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Category Archives: City
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.
Register to enter the 10th annual African American History Parade
City Council Meeting Postponed to Pay Respects to Fallen Houston Firefighter
HOUSTON – Due to the funeral arrangements for Houston firefighter Marcelo Garcia, the City of Houston has postponed this week’s consolidated council meeting to Thursday, Nov. 14. There will be no public session on Tuesday, Nov. 12, or meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 13.
This week’s council meeting is consolidated in observance of Veterans Day and will begin at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14. Mayor John Whitmire, city council members, and members of the public will pay their respects during a public viewing on Tuesday, Nov. 12, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home, 6900 Lawndale. Garcia’s public funeral service is scheduled for Wednesday at 9 a.m. at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1111 St. Joseph Pkwy.
Mayor Whitmire requests that Houstonians and those who commute to the city turn on their vehicle headlights Wednesday to honor Garcia.
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.
Houston Black Real Estate Association celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Fair Housing Act during Its Annual “Realtist” Week, April 14 -21, 2018
Houston Realtists Focus on Growing Black Wealth Through Homeownership
Houston, Texas……… The Houston Black Real Estate Association, (HBREA) a local chapter of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB), the country’s oldest, minority real estate trade association is planning a week-long series of events, April 14-21, 2018 in observance of the trade association’s dedication to increasing Black wealth through homeownership. This year, the association celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the Fair Housing Act.
In 1968, NAREB were the catalysts in bringing forward the ultimate lawsuit against the United States government that resulted in legislation of the Fair Housing Act. Without this Legislation, hundreds of Black families would still face the multitude of racism and discrimination. Culminating the 50th Anniversary, Realtists will meet with policymakers and elected officials to ensure that affordable and sustainable homeownership is supported legislatively, through regulatory or other city planning means.
HBREA chapter president Kimberley Barnes-Henson says, “Our efforts will seek to educate and inspire the public about the never-ending struggle for equality, Democracy in Housing, and NAREB/HBREA role in the landmark effort. We fully understand de-facto desegregation and institutional racism remains a pervasive problem throughout the United States. Thus, as we illuminate the accomplishments of the last 50th years, we ask everyone to join in our current efforts to increase Black homeownership, and improve social and economic conditions for all disenfranchised people.”
Homeownership for Black Americans has been on a steady decline since 2004 when it reached its peak of nearly 50%. As of the fourth quarter ending 2017 as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau, the Black homeownership rate hovered nationally at 42.1% compared to the non-Hispanic White homeownership rate of just above 72.7%”.
As a result of these staggering numbers of Black homeownership “Realtist“ Week was created to combat the differences. President Barnes-Henson further says, “Realists” Week events and activities raise awareness that Black homeownership not only strengthens the economic fabric of our city, but also increases the desirability of Houston’s many neighborhoods”.
For more information regarding sponsorship and participation, contact HBREA, 713-551-2092. For media inquiry and to set-up interviews, contact Foston International, 866-922-2544 or jfoston@fostoninternational.com.
Commissioner Ellis, Mayor Turner Announce $30 Million Project to Repair Streets in TSU-UH Corridor
Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner on March 13announced a joint agreement in which Precinct One will pay $30 million to improve seven streets in the University of Houston-Texas Southern University corridor.
“This is a great example of how Harris County can innovatively and strategically partner with the City of Houston, our universities and other entities to improve mobility, safety and quality of life for all residents,” Precinct One Commissioner Ellis said. “Precinct One is looking forward to supporting TSU and UH, and the entire Third Ward community through this project.”
Earlier on March 13, Commissioners Court voted to negotiate with two engineering firms that will develop the scope of the work.
Dubbed “Complete Streets” project, the improvements dovetail with Mayor Turner’s Complete Communities program, which involves improving Third Ward and four other neighborhoods that have been under-resourced for many years.
“Now I’m excited to see that the Commissioner is bringing safer, more attractive streets to this community of twin universities,” Mayor Turner said. “… If the improvements in these areas were just relying on the city, they would be highly incomplete. I want to thank him for this spirit of collaboration and cooperation with the city utilizing resources at his disposal in order to address many of the needs within the city and within Harris County.”
Precinct One is committing $15 million to improve infrastructure near TSU and another $15 million to projects around UH.
The goal is to create streets that are attractive and a source of neighborhood pride, while improving safety and accessibility to all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, motorists and transit riders.
In addition to roadway work, the project also includes drainage improvements, which will help reduce street flooding during heavy rain.
“This is a win-win opportunity for everyone,” Commissioner Ellis said. “Pedestrian and bike-friendly streets bring neighbors together and encourage healthy activity. I also hope that these improvements will help attract new businesses and jobs for communities in Third Ward.”
Councilman Dwight Boykins, whose District D includes Third Ward, also praised the city-county partnership.
“Given Houston’s revenue cap, it’s crucial that we lean on different partners to find innovative ways to access desperately needed dollars to support our infrastructure,” Boykins said. “As history has shown us, a collaboration between the county and the city in these matters often falls short of what we need to get this job done. That’s why I’m appreciative of the efforts of Commissioner Rodney Ellis and my friend, Mayor Sylvester Turner, who have brought $30 million into my district.”
The streets in the TSU area are Cleburne (Emancipation to Scott); Blodgett (Scott to Ennis); and Attucks (Cleburne to Wheeler).
The streets near UH are Cullen (Interstate 45 to North MacGregor); Wheeler (Cullen to Scott); Elgin (Scott to I-45); and Holman (Scott to Cullen).
“This project will significantly enhance the gateways into these great institutions by creating a beautiful streetscape for students and residents,” Commissioner Ellis said. “The improvements also will help hundreds of Houston residents who attend classes and work at the universities.”
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Houston League sets up Harvey Care Fund, requests donations
Responding to the devastation of the epic and historic Hurricane Harvey, the Houston League of BUsiness and Professional Women, Inc in collaboration with The Houston Sun has established a three tier HLBPW Harvey Care Initiative. To that end, the Houston League during the conference call explored the following:
- Ways to Support and Engage is Hurricane Harvey Welfare, Safety, and Care Actions
- Establish an Official Fundraiser Process for Hurricane Harvey Donations
- Collection and Delivery of Supplies for residents impacted by Hurricane Harvey.
It was decided to implement the above three initiatives and call upon all members, friends, organizations, the general public, and partners to support those impacted by Hurricane Harvey.
a. Collect, organize, label, bag your supplies, books, toys, games, and deliver them to the Sun or prepared to caravan to the George R. Brown or an official shelter. Organize Clothing items by size, gender; items for children, and babies. Place items in separate labeled bags and deliver to the Houston Sun, 1520 Isabella St. 77004 beginning Wednesday-Friday, from 4-6 PM, providing it is safe for you to travel. Used clothing should be gently used and clean.
b. Participate in the Houston League’s Care Initiative by emailing and posting to your social media Send donors to:hlbpwharveycare@gmail.com to make contributions using PayPal. Those contributions will be distributed as follows: First, Impacted African American Small Business; secondly, Texas Southern University Beta PSI and thirdly, Family with Children. “All funds are tax deductible and will go to businesses and families that have been vetted by the Houston League of BPW,” said Dorris Ellis, Publisher Editor of the Houston Sun and President of the Houston League of Business and Professional Women, Inc.
About the Houston League
The Houston League was organized in 1964 by Mrs. Luellia W. Harrsion as an affiliate of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Clubs, Inc. Its purpose is to:
- To promote and protect the interest of business and professional women; to create good fellowship among them;
- To direct the interest of Business and Professional Women toward united action for improved social and civic conditions;
- To recognize achievements of business and professional women and to preserve the history of these achievements, that all people may be informed and that our young people may know their heritage and be inspired,
- To develop youth through leadership, and
To seek and create job opportunities.