per HPM, the actor, producer, and writer plans to donate some of the proceeds from the “Mo Day” performance to his alma mater. Tickets can be purchased on the LiveNation website, KPRC reported.

A CultureMap Houston article reported that Amer will have surprise guests join him at the show. As for his successful year-old namesake program, CultureMap reported, it garnered a 100% critical approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes in addition to a Gotham Award for Breakthrough Series (Under 40 Minutes). The website additionally reported that Amer is a nominee for best lead performance in a new scripted series in this year’s Independent Spirit Awards.

With his upcoming performance and recognition, Houston is poised to celebrate a day dedicated to laughter and entertainment, as the city continues to foster an environment that cherishes its artistic community.