The San Antonio office recently celebrated Black History Month in keeping with this years' theme "Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Supreme Court's 1954 Decision in Brown v. Board of Education". Employees sampled a variety of delicious pies and ice cream while enjoying pictures, figurines and books of famous African-Americans.

The guest speaker for the event was Barbara Hawkins, Director of the George Gervin Youth Center and the sister of the legendary basketball star George "Iceman" Gervin. Ms. Hawkins captivated the audience as she spoke passionately about her experience as an African American woman, her resolve to teach the youth of today about the importance of education, and her dedication to helping families achieve the American dream of homeownership.

Ms. Hawkins went on to emphasize government's vital role in accomplishing the task of increasing minority homeownership. She noted that the George Gervin Youth Center has been a grant recipient of HUD's YouthBuild Program. She personally thanked the dedicated San Antonio CPD staff who have helped her provide assistance to high-risk local youth who have benefited from educational and job training services, leadership training, counseling and other support activities, as well as on-site training in housing rehabilitation or construction work.

Joyce Sowells attended the event as an honored guest. Ms. Sowells, a teacher and community leader in the San Antonio area for over 40 years, affirmed that children need guidance and a strong foundation. "Black families must stay together to ensure our children's future," she said.

In conclusion, Byron Gulley, a Financial Analyst for Public Housing and Co-Chair for the event, put together an informative PowerPoint presentation pertaining to the civil rights acts.