Barbara Jordan Archives, Houston Cultural Sites

Barbara Jordan Archives at Texas Southern University, Houston

Houston Cultural Sites

Buffalo Soldiers National Museum
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Texas Southern University
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Prairie View A&M University
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The Ensemble Theatre
DESCRIPTION: Founded in 1976, by George Hawkins as a touring company with a mission to preserve African American artistic expression, entertain and enrich a diverse community. This professional theatre has enjoyed overwhelming growth since the 1980s, when it moved to its current home. It has since become a distinguished resident theatre able to purchase its facility in 1995. This theater can hold its own with any regional theatre in the nation. A sample of their performances which appeal to all ages and across cultures include A Lesson Before Dying, Sparkle: The Musical, Tap Dance Kid, A Pure Gospel Christmas, Johnny B. Goode, and Black Eagles. Fee-based workshops are offered for children to gain confidence and enhance creativity by participating in theatre. Master classes are offered for students to refine their theatrical skills. Year-round season and are located next to a METROrail station. Schedule your acting audition.
DAYS & HOURS: Check their online calendar
ADDRESS: 3535 Main Street, Houston, TX MAP
PARKING: on-street
PHONE: 713-520-0055
WEBSITE: http://www.ensemblehouston.com

Barbara Jordan & Mickey Leland Archives
DESCRIPTION: Robert J. Terry Library is home to archives that chronicle local, state, national, and international achievements of TSU’s most famous alumnae who also represented the 18th District in the US Congress. Barbara Jordan (1936-1996) was the first African-American from Texas elected to the U.S. Congress after Reconstruction. A masterful orator, debate team captain, and constitutional scholar, she is best remembered for arguing for the impeachment of Richard Nixon and delivering the keynote address at the 1976 Democratic Convention. Perhaps her greatest compliment is the respect received from arch-conservative rivals who dared not publicly debate her. Due to multiple sclerosis, she retired from Congress after three terms in 1979. Mickey Leland (1944-1989) filled Barbara Jordan’s seat and went on to chair the Congressional Black Caucus during the 99th U.S. Congress. He successfully pushed for stronger sanctions that helped lead to the collapse of Apartheid in South Africa. Tragically, he died in a small plane flight during a humanitarian mission to Ethiopia. A federal office building downtown is named in his honor.
DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Thu 8a-6p, Fri 8a-5p
ADDRESS: Robert J Terry Library, Texas Southern University, 3100 Cleburne Street, Houston, TX MAP
PARKING: on premises for a fee
PHONE: 713-313-7011
WEBSITE: http://www.tsu.edu

Traditional African Art Gallery
DESCRIPTION: The gallery features a collection of African art acquired over the past four decades. It’s composed of over 200 works from East, Central, and West Africa. Most importantly, the collection is varied and vast enough in scope to allow the study of authentic African traditions and concepts.
DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Thu 8a-6p, Fri 8a-5p
ADDRESS: Robert J Terry Library, Texas Southern University, 3100 Cleburne Street, Houston, TX MAP
PARKING: on premises for a fee
PHONE: 713-313-7149
WEBSITE: http://www.tsu.edu

Heartburn Collection
DESCRIPTION: Although it’s not officially an African American Research Library, like the Schomberg, it should be; Ask for Special Collections Archivist Bernard Forrester to help you locate the right resources among this incredible collection of original artifacts, including a Phyllis Wheatley book; Here’s a bet – avid researchers will not be disappointed in 2nd largest collection of Africana historic artifacts and documents in the world.
DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Thu 8a-6p, Fri 8a-5p
ADDRESS: Robert J Terry Library, Texas Southern University, 3100 Cleburne Street, Houston, TX MAP
PARKING: on premises for a fee
PHONE: 713-313-7011
WEBSITE: http://www.tsu.edu

Starving Poets
DESCRIPTION: This energetic group of underground (mostly) poets is making an impact in the markets they perform; their eloquent spoken word play is rooted in conscious vibrations of edutainment for critics and fans. Their resume is rolling out as they make many special appearances at marquee events, such as the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, Black Heritage Festival, Juneteenth Festival, Super Bowl XXXVIII Soul Festival, and their ridiculous slamming Poetic House Party.
DAYS & HOURS: Check their calendar of events
ADDRESS: venues vary across the city
WEBSITE: http://www.starvingpoets.org

Project Row Houses
DESCRIPTION: Inspired by the artistic paintings of John Biggers, this collective of 22 restored “Shotgun” row houses is a nurturing and reaffirming shelter for artists-in-residence, community services, and galleries for primarily African-American art. It is considered a major urban revitalization success story. Guided tours are available by appt.
DAYS & HOURS: Wed-Sun Noon-5p
ADDRESS: 2521 Holman Street, Houston, TX MAP
PARKING: on-street
PHONE: 713-526-7662
WEBSITE: http://www.projectrowhouses.org

Community Artists Collective
DESCRIPTION: The Baldwin Park facility houses The Collective, 56 condominium units, and 10,000 square feet of retail space, and positively impacts Houston’s artistic, residential, educational, and business communities. If you are lucky, visit when the artists host a fundraising event.
DAYS & HOURS: by appt
ADDRESS: 1413 Holman Street, Houston, TX MAP
PARKING: on-street
PHONE: 713-523-1616
WEBSITE: http://thecollective.org

Traditional African Art Gallery
DESCRIPTION: The gallery features a collection of African art acquired over the past four decades. It’s composed of over 200 works from East, Central, and West Africa. Most importantly, their collection is varied and vast to enhance the study of authentic African traditions and concepts.
DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Thu 8a-6p, Fri 8a-5p
ADDRESS: Robert J Terry Library, Texas Southern University, 3100 Cleburne Street, Houston, TX MAP
PARKING: on premises for a fee
PHONE: 713-313-7149
WEBSITE: http://www.tsu.edu

Shape Community Center
DESCRIPTION: Founded in 1969, S.H.A.P.E. (Self-Help for African People through Education) Community Center provides many programs and activities that strengthen families and communities. Over the years, it has become a staple in the Third Ward with its indoor community programs and summer youth programs. Each year Shape is the proud coordinator of the city’s Kwanzaa Celebration and the annual Pan-African Cultural Festival attended by thousands.
DAYS & HOURS: Mon-Fri 7a-7p, Sat 8a-5p
ADDRESS: 3815 Live Oak, Houston, TX MAP
PARKING: on-street
PHONE: 713-521-0641
WEBSITE: http://www.shape.org

American Cowboy Museum
DESCRIPTION: Founded in 1987 by Mollie Taylor Stevenson, on more than a century-old, several 100-acre Taylor-Stevenson ranch. It is not an Anglicized version of a cowboy museum. Instead, it is home to a special museum focusing on the early Western heritage of African-Americans, Latino-Americans, Native Americans, and women. You can easily spend an afternoon picnic here. Since it is a working ranch managed by the family, do not drop in unannounced. Make an appointment for a tour, party, horseback riding, petting zoo, and leather craft display. They have bilingual staff and often feature traveling group events at the ranch.
DAYS & HOURS: by appt
ADDRESS: 11822 Almeda Road, Houston, TX MAP
PARKING: on-site
PHONE: 713-478-9677
WEBSITE: http://www.americancowboymuseum.org

Houston Ebony Music Society / Houston Ebony Opera Guild
DESCRIPTION: A company of classical singers based in Houston’s African-American community and committed to the expansion of opportunities for participation in and exposure to opera, traditional Negro spirituals, and other classical music genres. Performances include opera, choral music, and other styles year-round.
DAYS & HOURS: Check online press releases for times and locations
PARKING: on-site and street
PHONE: 713-529-7664
WEBSITE: http://www.houstonebonymusic.org

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