Image courtesy of Priscilla T Graham
For Whence We Stand is a documentary exhibit designed to create awareness, inform, educate, and stimulate learning through positive imaging and storytelling using mixed media, photography, and cinematography. The exhibit tells the story of the people fighting to preserve the cultural heritage of their community and the African American experience in Houston. Freedmen's Town, a living laboratory of African American history and life, was founded after the Civil War in 1865. The Freedmen, originally from small farms and plantations south and southwest of Houston along the Brazos River, migrated to Houston via the San Felipe Road, a significant migration route that symbolized their journey to freedom and opportunity. Many settled on the Buffalo Bayou's swampy banks, where they established their community.
The Freedmen, a community of skilled stonemasons and carpenters, built their homes, businesses, churches, and even paved their streets with bricks they paid for themselves. This original settlement evolved into the economic, spiritual, and cultural heart of Houston's African American community. The self-sufficient Freedmen's Town boasted its businesses, hospital, and unique and intriguing architecture that continues to fascinate visitors today. Schools, a library, YMCA, YWCA, and various denominational churches were also part of this vibrant community. More than 95% of Houston's first African American businesses were located in Freedmen's Town, a testament to the community's entrepreneurial spirit and resilience.
About Priscilla T Graham, The Visual Historical Lyricist
Priscilla T Graham is an American documentary photographer, author, and filmmaker who specializes in storytelling through the lens of the camera, capturing timeless moments of life. Her work is not just about capturing images, but about preserving the rich history and culture of the African American experience in Houston. It is a testament to her love for the community and her commitment to its history.
JOIN US
Artist Talk and Reception | Saturday, November 16, 2:30 - 4:00 PM
EXPLORE SPECIAL COLLECTIONS
Elbert Howze Collection (MSS 0171)
The Elbert Howze Collection contains newspaper articles, photographs, drawings, and his “Fourth Ward” photography book. The contents of the collection primarily focuses on structures, people, and life in Fourth Ward, Houston during the 1980s.
Freedmen's Town Association Collection (RG 0052)
The Freedmen's Town Association Collection contains documents and published materials pertaining to the efforts of the Freedmen's Town Association in preserving the Fourth Ward from 1983 to 1986.
General S. and Mary L. Johnson Collection (MSS 0129)
The General S. and Mary L. Johnson Collection is reflective of Mrs. Johnson's life and career, spanning mostly through the 1920s to the 1970s. The papers include original writings, correspondence, biographical material, and newspaper clippings. Significant portions of the collection represent her time as a teacher and educator, showcase her editorial writings, and signify the Johnson's involvement with the Antioch Baptist Church in Houston. Other items in the collection include photographs and objects, such as a paddle board from Phillis Wheatley High School, a swagger stick, and school ribbons from Mrs. Johnson's time as a student at the Houston Colored High School in 1917.
Ken Breisch Photographs (MSS 0187)
The Ken Breisch Collection consists of 60 35mm slides showing buildings and streets in Fourth Ward Houston, Texas between 1983 and 1999. The collection includes images of Ruthven, Mathews, Andrews, and Robin Streets.
Records of the Gregory School Project (RG 0008)
The Records of the Gregory School Project contains records, plans, meetings, reports, and correspondence that document the collaborative process of the City of Houston, the Mayor's Office, the Houston Public Library, architects, contractors, and the surrounding community in their efforts to completely restore the building into the African American Library at the Gregory School.
Reverend Jack Yates and Antioch Baptist Church Collection (MSS 0281)
This collection is an assortment of church and school ephemera such as programs, memorials, yearbooks, and directories; correspondence and documents; along with historically important photographs of Reverend Jack Yates and Fourth Ward scenes and people.
SUGGESTED READING
Graham, Priscilla T., 150 Years, Standing Strong
National Register of Historic Places, Freedmen's Town Historic District, Houston, Texas
Williams, David A. (Editor), Bricks Without Straw: A Comprehensive History of African Americans in Texas
This exhibition is partnership with Priscilla T Graham and generously supported by City of Houston, Houston Public Library, and Houston Public Library Foundation.
Left image: Houston Ballet former Principal Melody Mennite as Clara in Stanton Welch's The Nutcracker. Photo by Amitava Sarkar (2018). Right image: Houston Ballet former dancers Paul LeGros and Katie King in Ben Stevenson's The Nutcracker. Photo by Connolly (c. 1976).
About this Exhibit
A few years after the establishment of the Houston Ballet in 1969, the company began a cherished holiday tradition: performing The Nutcracker to audiences across Houston. This timeless ballet, composed by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and choreographed by Marius Petipa in 1892, has become a beloved staple of the holiday season.
The Nutcracker tells the magical story of a young girl named Clara and her journey through a fantastical realm on Christmas Eve. The ballet has been reimagined through the creative vision of three distinguished choreographers for the Houston Ballet: Frederic Franklin (1972-1975), Ben Stevenson O.B.E. (1976-1986, 1987-2015), and Stanton Welch AM (2016-present). Each interpretation has infused new life into this classic tale, while honoring its enchanting story.
This exhibit showcases artifacts from each production, highlighting the creativity and dedication of the artists involved.
Join Us
Learn about the choreography, set designs, and costumes that have evolved over the years, enhancing the visual and emotional impact of the performance. As you experience Houston Ballet’s The Nutcracker Comes to Life, we invite you to embrace the magic of the holidays and reflect on the memories and traditions that make this season special.
Please join us for the following family-friendly programs with Houston Ballet:
OPENING RECEPTION| Saturday, November 9, 10:30 AM - 12:30 PMDecember 3, 202411:00 AM - 12:00 PMLooscan Neighborhood LibraryBallet TalkRegister HereDecember 4, 202410:30 - 11:30 AMPark Place Regional LibraryBallet TalkRegister HereEXPLORE SPECIAL COLLECTIONS
MSS 0169 Lauren Anderson Papers
Finding aid coming soon!
SUGGESTED READING AND MEDIA
Kid/Juvenile
Adult
Don't forget our Library of Things!
Listen to over 100 music recordings of The Nutcracker!
This exhibition is in partnership with Houston Ballet and generously supported by City of Houston, Houston Public Library, and Houston Public Library Foundation.