Media, historians, politicians, and researchers often overlook Generation X, individuals born between 1965 and 1980 (i.e., 45 – 60 year olds).
They focus on the Greatest Generation, Baby Boomers, Millennials, Gen Z and even Gen AI, while Gen X quietly powers progress across the country. The Pew Research Center has essentially shown that statistics reveal Gen X is the proverbial overlooked “middle child.”
Yet some argue that Gen X is uniquely equipped to relate across generations and—no matter the challenge—get “stuff” done.
For Black Houston, this has meant leading in every imaginable arena, sometimes behind the scenes, sometimes out front, but always with a foundation of excellence and consciousness.
Pastor Mia Wright, co-pastor at The Fountain of Praise, notes, “Honestly, I hadn’t considered us ‘overlooked’ because I see so many Gen Xers around me doing extraordinary things. But perhaps our stories aren’t being told often enough or with the depth they deserve.”
Don’t sleep on Gen X
Gen X carries a unique blend of experience and perspective.
“We bring a unique balance: We understand tradition, we’ve adapted to rapid technological change and we continue to lead in ways that connect generations before us and those rising behind us,” shared Wright.
Bridgette (Holden) Waugh, publicist and founder of SHE Bridges PR, echoes that sentiment.
“It’s a mistake to overlook Gen X because we’re the heart,” said Waugh. “Our parents were Baby Boomers, and we saw them work hard so we could have advantages extended to Millennials and Gen Z today. We really are the heart of those generations, because we are the ones who changed the job industry.
“We were the first to start with technology—Apple computers, PCs—and we became entrepreneurs reshaping the landscape of work.”
Pastor Johnny Ogletree III, senior pastor at First Metropolitan Church, adds, “We are a population still in leadership, still making waves, still building the future. We have a wide range of voices and experiences. We are the bridge between generations. Missing us is a huge error for anyone looking to the future.”
Impact: Gen X’s calling card
Nationally, Black Gen Xers have left marks in film, music, media, activism and business. Often referred to as the “hip-hop generation,” they adopted Malcolm X’s philosophy and channeled their charisma into shaping culture, particularly in music and social movements. Their experiences navigating early integration, the aftermath of the civil rights era, the crack epidemic and the AIDS crisis inform their work, from building social capital to connecting diverse generations for shared goals.
In the media and arts, they’ve introduced perspectives that challenge stereotypes and authentically highlight Black life. In advocacy and activism, they leverage social networks to influence institutions. Economically, Gen Xers built resilience by turning hobbies into businesses, adapting to financial realities like student debt and caring for both children and aging parents, often without inheritances. They prioritize work-life balance and seek to end generational trauma for their own families.
Local impact
The Defender spoke with several Houston-based Gen X leaders to spotlight their contributions.
Wright shared, “For more than 30 years at The Fountain of Praise, I’ve been committed to being a voice of change—helping people connect with God, strengthening leaders and building bridges between church and community.”
Through her nonprofit, the Metamorphosis Conference, Wright has empowered over 100,000 women with inspiration and practical tools since 2001. She has co-chaired significant cultural initiatives, including the Kinsey African American Art & Artifacts Exhibit at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and participated in the United Nations’ World Interfaith Harmony Week to foster dialogue on unity and progress.
“I sit on several boards—Houston Association of Black Journalists, Dreams Unleashing Networks, the Anderson Center for the Arts and the National Association of Women Business Owners. Each depicts who I am,” Waugh said. “I’m involved in changing young women’s lives, helping business owners, and telling stories. By following the beat of my own drum, people want to know who I am and what I think.”
Ogletree highlights his own local engagement.
“I’ve been back in Houston since 2000. I planted a church, worked with food pantries and connected people to service opportunities,” he said. “The goal is to show people that living out their faith has real-world benefits and transforms communities.”
Houston Gen X roll call
Local Black Gen Xers making waves include, but aren’t limited to the following:
- Dr. Sonya Sloan – A pastor’s wife (Dr. Timothy Sloan, The Luke Church), blending humor and orthopedic expertise with sharp social commentary.
- Kyra Hardwick – Business strategist helping leaders scale successfully.
- Latoshia Norwood – Leader behind the She Said She Led conference, empowering female executives.
- June Deadrick – CenterPoint Energy leader connecting authentically with community stakeholders.
- Dr. Terri-Ann Samuels – Physician focused on Gen X women’s health.
- Martha Castex-Tatum – City Council advocate driving local policy change.
- George Anderson – Alpha Phi Alpha mentor, spiritual leader, and community influencer.
- Dallas Jones – Political strategist, preparing strong leaders, an entrepreneur and restaurateur.
- Mary Benton – Former KPRC journalist, now in the Mayor’s Office.
- Nakia Cooper – Publisher and president of the Houston Association of Black Journalists.
- Marc Newsome – Award-winning filmmaker, photographer, and professor.
- Connie Cochran – Development and fundraising specialist.
- Sharon Watkins Jones – Chief Equity Officer, Children at Risk.
- Vicky Pink – Award-winning photographer.
- Kim Roxie – Entrepreneur, founder of LAMIK Beauty.
- Dr. J. Todd Taylor – Healthcare leader and public health advocate.
- Deric Muhammad – Author and community advocate.
- Roland Martin – Houston-born national Black media mogul
- ReShonda Tate – Award-winning author of over 53 books, screenwriter and Defender Managing Editor
- Marcus Davis – Restaurateur, entrepreneur, thought leader.
On the national front
Figures like Halle Berry, Viola Davis, Mahershala Ali, Idris Elba, Nikole Hannah-Jones, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Dave Chappelle, Stacey Abrams, Ava DuVernay and Ta-Nehisi Coates demonstrate the broad influence of Black Gen Xers across entertainment, politics, activism and culture.
Gen X wise words
- “If your dream only includes you, it’s too small.” – Ava DuVernay
- “Do not allow setbacks to set you back.” – Stacey Abrams
- “We must use words to uplift and include.” – Stacey Abrams
- “None of us can be held responsible for the wrongs of our ancestors.” – Nikole Hannah-Jones
- “Black people have seen the worst of America, yet we still believe in its best.” – Nikole Hannah-Jones
- “They made us into a race. We made ourselves into a people.” – Ta-Nehisi Coates
- “Waking up in truth is so much better than living in a lie.” – Idris Elba
For Black Houston, Gen X isn’t just a bridge generation—it’s a driving force. From reshaping the economy and arts to building community and guiding future leaders, Black Gen Xers are the steady hands steering Clutch City through challenges and opportunities alike. Their blend of experience, pragmatism and vision ensures that while they may not always seek the spotlight, their impact is felt in every corner of the city. Overlooking Gen X, as these leaders show, would be a mistake Houston can’t afford to make.
