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Francis Page, Sr.
Francis Page, Sr. (September 29, 1938 – February 15, 2002) was an American serial entrepreneur, publisher, real estate developer, business leader, and community advocate. He was the son of Joseph Sidney Page, Sr., and Anna Bell Meyers Page and had 6 siblings. He was born in the Houston Acres Homes neighborhood and graduated from St. Nicholas Catholic School, later attending classes at the Houston College for Negros , now known as Texas Southern University.

Page's professional career began in 1963 as the first African-American liquor salesman at Tarrant Liquor Distributors in Texas. In 1968, he and Houston City Council member became the first African-American businessman to own a Burger King franchise, which operated for over a decade. After several years as a leading sales representative for Tarrant Distributions, Page founded several successful businesses, including The Red Rooster Club, The 1894 Bar, Page Bar Supply, MacGregor Management, and The Almeda Center.

The Red Rooster Club, formerly located at 4937 Martin Luther King Blvd., was the first establishment in the city where African Americans could buy. Page owned the club for 30 years and it became a popular destination, attracting many of the top 100 Soul/R&B performers of the 1970s and 1980s, including Marvin Gaye, Martha Reeves, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, and Chaka Khan. Proceeds from this successful business allowed Page to form McGregor Management and purchase a shopping center, which he renamed the Page Shopping Center.

Page was the founder of the PageGroup Publishing Company and the Houston NewsPages, which was founded in 1986 and became one of Houston's most influential African-American weekly newspapers in the latter half of the 20th century. Houston NewsPages has received numerous awards, including six national merit awards, and was recognized by organizations such as the Houston Press Club, the Texas Publishers Association, and the National Newspaper Publishers Association. The publication also co-sponsored various community events, such as the Women of Distinction Crystal Awards Luncheon, which provided scholarships for single mothers pursuing their college education.

Francis Page, Sr. was a prominent figure in the Houston community and made significant contributions to both the business world and the African-American community. His businesses, including the Red Rooster Club, were not only successful but also made a positive impact on the community by providing opportunities and supporting local initiatives.

Page was a dedicated community advocate and used his businesses to support and uplift his community. Through Houston NewsPages, he co-sponsored many Houston community events and provided scholarships for single mothers pursuing their college education through the Women of Distinction Crystal Awards Luncheon.

In recognition of his contributions to the business world and the African-American community, Page was honored with numerous awards and accolades. Houston NewsPages received six national merit awards, including the, and was recognized by the Houston Press Club and various state and national black newspaper groups, such as the Texas Publishers Association and the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

Francis Page, Sr. left a lasting legacy through his businesses, contributions to the community, and commitment to excellence. He remains a well-respected figure in Houston and is remembered for his entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to his community, and impact on the African-American business community.

Sources:

Houston Press Club Texas Publishers Association