The Rosenwald Centennial Project
The Rosenwald Centennial Project presents
"Step Back in Time..."
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"HIFI and Rosenwald School Acres highlight
positive stories of success.
This 21st century digital age allows us to employ imaginative and immersive approaches to first attract, then educate and inspire diverse populations to appreciate our approach to imparting history."
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About Honoring the Past...
Huntsville Heroes
“Huntsville Heroes” is a outdoor Photo Exhibit on the grounds of the Walker County Museum of little known facts about Black and White patriots who helped advance the cause of education, opportunity and achievement... advancing generations of citizens of color in Huntsville.
Honorees include General Sam Houston; the millionaire philanthropist Julius Rosenwald; Samuel Walker Houston and his father Joshua Houston; Dr. Naomi Lede and Rosenwald School#1‘s Master Educator Esther Bridges.
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OPEN A .PDF OF THE EXHIBIT IN YOUR BROWSER.
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Preserving the Past: A Huntsville Historical Photo Gallery
What is HiFI?
HOUSTON INFORMER FOUNDATION, INC.
www.HoustonInformerFoundation.org
NPO # 86-2509947
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The Houston Informer Foundation, Inc. (HIFI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting historical documents and data related to the Houston Informer and Texas Freeman Newspapers.
The Informer network of newspapers is recognized as the "Oldest Black Newspaper Published West of the Mississippi."
A BRIEF HISTORY:
The Texas Freeman newspaper first hit the streets in 1893. Later evolving into the Informer and Texas Freeman, the newspaper became the information hub of a multi-city chain of local publications ...chronicling/reporting the news for Black communities in Houston, Dallas, Galveston, Huntsville, Beaumont, San Antonio, Austin, Jackson Mississippi, Shreveport and New Orleans Louisiana.
For many, the information these papers provided was the life-blood of their quest for equality...unifying the communities they served “Without Fear or Favor.”
By the 1950s, the paper became a major player in advancing the call for civil rights for citizens of African descent.
HIFI's MISSION:
HIFI’s mission is to bring people together through the power of history and culture; promote cultural equity, inclusion and education that engages the public by creating memorable events of historic and edutainment value.
Our Purpose: To preserve and share nearly forgotten stories of African American inspiration and accomplishment. To incorporate unique cultural heritage experiences utilizing stories from and photographs from 130 years of pages of the Houston Informer and Texas Freeman’s extended family of newspapers.: Houston, Dallas, Galveston, Huntsville, Beaumont, San Antonio, Austin, Shreveport and New Orleans, Louisiana and even Jackson, Mississippi..
Our Vision: To feed the need in some—and create it in others—the adventure of discovering a new genre of Texas history; To promote inclusion by utilizing the power of edutainment to impart a love of history and culture;
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In 2023, HIFI offered Houston's residents innovative workshops, photography camps, labs, and field trips designed to engage students in historical preservation.
The Publisher's Vision
"PRESERVING THE PAST...AND THE FUTURE.
Publisher Lorenza P. Butler, Jr 's mission is to document, preserve and publicize African American culture. "Too many wonderful and inspirational stories are being lost..." He recently said, "Integration is a good thing, but that means we need to now INTEGRATE our historical audience. Allow our stories to take their rightful place in Texas history. "
"The only way to do this is to find ways to expose the ENTIRE citizenry to the joy of discovering historical treasures in general ...and ours by default."
"HIFI wants to create a hunger --an appreciation of the extraordinary accomplishments of patriotic citizens to enhance the educational, entrepreneurial and cultural development of Texas."
LORENZA P. BUTLER, JR..
Publisher Emeritus, Houston Informer and Texas Freeman
Chairman of the Houston Informer Foundation. INC
RESULTS MATTER
"PRESERVING THE PAST...AND THE FUTURE.
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PUBLISHER LORENZA BUTLER'S INTERVIEW ON FOX-26 HOUSTON WITH ISIAH CARY
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In 2023, HIFI, in partnership with H-E-B and other local businesses offered Houston's residents a year of traveling Photo Exhibits, innovative workshops, photography camps, labs, and field trips designed to engage students in historical preservation.
City of Houston's Kickoff Reception Highlights on YouTube
https://priscillagraham.zenfolio.com/p47536396/h542697af#h542697af " rel="noopener" target="_blank">by historic photographer Priscilla Graham
~ See other links to press coverage below ~