Welcome to The Houston Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Houston Sports Awards hosted by Lance McCullers Jr.

• Upcoming Monster Jam event

• A deep dive into the life of Mickey Leland

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"If it wasn't for failures, I wouldn't know what strength looked like."

- Byron Pulsifer

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Which Houston museum is famous for its large collection of dinosaur fossils?

A) The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

B) Houston Museum of Natural Science

C) The Menil Collection

D) Contemporary Arts Museum Houston

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia

Which historic Houston building is known for its stunning Gothic Revival architecture?

A) Julia Ideson Building

The Best Stories Of The Week

💼 Business

ExxonMobil's Corporate Plan: The company announced plans to double earnings potential by 2027, focusing on growth and emission reduction. (link)

Sysco's Global Volunteer Effort: Employees logged 17,000 hours during the global Purpose month, participating in over 500 events worldwide. (link)

Blue Kangaroo Packoutz Expansion: The firm opened its fourth Texas location in Houston, specializing in content cleaning and restoration services. (link)

🏒 Sports

The Houston Sports Awards celebrated its 7th annual event, hosted by Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr., honoring top athletes and inducting new members into the Houston Sports Hall of Fame​​. (link)

The Golden State Warriors prepared for an upcoming game against the Philadelphia 76ers, adding to the city's vibrant basketball scene​​. (link)

🏦 Finance

Texas Airlines' Financial Success: Two airlines reported significant financial gains, marking a positive trend in the aviation industry. (link)

Governor Abbott's Higher EDge Conference: Highlighted Texas' advancements in higher education and the state's strategic focus on educational excellence​​​​. (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 Basketball
Fertitta Center
Tuesday, Feb. 6th | 6:00 PM | (More Info)

🏀 Rice Owls Basketball
Tudor Fieldhouse, Rice University
Wednesday, Feb. 7th | 3:30 AM | (More Info)

🚗 Monster Jam
NRG Stadium, One Reliant Park
Saturday, Feb. 10th | 6:00 PM | (More Info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Brainiac
White Oak Music Hall - Upstairs, Houston, TX
Wednesday, Feb. 7th | 7:00 PM | (More Info)

🎵 Phora
RISE Rooftop, Houston, TX
Monday, Feb. 5th | (More Info)

🎸 Amaria
Bronze Peacock Room, House of Blues, Houston, TX
Monday, Feb. 5th | (More Info)

Family

🛼 The Rink: Rolling at Discovery Green
Discovery Green, Houston, TX
Opening Friday, February 9 | Entry: $12 (including skate rental) | (More Info)

🐉 Lunar New Year 2024: Celebrating the Year of the Dragon
Asia Society Texas Center, Houston, TX
Saturday, February 10 | (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 “Retro-futuristic 1950s style Houston with modern technology” 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

Houston's first census is conducted (1840)

In 1840, a pivotal event in the burgeoning city of Houston occurred with the conduction of its first census. This census, conducted only four years after Houston's founding, was a significant step in understanding and documenting the early growth of the city. It provided valuable insights into the population size, demographic composition, and social structure of the young settlement, reflecting the rapid development that had taken place since its establishment by the Allen brothers in 1836.

The results of the 1840 census illustrated the diverse and growing population of Houston. It had become a melting pot of settlers from various backgrounds, including American pioneers, European immigrants, and native Texans. This diversity was a testament to the city's early success as a center for commerce and opportunity, drawing people from different regions seeking new beginnings in Texas. The census data revealed not only the number of inhabitants but also provided a glimpse into their lives, occupations, and the composition of households in the city.

The first census of Houston in 1840 was more than just a population count; it was a milestone that marked the city's transition from a speculative project of the Allen brothers to a thriving community. It underscored the city's potential and growth, setting a benchmark for its future development. This historical event is pivotal in understanding the early days of Houston, providing a snapshot of its origins as it embarked on a path to becoming one of the major urban centers in the United States.

Famous People From Houston

Mickey Leland (1944–1989)

Early Life and Education (1944-1966)

Mickey Leland was born in 1944 in Lubbock, Texas, and grew up in Houston's Fifth Ward. His early life in a community facing poverty and racial segregation deeply influenced his perspective and future activism. Leland's educational journey, marked by a commitment to social justice, led him to Texas Southern University, where he became actively involved in the civil rights movement.

Activism and Rise in Local Politics (1967-1972)

After college, Leland's involvement in activism intensified. He became a prominent figure in local politics in Houston, advocating for civil rights and equality. His efforts during this period laid the groundwork for his future political career and established him as a passionate advocate for the underprivileged.

Entry into Texas Legislature (1973-1978)

In 1972, Leland was elected to the Texas House of Representatives, where he served with distinction. His time in the state legislature was marked by a focus on healthcare and social services, particularly for minorities and low-income communities. He was known for his charismatic personality and ability to build coalitions across party lines.

U.S. Congress and National Impact (1979-1989)

Leland's election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1978 was a significant milestone. In Congress, he quickly became known for his advocacy on anti-poverty issues and global humanitarian efforts. His work in Congress expanded his impact from local to national and international stages.

Humanitarian Efforts and Global Advocacy (1980s)

Throughout the 1980s, Leland focused on humanitarian issues, particularly hunger and public health crises in Africa. He played a leading role in shaping U.S. foreign policy on these issues, advocating for aid and highlighting the plight of the impoverished and disenfranchised globally.

Legislative Achievements in Health and Hunger (1980s)

In Congress, Leland championed legislation to address health and hunger, both domestically and internationally. His efforts led to significant policy changes and funding for programs aimed at alleviating poverty and improving health outcomes in marginalized communities.

Tragic Death and Enduring Legacy (1989)

Mickey Leland's life was tragically cut short in 1989 in a plane crash during a humanitarian mission to Ethiopia. His untimely death was a profound loss to the global humanitarian community and to the many people he had dedicated his life to helping.

Posthumous Recognition and Influence (Post-1989)

Following his death, Leland was posthumously honored for his humanitarian work and his commitment to social justice. His legacy continues to inspire activists and politicians, serving as a reminder of the impact one individual can have in the fight against poverty and inequality.

Key Achievements:

• Advocated tirelessly for anti-poverty initiatives and civil rights both in Texas and nationally.

• Influenced U.S. foreign policy with a focus on humanitarian issues, particularly in Africa.

• Championed significant health and hunger legislation, impacting lives globally.

• Left an enduring legacy in humanitarian and anti-poverty activism.

Mickey Leland's career was marked by a profound commitment to combating poverty and advocating for social justice. His work as a Congressman and global humanitarian left an indelible mark on U.S. policy and global efforts to address poverty and hunger, embodying the power of dedicated public service.

Connect With Me

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

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