The Space Shuttle Columbia flew twenty-eight missions beginning April 12, 1981 and ending over deep East Texas on February 1, 2003 when the aircraft broke apart killing all seven astronauts on board: Americans Rick D. Husband, William C. McCool, David M. Brown, Kalpana Chawla, Michael P. Anderson, Laurel B. Clark, and Israeli Ilan Ramon. Nacogdoches and nearby counties, most notably Sabine, became the focal point of international attention as federal, state, and local responders attempted to locate all of the pieces of the fragmented Columbia. Many East Texans can recall hearing the blast and feeling the aftershocks. Others discovered debris in their yards, gardens, pastures, and timberlands. Unfortunately the subsequent plans for a large monument were not realized. It is thus with gratitude that Friends of Historic Nacogdoches, Inc. was able to bring to fruition a living memorial through the planting of seven holly trees and seven granite markers (one for each astronaut) and the erection of an interpretive panel, so that residents and visitors alike can be reminded of this tragic event and tell their own stories of recovery.[1]

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While it's said that behind every great man is a great woman, with the Malone's, they both stood together, equally at the forefront of Black Huntsville/East Texas history. As with all the "great men" of Huntsville, their wives helped and worked with them in their achievements and endeavors. However, Dorothy Crawford Malone stood on her own. Born to one of Walker County's earliest Black families, the Crawford family historically took a lead in the Black society of Huntsville, including holding religious meetings before the establishment of a Black church. The Crawford family-owned property throughout the emerging Black business district, on Avenue M and parts of 14th and even 13th Streets. Other members of the Crawford family-owned businesses, including her brother Ed Crawford, who along with their father Robert Crawford owned and operated the Crawford Barbershop. [3] [4] [5] [6]

To Dorothy's credit, she contributed much to the youth of Huntsville and Walker County. After graduating from college and teaching, she led the Huntsville chapter of the National Youth Administration (NYA), a program originally started by President F. D. Roosevelt in 1935, to provide part-time employment to students to help them remain in school. This organization also helped build the local community literally. Young men in the program completed building on Emancipation Park, cleared forests, built roads, and even built the brick wall around SHSU on Sam Houston Avenue (unfortunately with no recognization). Decades later, she became the first Black person employed at the Walker County Courthouse. She worked as a deputy for 15 years (from 1970 to 1985), helping with voter registration. Moreover, she worked with her husband K.H. Malone, on many projects dealing with economic and community development. [4] [5] [6]

K.H. Malone, the namesake of the K.H. Malone Grocery and Washeteria (opened in 1950), was a business owner, county agent, and entrepreneur. In 1932, Malone became the first Black person to occupy the position of the Agricultural Demonstration Agent for Walker County. During his tenure, he helped Black farmers and provided services and information for them. In addition to his bureaucratic position in agriculture, the Malone's together purchased a farm in 1946, on FM 1791, (also known as Richards Road). The Malone Dairy and Poultry Farm produced eggs, cheese, poultry, and milk, which was sold to local Huntsville grocery stores, and even a co-op in Houston. After K.H. retired from his county job in 1970, the farm continued through the Malone's children. However, K.H. continued serving the community and became a building contractor. Over 22 years, the Malone's (though primarily K.H.) built over 160 homes and 15 churches in Walker County and surrounding East Texas counties. His work enabled low-income families to obtain financial support and financial and practical construction knowledge to move into a real home. K.H. Malone and Dorothy Crawford Malone died in 2000 and 2006, respectively. However, their work and legacy still live on in many communities of Huntsville and East Texas. [1] [2] [5] [6]

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Born in 1925, Willie Jerry Jones Sr. owned and managed the Willie Jerry Jones Insurance and Bonding Agency for over four decades. His businesses provided life insurance and bail bonding services to many in the Black Huntsville community. Growing up in Huntsville, TX, he attended the local high school for non-Whites, Sam Houston High School. He participated in many extra-curricular activities, academic and athletic. Then, in 1943, he both married and left for service in the US Navy, serving in Pearl Harbor. After he returned from leave, he owned and operated a barbershop on Avenue M. Next, he worked at the Atlanta Life Insurance Company for 14 years, before opening his own insurance company. [3] [4] [6]

However, his economic achievements pale in comparison to his social/political achievements and endeavors in service of his community. He helped lead the desegregation movement in Walker, and in 1961, became president of the first local chapter of the NAACP in Walker and Trinity Counties. Under his tenure, the Walker County Courthouse facilities, several local businesses, the city hospital, and Sam Houston State Teachers College desegregated. In about four years, almost all of the county removed public segregated spaces. He served as President for over 20 years. For his work and the work of the chapter, he and his wife Mary went to the inauguration of President Lyndon B. Johnson, and Governor John B. Connally. Speaking of politics, Jones was the first black candidate to run for a county office in Huntsville. He won the Democratic primary election for county commissioner in 1964 but lost in the runoff by only 52 votes. The Huntsville City Council, Alpha Phi Alpha, and the St. James United Methodist Church, among others, awarded him bountifully. Jones, with the help and co-partnership with his wife Mary, helped better not only the Black society but the greater local society. [1] [2] [5] [6]

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