Deloyd T. Parker, Jr, executive director of S.H.A.P.E. Community Center states, “... Houston has an opportunity to combine the resources of our collective strength, wisdom, creativity, knowledge and goodwill. We can create a shared vision of community—one that clearly embraces the idea that each of its members has the right and responsibility to determine how he or she will make a meaningful contribution to the common good.” The success of the 40-year-old organization which celebrates its anniversary Nov. 13-15, 2009 is rooted in the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa (Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work & Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity and Faith).
HOUSTON- On July 21, 1969, Astronaut Neil Armstrong set his left foot down on the surface of the moon, the first man to do so and stated the words that will forever be a part of the world’s lexigon: “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
Beneath the din of the hub- bub of other notable things taking place that year in America and indeed, around the world, one event went scarcely noticed: the founding of S.H.A.P.E. (Self-Help for African People through Education) Community Center. It was easy to be overlooked; two employees nursing a dream  of helping the community, facing adversity and fighting injustice.

In the four decades that followed, S.H.A.P.E. is no longer a small neighborhood organization, but rather, thanks to the keen insight of its founder, Deloyd T. Parker, Jr., who serves as its executive director, now enjoys an international following. With 12 full and part-time staff and hundreds of volunteers, the outreach provides many programs and activities that strengthen families, the backbone of any successful community.

For 40 years, S.H.A.P.E., headquartered at 3815 Live Oak at Alabama was known as one of the most visible and involved community centers in Texas. While some people are questioning the relevancy of civil rights and afro-centric organizations today,  Parker states, “Clearly no one individual, organization nor institution can do it alone. We must know and believe that we are an interdependent collection of neighborhoods and communities—inextricably linked by social, cultural, and economic bonds. When any community fails, we all do. Likewise, when any of us succeeds, we all share that victory.”

Originally from Port Arthur, Texas he recalls his parents, Mrs. Ruby Parker and Mr. Deloyd Parker, Sr., instilled in him the foundational characteristic that would lead to the founding of the organization that is synonymous with his name and moreso, its mission: To improve the quality of life for people of African descent (all people) through programs and activities, with emphasis on: Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work & Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity, and Faith.

After carefully analyzing the needs of the community, Parker Jr.  and staff members seek to develop programs that adequately address issues. As such, the center offers an After School /Summer Enrichment Program, with youth guidance and counseling; a Community Improvement Program; a Parenting Support Program; Freedom School held on Saturdays, with cultural and receptionist enrichment activities; The Harambee Academic Quiz Bowl, an annual Pan-African Cultural Festival; Annual Kwanzaa Celebrations; Pump Up The Power (PUPP) a youth leadership program; The Harambee African Market; A Fruit & Vegetable Cooperative, held third Saturday of the month; The Gathering of Elders (Council of Elders); Elders Institute of Wisdom; A Wholistic Health Program; African Dance & Drumming Classes; Youth & Adult Computer Classes; Legal Assistance Clinics; Forums for Community Issues and many other empowerment programs and activities.

The success of programs such as these led to S.H.A.P.E. being honored in Washington, D.C., in the 1990s (along with 26 others) for efforts in combating drugs in the African-American community.  This honor was given by then Drug Czar William Bennett and the White House.
When Minister Louis Farrakhan put out a call for men across the country to get involved with the Million Man March, S.H.A.P.E. quickly answered, the same as it did with the subsequent Million Family March and the Millions More Movement by helping hundreds of families with transportation from Harris County and the Gulf Coast Area to Washington, D.C. However, you don’t have to take the word of its founder or close supporters.

A look at its record of service to the community, especially in the area of Human Rights and Family Strengthening & Empowerment, will show that the organization has received over 500 awards, including the Jefferson Award, MLK Humanitarian Award, UNCF Leadership in the Minority Community Award, Mickey Leland Humanitarian Award, Metropolitan Transit Authority of Houston Outstanding Community Service Award, and the State of Texas (TCADA) Substance Abuse Prevention Award.

Yet, its work has been noted in other states and worldwide. For example in 1993, S.H.A.P.E. made presentations in London, England on “Building Institutions” and in Washington, D.C. for the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC). It has conducted many seminars for the Houston Independent School District and has made presentations to Ft. Bend and Rice Consolidated Independent School Districts.

When Federal agents recently announced that a concentrated effort in Houston and parts of south Texas was successful in slowing the flow of illegal weapons from the United States to Mexican drug cartels, it was old news to its staff which for years had worked to remove many hand guns and other weapons from youth on the streets of the Houston. 

Whenever there is a call for justice, S.H.A.P.E. has been at the forefront. Media archives are full with stories of the roles that the organization has played locally and on the national scene with cases such as the Clarence Bradley Case; the Ida Delaney Case; the Byron Gilliam Case and the Gary Graham Case. Although S.H.A.P.E. now has two locations in Houston, it opened another location at 3903 Almeda Rd, it accomplished many of its goals for uplifting the African-American community through collective work and responsibility, cooperative economics, self-determination, creativity, unity and faith in God.  Understanding that economic development programs and activities over the years including the Black Economic Development Association; t-shirt/silk-screening operations; Young Adults for Self Help (YASH) and video production and editing operations.

Parker, Jr. worked in the Ujamaa Villages of East Africa and traveled to many countries in the eastern part of Africa, spreading S.H.A.P.E.’s philosophy.  In Gambia, West Africa, in 1999, he met with the President of Gambia, established relations with the government and grassroot community leaders. This lead to the founding of a S.H.A.P.E. Center in Gambia.

Many people seek to model their organizations after S.H.A.P.E. and to this, Parker points out that the accomplishments, achievements, successes and victories are based in the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa (Unity, Self-Determination, Collective Work & Responsibility, Cooperative Economics, Purpose, Creativity and Faith). The principles were first outline by Ron Karenga, founder of the week-long celebration  honoring African heritage and culture—three years before S.H.A.P.E. was born.

The 40th Anniversary Celebration will be held Nov. 13-15, 2009. On Friday, Nov. 13 from 6p.m. – 10 p.m. the festivities will begin with an “Oldies but Goodies Celebration of 40 Years of Music and Memories.” Participants are asked to bring S.H.A.P.E. artifacts such as t-shirts and  mugs. On Saturday, Nov. 14 from 7p.m. to midnight,  a “Harambee Saturday of Reflections,” will reflect on 40 years of S.H.A.P.E.’s history while recognizing the founding members of S.H.A.P.E. Both days events will be held at 3903 Almeda at Alabama.

On Sunday, Nov. 15, from 1:30pm. to 3p.m. the celebration will continue with  a “Circle of Cooperative Economics & Interdependence” where people of all faiths will honor their ancestors. This event will be held at the 3915 Live Oak location. From 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., a “Family Reunion Gathering” with food, music, and fun family games will continue until sunset in Our Park on the corner of Live Oak and Alabama.

Participants are asked to contribute to the $4-$40-$400-$4000 Co-operative Economic Campaign at the S.H.A.P.E. Community Center 40th Year Family Reunion Weekend Celebration.
For more information, call (713) 521-0641.