Samuel Walker Houston
 

Samuel Walker Houston was the son of Joshua Houston and Sylvester Baker Houston. Joshua understood the importance of education during the years of Reconstruction and made sure his children had access to available opportunities. Samuel studied at Hampton Institute in Virginia, Atlanta University in Georgia and Howard University in Washington DC. After returning to Texas in 1903, Samuel Houston established the first training school for formerly enslaved people of Texas. Education and training were given to all ages levels. By 1922 enrollment was around 400 students. He also established the Huntsville Times newspaper. The school was incorporated into the Huntsville Independent School District in 1930. Samuel Houston became the Black County Superintendent and later the principal of Sam Houston High School in Huntsville. In addition to his work in education, Houston served as the Commissioner of Interracial Cooperation. This civic leader helped improve the lives of blacks in East Texas through his efforts to increase the availability of education for all.