Welcome to The Houston Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Vertex Energy files for bankruptcy sale.

• Astros conquer challenges, win AL West again.

• A deep dive into the life of Hazel Brannon Smith.

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"You cannot swim for new horizons until you have courage to lose sight of the shore."

— William Faulkner

Trivia

What is the name of Houston's NBA team?

A) Houston Rockets

B) Houston Texans

C) Houston Dynamo

D) Houston Astros

Answer to Last Week’s Trivia:

The length of Houston's "Tunnel System" underground walkways is C) 7.5 miles.

The Best Stories Of The Week

💼Business

Vertex Energy files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, exploring a sale. (link)

Retail center coming to Fulshear Lakes in Fort Bend County. (link)

🏒Sports

Astros overcome all obstacles, win AL West for fourth year in a row. (link)

Texans mailbag: Laremy Tunsil's false starts are a true problem. (link)

🏦Finance

Houston billionaire Dan Friedkin’s company to acquire another professional sports team. (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. New England Revolution
Shell Energy Stadium, Houston, TX
Wed • Oct 02 • 7:30 PM | (More info)

⚽ 2024 Houston Sports Entertainment Career Fair
2200 Texas Ave, Houston, TX
Wednesday 2 October, 2024 at 2:00 pm | (More info)

Music & Concerts

🎵 KALEO - PAYBACK TOUR 2024
Bayou Music Center, Houston, TX
Mon • Sep 30 • 8:00 PM | (More info)

🎸 CKY w/ Laur Elle
Scout Bar - Houston, Houston, TX
Wed • Oct 02 • 8:00 PM | (More info)

Family

🖌️ Peter Pan (Touring)
Hobby Center, Houston, TX
Tue • Oct 01 • 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 “A smart Houston where technology seamlessly integrates into every aspect of life” 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

1987: Houston's sesquicentennial celebration.

In 1987, Houston celebrated its sesquicentennial, marking 150 years since its founding by the Allen brothers in 1836. The year-long celebration was filled with events, parades, and cultural activities that highlighted the city's rich history and dynamic growth. The sesquicentennial provided an opportunity for Houstonians to reflect on the city's journey from a small frontier settlement to a sprawling, diverse metropolis known for its contributions to industry, culture, and space exploration.

The sesquicentennial celebration included a wide range of activities that engaged the entire community, from historical reenactments and exhibitions to concerts and festivals. One of the highlights was the unveiling of historical markers and the dedication of new public spaces that honored the city's past and its pioneers. The celebration also emphasized Houston's cultural diversity, showcasing the various communities that have shaped the city's identity over the decades.

Houston's sesquicentennial was not just a commemoration of the past but also a vision for the future. The events and projects associated with the celebration aimed to foster civic pride and encourage investment in the city's continued growth and development. The sesquicentennial left a lasting legacy, reinforcing Houston's reputation as a city of innovation, resilience, and opportunity, while honoring the milestones that have defined its unique place in American history.

Famous People From Houston

Hazel Brannon Smith (1914–1994): Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist.

Early Life and Education (1914–1935)

Hazel Brannon Smith was born on February 4, 1914, in Gadsden, Alabama. Raised in a family that valued education and hard work, Smith developed a passion for writing and journalism at a young age. She attended the University of Alabama, where she earned a degree in journalism in 1935. Smith was one of the few women in her class, and her determination to succeed in a male-dominated field was evident from the start. Her early experiences as a student journalist laid the foundation for her career as a fearless advocate for truth and justice.

Career Beginnings and Entry into Journalism (1936–1942)

After graduating, Hazel Brannon Smith began her career as a reporter for the Birmingham News. Her talent for investigative journalism and her dedication to uncovering the truth quickly became apparent. In 1936, she moved to Lexington, Mississippi, where she purchased and became the editor of the Lexington Advertiser. At the time, the newspaper was struggling, but Smith’s leadership and commitment to high journalistic standards revitalized it. Her editorial voice, characterized by a strong stance on civil rights and social justice, soon made the Lexington Advertiser a respected and influential publication in the community.

Connection to Mississippi and Advocacy for Civil Rights (1943–1960)

Although Hazel Brannon Smith is most closely associated with Mississippi, her connection to Houston is reflected in the broader context of her work as a Southern journalist who championed civil rights, which resonated across the South, including in Texas. Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, Smith used her platform to advocate for civil rights, often at great personal and professional risk. She wrote editorials condemning racial violence, segregation, and the actions of the Ku Klux Klan, drawing the ire of many in her community. Despite facing boycotts, threats, and even the bombing of her newspaper office, Smith remained steadfast in her commitment to justice and equality. Her work had a ripple effect throughout the South, influencing public opinion and encouraging other journalists to take a stand.

The Fight for Press Freedom and Recognition (1961–1970)

The 1960s were a tumultuous time for Hazel Brannon Smith as she faced increasing pressure from segregationists who sought to silence her. Despite the financial struggles that ensued due to boycotts and lawsuits, Smith continued to publish her newspapers and speak out against injustice. In 1964, her courageous journalism was recognized when she became the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Writing. The award was a testament to her bravery and integrity as a journalist who refused to be intimidated. Smith’s unwavering dedication to press freedom and civil rights earned her national acclaim, but it also made her a target for continued harassment and economic pressure.

Connection to Houston and Influence in the Region (1971–1980)

While Hazel Brannon Smith did not live in Houston, her influence extended to the city and the broader region. Her work as a journalist and civil rights advocate resonated with many in Houston’s African American community and with those fighting for civil rights across the South. Smith's commitment to truth and justice, even in the face of overwhelming adversity, inspired journalists and activists throughout the region. Her legacy in Houston is reflected in the city’s own struggles for civil rights and press freedom during the same era, and her example provided a powerful model for those advocating for change in Texas.

Later Years and Continued Advocacy (1981–1994)

In her later years, Hazel Brannon Smith continued to write and advocate for the causes she believed in, though her newspapers struggled financially due to the long-standing boycotts. Despite the challenges, she never wavered in her commitment to civil rights and journalistic integrity. Smith remained active in journalism and civic life until her health began to decline. Her work continued to be recognized, and she received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to journalism and civil rights. Smith’s later years were marked by a quiet determination to continue her fight for justice, even as she faced personal and professional difficulties.

Legacy and Recognition (1994–Present)

Hazel Brannon Smith passed away on May 15, 1994, but her legacy as a pioneering journalist and civil rights advocate endures. Her work had a profound impact on the fight for civil rights in the South, and she is remembered as a courageous voice for justice in a time of widespread oppression and fear. Smith’s contributions to journalism were recognized posthumously with several awards, and her story has been featured in numerous books and documentaries. Her legacy continues to inspire journalists, particularly those who work in the face of adversity, and her life serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of press freedom and the role of the media in upholding democracy.

Key Achievements:

• Became the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Editorial Writing in 1964, recognized for her courageous stance on civil rights.

• Used her platform as a journalist to advocate for civil rights and social justice, often at great personal and professional risk.

• Influenced public opinion and journalism practices across the South, including in Houston, through her unwavering commitment to truth and justice.

Summary:

Hazel Brannon Smith’s journey from a young journalist in Alabama to a Pulitzer Prize-winning editor reflects her extraordinary courage and commitment to justice. Her connection to Houston is seen in the broader impact of her work across the South, where her advocacy for civil rights resonated with those fighting similar battles. Smith’s legacy as a fearless journalist and champion of civil rights continues to inspire, ensuring her place as one of the most important figures in American journalism and civil rights history.

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-Matthew Larsen

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