GREATER HOUSTON EDITION African-American News&Issues
January 3, 2025
“Addressing Current & Historical Realities Affecting Our Community”
CHARLOTTE WEBSTER
HIDDEN HEROES By: Chloé Richards
For centuries, Black women have answered the call to serve their country, even when the same country denied them basic rights. Today, they represent onethird of all women in the armed forces, twice their representation in the general U.S. population. Their contributions are not only important to the military but also the Black community as a whole. Black women have faced many challenges while serving in the military, from racism, sexism and unfair policies. They are a vital part of the armed forces; their contributions matter not just to the
Vol. 29, Issue 50
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We the People Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life, as by the obstacles which he has overcome while trying to succeed - Booker T. Washington
GERALD WOMACK: REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER By: Bobby E. Mills, PhD
military but to the Black community, proving that Black women can excel even in the toughest environments. During the Civil War, Harriet Tubman worked as a spy and a nurse, helping Union soldiers. Susie King Taylor was the first Black woman to write about her time as a nurse and teacher during the war. In World War II, the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion became the first group of multiethnic, predominately Black women to serve overseas in Europe. They were Heroes on pg. 3
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit with Gerald Womack. Gerald is a well-known highly respected real estate developer. I meet Gerald in the early nineties at Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Fifth Ward, Texas. Pastor C. L. Jackson was the senior pastor. Pleasant Grove was the first modern day dome church facility in America built by a Black church congregation. The first thing out of Gerald’s mouth was it is a shame that the Pleasant Grove dome, as a religious monument, has been torn Womack on pg. 7