Englewood, New Jersey
Officer With Artistic Streak
Although just 5-foot-6, Uhuru Gonja Houston, thickset and with a confident stride, could be mistaken for a tough, no-nonsense type in his Port Authority police officer's uniform. He didn't look like someone with a fine eye for window treatments; he didn't appear emotional. But Officer Houston , a genial, affectionate fellow, had an artistic streak and could be unashamedly emotional. After taking his son, Hasani, 5, to his first day of school on Sept. 6, he lingered outside the classroom, watching through the window, teary-eyed.
Officer Houston, 32, was determined to make a better life for his wife, Sonya, their son and their daughter, Hannah, 20 months. He had grown up in the projects of Canarsie, Brooklyn, sewing clothes and cutting hair as a teenager to earn money. As an adult he was thrifty, and proudly moved his family to a home in Englewood, N.J. (and made the curtains). Life was sweet: while walking his beat at the World Trade Center, he would chat on the phone with Sonya about a whole lot of nothing. Every day off was "family day," and off they would go.
On Aug. 28 they went to Bear Mountain. As he drove, he held Sonya's hand and remarked, "You know, I'm a good guy, and I'm doing all right."
Just remembering you on this day. I was hoping to hear our name called, but I had a meeting when it was your turn. I have just noticed that all you numbers are connected. Came into this world on 8/22 and departed from us on 9/11. When I do the mathematics 8+1=9 or 9-1=8 then you have 11+ 11=22. You had a purpose amongst the living. Rest in eternal peace my brother.
SHELDON PETER ANTHONY
September 11, 2024 | Friend
I received my coin form The Vahalla Project. The number refers to an individual lost during 9/11
S Mitchell
August 26, 2024 | Other
Cousin Uhuru you are thought about as well missed you are a hero to the family and the world. RIP . Love you
Kenneth Washington
September 11, 2023 | Family
I want to extend my deepest condolences to the Houston family both immediate and extended on both sides. I will never know who you are and wished I had known who you. Just how I have made friends since I move to NYC for work on 11/11/11; you and I could have been friends too, have you been not been perished. But ever since I started riding the Path train to and from NJ/NY, a portrait of yours would always be steering at me, for some reason it captured my attention, is like your spirit was...
Sheldon Peter Anthony
September 11, 2023 | Other
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Kebra Gist
September 11, 2021 | Windsor, CT
Hey brother you are truly missed. I'm glad I had the opportunity to call you a friend. RIP...Bayview Canarsie-Uptown.
Ellis Wansley
September 11, 2018 | Bronx, NY
Sleep in peace my brother.
Alexander Melendez
September 10, 2018 | Brooklyn, NY
Remembered By
Vivian Houston
July 12, 2016 | Brooklyn, NY
I remember Gonja because of his smile. He was such a nice friendly guy. We often laughed and joked when he came to Xcel Credit Union (where I worked at the time). He is missed but never forgotten. Thank you for dedicating your life. May you rest in peace.
Ebony P.
September 23, 2015 | Bronx, NY