Welcome to The Houston Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Vaalco Energy relocates to Houston's Westchase.

• Astros rely on Hunter Brown.

• A deep dive into the life of Mickey Leland.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"There are no facts, only interpretations."

— Friedrich Nietzsche

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Trivia

Which Houston park is known for its outdoor theater and hill that offers a skyline view of the city?

A) Hermann Park

B) Memorial Park

C) Discovery Green

D) Miller Outdoor Theatre

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The famous space center located in Houston is B) Johnson Space Center.

The Best Stories Of The Week

💼 Business

Vaalco Energy moves headquarters to Houston's Westchase District. (link)

Houston Dash part ways with head coach in latest shakeup at NWSL club. (link)

🏒 Sports

Astros entrust Hunter Brown with keeping season alive against his boyhood team. (link)

Tigers' Tarik Skubal throws 100, but it was his changeup that silenced Astros. (link)

🏦 Finance

Summit Midstream makes $450 million ‘transformative’ acquisition. (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

⚽ Rice Owls Football vs. UTSA Roadrunners Football
Rice Stadium, Houston, TX
Sat • Oct 12, 2024 | (More info)

⚽ CLASICO DE MEXICO: Chivas v. Club America
NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
Sun • Oct 13, 2024 • 4:30 PM | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Remi Wolf with slimdan
White Oak Music Hall Lawn, Houston, TX
Thu • Oct 10, 2024 • 6:00 PM | (More info)

🎸 AJ Rafael
The Bronze Peacock at House of Blues Houston, Houston, TX
Fri • Oct 11 • 7:00 PM | (More info)

Family

🎭 Jeff Arcuri: The Full Beans Fall Tour
Bayou Music Center, Houston, TX
Sat • Oct 12 • 7:00 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 “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

1840: Houston's first census is conducted.

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): Anti-poverty activist and Congressman.

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.

Summary:

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

If you want to connect, reply to this email and let me know what you think.

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

-Yannick Lyons

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