Did you know the first African-American city in Texas was founded right here in north Houston? Black families began to migrate in 1908 to the area and build their own houses. Shortly after, Independence Heights became the first African-American municipality to be incorporated in 1915 with about 600 residents. So, how did this happen?
The Start of Independence Heights
In the early 1900s, A.A. Wright Land Company bought land in the Independence Heights area. The company began selling land to African-Americans and whites at a fair price. Many Black Texans took advantage of the deal and started moving towards north Houston, near Yale Street and Airline Drive. Many of the small wood-frame houses were built by Black contractors in the area.
Developing Their Own City
Despite starting their own businesses, schools, and churches, the residents wanted modern amenities like indoor plumbing and paved streets, similar to the city of Houston. However, city officials did not want to grant their requests. Independence Heights residents petitioned Harris County to apply for a city charter. On January 16, 1915, the city was officially chartered. George O. Burgess, a lawyer, was elected as the first mayor. Residents began to see improvements they desired, including plank sidewalks, paved streets, and a municipal water system. About 40 Black-owned businesses, including restaurants, grocery stores, a blacksmith shop, and law offices, made up the city by 1928.
The Present Day
After the stock market crash in 1929, some Independence Heights residents struggled to pay their house notes to the Wright Land company. The company filed a lawsuit against the city. Meanwhile, the city of Houston was looking to expand and wanted to incorporate Independence Heights. The city was annexed by Houston in December 1929. Decades later, longtime community members like Tanya Debose are still working to preserve the history. Debose serves as the executive director of Independence Heights Redevelopment Council, which works to preserve historic homes and improve the quality of life for residents.
Want to check out the community? Tanya Debose shares the best ways to experience Independence Heights.
I’ll share Houston’s Black History on Tuesdays during February in honor of Black History Month. Do you have an idea for a story? Let me know.
