Over the past several decades, there is scarcely a movement aimed at improving Black lives here in Houston that Howard Jefferson hasn’t been a part of or influenced in some way. One reason Jefferson’s imprint seems to be everywhere is that he has lent his heart for social uplift to countless organizations and causes.
In fact, some of Black Houston’s most notable change agents count Jefferson as their mentor and friend. Yet, for all his impact over the years, Jefferson remains humble and grounded, yet confident in his commitment to “do the right thing.”
Long before Jefferson became president of the NAACP Houston Branch, he was an award-winning teacher at Wheatley High School. Jefferson went on to become an assistant principal at Bellaire High School and eventually, assistant superintendent of schools. In that last role, Jefferson supervised 120 schools, with eight area superintendents answering to him.
This Columbia, Mississippi native has served on countless boards and committees of note, including the YMCA board, the National NAACP board and Texas Southern University’s Presidential Search Committee.
There is scarcely a local or national Black-serving organization that Jefferson has not worked with and/or positively influenced in some way.
That said, as part of the Defender’s Elder Wisdom Gems series, we were able to sit down with Jefferson, 88, to record experiences and advice that those seeking to live lives of impact can take to heart and use for their benefit, and the benefit of others.
Impact advice
Jefferson has impacted thousands of lives through the multiple roles he has played in the past and continues to play. He was more than eager to share his thoughts on the subject.
“When you say impact, to me, that means helping others. What have you done to help others,” said Jefferson. “What kind of leadership have you [offered]? How much of yourself did you give up for others? How much did you do that you really didn’t want to do, but it was the right thing to do?
“There are all kinds of impacts. Legislators impact. Teachers impact. But in all of that, you’ve got to do the right thing. Do the right thing with your impact. Impact the right way, not the wrong way.”
Character influences
Jefferson credits his parents for instilling in him and his eight siblings an ethic of concern for others.
“All of us in the family helped each other out. It was instilled in us to help someone,” he said. “If they needed a TV, you’ve got nine children. Give $500-$600 apiece and get it. If you needed a refrigerator or a stove, we would get it. That’s what my parents gave us, a good foundation of doing the right thing.
“They preached that a whole lot. ‘Was that the best thing to do?’ And sometimes they would say, ‘What would Christ do in this situation?’ And that gets you to thinking.”
Jefferson also credited a close friend with helping to shape the man he became.
“Talk about shaping lives, Reverend [William A. “Bill”] Lawson did a lot to shape my life,” shared Jefferson. “To me, and I never met Jesus, Reverend Lawson was the greatest man that I’ve ever met. He was smart in a lot of ways. His values and his (system) were so strong.”
Jefferson and Lawson’s friendship and community work inspired others.
“[Jefferson] and Rev. Lawson used their unique personalities and leadership styles to move mountains in Houston,” said Houston Area Urban League head Judson Robinson III. “They would attack problems, playing off the strengths of one another to do good things for the community.
“And due to their status, the powerbrokers had to listen and do the right things, the things that Jefferson and Lawson encouraged. Jefferson is a study in being a true leader and respected spokesman.”
Power habits
Jefferson also developed habits that helped him live a life of impactful service, starting with the importance of knowing one’s limitations.
Jefferson also lists being present as a powerful habit for those seeking to impact others.
“You’ve got to be at the table if you’re going to effect and influence some change,” said Jefferson. “Be at the table, whether the food is served or not. You want to be at the table when decisions are made.”
Jefferson also stressed staying grounded if your goal is to help the community.
“You can’t forget where you came from,” he shared. “Even if you didn’t come from there, you should not forget those who came from an unfavorable situation. You’ve got to understand them. They may not do everything right, but they’re still human.”
Another habit Jefferson practices is analyzing situations in order to make the best decisions possible.
“If you’re in a situation where you know you can’t win, if you’re going to be smart and still be in the huddle when the plays are called (that’s where you want to be), you’ve got to know how to handle situations,” stated Jefferson, who then quoted a famous Kenny Rogers song. “You’ve got to know when to hold ’em and know when to fold ’em… You’ve got to know when to walk away. If a situation is poisonous, and you can’t fix it, you’ve got to get out of that atmosphere. If you don’t, it’ll hurt you.”
Relationships
Central to Jefferson’s effectiveness over the decades as a community servant is his penchant for developing and maintaining relationships.
“You need somebody whom you can follow and give you good advice,” Jefferson shared. “People say, ‘I ain’t kissing no blah-blah-blah.’ It’s not about that.”
According to Jefferson, it’s about developing a strong support system around you.
“People who don’t think they make mistakes, they are losing,” he said. “You’ve got to have someone to tell you what road you’ve got to go down. Don’t be afraid to have people who can help you. Help you go down the right road instead of going down the other road.
Thurgood Marshall School of Law Professor Marcia Johnson is one of Jefferson’s circle of support.
“I call him uncle Howard, and he has left indelible impressions on me for many reasons, including because of his sincere commitment to improving lives,” said Johnson. “Also, there should be a book of his quips. Once, when I was feeling bad about something someone had said or done, he advised me to ‘duck the fumb stuff.’ I have found frequent opportunities to use it.
“He has provided countless opportunities for people to launch and grow their businesses and careers, often with nothing in return.”
Memorable service
Jefferson mentioned his work as president of NAACP Houston, and underscored the power of relationships when asked about his most memorable impacts on society.
“With Congressman Al Green and Reverend Bill Lawson on my side, we three did a lot together,” recalled Jefferson. “A lot of it was not publicized. People won’t talk about it. Reverend Lawson would always say, ‘Just do it. Don’t worry about it. Just do the right thing.’”
One of those things the trio did was help save a man who was not receiving adequate legal counsel from being executed.
One Sunday evening around 8pm, the NAACP Legal Defense Fund called Jefferson, informing him that a man was going to be unjustly sentenced at 9am the next morning.
“I said, ‘Wait a minute. Who did they tell you I was? I’m not Jesus,’” he quipped.
But again, relying on relationships, Jefferson immediately called Lawson, who then got the “Three Amigos” (Lawson, Archbishop Joseph A. Fiorenza and Rabbi Samuel E. Karff, all now deceased), on the case. They were able to successfully save the individual from execution.
DN VIDEO: Learn more about Howard Jefferson
