Sam Houston State University – Page 11 – Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics

Memorial Day Origins: Honoring the Fallen Through Tradition

The LEAP Center’s primarily mission is civic engagement, and there is no way to fulfill that mission without being cognizant of the sacrifice made by those who have served in the US Military.

As a modest recognition of those who, as Abraham Lincoln first said, “gave the last full measure of devotion,” we joined the Huntsville, Texas Lions Club to place flags across a mile-and-a-half section of Huntsville for Memorial Day.

Origins of Memorial Day

Following the loss of more than 600,000 in the Civil War, Americans–in both the North and the South–struggled to recognize their dead in a manner that reflected the magnitude of loss. Drawing on regional traditions and the time-immemorial tradition of placing flowers on graves (a practice that goes back some 12,000 years), people gathered on different dates to mourn and remember.

Boalsburg, PA lays claim to a 1864 celebration; Charleston, SC had a large commemoration in 1865; the cities of Columbus Georgia and Columbus Mississippi had recognitions within a day of each other in 1866. Each of these cities makes a claim to be have hosted the first Memorial Day celebration.

But it was in 1868 that Major John Logan, of the political powerful Grand Army of the Republic, called for May 30 to serve as a “Decoration Day,” during which Americans would remember and place flowers on the graves of the Civil War dead. The date was purposive: the late spring date offered the “choicest” and most ample supply of flowers, the better to decorate the graves of the many dead.

The day of commemoration took hold, even as the Grand Army of the Republic faded from view. Firmly rooted in tradition by the end of the 19th century…

Brownsville, TX 1916–By Ralph Runyon, Dolph Briscoe Ctr

it was expanded to honor all those who died in service (rather than just the Civil War dead), and it was officially proclaimed a National Holiday in 1971 as part of the “Uniform Monday Holiday Act,” which moved the holiday to the last Monday in May.

The Lions Club Flag Project

As part of their ongoing service to the community, the Lions Club supervises their flag project, which involves placing flags in town on major holidays. For the past three years, the LEAP Center has assisted with that project, and while the LEAP Center plans no formal grave-visiting or flower-strewing, we have tried to ensure, as the Act originally hoped, that “no neglect, no ravages of time, testify to the present or to the coming generations that we have forgotten as a people the cost of a free and undivided republic.”

And after planting some 250 flags as part of a community project, we took a selfie in front of Lee Jamison’s new mural, which is a good reflection of that community and its history. Interestingly, Brian Blalock, a Lion and a photographer, was with us as we posed in front of the mural, which features a rendering of a photo taken by Blalock (note the “Waving Sammy” on the mural).

Apart from engaging in an act of service, today’s volunteer activity was also poignant because it involved Chrissy’s last LEAP-related event in Huntsville. She is moving to Lubbock in a week to begin her law school journey, and we were happy to be part of another event with her, especially one in service to the community.

Brazil Culinary Passport

by Olivia Discon

We stamped our passports once again—this time for Brazil—at the World Affairs Council of Greater Houston’s Global Young Professionals “Culinary Passport” series. Held at Tourão Brazilian Churrascaria, this experience gave us the chance to explore Brazilian food and learn more about the country’s growing role in clean energy.

For about half of our group, it was the first time at a Brazilian steakhouse. We were joined by Dr. Elise Herrmann and Dr. Jamile Forcelini, both professors at Sam Houston State University. Dr. Hermann recently completed our Citizenship Prep course (and just this week, earned her citizenship!), and it was great to have her with us for an evening that touched on both international culture and policy.

During dinner, we heard from two speakers involved in the energy sector: Fernando C. Hernandez, who founded the Society for Low Carbon Technologies…

…and Taís Soares, who works in business development at Vallourec.

Their focus, through moderation by Eli Quezeda, was on carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS)—a process that removes carbon dioxide from the air or from industrial sources and stores it underground to keep it from entering the atmosphere.

One of the main ideas they touched on was being part of “Track 1.5”: a policy and technology goal aimed at keeping global temperature rise below 1.5°C, which is seen as a critical threshold to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.

To hit that goal, they emphasized the need for both policy and private-sector innovation to move fast, which is where projects like Brazil’s carbon storage law come in.

Their innovative carbon capture methodology is actually quite interesting: emissions are captured from factories or plants, compressed, and then injected into rock formations deep underground where they can stay for centuries. It’s not a silver bullet, but paired with other strategies, it can make a real difference. The speakers explained that these technologies are already being used and expanded in places like Brazil, which is becoming a global leader in this space.

Although some of the science went over our heads, it was a good reminder that global issues depend on people from many backgrounds and countries working together–while also having the chance to interact and enjoy great food.

As always, we’re grateful to the World Affairs Council of Greater Houston for putting together events that are both fun and informative. And we’re glad to keep expanding our knowledge (and our palates) one country at a time.

Huntsville Fire Department: 100 Years of Service

The City of Huntsville made a major move toward modernization in 1925, providing for a better funded and more professional fire department. This past weekend, the City of Huntsville celebrated that progress, with a community-wide birthday party for the Huntsville Fire Department.

The all-day event, which lasted from 10am-4pm, opened with a prayer…

…posting of colors…

…and the playing of bagpipes.

Following this solemn opening was a day of community camaraderie, exploration, some fun, some eye-raising demonstrations, and a trip back in time.

Fire Departments and emergency services departments from surrounding communities were on hand to add to the educational breadth of the event, while also offering a type of “community policing” from the fire departments.

The Trinity Fire Department brought out trucks from 1949, 1939, and 1915–the earliest of the fire vehicles on display.

The Huntsville Fire Department offered a number of hands-on activities for children. There was a three-man hose relay…

…which rarely resulted in the successful conveyance of water.

There was also an obstacle course, which involved climbing, hauling. and running.

What child wouldn’t have fun? There were even trophies for the winners.

There was a surplus of SWAT-like trucks; and the Montgomery County Bomb Squad brought two robots, one of which almost attacked Macey–briefly getting our hopes up of a Macey-free Huntsville.

Car-entry techniques were also on display, with firemen illuminating the process for entering a vehicle and extricating trapped passengers.

And the Huntsville Fire Department also did burn demonstrations, illuminating the manner in which fire personnel approach fire suppression.

Topping off the event, at least for us, was the sense of history and community. Chief Mathis was there, as was Chief Grisham and former assistant Chief John Hobbs, highlighting a line of service dating back to the 1970s.

Mac and Leanne Woodward were there; as were John and (County Clerk) Kari French, County Judge Colt Christian, and Councilmembers McKenzie, Lyle, Denman, and Antwine.

Tracy Rikard was there as part of the planning committee, helping things run smoothly.

And we were there to soak in the event, learning more about the community, its history, and having an enjoyable day with the people who make Huntsville such a pleasant community in which to live.

Eight is Enough: The Houston Family Legacy

by Olivia Discon

Huntsville is home to the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Presidential Library (SHMM) for good reason. Sam Houston and his family made their home here, and their lasting legacy continues to shape our community. But what did their lives actually look like beyond Sam Houston’s legendary public service? SHMM set out to explore that very question through a new exhibit titled The Fate of the Eight—a look at the lives of Sam and Margaret Houston’s eight children: Temple Lea, Margaret Lea, Antoinette Power, Andrew Jackson (AJ), Nancy Elizabeth, Mary William, Sam Houston Jr., and William Rogers.

LEAP Ambassadors attended the exhibit’s opening reception on May 13, 2025, which was well-attended by community members and history lovers alike. Jude Routh, SHMM Curator of Exhibits, remarked that while the display was expansive, it only scratched the surface of the museum’s Houston family archives.

Centered in the exhibit space were personal artifacts—swords, Bibles, marriage licenses, family photos—that brought the Houstons’ story to life.

Below is a brief look into the lives of each of the eight Houston children, all of whom carved unique paths shaped by their family’s name, their own aspirations, and the changing world around them:

Sam Houston Jr.
Born in 1843 at Washington-on-the-Brazos, Sam Jr. was the first child of Sam and Margaret Houston. He attended Baylor University and Bastrop Military Academy before enlisting in the Confederate Army. Wounded at the Battle of Shiloh, he was later released from a Union prison and returned to Texas. He studied medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and practiced in several towns before turning to writing later in life. He died in 1894 in Independence, Texas.

Nancy Elizabeth “Nannie” Houston
Born in 1846 at the family’s Raven Hill plantation, Nannie was the Houstons’ eldest daughter. She was educated at home and at Baylor and was known for her musical talent. After marrying Joseph Morrow, she raised six children and cared for her younger siblings following her mother’s death. She died in 1920 and was buried in Georgetown, Texas.

Margaret Lea “Maggie” Houston Williams
Maggie, born in 1848, assisted her father with correspondence during his later years. She married Captain Weston Williams and lived for many years in Independence, later relocating to San Antonio. When she died in 1906, the Alamo flew its flag at half-mast in her honor.

Mary William “Mary Willie” Houston
Born in 1850, Mary Willie was educated at Baylor Female Seminary. She married John Morrow and, after being widowed, served as postmistress in Abilene. Known for her church involvement and independence, she died in 1931.

Antoinette Power “Nettie” Houston Bringhurst
Born in 1852, Nettie was a gifted poet whose works were sung in Texas schools. Married in the Governor’s Mansion and later active in the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, she led a literary life. She was killed in a car accident in 1932 and buried in San Antonio.

Andrew Jackson Houston
Born in 1854, Andrew had a long and varied career that included service as a U.S. Marshal, military school cadet, lawyer, and historian. In 1941, at age 87, he was appointed U.S. Senator, making him the oldest person to serve in that body at the time. He supported completion of the San Jacinto Monument before his death that same year.

William Rogers Houston
Born in 1858 in Huntsville, William Rogers Houston was the seventh child of Sam and Margaret. Though often sick as a child, he grew into a strong and devoted man. He served in the U.S. Indian Service, a role that reflected both his sense of duty and the legacy of his father’s early years with Native American communities. William never married and remained deeply connected to his siblings throughout his life. He died while on official duty in Oklahoma.

Temple Lea Houston
The youngest of the Houston children, Temple was born in 1860 in the Texas Governor’s Mansion. A gifted orator and attorney, he gained fame as a frontier lawyer known for his dramatic courtroom presence. He served in the Texas Senate and later as counsel for the Santa Fe Railroad.

The Houston family has a strong legacy here in Huntsville, and it was great for us LEAP Ambassadors to learn more about it through The Fate of the Eight exhibit.

If you happened to miss this exhibit, you are in luck. It runs through June 29, 2025, so there’s plenty of time to check it out and enjoy this wonderful hub of culture and history in the Huntsville community.

Celebrating Community Engagement With Huntsville Rotary

by Chrissy Biello

Huntsville, Texas is known for its strong sense of community and its commitment to serving others. The Huntsville Rotary Club is, of course, no different. It is made up of individuals who contribute to what makes the community thrive. That is why the SHSU Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics was honored to be invited as the guest presenters at a recent Wednesday Rotary meeting by President Michelle Spencer.

The meeting began with traditional Rotary formalities, including member greetings and introductions. Notable attendees included former Huntsville Mayor Jane Monday, who previously served as chair of the Texas State University System Board of Regents and as Texas Public Commissioner to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Also present were Rhonda Ellisor Smith, Director of the SHSU Small Business Development Center; Darren Williams, Chemistry Professor at Sam Houston State University; Vance Howard, CEO of Howard Capital Management, and Rotary President Michelle Spencer…

…who also serves as CEO of the Huntsville Boys & Girls Club.

During the meeting, Brad Sherman presented the “brag bucket,” allowing members to recognize achievements or introduce guests.

Mayor Humphrey introduced his guest, Tommy Harris, a member of the Huntsville Planning Commission.

Then, Terri Coleman, a local real estate agent, proudly displayed a check from the Vance and Karen Howard Foundation, which matched funds raised at the recent Rotary WineQuest event.

The combined total reached an impressive $102,000 to donate to local nonprofit organizations!

Also celebrated was the induction of Joel Starkey, the newest Rotary member.

Sponsored by Brad Sherman, Starkey received his official Rotary pin during a brief ceremony conducted by President Spencer.

Professor Mike Yawn then opened the LEAP presentation by introducing the program and the ambassadors in attendance. Of the six current ambassadors, three are based in Huntsville, while the other three are working in the Texas Legislature during the 89th session.

He went on to explain that the main focus of the LEAP program is to help students grow, and through that growth, benefit the community.

Highlighted were several of the Center’s initiatives, such as hosting the Texas Tenth Court of Appeals at SHSU and inviting distinguished guests like Judge Alberto Gonzales to speak to students. These opportunities not only broaden the ambassadors’ understanding but also benefit a wider group of individuals, as many events are open to those outside the organization, and sometimes, the university.

Additionally, the presentation touched on how the organization maintains institutional memory from year to year. When volunteering for community events, experienced members train new ones, easing the burden on event organizers and ensuring continuity. New members, in turn, know they will be the ones training others in the future.

A particularly meaningful part of the presentation was the discussion of LEAP’s long-running partnership with the Huntsville Public Library to support local immigrants preparing for the U.S. citizenship test. Gregoria McGuire, who recently earned her citizenship with the assistance of the program, spoke to the Rotarians about what becoming a citizen means to her.

Despite having passed the test, she still attends the weekly Tuesday classes, takes notes, and stays fully engaged–a clear sign of how much it means to her.

To close, LEAP emphasized that while the program includes a focus on law and politics, its mission extends further. The words “Engagement” and “and” are central to its identity. LEAP aims to foster a broader understanding of the world through diverse experiences. Olivia, for example, shared that she has now visited 75 museums through LEAP; this is an especially significant achievement given that she had never been to one before joining the program.

After the presentation, it was time for the weekly raffle. Brad Sherman mentioned that since there was a graduate in the room, it might be fitting for me to draw the winning ticket.

President Spencer then presented a children’s book for us to sign, which will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club.

The meeting wrapped up, as always, with the recitation of the Rotary Four-Way Test (and the Huntsville fifth), a meaningful reminder of the values that guide the organization’s work.

Murder Most Foul: An April Adios

For all Pre-Law Society members, our April was the last get together of the academic year. But for one unlucky member, it was, at least in the world of fictional fun, the last meeting ever. That’s because our social involved a murder mystery, something of a theme for our sinister solicitors.

Our officers and activity committee put together treats to ~~bribe~~ encourage us to attend, and it worked!

A healthy 30 or so students attended, a reflection of our growing sociality as an organization.

Mikaela Baires was the unlucky victim. Indeed, she was doubly unlucky, inasmuch as the murder weapon was a laxative, giving new meaning to Shakespeare’s phrase “murder so foul” (thankfully, we did not meet at the beautiful Wynne Home this year…).

The suspects were Mikaela’s peers: Chrissy Biello…

Jose Carreno…

Katherine Burnett…

Madison Cawthon…

Neehal Ahmed…

and Niya Thompson.

Given the suspects–any one of whom is capable of such a dastardly act–it was going to be a tough evening for our social sleuths.

Thankfully, there were four clues uncovered, and throwing Miranda out the window, the suspects were questioned without their lawyers being present.

After much debate, hand-wringing, and interrogation, the law-enforcement, apparently imitating the Keystone Kops, accused the wrong person–Katherine Burnett–perhaps motivated by a strong desire to sequester her from society for eternity, or at least until they graduate.

In fairness, the actual murderer, Jose Carreno, broke the rules of the game and lied. Who knew a murderer would lie about his whereabouts? Following the game, Jose vowed that, “when things have settled a bit, I will pursue as my primary goal in life the killer or killers who slaughtered ~~Nicole and Mr. Goldman~~…Mikaela Baires.”

On a happier note, Madison Cawthon led the speed debating contest.

Befitting our status as future lawyers in society–and, perhaps, lawmakers–we spent our time arguing over trivialities ending in ludicrous judgments.

Neehal Ahmed, for example, argued that it should be illegal to text a single “k” to indicate affirmation via messaging.

The debate over whether “ttyl” should be punishable by firing squad was tabled. And thank God we didn’t even get to people who use odd text colors or emojis.

It was a fitting and fun end to a record-breaking semester. With 116 members–well, now just 115 members (sorry Mikaela)–PLS garnered its largest membership ever, donated funds to a scholarship and enrichment fund, and offered pre-law students some amazing events and programs. We can’t wait to see what never year brings!

A Day at the Museum Grounds: General Sam Houston Day, 2025

Sam Houston remains Texas’s greatest hero, and Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library does a great job of honoring his legacy and achievements throughout the year. This is perhaps most authentically exemplified on “General Sam Houston Day,” which takes place each spring, and was held this year on April 26, 2025.

The event has myriad activities for those who want to learn more about General Sam Houston and his times. This includes demonstrations of blacksmithing, spinning…

…kick-wheel pottery, medicine…

…period music…

…19th century dance, cooking, woodworking, and even wagon rides.

With volunteers, reenactors, and other participants coming in from across the south and southwest, the grounds of the SHMM were bustling.

Indeed, there were amateur and professional historians on hand, volunteers, families…

…horses, and–of course–chickens, all enjoying themselves.

General Sam Houston Day has its origins in the “East Texas Folk Festival,” which was created in 1988 to help fund the Sam Houston Memorial Museum. For close to three decades, the event was known as the “General Sam Houston Folk Festival.” The shift reflects more than a name change; the “General Sam Houston Day” is less a festival and more of an exploration of 19th century life.

Whatever the appellation, the event is a celebration of Texas’s greatest hero, offered generously by the talented staff at the Sam Houston Memorial Museum, contributing to a vibrant community.

Texas 10th Court of Appeals Hosted by the Walker County Bar Association

by Chrissy Biello

The night before the Texas Tenth Court of Appeals convened for oral arguments at Sam Houston State University (SHSU), the Walker County Bar Association hosted a dinner at Sam’s Table to welcome the visiting justices. The guests of honor were Chief Justice Matt Johnson, Justice Lee Harris, and Justice Steven Smith, along with Clerk of the Court Sherry Williamson.

Approximately thirty members of the local legal community gathered for the occasion, including 278th District Judge Tracy Sorensen, 12th Judicial District Judge David Moorman, County Court at Law Judge John Gaines, Municipal Court Judge Devan Dawson, and County Judge Colt Christian. The dinner also drew several prominent attorneys, including Alvin Martin of Smither, Martin, and Henderson; Michael Foreman of Haney, Paschal and Romoser; and multiple representatives from the Walker County Criminal District Attorney’s Office: Assistant District Attorneys Malori Martin (who is arguing a case tomorrow), Jennifer Jenkins, and Graciela Garcia.

Throughout the evening, there were multiple conversations taking place, some filled with friendly laughter, while others centered on the cases scheduled for the following day. Some exchanged thoughts on the legal questions involved, as some of the cases have some interesting aspects that could have greater implications on the legal field.

Clerk of the Court Sherry Williamson shared stories from her early career, including her time serving as clerk of the Eleventh Court of Appeals in Eastland, Texas. While reflecting on her time there, she mentioned “Ol’ Rip,” the legendary horned toad that Eastland is known for. According to local lore, Ol’ Rip survived a thirty-one-year hibernation, only to later pass away from pneumonia. The toad is now on display at the Eastland Courthouse!

Ol Rip in a custom-made coffin at the Courthouse

While speaking with SHSU LEAP students, Chief Justice Johnson shared his journey into law. He spoke about his early career as a practicing attorney and the transition into becoming a judge. He first served as Justice of the Peace in McLennan County, then as Judge of the 54th District Court for fourteen years, before being elected to the Texas Tenth Court of Appeals in 2020. During the conversation, he emphasized the importance of gaining trial experience for those who aspire to serve on the bench.

Judge David Moorman also spoke highly of the opportunity for students to observe the appellate court in action, calling it a unique and valuable educational experience.

The event served as both a warm welcome to the visiting court and a reminder of the strength and collegiality within the local legal community. The justices will hear three cases at SHSU tomorrow, including two driving while intoxicated cases and one involving injury to a child. The Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics continues to be grateful that the Texas Tenth Court of Appeals visits Sam Houston State University each year. The event offers a multitude of valuable learning experiences. You can read more about the event here.

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