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Welcome to The Houston Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Portillo's announces first Houston opening.

• UH basketball returns starters for championship.

• A deep dive into the life of Ann Richards.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"It’s not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

— Epictetus

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Trivia

In what year did Houston host the Super Bowl for the first time?

A) 1974

B) 1987

C) 2004

D) 2017

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The tallest building in Houston is B) JPMorgan Chase Tower.

The Best Stories Of The Week

💼 Business

Iconic Chicago restaurant Portillo's sets opening date for first Houston-area location. (link)

The Original Ninfa's Uptown executive chef shares her recipe for preserving, adding to restaurant's legacy. (link)

🏒 Sports

UH basketball returns four starters in pursuit of ‘one more banner’. (link)

The Texans traded RB Cam Akers to the Minnesota Vikings. (link)

🏦 Finance

LA-based PCCP working on 3rd build-to-rent community in Greater Houston. (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 Rockets vs. Memphis Grizzlies
Toyota Center - TX, Houston, TX
Fri • Oct 25, 2024 • 7:00 PM | (More info)

🏉 Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts
NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
Sun • Oct 27, 2024 • 12:00 PM | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 The Dip with Parlor Greens
White Oak Music Hall Lawn, Houston, TX
Thu • Oct 24, 2024 • 7:00 PM | (More info)

🎸 Show Me the Body
White Oak Music Hall - Upstairs , Houston, TX
Fri • Oct 25, 2024 • 6:00 PM | (More info)

Family

🎭 Ali Macofsky
Punch Line Houston, Houston, TX
Thu • Oct 24 • 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 “High-tech urban farm towers and green rooftops in Houston” 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

1900: The Great Galveston Hurricane affects Houston.

The Great Galveston Hurricane of 1900 stands as one of the deadliest natural disasters in U.S. history, and its impact extended to Houston, significantly affecting the city and its residents. Although the hurricane's epicenter was in Galveston, Houston experienced severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall and strong winds, which led to flooding, damage to buildings, and disruptions in daily life. The storm underscored the vulnerability of the region to natural disasters and highlighted the need for improved infrastructure and emergency preparedness to protect against future events.

In the aftermath of the hurricane, Houston faced considerable challenges in recovery and rebuilding efforts. The disaster strained resources, as the city worked to repair damaged infrastructure and provide aid to those affected. The event also prompted a reevaluation of urban planning and development strategies, with a focus on enhancing flood control measures and building resilience against hurricanes and other natural disasters. This experience played a crucial role in shaping Houston's approach to disaster preparedness and urban development in the 20th century.

Furthermore, the Great Galveston Hurricane had a profound impact on the collective consciousness of Houston's residents, fostering a spirit of community and cooperation. The shared experience of facing and overcoming the disaster brought people together, strengthening the bonds within the community. It also led to greater collaboration between Houston and neighboring cities, including Galveston, in addressing mutual challenges and working towards common goals. The hurricane's legacy in Houston is not only a story of destruction but also one of resilience, adaptation, and the importance of community in the face of adversity.

Famous People From Houston

Ann Richards (1933–2006): 45th Governor of Texas.

Early Life and Education (1933-1954)

Dorothy Ann Willis Richards was born in 1933 in Lakeview, Texas. Growing up in a conservative environment, Richards was influenced by her father's political activism and her own experiences with inequality and injustice. She attended Baylor University, where she honed her debate and leadership skills, followed by further studies at the University of Texas, Austin, where she earned a teaching certificate.

Activism and Entry into Politics (1955-1972)

Richards began her career as a teacher but quickly became involved in political activism, particularly in the civil rights and women's rights movements. Her political engagement led her to work on several campaigns, including Sarah Weddington's successful bid for the Texas House of Representatives, which fueled Richards's interest in pursuing a political career.

Travis County Commissioner and State Treasurer (1973-1990)

Richards's political career officially began with her election as a Travis County Commissioner in 1976, where she served until 1982. Her dynamic personality and effective leadership propelled her to the state level, where she was elected Texas State Treasurer in 1982, becoming the first woman to hold statewide office in Texas in fifty years.

Governorship and Reform Agenda (1991-1995)

Ann Richards was elected the 45th Governor of Texas in 1990, amidst a campaign that highlighted her wit, charisma, and commitment to reform. Her governorship was marked by significant efforts to improve education, healthcare, and environmental policies in Texas. Richards was known for her advocacy for women and minorities in government, appointing more women and minorities to state boards and commissions than any of her predecessors.

Relevance to Houston (Throughout Career)

Though Richards hailed from Central Texas, her policies and initiatives had a profound impact on Houston, one of the state's most populous and diverse cities. Her efforts to improve education and healthcare were particularly felt in Houston, where she worked to address the needs of a growing urban population. Richards's advocacy for diversity and inclusion resonated with Houston's multicultural community, strengthening her legacy in the city.

National Recognition and Political Influence (1992-2000)

Richards gained national attention for her keynote address at the 1988 Democratic National Convention, where her humor and sharp political insights stole the show. Throughout her career, she remained an influential figure in the Democratic Party, known for her advocacy for progressive causes and her mentorship of future political leaders.

Post-Governorship Activism and Legacy (1996-2006)

After leaving office, Richards continued to be an active advocate for Democratic politics, women's rights, and public health issues, particularly in the fight against cancer, a disease she battled personally. Her work in these areas, coupled with her dynamic public presence, ensured that her influence extended far beyond her tenure as governor.

Death and Enduring Influence (2006)

Ann Richards passed away in 2006, leaving behind a legacy of political reform and advocacy for underrepresented groups. Her tenure as governor and her contributions to public service continue to inspire, particularly in her efforts to bring diversity and equity to the forefront of political discourse.

Key Achievements:

• Served as the 45th Governor of Texas, implementing significant reforms in education, healthcare, and environmental policy.

• Advocated for the inclusion of women and minorities in government positions, changing the face of Texas politics.

• Left a lasting impact on Houston and Texas through her policies and her commitment to diversity and inclusion.

• Became a national figure for the Democratic Party and a beloved public speaker and advocate for progressive causes.

Summary:

Ann Richards's journey from a politically active teacher to the Governor of Texas is a testament to her unwavering commitment to public service, reform, and advocacy for equality. Her tenure as governor brought significant changes to Texas, particularly in education and healthcare, benefiting cities like Houston and setting new standards for diversity and inclusion in government. Richards's legacy as a trailblazer for women in politics and a champion for progressive causes continues to inspire future generations, cementing her place as a pivotal figure in American political history.

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

-Yannick Lyons

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