Jack Yates’ great-granddaughter shares how you can learn more about the people who shaped Houston

“From the Plantation to Emancipation”

HOUSTON – This Black History Month, the Houston Heritage Society is inviting the community to join their tour where you can learn about past leaders who helped shape Houston.

Among the notable figures highlighted is Jack Yates, a freed slave whose legacy echoes through generations.

In a conversation with KPRC 2′s Haley Hernandez and Amy Davis, spoke with a direct descendant of Yates, Martha Whiting-Goddard.

Although she never had the chance to meet her great-grandfather, Whiting-Goddard recalls memories of his youngest children, Pinky, Paul, and Nannie, one of whom was her grandmother.

She expressed her passion for their Black History Month tour, “From the Plantation to Emancipation.

Yates’ house, built after he became a free man, is now a popular stop on the tour which draws hundreds of visitors to Fourth Ward each year.

Other popular stops on the tour would be the Kellum Noble House, and the Fourth Ward cottage.

The tours are taking place from now throughout the end of the year. Just head over to their website and schedule a time.

If you head out there, make sure you drop us some pictures at Click2Pins.com.


About the Author

Moriah Ballard joined the KPRC 2 digital team in the fall of 2021. Prior to becoming a digital content producer in Southeast Texas and a Houstonian, Moriah was an award-winning radio host in her hometown of Lorain, Ohio, and previously worked as a producer/content creator in Cleveland. Her faith, family, and community are her top passions.

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