Volume 29 Issue 9

History is His Story, not the Truth or Our Story.

Black History is 24/7/365, not just 4 weeks

Roy Douglas Malonson

“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”

COWBOY INTEGRATED RIVERSIDE

By: Clarence Walker

Houston’s Black History Month spotlights the story of a wealthy cattle rancher who broke the segregation barrier in an a uent all-white neighborhood.

e captivating tale is another episode of Houston’s forgotten past. To get there, take a ride going south on 288 to MacGregor and explore the neighborhood’s natural beauty, popularly known as Riverside Terrace.

Riverside Terrace’s exquisite upscale neighborhood exudes a vibe reminiscent of New Orleans rather than Houston, with grand Mid-Century Modern

residences gracing the meandering streets that align with the natural ow of the Braes Bayou watershed. Within the Riverside Terrace neighborhood, one can stumble upon striking Art Deco architectural marvels juxtaposed against lush overgrown lanes that intersect the winding streets, connecting them with the gentle streams that ow into the bayou. Developed in 1924, Riverside Terrace was built by prominent Jewish families of Houston who built their homes on the hilly landscape of southern downtown overlooking Brays

Riverside on pg. 3

MRS. WILLIE RUTH HARRIS

May 7, 1927 – Mar 8, 2024

Willie Ruth Haynes Harris, 96, was born in Houston, Texas, May 7, 1927, to Earnest and Jeanette Haynes. She attended HISD schools and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1943. A er graduation she attended a business training school where she received business and secretarial training. She then began working at HISD. She married her childhood sweetheart, Herbert Harris on January 25, 1946. From this union 12 children were born, six boys and six girls. She was a devoted wife and mother who leaned on our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for guidance and strength to complete what she thought was her mission in life. She was her children’s rst Bible teacher and diligently taught Bible lessons and stories. She taught her children to memorize verses and to quote them during

Harris on pg. 4

Too many Americans, especially Whites cannot look in the mirror, and see themselves for who they really are. Biologically, we are more alike than that which makes us di erent. Yet, our failure to acknowledge the universal biological dimension in human existence is what gives rise to a grievance attitudinal mentality, grievance politics, and self-righteousness.

Self-righteousness is usually unrighteousness. When individuals cannot honestly confront what Michael Jackson referred to as “the man in the mirror.” they cannot bring the “I” in themselves under submission to the “me” in themselves, which in turn, compels every individual to say: “Lord have mercy upon me, a sinner.”

Christian Right Evangelicals,

e GOP, White Nationalists, Fox “Fake” News, and some spiritually misguided Blacks and other minorities have a self-acceptance problem. When individuals spiritually accept themselves for who they are (child of God), they can invariably accept others, because: “Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.” (Romans 15:7). Unfortunately, the desire of e GOP is intent to win regardless of the spiritual socio-economic costs of winning. erefore, winning at all costs is not winning

at all, because the spiritual question is: winning for what purpose? However, this does satisfy the “I” in themselves nor their EGO, because EGO is an acronym for “Edge God Out.” If politicians, especially GOP politicians spiritually understood that: “ e steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and he delighted in his way.” (Psalm 37: 23). America, we would have heaven on earth, because we would be living by e Two Great Commandments. Living in a democratic multicultural society, we should know, and accept God’s eternal truth: “For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8: 38-39).

Christian Right Evangelicals run and tell GOP political o cials that multi-cultural democracy is here to stay, because the Preamble and the U. S. constitution say so. As Americans, we need to fully embrace our Preamble and Constitutional declarations, and cease vilifying each other, because then and only then shall the south rise, again! Sadly, the GOP’s response to President Biden’s State of the Union address is proof positive that the south is still dead in dramatized kitchen-cabinet sin. God is an inclusive God, not an exclusionary God.

e confederate south is not inclusive, but exclusionary.

“I’m pleased, more than pleased, with where we are based on where I thought we would be a year ago,” Trump campaign senior adviser Susie Wiles told NBC News about her boss’s prospects last December 15th.

What keeps her up at night now, she said, is voter “complacency.”

Trump’s devotees became even more energized and eager for his success a er his civil indictment in Manhattan for disbursing $130,000 to a porn star for her silence about their a air. Since then, he has been convicted of sexually assaulting a journalist and of subsequently defaming her. Trump’s company was ned in New York for taxfraud, which may hinder his organization’s ability to secure loans. And the highest court of Colorado recently declared him ineligible to be included on their primary ballot an the basis of insurrection. He was federally indicted in Florida for hiding classi ed information he kept a er his presidency. He has been indicted in Washington, D.C. for trying to reverse the 2020 election outcome. And he was indicted in Georgia for his e orts to overturn his defeat in that state.

A conviction in only one of these felonies may result in imprisonment but so far, the most signi cant consequence

he has su ered has been the di culty of scheduling his public appearances around his court performances, which inspired extravagant donations from his faithful followers. But will it disqualify his candidacy? Richard L. Hasen, law expert of the University of California, Los Angeles says no. “ e Constitution has very few requirements to serve as President, such as being at least 35 years of age. It does not bar anyone indicted, or convicted, or even serving jail time, from running as president and winning the presidency.”

e 14th Amendment excludes the holding of public o ce by anyone who has “engaged in insurrection or rebellion” but that is an untested barrier. If elected, Trump could direct his Justice Department to pardon all o enses. What else? e twice-impeached president’s rst term o ce was a carnival of chaos climaxing with an insurrection. A second term promises more of the same but with more dependable loyalists enabling him.

Princeton University professor Sean Wilentz predicts “It would be the end of the republic.” Violent racism will increase. “ e most immediate concern of Trump returning to the presidency is … violent white supremacist organizations” adds Ibram X. Kendi, director of the Center for Antiracist Research at Boston University. is will escalate the peril of civil war, especially if his victory is close or questionable, arousing agitated protests on the le .

Riverside Cont.

Bayou.

Riverside accommodated the housing needs of Houston’s emerging a uent families involved in the oil and gas industry and the merchants serving Houstonians.

A key factor behind the development of many residences in this vicinity was the exclusion of Jewish families from residing in River Oaks.

In response, prominent families such as the Battlesteins, the Fingers, the Sakowitzes, and the Weingarten family commissioned renowned architects like Birdsall, Birscoe Bolton & Barnstone, John Chase, and John Staub to design opulent estates that rivaled the luxurious estates throughout the most a uent areas of the bayou city.

e neighborhood quickly gained prominence as an a uent hub of the Jewish community, earning the moniker “the Jewish River Oaks”.

A Black Cattle Rancher Integrated Riverside Terrace

What the wealthy white Jewish residents in Riverside Terrace didn’t realize they were in for a rude awakening if they thought their neighborhood would remain the same. In 1952, the beginning of a pivotal journey for a uent African American cattle rancher Jack Caesar, who was chasing the American dream. He had the cash to make it happen.

As Caesar sought to nd real estate opportunities, he encountered a stark reality of constrained choices laid before him: racial segregation.

Racial segregation forced African Americans to reside in a particular

section of the city to live among themselves.

Life was harsh for Blacks during the turbulent segregation era.

Wealth Didn’t Matter: No Blacks Welcome

Irrespective of their wealth, Caesar and his peers faced the stark reality of exclusion from predominantly white neighborhoods.

However, Caesar was undeterred by the prevailing racism in his pursuit of owning his ideal residence.

Finally, a thorough search paid o . Caesar spotted a lavish two-story brick house in Riverside Terrace. But he needed to stay under the radar to make the purchase.

Caesar entrusted his white secretary to purchase the property on his behalf.

Following the transfer of ownership, Caesar and his family obtained the deed to the new residence. Under cover of darkness, the family quietly moved in.

When the neighbors uncovered Caesar’s deceit, they were outraged.

To ease tensions, Caesar and his family chose to handle the delicate situation with subtlety and grace.

Riverside residents accused the NAACP of funding Caesar’s expenses to integrate their segregated neighborhood. Unable to force the family out, the residents decided to wait and see what would happen.

From all accounts, everything went ne for most of that rst year.

A Bomb Goes O

Among the haters, a plot was hatched to kill the Caesars or at least force them to ee Riverside Terrace.

On April 17, 1953, during nighttime, four sticks of dynamites were planted on the Caesar family’s porch. e explosion of the bomb resulted in shattered windows and severe damage to the front porch; miracu;ously, no casualties or injuries were reported.

According to historical accounts, the bombing was intended to instigate fear rather than result in casualties. e intended targets did not respond as expected to the bombing. Caesar and his family stubbornly chose to remain in their home despite the serious attempt to harm them.

Former elected Legendary Harris County Sheri Jack Heard who was a Houston Police Detective at the time when the bombing exploded at Caesar’s home in 1953, investigated the high-pro le case along with Breckenridge Porter including the FBI. An investigation led to the arrest of two white men; 56-year-old George Howell and 51-year-old Carl Dewey “Red” Davis. Both were charged with arson.

Howell paid Davis to detonate the bomb because Howell felt Blacks shouldn’t live in white neighborhoods.

Adverse Consequences

In an odd turn of events, the bomb had the unintended e ect of forcing nervous white residents to put their properties up for sale.

“ e exact opposite happened,” said Dr. Joshua Furman, in the Houstonbased Jewish Herald-Voice.

“It created a culture of fear and panic among the whites of Riverside Terrace, Jews and non-Jews. Was the neighborhood still a safe place to

live? What would happen to the value of their properties if more violence occurred or more black families moved in?”

Real Estate Agents Exploit Neighbor’s Fear

During the 1950s and 1960s, real estate agents urged white families in Riverside Terrace to sell their homes.

Despite some pushback against the practice known as blockbusting, the demographic composition of the neighborhood underwent a signi cant shi as white residents in the area plummeted from nearly complete dominance to just a quarter of the population.

Following the bombing attempts on Caesar’s home, the white residents who ed the area made a pact they wouldn’t sell their homes to blacks. Regrettably, these e orts proved futile as the initial phase of rich white residents moving out, known as white ight, ushered in a transformative period for the city.

Developers Purchased Empty Homes

As the rich whites gradually moved out developers purchased many of the large homes and tore them down to replace the palatial estates with lowcost, easy-to-build apartments.

Many of those apartments were built without air conditioning which forced the low-income black residents into nearby Houston’s bustling streets rife with prostitution and other criminal activities.

Developers also tore down homes along the main thoroughfares and replaced them with strip centers and commercial real estate.

e changes

Riverside on pg. 5

EDUCATION

By: SH-FBISD News

Fort Bend ISD hosted a realtor’s workshop yesterday that showcased all the great things the district has to o er for prospective parents and students.

In collaboration with the Women’s Council of Realtors Fort Bend Chapter, the Champion School of Real Estate and Homes.com, the event provided Fort Bend area realtors with valuable information and resources to assist homebuyers seeking to enroll their children in FBISD schools.

Workshop registration earned more than $1,600 to fund scholarships for FBISD students to pursue careers in real estate. Scholarship applications will open later this month and winners will be announced in May. Champion School of Real Estate will

also award one FBISD student with a scholarship to cover the cost to obtain a real estate license.

Nearly 60 attendees participated in the three-hour workshop to learn about the district’s special programs and services, its pre-K enrollment process, and hear from a panel of FBISD leaders who also answered questions from the realtors which ranged from school safety and mental health services to gi ed and talented and special education programs. Lunch was sponsored by Homes.com. Realtors who were unable to attend the workshop can visit the Fort Bend ISD Realtor webpage to view the presentation and download district information for prospective buyers in the FBISD zoned area.

FBISD HOSTS REALTOR WORKSHOP

Harris

their study sessions.

Additionally, she taught her children many valuable life skills so they would be independent and productive adults. She also shared her faith, wisdom and love with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. During her spare moments, she loved visiting and interacting with a few special ladies in the neighborhood, especially Mrs. Elizabeth Peavy, Mrs. Celia Streety, Mrs. Sammie Mae Ford, and Mrs. Jean Marie Jackson. She regularly tried to share and pour God’s love into her family and others that were put into her path. Early in her life, she was a member of Greater Zion Baptist Church, formally known as Little Zion Missionary Baptist Church, where her Grandfather W.H. Haynes was elected and served as pastor from 1921-1931. She later became a member of Acreage Home Church of God where she served in many capacities until her demise. Willie Ruth made her transition March 8, 2024. She is preceded in death by her husband Herbert Harris, her parents Ernest Haynes and Jeanette Davis, her son David Harris, her sister Lois Hall, and grandsons Herbert Harris III and Damian Wade.

She leaves to mourn her passing, Herbert (Carol), Eunice (Andrew), Sandra (Charles), Timothy (Alice), Ernest, Deborah (Mark), Linda (Gerald), Barbara (Kirk), Anthony, Annette (Kenneth) and Jonathan. 34 grandchildren, 38 greatgrandchildren, 4 greatgreat grandchildren, her sister Joyce Haynes of Oakland, California, niece Meredith Austin, daughter-in- law Gloria Harris and a host of cousins, relatives and friends.

Riverside

Cont.

scared more white residents into selling, which, again led to the construction of more cheap apartments attracting more lowincome black residents.

Seven years a er Jack Caesar moved in, a decision changed the neighborhood forever. In 1959, amid falling home prices and white ight, city planners and the Department of Transportation reconsidered the building and location of Hwy 288.

Highway 288 was originally to be built alongside Almeda Road. But Transportation o cials shi ed the location slightly eastbound to better serve commuters. ese plans placed the freeway’s path through Riverside Terrace, demolishing Jack Caesar’s house. Caesar was paid a he y sum of money to sacri ce his property.

During the early 1960s, Riverside Terrace was predominantly Black. Meanwhile, the rich white residents of the neighboring Riverside thought the bayou would halt black migration into this second prominent area.

Would a bayou stop the spread of migration?

White Riverside residents were wrong.

e Second Riverside Across the City’s Bayou

As the remaining white residents of the second Riverside across the bayou unsuccessfully fought o integration they relented and forged a grassroots campaign to demonstrate their commitment to the community and promote inclusivity.

Riverside residents also rebu ed the real estate agents’ pressure to force them to sell their homes to pocket easy commission sales.

To prove they meant business the white residents put up signs in their yards reading, “ is is Our Home, It is Not for Sale.”

While the sentiments were heartfelt it wasn’t enough to keep the neighborhood from changing, By the early 1970s, almost all of the palatial homes o MacGregor were owned by blacks.

In 1971, a real estate agent told the Houston Chronicle that only “one or two” whites remained in the area.

Riverside Terrace and Riverside Across the Bayou would become

the city’s Black population’s elite neighborhood; the same as it had been to the Jewish families, a populated neighborhood lled with a strong sense of community and success.

As these ethnic demographics took e ect during the 1970s’ most of the Riverside Jewish and non-Jewish population migrated to Meyerland and eventually River Oaks began accepting Jewish families into their most prestigious circles.

Today’s Riverside Terrace

Over the past 20 years, Riverside Terrace has undergone signi cant developments in its construction and added commercial businesses. All the changes attracted an increasing number of people seeking to revive the historic neighborhood and restore the old mansions constructed decades ago.

e area boasts a range of appealing features that contribute to its glowing attraction, such as its short distance to downtown, Hermann Park, the Medical Center, and the Museum District.

Additionally, MacGregor Park stands out as a popular and secure recreational hub for the neighborhood’s residents.

e community is richly situated within the zoning boundaries of several prominent schools within the Houston Independent School District (HISD), such as Lockhart Elementary, Ryan Middle School, Jack Yates High School, and Lamar High School.

Within proximity are distinguished private educational institutions that cater to many of the residents of Riverside Terrace, such as St. Mary’s Catholic School serving PK-5 students and St. Peter the Apostle Catholic School accommodating 6-8 graders.

Riverside Terrance is less than a mile away from Texas Southern University and the University of Houston, according to Wikipedia.

VISIONARY WOMEN IN HOUSTON A NEW ERA BEGINS

By: Jose Monterrosa

In celebration of Women’s History Month, the BIPOC Arts Network and Fund (BANF) proudly spotlights the monumental achievements of three distinguished women who have profoundly impacted Houston’s artistic and cultural fabric. Stacey Allen, Dr. Lavanya Rajagopalan, and Dr. Gabriela Baeza Ventura harnessed their unique talents and visions to challenge boundaries, inspire communities, and pave new pathways in their respective elds. BANF has recognized and supported their inspiring work to elevate community voices.

Dr. Gabriela Baeza Ventura: Elevating Latino Literary Voices

Dr. Gabriela Baeza Ventura is a distinguished gure in Houston’s literary scene, serving as the Executive Editor at Arte Público Press, a trailblazer in bringing Latino narratives to the forefront. With her role as co-director of the US Latino Digital Humanities Center (USLDH) and her academic prowess at the University of Houston, Dr. Baeza Ventura’s in uence spans broad and deep.

e forthcoming appointment of Dr. Baeza Ventura as the director of Arte Público Press in 2025 marks a signi cant milestone, heralding a new era of inclusivity and female empowerment within the literary and cultural domains.

At Arte Público Press, Dr. Baeza Ventura has been instrumental in magnifying Latino literary voices, guiding the publication of around 30 signi cant works annually. Her strategic leadership has advanced Arte Público Press to new heights of literary achievement and created pathways for emerging Latina/o writers and scholars, ensuring their stories resonate across generations.

By: Ariel Pirela

Get ready, Houston! Marcus Sullivan, a beloved DJ known for his captivating presence and exceptional ability to create a vibe, is starting an exciting journey at KTSU-FM 90.9 & e Vibe! A er departing the legacy he created at NGEN with its Christian, Hip Hop, and Pop domain, Marcus is now taking on the roles of Operations Manager for KTSU e Choice HD1 and Programming Manager for e Vibe HD2.

tuned to KTSU e Choice and e Vibe for exciting upcoming events and initiatives, marking a time of transformation and excitement,” said KTSU General Manager Ernest Walker. “In the words of the legendary Sam Cooke, ‘A Change is Gonna Come.’ With Marcus leading the way, it’s going to be a transformative experience of welcomed change for both listeners and the community alike.”

For a unique auditory adventure unlike any other, keep tuning in as our team orchestrates something extraordinary on KTSU-FM e Choice and e Vibe.

e Choice and e Vibe.

For more visit

Looking forward, Arte Público Press, recognized as a Houston Cultural Treasure by BANF in 2023, is preparing for ambitious initiatives that include compiling an extensive anthology that traces Latino literature from the 1500s to the present.

transformative role. As the Operations

beyond the ordinary. e Vibe HD2

Neo-Soul, while KTSU e Choice and Gospel, promising something special for every listener.

Situated on the campus of Texas Southern University, a prominent Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in Houston, Texas, Marcus Sullivan is stepping into a transformative role. As the Operations and Programming head for KTSU e Choice and e Vibe, Marcus aims to curate musical experiences that go beyond the ordinary. e Vibe HD2 o ers a mix of Hip Hop, R&B, and Neo-Soul, while KTSU e Choice HD1 features Jazz, Classic R&B, Blues, and Gospel, promising something special for every listener.

ough Marcus may be heard less frequently on the airwaves in his new roles, his impact on the community will be stronger than ever. Known for his dedication to community improvement, Marcus plans to promote local luminaries, and explore expect an immersive everything he does.

ough Marcus may be heard less frequently on the airwaves in his new roles, his impact on the community will be stronger than ever. Known for his dedication to community improvement, Marcus plans to promote local artists, amplify national luminaries, and explore new musical territories. With Marcus’s expertise, listeners can expect an immersive journey lled with inspiration and enlightenment.

“Marcus Sullivan, a passionate sports enthusiast, brings his love for athletic achievement to everything he does. We encourage listeners to stay

Stacey Allen Dr. Gabriela Baeza Ventura

Dr. Lavanya Rajagopala

Marcus Sullivan

AA

NOTICE TO PROPOSERS:

Request for sub-contractor proposals for Harris County Sheri ’s O ce Complex project (Package 1 - Demolition) Durotech, Inc., as Construction Manager at Risk on behalf of Harris County, Texas will receive subcontractor/vendor proposals for the Harris County Sheri ’s Complex project located at 5910 Navigation Blvd., Houston, Texas 77011. is solicitation is for Package 1 – Demolition. Package 1 of this project includes demolition of all existing structures, foundations, and paving at the project address location. Proposals and quali cation statements will be received by Durotech, Inc., from interested proposers, subproposers and suppliers until 2:00 PM on Monday, March 25, 2024, for Package 1 – Demolition scopes of work in the presence of the Owner and Architect at the o ces of Durotech, Inc. at 11931 Wickchester Lane, #205, Houston, Texas 77043-4501, Phone: 281-558-6892 and Fax: 281496-5637. All bids should be submitted by email at bids@durotechgc. com or hand delivered to the o ces of Durotech, Inc. Construction Manager Contact: Sidhesh Kakodkar or Julian Ciarella. All MBE/SBE/WBE/ HUB rms are highly encouraged to submit proposals on this project. A preproposal meeting and site walk will be held on Monday, March 18, 2024 @ 10:00 AM at the project address location (5910 Navigation Blvd., Houston, Texas 77011). Drawings and Speci cations will be available for review at the ofces of Durotech, Inc., and at the plan rooms of AGC, Dodge Data & Analytics, Virtual Builders Exchange, Brazos Valley Contractors Association, Construction Data and CMD Group, and Durotech’s Online Plan Room. Prevailing wage rates in conformance with Harris County, Texas Requirements will be paid on this project. All proposals shall remain valid for ninety (90) days. e Owner, Architect/Engineer and Construction Manager reserve the right to reject any and all proposals, to waive any informalities and irregularities in the proposal process, and to make the awards in the best interest of the Owner. By submitting a proposal, each proposer agrees to waive any claim it has or may have against the Owner, the Architect/Engineer, Construction Manager and their respective employees arising out of or in connection with the administration, evaluation, or recommendation of any proposal; waiver of any requirements under the Proposal Documents, or the Contract Documents; acceptance or rejection of any proposals; and award of a Contract.

RENEE RHOTEN MORRIS, UNCLE FUNKY’S DAUGHTER

ANNIE LEAL, I LOVE CHAMOY

FLORENCE BUTT, H-E-B FOUNDER