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Houstonians turn out for final viewing of civil rights pioneer, Rev. William Lawson

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Even before the doors opened at 9 a.m. on Thursday morning, working Houstonians stood in line to pay their final respects to a giant among men, Reverend William Lawson.

A tall man with a mellow voice and clear conviction and understanding of the Gospel. Lawson lays in state at the church he founded 64 years ago in his apartment, Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in the Third Ward.

Many of the people paying a visit related close, personal reflections of their pastor. Among them, Beverly Smith spoke with reverence for Lawson: “He’s taught us a lot and what he has done and what he has contributed will last for generations to come.”

Another parishioner, Tonya Ivory-Mays related a personal memory of the kindness of Lawson in her time of need.

“When I was in the hospital and I had had my son prematurely and I was very ill, and he came to pray for me,” Ivory-Mays said. “His preaching and his teaching was always understandable.”

Kimberly Ann Wright Jones shared a special connection to Reverend Lawson: “He’s my Godfather, yes, it’s been 60 years of love, care and kindness.”

“And teaching me everything I know,” Jones said. “Just to go in here and know that the legacy lives within me—very surreal.”

Doctor Ruth Ollison, the Pastor of Beulah Land Community Church near Wheeler, related a special story about Lawson: “He was one of the first to receive and accept female pastors and ministers in the ministry. Just so accepting, so supportive, he is a giant. There are many women who are in ministry [at Wheeler].”

Terronica Wilson began coming to the church when being courted by her future husband, whose family are long-time members. She was married at Wheeler, with Pastor Lawson delivering the prayer during their ceremony.

“And we know that he has done a lot, not only for our church, for the community, for the city, for the state…the nation and the world so we are truly grateful for everybody’s support.”

Known as Houston’s Pastor, Lawson took up the mantle of peaceful organizing and protest in the name of bringing civil rights to the racially divided city of Houston in the 1960s.

A trusted friend and confidant of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Lawson hosted King during visits to Houston and was offered the chance to join King in Atlanta as a leader in the national civil rights movement.

Lawson chose to remain in Houston and continue serving the flock of his church. Since then, the reverend had been a fixture in all things related to civil rights in the region.

Even after retiring from Wheeler Avenue in 2004, Lawson spoke at the funeral of George Floyd and addressed a rally for the Houston native in 2020 at the age of 91. Lawson passed May 14th at the age of 95.

Culled from the Houston Public Media

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8th Annual Nigeria Cultural Parade and Festival, Nigerian Exhibit Set to Takeover Downtown Houston

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July 25, 2024

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Houston, Texas – July 22, 2024 – The 8th annual Nigeria Cultural Parade and Festival is set to light up Downtown Houston with unapologetic fashions, rich cultural displays, and lively masquerade performances on Saturday, October 5, 2024. This highly anticipated event celebrates Nigeria’s diverse heritage and contributions to the cultural landscape of Houston.

The festivities will commence with a parade through the streets of Downtown Houston near the Toyota Center, featuring traditional Nigerian attire, music, and dance. Attendees will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in Nigeria’s rich cultural traditions at the festival near Root Memorial Square, enjoying a variety of activities, including traditional dance performances, music, art exhibits, and West African cuisine.

This year brings an exciting addition to the celebration! The Nigerian Exhibit at Houston City Hall is proudly presented in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs under the theme “Feels Like Home”, highlighting the city’s commitment to promoting cultural diversity and unity. This exhibit will be open to the public from October 21, 2024 to January 3, 2025, showcasing Nigeria’s history, art, and cultural milestones.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs to bring the Nigerian Exhibit to Houston City Hall,” said Jane Brown, Founder of Culturally Naija. “This exhibit, alongside our annual parade and festival, offers a wonderful opportunity for Houstonians to experience and appreciate the rich cultural heritage of Nigeria.”

Event Details:
Nigeria Cultural Parade and Festival:
Date: Saturday, October 5, 2024
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Location: Downtown Houston (1400 Clay Street, Houston, Texas 77002

Nigerian Exhibit at Houston City Hall/City Hall Annex:
Date: October 21, 2024 – January 3, 2025
Time: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Location: Houston City Hall, 901 Bagby St, Houston, TX 77002

The Nigeria Cultural Parade and Festival is an annual event dedicated to celebrating and preserving Nigerian culture in Houston. The event is organized under the aegis collaboration by Culturally Naija and WeLead, Inc.

For more information about the event, please visit www.nigeriaculturalparade.com or follow the event on social media.

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Celebrate Culture and Central Green’s 11th Birthday at the Nigerian Festival in Katy, Texas

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July 25, 2024

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Nigeria’s vibrant and diverse culture will be on full display at the upcoming Nigerian Festival in Katy, Texas, on October 19, 2024. Hosted by Willow Fork Drainage District (WWFD), this exciting event promises an evening filled with music, dance, food, art, and activities that celebrate the rich heritage of Nigeria.

The festival, which will take place at Central Green located inside LaCenterra shopping center, is designed to bring together people from all backgrounds to experience the beauty and diversity of Nigerian culture. Attendees can look forward to:
Live Music and Dance Performances: Enjoy traditional and contemporary Nigerian music and dance performances that highlight the country’s artistic diversity.

Authentic Nigerian Cuisine: Taste a variety of delicious Nigerian dishes, from jollof rice and suya to puff-puff and meat pies, prepared by a local restaurant.

Cultural Exhibitions: Explore exhibitions showcasing Nigerian art, fashion, and crafts, providing insights into the country’s history and cultural heritage.

Family-Friendly Activities: Engage in a range of activities for all ages, including face painting, caricature drawings, and traditional games.

Market Place: Shop for unique Nigerian products, including clothing, jewelry, and art pieces, at the festival marketplace.

“We are thrilled to bring the Nigerian Festival to Katy, Texas,” said Yvonne Arceneaux, WWFD Parks General Manager. “This event is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the beautiful, rich culture and traditions of Nigeria. We invite everyone to join us for an evening of fun, food, and festivities.”


The Nigerian Festival is open to the public, and admission is free. The event will run from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm, and all are welcome to attend.

Central Green offers a variety of year-round activities and events for all to enjoy. Check out the line-up of upcoming events at Central Green on Facebook or visit centralgreenpark.com. For a detailed map of Central Green and its location in LaCenterra, visit laceterra.com.

To learn more about Central Green, please contact Yvonne Arceneaux at yvonne@willowforkparks.com

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Sheila Jackson-Lee, Champion for Liberal Causes Fights till End

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July 23, 2024

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Despite her diagnosis and ongoing treatment, Jackson-Lee fought tirelessly for her district until her final moments.

Less than two weeks after Hurricane Beryl wreaked havoc on Houston, the city faces yet another tragedy. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, a prominent Texas Democrat known for her advocacy for racial justice and progressive causes during her three decades in the House, passed away on Friday at the age of 74.

Her death was announced in a statement from her family posted on X: “Today, with incredible grief for our loss yet deep gratitude for the life she shared with us, we announce the passing of U.S. Representative Sheila Jackson Lee of the 18th Congressional District of Texas. A fierce champion of the people, she was affectionately and simply known as “Congresswoman” by her constituents in recognition for her near-ubiquitous presence and service to their daily lives for more than 30 years.”

Her passing may not have come as a shock to many of her constituents. For instance, In June, Jackson-Lee revealed that she had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in a post on X. She expressed confidence in her doctors’ treatment plan and stated, “The road ahead will be challenging, but I have faith that God will give me strength.” Indeed, throughout her career, Lee had been a strong advocate for healthcare access and cancer research, so it was fitting that she approached her own battle with such determination.

Despite her diagnosis and ongoing treatment, Jackson-Lee fought tirelessly for her district until her final moments. Just last week, she made a passionate plea to the federal government, urging the Department of Justice to investigate CenterPoint Energy, a public utility company based in Houston, Texas for their handling of power outages during Hurricane Beryl. In a display of frustration, she took to social media, stating, “Many Houstonians have been without power for a week! Some have ended up in the emergency room due to extreme heat, and tragically, a woman has lost her life. This cannot continue! It is time for a federal investigation into CenterPoint! Accountability is essential!”

She did not stop there. She wrote a formal letter to Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and requested immediate action from the Department of Justice to investigate CenterPoint, emphasizing the need to hold the company accountable for its actions in restoring power to vulnerable residents, businesses, and government entities in Houston and Harris County.

Less than 8 hours after Jackson Lee’s passing, hundreds of condolences from government officials and members of the community have been flooding in. Former Houston Mayor and congressional colleague Sylvester Turner expressed his condolences, and highlighted Jackson-Lee’s impressive career, noting that she worked closely with and advised Presidents of the United States, engaged with global leaders, and was embraced by world-renowned artists. He also emphasized her dedication to serving underprivileged communities, securing billions of federal dollars for her district, and providing comfort to families in times of loss.

Turner further praised Jackson-Lee’s unwavering commitment to her constituents, describing her as a tireless champion for those in need. He concluded by saying, “We can truly say Sheila Jackson Lee gave her all. Rest in peace, my sister.”

Houston Mayor John Whitmire praised Jackson Lee as a devoted public servant and a fierce advocate for her constituents. Despite battling illness, she tirelessly worked for the 18th Congressional District, collaborating with Whitmire on various projects.

Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo fondly remembered Jackson Lee as a friend, mentor, and relentless champion for her community. Hidalgo admired Jackson Lee’s fearlessness in using her voice to effect change not only for her constituents but for all of Harris County.

Professor Chris Ulasi, Dean of the School of Communication at Texas Southern University, and a close friend of Jackson Lee, hailed her as a true leader and a staunch ally of the university. Ulasi commended Jackson Lee’s unwavering commitment to public service and social justice, recognizing her profound impact on the community and beyond. According to Dr. Ulasi, “As a steadfast supporter of Texas Southern University and the School of Communication, Congresswoman Jackson Lee served as a guiding light for our students, faculty, and staff. Her presence on our campus, empowering TSU commencement speeches, and dedication to fostering the next generation of leaders will forever be treasured and honored.”

Texas Governor Greg Abbott praised her as a proud Texan and a relentless champion for the people of Houston, stating, “Her commitment to public service and dedication to Texas will be remembered for years to come.” Senator Ted Cruz also expressed his condolences, calling Jackson-Lee a friend and colleague, and highlighting her unwavering advocacy for Houston.

Jackson Lee was born in Queens, New York to a comic book artist father and nurse mother. She graduated from Jamaica High School, Yale University, and the University of Virginia School of Law. After moving to Houston with her husband, she became a municipal judge and later served on the Houston City Council from 1989 to 1994. During her time on the council, she worked on passing a safety ordinance regarding guns and promoted expanded summer hours at parks and recreation centers to address gang violence.

In addition to her assertive advocacy in politics, social justice, and equality, Houstonians will always remember Jackson Lee’s presence at virtually every community event. She possesses an intimate knowledge of her 18th Congressional District, akin to the Pope’s familiarity with the Vatican, and is well-acquainted with every community center, leader, and place of worship in the area.

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