Taught sewing, pattern selection and garment-making to women and young mothers
A TXFPF legacy of grace
Olivia Sholars
Born February 11, 1915
A life rooted in faith, skilled hands and service to community.
“She showed us that caring for a community means learning its needs, opening your door and showing up.”
Her story
Faith gave her strength. Skill gave her independence. Service gave her work lasting reach.
Olivia Sholars was born on February 11, 1915, in Caddo Parish, Louisiana, in the Shreveport area. When she was 10, her family moved to New Orleans, where she lived until age 19. The sewing skills passed down to Olivia opened doors for her to build a life in Atlanta and later Chicago.
Olivia was grounded in her faith. She loved God and believed in Jesus Christ. She attended Metropolitan CME Church with her daughter, Carla Sholars. She supported her family by sewing clothes and cleaning homes, approaching both forms of work with discipline, care and pride.
Cuney Homes, 1976
She learned her community and helped it grow stronger.
After moving to Cuney Homes in 1976, Olivia quickly became part of the neighborhood’s daily life. Her sewing talent became known across Harris County, where she created clothing for community members and prominent clients.
Olivia later teamed up with Mrs. Ruby Mosley. Together with other residents, they organized a women’s club built around fellowship, practical skills and care for their neighbors.
Helped organize food drives, toy drives and hot meals for families
Coordinated farmers market trips and support for older residents
Made lap blankets and delivered handmade items to people who were sick or homebound
Supported cooking classes, arts and crafts, and family-resource programs
Helped establish a community garden and a strong senior citizens club
Leadership close to home
A teacher, organizer and trusted voice.
Olivia helped young mothers learn how to buy McCall’s, Simplicity and Butterick patterns, select fabric and turn those materials into beautiful clothing for work, worship and special occasions. The women also made lap blankets during the winter, held bake sales during warmer months and joined others at Hobby House and the SHAPE Community Center for arts and crafts. They delivered handmade items to people who were sick or homebound.
Her service extended to children, older adults and entire families. Olivia helped coordinate farmers market trips, food support, family activities and resource meetings. She played a central role in developing the Cuney Homes Senior Citizens Club and its community garden.
Residents elected Olivia president of the Senior Citizens Club, a position she held for 10 years. During her tenure, she built relationships with local, state and federal officials and spoke for neighbors whose concerns were often overlooked.
Hurricane Alicia
When the power failed, community care moved door to door.
Hurricane Alicia moved inland from Galveston and left Cuney Homes without electricity for more than 40 hours. Fallen trees and broken branches covered the area. More than 560 residents faced the storm’s aftermath.
When the storm passed, Olivia, Ruby Mosley, Ms. Bee, Sheila Jackson Lee and young Tangi Smith went door to door. They checked on families, made sure older residents had medicine and fresh food, and helped single parents find diapers, milk and meals for their babies.
The community pressed Houston Lighting & Power to restore electricity and the City of Houston to clear the debris. Olivia and the club members served hot meals brought into Cuney Homes until families regained access to basic necessities.
A legacy continued
Olivia’s example lives through TXFPF.
Tangi Smith learned community service beside her grandmother. She saw what it meant to know your neighbors, respond during a crisis, teach practical skills, build relationships and insist that public systems serve people fairly.
Today, Tangi carries those lessons forward as founder and executive director of Texas Federation of the People Foundation. TXFPF’s work in reentry, employment, housing, wellness, civic education and community support reflects a principle Olivia practiced throughout her life: every person deserves dignity, useful support and a place in the community.
Her name. Her values. Her legacy.
The Olivia Sholars Community of Grace Award
The award honors a person whose public service reflects grace, courage, compassion and a sustained commitment to community uplift. It recognizes leadership that gives people a stronger voice, expands opportunity and opens doors for future generations.
In grateful recognition of faithful leadership, public service and a lifelong commitment to education, justice and the people of Texas. Your grace, courage and compassion have strengthened communities and opened doors for generations.
2026 recipient
The Honorable Dr. Alma A. Allen
Texas State Representative, House District 131
Dr. Alma A. Allen entered public service after a 39-year career with Houston Independent School District. She worked as a teacher, assistant principal, principal and administrator. She later taught as an adjunct professor at Texas Southern University and Prairie View A&M University.
Before joining the Texas House in 2004, Dr. Allen served for more than 10 years on the State Board of Education. She earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Education from Texas Southern University and a Doctorate of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Houston.
During the 89th Texas Legislature, Dr. Allen served on the House Committees on Corrections and Public Education. She introduced House Bill 2708, concerning eligibility for orders of nondisclosure of criminal history record information. TXFPF recognizes her years of service in education, justice policy and community leadership.
Award presentation: September 28, 2026
Olivia Sholars
She stitched lives together through faith, skill and service.
Her work continues wherever a neighbor is seen, a family receives help and a community finds its voice.