Third Ward Unity of Faith: Backbone of Our Souls

Early African American settlers in Houston’s Third Ward area established small worship places, reminiscent of the praise houses attended during slavery in the Jim Crow era. The intimate and personal size of the congregations created bonds in the community lasting for more than 90 years. Images of the still-standing small houses of worship, captured by art photographers Earlie Hudnall, Ray Carrington and Tamirah Collins, will be shared at the exhibition “Third Ward Unity in Faith: Backbone of Our Souls,” opening March 23 at the Community Artists’ Collective. Kathleen Coleman, a fourth generation Third Ward resident, curated the exhibition.