March 29, 2024
GREATER HOUSTON EDITION African-American News&Issues
Vol. 29, Issue 11
FREE
History is His Story, not the Truth or Our Story. Black History is 24/7/365, not just 4 weeks
- Roy Douglas Malonson
“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”
SGT. MAJ. JAMES WILLIAMS JUL 6, 1935 - MAR 3, 2024
FLOYD P. SMITH By: Shelley McKinley
An Acres Homes icon, Floyd P. Smith was born on February 3, 1935, just seven months before the formation of the Houston Negro Chamber of Commerce (HNCC), housed inside the Blackowned Pilgrim Temple building located at Bagby Street and West Dallas Avenue. Against the backdrop of laws requiring segregation, and
residential neighborhoods restricting African American mobility and advancement, Floyd P. Smith built businesses that met the needs of his community by providing goods, services, and jobs. Like those founders of the HNCC, which worked to empower and promote African-American businesses in the city, Floyd P.
Smith on pg. 3
Sergeant Major James L. Williams, a proud veteran of the Original Buffalo Soldiers passed away peacefully at his home 1n Houston Texas on March 4, 2024. The son of Eva and James D. Williams, Sergeant Major Williams grew up in Houston, Texas. He was born on July 6 1935 in Louisiana. At the age of 15, Sgt. Major Williams enlisted in the United States Army. He valued his service as a Buffalo Soldier of the U.S. Army highly. He received numerous honors and recognitions: including the Silver Star for his dedicated service. As part of this service, he served during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He served as Advisor to the Vietnam Regular Army and performed 3-combat tours of duty from 1965 to 1967. During his service he was assigned airborne special operations. After 21 years of service, to his country, he retired in 1971 as the last of the original Buffalo Soldiers. Sgt Major Williams 1s survived by his sister, Jo Ann Smith, of Missouri City, Texas, his nieces & nephews, his church family and a host of family and friends. A service honoring his life & legacy will be held at Crestmont Park Church of Christ. He will be laid to rest at the Houston National Cemetery. AA