HOUSTON, TX (February 1, 2021) – Houston Endowment today announced an infusion of $20
million into 55 local organizations working to achieve racial equity and social justice in Houston.
As part of Houston Endowment’s commitment to enacting tangible actions in this work, the
investment intends to support organizations addressing anti-Black racism and systemic injustices
across five areas:Strong Communities: Collaborative, community-based organizations focused on
connecting residents to services; confronting racism and other forms of hate, and
neighborhood-level change for Black communities
- Policy & Advocacy: Local grassroots organizations, community-centered researchers, and local academic institutions addressing systems-level issues disproportionately impacting Black communities.
- Strong Communities: Collaborative, community-based organizations focused on connecting residents to services; confronting racism and other forms of hate, and neighborhood-level change for Black communities.
- Arts, Culture, and History: Black historical, cultural, and civic institutions that have a longstanding relationship with the Black Community across the Houston region.
- Education: Organizations that center Black youth in their design and programming are actively participating in collaborative community-wide efforts.
- Strong Families and Children: Organizations providing support to ensure a strong social safety net for children and their families.
“All Houstonians should have the opportunity to thrive, and we recognize that it will require longterm commitment to achieve the anti-racist society we envision,” said Ann Stern, CEO &
President. “With this initial round of grants, we hope to amplify Black voices in the community
and provide needed resources to organizations that are carrying out this work today.”
Organizations receiving funds include both existing partners and those identified by Houston
Endowment through Black leaders, organizers and advocates who have earned the trust of the
communities they serve. With these funds, Houston Endowment seeks to honor, recognize, and
support historic Black institutions that have served as landmarks in the struggle for Black
liberation, while also supporting new and emerging Black voices that will deepen Houstonians’
understanding of the issues facing Black communities.
“Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the nation, yet the on the ground work in many
communities of color is a daily struggle, especially for those in African American spaces.
Nevertheless, we cannot create equity or create a just society without allyship and equal access
to resources. This support and the investment being made in Black-led organizations signifies a
new day and is a path in the right direction toward real change,” said Tanya Debose, Executive
Director of Preserving Communities of Color and Independence Heights Redevelopment Council.
“Change will only come when we truly hear each other’s voices. We are inspired by the work
these extraordinary organizations and leaders do every day to enact meaningful change and
better our community,” added Stern.
Organizations Awarded
- Blue Triangle Community Center
- Buffalo Soldiers National Museum
- Community Artists’ Collective
- Community Music Center of Houston
- Convict Leasing and Labor Project
- Emancipation Park Conservancy
- Ensemble Theatre
- Freedmen’s Town Preservation Coalition
- Houston Freedmen’s Town Conservancy
- Houston Museum of African American Culture
- Independence Heights Redevelopment Council
- Project Row Houses
- Texas Southern University (University Museum)
- Color of Life Community Resource & Activity
- Center
- Houston Guided Pathways to Success (Equity in Higher Education Initiative)
- HYPE Freedom School, Inc.
- Mufasa’s Pride Rites of Passage
- Prairie View A&M College of Education
- Urban Enrichment Institute
- Black LGBTQIA+ Migrant Project
- BLM HTX
- Center for Civic & Public Policy Improvement
- Harris County Youth Collective (Launch of a Youth-led Organizing Entity)
- Houston Area Urban League
- Houston Organizing Movement for Equity (HOME) Coalition
- Institute of Engagement
- Pure Justice
- Sankofa Research Institute
- Texas Southern University (Center for Justice Research, Dr. Robert. B. Bullard Center for Environmental Justice, Earl Carl Institute for Legal & Social Policy, Inc.)
- Achieving Community Tasks Successfully
- Center for the Healing of Racism
- Change Happens
- Coalition of Community Organizations
- Communities for Better Health
- Complete Communities
- East Harris County Empowerment Council
- Emancipation Economic Development Council
- Fifth Ward CRC
- Harvest CDC
- Houston Coalition Against Hate
- Julia C. Hester House
- Neighborhood Recovery Community Development Corporation
- Northeast Houston Redevelopment Council
- Preserving Communities of Color
- SHAPE Community Center
- South Union CDC
- Sunnyside Community Redevelopment Organization
- Tamina Community Center
- 8 Million Stories
- Collaborative for Children (Support for Centers of Excellence in Historically Black Neighborhoods)
- Monarch Family Services
- Shades of Blue Project
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Houston Endowment: HEMedia@dpwpr.com
About Houston Endowment
-Established in 1937, Houston Endowment advances equity of opportunity for the people of
Greater Houston and enhances the vibrancy of our community so that our region and its people
thrive. In 2020, the Endowment will grant more than $80 million to the area in support of our
community and advancing our mission.
