Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Congressman Al Green and community leaders on Monday, Nov. 5 unveiled the “Sacred Struggles/Vibrant Justice Mural” that honors eight African-American who fought for civil rights in Houston.

“How we remember and learn from history is up to us,” Commissioner Ellis said. “The people on the “Sacred Struggles/Vibrant Justice Mural” all made important contributions to the civil rights movement and broader struggle for justice and equality that need to be recognized and remembered – especially in today’s climate, where we are seeing a resurgence of hate and efforts to roll back hard-won rights.”

The mural, created with jewel-toned paint in a stained-glass design featuring images of the civil rights leaders in tile mosaics, pays tribute to the Rev. John D. Moore, Christia Adair, Heman Sweatt, the Honorable Hattie Mae White, the Rev. William Lawson, Congresswoman Barbara Jordan, Congressman Mickey Leland and former Houston City Councilwoman Ada Edwards. Their combined achievements include: taking part in two major Supreme Court cases, breaking down racial barriers at the polls, desegregating Houston and much more.

“Obviously, there are three people on this mural who are fairly well known, two members of Congress and (former) Councilwoman Ada Edwards,” Commissioner Ellis said. “But there are a lot of heroes and heroines throughout our community – all colors, all races, all religions – who do not get the attention that we should give people.”

Congresswoman Jackson Lee said six of the honorees sacrificed their lives to make a way forward for future generations. “Each day of our lives, we are beginning to make a difference. And that difference, of course, is to make sure that government, policy, and schools all relate to helping us be better people,” she said.

Congressman Green – who spoke about the NAACP, which many of the honorees were active members – said the civil right organization was founded because something horrific was happening in this country – lynching. “It was the NAACP that made it possible for us to eat where we eat, live where we live and sleep where we sleep. Thank God for the NAACP,” he said.

The mural is part of a Precinct One’s broader public art initiative, which is to beautify trails and neighborhoods with public art that is culturally and historically relevant to the local community. It was designed and painted by local artist Reginald Adams, with input and assistance from stakeholders, on behalf of Precinct One. Precinct One installed the mural on the historic Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ, where Rev. Moore served as pastor from 1936 to 1973 and led the congregation in advocating for civil rights. The outdoor mural is visible from the Columbia Tap trail in Third Ward.

“We hope this is one of many public art projects that will come not only to Third Ward, but for the city of Houston,” Adams said. “It doesn’t just beautify space, it honors our leaders and gives inspiration for young folks to know that greatness is ahead of them.

The dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony, which included honorees’ family members, was held on the eve of Election Day. Speakers reminded all eligible voters to cast ballots Nov. 6, especially since the civil rights heroes advocated strongly for the right to vote as they fought against hatred, bigotry, and racism and worked to advance justice and equality for all people.

“These leaders paved a path for us to follow,” Commissioner Ellis said. “We honor their commitment to justice and the sacrifices they made when we exercise our right to vote Nov. 6 and carry on their unfinished work.”