top of page

one city, thousands of stories


The hardest part was coming home: Forrest Tatum's story
Forrest Tatum once wore the uniform with pride, serving his country as an enlisted soldier in the U.S. Army. But for many veterans, the hardest battles don’t end when the service does. Transitioning back into civilian life brought challenges few people truly see — struggles with identity, stability, purpose, and adjusting to a world that kept moving while he served. Behind the “thank you for your service” are real stories of sacrifice, resilience, and survival. Forrest’s jour
Bobby Stanton
6 days ago1 min read


The View From Up There
I met a guy standing on top of a trash can at 25th & Market… so naturally, I had to stop. “Man, I’m gonna ask you a few questions.” “I got you.” Name? “David.” Where you from? “League City.” And what brings you… up there? “It just looked like a good place to stand. I can direct traffic, see everything—cool cars, cool bikes… meet people, scream at people. You know… live a little.” Then he hit me with this: “If you’re not having fun in life, you’re not doing life correctly. A b
Bobby Stanton
Mar 211 min read


Island Icon: Silver by Day, Rock ’n’ Roll by Night
Around here, George Hayden is more than a silver store owner. He’s part of the rhythm of the island. A familiar face to locals and a favorite stop for visitors, he’s built a shop – Island Silver at 2428 Mechanic – that shines as bright as the Gulf waters on a clear day. When George is not behind the counter, he’s sitting in with local rock bands, adding his own soundtrack to Galveston nights. Press play for a glimpse into the life of a local favorite who keeps the silver poli
Bobby Stanton
Mar 31 min read


Future tech meets island vibes
Jacob drove down to Galveston for Mardi Gras and found more than beads and parades. Between the music and the Gulf breeze, he opened up to Humans of Galveston about what’s really on his mind: virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and where technology is taking us next. Tune into the conversation.
Bobby Stanton
Feb 161 min read


Riding life’s waves, Galveston style
The Galveston coast teaches you to expect change. Calm seas can turn quickly – and then settle just as fast. Tom Osborn understands the rhythm well. In our conversation, the island resident opens up about what keeps him focused and hopeful, no matter what rolls in.
Bobby Stanton
Feb 121 min read


The beat goes on, Island style
A circle of drums. A shared pulse. A tradition built over time. Djidala Djembe Drum Circle has been meeting on the island for over a decade, shaped by years of playing alongside Mamady from Guinea, West Africa. Every other Friday at Old Galveston Square, rhythm does what words can’t. Around here, they call it Drum Church — a name that speaks for itself. Drummer Alex Richardson gives us a closer look inside the circle.
Bobby Stanton
Feb 81 min read


Dr. Kirk Williams by day, Ajax Madrid off the clock
Some people don’t just tell a story — they are the story. Dr. Kirk Williams – AKA Ajax Madrid – has a way of carrying himself that people notice. He’s comfortable in his own skin, well-connected, and moves easily between different worlds, from music and culture to leadership and community. When he’s not working as medical director of a Houston-area critical access hospital, Williams loves to kick off his shoes at home or load up the family for a trip to Galveston, a familiar
Bobby Stanton
Feb 41 min read


A decade in, the stories keep coming
Ten years of stories. Ten years of listening. What began as a simple idea — talk to strangers, ask a few questions, capture a moment — turned into a front-row seat to the soul of Galveston. Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of meeting people from all walks of life, each bringing their own rhythm, perspective, and story to this island we call home. Since stepping into Humans of Galveston in 2016, the journey has been deeper than I ever imagined. From quiet conversations to
Bobby Stanton
Jan 311 min read


The Strand comes alive after dark
The Joe Kain Band rocked 1877 on The Strand with high energy, captivating the crowd and proving once again why live music hits different in Galveston. No frills, no filler — just good vibes, great music and a room that didn’t want the night to end.
Bobby Stanton
Jan 251 min read


Galveston before the freeze: anglers carry on
While most of Galveston was stocking up for the freeze, a few die-hard anglers at Pier 19 were busy doing what they do best — cleaning the day’s catch like nothing else mattered. In
Bobby Stanton
Jan 241 min read


Mardi Gras is in the air in G-Town!
Mardi Gras has officially taken over Postoffice Street, and The Witchery is right in the heart of the sparkle, beads, and brass! Mardi Gras! Galveston 2026 rolls from Feb. 6–17, bringing two full weekends of nonstop fun — think vibrant parades, iconic balcony parties, live music echoing through the streets, and mouthwatering Cajun flavors at every turn. The celebration crescendos on Fat Tuesday, Feb. 17, when the island explodes with color and energy for Galveston’s biggest p
Bobby Stanton
Jan 171 min read


Every day is gift carried forward
Aundra Fulisier Aundra Fusilier doesn’t take time for granted. After serious health challenges, the IRS retiree received both a heart and a liver transplant – two life-saving organs from the same donor. It’s an experience that reshaped how he sees the world and the days he’s been given. Recovery wasn’t simple, but it brought clarity. At 69, Aundra lives with a deep awareness that his second chance came from an extraordinary act of generosity, and he doesn’t take that lightly.
Bobby Stanton
Jan 131 min read


Looking back, Island-style
Some reflections happen best in familiar places. At Gumbo Diner, John and Melissa reflect on a year that tested them, taught them, and ultimately brought them closer. Humans of Galveston: When you think about this year, what stands out first? John: Gratitude, honestly. It was full — busy in a good way but also grounding. We put a new roof on the house, which sounds practical, but it felt symbolic. Like, okay, we’re investing in our life, not just reacting to it. Melissa: Ye
Bobby Stanton
Dec 25, 20252 min read


Shelby's World
Shelby’s words carry the rhythm of the island — calm, thoughtful, and full of heart. Another day, another story that reminds us why we...
Bobby Stanton
Oct 8, 20251 min read


Bobby Stanton
Oct 6, 20250 min read


Golden Girls Gone Wild!
Shelby’s bachelorette crew turned The Strand into a senior shuffle with curlers, canes, and grandma chic on full display. Bride-to-be...
Bobby Stanton
Sep 27, 20251 min read


Sue Johnson: A legacy of culture and community on the island
At the heart of Galveston’s Strand sits the Nia Cultural Center, a vibrant hub of history, art, and community pride. Its founder, Sue...
Bobby Stanton
Sep 13, 20253 min read


Medium. Mentor. Maverick. Meet Michelle at 82
From Viking bloodlines to visions of the beyond, Michelle Dierckx’s life reads like an epic novel. Born in Belgium to Ottoman-Turk...
Bobby Stanton
Jul 31, 20253 min read


Long Before Tourists, There Were Karankawas
The Karankawa people who inhabited Galveston – indeed the Texas Gulf Coast from Galveston Bay all the way south to Corpus Christi Bay -...
Bobby Stanton
Jul 13, 20253 min read


Gold Standard Groove: A Sit-Down with Bob Thomas
Bob Thomas doesn’t just play music. He lives by a code. When we caught up with him at 1877 On The Strand, the Houston-based guitarist...
Bobby Stanton
Jul 12, 20252 min read


Fourth of July, Island Style
On the Fourth of July, Tammy and Steven stepped away from spreadsheets and blueprints to enjoy the simple pleasure of a day by the water....
Bobby Stanton
Jul 12, 20251 min read


Wisdom From the Island
“My name is James Broussard. Life don’t owe me nothing.” Wise words from a man who’s seen it all and still stands tall. James reflects on...
Bobby Stanton
Jul 9, 20251 min read


Two Sisters, One Legacy of Learning
Mrs. Joyce Lacy and her sister, Rosalie Tottenham have dedicated their lives shaping young minds in the Galveston Independent School...
Bobby Stanton
Jul 6, 20251 min read


Three Generations, One Ride
Caught up with Joe, Champ, and Calvin gliding down the Galveston Seawall on their e-bikes — straight outta East Texas and soaking up the...
Bobby Stanton
Jul 6, 20251 min read
bottom of page