Editor’s note: Our Monday edition was sent late Sunday night by mistake. If you missed it—including our guide on Texans’ rights around ICE—you can find the web version here. We’re sorry for the mix-up.

How much do you know about cowboy culture? More specifically, Black cowboy culture?

Some of the very first cowboys were enslaved Black men. In the 1800s, they were tasked with tending cattle while Texas ranchers fought in the Civil War. After the Emancipation Proclamation legally ended slavery, ranchers returned to find that their herds needed skilled workers to get the job done.

Though they were brought on as paid employees, Black cowboys faced discrimination and mistreatment. But their endurance in the craft is what has largely kept cowboy culture alive to this day. Want to learn more about the connection between Black history and cowboy culture? Just keep scrolling.

👀 In case you missed it: The most clicked link in Monday’s edition was info on how to register to vote.

😢 Known for creative cocktails and craft taps, Midtown’s Wooster’s Garden is expected to close Feb. 12. Co-owner Jeff Barati said he is hopeful that the business can open in a new space in the future.

🚗 Halal Indian-Pakistani restaurant Aga’s is expanding to Katy sometime this summer. However, it will only offer takeout and delivery options.

☕ Feel-good coffee shop La La Land Kind Cafe is also Katy-bound this summer, according to recent filings with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

🍔 Over in The Woodlands, historic burger spot Lankford’s opened a new location this past weekend. The restaurant is known for its unique offerings, including the Frito Pie Burger, a half-pound patty topped with mustard, onions, Fritos, homemade chili, and cheddar on a brioche bun.

Southwest Airlines is ending another longtime staple—open seating. The Texas-based airline also dropped its “bags fly free” policy last year.

So, this week’s question is:

What major airline are you flying and why?

Here’s what y’all are saying:

“I fly Southwest. They fly out of Hobby Airport which is closer to my home and I garner points for future travel with their credit card.” — Andrea B.

“United mostly. I chose based on cost and [Southwest] has too many costs now!” — Beverly D.

“Southwest because of its flexibility and free bags.” — Cary D.

✅ Democrat Christian Menefee was officially sworn in as the new US House representative for Texas’ 18th Congressional District. See what he had to say.

🗣 Hundreds of protestors gathered in Galveston over the weekend to speak out against the recent ICE activity. The protest was organized by Galveston Island Democrats. (Houston Public Media)

🏈 Looking for the best eats and sips while you watch Bad Bunny perform—I mean, watch Super Bowl LX?? This list has got you covered. (Houston Press)

🏆 For the third time in its history, Houston Grand Opera earned a Grammy. HGO took home the Best Opera Recording award for its production of “Intelligence.”

By Rebecca Deurlein

Cowboys, musicians, and the 2026 Black Heritage Day prove that Houston’s cowboy culture wouldn’t be complete without its long history of Black contributors.

We may take one month to reflect on the significance of Black history, but Black contributions are felt every day here in Houston and across the US. The Texas cowboy culture wouldn’t even be possible without the inclusion of Black heritage, and the team behind the 2026 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo makes sure that heritage is recognized.

Rodeo events kick off the evening entertainment at Black Heritage Day in a big way—this is world-class bull riding, saddle bronc riding, and women’s barrel racing that will have you on the edge of your seat.

Of course, athletic skills aren’t limited to the riders. It takes a team of fearless men and women to step into the ring and make sure every rider makes it out safely. One of Rodeo Houston’s legendary “barrel men”—they’re the guys who distract an angry bull and help cowboys dislodge themselves from a bucking bronc—Leon Coffee, was inducted into the Rodeo Houston Hall of Fame on Black Heritage Day. He’s just one of the many Black athletes who compete in or play a crucial role in the rodeo each year.

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Sierra Rozen with reporting by Rebecca Deurlein. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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