November 7th, 2024

By: Crystal Toussant

When I was made aware of the Historic District fight, I was confused about why so many people were against it. I have a love for all things history, so I didn’t quite understand the pushback.  I think Houston has a very diverse and rich history in Third Ward, so why wouldn’t anyone want to preserve it. I believe that the City of Houston could do a better job of truly creating more landmarks and signage to explain the history of the place, people, and landmarks that make Houston such an amazing city.

I chose to attend the Historic District Town Hall Meeting at St. Mary’s Church Multi-Purpose Center Gym. The meeting was sponsored by Councilwomen Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz of District D and moderated by Khambrel Marshall, KPRC News Anchor with guest speaker, Director Margaret Wallace Brown from the City of Houston’s Planning and Development Office. The purpose of the meeting was to help people of the Third Ward Community to better understand the Neighborhood Preservation Tools, to give the community a chance to have a question-and-answer session, and to share a Community Leader’s Presentation for Riverside Terrace, Third Ward, and Timber Crest.

Many Third Ward residents were not pleased with how the start of the Historic District process was conceived and carried out. The first meeting that established the desire for the Third Ward Residents to be designated as a Historic District was sent via text message and told to people only in the Black neighborhoods. The City of Houston guidelines states that there needs to be a public forum that is an open invitation to everyone. The ordinance also says there is a series of public meetings that must occur.

The first meeting that was listed as the public forum only consisted of 15 property owners who were directly contacted to attend, but no public effort to invite the community was made. The next meeting was also attended by a select few because the notice to the Super Neighborhood Head was never received.

Dr. Carolyn Evans-Shabazz discovered that the email was incorrect which was the reason for the low participation and late dissemination of information to the community about the second meeting. Many residents feel that the city doesn’t want to work with the citizens of Third Ward, so they are trying to circumvent them. At the meeting, the vote went as follows 13 supporting, 12 opposed, and 11 no responses which counts as opposition. According to the guidelines of the City of Houston in order to consider the request, the Historic District must have a 67% approval.  This means that they fell short of that threshold.  In an effort to create the 67% approval, they redrew the map without another vote. The ordinance gives them the right to redo the map which is not fair.  By overriding the vote, they are manipulating the situation.

The integrity of the process is crucial to gaining the support, respect, and confidence of the residents of Third Ward. Third Ward Resident, Elizabeth Smith believes “It is about us as a Black People being taken advantage of. Most of the people who are for the Historic District are rich. I am a six-generation Texan and third-generation Houstonian. For five generations my African American ancestors have been dealing with property issues and have fought for the right to be property owners in the state of Texas. In the State of Texas, the highest responsibility of citizenry is property ownership and paying taxes which has led to the right to vote in the history of our nation. This situation calls into question our rights as property owners and our rights in regard to voting. The property owners voted overwhelmingly to disapprove the Historic District then they gerrymandered the map to create the 67% approval which completely negates the majority vote of the property owners in the community in favor of the Minority property owners in the community in favor of the Minority property owners without an ensuing vote after the map was gerrymandered.”  Many citizens believe it is a constant attack on African American people in Urban and Rural areas. In Rural America, corporations are trying to buy the little people out.  They are systematically erasing African American people throughout our country.”

Many Third Ward Residents believe that hard-working, tax-paying Texans who are mostly second and third-generation Houstonians are being attacked by these corrupt tactics to do land grabs from people who can’t afford to make the adjustments and requirements to maintain a property in a Historic District. The people of Third Ward are grateful to Mayor Sylvester Turner for rescheduling the vote for more research and discussion. The third ward is a very special place to all of us who reside in the Tre and we will fight to preserve our heritage and legacy.

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.

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