More than a century ago, Black Houstonians documented what they built in "The Red Book of Houston," which is still used today to trace family histories and understand how Black communities helped shape Bayou City.

Why it matters: The "Red Book of Houston" is a rare, detailed snapshot of Black Houston in 1915 — told through the people who lived it, and what they wanted others to know about them, researchers and archivists tell Axios.

• It includes who owned businesses, led churches and schools, and where families lived, showing the "who's who" of Black Houston, Rice University history professor Fay Yarbrough says.

What they're saying: "It's letting you see what they think is important, what they want to portray about themselves . . . They're clearly wanting to show you all that they've achieved in the 50 years since [emancipation]," Yarbrough says.

Flashback: The Red Book was compiled by local editors and community leaders. It features photographs and short biographies, Norie Guthrie, who helped launch Rice University's Red Book project, says.

Threat level: Only two homes connected to people in the Red Book are believed to still stand: the Rev. Ned P. Pullum and Alexander Z. Hester and Julia C. Thomas Hester residences, Guthrie says.

• Yarbrough points to how highways and redevelopment continue to reshape historically Black neighborhoods.
• Earlier this month, construction workers for a private developer improperly removed more than 120 historic bricks in Freedmen's Town.

Zoom in: Guthrie says one of the takeaways was how many women ran their own businesses — often restaurants operated out of their homes.

• The book also underscores how central education was to Black Houston in 1915, from teachers to neighborhood schools woven into daily life.
• Guthrie and her students have been sifting through old records to decode unfamiliar job titles, such as "bell ringer."

The latest: Rice University has a digital archive of the 1915 Red Book of Houston, including a high-resolution scan, mapped addresses and biographies of the people and families listed inside.

• Students are continuing to add to it — tracing descendants, digging through old newspapers and piecing together fuller life stories.

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The Houston Texans, Harris County and Howard Hughes Communities this week revealed plans for Toro District, an 83-acre sports and entertainment development in northwest Harris County.

Why it matters: The project, slated for completion in Cypress in 2029, will feature a new Texans headquarters that will consolidate football and business operations. It's projected to generate $34 billion in long-term economic impact and more than 17,000 jobs.

Zoom in: The nearly 2 million-square-foot, walkable district will include office space, retail, restaurants, health care and sports medicine practices and hotels and apartments.

• The complex will include an indoor field with seating for nearly 16,000 that can double as a public event venue, along with three outdoor NFL practice fields. Adjacent flag football fields and space for up to 21 volleyball courts are also planned.

Plans also call for six parks and 5,000 parking spaces. Students from Cy-Fair ISD, Waller ISD and Lone Star College are expected to have access to internships and career pathway programs tied to the facility.

What they're saying: "Toro District will be a world-class environment for everyone connected to our organization," Cal McNair, chair and CEO of the Texans, said in the announcement.

• "This facility will give our players and coaches a true competitive advantage and position them for sustained success."

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🤖 Waymo's self-driving cars are causing traffic obstructions and neighborhood nuisances after getting caught by stopped trains in Fifth Ward.

• Waymo says it made operational adjustments this week to minimize the need to use this crossing. (Houston Chronicle)

⚖️ A Texas appeals court allowed Harris County's taxpayer-funded legal defense for immigrants to continue after Attorney General Ken Paxton attempted to shut it down. (Texas Tribune)

👀 Republicans are split on censuring Rep. Al Green (D-Houston) for his State of the Union protest, arguing the once-rare punishment has become too routine. (Axios)

🎤 Quote of the day: Lizzo on Rodeo Houston

"70,000 people, sold out. It's my first stadium I ever sold out by myself. And it's the city that I grew up in."

The World's Championship Bar-B-Que Contest is happening now ahead of Rodeo Houston.

Why it matters: It's the ultimate pregame to rodeo season.

State of play: The cook-off is open through Saturday at NRG Park.

The intrigue: The competition features more than 700 dishes from 250 pitmaster teams who will be critiqued by a panel of judges.

• They'll be working in invite-only tents, but the public will be able to gawk as they cook with creative barbecue rigs and sacred recipes.

How it works: Tickets are $30 for people 13 and older, $10 for kids 3-12 and free for 2 and under.

• That will get you into the cook-off and carnival grounds, access to live music throughout the park, plus a brisket and sausage plate with fixings.

Flashback: Last year's cook-off saw more than 226,400 people attend.

What's next: One team will be crowned for best overall barbecue this year at 7pm Saturday.

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👋 Jay here! The MLS season is in full swing with the Dynamo taking on LAFC in Houston tomorrow.

The intrigue: Houston's season started off strong with a 2-1 victory over Chicago Fire FC last weekend.

• This weekend's bout could be the bellwether for the rest of Houston's season.

What's next: Kickoff is at 7:30pm on Apple TV.

• Tickets to the match at Shell Energy Stadium start around $75.