The Black Magic Social Club is a popular establishment in Houston, Texas. It is a unique venue that combines elements of magic, music, and socializing, offering patrons a one-of-a-kind experience. Located in the heart of Houston, the Black Magic Social Club attracts people from all walks of life. From locals to tourists, the club has become a staple in the city's nightlife scene. It is known for its mystical ambiance and captivating performances that leave guests spellbound. The club features a diverse range of entertainment options, including live magic shows, musical performances, and interactive experiences.
‘Forgotten Black Towns of Houston’: Viral series sheds light on historic communities of color across the city
HOUSTON – Houston is rich in Black culture and one local influencer is making sure its historic sites built by influential African Americans are not forgotten.
Marketer and consultant KeAndre’ Jordan, who is the creator of the platform “My Southern Brand,” is widely known for his viral content centered around Black-owned restaurants in Houston, but in an attempt to set his brand apart, he decided to create a series during Black History Month that would introduce people to nearby towns that were founded or heavily influenced by African Americans. The response was bigger than anything he could have ever anticipated.
“I just wanted to elevate my brand, basically,” Jordan said. “Of course, because my page is centered around Black culture, I wanted to do something special for Black History Month. I thought this ‘Black Towns’ series was just going to last until Black History Month was over but it’s like when I touched the surface, I just kept digging and digging and people were like, ‘Why don’t you do this town? Why don’t you do that town?’”
From there, Visit Houston reached out to him for collaborations. The content would not only educate people on social media but it was also the catalyst for viewers to unite with family members they’ve never met in the comments section.
“Looking at the comments, some people were like, ‘Oh, this is my family. I see my family in these videos,’” Jordan said. “And then they started conversing in the comments like, ‘Oh, we’re cousins.’ So it became like a family reunion.”
In an interview, Jordan discussed a few of the many towns he’s researched with KPRC 2 Digital Content Producer Erica Ponder.
Freedmen’s Town
View this post on InstagramFreedmen’s Town is located in the Fourth Ward community and is one of Texas’ first Black settlements. When slaves were emancipated from slavery in Texas in 1865, several of them settled in Freedmen’s Town for a new beginning. It is home to the historic Gregory School, which is the first Black school in Texas and had several thriving establishments, including Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, where John Henry “Jack” Yates became the minister in 1868. Yates also founded Emancipation Park and fought for a cemetery to be built for Black people-- Olivewood Cemetery.
Yates, who is considered to be one of the most revered people in the city’s history, purchased property on Freedmen’s Town’s Andrews Street where, with the aid of his brother and brother-in-law, he built Black Houston’s first two-story house, according to the Heritage Society of Sam Houston Park’s website.
“Jack Yates, he was definitely a pioneer in Freedmen’s Town,” Jordan said.
During his research, Jordan learned that Freedmen’s Town was also home to a major Negro League Baseball team called the Eagles, who played in West End Park.
Frenchtown
View this post on InstagramFrenchtown was a neighborhood of four square blocks located on the northern edge of Houston’s Fifth Ward that was organized in 1922. According to the Texas State Historical Association, it was home to Creoles of color from Louisiana that were of French, Spanish, and African descent.
Settlers in Frenchtown were descendants of a mostly free, mixed-race population that lived in colonial southwestern Louisiana in the eighteenth century and came to northeastern Houston for economic opportunities. Many people living in Frenchtown were employed by the Southern Pacific Railroad or worked along the Houston Ship Channel. Frenchtown is also known for birthing the popularity of Zydeco music in Houston, having festivals and concerts at venues such as “The Silver Slipper” and “Johnson’s.”
Barrett Station
View this post on InstagramA suburb south of Crosby, Barrett Station, originally named Barrett Settlement, was established in 1875 and was founded by a former Creole slave from Louisiana named Harrison Barrett. While researching, Jordan learned that Harrison spent years gathering his family after the emancipation of slaves and purchased land east of the San Jacinto River in Harris County. The land started with seven families and had houses, a church, farms and a few mills. It became one of the largest land holdings in the county to be acquired by a former slave, according to the Barrett Station Civil League’s website. Harrison also gave some land in order for Shiloh Baptist Church, which also served as a school, to be built. In 1947, a high school and a post office branch were built, known as “Barrett Station,” the league said.
The area is approximately 12.66 square miles in size and had a population of 3,199 in 2010. It began growing rapidly after Harrison’s death in 1917. He was reportedly buried in Journey’s End Cemetery, which is located at his original homestead. Barrett Station became home to several settlers affected by the Great Mississippi Flood in 1927. The league says today, the town is home to nearly 5,200 people.
The Quarters/Mayfield Park in Sugar Land
Sugar Land is a site to many unfortunate and dark memories of the past. During slavery, it was known as the “Hell-Hole on the Brazos” due to the brutal conditions enslaved people experienced while working on sugar plantations. As a way to limit formerly enslaved people’s freedom, “black codes” were enforced. These codes could limit what jobs African Americans could hold and their ability to leave a job once they were hired. Some states restricted the kind of property Black people could own, according to National Geographic.
As a punishment for even minor crimes, prisoners were forced to work in sugar refineries and fields through convict leasing.
“Society placed black codes to limit our freedom, so say, for instance, if we looked at a white person wrong, we would go to jail for that,” Jordan said.
In 2018, human remains were first found at the Bullhead Camp Cemetery while Fort Bend County ISD’s James C. Reese Career and Technical Center was under construction. It was later discovered that 94 men and one woman who were part of a convict leasing program to build railroads and farm sugar cane in the 1800′s were also buried at the site. Many of the remains were analyzed through DNA to try to identify the bodies. In September 2020, FBISD released a 500-page report identifying who they believe are 72 of the “Sugar Land 95,” based on historical records.
Lydia Lunch w/Kevin Shea+ Puerta Negra + Livernois Black Magic Social Club
The club features a diverse range of entertainment options, including live magic shows, musical performances, and interactive experiences. Professional magicians showcase their skills, leaving the audience awe-inspired with their mind-boggling tricks and illusions. Alongside the magic acts, live bands and DJs keep the energy high and the crowd engaged.
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By Necroflesh Events FollowThe interior of the Black Magic Social Club is designed to transport guests into a world of mystery and enchantment. Dimly lit with ornate decor, it evokes a sense of intrigue and allure. The club offers a mix of seating options, including booths, tables, and a dance floor, catering to different preferences and allowing guests to socialize comfortably. In addition to its entertainment offerings, the Black Magic Social Club also features a well-stocked bar. It offers an extensive selection of beverages, including handcrafted cocktails, premium spirits, and a variety of beers and wines. The bar staff is skilled and knowledgeable, ensuring that every drink served exceeds expectations. The club attracts a diverse crowd, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere. It is a place where people can come together to enjoy exceptional performances, meet new people, and create lasting memories. Whether visiting for a special occasion or simply looking for a night out with friends, the Black Magic Social Club offers something for everyone. Overall, the Black Magic Social Club in Houston stands out as a unique and captivating venue. With its combination of magic, music, and sociability, it provides an extraordinary experience for all who enter its doors. It has become a go-to spot for those seeking entertainment and enchantment in the bustling city of Houston..
Reviews for "Black Magic and City Life: The Unique Social Club of Houston"
1. John - 1/5 - I went to the Black Magic Social Club in Houston based on all the hype, but I was sorely disappointed. The music was way too loud, to the point where I couldn't even hold a conversation with my friends. The crowd was also very rowdy and obnoxious, which created an uncomfortable atmosphere. The drinks were overpriced and didn't taste good either. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this club to anyone looking for a fun and enjoyable night out.
2. Sarah - 2/5 - The Black Magic Social Club in Houston had potential, but it fell short in many ways. The service was extremely slow, and the bartenders seemed uninterested in serving customers. The DJ played the same songs on repeat, which got old quickly. The dance floor was overcrowded, making it difficult to move around. The overall vibe of the club was lacking, with no sense of excitement or energy. This place needs some serious improvements to live up to its reputation.
3. Mike - 1/5 - My experience at the Black Magic Social Club in Houston was a disappointment from the moment I walked in. The bouncers were rude and unwelcoming, treating me and my friends like we were a nuisance. The club was poorly lit, making it difficult to see anything. The drinks were weak and overpriced, and finding a place to sit was impossible, as the seating area was always occupied. Overall, it felt like a waste of time and money. I won't be returning to this club anytime soon.