immersed in history

Cool new cultural series showcases Houston's Black history with feasts, tours — and wine

For any Houstonians who would like to know how deep the African-American history and culture is in this town, Houston First has set up a collection of tours for those ready to be enlightened.

Houston Signature Experiences is the newly launched, immersive-experience collection designed to honor and showcase the city's Black-owned businesses and its pivotal role in Black history.

“We have long talked about how we could create authentic experiences that tell Houston’s story,” Houston First CEO Michael Heckman noted during a media preview that was recently held at The Heritage Society at Sam Houston Park. “And there’s no better time than during Black History Month to create and kickoff these types of authentic experiences that we have.”

The Heritage Society is where people can take the “From Plantation to Emancipation” tour, held on the second and fourth Saturday of the month, where your tour guide and actor breathe breath life into the struggles and triumphs of those who lived through the times of slavery and the jubilation of freedom.

On select Saturday mornings, head over to the Antioch Missionary Baptist Churchfor “From Chains to the Church.” In the 90-minute experience, guests can traverse the church grounds (established in 1866) and become part of a story that celebrates the determination of a people who fiercely held onto the land their ancestors secured with newfound freedom.

In a true H-Town food experience, Houston This Is It Soul Food will cook up “40 Weight Gravy: A Soulful History of Houston Soul Food” every other Saturday. This tour is really just a feast provided by the restaurant (opened in 1959) where you celebrate the history of soul food and the bonds it strengthens with every shared meal.

If you’d like to follow that with dessert, Black-owned Lucy Pearl’sover at POST Houston will have “Southern Sweets & Soulful Stories” Thursdays through Sundays. This experience blends the flavors of history, life lessons, and the profound journey of becoming with the captivating stories behind some of our favorite desserts.

Finally, for the day-drinkers, Pur Noire Urban Wineries (another Black-owned spot) will have “Pur Pairings That Speak to the Soul” on second and fourth Tuesdays. It’s an experience that is both a lesson in the art of winemaking and a celebration of culinary artistry.

The partners are psyched to be part of this endeavor, where they get to tell stories not only about Houston, but their stories. Lucy Pearl’s CEO/co-owner Nicole Morris has already done two tours at her establishment. “My experience is curated around pivotal decisions through my years, and it was always centered around the kitchen table and the dessert on the table,” Morris said. “And these desserts remind me of comfort and love. So, that’s what I want my customers to tap into – the times they were loved through the desserts.”

Since The Heritage Society and Antioch have had a good working relationship throughout the years, pastor Lou McElroy believes it’s the duty of both the society and the church to school locals and visitors about the city’s Black-and-proud forefathers. Said McElroy, “Through that relationship and loving our city, working with our city in other capacities, this opportunity presented itself, which allows us, along with others, to tell our stories and the impact that our ancestors had in creating this town.”

For more information and to book a tour, visit the Houston Signature Experiences website.

5 experiences plantation to emancipation seasoned w/ soul food, stories, and wine

this literary man

Celebrated Houston professor named Texas' new Poet Laureate

University of Houston professor and 2026 Texas State Poet Laureate Kevin Prufer looks into the camera.

Photo provided by the University of Houston Office of Media Relations

Prof. Kevin Prufer is the Texas State Poet Laureate for 2026

The Texas Legislature has named University of Houston professor Kevin Prufer as the 2026 Texas State Poet Laureate, one of the highest artistic honors in the Lone Star State.

“I am delighted and surprised to be appointed the Texas poet laureate,” Prufer said in a statement. “Nobody writes poetry for recognition, but it’s always nice when you realize all those nights spent writing upstairs in the dark had an impact on people. I’m glad for that, and for being able to contribute to the state’s rich artistic tradition.”

Prufer is one of the state's most celebrated poets. In 2023 he published The Fears, a harrowing collection of prose that tackled subjects like the death of his father, reframed in a poem by comparing the experience to classical Greek mythological poetry. He is known for his scatter-shot style of writing, wedding fragmented thoughts across the page in small bits of shrapnel that cut deep.

In addition, he published a novel, Sleepaway, in 2024. Prufer's contributions have earned him a place on the 2024 Rilke Prize shortlist, recognition as a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize long-list, inclusion in the "New York Times Ten Best Poetry Books of the Year" list, as well as multiple selections for the "Best American Poetry" series, Pushcart prizes, and accolades from the Poetry Society of America.

“Kevin Prufer’s creative influence extends far beyond our Creative Writing classrooms – his appointment as Texas State Poet Laureate is certainly proof of that,” said Diane Z. Chase, UH senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. “All of us at the University of Houston are proud of his latest achievement. Professor Prufer inspires our students on campus, and we are thrilled that he will be able to inspire future poets across the state.”

The Texas State Poet Laureate position was created by the Texas Legislature in 1933. Several University of Houston faculty and alumni have held the position, including Vassar Miller in 1988, David M. Parsons in 1991, and Larry D. Thomas in 2008. Prufer will serve in the role until the end of the next legislative session.

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