2019 Democratic Presidential Debate Raises Third Ward Profile

[tm_pb_section admin_label="section"][tm_pb_row admin_label="row"][tm_pb_column type="4_4"][tm_pb_text admin_label="Text" text_orientation="left" use_border_color="off" border_color="#ffffff" border_style="solid"]On Thursday, September 12th, Houston’s historic Third Ward hosted ten presidential candidates on the campus of its beloved HBCU, Texas Southern University. That is major. For the first time ever, the historically black college, nestled in its historic black community hosted individuals vying for the most powerful office in the nation. That night I watched closely to see which of the candidates had taken the time to grasp the magnitude of their presence in this community. While a few referenced historically black colleges and universities, none seemed fully engaged in the opportunity to relate to the community. From the intersection of gentrification and economic revitalization to the relationship between race, education and access, Third Ward is the embodiment of this nation. Beyond the fanfare of the debate, there’s a message in this for Houston. Location is everything. On a night when people all over the world would be tuning in to see the democratic forerunners emerge, the Commission on Presidential Debates chose Texas Southern University. For such an influential organization to think enough of the university and its students signals that they matter. Their presence, their voice and their space. So much in fact, their influence caught the attention of the New York Times.It should also signal to local media and electeds the same. Perhaps future stories will refer to the university with the same reverence as University of Houston and not just attach it the headlines or ledes related to crime. Electeds may find a few extra minutes to engage with the students and researchers on the campus after their speaking engagements across the way. Third Ward and Texas Southern University’s are inextricably intertwined. We’re happy to set the table for presidential candidates, national and local media, but we’re more than ready for a seat. If you are curious as to what makes Third Ward  so special be sure to come out  the Greater Third Ward Super Neighborhood Council #67 and get involved in the projects and development happening in the area.[/tm_pb_text][tm_pb_button admin_label="Button" button_url="https://www.facebook.com/3RDWARDSN67/" url_new_window="on" button_text="Get Involved" button_alignment="left" custom_button="off" button_letter_spacing="0" button_use_icon="default" button_icon_placement="right" button_on_hover="on" button_letter_spacing_hover="0"] [/tm_pb_button][/tm_pb_column][/tm_pb_row][/tm_pb_section]