Oftentimes heroes, whether in comic book movies or real life, are born from tragedy. That’s certainly local activist Cynthia Pharms’ origin story.
But the book is still being written about the advocacy she provides here in Houston.
Twenty years ago, Pharms’ aunt, Fannie Pearl Pharms, was mauled to death by a Sunnyside neighbor’s dogs. This happened despite countless residents alerting city officials about the prevalence of dog attacks. That tragedy inspired Pharms to organize community members and state legislators to create stricter laws with weightier penalties for dog owners whose pets attack individuals.
But that victory – a two-year journey – was just the beginning of what has become a life’s mission for Pharms; serving the community.
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AREAS OF IMPACT
Pharms’ dogged dedication to protecting local and state residents from vicious dog attacks caught the eye of the now-late State Rep. Al Edwards.
“I had already done my research for everything I wanted for the Dog Bite Bill (HB 1355). And I had impressed him,” stated Pharms. “He said, ‘I need you to come work for my office.’”
Pharms helped Edwards craft several pieces of impactful legislation, including his now-famous Juneteenth holiday bill.
“Pharms began her community work under Rep. Edwards where you had to know his every precinct chair by name, precinct, and phone number,” said local activist Tomoro Bell. “She was the community’s go-between and has continued fighting for her community these 20-plus years since his death. Her dedication is unwavering even when she is facing her own calamities. The community knows if they are armed with Pharms, they are in good hands.”
Pharms’ work out front and behind-the-scenes getting legislation passed placed her on the radar of numerous HISD schools.
“I went back to my high school, Sterling, teaching the children there how a bill becomes a law… Then I started working with other activists like Reginald OG-1 Gordon. We mentored over 200 youth through the Harris County Juvenile Probation and through the Texas Workforce Commission, with over 250 at-risk youth. We taught them job training, partnership skills, and how to conduct themselves when they’re on a job interview,” said Pharms.
“I first met her while I worked at Ross Shaw Sterling HS,” said Chandra Richardson, PhD, former HISD coordinator for college access. “Not knowing who she was nor what she did, her presence was well known. Her nephew was my student, and I called her often. Together we made his high school years successful. I found that Cynthia was ready to help me with any student I was concerned about. Cynthia has connected us with many community supporters. I’ll never forget all the moments of her taking care of kids, elders, postal workers and more.”
But Pharms never stopped advocating for seniors. She even expanded her activism to include serving the unhoused and created the non-profit to oversee these varied impact areas.
“Pharms Helping Arms Foundation helps the indigent people in the community. We help a lot of seniors and the youth; we feed the homeless. We do a lot of advocacy,” shared Pharms.
DAY-TO-DAY WORK
Pharms’ day-to-day activism also includes working with over eight different groups of seniors to make sure their various needs are being met. She’s also worked on various causes in tandem with other community advocates and activists like Deloyd Parker (SHAPE), Kofi Taharka (NBUF), Travis McGee, Quanell X and others.
In addition to her activism, Pharms also serves as a civic club president for Precinct 239 and vice president for Super Neighborhood 72. She also has two decades of experience as a political strategist via her business CRP Consulting, including working on campaigns for former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, State Rep. Senfronia Thompson, and the late U.S. Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee.
Pharms may not see herself as a “hero,” but she’s not alone in recognizing the powerful impact of her activism. She’s been honored by the Texas Legislative Black Caucus twice and has received too many local awards and honors to count.
“God just called me to help the people in the community; helping the voiceless and the ones who are afraid to speak up for themselves.”
