The New Red Book: A Guide to 50 of Houston’s Black Historical and Cultural Sites (2022) by Dr. Lindsay Gary highlights the history of Houston through the perspective of place - 50 cultural organizations and sites created and sustained by African Americans. It documents little-known histories of the Almeda Post Office, the site of the first non-violent civil rights demonstration in the city, as well as pop culture destinations such as Frenchy’s Creole Kitchen and Screwed Up Records and Tapes.

The title pays tribute to the original 1915 publication, The Red Book of Houston: A Compendium of Social, Professional, Religious, Education and Industrial Interests of Houston’s Colored Population, recognized by researchers as one-of-a-kind for its detailed description of African American success in the South during a time of social and political upheaval. It takes readers on a rich and compelling journey through the histories of Houston, the region, and African American culture.

This presentation will explore the research methods and practices used to create The New Red Book, in addition to challenges that were faced and the impact of the publication. In conversation with its historical implications, it will discuss its connection to The Red Book of 1915 and the role texts have played in the past and can play the future in preserving the legacy of Black historical and cultural sites.