Break Systems, Break Barriers
with Christa Stoneham, Founder of Houston Landbank
by Michael McKenzie
Christa Stoneham and I had the pleasure of meeting at the iconic Eldorado Ballroom in Houston's Historic Third Ward. This renowned cultural venue has been a cornerstone of the city's African American history since its establishment in 1939. Founded by Anna and Clarence Dupree, the ballroom was a pioneering platform for Black entertainers during a time of severe segregation. It quickly gained national recognition as a premier music spot, hosting legendary artists like Duke Ellington, B.B. King, and Ella Fitzgerald.
Calvin Owens, plays his trumpet across from the Eldorado Ballroom in 2000. Photographer: James Fraher.
The Eldorado Ballroom stands as a testament to the resilience and creativity of the Black community in Houston, Texas. Having lunch with Christa on Emancipation Avenue, in a joint that Ella Fitzgerald once graced, while discussing intersectional topics in environmental justice was nostalgic—like the time when Black folk talked to each other face-to-face minus the phones and modern-day distractions.
It was easy to recognize Christa as she walked into the restaurant on the first floor of the Eldorado Ballroom—partly because her neon yellow shirt was emblazoned in all-caps with the decree, “I AM 5TH WARD.” The message on Christa's shirt is a reflection of her commitment to the community values she espoused during our conversation.
Christa leads the Houston Land Bank, the largest landbank in the United States. This entity is vital to transforming underutilized properties into valuable assets for the community. According to Christa, the work of the Houston Landbank is not just about promoting affordable housing solutions and fostering equitable development across Houston—but also about shaping the future of Black and Brown communities in Houston that contend with gentrification, divestment, toxic industries, or blight.
Mural reflecting Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, Constance Baker Motley, late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Ruby Bridges, and Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Located in Finnigan Park Community Center in Fifth Ward, Houston, TX by artist Anat Ronen.
While the landbank's work and impact are significant, Christa is adamant that more can be done to impact the socio-economic realities of underserved Houstonians by “helping homeowners make more money.” According to the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey, Black Houstonians experience lower median incomes relative to White and Asian households. Considering this, the transformative work of the Houston Land Bank gives hope for a brighter future for these communities.
It’s worth noting that legendary leaders like former Congressperson Barbara Jordan from Fifth Ward, Houston, set a powerful example of community leadership for Christa. "More is required of public officials than slogans, handshakes, and press releases. More is required. We must hold ourselves strictly accountable. We must provide the people with a vision of the future," said Barbara Jordan. Regarding housing justice in frontline communities in Houston, Texas (and around the United States), people demand accountability to address toxic spaces and prioritize thriving living conditions.
One of the critical tasks of the Houston Landback is converting Brownfields into livable, green space. Brownfields are properties previously developed for industrial or commercial purposes but are now abandoned, underutilized, or idle due to contamination concerns. The presence or potential presence of hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants complicates these sites' expansion, redevelopment, or reuse. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there are over 450,000 brownfields in the United States alone.
A brownfield site. The Velasco Incinerator site is one of Houston Land Bank’s Brownfield Redevelopment Projects, which aims to transform and create lasting positive impacts for the 2nd Ward and surrounding area.
A brownfield site.
According to the City of Houston website and based on available data from the city's Brownfield Redevelopment Program, about 299 brownfield sites were "identified" within Houston. Keyword: identified. I am no betting man, but I would wager that the number of abandoned factories, schools, and gas stations far exceeds 299.
The urgency of the Houston Landbank's work in transforming brownfields into greenspaces cannot be overstated. These properties pose significant risks to community health and safety due to potential exposure to harmful contaminants like lead, asbestos, petroleum products, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Their presence can lower property values in surrounding areas and contribute to urban blight, making the landbank's work all the more crucial. When asked how the landbank includes community voice, Christa emphasizes that "transparency and engagement" drive decisions about converting Brownfields to Greenspace. She elaborates on how neighborhood advisory committees rank projects, a process that has been acknowledged and appreciated by several environmental justice leaders in the city. These leaders also understand the urgency of transforming brownfields into greenspaces.
Christa Stoneham in front of the iconic “Fruits of Fifth Ward” mural in Houston, Texas.
Christa also acknowledges the trust issues that Black and Brown communities have with leaders who promise change.
“The system was designed to make sure that Black people could not access wealth-building opportunities...It is absolutely my mission to break systems and break the barriers.”
In an interview with Black Real Estate Dialogue, Christa said, "The system was designed to make sure that Black people could not access wealth-building opportunities...in some of the old properties, you can see it [racist ordinances] in the Deed Restrictions." Similarly, on the No Stingy Energy Podcast, Christa said, "It is absolutely my mission to break systems and break the barriers."
She went on to say, "There was literally someone who understood the power of the pen, which I do as well, except I am actually writing systems-change and sustaining it by making sure it's in policy because I can be in the seat for only so long to make sure the decisions I am making are impacting people for years and generations to come."