HOUSTON — Houston officials and community members honored Black history and local Black leaders during events across the region this week, including ceremonies at City Hall and the Fort Bend County courthouse.
At a City Hall celebration Thursday, Houston City Controller Chris Hollins recognized notable Black Houstonians for their contributions to the city. Awardees included TV anchor Melanie Lawson, gospel artist Yolanda Adams, Rice University President Reginald DesRoches, Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans and his wife Jamila, twin United Airlines pilots Jamil and Jalal Paul, and the late Congressman Sylvester Turner. Turner’s daughter, Ashley Turner Captain, accepted his posthumous award and reflected on her father’s upbringing in the Acres Homes neighborhood and his career in city leadership.
Hollins emphasized the role of Black leaders in shaping Houston. “Houston’s story cannot be told without Black excellence, it cannot be told without Black leadership, it cannot be told without Black service,” he said. Performances during the event included a choir from historically Black Texas Southern University and violinist Michael Prince, who recently performed at Super Bowl LV.
On Friday, Fort Bend County officials dedicated a Texas historical marker to Walter Burton, a former slave from North Carolina who became the first elected African American sheriff in the United States and later served as a Texas senator from 1874 to 1883. Burton also advanced education-related legislation, including measures that led to the founding of Prairie View A&M University, a historically Black institution.
Birdie Kelley, representing state Sen. Borris L. Miles of District 13, read a formal proclamation honoring Burton. “Burton demonstrated profound leadership and resilience during a pivotal time in our state’s history, and the establishment of this marker helps ensure that his remarkable legacy will be recognized for generations to come,” Kelley said.
Family members of Burton attended the unveiling, celebrating their heritage and exploring connections with previously unknown relatives. Candace Burton Garrett, a fourth-generation great-niece, highlighted the continuation of the family legacy, pointing to her four-month-old daughter. Shereka Burton, another great-niece, encouraged others to research their ancestry.
Officials said they hope to eventually establish a formally recognized day in honor of Burton’s contributions.
