CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Corpus Christi has a relatively small Black population, with the US Census placing it at only 4 percent.
In 3NEWS' aim to tell stories observing Black History Month, we featured a Black woman who found a community hungry for connection. After starting a local Facebook thread for Corpus Christi newcomers asking: 'Where my people at?' nearly 500 people had answered Kendra Duncan's call. It was the beginning of the Facebook page Black Corpus Community.
Newcomers aren't the only people looking for community and fellowship in Corpus Christi. With Black residents representing such a small percentage of Corpus Christi's population, and the city's historic Black neighborhoods shrinking, many are looking for engagement, so we decided to compile this guide and hope it will be a helpful resource for everyone who considers this city Our Home.
Our Faith:
Did you know that Corpus Christi Holy Cross is the city's second oldest church? According to the city of Corpus Christi, it was established in 1917 as an ethnic parish for African American Catholics. Mass services had previously been held in parishioners’ homes.
Finding a church home when you move to a new city can be a foundational step to plugging into a new community. Faith plays an important role in the lives of many African Americans, and members of the Black Corpus Community say these churches are good candidates for anyone looking to find a place to practice their faith in Corpus Christi.
Bridgeway Church - 3202 Road Field Road
Corpus Christi Christian Fellowship
Brooks Worship Center- 2101 N Port Ave Corpus Christi, TX 78401
St. John Baptist Church on Greenwood
Mt. Zion Baptist Church 1605 Comanche St.
Our Civic Engagement Organizations:
Whether you're looking to connect with your Divine Nine brothers or sisters, connect with local business leaders and professionals, or you're a student moving to the area, the list below shows some of the active organizations available for you to connect with other African Americans. The members and organizers of the groups below have served as pillars of our community and led the cause for change and social outreach.
H. Boyd Hall NAACP chapter
Texas Association of Black Personnel in Higher Education-Corpus Christi (TABPHE)
Corpus Christi Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
Delta Gamma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
Our Food:
Whether you're looking for Jamaican jerk chicken, soul food or a sweet treat, the Black Corpus Community page is full of entrepreneurs and small business owners who can hook you up. You can always hit up Mr. Caleb Devine, a.k.a 'The Boudin Man' of the online community and Ms. Zelnita Williams for your Caribbean food needs.
PKK Southern Cuisine, formerly Portis Kountry Kitchen Soul Food
Trap House Kitchen
Our Health:
Black Corpus Community's members highlighted some of the health practitioners they believe should be on your radar as a newcomer to the Coastal Bend.
- Dr. Ester Pollard MD FACP Coastal Bend Oncology. Hematology/Oncology physician. Private Practice.
- Dr. Brandi Addison is an endocrinologist. Her practice is currently located at Bay Area Hospital.
- Crystal S. Kitchen, Licensed Professional Counselor
- Dr. Charlotte Akor is a pediatric ophthalmologist.
- Dr. Shannon is a chiropractor/owner 100 Percent Chiropractic.
Our Businesses:
Corpus Christi’s historic Hillcrest neighborhood was once home to dozens of Black-owned and operated businesses and community hubs, according to the city. At one point, Solomon M. Coles High School, Holy Cross Church, Leathers Drug Store, Bethune Daycare, and more at one point either called the neighborhood home or still do.
Today, the city of Corpus Christi is home to several Black business owners and entrepreneurs who operate across a variety of fields. You can keep up with those businesses via the Corpus Christi Black Chamber of Commerce.
- Rose Soiree- Event florist
- LynLashes- Esthetician
- Sydney Savoy- Esthetician
- iBloom Web- Web design
- Summer Rae, Makeup artist
- Sanford’s Wrecker Service, Towing & Auto Repair, 361-852-1622
- Light as a Feather Inflatables, Party
- Sultana Jones- Insurance claims adjuster
- Mitzie Perkins, Realtor
- Jay Winfrey, owner of VNP Gallery, Vintage clothing shop
- DGreenFilmz, Filmaker
- Big Kitchen Foods
- Faryce Goode Macon, Realtor
- Ebony Howard, Realtor
- Mary McLeod Bethune Early Child Development Nursery, Inc
- Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune was the daughter of colonial-era slaves. She later went on became a nationally recognized educator.
You can also check out our past coverage on black businesses in the Coastal Bend here.
Our Hair:
One of the first questions you might have when moving to Corpus Christi is 'Where can I get my hair done?' You're not alone. It's commonly posted question in the Black Corpus Community Facebook group. Whether you're looking for a loc-tician or some bundles, here are just a few of the options you'll have when moving to our coastal city.
- Kae's Emporium, Black-owned beauty supply and salon
- Corpus Christi Beauty Bar
- House of Elegance Cosmetology School
- Diva Dolls Hair by Retta
- Patrice Reed, Barber
- Epiphany Hair Care
- Beauty Supply stores
- Kae's Emporium
- Beauty Max
- Christine's Wig and Beauty
Our Social/Nightlife:
Clubs/Bars
- The Bridge Bar/Club 510 N. Chaparral Street
- Black Crown Bar & Lounge 1914 Agnes Street
Adult/Youth Recreational and Competitive Sport Leagues
Sports & Entertainment
- Corpus Christi Hooks
- Corpus Christi Tritons- Indoor Football
Let us know about a Black-owned restaurant or small business or other great ways to meet Black people in the Coastal Bend we might have missed. Email us at tell3@kiiitv.com.
