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May 27, 2005
Ed Wendt
We were saddened to learn of Ed Wendt's death yesterday, after a long illness.
Ed was best known in Houston for writing the Public Inquisition column for the African American weekly, The Forward Times. Ed always wrote with the little guy in mind. He was mistrustful of corporate and political power, and blew the whistle on abuse of such power whenever he could.
Many may not know that Ed was also a champion of civil rights. As an Anglo student at the predominantly African American Prairie View A&M University in the 1970s, Ed and fellow students successfully challenged the Waller County authorities' attempt to use residency to prevent students from voting in local elections. The students' victory was a landmark decision in Texas for voting rights.
Some 30 years later, when another Waller County DA inexplicably tried to impose the same restrictions on Prairie View students, Ed was right back out there, leading the charge against discrimination, despite already declining health. Fittingly, at a large rally on the steps of the Waller County courthouse that day, Ed was honored for his efforts, first as a student, and again so many years later.
Ed was also a Vietnam veteran, and as a member of several veterans groups, passionately advocated on their behalf. Ed's service in Vietnam cost him his liver -- likely courtesy of a hollow-tip bullet -- but despite having to have a transplant a decade or so ago and ongoing health complications because of it, he never seemed bitter about his fate or his service.
Ed Wendt was an engaging, feisty, good-hearted man. He will be missed.
Posted by houtopia at May 27, 2005 10:58 AM