MESSAGE FROM COUNTY CLERK

The month of September signals the end of summer, the beginning of autumn, and the start of a new school year.  Last month, we successfully organized our first ever Back to School Birth Certificates pilot program, held on two consecutive Saturdays to offer extended hours for families that needed to obtain their children’s birth certificates for back-to-school registration. The program proved to be very beneficial to the community and our office is looking forward to making this an annual event.   (Click here to read news release.)

Our office was also honored to partner with the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum to provide a historical docket for their exhibit observing the 104th Anniversary of the Camp Logan Mutiny, also known as the Houston Riot of 1917. You will find a synopsis of this historical event in an article below.
 
September 15, marks the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month which traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of both Hispanic and Latino Americans. There will be celebrations through October 15. Be sure to follow us on social media at @harriscotxclerk for posts on this.
 
I am also humbled and grateful to be recognized among the Top 30 Influential Women of Houston, this award ceremony will take place on October 1. Additionally, the Greater Houston Black Chamber of Commerce is honoring me with their Pinnacle Mickey Leland Public Service Award on October 23.
 
Finally, September is National Preparedness Month. I urge you to take the time to prepare yourself and your family for disasters and emergencies that can happen at any time. As we continue to live through one of the most challenging times in our history please continue to take the necessary precautions to protect yourselves from COVID-19.
 
Sincerely,

HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

September 15 to October 15 is celebrated nationwide as National Hispanic Heritage Month. It traditionally honors the cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans.

• Hispanic refers to a person who is from, or a descendant of someone who is from, a Spanish-speaking country.
• Latino/a or Latinx refers to a person who is from, or a descendant of someone who is from, a country in Latin America.

LENDING A HAND AFTER HURRICANE IDA
 
Following the devastating impacts of Hurricane Ida, many businesses, organizations, churches and individuals continue to lend a helping hand to our neighbors in Louisiana.
 
In a small effort to help Louisiana residents temporarily living in Harris County, the Harris County Clerk’s Office is currently waiving the additional $100 out-of-state marriage license fee for couples wanting to tie the knot. (Click here for the news release.)
 
There are many ways you can help. The American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, the  Houston Food Bank, and other local organizations are currently providing emergency relief. Visit the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster Hurricane Ida page to identify other reputable organizations where you can volunteer or make cash donations.

HOUSTON RIOT OF 1917
By Laney Chavez, Archivist
 
During World War I, a military encampment was established just west of downtown in the area of what is now Memorial Park.  When African Americans from the predominately black 24th United States Infantry Regiment were sent to guard the construction of the camp in the summer of 1917, the soldiers immediately encountered a hostile environment. At this time, Houston had strict Jim Crow laws in place which enforced racial discrimination. Many of the soldiers in this battalion were from northern states where they were accustomed to more equal treatment as servicemen.
 
When faced with forced segregation, mounting tensions grew, erupting in an incident on August 23, 1917. Houston police officers arrested and assaulted some black soldiers, and in response to this event, many soldiers from the camp mutinied and marched to Houston. A rapid escalation of events led to the deaths of four soldiers and 15 white civilians.
 
In accordance with policies of the time, the soldiers were tried at three courts-martial for mutiny. A total of 118 enlisted black soldiers were indicted, with 110 found guilty, nineteen hung, and sixty-three receiving life sentences making this the largest military court marital in U.S. history.
 
Details of the deaths of two of the soldiers - Sgt. Vida Henry and Private Bryant Watson, can be found in the Harris County 1917 Justice of the Peace court docket.  Contained in this docket are the inquest records, or reports of the events, proceedings, findings, and conclusions of investigations into this incident. Houston’s Buffalo Soldiers National Museum reached out to the Harris County Archives in late spring of this year to borrow this court record for an exhibition in observance of the 104th Anniversary of the Camp Logan Mutiny, also known as the Houston Riot of 1917.
 
The Buffalo Soldiers National Museum is the only museum in the nation dedicated to preserving the legacy of the African-American soldier and houses the largest repository of African-American military history in the world. (Click here to read news release.)

A proficient clerk is critical to the success of a trial so it is very important to understand what happens in a courtroom. Probate Court 3 Judge, Jason Cox, opened up his courtroom to the HCCO Probate Department to hold a mock trial for clerks. Due to the pandemic, some clerks had not had an opportunity to assist during a trial, so this was an effective learning tool. The exercise took about an hour with the clerks actively participating throughout the entire process. Court adjourned!

Greater Houston Black Chamber announces 2021 Pinnacle Award finalists (Defender News)
Harris County Clerk’s Back To School  Birth Certificate Campaign A Success (The Katy News)

1. A mass vaccination site at Sheldon ISD Panther Stadium is now open

• Operating six days a week. Closed every Tuesday
• Hours of operation 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
• 11433C East Sam Houston Parkway North, Houston, TX 77044

2. The community vaccination center that was located at NRG Park has moved to Dick Graves Park on Reed Road

• Open six days a week. Closed every Monday
• Hours of operation 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
• 2000 Reed Rd, Houston, TX 77051