Uhuru Gonja Houston, a 32-year-old Port Authority police officer from Brooklyn, New York, became a hero on September 11, 2001, when he gave his life while responding to the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Center.
A Life of Dedication
Houston, a dedicated officer and a proud family man, had been working in the World Trade Center’s basement plaza when the first plane struck the North Tower. Despite the unfolding tragedy, he ran up into one of the towers to help those trapped inside, never to return. His last words to his wife, Sonya, were made during a phone call shortly after the first plane hit: “Whatever you do, don’t come down here.”
The Man Behind the Badge
Though standing just 5’6” tall, Houston was known for his confidence and strength, yet he also had a gentler, artistic side. He enjoyed window treatments and wasn’t afraid to show emotion, especially when it came to his family. After dropping his 5-year-old son, Hasani, off for his first day of school on September 6, 2001, he lingered outside, tearfully watching through the classroom window.
Houston’s love for his family was profound. He had worked hard throughout his life to build a better future for them, growing up in the Canarsie projects of Brooklyn. As a teenager, he sewed clothes and cut hair to earn money. As an adult, he proudly moved his family to Englewood, New Jersey, and made their curtains himself. Every day off from work was “family day,” a time for creating memories with his wife, Sonya, and children, Hasani and Hannah.
The Final Moments
On the morning of September 11, 2001, Houston was among the first responders to the World Trade Center disaster. He had greeted his fellow officers, Edward Finnegan and Robert Vargas, in the basement plaza of the complex before heading toward the towers. It was the last time Vargas would see him. Houston’s final act of courage was to enter the towers, risking his life to help others escape.
Houston’s actions that day exemplified the bravery and selflessness that defined his life. His death, along with those of countless others on 9/11, stands as a testament to the sacrifice made by emergency responders.
The Legacy of Uhuru Houston
In the wake of his passing, Houston is remembered not only as a dedicated officer but also as a loving husband and father who was determined to give his family a better life. His wife, Sonya, and children, Hasani and Hannah, continue to honor his memory through stories and tributes, ensuring that his legacy as a hero lives on.
The National 9/11 Memorial & Museum holds a tribute to Uhuru Houston, whose heroic efforts and selflessness remain an integral part of the collective memory of that tragic day.
Closing Line: Uhuru Houston’s legacy as a family man, a dedicated officer, and a hero who made the ultimate sacrifice continues to inspire all who hear his story.
