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Welcome to The Houston Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Rice University: Houston's top payer

• Upcoming Houston Astros game

• A deep dive into the life of Heman Sweatt

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity."

- Albert Einstein

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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

Rice University Leads Houston in Staff Salaries, Averaging $95,559 Annually. (link)

Lawrence Dean starts new real estate data company with former Zonda colleague. (link)

Houston Business Journal Reschedules 2024 Residential Real Estate Awards to July 11 at Marriott Marquis. (link)

BodyBilt CEO sees increase in chair sales as more employees return to office. (link)

🏒 Sports

Mississippi State Clutches Victory with Hujsak's Late Heroics, Edges Aggies 5-3. (link)

Longhorns Ousted from Tournament, Fall 8-7 to Cincinnati in Nail-Biter at Globe Life Field. (link)

Randy Sonnier Inducted into Texas Golf Hall of Fame, Celebrated for Championship Legacy. (link)

José Abreu Set to Rejoin Astros for Road Trip as Rehab Assignment Concludes. (link)

🏦 Finance

Texas First Bank Appoints Lincoln McKinnon as Its First Chief Operating Officer. (link)

TEA Reviews Financial Transactions Following Denials of Wrongdoing by Miles; Commissioner Morath Oversees District. (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 Dynamo vs. Colorado Rapids
Shell Energy Stadium, Houston, TX
Wednesday, May 29th | 7:30 PM | (More info)

⚾ Houston Astros vs. Minnesota Twins
Minute Maid Park, Houston, TX
Friday, May 31st | 7:10 PM | (More info)

⚾ Houston Astros vs. Minnesota Twins
Minute Maid Park, Houston, TX
Saturday, Jun 1st | 3:10 PM | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Thievery Corporation
House of Blues Houston, Houston, TX
Tuesday, May 28th | 7:00 PM | (More info)

🎵 Two Door Cinema Club
White Oak Music Hall Lawn, Houston, TX
Wednesday, May 29th | 6:00 PM | (More info)

🎷T-Pain's Mansion In Wiscansin Party
713 Music Hall, Houston, TX
Wednesday, May 29th | 6:30 PM | (More info)

🎸 Saxon X Uriah Heep
House of Blues Houston, Houston, TX
Wednesday, May 29th | 7:00 PM | (More info)

Family

🌸  Painting With A Twist: Choose Your Princess
1111 Holman St., Houston, TX
Monday, May 27th | 12:30 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.

Heman Sweatt (1912–1982)

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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-Matthew Larsen

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