Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis and Julia C. Hester House officials on Thursday, April 13 celebrated the 80th anniversary of the community center that was established as a settlement house to enhance the quality of life for African Americans in Fifth Ward.

“Julia C. Hester House was established as a nonprofit in 1943 to promote the health, education and welfare of Black Fifth Ward residents and provide recreation and entertainment facilities,” Commissioner Ellis said. ”The legacy of Black settlement houses lives on in institutions like Hester House. Their place in the history of that movement is often overshadowed, but this institution is a beacon of inspiration.”

Julia Hester, a teacher and longtime Fifth Ward resident, was recognized for opening her home to neighborhood youth. She sought to ensure their safety and to educate them. She also was a community leader and active volunteer until her death in 1940. Today, Hester House, which receives funds from Precinct One, honors her legacy by providing a safe haven for youth and promoting education and quality of life for the mostly Black and Brown families living in the area.

“Standing on the shoulders and commitment of Mrs. Julia C. Hester and other notable Fifth Ward pioneers, I am excited that Hester House continues to thrive and provide vital services to the community,” said Sherea McKenzie, Hester House’s executive director. “The staff is to be commended for their diligent efforts to expand and improve services so that Hester House will be a community epicenter for another 80-plus years.”

Jeremy Brown, chairman of the nonprofit Hester House’s Board of Directors, said the community center partners with Atherton Elementary across the street and the Gulf Coast Community Services Association Early Headstart on the community center’s campus to provide opportunities for youth.

“Coach at a Christmas party had a 3-year-old or 4-year-old playing chess,” Brown said. “Now where can kid in this neighborhood play chess? Where can a kid in this neighborhood learn to swim?”

Dr. Youletta McCullough, a Fifth Ward Chamber of Commerce board member, said Ms. Hester inspired generations of Houstonians through her community service.

“The historic Fifth Ward is so overwhelmingly grateful for Ms. Hester’s vision and her service within this community,” Dr. McCullough said. “She opened her home to neighborhood children and actively engaged and nurtured them in development. So we have a lot of community leaders and successful individuals who have come out of Fifth Ward as a result of her involvement.”

In 1941, a bi-racial committee established the Hester House as a center to host recreation and entertainment activities for the community. The Hester House was also the first African American organization to receive its seed funding from the Houston Community Chest, which is now the United Way of the Texas Gulf Coast. In the 1950s and ‘60s, it was known for hosting sock hops for teens.

The community center initially was to be called the Houston Negro Community Center of Fifth Ward. However, before the doors opened, it was renamed after Julia C. Hester.

Hester House became a nonprofit organization in June 1943. Then located on Lyons Avenue, it provided services for youth, adults and families. It also operated a childcare center on McGowan Street. After a successful fundraising campaign, Hester House moved from the rented facility on Lyons and consolidated its services at 2020 Solo St., where it’s located today.

In 2014, with a grant from the state of Texas and Precinct One funds, Hester House added a Wellness Center that includes a gymnasium and an Olympic-size swimming pool.

In December, an artist, who wishes to remain anonymous, completed a mural on the Wellness Center that recreates a John Biggers painting. At the anniversary celebration, which fell on the same day of the late Biggers’ 99th birthday, Commissioner Ellis, Hester House officials and Street Art of Mankind co-founders Audrey and Thibault Decker dedicated the mural along with community members.

“We also have the opportunity to honor John Biggers and officially unveil the first replica mural in this series in partnership with Street Art for Mankind,” Commissioner Ellis said. “Public art has the power to inspire, make change, remind us of our history and unite people for a common cause.”