1982: A Banner Year
Houseal's first few years back in Valdosta were marked by a flurry of advocacy. He circulated petitions, formed organizations, and wrote numerous letters to the editor that were published in local newspapers. His critique of the at-large voting system would lead to a federal court case that put him in perfect position to be elected to City Council in the following years.
Ulmer Avenue Fire Station
Houseal's advocacy for Black residents in Valdosta began in earnest soon after he re-established residence in the area following military service. He organized the community to oppose the closing of the Ulmer Avenue fire station, the only fire station located in Southside Valdosta, in 1982. He collected over 500 signatures from Black residents on the Southside in support of the station and presented it to City Council. The station was initially granted an additional year of operation.
Win with the Ward System
In addition to work directly in the community, Houseal advocated for changes to the structure of City Council in Valdosta to better serve Black residents. Up until the mid-1980s, City Council members were elected by popular vote, resulting in an overwhelmingly white Council. As a result of Houseal's advocacy, Valdosta switched to a voting system based on districts and wards, allowing majority Black districts to elect Black Councilmembers.
Reading is Fundamental
Houseal's work in the community was not only focused on threats and lacks, but prioritized holistic development of Valdosta residents. His Reading is Fundamental program distributed books to underserved students in schools and at summer camps.
Letter to the Editor: Crime Rise Disturbing
In the years leading up to his 1985 election as City Councilman, Houseal wrote frequent letters to the editor to make arguments regarding local politics. Here, notably, Houseal directly implicates the neglect of Black communities perpetrated by City Council with rising crime rates in Valdosta. He urges the community to turn towards the Southwest Enterprise Black Truth Association as a source of support in the fight against crime, continuing his pattern of community involvement through multiple organizations.
