Shirley Portier-Reed: A Lifetime of Advocacy and Community Empowerment

Shirley Portier-Reed pictured on the left

Shirley Portier-Reed has been a driving force in the East Aldine community for decades. A woman of deep compassion and unwavering determination, she has dedicated her life to improving neighborhoods, empowering families, and fostering civic engagement. She has tirelessly worked to support those in need, advocate for public services, and strengthen the bonds of her community.

Born in Manhattan, New York, to a father who emigrated from The Bahamas, Portier-Reed moved to East Aldine in the 1960s. At the time, the area was not always welcoming to Black families, and racial tensions made it a difficult environment. She and her late husband, a pastor, activist, and veteran of World War II and Korea, fought hard for racial equality and justice. Her advocacy was not just about breaking down barriers but about lifting people up. The same passion that fueled her fight for justice also drove her to help those in need, ensuring that her community — regardless of background — had access to support, resources, and kindness.

Portier-Reed’s grandmother, from an early age, instilled in her the value of helping others. She vividly remembers her grandmother preparing meals for those in need during segregation, regardless of their ethnicity or beliefs. These early lessons were the foundation of her lifelong commitment to service, reinforcing her belief that authentic leadership is rooted in compassion and generosity.

At nearly 90, Portier-Reed’s passion for service remains as strong as ever. Though she sometimes faces mobility issues, she continues her advocacy with the help of her great-granddaughter, Sydney, who teaches at MacArthur High School. She follows in her great-grandmother’s footsteps by working with parent volunteers and guiding students toward job and trade school opportunities.

A Champion for Community Empowerment

Portier-Reed became involved in civic engagement due to the gang violence in the area at the time. Once she moved to the area, she became the civic club president, working to maintain neighborhood pride by organizing events like National Night Out, implementing ‘Yard of the Month’ awards, and encouraging residents to care for their properties.

Coming from New York, she was accustomed to police presence in the community. In December 1996, she helped establish the first Community Sheriff Storefront in the area under Sheriff Tommy Thomas, where she held the lease for years. Under former State Representative Kevin Bailey and his aide Arlene Nichols and community stakeholder Clyde Bailey, she was introduced to management districts, ultimately leading to the establishment of the East Aldine Management District in the community, where they were housed in the Sheriff Storefront.

A Legacy of Leadership and Service

In 2003, Portier-Reed founded the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Group of Aldine-Harris County, a nonprofit dedicated to assisting elderly caregivers who find themselves parenting again. She also helped kinship families and parents who had fallen on hard times. Additionally, she assisted children in the juvenile justice system. Portier-Reed organized family-strengthening conferences to support entire families regardless of their circumstances.

Her work with the local Sheriff’s Storefront led to initiatives like the Scared Straight program, aiming to keep young people out of trouble. She also helped organize community basketball games between students and teachers, fall festivals featuring student performances from schools like Escamilla Elementary School, and an annual Christmas toy giveaway and Thanksgiving giveaway at the Sheriff’s Storefront.

Recognition and Community Support

Portier-Reed acknowledges those who have supported her work, including former U.S. Representative Gene Green; State Representative Armando Walle; former State Representative Kevin Bailey and his aide Arlene Nichols; former Aldine ISD Superintendents Nadine Kujawa and Wanda Bamberg; the Aldine Optimist Club, Harris County Emergency Corps, the East Aldine Management District staff and board over the years; Abel Garza, Aldine ISD assistant superintendent; Clyde Bailey, former owner of JEDS Hardware; Gil Hoffman, publisher of the Northeast News local newspaper; State Representative Senfronia Thompson and her aide Herb Mitchell for their endless support for over 20 years.

Portier-Reed also extends her heartfelt thanks to Aldine ISD, whose partnership has been invaluable in advancing her community work. Through this collaboration, she has organized the Nadine Kujawa Senior Citizen Gala, an event honoring the district’s elders, showcasing the importance of recognizing those who have contributed to Aldine’s educational legacy.

Despite receiving numerous honors, including her recent recognition by the East Aldine Management District during Black History Month and having previously been awarded by the Texas Legislative Black Caucus, Portier-Reed remains humble. “I was shocked,” she said. “History cannot be told appropriately. What I have done all these years has been between God and myself. My history is not Black or white or any color or creed — I have helped people of all different backgrounds. Everything I have done has come from the heart, not for awards or recognition. It is simply the right thing to do.”

“Her message to the community is one of love and service: “Love and care for one another. Love thy neighbor. Speak positively to the youth.” She firmly believes that lasting change comes from individuals willing to step up and help, encouraging others to volunteer and never forget their elders. “Grandparents always help under the table,” she chuckled.

Though she has stepped back from some leadership roles, Shirley Portier-Reed’s legacy of service continues to shape East Aldine. Her dedication, resilience, and generosity have left an indelible mark, reminding us all of the power of community-driven change and the profound impact one person can make.