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“This is Houston, too”: Overlooked community civic clubs fight for equity, change

Summary

Community leaders in historically Black and brown neighborhoods of Houston, including Sunnyside, Northwood Manor, and Kashmere Gardens, are calling for greater government attention to long-standing issues such as infrastructure neglect, illegal dumping, and lack of public services. Civic club leaders argue that elected officials have failed to address their concerns, leaving residents to advocate for essential resources like disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and public transportation. Gentrification is also displacing long-term residents, exacerbating economic inequality. Leaders stress that while wealthier areas receive substantial funding, underserved communities struggle to secure even basic necessities. They urge city and county officials to engage directly with affected communities and develop proactive plans for disaster response and urban development. Residents emphasize that Houston’s marginalized neighborhoods deserve the same level of investment and services as more affluent areas.

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