“A need exists to attract a new generation to an appreciation of history. That need is made more necessary with recent culture wars against the value of historical fact. Our focus is to share real-life stories of ordinary citizens who accomplished extra-ordinary achievements for African Americans

Texas’ Inaugural Juneteenth Emancipator.

Sam and his  wife, Margaret Lea Houston owned slaves for most of their lives but both have a special place reserved in the hearts of Texans of all races for their kindness and unprecedented humanity in the care and sponsorship of their enslaved “servants.”

Joshua Houston, the famous ex-slave of General Sam Houston and his wife, Margaret Lea Houston, rose to become a respected businessman, alderman,

financier, college trustee and Walker County Commissioner.

Joshua used the money to support his family and help uplift other former slaves.

Julius Rosenwald (1862-1932) was a Chicago businessman, philanthropist, and president of Sears, Roebuck and Company. Though he was born in Illinois, Julius’ German-Jewish family had fled persecution in Europe. He established the

Rosenwald Foundation, using his personal income, for "the well-being of mankind” because he believed that all Americans deserve the opportunity to an education.

Samuel Walker Houston, was a Navy Veteran and skilled musician; a follower of Booker T. Washington; student of W.E.B. DuBois, and  publisher of The Huntsville Times Newspaper.  He also founded The Samuel W. Houston Industrial and Training Institute, and other institutions of learning.  

Huntsville's Samuel Walker Houston Museum and Cultural Center is named in his honor.

With the expertise of Head Teacher,

Esther Bridges (shown here), alumni teachers Mary Helen Wilson Wiseman, Thelma McGuire, Maddy Jewel Walker, and the Wilson, Spivey, Cotton, Wiley, Vann, Howard, Baker, Crawford, Houston and other families, Rosenwald School prospered. 

Mrs. Bridges was headmaster of the school for over 40 years, molding and inspiring excellence in young minds.

Dr. Naomi Williams Ledé, attended Samuel Walker Houston High School in Huntsville, Texas.  

This “distinguished alumni“ and international scholar in transportation planning and management is the author of ten books and more than three hundred research studies, articles, professional papers on urban planning, community development, education, and inner city transportation challenges.