SHAPE Community Center

SHAPE Community Center
FormationJune 1, 1969; 57 years ago (1969-06-01)
Founders
TypeNonprofit
Tax ID no. 23-7176982
Locations
    • 3815 Live Oak Street, Houston, TX 77004
    • 3903 Almeda Road, Houston, TX 77004
Region served
Third Ward, Houston
Websiteshape.org

SHAPE Community Center is a community center located in the Third Ward area of Houston, Texas.[1] Founded on June 1, 1969 by Lynn Eusan and Deloyd Parker, SHAPE is an acronym for Self Help for African People through Education.[1][2][3] The center provides an array of multi-service programs, such as child care, after school programs, support groups, workshops, elder care, legal assistance, business incubation, and community enrichment events.[1][4] In 2023, SHAPE Community Center was designated one of eleven "Houston Cultural Treasures" by the BIPOC Arts Network and Fund for its work exposing Houston residents to the arts.[5][6]

Since 1979, SHAPE has organized its Pan-African Cultural Festival on May 25 in celebration of Africa Day.[7] The festival's purpose is to raise awareness of African history and culture among Black people in Houston. It has grown from 100 attendees in its first year to more than 1,000 coming to experience performances, food, and vendors.[7]

Buildings

  • Harambee Building, 3903 Almeda Road, Houston, TX 77004[3]
  • Nia Becnel Family Center, 3815 Live Oak Street, Houston, TX 77004[3] (temporarily closed due to fire damage)

2025 fire at the Nia Becnel Family Center

On January 19, 2025 an electrical fire broke out at the Family Center building on Live Oak street, causing an estimated $500,000 in damage to the building and destroying a great deal of memorabilia documenting Black history.[1] SHAPE has started a restoration campaign to raise $2.5 million to rebuild and restore the building along with its programs.[3][4]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d Welch, Monique (2025-02-26). "'Standing in the need of prayer': SHAPE Community Center seeks help after fire". Houston Landing. Retrieved 2025-03-02.
  2. ^ Brush, Danielle. "Eusan, Lynn Cecelia". Handbook of Texas Online. Texas State Historical Association. Retrieved 2025-03-02.
  3. ^ a b c d Walker, Aswad (2025-02-13). "SHAPE to 'build back better together' after fire". DefenderNetwork.com. Retrieved 2025-03-02.
  4. ^ a b Johnson, Octavia; Green, Ralph (February 23, 2025). "SHAPE's co-founder continues the center's restoration journey after a fire sparks before MLK Day". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved March 2, 2025.
  5. ^ Brown, Ashley (2023-11-02). "Houston organization provides $5 million grant for BIPOC arts groups". Houston Public Media. Retrieved 2025-03-04.
  6. ^ Monterrosa, Jose (2023-11-03). "BANF Announces the Houston Cultural Treasures: 11 Local Arts Organizations Awarded $5 Million in Funding". BIPOC Arts Network & Fund. Retrieved 2025-03-04.
  7. ^ a b Takahashi, Paul (2019-05-25). "Pan African Festival celebrates history, culture". HoustonChronicle.com. Archived from the original on 2019-05-26. Retrieved 2025-03-04.

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