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Welcome to The Houston Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Texas Bay Credit Union relocates headquarters.

• Donovan Smith confident in Cougars' recovery.

• A deep dive into the life of Jack Yates.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“You have the power on your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.”

 –Marcus Aurelius

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Trivia

Which Houston area is renowned for its large Vietnamese community and cultural influence?

A) Chinatown

B) Little Saigon

C) Midtown

D) The Heights

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The Houston museum focusing on contemporary photography and film is C) Houston Center for Photography.

The Best Stories Of The Week

💼 Business

Texas Bay Credit Union to move headquarters as firm grows Houston presence. (link)

Halliburton confirms information likely stolen in August cyberattack. (link)

🏒 Sports

UH quarterback Donovan Smith says Cougars can 'fix it' after opening loss. (link)

After 5-star misses, Texas A&M searching for answers at receiver. (link)

🏦 Finance

Harris County plans 500-unit affordable housing project in Hardy Yards area. (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 Football vs. Rice Owls Football
TDECU Stadium, Houston, TX
Saturday, Sep 14th | 7:00 PM | (More info)

⚽ Houston Dynamo vs. Real Salt Lake
Shell Energy Stadium, Houston, TX
Saturday, Sep 14th | 7:30 PM | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 Divide and Dissolve
White Oak Music Hall - Upstairs , Houston, TX
Thursday, Sep 12th | 7:00 PM | (More info)

🎸 El Bachatazo Fest
Arena Theatre, Houston, TX
Friday, Sep 13th | 8:30 PM | (More info)

Family

🎭 Family Festival
7524 Ave E, Houston, TX
Saturday, Sep 14th | 10:00 AM | (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 “Futuristic urban zoo in Houston with holographic animals” 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

1929: Houston during the Stock Market Crash.

In 1929, the Stock Market Crash that precipitated the Great Depression had a significant impact on Houston, as it did on the rest of the nation. Although Houston was not as deeply entrenched in the stock market as cities like New York, the economic downturn affected local businesses, banks, and the livelihoods of many residents. The city's economy, which had been growing rapidly due to its booming oil industry, faced new challenges as credit tightened, consumer spending declined, and unemployment rose.

Despite the hardships, Houston demonstrated resilience during the Great Depression. The city’s oil industry, while hit by lower prices, continued to operate and provided some economic stability. Local leaders and businesses worked together to support the community, with initiatives aimed at creating jobs and providing relief to those in need. The construction of public works projects, such as the Houston Ship Channel improvements and infrastructure development, helped mitigate some of the economic damage by providing employment opportunities.

Houston's ability to weather the economic storm of the Stock Market Crash and the ensuing Great Depression was a testament to the city's strong industrial base and community spirit. The experience also reinforced the importance of economic diversification, which would guide Houston's growth in the coming decades. The city's relative stability during this period laid the groundwork for its emergence as a major economic powerhouse in the years that followed.

Famous People From Houston

Jack Yates (1828–1897): Community leader and former slave.

Early Life and Enslavement (1828–1865)

John ""Jack"" Yates was born into slavery on July 11, 1828, in Gloucester County, Virginia. He grew up working on plantations, where he developed a strong sense of community and leadership despite the oppressive conditions of slavery. Yates was known for his intelligence, integrity, and deep religious faith, which he nurtured through self-education and participation in clandestine church gatherings. His early life was shaped by the harsh realities of enslavement, but Yates’s resilience and determination would later propel him to become a significant figure in Houston’s African American community.

Emancipation and Move to Houston (1865–1870)

Following the Civil War and the Emancipation Proclamation, Jack Yates gained his freedom and, in 1865, he moved to Houston, Texas, seeking better opportunities for himself and his family. Upon his arrival in Houston, Yates quickly established himself as a community leader. He was ordained as a Baptist minister and became the pastor of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, Houston’s first black Baptist church. His leadership in the church provided spiritual guidance and social support to the city’s newly freed African American population, helping them navigate the challenges of post-emancipation life.

Community Leadership and Educational Advocacy (1871–1880)

Jack Yates was not only a religious leader but also a passionate advocate for education and economic empowerment within the African American community. Recognizing the importance of education for future generations, Yates was instrumental in establishing Houston’s first school for black children, which later became the public Gregory Institute. He believed that education was key to the progress and upliftment of his people, and he worked tirelessly to ensure that African American children had access to quality education. His advocacy extended to promoting literacy and vocational training for adults, further strengthening the community.

Connection to Houston and Emancipation Park (1872–1890)

Yates’s most enduring legacy in Houston is his role in the creation of Emancipation Park. In 1872, Yates, along with other community leaders, raised funds to purchase land that would serve as a gathering place for Juneteenth celebrations, marking the anniversary of emancipation in Texas. Emancipation Park became a symbol of freedom and unity for Houston’s African American community and remains a vital cultural and historical landmark in the city. Yates’s efforts to secure and develop this space demonstrated his commitment to preserving the history and culture of his community, as well as providing a place for celebration and education.

Economic Empowerment and Land Ownership (1881–1897)

In addition to his religious and educational efforts, Jack Yates was a strong advocate for economic empowerment and land ownership within the African American community. He encouraged his congregation and community members to acquire land and property, understanding that economic independence was crucial for long-term stability and success. Yates himself became a successful landowner, and he used his resources to support various community initiatives. His emphasis on self-reliance and economic development laid the groundwork for future generations to build wealth and achieve greater social mobility.

Legacy and Recognition (1897–Present)

Jack Yates passed away on December 22, 1897, but his legacy continues to resonate in Houston and beyond. His contributions to the African American community, particularly in the areas of education, religion, and economic empowerment, have had a lasting impact. Yates High School in Houston is named in his honor, serving as a reminder of his commitment to education and community building. Emancipation Park remains a central gathering place and symbol of freedom, reflecting Yates’s enduring influence on the city. His life and work are celebrated through various honors and memorials, ensuring that his contributions are remembered and appreciated.

Key Achievements:

• Served as the founding pastor of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, Houston’s first black Baptist church, providing spiritual and social leadership.

• Played a central role in the creation of Emancipation Park, a vital cultural landmark for Houston’s African American community.

• Advocated for education and economic empowerment, helping to establish Houston’s first school for black children and promoting land ownership.

Summary:

Jack Yates’s journey from enslavement to becoming a community leader in Houston reflects his extraordinary resilience and dedication to the upliftment of his people. His connection to Houston was central to his work, as he played a key role in the spiritual, educational, and economic development of the city’s African American community. Yates’s legacy as a leader, educator, and advocate for freedom and empowerment continues to inspire, ensuring his place as one of Houston’s most important historical figures.

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-Matthew Larsen

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