Ms. Prather became the consultant to the Houston Public Library’s African American Library at the Gregory School in February 2009. Her duties included assisting with collection and archive development, along with donation obtainment. She collected photographs and artifacts for the Gregory School’s exhibits, as well as papers, letters, and other documents for the archives. She contacted Houston and Harris County families to request they donate family papers and memorabilia to the archives for use by scholars and others researching Houston area African American history. She also helped create the timeline, images and text for the Freedmen’s Town section of the exhibit, the Gregory School history timeline, and the 14 window scrims.
As a child growing up in Houston’s Fifth Ward, Patricia Smith Prather often wondered why the achievements of black Texans were conspicuously absent from her history books at school.
There might be a mention or two of George Washington Carver whose inventions revolutionized agriculture, Sojourner Truth and her lifelong fight for equality or Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad that liberated more than 300 slaves. No matter how hard she tried, Prather said she was hard-pressed to find much information about the contributions of blacks throughout Texas and the Southwest. “In the Greater Houston area, about 25 percent are African-American and about 27 percent are Hispanic,” said Prather, a native of Houston’s Fifth Ward. “Clearly, when you pick up the newspapers and history books, you don’t get a picture of the culture of 50 percent of the population. “And we do have a history and a culture.”
Prather’s early interest in African-American history has evolved into a full-time job as co-founder and executive director of The Texas Trailblazer Preservation Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of blacks in Texas history. She’s written more than 100 articles about black Texas leaders that have appeared in a myriad of state and national publications. She’s also co-author, along with Jane Clements Monday, of From Slave to Statesman: The Legacy of Joshua Houston, Servant to Sam Houston (University of North Texas Press, 1993). Prather has also published the Texas Trailblazer Series, monthly biographies with photographs of Texas pioneers. Since 1992, she’s written 65 biographies, with two more coming off the presses this month.
Recent Trailblazer subjects include Norris Wright Cuney, a Galvestonian who headed the Republican Party of Texas in 1888; Dr. Benjamin Jesse Covington, a Houston physician who co-founded Houston Negro Hospital (now Riverside General), and Julia C. Hester, whose legacy of helping children survives today through a Fifth Ward community center named in her honor.
Prather credits her mother, Hortense, and father, Clifford, with planting the seeds that sprouted her lifelong interest in history. Almost every year, she recalls, the family piled into the car for a trip to Louisiana to see relatives. “My mom wanted to make sure my sister and I knew who our relatives are,” said Prather, who serves on the boards of the Heritage Society and Harris County Historical Commission.
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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.
