Texas Southern University
3100 Cleburne Street Houston, TX 77004
College of Education Auditorium - Room 116

To RSVP: Scroll down and click on the “Reserve a spot” link and enter the password “TEXAS” when prompted

Please join the Texas Public Policy Foundation and the Barbara Jordan Public Policy Research and Survey Center for the Second Annual State of Black Texas Report – Economic and Education Opportunities symposium.

Black Texans continue to face unique challenges and opportunities shaped by history, demographics, and education policy. The passage of ESA legislation in 2025 and expanded civic education initiatives create urgent needs for rigorous empirical assessment. This report will fill critical data gaps, support informed policy and community advocacy, and uphold the legacy of Barbara Jordan by advancing freedom, justice and equality through research.

The 2025 State of Black Texas Report aims to deliver a comprehensive, data-driven analysis of historical, demographic, economic and educational issues impacting Black Texans today, with a focus on Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFAs) and civics education reforms. Developed by the Barbara Jordan Public Policy Research and Survey Center at Texas Southern University, this report will equip policymakers, educators, and community stakeholders with timely and actionable insights.

Event will take place in the College of Education Auditorium – Room 116

Complimentary lunch will be provided.

Speakers (Listed alphabetically)

• Ms. Cassandra Auzenne Bandy – Education Strategist & Doctoral Candidate
• Dr. Michael O. Adams – Founding Director of the Executive Master of Public Administration Program, Barbara Jordan Public Policy and Research Center
• Dr. Dana Carson – Pastor, R.O.C.K. Church International
• Robert Childress – Senior Pastor, Covenant Glen Church
• James Crawford – President, Texas Southern University
• Pastor Willie Davis – Houston City Councilman
• Mandy Drogin – Campaign Director, Next Generation Texas, Texas Public Policy Foundation
• Dr. Richard A. Johnson – Director, Booker T. Washington Initiative and Senior Fellow for Urban Education, Texas Public Policy Foundation
• Dr. Mark Jones – Joseph D. Jamail Chair in Latin American Studies, Rice University
• Dr. Sabrina Y. Lewis – Research and Data Analyst Manager, Barbara Jordan Public Policy and Research Center
• Dr. Merline Pitre – Professor of History, Texas Southern University
• Brandon Simmons – Director Of Institutional Policy And Oversight, Texas Southern University
• Mary Katherine Stout – Director of the Education Freedom Accounts (EFA)
• Richard Vega – Pastor, Community Transformation Church
• Mrs. Patricia Williams – Head of School, The Imani School

Agenda

• 10:00AM – Registration Check-In + Lunch
• 10:30AM – Welcome Remarks
• 10:45AM – Panel 1: Education, History, and Demography
• 11:30AM – Break and Lunch Provided
• 12:00PM – Keynote Lunch
• 12:50PM – Panel 2: Private Schools and the Church
• 1:55PM – Closing Remarks
• 2:20PM – Event Ends

Parking

Please park at the Eastside Garage (Tierwester & Cleburne St.). Visitors are to enter garage from Tierwester street and park on levels 2-4 in the garage, for a charge of $1.00 an hour or $3.00 all day parking (MAP).

University police will be directing the flow of traffic.

To RSVP: Click on the “Reserve a spot” link and enter the password “TEXAS” when prompted