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City of Houston Honors Mayor
Houston former mayor died in Washington, DC, At the family’s request, Mayor John Whitmire extends an invitation to the public to join in paying their respects to former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, who passed away peacefully earlier this week at the age of 70. Turner was the second African American Mayor of Houston with the first being Lee P. Brown, PhD who served from 1998-2004.
Turner served as Houston’s 62nd mayor from 2016 to 2023.
In 2024, he was elected to represent the 18th Congressional District of Texas.
9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
| Houston City Hall 901 Bagby Rotunda, 1st floor |
Sylvester Turner
1954 – 2025
Sylvester Turner, a beloved father, grandfather, sibling, relative, and a son of Acres Home who went on to become a Texas State Representative, Mayor of Houston, and United States Representative for the 18th Congressional District of Texas, passed into the arms of the Lord on March 5, 2025.
Sylvester lived out his purpose until the very end. On the evening of his death, he was in the Capitol for a joint session of Congress and posted a video online imploring Americans to join together to protect the most vulnerable among us. The last words that many heard him say were, “Don’t mess with Medicaid.” He died at home shortly thereafter from enduring health complications.
Sylvester is survived by his daughter Ashley Paige Turner Captain, her husband Jimmie Lee Captain and their children Aniya and Jameson; sisters Patricia Dinnon and Jacqueline Turner; brothers Clifford Turner, Robert Turner, and Donald Ray Turner (Deborah); his former wife Cheryl; a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins; and many close friends whom he considered part of his extended family. Sylvester was preceded in death by his mother Ruby Mae Turner, Father Eddie Turner, and siblings Alfred “Charles” Turner, Leon Turner, Pearlie Marie Tyrone, Madie Thompson, Everett Turner, Eddie Turner, and Albert Lee Turner.
The family wishes to thank his faithful official staff Jeff Syptak and Marvalette Hunter who served him with honor and helped him live his large life up until the very end.
Sylvester Turner was born on September 27, 1954, in Acres Home, Texas, considered to be the largest unincorporated African American community in the Southern United States. His mother Ruby Mae worked as a maid in the old Rice Hotel in Houston. His father Eddie worked as a painter for Continental Ensco and, on the weekends, cut yards with his sons to make extra money.
Sylvester was raised in a 2-bedroom house in Acres Home with eight brothers and sisters. He lost his father to cancer when he was 13 years old. He often referred to his mother as the CEO of the Turner household, and to her frequent advice: “Work hard, and tomorrow will be better than today.”
In 1973, Sylvester graduated as the valedictorian of Klein High School. Four years later, he received his B.A. degree in political science from the University of Houston, after which he attended Harvard Law School, where he received his J.D. degree in 1980. In 1983, he co-founded the Houston law firm of Barnes & Turner.
In 1988, Sylvester was elected to the Texas House of Representatives to serve the people of House District 139 in Harris County. He served for 13 terms. In 2003, Sylvester became the Speaker Pro Tempore in the Texas House of Representatives, a post he held until 2009. As a state representative, Sylvester stopped utility companies from unfairly raising electricity rates, worked to make health care more affordable for children and families, and led the fight to restore billions of dollars to public schools.
Sylvester was elected Mayor of Houston in 2015. During his two terms, he guided the nation’s fourth-largest city through significant challenges including budget deficits, homelessness, and seven federally declared natural disasters, including Hurricane Harvey and Winter Storm Uri.
Throughout his tenure, numerous publications and news outlets such as 60 Minutes, MSNBC, CNN, CNBC, and FOX News recognized him as a thought leader, and his leadership and accomplishments were regularly featured in The Wall Street Journal, Black Enterprise Magazine, Ebony, New York Times, Washington Post, Bloomberg, and USA Today.
Following the untimely passing in 2024 of his dear friend and colleague, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Sylvester came out of retirement and was elected to serve as the United States Representative for the historic 18th Congressional District of Texas.
Sylvester never forgot where he came from. In the words of one of his mentors, the late Ruby Mosley, Sylvester became “Acreage Home born, Acreage Home grown, and Acreage Home owned.” He lived in his beloved Acres Home neighborhood until the day he was taken from us.
Funeral Arrangements
The late Congressman, former Houston Mayor, and former Texas State Representative’s body will lie in state at Houston City Hall:
• Tuesday, March 11, 2025
• 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Houston City Hall – Rotunda
• 901 Bagby Street, Houston, TX 77002
Congressman Turner’s body will lie in honor at the Texas State Capitol, Hall of the House of Representatives:
• Thursday, March 13, 2025 at Noon until Friday, March 14, 2025 at Noon
• 1100 Congress Avenue, Austin, TX 78701
Funeral service:
• Saturday, March 15, 2025
• 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• The Church Without Walls
• 5725 Queenston Blvd., Houston, TX 77084
• Dr. Ralph West officiating
• Reception immediately following
• Please click here if you are planning to attend the funeral service.
• Please click here if you would like to watch the service online.
Sylvester’s pallbearers will be members of his former security detail – Officers Jack Bailey, Myron Brady, Will Laster, Ingrid Pinzon, Paul Powell, and Rodney Tyler.
Sylvester’s family is asking guests attending the service to wear blue to honor him.
The burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Greater North Houston Youth Alliance (4828 Loop Central Dr., Suite 1000
Houston, TX 77081) to fund Sylvester Turner Family Day in the Park. Those who wish to mail condolences to the family may direct them to Turner Family, P.O. Box 56386, Houston, TX 77256.
A Message from the Family of
Congressman Sylvester Turner
Wednesday, March 5
It is with inexpressible sadness that we the family of Congressman Sylvester Turner, Representative for the 18th Congressional District of Texas, acknowledge his unexpected passing.
After attending the State of The Union Address in Washington, D.C. last evening, Congressman Turner was taken to the hospital and he was later released.
On Wednesday, March 5 at approximately 5:45am he died at his home from enduring health complications. The Turner family is requesting fervent prayers from all who knew and loved him. We also request the public’s respect for our family’s privacy as we process this difficult reality.
Official communication will come from his staff at the appropriate time. Congressman Turner was the consummate public servant. But to us, he was our beloved father, grandfather, sibling, and relative. Thank you for your prayers.
Congressman Sylvester Turner, dead at age 70
Sylvester Turner, 70, native son of the Acreage Home community died in Washington, DC on March 4, 2025. Turner was attending the Joint Session of Congress Speech when he fell ill. He was hospitalized and was later sent home where he expired around 6 a.m. Wednesday.
Turner served in the Texas House for 27 years and eight years as the mayor of Houston. Following the death Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Turner sought the office and won. He served in the 118th Congress from January 3-March 4, 2025.
On February 15, he gave a Congressional Update during the Houston Sun Foundation 10th Annual African American History Symposium at Texas Southern University in the Barbara Jordan – Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs. He told the audience and residents of Congressional District 18 that he was proud to serve them and pledged to address their needs. He further talked about the division in the chamber, stating that he would fight for the District.
Turner leaves to mourn a daughter, a son-in-law and a granddaughter and a grandson, plus a community and city of residents who elected him time and time again in three positions.
Past African History Parade Grand Marshals and Symposium Chairs Return
The Houston Sun Foundation was founded in 2014 and shortly thereafter, the Houston Sun Parade and Symposium was organized. “As we celebrate our 10th anniversary of the Foundation’s Parade and Symposium, we are establishing the African American History Circle of Honor,” said Dorris Ellis Robinson, publisher of the Houston Sun.
They will be installed on Saturday, February 15, 2025 on the campus of Texas Southern University in the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs before the Symposium. The theme for the 2025 African American History Month is African Americans and the Law.
Among those being installed are Rev. Samuel H. Smith, Captain Paul Matthews, Dr. Natalie Caroll, MD, and Claude Cummings.
Houston Sun Foundation Presents its 10th Annual African American Parade and Symposium
Dorris Ellis Robinson’s Statement
10th Annual African American History and Symposium Statement
Good morning, Houston, Media Friends, Houston Sun Foundation Steering Committee, our beloved Houston community.
Thank you for your presence and help in getting the message to our cherished community.
” Today our beloved community stand at a pivotal moment in America’s history as the Houston Sun Foundation come announcing its 10th annual African American History Parade and Symposium,” said Dorris Ellis, president and founder of the Houston Sun and the Houston Sun Foundation.
She continued, “Americans are at the intersection of African American history, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and the theme of discussion for African American History Month is “African Americans and Labor”.”
Left to right– Dr. Gilbert Rochon, Interim Dean of the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs, Dorris Ellis Robinson, Claude Cummings, Parade Grand Marshal and International President of the Communications Workers of America. Cummings is the first African American president in the organization’s 78 -year history. (Sun photo/Jerome Timmons).
The 10th Annual African American History and Parade is
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Staging at Texas and Hamilton on the Southeast corner of Daikin Park at 8 a.m.
Kickoff 10 AM
Grand Marshal, Claude Cummings, President of the International Communications Workers of America. He is the first African American to serve as its leader in the 78th years of the organization.
Immediately following the parade, the lunch and Symposium will be held at Texas Southern University in the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs.
Walter McCoy Auditorium, Room 114
12:30-4 p.m.
$10 parking or street parking
The Symposium is FREE and opened to the public and speakers will discuss African Americans and Labor. Among the speakers are Claude Cummings, International President, Communications Workers of America and others.
In 2025 America has a rich area for exploration. Here are several key points that illustrate this intersection:
- Historical Context of Labor
–Slave Labor: The foundation of African American labor history is rooted in the brutal system of slavery, where enslaved Africans were forced into labor without compensation. Understanding this history is crucial for addressing ongoing disparities.
– Post-Emancipation: After the Civil War, many African Americans sought better labor conditions, often facing systemic barriers such as sharecropping, discrimination, and lack of access to education and resources.
- Labor Movements and Activism
– Union Involvement: African Americans have played significant roles in labor movements, advocating for rights and better working conditions. Their contributions to unions and strikes highlight the importance of inclusivity in labor history.
– Civil Rights and Labor Rights: The fight for civil rights was often intertwined with labor rights, as activists worked to dismantle both racial and economic injustices. Understanding this connection can inform current DEI efforts.
- Economic Inequality and Structural Barriers
– Disparities in Employment: African Americans have historically faced barriers to employment, wage disparities, and underrepresentation in many sectors. Addressing these inequities is essential for fostering a more inclusive workforce.
– Access to Opportunities: DEI initiatives aim to create equitable access to job opportunities, training, and advancement, which are critical for addressing the historical injustices faced by African Americans in the labor market.
- The Role of Policy and Legislation
– Labor Laws: Analyzing legislation such as the Fair Labor Standards Act and its impact on African Americans can highlight ongoing challenges and the need for policies that promote equity.
– Affirmative Action: Policies designed to increase representation and support for marginalized groups in the labor market are vital for addressing historical inequalities.
Contemporary Relevance
– Workplace Diversity: Today, many organizations are recognizing the need for diverse workplaces. Understanding the historical context of African American labor can enhance DEI initiatives and promote meaningful inclusion.
– Cultural Contributions: African Americans have significantly influenced various industries, from arts and entertainment to technology and entrepreneurship. Celebrating these contributions fosters a more inclusive narrative in labor history.
- Education and Awareness
– Curriculum Development: Incorporating African American labor history into educational programs can raise awareness and foster understanding of the systemic issues that have shaped the current labor landscape.
– Community Engagement: Engaging communities in discussions about African American labor history can empower individuals and promote advocacy for equity and inclusion.
In Conclusion, the intersection of African American history, DEI, and labor highlights the importance of recognizing past injustices while striving for a more equitable future. By understanding these connections, Americans can work towards creating inclusive environments that honor the contributions of African Americans in the labor force and address the systemic barriers they continue to face.
Event sponsors are EMPA, SOPA, Dept. Political Science and Public Administration, The Houston Sun, and Norma Huger.
(AI was used in the research of this statement).
City Council Approves Five New Historic Landmark Designation
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HCAD Named A Top Houston Workplace 8 Years In A Row
Houston — The Harris Central Appraisal District (HCAD) has been selected as a Top Workplace in the Houston metropolitan area by the Houston Chronicle for the eighth consecutive year.
“The recognition as a public-sector employer of choice only happens because of the contribution and dedication of every employee,” said Roland Altinger, chief appraiser.
“I’m so proud of everyone at HCAD. Being named a Top Workplace in the Houston area for the eighth successive year is an honor for everyone in the district because the selection is made by responses to an employee survey in which 88 percent of our employees shared
their thoughts.”
The appraisal district was ranked number 6 among the large organizations participating in the Houston Metroplex this year, its fifth consecutive appearance in the top 10. The district has also received national recognition for Culture Excellence in 8 subcategories.
“The appraisal district continues to be responsive to the needs of the jurisdictions and the public we serve,” Altinger said. “We continually look at new ways to use technology to provide faster services and easier access to property owners. We are always striving to improve our customer service.”
The top workplaces are based on an employee feedback survey administered by an independent firm that provides technology-based employee engagement tools.
The anonymous survey measures several aspects of workplace culture, including engagement, organizational health and employee satisfaction with the organization and their jobs.
“Building an organization where every employee feels empowered allows us to provide first-class service to the public, and those principles have helped us remain on the Top Workplaces list for the past 8 years running,” Altinger said.
About HCAD
The Harris Central Appraisal District is a political subdivision of the State of Texas established in 1980 for the purpose of discovering and appraising property for ad valorem tax purposes for each taxing unit within the boundaries of the district. The district has approximately 1.8 million parcels of property to assess each year with a total market value of approximately $895 billion. The appraisal district in Harris County is the largest in Texas, serving more than 500 taxing units, and one of the largest appraisal districts in the United States. For further information, visit www.hcad.org.
Commissioner Ellis Applauds Appeals Court Ruling on Bail Case
Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis applauded a federal appeals court that ruled Wednesday the county’s wealth-based bail policy violates the Constitution because it jails misdemeanor defendants simply because they cannot pay money bail.
A three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals largely ruled against Harris County in an appeal that the county brought in O’Donnell v. Harris County. In an opinion drafted by Judge Edith Brown Clement, the appellate court held, “We are satisfied that the court had sufficient evidence to conclude that Harris County’s use of secured bail violated equal protection.”
The panel also dismissed Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez from the lawsuit and directed U.S. District Judge Lee Rosenthal to craft a narrower injunction. However, the appeals court judges held that the county must follow Judge Rosenthal’s injunctive procedures until she crafts new procedures that more directly address the constitutional violations.
“With this decision, the conservative 5th Circuit is telling Harris County that it’s unconstitutional to have two justice systems: one for the rich and one for the poor,” Commissioner Ellis said. “Yet Harris County has already spent more than $5 million defending a morally and legally indefensible bail system that violates the Constitution and punishes people simply because they are poor. The ruling is a significant victory for justice and offers further proof that it is time for Harris County to settle this lawsuit and enact meaningful reforms that treat all people equally and fairly under the law.”
Judge Rosenthal entered a preliminary injunction against Harris County last April after finding that the county treats indigent misdemeanor defendants unequally solely because they cannot afford money bail. She further found that Harris County’s pretrial detention procedures for misdemeanor cases lack due process because defendants are not informed of the significance of being able to afford money bail. Her preliminary injunction required Sheriff Gonzalez to release indigent misdemeanor defendants within 24 hours of arrest if they could not afford to post a money bond.
The bail lawsuit was filed in May 2016 by Maranda Lynn O’Donnell, who spent more than two days in jail because she could not afford $2,500 bond after being arrested on charges of driving with an invalid license. Her lawsuit was merged with another lawsuit filed by two misdemeanor defendants, Loetha Shanta McGruder and Robert Ryan Ford, who were locked up when they could not afford money bail.
Last year, Commissioner Ellis filed an amicus brief in Judge Rosenthal’s court that discussed Harris County’s history of discriminatory treatment of poor defendants of color and that agreed with the O’Donnell plaintiffs’ assertions that the bail scheme is unconstitutional.
In addition to Judge Clement, the three-judge panel that ruled on the county’s appeal also consisted of Edward Prado and Catharina Haynes. The county now can seek permission for rehearing of its appeal by that panel or to have its appeal heard by all the judges on the 5th Circuit. It also can seek permission to have the 5th Circuit’s decision reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Judge Rosenthal stated in her April order that she would schedule a trial on the merits of the lawsuit, but also warned that the plaintiffs have a great likelihood of winning that trial. The trial is expected to be scheduled soon.
Commissioner Ellis stated, “With regard to the remedy, I am confident that once additional evidence has been presented, the federal courts will implement a bail system in Harris County that protects the constitutional rights of everyone.”
Businesses Must Report Taxable Property By April 2
Houston — If you own a business and have tangible personal property used to produce income such as office equipment or inventory, you must report that property to the Harris County Appraisal District (HCAD) by April 2.
The deadline to file a rendition is usually April 1, but because that date falls on a Sunday this year, the deadline is extended until Monday, April 2.
HCAD is reminding all business owners that they must report personal property to the appraisal district by filing a rendition listing the property. Personal property is tangible property that can be owned, but it does not include land or other structures attached to the land such as buildings or fences. Examples of personal property include computers, desks, chairs, office supplies, business inventory, machinery and vehicles used to produce income, along with other items used in the business.
A rendition is a report that lists all the taxable property the business owner owned or controlled on January 1 of this year. Owners do not have to render exempt property, such as church property with an approved religious exemption or an agriculture producer’s equipment used for farming.
Some renditions may be filed electronically using HCAD’s iFileTM system. If a unique iFileTMnumber is printed on the rendition form below the account number, the owner may render online by going to www.hcad.org and clicking “iFile A Rendition.” If no iFileTM number is printed on the rendition form, the owner will need to complete and file the form manually.
“The appraisal district may use the information submitted in the rendition to set business property values,” said Roland Altinger, chief appraiser.
If a rendition is not filed, filed late or not complete, a 10 percent penalty may be imposed. Filing a fraudulent rendition carries a 50 percent penalty if found guilty.
Property owners who need more time to file their renditions may file a written request with the chief appraiser on or before April 2 to receive an automatic extension to May 1. The chief appraiser may also grant an additional 15 days after the postponed deadline, for good cause.
The appraisal district has already mailed personal property rendition forms to businesses known to have been operating in Harris County during 2017. However, all business owners are required to file renditions whether or not they have received notification. A rendition form is available on the appraisal district’s website at www.hcad.org under the “Forms” tab along with information on the rules of the process.
For more information about rendering property, deadline extensions, penalties and rendition forms, taxpayers may call the appraisal district’s Information Center at 713.957.7800.