Stories from the Third Ward: The Art and Legacy of Dr. John T. Biggers

Public Historians at Work

In this special episode, Sheri Schrader – a UH graduate student in Art History – details the life of Dr. John T. Biggers, a prominent African-American artist centered in the Third Ward. Learn about his career as an influential muralist and educator while serving as the founding chairman of the art department at Texas Southern University.

This episode was researched and recorded by Sheri Schrader for the Center for Public History at the University of Houston.
To learn more about Dr. Biggers:
Glentzer, M. 2016. “Pioneer John Biggers Nurtured a Generation of Houston Artists.” Houston Chronicle.

Harwell, D. 2011. “Beauty in the Eye of the Beholder: Third Ward Art Treasure but a Memory.” Houston History.

McNally, O. 1996. “John Biggers' Art Celebrates African Symbolism, Culture." Hartford Courant.
Wardlaw Short, A.J. 1979. "Strength, Tears, and Will: John Biggers' 'Contribution of the Negro Woman to American Life and Education'." Callaloo 5 (Feb.): 135-43.

Trotty, S. 2009. “On The Table: TSU Murals.” The Faculty Speaks.
Sweeney, J. "Biggers, John Thomas (1924-2001)." Texas State Historical Society: Handbook of Texas.

To learn about the mural at the Blue Triangle Community Center, see http://www.the-bluetriangle.org/history/.
The oral history of Harvey Johnson is courtesy of the African American Library at the Gregory School. https://digital.houstonlibrary.net/oral-history/harvey-johnson_OHGS0051.php
Music provided through the Free Music Archive:
“Drop” by Ketsa
“Brain” and “Driving to the Delta” by Lobo Loco
CC BY-NC-ND 4.0

“Patriotic Songs of America” by New York Military Band and the American Quartet
CC BY-NC 3.0
“Piano Hymn” by Unknown
“Medley” by Various
CC BY-NC-ND 3.0
See also "Patience Party" through https://freepd.com/.

The Center for Public History at the University of Houston. https://uh.edu/class/cph