Story

Storyteller: Sam Collins, Charlesa Bell Gary, Jerry Wyatt

Domino tree at the corner of Bell and Mentor in Galveston county in the 1867 Settlement. Under this tree older Black men in the community have been gathering for generations to play games, talk, laugh, make deals, discuss neighborhood issues, and experience joy often denied to Black men as they age in American society. The first founders of the 1867 Settlement met under this tree as a gathering spot and today this tree is still standing and still welcoming men to sit down, relax, and play a few games of dominos. A reminder to enjoy life, take joy in friends and community and that Black men are so much more than what their labor provides and that Black mental health matters

That tree is in the yard of John and Carrie Mentor who purchased the property in 1921 from the Brittons. Source Jerry Wyatt