Wednesday, November 30, 2016 | 7
Brother Deloyd has guided SHAPE through 47 years of growth in politics, activism and community involvement. Close partnerships with TSU and other local establishments have yielded positive results just through association. SHAPE’s very own annual Freedom Tour, which has seen 27 years, displays an ideal of the youth’s importance and recognition of the role black history has played in the United States. Strong ties with the capitol also reflect with SHAPE’s involvement in the Million Man March and packing Dallas courts to oppose the death penalty. On the east side of Houston, the historic Third Ward is an area in ongoing transition. The Third Ward’s inception was brought about through the ward system established in Houston. Third Ward’s population shifted as suburbs and other settlements grew on outskirts previously occupied by affluent Jewish and white Americans. Black Americans then moved in. In the process, they creaed jobs, business, and opportunity where they were first denied on the basis of skin color.
"A strong family constitutes a strong nation." Deloyd Parker, co-founder and executive director of SHAPE Janice’s work schedule doesn’t give her much free time to do all the things she wants, including spending time with her family. She is aware that there are certain sacrifices to be made in the name of responsibility; and if the sacrifices we make are in vain then the burden of responsibility and growth becomes less significant. An important value she learned from SHAPE is “knowing that we are all we have.”
"(SHAPE) gives you a lot of experience and integrity. It makes you keep going, being around him and how humble he is." Janice Brown, on Deloyd Parker
Edith Irby Jones holds embraces a young volunteer in prayer before the Elders Institute of Wisdom holds their meeting. On Tuesdays and Thursdays the elders of the community gather at SHAPE to create an area for discourse and knowledge. Jones was the first African American to be admitted as a non-segregated student to an all white school; she later earned a degree from the University of Arkansas. Ed Banks, or the Mayor of Third Ward, and singer Jewel Brown are also among the ranks of experienced elders from all walks of life within the Houston area.
“I wasn't elated about that, I just wanted to be a doctor.” Edith Jones, first black student admitted as a non-segregated student