Christia Adair was born on October 22, 1893, in Victoria Texas, and was an NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) leader, who was a true activist during the civil rights era of the 1950s and was a part of the Women’s Suffrage Movement. Like Adair, many black people wanted to be treated fairly and have equal rights. One right that they wanted was the ability to vote. Adair had tried to vote in the early 1920s, but the law prevented black people from voting in the primaries. Another issue she faced in Texas was that women were excluded to vote in Texas primary elections. Due to these voting restrictions, she joined the Houston branch of the NAACP.
For 12 years, she served as an executive secretary of the Houston NAACP, and the Houston branch took suit against a local election judge in the case Smith v. Allwright, for refusing a vote to a local black dentist, Dr. Lonnie Smith. The case was argued by Thurgood Marshall, and the courts decided in favor of Smith in 1944 and banned Texas’ white primary law. Adair was one of the first black women to vote in a democratic primary.
The work of Adair was very important as it stopped the use of race to be used as an obstacle to vote in Texas Democratic primaries. Because of her victories, she was the target of bomb threats and other acts of violence. This forced her to keep a gun at home for protection.
In 1957, Houston police attempted to obtain the chapter’s membership list from Adair, but she did not give it up as she believed the city was trying to demolish the group. She testified for five hours, but never gave in to what the police wanted. After two years, on an appeal to the Supreme Court, Thurgood Marshall won another case for the organization. It was in 1959 when the Houston chapter separated, but Adair and others reconstructed the Houston NAACP and recruited 10,000 members.
Adair served as a precinct judge of Third Ward, one of the first blacks to serve as a judge in Houston. She was also one of the first two Blacks elected to the state Democratic Committee in 1966, but the party rejected to seat her delegation.
The worked that Adair did, helped the lives of many black people. She collaborated with others to desegregate the Houston airport, department store dressing rooms, public libraries, and city buses. She also created jobs for many black people and helped blacks to be able to serve on juries. For her dedicated work, a Houston city park was named after her in 1977. She continued to do great work for her community and died at the age of 96 in 1989.
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October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com
As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.
Calling all teenage student-athletes! If you have dreams of playing college soccer and wish to represent an HBCU, the HBCU ID Camp is your golden opportunity. From 8 am to 5 pm on November 11-12, Houston Sports Park will transform into a hub for aspiring male and female soccer players. Coaches from HBCUs across the nation will be present to evaluate, scout, and offer valuable feedback. Moreover, they might even spot the next soccer prodigy to join their collegiate soccer programs. This camp is not just about honing your soccer skills but also a chance to connect with the HBCU soccer community. You’ll learn the ins and outs of what it takes to excel on the field and in the classroom, which is crucial for a college athlete. The HBCU ID Camp is an excellent platform to network with coaches, learn from experienced athletes, and take the first steps toward your college soccer journey. To secure your spot at this incredible event, don’t forget to register [here](insert registration link). Space is limited to 120 participants, so make sure to reserve your place before it’s too late. It’s time to turn your dreams of playing college soccer into a reality.
