Reverend David Elias Dibble was one of Texas’s first ordained Black Methodist ministers. Each Sunday, he stood before a small Houston congregation to spread the gospel—a passion that ultimately became his life’s work.  The efforts of his leadership are reflected by several of Houston’s most historic establishments.   Rev. Dibble, as many called him, founded

Richard Allen was never involved with politics before 1867. In fact, he was illiterate for the first 40 years years of his life. A skilled carpenter, all Allen knew were the demands from his enslaver to build and construct. These skills soon worked to his advantage as he eventually built a name for himself as

When visitors stroll through the historic fourth ward in Houston, Texas, one name seems to echo throughout the community: John Henry “Jack” Yates. He is honored in the city as one of the most respected leaders of his time. Most Houstonians are familiar with Jack Yates High school, named in his honor. But beyond the