Houston Newsletter (December 9th)

Your news, upcoming events, AI art, historical facts and more!

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Welcome to The Houston Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

  • Intuitive Machines expands Houston facility

  • Sam Houston State begins stadium

  • Rockets fined after Kings loss

  • And more…

Quote of the Week

"Success is not how far you got, but the distance you traveled from where you started."

— Steve Prefontaine

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Trivia

Which Houston building is known for its stunning Byzantine frescoes?

A) The Menil Collection

B) Rothko Chapel

C) Museum of Fine Arts

D) Byzantine Fresco Chapel

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

Houston's Major League Soccer team is A) Houston Dynamo.

The Best Stories Of The Week

💼Business

Intuitive Machines to expand facility by 50%, other Houston Spaceport tenants to follow. (link)

Buyer of Lori K. Sarofim's home is CEO of Houston energy co. (link)

🏒Sports

After 13 games, Texans ready for a week off to rest and reevaluate. (link)

Rockets' players, coach fined for actions in loss to Kings. (link)

🏦Finance

Sam Houston State University breaks ground on $60 million stadium project. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏀 Houston Cougars Mens Basketball vs. Troy Trojans Mens Basketball
Fertitta Center, Houston, TX
Tue • Dec 10, 2024 • 7:00 PM | (More info)

🏀 NBA Cup: Houston Rockets v Golden State Warriors
Toyota Center - TX, Houston, TX
Wed • Dec 11, 2024 • 8:30 PM | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 BABYFACE RAY: Wavy Navy University Tour
House of Blues Houston, Houston, TX
Mon • Dec 09 • 7:00 PM | (More info)

🎸 Olive Klug with Liv Green
White Oak Music Hall - Upstairs , Houston, TX
Tue • Dec 10, 2024 • 7:00 PM | (More info)

Family

🎙 Desi Alexander: The Bad Parenting Tour
Punch Line Houston, Houston, TX
Wed • Dec 11 • 7:30 PM | (More info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Houstonscape with a fusion of different historical eras” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Houston Historical Events

1970: Houston Intercontinental Airport (now George Bush Intercontinental Airport) opens.

The opening of Houston Intercontinental Airport (now George Bush Intercontinental Airport) in 1970 marked a significant milestone in the development of Houston as a major international hub for commerce and travel. Designed to accommodate the growing demand for air travel and to enhance Houston's connectivity to national and international destinations, the airport was one of the most advanced of its time. Its establishment reflected the city's strategic vision to become a key player in global aviation, facilitating economic growth and cultural exchange.

From its inception, George Bush Intercontinental Airport has played a critical role in the region's development, serving as a gateway for millions of travelers and a crucial node in the global transportation network. The airport's state-of-the-art facilities and services have continually evolved to meet the changing needs of passengers and airlines, supporting Houston's position as a cosmopolitan city with strong international ties.

Today, George Bush Intercontinental Airport stands as one of the busiest airports in the United States, reflecting Houston's status as a global city. Its opening in 1970 was not just a milestone in aviation history but also a key factor in the city's economic and demographic growth, enhancing Houston's accessibility and appeal as a destination for business, tourism, and migration. The airport's continued expansion and development mirror the dynamic and forward-looking spirit of Houston, emphasizing its importance in connecting people and places around the world..

Famous People From Houston

Heman Sweatt (1912–1982): Civil rights activist.

Early Life and Education (1912-1946)

Heman Marion Sweatt was born in 1912 in Houston, Texas, into an era of deep-seated racial segregation and discrimination. His early life in Houston, where he worked as a postal worker, laid the foundation for his commitment to civil rights and equal education. Sweatt's ambition to pursue a legal career led him to challenge the systemic barriers that African Americans faced in accessing higher education.

The Sweatt v. Painter Case (1946-1950)

In 1946, Sweatt applied to the University of Texas Law School but was denied admission solely based on his race. This rejection spurred Sweatt to challenge the university's segregationist policies, culminating in the landmark case, Sweatt v. Painter. With the support of the NAACP, particularly lawyer Thurgood Marshall, Sweatt's legal battle against the University of Texas became a pivotal moment in the fight for civil rights and desegregation in education.

Victory and Impact on Desegregation (1950-1952)

The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in 1950 in favor of Sweatt was a significant victory against segregation, mandating his admission to the University of Texas Law School. This case not only marked a critical point in Sweatt's life but also served as a precursor to the broader movement towards desegregation, leading up to the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision in 1954.

Connection to Houston and Legacy (1952-1982)

After his legal battle, Sweatt returned to Houston, where he remained active in civil rights, community organizing, and education advocacy. His fight for equality and justice left a lasting impact on the city of Houston and its African American community. Sweatt's legacy in Houston is commemorated through various honors, including the naming of a city park and a post office after him, recognizing his contributions to civil rights and the enduring significance of his legal victory.

Key Achievements:

  • Challenged racial segregation in higher education through the landmark Sweatt v. Painter case, paving the way for desegregation in schools across the United States.

  • Played a pivotal role in the early civil rights movement, highlighting the importance of legal action in the fight for equality.

  • Left a lasting legacy in Houston and beyond as a symbol of resilience, courage, and the ongoing struggle for civil rights.

Summary:

Heman Sweatt's courageous stand against educational segregation not only transformed his life but also had a profound impact on the city of Houston and the nation. His determination to pursue justice through the legal system challenged and ultimately changed the discriminatory practices of the time, making him a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement. Sweatt's legacy in Houston, marked by his contributions to the fight for equality and his role in desegregating higher education, continues to inspire future generations to advocate for justice and equal rights for all.

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-Yannick Lyons

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