Charles J. Allen Sr. attended Kashmere Gardens Jr. /Sr. High School.  He was mentored by his cousin, “Mighty” Joe Young. He played basketball under Coach Major Abram and Coach Weldon Drew and was named to the following: All-District, All-City, All Zone, and All Jay Cee Tournament Teams.

After graduating from Kashmere in 1968, he became a “walk on” at Texas Southern University (TSU.) He was accepted into the basketball program under Coach Dave Whitney and received a full scholarship. And just like Joe, he became a TSU Tiger Basketball player.    In 1972, Charles was drafted by Atlanta Hawks in the 11th round and became the first basketball player from his high school to be drafted as a professional basketball player.  During this time, Atlanta brought into their camp, Julius Erving (Dr. J) and after his arrival, Charles was released.  He was one of the last players released just before the start of the preseason games.  Upon his return to Houston, he completed his education at TSU where he received a B.A. Degree in Education. In 1974, he joined Exxon Chemicals in Baytown, Texas. He continued to play in various basketball leagues throughout Houston and at the Exxon Chemical Plant.  In 1994, he received a Bachelor Degree in Pastoral Theology from the University of St. Thomas in Houston and on June 22, 1994, was ordained as a deacon in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. He currently serves in his home parish, Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church in Houston.  In 2008, Charles retired from ExxonMobil after 331/2 years of service.

Charles is a native Houstonian and spent his early childhood with his grandmother, Gertie Allen in Rayne, LA. He is the oldest child born to the late Morris Barnes, Sr. and to the late Marie Belle Allen Harris.   On January 2, 1971, he married Pauline Toles at the Catholic Newman Center on the campus of TSU.  The Allen’s currently reside in Houston. Children include Candace M. Allen; Charles J. Allen, Jr. (Crystal); Devina Victor (Jesse). Grandchildren: Christopher J. Allen, Celeste J. Allen, Dianne Ruano (Marlon); Great grandchildren: Alanni and Arian Ruano.