Houston's African American History
Tour Guide
Many visitors like to take part of their time and specialize their trip. If you have an interest in African-American history, you'll want to include some or all of these sites on your trip.
Instructions:
The celebrated African-American muralist, John Biggers, has deep Texas connections. In his later years, Biggers made Houston home and continued his great work until his death in 2001. Many of his paintings were done on the sides of buildings, and all his work reflected the African-American culture. Biggers celebrated the shotgun row houses and inspired the development of Houston's Project Row Houses and its awe-inspiring works. This arts and cultural organization saved 22 abandoned shotgun houses, eventually turning them into showplaces for today's African-American artists.Before you make the tour, investigate the life and art of John Biggers. Search for examples of his works. Stop by the Museum of Fine Arts to see their original John Biggers painting to fully appreciate the impact of his art. Find out exactly what makes a house a "shotgun house." One researcher has called them the only type of African-American building there is. See if you can find examples of Biggers' shotgun house paintings. Discover how they got their name. Consider reading "Ananse: The Web Life of Africa," the visual diary of John Biggers' trip to Africa.
Buffalo Soldiers Museum, the only museum that speaks to the African-American soldier experience alone, is a great place to start. "Broken Obelisk" at the Rothko Chapel is a sculptural tribute to the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, founded by emancipated slaves, is the oldest Black Baptist church in Houston. Freedman's Town (1318 Robin Street) is counted as one of Houston's most important National Register Historic Districts and is the oldest Black neighborhood in the city. Also check the 1870 Jack Yates House, built by freed slaves and now found at the Heritage Society at 1100 Bagby.
When you're at the Museum of Fine Art to see Johnathon Biggers' painting, make sure you check out the Glassell Collection of African Gold. This is a terrific collection of 19th- and 20th-century African gold objects. And of course, visit the Project Row Houses in the Third Ward where the shotgun houses are now dedicated to art. Take some photographs of the shotgun houses.
There are several tour companies that can assist you with Freedman's Town. The Greater Houston Preservation Alliance (+1 713 216 5000) and Freedman's Town Association (+1 713 739 9414). Or you can take the African American History in Houston Tour, provided by Houston Historical Tours.
Once you're home, take the photos of the shotgun houses and then think about using them as the subject matter--as John Biggers did--for a drawing or painting. Create a sketch of your idea. If you like, it go ahead and apply the paint!
Conclusion:
Houston has a vibrant and dedicated African-American population that is supportive and dedicated to its history. If you happen to be in Houston on Juneteenth Day (June 19th), you will find many festivities dedicated to Houston's African American Heritage. Juneteenth Day celebrates the end of slavery in the United States.Supplies & Materials
- camera- computer )to go online and search for information on John Biggers)
- pens, pencils, colored pencils, paint
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