Richard Andrews stood before the Shrine Bookstore in Houston for the first time, watching Black men and women engage in deep discussions about history and culture until something clicked.
This wasn’t just a place to buy books; it was a hub of knowledge, empowerment, and transformation. That moment sparked a passion in Andrews, eventually leading to founding the Foundation of Black Heritage and Culture (FBHC).
The FBHC has been at the forefront of empowering Black Houstonians for over a decade. At the heart of this organization is Andrews, a Louisiana native who found his calling in Houston and is determined to uplift and empower his people.
He arrived in Houston in 1990, searching for direction. After multiple starts and stops in his education, he finally earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees in kinesiology from Texas Southern University in 2012. But before that milestone, his exposure to the Shrine Bookstore and a life-changing trip to Harlem solidified his vision for what would become the Foundation of Black Heritage and Culture.
“I went on a Malcolm X tour in Harlem, and it changed my perspective,” Andrews said. “It made me want to bring all the goodness of Black culture to Houston in the form of a festival.”
The FBHC has three core pillars: education, health equity and cultural arts. Each initiative is designed to tackle systemic challenges faced by Houston’s Black community while preserving and celebrating its rich heritage.
One of the organization’s most impactful efforts is its commitment to health equity. Rather than simply hosting seminars and distributing informational brochures, Andrews wanted to take direct action.
“Providing fresh fruits and vegetables is one of the key things missing in our community,” he said.
Partnering with the Houston Food Bank, the foundation launched a mobile food pantry to ensure Black Houstonians have access to nutritious food.
The need for such an initiative is urgent.
“The infant mortality rate in the MLK corridor is higher than in Afghanistan,” Andrews shared. “We have to start solving these problems in our communities.”
Educating the Next Generation
Johnelle Sayee, a junior at Texas Southern University, has been volunteering at the food distribution initiative for six consecutive weeks. She first discovered the program while driving through her neighborhood.
“We saw a long line and got curious. The next day, we followed their Instagram page and decided to come out on a Saturday,” Sayee said. “It warms my heart to see how people can come out and get food without the stress of wondering where their next meal will come from. I don’t have a lot to give in life, but I try to give back where I can.”
Her cousin, Mercy Zelee, has been volunteering alongside her for seven weeks. For Zelee, the mission is deeply personal.
“My parents are refugees [from Liberia], and when they came here, we didn’t have much. Being able to help others who are in a similar situation as I once was is important to me,” she said. “Giving back is crucial, and I believe we should establish a foundation of helping others who cannot help themselves.”
Mentorship and youth engagement are crucial to the foundation’s mission. One of the standout programs, the Kids Cafe, provided hot meals to children in Third Ward in partnership with the Houston Food Bank. “We adopted seven apartment complexes to provide meals,” Andrews said. “But it wasn’t just about feeding them. We wanted them to understand the importance of healthy eating and caring for their bodies.”
Recognizing the need for ongoing educational support, the foundation is also developing a logic model for the 21st Century Program, focusing on mentorship and academic growth. Andrews believes that instilling knowledge and confidence in young people will create long-lasting change in the community.
One of the foundation’s most impressive feats is its mobilizing volunteers.
“At first, we didn’t know where we would get help,” Andrews admitted.
However, through outreach efforts, the organization has gained support from Texas Southern University, the University of Houston and local youth groups such as the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts.
“Coach Chris Dishman (head football coach) from TSU has committed to bringing his players out here, and the law and medical students at UH are volunteering regularly,” he said.
