Odessa’s racial history recounted by local families
Dr. Wheatley Stewart and Jo Stewart lead Odessa’s first Black medical practice with support from the Ramirez sisters. They describe early Black housing, cross‑racial mixing, and postwar Hispanic settlement fueling growth. The piece contrasts West Texas tolerance with East Texas segregation and notes migration to California.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Odessa
Wheatley Stewart
Wanda Ramirez Serna
Frances Ramirez Jordan
Marciana Ramirez
Juan Ramirez
Serna
Washington Ave
Senna
Ramirezes
Stewarts
Stewart
Second
Murphy Streets
Jackson and
Muskingum Avenues
California
Mississippi River
East Texas
West
Texas
Greenville
Minority Makeup Of Ector County And Odessa In 1980 Census
Census data show Ector County with 115 374 residents in 1980, about 22 percent Hispanic and 4 percent black. Growth from 1970 to 1980 was 26 percent, with 85 000 white or other. In Odessa, 90 027 population with 5 066 black residents and 20 895 of Spanish origin while Hispanics total 24 808 across the county.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ecter County
U.S
42Nd Street
Loop 338
Ector County
Martha Kunkel
Kunkel
Demographic Shifts Split Ector County Neighborhoods
Census data outline racial and ethnic concentrations in Odessa area, noting blacks mainly south of Missouri Pacific tracks and Second Street while Hispanics clustered between Dixie Boulevard and Loop 338. The report cites aging leadership gaps, migration for education, and median incomes around 12 000 dollars in one southern tract, with blacks and whites in other zones.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Ector County
Missouri- Pacific
Second Street
Curtis Norris
House of Prayer
Broughton Ave
Gomez
Gulf Ave
Grandview Avenue
Interstate 20
Dixie Boulevard
Odessan doctor recalls racial barriers and shifting views
Dr. Wheatley Stewart describes how similarity shapes liking across races and class. He details his experiences navigating white society, from initial approach due to affordable care to leadership in the black community, which reshaped his racial stereotypes.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Wheatley Stewart
Stewart
Looever
How Racism Shapes Self View And Community Roles
The account details a black physician's experiences with isolation and newfound agency through contact with others. A town leader's quip about him as a spokesman for the black community underscores racism's casual power. The doctor argues racism is a natural bias, but treatment of it matters more than attitude, noting sensitivity to discrimination.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
East Texas
Stewart
Odessa
West
Texas
Also Mentioned on This Page
City
By Janice Johnston Statt
Ramirez
Fort Worth
Texas and Pacific Railroad
Juan
Jordan
Odessa High School
Ramirez Sisters
South Side
Ector County Independent School District
Mexico
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