Black Voter Suppression in the Upper Gulf Coast

 

Historical Roots and Voter Suppression in the Upper Gulf Coast of Texas

The Upper Gulf Coast region of Texas, including: Harris, Fort Bend, Brazoria, Galveston, Waller, and others surrounding counties, are home to some of the best preserved histories of African American political history in the nation. This is exemplified by events such as delayed emancipation in Galveston to current day redistricting court cases and disparities in voter turnout in the greater Houston area (Office of County Administration, 2024).

Early History and the Civil War

Before the outbreak of the Civil War, the Upper Gulf Coast had existed under a plantation economy system, especially in Brazoria and Matagorda counties, where there were more slaves than whites in population (Texas State Historical Association, n.d.). This was instrumental in laying a basis for Black politics in the area following emancipation and also served as motivation for whites to maintain control in the post-slavery period.

The most important thing that happened during the Civil War period in the region took place on June 19, 1865, when General Gordon Granger of the Union army declared General Order No. 3 in Galveston announcing the end of slavery to Texan slaves (TSHA, n.d.). This date is marked today as Juneteenth. The significance of this day was that the freedom granted to slaves did not come right away, thus, setting precedence for future discrimination against blacks.

Reconstruction and Post-Reconstruction Disenfranchisement

Black political engagement was swiftly established during the Reconstruction period. In Harris County, numerous black citizens were registered in the 1870s, and police protection had to be provided for elections because of threats to use force (Houston History Magazine, 2012). Freedmen’s Town in Houston became a hub for the Black community’s activities, with its own independent institutions, supporting the formation of politics in the area (ABC13, 2023).

Nevertheless, such advances were short-lived. In Matagorda County, the assault on the Vann Settlement, committed in 1887, shows an example of direct violence perpetrated against the Black community (TSHA, n.d.). In Fort Bend County, the convict lease, demonstrated by the findings of the “Sugar Land 95,” was a form of labor used to replace slavery (Fort Bend ISD, n.d.).

In terms of formal disenfranchisement, poll taxes, literacy tests, and white primaries were employed. The latter practice was contested in the Smith v. Allwright case that originated in Harris County. The Supreme Court ruling held that the use of racial exclusion in the process of voting was a violation of the Fifteenth Amendment (Smith v. Allwright, 1944). Although the case ended racial discrimination in primaries, it still persisted in other unspoken, but felt forms.

Political Leadership in the Twentieth Century

World War gave birth to the industrial and economic importance of the Upper Gulf Coast, especially Houston, which provided the platform for Black political leadership. Third Ward and Emancipation Park were some of the communities that served as platforms for organizing activities among the African Americans (ABC13, 2023).

This helped in developing prominent Black political leadership, with Barbara Jordan being one of them. Being elected to the U.S. Congress in 1972, she was the first Black Southern woman to be part of the U.S. House of Representatives. Her victory can be attributed to the positive effect of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (Texas Highways, 2023).

The act provided for federal supervision of the state's voting rights by requiring preclearance and thus increased the number of registered and participating voters in Texas counties such as Harris and Fort Bend.

Upper Gulf Coast Region of Texas

Contemporary Methods of Voter Suppression: Mechanisms Specific to Counties

The contemporary methods of voter suppression in the Upper Gulf Coast employ race-neutral mechanisms, which nonetheless lead to discrimination.

In Galveston County, vote dilution constitutes the mechanism of voter suppression. The 2021 redistricting plan was found to be in violation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act since it diluted the votes of the Black and Latino populations (U.S. DOJ, 2023).

In Waller County, the problem of suppressing the voting rights of Prairie View A&M University students is an ongoing one. In Symm v. United States, the discriminatory practices of officials against Black student voters were raised, and such concerns still exist today (Symm v. United States, 1979).

In Harris County, the problems relate to the complexity of administration and unequal access. Although the county as a whole enjoys high levels of voter turnout, discrepancies among precincts continue, particularly in Black communities (OCA, 2024).

Voter Turnout and Structural Disparities

Recent turnout data illustrates variation across the region. In the 2024 general election:

• Harris County reported 58.84% turnout (OCA, 2024)

• Fort Bend County reported 65.43% turnout (Fort Bend County, 2024)

• Brazoria County reported 64.69% turnout (Brazoria County Clerk, 2024)

• Galveston County reported approximately 64% turnout (Community Impact, 2024)

• Montgomery County reported 68.03% turnout (Montgomery County Elections, 2024)

Although these figures indicate relatively strong overall participation, they obscure disparities within counties. Research consistently shows that turnout varies along racial and socioeconomic lines, reflecting both historical disenfranchisement and present-day barriers (OCA, 2024).

Conclusion: Education, Legal Battles, and Civic Engagement on a Local Level

The Upper Gulf Coast region is proof that voter disenfranchisement is not a static process but a dynamic system. From emancipation delayed by decades in Galveston to contemporary redistricting lawsuits and bureaucratic challenges, there is a clear discrepancy between legal rights and real accessibility.

Solving this issue will involve not only enforcing laws, especially under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, but also civic education and engagement at the grassroots level. It is vital to link historical events, such as Juneteenth, Freedmen’s Town, and Prairie View voting rights, to current voting methods.

In conclusion, the history of the Upper Gulf Coast proves that Black political activity was never a passive right but one that had to be won time and again.

References: 

ABC13. (2023). Freedmen’s Town and Juneteenth history.

Brazoria County Clerk. (2024). 2024 election results.

Community Impact. (2024). Galveston County turnout analysis.

Fort Bend County. (2024). Election summary report.

Fort Bend ISD. (n.d.). Sugar Land 95 historical findings.

Houston History Magazine. (2012). Reconstruction-era voting in Houston.

Montgomery County Elections. (2024). General election results.

Office of County Administration (OCA). (2024). Voter registration and participation in Harris County.

Smith v. Allwright, 321 U.S. 649 (1944).

Symm v. United States, 439 U.S. 1105 (1979).

Texas Highways. (2023). Barbara Jordan biography.

Texas State Historical Association (TSHA). (n.d.). Matagorda County and Vann Settlement entries.

U.S. Department of Justice. (2023). Galveston County redistricting decision.

Decades of Achievements: NASA's Space Exploration

If you have ever visited Fondren Library, you most likely have seen a small section featuring NASA and President John F Kennedy's speech “We choose to go to the Moon”. (Fun fact: We also have a small piece of the moon!). If you have ever wanted to learn more about space, keep reading to find more information.

Timeline

1958-1963 Project Mercury:

This was the nation’s “first human spaceflight” program. Six days after the establishment of NASA, 7 men were chosen as astronauts (the first time that term was used). They completed 6 missions with the goals to explore space and gather information for future missions.

[Source of the Image: NASA, In the Beginning: Project Mercury]

1964-1966 Project Gemini:

Days after Alan Shepard flew into space, President John F. Kennedy announced in his speech the goal for an American to walk on the moon. With 12 missions, the goal of Project Gemini was to work on the technology and exploration to achieve Kennedy’s statement.

[Source of the Image: NASA, Gemini I]

1962-1972 Project Apollo:

In 1966 on Apollo 11, Neil Armstrong became the first man to step on the moon. With 17 total missions, 6 of them were lunar landings to explore ways to prepare for future space exploration. The first lunar rover was also used in this project by Alfred M. Worden.

[Source of the Image: NASA, In the Beginning: Project Mercury]

1981-2011 Space Shuttle:

The first reusable spacecraft flew 135 missions. It behaved like a rocket, spacecraft, and airplane. It has managed satellites, conducted research, and built the largest structure in space. 

[Source of the Image: NASA, Space Shuttle]

1990 - Present Hubble Space Telescope:

Still being actively used, this telescope further space exploration by its high-resolution images of objects such as star constellations and dark matter. 

For America250, you can search up your birthday here to view a collection of pictures that were taken that day by the telescope.

[Source of the Image: NASA, Great Observatories: Hubble Space Telescope]

2022 - Present Artemis Program:

With a current plan of 5 missions, the main goal is to launch future missions at a quicker pace, determine what is needed for Mars landing, and further advance space exploration. The picture below features the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket configuration.

[Source of the Image: NASA, Moon to Mars | NASA's Artemis Program]

All the information above has been gathered from the NASA website. Feel free to check it out for further details on their missions. If you need assistance, just ask: email govhelp@rice.edu or visit Kelley Center information desk in the library basement.

🕵️ Continue Your Journey

• Visit our joint exhibit, "One Giant Leap: NASA Collections at the Woodson Research Center and Kelley Center," located in the Rice University Student Center. The exhibit highlights unique NASA-related collections preserved by both the Woodson Research Center and the Kelley Center, showcasing the history of space exploration, scientific discovery, and innovation.

• We also invite you to visit the Kelley Center for Government Information and Civic Engagement. Our staff can help you discover additional NASA and other government agencies' publications, educational materials, and multimedia collections to continue your exploration of space and beyond.

• Additionally, be sure to watch for upcoming programs and events that explore how space exploration has shaped America's legacy of discovery, innovation, and scientific achievement. You may be interested in attending the monthly NASA speaker series at the Ion to hear from NASA scientists, engineers, and industry experts about the latest developments in space exploration.

About the Author

Daira Posada is Kelley Center student staff, an undergraduate student in Computer Science at Rice University. This post was written as part of the 2026 America250@Fondren program.

Honoring America 250: A Journey to Freedom 

Handwriting: Declaration of Independence Edition

Other than the occasional paperwork signing and birthday cards, I have not practiced my cursive since elementary school. I find it interesting that while I had to practice it daily back then, it is no longer a common handwriting style. Typing might be the new standard.

With July 4th coming up. I was curious to see whether I would be able to read the Declaration of Independence. Surprisingly, I was able to read it, for the most part.

Independence Day is on July 4th! But why?

On July 4th, 1776, the U.S. officially adopted the Declaration of Independence. While numerous copies are available, the original is kept at the National Archives Building in Washington, D.C. You will see below that there were 2 main versions of the Declaration of Independence. Even though they say the same thing, you will notice that they still look very different. 

First Version: 

Printed by John Dunlap, this is the first version of the Declaration of Independence. The letters look more like something commonly printed today than cursive, making them more legible than the next version.

[Source of the Image: National Archives Catalog 301682, Dunlap Broadside]

Second Version:

The Second Continental Congress decided to make another copy of the Declaration of Independence a few weeks later. On July 19, 1776, Timothy Matlack wrote the version that we know today. 

This style of writing was chosen for its “elegance, authority, and anonymity”. Known as English roundhand/Copperplate, this handwriting is similar to italic cursive. 

Numerous factors have caused the ink to fade. The space at the bottom used to have signatures by numerous Founding Fathers and members of the Second Continental Congress.

[Source of the Image: National Archives Catalog 1419123, Engrossed Declaration of Independence]

In case you want to try reading this version of the Declaration of Independence, here is a clearer copy.

[Source of the Image:  National Archives Catalog 1656604, Print #3 of the Declaration of Independence]

If it’s still hard to read, there are transcriptions available if you are curious about what this version of the Declaration of Independence actually says, along with the signers’ names.

✍️ Interested in Learning Different Handwriting Styles? 

Calligraphy is beginner-friendly. It combines cursive with thick downward strokes and thin upward strokes.

First, you have to choose a writing utensil. 

1. Pencil/pen: easy to control how you want your letters to look due to its fine tips, but lettering might not look as smooth since each letter will require more than one streak. 

2. Marker: medium difficulty to control, but gives you more flexibility with colors and smoothness

3. Brush pen: hardest to control. But it allows for smooth handwriting, like with markers, and higher flexibility. These are typically used for calligraphy (thick downwards strokes and thin upwards strokes).

If you want calligraphy worksheets to trace over and tips: 

https://www.uprinting.com/blog/25-free-calligraphy-practice-sheets

🕵️ Ready to Dig Deeper?

The Kelley Center is here to help you investigate, discover, and learn. Just ask: email govhelp@rice.edu or visit us in the library basement.

🔍 Continue Your Journey

Visit our exhibit, Keeping America Informed: The Enduring Partnership Between Government Printing and Libraries for Public Access (1800s–Present), to explore how America's earliest government documents were printed and how a centuries-long partnership between the federal government and libraries has helped preserve our nation's documentary heritage and ensure free equal public access to government information—an essential foundation of an informed democracy.

📅 Upcoming Workshop: Reading and Interpreting Historical Cursive Writing 

Many historical letters, diaries, government records, and archival documents were written in cursive scripts that can be challenging for modern readers to decipher. To help researchers unlock these valuable primary sources, Fondren Library plans to offer a workshop on reading and interpreting cursive handwriting for historical research this fall. Stay tuned for more information. 

Upcoming July 1st - Exhibit: Landmark Documents (1776-2026)

It is a large-scale wall exhibit featuring 17 poster panels organized into eight historical periods, showcasing landmark U.S. government documents that have shaped the course of American history. From the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 to today's digital and artificial intelligence era, these milestone documents chronicle the nation's evolving political, social, and technological landscape. Visitors will also find reflection questions, interactive activities, and QR codes connecting them to audio and visual resources for a richer learning experience. Complimentary bookmarks, buttons, stickers, and other giveaways are available at the Kelley Center Information Desk to enhance your visit. This exhibit was jointly curated by Kelley Center and Research Services Department.

About the Author

Daira Posada is Kelley Center student staff, an undergraduate student in Computer Science at Rice University. This post was written as part of the 2026 America250@Fondren program commemorating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

  Honoring America 250: A Journey to Freedom 

The Evolution of the U.S Flag (1777-Present)

Despite not being from a military family, I learned some military customs and U.S. history through ROTC. It is a military high school-college program. One of the things I learned was our flag’s history, customs, and ceremonies. 

Some of my favorite flag-related activities in high school were raising and lowering flags every school day, teaching pre-K through elementary students about flag customs, and participating in marching flag ceremonies and competitions. 

As the United States prepares to commemorate America250—the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence—I have found myself reflecting on the significance of national symbols such as the U.S. flag. Through my experiences in ROTC, I not only learned about flag etiquette and ceremonial traditions, but also became interested in the history behind the flag itself. Learning how the U.S. flag evolved from the original 13-star design to today's 50-star banner has helped me better understand the nation's historical development and has given me a deeper appreciation for American history, civic responsibility, and national identity.

Flag Day is on June 14! But why?

On June 14, 1777, the Second Continental Congress established our country's first official flag. This was the “Stars and Stripes” flag, designed by Francis Hopkinson.

[Source of the Image: Library of Congress (1907), Goff’s evolution of the American flag]

Grand Union: 

[Source of the Image: Public Domain]

This technically was the U.S.’s first national flag, a combination of stripes representing the 13 colonies and England’s flag. Though it was replaced a year later. 

Stars and Stripes:

[Source of the Image: Public Domain]

Created by Francis Hopkinson, this was the first flag designed and adopted by the U.S. It was first carried at the Battle of Brandywine during the American Revolution. 

Betsy Ross:

[Source of the Image: Public Domain]

According to her descendants. Betsy Ross was a seamstress and upholsterer who designed numerous U.S. flags. While there is no historical evidence crediting her with this particular flag, her story has been passed down through generations.  

Star-Spangled Banner:

[Source of the Image: Public Domain]

This flag was flown over Fort McHenry after a war victory against the British. Francis Scott Key, a prisoner, was inspired to write the Star-Spangled Banner after seeing the flag waving from a distance.

And Today’s Flag!

[Source of the Image: Public Domain]

The flag’s colors also have significance:

• White: purity and innocence

• Red: valor and bravery

• Blue: vigilance, perseverance, and justice

If you look at a timeline featuring all the U.S. flags, you will notice that a lot of them look very similar, except for the fact that they have a different number of stars or are arranged differently. 

Besides the flag’s extensive history, many rules have been established to ensure it is treated with respect.

Here is a basic guideline to some of those rules:

• The flag should not touch the ground (if it does, you do not need to burn it)

• The flag should not be displayed at night unless it has a direct source of light

• The flag’s stars should be on the left regardless of whether it’s displayed vertically or horizontally. 

• When displayed with other flags, the U.S. flag should be the highest and in the right position (this depends on how you’re displaying the flag; check out the linked PDF for more information)

• Actual flags cannot be used as clothing, but clothes can have “images” or “patterns” of the U.S. flag

Flag ceremonies:

Raising/Lowering: 

Ever see flags blowing in the wind on poles outside? Since flags can only be displayed at night if it has a direct source of light, some buildings/organizations raise their flags in the morning and lower them at night.

1. Untie the rope from the post

2. Pull one side all the way down until you see the clips to put the flag through

3. Put the flag on the clips, making sure the stars are on top

4. Pull the other side of the rope until the flag is all the way up (make sure the U.S. flag is higher than any other flags)

5. Tie the rope again (make sure it’s tight; wind can easily undo the knot)

Video tutorial: Tutorial: Raising and Lowering the US Flag

Folding: 

1. Fold the flag in half horizontally twice (or more, depending on the size of the flag)

2. Then into triangles, starting on the end with stripes. 

3. When you are at the last fold, tuck in the extra fabric into the triangle (only the stars should be visible)

Tips:

• Make sure the flag doesn’t touch the ground

• At least 2 people are required to fold it.

Video tutorial: How to Fold an American Flag

Marching (usually done by military personnel/organizations): 

On special occasions, people will carry the U.S. flag plus other flags and march with them. The people who do this usually practice beforehand. Below are a few video examples of these ceremonies. 

• Posting of the Colors
• Presenting the Colors
• 2023 CCHS Chaminade Color Guard Competing at US Army JROTC National Championships

👉 🆕🧰Fondren Library Resource

Kelley Center has a new Flag Etiquette Kit to check out! Contact govhelp@rice.edu to request it for your teaching, event, or for more information about it!

Check out our Instagram video featuring Fondren Library staff and student employees demonstrating how to fold the U.S. flag.

About the Author Daira Posada is Kelley Center student staff, an undergraduate student in Computer Science at Rice University. Through her experiences in ROTC, she developed an interest in U.S. history, flag traditions, and civic education. This post was written as part of the America250@Fondren program.