This week on In Black America, producer and host John L. Hanson, Jr. presents a 2015 interview with ground-breaking and record-setting NBA legend Spencer Haywood. Haywood was inducted into The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in September 2015.
supreme court
The Republic of Texas is No More
Later this year, way later this year, we’ll mark the 175th year of Texas statehood. That will be on December 29th. That’s the day in 1845 that Texas officially joined The United States of America, or, as the proudest of Texans say – the day the U.S. was allowed to join Texas.
Though the 29th was the day that President Polk signed the joint resolution that made Texas a state, there was some confusion as to the official moment that the Republic of Texas passed into history and statehood status began. Then President of Texas, Anson Jones, said that February 19th, 1846 was the actual day. He presided over a ceremony in Austin where the Republic of Texas flag was lowered for the last time and the U.S. flag was raised in its place.
As you might surmise, the almost two months difference in official transfer of power led to problems. For instance, who should you pay import duties to, Texas or the U.S.? Lawsuits followed. The U.S. Supreme Court eventually weighed in on the matter and the official date of statehood was established as December the 29th, 1845. Make your checks payable to the U.S. Treasury, please.
You might see the discrepancy in statehood as the difference in marriage dates between a couple marrying first at the courthouse and later in church. One is legal and official and the other is ceremonial and spiritual.
Texas couldn’t just let President Polk’s signing of a document 1500 miles away be all there was to the moment. They couldn’t allow the Republic so many had died for to pass into history without memorializing the moment in some proper way. So President Anson arranged a ceremony in front of the Texas Capitol, really just a house, that would turn out to both mourn the passing of the Republic and celebrate Texas as the newest state in the union.
What was needed here was what linguists call a speech act, a moment in time where something is made real by virtue of pronouncement. Speech acts are generally used by people of authority who have the power to make the words true by just saying them. “I pronounce you man and wife” or “I sentence you to twenty years in prison.” Anson Jones began with “I, as President of the Republic. . . am now present to surrender into the hands of those whom the people of chosen, the power and authority we have some time held.”
Here is what transpired in that brief ceremony. Noah Smithwick, a blacksmith in attendance, remembered the moment the Texas flag came down.
“Many a head was bowed, many a broad chest heaved, and many a manly cheek was wet with tears when that broad field of blue in the center of which, like a signal light, glowed the lone star, emblem of the sovereignty of Texas, was furled and laid away among the relics of the dead republic.”
The United States flag was raised and the mood changed dramatically. Noah wrote:
“We were most of us natives of the United States, and when the stars and stripes, the flag of our fathers, was run up and catching the breeze unrolled its heaven born colors to the light, cheer after cheer rent the air” — the people celebrated statehood.
I like that Noah tended already toward that creature still common in Texas—the exceptionally proud Texan. He said that he thought “the star in the lower left corner [of the U.S. flag] should have been especially dedicated to Texas.” It’s as if he wanted it framed and separated in some way. How Texan of him.
So the flag raising complete, President Anson Jones announced, “The Republic of Texas is no more”—making it politically true, but never absolute, because the residual influence of the Republic resides in the minds of many Texans today who still think of her as their country, their nation.
No doubt it was a bittersweet day, but 94% of Texans did vote for statehood, a level of agreement we haven’t enjoyed since. There was great happiness on the whole. Tyler, Texas, was founded that same year, in gratitude to U.S. President John Tyler, who started the movement for Texas annexation.
For a more in-depth look at this day, see:
When Was the Republic of Texas No More?: Revisiting the Annexation of Texas by Keith J. Volanto & Gene B. Preuss, Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 123, Number 1, July 2019, pp. 30-59
Texas Standard: January 25, 2019
Slate magazine claims the supreme court is preparing to make every states gun laws look like Texas, but is that claim on target? We’ll take a closer look. Also, when was the last time a nuclear arms treaty was making headlines? Why some are warning of a renewed arms race with Russia. And we’ll take a look at the week that was in Texas politics, plus an original Cosmic Cowboy comes home again: singer songwriter Michael Martin Murphy teams up with who’s who of Texas talent in search of old Austin. All those stories and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: January 23, 2019
The Supreme Court appears to take DACA off the table in shutdown negotiations, but where does that leave thousands of DACA recipients in Texas? We’ll explore. Also in the Texas Standard newsroom, another Supreme Court order we’re assessing: the impact of the reinstatement of the Trump administration’s so-called transgender military ban. We’ll take a look at the impact of those seeking to serve. And police, veterans, cancer research, political action committees have formed around lots of worthy causes. But where’s the money going? A look at so called scam pacs and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: October 5, 2018
Zero hour in one of the most contentious confirmation battles in American history as the Senate moves on the Kavanaugh nomination. Plus, one school official calls it the thermonuclear option: mass closing of schools under consideration in Dallas. Also, communication breakdown: a quarter century after the dot-com revolution, rural Texas is still waiting for reliable internet. And with the Red River showdown set for Saturday, we remember a game of gridiron chicanery the Longhorns might sooner forget. Plus, the week in Texas politics and a whole lot more… today on the Texas Standard.
Texas Standard: October 4, 2018
As senators get their first look at an FBI report, it’s a Texan at the center of the fight over the Kavanaugh Supreme Court Nomination. Plus, Ted Cruz is now on a top 10 endangered senators list, and a Texas congressional district that used to be a GOP easy win, now looking like more of a toss up. Also, it was a tough season for the flu last year. Now, a top Texas researcher says the flu vaccine this year may be marginally less effective. We’ll hear why officials say its important to give it a shot. And a surprise hit at the state fair is a return to its rural roots. Tips for your weekend getaway, and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: October 3, 2018
Before an important NATO meeting, the Texan representing the U.S. fires off a startling threat to take out Russian missiles. And GOP leaders vow a vote on Kavanaugh by the week’s end, but where do senators stand right now? Also, Politifact does a double take on a claim in the U.S. senate race concerning police force and what’s called a modern day Jim Crow. Plus, the slaughter of pelicans along a stretch of South Texas highway: state officials have a theory on what’s causing the massive bird kill, but will the fix fly? Those stories and more on today’s Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: September 27, 2018
A new phase in the fight over the Kavanaugh nomination gets underway, raising questions of what due process means in the Me Too era. The latest on the confirmation of President Trump’s high court nominee and placing the proceedings in a different sort of historical context. Also, the 5G revolution: experts tell us it will change our lives. But as local officials look at regulation, the Feds now say hands off. Tech guru Omar Gallaga with what’s at stake. All of those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: September 19, 2018
You’ve heard of the Friday night lights? On this September 21st, the main event across Texas: the Friday night fight: Cruz versus O’Rourke. It’ll be live nationwide, will you be tuning in? R.G. Ratcliffe of Texas Monthly joins us with a cheater’s guide to tonight’s first of three debates between democratic congressman Beto O’Rourke and the GOP incumbent, Ted Cruz. Plus, you’ve heard about the wall? As arguments continue over funding, legal walls go up in the nation’s most diverse city: we’ll explain. Plus the week in Texas politics with the Texas Tribune and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: September 4, 2018
Chaos as the Kavanaugh confirmation hearings kick off on capitol hill. But as the focus falls on the high court, another judicial transformation underway? We’ll take a look. Also, it’s long been called the sleeping giant in Texas politics: the latino vote. Texas Democrats are trying wake that giant and do something that’s been difficult in the past: get them to the polls in bigger numbers. We’ll explore. And labor groups scoring victories in a push for paid leave, but are they wasting time and money? Plus chasing Lightin’ in Houston: a 1959 recording of bluesman Lightnin’ Hopkins back in print. We’ll explore his hold on Texas and American music, plus a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: July 5, 2018
A new outbreak in Texas of a fast spreading parasitic disease. How bad is it and where’s it coming from? We’ll hear about the search for answers. Also, critics are calling it the treason trip. A group of Republicans from Capitol Hill spending their Independence Day break in Moscow meeting with Russian officials to discuss what exactly? And why does the trip appear shrouded in secrecy? And Elon Musk built a battery the size of a football field to supply solar power to south Australia. Now there’s a plan for something similar in west Texas. We’ll look at whether it could be enough to spark an energy revolution and why packing the court has returned to our political dialogue. All of that and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: July 4, 2018
Two years after Fisher vs. University of Texas, the Trump administration urges colleges to drop consideration of race in admissions, we’ll look at the implications. Also, how a debate over water flowing from Georgia to Florida is trickling into Texas. And 20 years ago this summer, a Texan trying to save his job not only struck paydirt, his little well would change the world, we’ll hear how and why. And a modern day dinosaur from Texas who took over TV screens around the world. Fire up the grill and grab a lawn chair, the Texas Standard is back on the air:
Texas Standard: June 28, 2018
The end of Rowe versus Wade? Not so fast say a Texas law scholar and a former law clerk to retiring Justice Kennedy, we’ll explore. And conventional wisdom has it that Kennedy’s likely successor on the court will be an ideological opponent of the landmark 1973 abortion rights decision. But in the end, such a challenge might not turn on Kennedy’s successor, we’ll hear why. And first it was bags, but now that Texas bag bans have been trashed in a court challenge, the spotlight turns to plastic straws, we’ll take a look at the latest. Also, digital savant Omar Gallaga with summer tech for kids. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: June 5, 2018
The story of a same sex marriage, and a wedding cake that a christian baker wouldn’t bake. There are implications for Texas, we’ll explore. Also, did you realize that as of last week, we are now just one state away from necessary number of states ratifying the Equal Rights Amendment? But there’s a catch. We’ll explore what could be a profound moment in American history and why it may or may not come to pass. And people say stupid things online and on Twitter, with or without the help of Ambien. And as sure as the sun rises come calls for retribution. But is there a way to apologize and do it right? We’ll explore. And Houston, we have a problem, and it’s name is Elon Musk? Those stories and more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: June 8, 2017
Comey over everything. Texans glued to their radios and TVs as the former FBI director appears before senate investigators. We’ll take a look at reaction and more. Also, in the style of William Travis, a Texas mayor makes not-so-tongue in cheek plea, a call for people of good will to come to the defense of his city. Is he serious? You bet. And it’s all because of a new state law. We’ll hear about it. Also Harris county opening the jailhouse doors for scores of inmates–by court order. The county files an emergency appeal to the supreme court. We’ll have the latest. Also, the shopping habits of millennials drive a revolution in retail. It’s not just where and what they’re buying…but what they aren’t. Those stories and so much more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: January 31, 2017
One of the most important announcements yet, with potential implications for generations. We’ll explore the short list for the Supreme Court. Plus a fire destroys a mosque in Victoria and another burns down an Islamic center in central Texas. Unconnected events? We’ll hear what officials are saying, and not saying. And Texas two step? Texas lawmakers detail a proposal to use public money for private school tuition. Also a plan to cap property taxes, but do the numbers add up? Plus motherhood, musicianship and memories of Mineral Wells. A conversation with the current queen of americana: Amanda shires. Those stories and a whole lot more today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: October 28, 2016
A switch in time saved nine remember? If Ted Cruz holds his ground, what might save a nine person Supreme Court today? Also, it may sound strange with record numbers voting early, but history tells us, Texas ranks near the bottom when it comes to voter turnout. Why? We’ll explore. And the big shakeup for the Border Patrol, NPR’s John Burnett previews an in depth report on a cultural shift for the federal government’s biggest law enforcement agency. Plus after Shamu, whither Sea World? Hint: more rollercoasters may not satisfy protesters. All that plus the week in politics and so much more, today on the Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: March 24, 2016
The affordable care act is before the Supreme Court again. How a ruling on birth control could affect access for some Texans… today on the Texas Standard. Also President Obama’s trip to Cuba made history… why his visit to Argentina will as well. Plus new numbers showing just how fast Texas is growing… it’s happening all over the state — we’ll break it down. And Texas Standard’s favorite digital savant just got back from vacation… and he found some apps that might make your next trip more enjoyable. Those stories and lots more on todays Texas Standard:
Texas Standard: February 23, 2016
Washington and Moscow say no more shooting to give peace a chance. A fix for Syria, or more like the fix is in? Also what’s in a name? An election seen by some as a test for whether Spanish surnames are penalized at the polls. Also for medical emergencies there’s 9-1-1… but who’re you gonna call when the lights go off and the food runs out? Some new number’s trickling in…And a scathing court order to rebuild Texas foster care… that no one seems to be talking about. all that and more, Check your watches, it’s Texas Standard time:
The Path of Spencer Haywood (Ep. 47, 2015)
ABA and NBA legend Spencer Haywood talks about his successes and struggles in sports and courts, and his journey to reach the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.