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City Cast Houston

People, places, and scenes from Houston's past.

 kick off a new season tonight against the Oklahoma City Thunder

! Since 1971, Houstonians have been cheering on our beloved basketball team. So, how did the Rockets get started? Here’s more history on our favorite team 🏀

You might think the Houston Rockets got their name because of the city’s proximity to NASA. However, 

 in 1967. Basketball fans chose the name the Rockets for the San Diego team because of the city’s space-age industries. The team’s owner, Robert Breitbard, began searching for a new home for the team after fan attendance slowed down. In August 1971, Texas Sports Investments paid $5.6 million to bring the team to Houston, which was 

the most ever paid for a Houston sports franchise

. The team kept their name and kicked off their inaugural season the same year.

During their first season in Houston, the Rockets did not have a permanent stadium, so they used different venues within the city and other cities such as Waco, San Antonio, and even San Diego. Finally, in 1975, the team began playing all of their home games 

 which had just opened and now is home to Lakewood Church. In 1981, the Rockets went to their first NBA finals against the Boston Celtics, but lost. However, their luck would turn around.  In 1984, they signed the 7-foot powerhouse Hakeem Olujawon. Olujawon, who was originally born in Nigeria, 

led the Rockets to back-to-back championships

 in 1994 and 1995. The Rockets would later sign Yao Ming in 2002, who is 

considered one of the franchise’s greatest players

The Houston Rockets had a killer season last year, 

winning more than 50 games during the regular season

. This season, many are psyched to see star player Kevin Durant, 

who just signed a $90 million contract extension

, take the basketball court. The Rockets acquired the NBA star earlier this summer. So, could Durant joining the team 

lead the Rockets to snagging another NBA Championship

Since 1971, Houstonians have been cheering on the Houston Rockets. So, how did our beloved basketball team get started?

How The Rockets Came To Houston 

Houston History

In 1954, the Supreme Court ruled that separating children in public schools 

. The landmark Brown vs. Board of Education ruling led to many schools integrating across the country. However, did you know it took the Houston Independent School District until 1984 to fully integrate after the Supreme Court ruling and it remained as 

one of the largest segregated school districts in the United States

 for years? Here’s more on the complicated history.

After the Supreme Court ruling in 1954, some African American students applied to attend white schools in Houston and Harris County, but were denied access. At the college level, it took University of Houston 

until 1961 to admit its first Black graduate student

did not begin integrating its campus until the 1960s

. In HISD, the process was slower. In 1956, two Houston-area children, Delores Ross and Beneva Williams, 

tried to enroll in person at public white schools

, but were denied. Later that year, their families 

filed a class action lawsuit against the school district

. Despite the lawsuit, it took until 1960 for a federal judge to order the school district to implement a plan for desegregation.

After the order from the federal judge, the school district began to integrate one grade level per year starting with first grade in September 1960. As the years passed, younger grades began to integrate, but some Houstonians pushed for full desegregation. In May 1965, Reverend William Lawson, a civil rights icon in Houston, 

called for Houstonians to protest HISD’s “stair-step integration.”

 Thousands of African American students boycotted schools and about 2,000 marched to HISD headquarters. 

However, as time passed, the school district started to make progress. In 1975,

 the district opened its first magnet schools

, which offered specialized programs to any student across the district and helped schools to continue to desegregate. By 1981, a judge reviewed the original case brought in 1956 by Ross and Williams, and 

 The school district finally settled the decades-long case out-of-court in 1984 with the NAACP and the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund. In a full-circle moment, Ross attended a ceremony to sign the settlement.

Why did it take years for Houston schools to fully integrate after the Brown vs. Board ruling in 1954? 

Why Houston Schools Took Decades to Integrate 

Why Houston Schools Took Decades To Integrate

 It’s hard to picture Houston without our beloved 

. The first shop opened in 1936 on Crockett Street, and their warm glazed doughnuts have remained a delightful staple of the city ever since. The franchise was 

recently sold to a private equity firm in California

, which made some Houstonians nervous about the future of Shipley. So, how did this beloved donut shop become an icon in Houston?

, learned more about the donut business working at his wife’s parent’s donut shop in Dallas. When he moved back to Houston, he wanted to create the perfect donut that could withstand our city’s humid and hot climate. It wasn’t easy. He had to create a new recipe. And if Houstonians have any say in it, he 

 it! The glaze on Shipley’s donuts is still legendary! When Shipley Sr. opened that first shop, a dozen donuts sold for only five cents. Word quickly spread. And as their donuts and coffee became more popular, Shipley Sr. and his wife, Lillie, 

opened a headquarters on North Main Street

 in 1952 with the dream of franchising the business.

His son, Lawrence Shipley Jr., eventually took over the business and had a bigger vision for the brand. He saw the shop selling more varieties of donuts and kolaches. Under his leadership, the company expanded to include nearly 330 stores across the South. The company continued as a family business until 2021 when an Austin-based private equity firm bought it. Under new ownership, Shipley’s sales more than doubled, and the franchise continued to expand. Today, it’s not just a Houston brand. You can find Shipley Do-Nuts in more than a dozen states.

My favorite Shipley location is the one on Scott Street in Third Ward.

 Growing up, I went there almost every Sunday after church for a warm glazed doughnut fresh out of the oven, It’s still my go-to choice.

This is what City Cast Houston Host Raheel Ramzanali always orders:

 “1 Hoffy Twist, 1 blueberry glazed cake donut, and 2 glazed donuts … yes, I'm pre-diabetic.”

City Cast Houston Producer Carlignon Jones' love for Shipley started early:

 “When I was a kid, me and my mom would go every morning as our bonding time. I would always order a donut with chocolate icing and sprinkles, but nowadays I'm more of a glazed donut girl.”

What's your go-to Shipley order? 

Shipley Do-Nuts has a remained a staple in Houston for decades. 

How Shipley Do-Nuts Became a Houston Icon 

One thing about Houstonians, we love the Houston Astros! As we push through the dog days of summer, 

it’s a great time to cheer on our favorite team

. Here’s more on the rich history of the ‘Stros in Houston.

has always been a popular sport in Houston

 — even before the Astros became our official hometown team. When the Texas League was created in 1888, several baseball teams were born. Out of the league, the Houston Buffaloes were the most renowned team, winning multiple Texas League and Dixie Series championships.

George Kirksey, a local sportswriter and public relations executive, and Craig Cullinan, a businessman and heir to Texaco, formed the Houston Sports Association in hopes of bringing major league baseball to the city. R.E. "Bob" Smith, businessman and landowner, and Roy Hofheinz, former Houston mayor, were also brought into the association. Hofheinz also was working on bringing the world’s first domed stadium to the city. Their dreams came true. The city was granted expansion into Major League Baseball in October 1960, and Houston’s first team became the Houston Colt .45s, named after the “Gun that won the West.”

That name didn’t last long; it was retired after the 1964 season. Shortly after, Hofheinz, the team president, said the new team would be named the Astros and the domed stadium would be called the Astrodome, in honor of the NASA Space Center and local astronauts. On April 9, 1965, the Astros played their first game against the New York Yankees, beating them 2 -1.

Over the years, the Astros have had standout players and seasons. In the 1980s, some of their best pitchers graced the stadium, including Nolan Ryan and Mike Scott. Craig Biggio joined the team in 1988 and 

played a record 20 seasons with the Astros

 – becoming the first player to be elected into the Hall of Fame. In 2011, Jim Crane led a group of investors who bought the team. Crane then began to build a staff that led to one of the Astros’ most successful teams. Standout players Jose Altuve, George Springer, Carlos Correa and Alex Bregman helped lead the Astros to their first-ever World Series victory in 2017, right after the city was devastated by Hurricane Harvey. The Astros 

also dealt with a sign stealing scandal in 2017

 that Houstonians would all like to forget about.

A few years later, the Astros won another World Series, and 

 from Yordan Alvarez will stay etched in baseball fan’s minds for years to come. The Astros 

recently brought back fan favorite Carlos Correa

Houston fans made the trek to Boston to see the star player

 take on the Red Sox this past weekend, including Mayor Whitmire. The Astros are currently 

holding the top spot in the American League West

Relive the last Astros World Series win 

So, how did the Houston Astros rise to baseball fame? 

How The Houston Astros Rose to Baseball Fame

Located in the heart of Houston’s Third Ward, Emancipation Park has been a place for Juneteenth celebrations, community gatherings, and other traditions for generations. Today, you can go for a swim at the community pool, listen to jazz as you watch the sun set over the downtown skyline, or enjoy a performance at Blessing Theater. More than 150 years after it was purchased by newly freed African Americans, the park stands as a testament to the resilience of Third Ward.

After slavery was abolished in 1865, an influx of 

African Americans moved to Houston from neighboring plantations

. They began to purchase land and build homes in the city, especially in Third and Fourth wards. Some combined resources and purchased property to build schools and churches. The Rev. Jack Yates, politician Richard Allen, and the Rev. Elias Dibble, who were also former slaves themselves, purchased a place for African Americans to celebrate Juneteenth, the day enslaved Texans officially learned slavery ended in June 1865. The group bought the 10-acre plot for Emancipation Park in 1872. In the late 1930s, a recreation center, swimming pool, and a bathhouse were added. For years, the park served as a community hub. It also was 

the only public park and swimming pool open for African Americans

As years passed, Third Ward residents wanted a modern update for their historic park. In the early 2000s, two residents who were born and raised in Third Ward 

created a nonprofit called the Friends of Emancipation Park

 to push for resources for the park. Philip Freelon, a renowned architect who also designed the The National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., led the park’s $33.6 million redesign. It included a new recreation center, a beautiful green lawn for events with family picnic areas, and a restored stage area for indoor and outdoor performances. In 2017, more than 8,000 people partied at 

the first Juneteenth celebration held at the newly renovated park

. With fears of gentrification in the neighborhood, 

many hope the park will preserve Third Ward’s rich history

Since the redesign, when you drive down Emancipation Avenue, it’s hard to miss the main building's bold orange colors. The park hosts events all year long like 

, summer programs for children, and community plays. Right across the street, you can order something delicious from 

 (my vote is the pound cake waffle with chicken!) or get a book from 

 inside Eldorado Ballroom for your summer reading. Right now at Emancipation Park, you can also explore an exhibit in 

honor of the late Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee

Emancipation Park has remained a legacy in Third Ward for more than 150 years. 

Emancipation Park's Lasting Legacy in Third Ward

Emancipation Park's Lasting Legacy 

, a beloved summer camp for girls tucked away in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, experienced an unimaginable tragedy. Right now, we know that 

 after the flooding on July 4. Every summer, many Houstonians flocked to this camp alongside other Texas girls for a chance to escape into a quiet oasis, grow spiritually, and make lifelong friends.

Camp Mystic, a private Christian girls summer camp in Kerr County northwest of San Antonio, is almost 100 years old. It was 

 in 1926 by former University of Texas head football coach Doc Stewart. In its early days, girls could participate in activities like roping, music, painting, and drama. Since then, it’s grown into an 

annual summer tradition for generations of Texans

. Former President Lyndon B. Johnson’s daughters, granddaughters, and great-grandaughters went to the camp. Former first lady Laura Bush 

. Campers admired current directors Richard “Dick” and Tweety Eastland, who had overseen the camp since 1974. Dick Eastland taught fishing and a 

former camper remembers him snapping a photo

 and giving her a hug after catching a fish.  He 

died while trying to save campers from the rising floodwaters

For many Texas families, going to summer camp has long been a rite of passage. And friendships forged at Camp Mystic have lasted years. One

 former camper asked her friend to be a bridesmaid

 in her wedding. Mothers keep the tradition alive for their daughters — with some moms, daughters, and grandmothers all attending over the years. About 750 girls were at camp this summer. Campers stay in cabins with names that make you smile like Gigglebox and Chatterbox. They swim, kayak, do arts and crafts, dance, and ride horses. Some would work on writing and editing 

. The girls are encouraged to be off their phones and social media. The camp’s goal is simple: for campers to become better people, let Mystic bring out the best in them, and grow in their faith. We know Camp Mystic is now mourning , but many former campers have come out to 

 who tragically lost their lives at Camp Mystic over the weekend. 💟

Did you attend Camp Mystic or another summer camp in Texas? Has this tragedy brought back memories for you? 

Send your Texas summer camp memories

Many Texans are mourning after over 20 campers and counselors died from tragic floods at Camp Mystic in Kerr County. 

Camp Mystic: A Beloved Texas Summer Memory 

Juneteenth is a significant day in U.S. history. The National Museum of African American History and Culture refers to Juneteenth as 

. Short for “June Nineteenth,” it is also known as “Freedom Day” and “Emancipation Day.”

On Jan. 1, 1863, Abraham Lincoln signed the 

, which declared that all enslaved people who were in states that rebelled against the Union were now free. In the lead-up to the end of the 

 in April 1865, Union soldiers traveled throughout Confederate states to read the proclamation to slaves.

However, it would take two years for enslaved Texans to hear the news. On June 19, 1865, federal troops arrived in Galveston. Texas was 

the last Confederate state for those enslaved to learn about their freedom

became a day of remembrance and “Jubilee Day

” for the over 250,000 newly freed African-Americans in Texas. Juneteenth has since been widely celebrated in the African-American community and is 

Texas became the first state to designate Juneteenth as a holiday in 1980. The summer of 

 against police brutality and demanding racial justice brought an increased awareness of its significance. Known as the “Grandmother of Junteenth”, Opal Lee also 

 by making freedom walks in North Texas and across the country. 

 and his team created a Juneteenth mural in 2021, and his work has rippled across the United States. Juneteenth murals 

have since been painted in multiple cities across the country

 and will expand to San Francisco and New York this year.

On June 17, 2021, President Joe Biden officially signed Juneteenth into law as the 11th federally recognized U.S. holiday. While President Donald Trump's new administration has downscaled or eliminated programs to support diversity, equity, and inclusion, the holiday is still cherished and widely celebrated in H-town.

how his Juneteenth mural spread across the country

If you want to walk through Freedmen’s Town, where freed slaves settled in Houston, 

we spoke with a resident and local historian about the historic area

I’ve learned a lot about Juneteenth and Texas’ Black history through reporting. My 

story about The Emancipation Trail follows the path that freed slaves took as they migrated from Galveston to Houston

, but I have even more fun ideas in my hand-picked 

roundup of the best Juneteenth celebrations

Here's why Juneteenth is important to Texans and where you can celebrate in 2025. 

Why Juneteenth is Important for Texans in 2025

Why Juneteenth is Important for Texans 

Pride month is here, and the ways to celebrate are seemingly endless. Are we here for the rainbow eyeshadow and chaps? Yes, obviously! But, at its core, Pride is a political event protesting the unjust treatment and systems faced by the LGBTQ+ community. Here’s what to know about Pride Month in Houston and how to get involved.

 in New York City’s Greenwich Village and patrons fought back. The ensuing fights outside the bar continued for six days and fundamentally changed the discourse of LGBTQ+ activism. 

 that Stonewall was primarily a shift in how white cisgender people viewed queer rights and that it was actually a culmination of years of activist efforts.

On the uprising’s first anniversary, Pride solidarity marches were held in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Chicago. In Houston, the 

 Lower Westheimer in 1979, but the foundation was set years earlier. And across the country, more and more cities joined until the federal government 

Pride is celebrated globally with events from parades and protests to community forums and book clubs. But, as Pride has grown, it has 

 and giant corporate sponsors have taken away from the original message of Pride at a time when 

. To combat this, many local activists have established independent Pride events.

Create your own Pride painting and sip on refreshing mocktails 

at BakerRipley East Aline Campus on June 6

Celebrate Pride month with good food, music, drinks, and a

Jam out to the sounds of the Houston Pride Band during 

 featuring some of the hottest models in Houston at RISE Rooftop on June 25.

Enjoy the 47th Official Houston LGBT+ Pride Celebration 

how Montrose became the LGBTQ+ hub of Houston.

Pride’s roots trace back to uprisings in 1969 for LGBTQ+ equality. Here’s why we celebrate in June, and how you can get involved in Houston.

How To Celebrate Pride Month in Houston

Although you may have to drive a bit to reach this venue, it’s worth the trip! You won’t regret grabbing a blanket and catching a concert on the lawn at 

 in The Woodlands. Here’s more history on this classic music venue and what concerts you can experience this summer. It’s definitely worth putting on your bucket list if you haven’t been yet!

George P. Mitchell, founder of The Woodlands, and his wife, Cynthia Woods Mitchell, 

wanted a place for residents in the master-planned community to see classical performances

, educational events, and live music. In 1990, the pavilion opened, named after Cynthia Woods Mitchell herself and featuring local and national talent. The Houston Symphony and Frank Sinatra performed on opening weekend! Since then, the venue has welcomed many world-class artists. From March to December, the pavilion hosts around 50 to 65 events, featuring all genres of music.

Summer is the perfect time to catch a concert at the pavilion. When you purchase tickets, you can choose either lawn seating or regular seats. Lawn seating is pretty affordable and usually sells out the fastest. You may be further away from the stage, but there’s something special about lounging on a blanket and listening to your favorite artist underneath the Texas summer sky.

Kick off the summer with rock and roll from

 Styx and Kevin Cronin, the former lead singer of REO Speedwagon

Relive the 80s classic “The Goonies” with 

hits from Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, and other special guests

 as part of the Outlaw Music Festival on July 6. 

 alongside Big Sean and Sabrina Claudio on July 29.

Have you visited Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion? The classic music venue in The Woodlands will feature a variety of concerts in summer 2025. 

Houston History

How The Rockets Came To Houston

Why Houston Schools Took Decades To Integrate

How Shipley Do-Nuts Became a Houston Icon

Latest articles

How The Houston Astros Rose to Baseball Fame

Emancipation Park's Lasting Legacy

Camp Mystic: A Beloved Texas Summer Memory

Why Juneteenth is Important for Texans

How To Celebrate Pride Month in Houston

What Outdoor Concerts To See in Summer 2025

Cactus Music Turns 50 This Year