Harris County Precinct 4 Commissioner Lesley Briones has reappointed Debra Blacklock-Sloan to the Harris County African American Cultural Heritage Commission.

She is a fifth-generation Texan and native Houstonian and is a self-employed historical researcher and professional genealogist with 25 years of experience. Currently, Debra serves as the lead docent, education outreach coordinator, and historical research director for the Freedmen’s Town R.B.H. Yates Museum, Inc. She also operates a tour bus business showcasing African American sites across the country.

Passionate about documenting the African American footprint in Texas, Debra has participated in several notable collaborative projects, including work on the Bernardo Plantation, Emancipation Park, and Frost Town. Her commitment to history is evident in the 30-plus state historical markers and 12 City of Houston Protected Landmark designations she has acquired. She has received numerous accolades for her preservation and volunteer efforts. Additionally, Debra has served as a judge for Texas History Day in Austin, Texas, for 20 years.

Her memberships include the Association of Professional Genealogists, the Harris County Historical Commission (22 years), the Willie Lee Gay H-Town Chapter of the Afro-American Historical & Genealogical Society (22 years), the Oak Park Historic Cemetery Association, and the Harris County African American Cultural Heritage Commission. Debra has presented various local workshops on African American family research and has been featured in numerous newspapers, television segments, and publications. She has also appeared on two Great Day Houston segments, where she researched talk show host Debra Duncan’s maternal and paternal ancestry. Debra believes that “finding one’s ancestors leads to finding oneself.”

She is the mother of two wonderful sons and the proud grandmother of five delightful, super-intelligent grandchildren.