Richard Allen (community leader) facts for kids

Richard Allen (born 1830, died 1909) was an important African American leader. He lived in Houston, Texas. He was active in his community and in politics. Allen was elected to the Texas Legislature twice. This is like being a state lawmaker. He was also a member of the Republican Party. In 1878, he tried to become the lieutenant governor of Texas. This made him the first African American to run for such a big job in Texas. Richard Allen also helped start Emancipation Park in Houston in 1872.

Richard Allen's Early Life

Richard Allen was born in 1830. He was born into slavery in Richmond, Virginia. In 1837, he was brought to Harris County, Texas. He remained enslaved there until 1865. This was the year slavery ended.

Skills and Work

Allen was a very skilled carpenter. He is known for designing and building a house. This house belonged to Joseph R. Morris. Morris was the mayor of Houston. After slavery ended, Allen became a contractor. He also worked as a bridge builder.

Richard Allen's Political Career

In 1867, Allen started working for the government. He became a federal voter registrar. This meant he helped people sign up to vote. In 1868, he worked for the Freedmen's Bureau. This organization helped newly freed people. He also supervised voter registration. This was for the Fourteenth District of Texas.

Serving in the Legislature

Allen was very active in the Republican Party. He was elected to the Twelfth Texas Legislature in 1869. He represented the Fourteenth District. In 1870, he tried to run for the United States Congress. He did not win the nomination. He was elected again in 1873. This was for the Thirteenth Legislature.

Seeking Statewide Office

In 1878, Allen was elected street commissioner of Houston. This meant he was in charge of the city's streets. That same year, he was nominated for lieutenant governor. This was a very important step. It made him the first African American to run for a statewide office in Texas.

Other Public Roles

From 1881 to 1882, Allen served as a quartermaster. This was for a Black regiment of the Texas militia. A quartermaster helps supply soldiers. Between 1882 and 1885, he worked for the United States customs office. He was a storekeeper and inspector. He also served as a deputy collector in Houston.

Emancipation Park

Richard Allen helped create Emancipation Park. He co-founded this park in Houston in 1872. This park was very important for the African American community.