Houston’s African American community has played a pivotal role in shaping the city’s rich cultural, social, and political landscape. From the city’s early days through the Civil Rights Movement and into the present, African Americans have contributed significantly to the growth and character of Houston. This article delves into the key moments and figures in Houston’s African American heritage, exploring how they helped define the city’s identity and create lasting change.
1. Freedmen’s Town: A Historical Legacy
One of the earliest and most important African American settlements in Houston is Freedmen’s Town, located in the Fourth Ward. After the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, formerly enslaved African Americans migrated to Houston and established Freedmen’s Town as a vibrant, self-sustaining community. By the 1880s, it had become a center of black culture and commerce, boasting schools, churches, and businesses that thrived despite the constraints of segregation.
Freedmen’s Town remains a symbol of resilience and perseverance, with several landmarks such as Antioch Missionary Baptist Church and the original brick streets, hand-laid by freed slaves, still standing as a testament to the community’s legacy. Although gentrification has altered the area, the historical significance of Freedmen’s Town endures as an essential part of Houston’s African American heritage.
2. Emancipation Park: A Symbol of Freedom
Emancipation Park, located in Houston’s Third Ward, is another important symbol of African American history. Founded in 1872 by local African American leaders, including Reverend Jack Yates, Emancipation Park was purchased as a dedicated space to celebrate Juneteenth, the day Texas slaves learned they were free, marking a critical moment in African American history.
For decades, Emancipation Park was one of the few recreational spaces available to African Americans during segregation. Today, the park has been renovated and continues to serve as a cultural and historical hub, hosting events and celebrations that honor the African American community’s history and progress in Houston.
3. Barbara Jordan: A Trailblazing Leader
No discussion of Houston’s African American heritage would be complete without mentioning Barbara Jordan, a lawyer, educator, and politician who broke barriers and became a national icon. Born in Houston’s Fifth Ward in 1936, Jordan achieved numerous firsts in her career, including being the first African American woman elected to the Texas Senate in 1966 and the first Southern African American woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1972.
Barbara Jordan is most remembered for her powerful speeches, particularly during the Watergate hearings, where she delivered a stirring defense of the U.S. Constitution. Her legacy lives on through her advocacy for civil rights, education, and equality. Houston honors her with the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University, ensuring that future generations learn from her remarkable contributions.
4. The Civil Rights Movement in Houston
Houston played a crucial role during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, with local leaders and activists contributing to the national fight for equality and justice. One significant figure was M.L. King Jr., who visited Houston multiple times to support civil rights efforts. However, it was local activists like Rev. William Lawson, Mickey Leland, and Theodore “Ted” E. Jones who organized protests, sit-ins, and voter registration drives that helped dismantle segregation in the city.
The Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, founded by Rev. Lawson, became a hub for civil rights advocacy, hosting key meetings and events. In 1960, students from Texas Southern University staged sit-ins at lunch counters across Houston, leading to a peaceful desegregation of many establishments. These efforts were pivotal in shaping Houston’s progressive identity and laid the foundation for greater social justice in the city.
5. The Rise of Black-Owned Businesses in Houston
Houston is home to a thriving community of black-owned businesses, many of which have a deep history tied to the city’s African American heritage. In the early 20th century, as segregation limited opportunities, African Americans created their own economic ecosystems, with the Third Ward becoming a focal point for black entrepreneurs.
Prominent business leaders like W.E. Miller, founder of the Miller Theater, and Cuney Homes, an affordable housing project initiated in the 1930s, played significant roles in empowering the community. Today, businesses like Frenchy’s Chicken, founded by Percy Creuzot in 1969, continue to thrive, contributing to the economic strength and cultural richness of Houston.
6. Contemporary Figures and Cultural Institutions
Houston’s African American culture continues to flourish, thanks to contemporary leaders and institutions that preserve and celebrate the city’s heritage. The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, founded by Captain Paul J. Matthews, honors the legacy of African American soldiers who served in the U.S. military, while the Houston Museum of African American Culture showcases the achievements of black artists, entrepreneurs, and innovators.
Modern political figures like Sylvester Turner, Houston’s current mayor, carry the torch of leadership, working to address the challenges still facing the African American community. Turner’s rise to power reflects the progress that Houston has made, and his leadership continues to shape the city’s inclusive and diverse future.
A Heritage of Resilience and Achievement
Houston’s African American heritage is one of perseverance, innovation, and achievement. From the founding of Freedmen’s Town to the rise of modern-day leaders like Mayor Turner, the contributions of African Americans have been integral to Houston’s growth and identity. Through historical landmarks, cultural institutions, and the legacy of figures like Barbara Jordan, Houston’s African American community continues to inspire future generations.
As the city grows and evolves, preserving and celebrating its African American heritage remains essential, ensuring that these stories of strength and resilience continue to shape Houston’s vibrant future.