Houston community invited to participate in weekly programming that celebrates the legacy of African-Americans while bridging future generations
HOUSTON (May 28, 2019) — Emancipation Park Conservancy will host weekly programming and family activities beginning early June that highlight and celebrate the rich history of Houston’s African-American community. At the center of the planned events is the 147th Annual Juneteenth Celebration taking place on Saturday, June 15, 2019 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Emancipation Park (3018 Emancipation Ave, Houston, TX 77004). The celebration will feature a parade followed by a full day of activities, including performances by J. Paul Jr. & The Zydeco NuBreeds and the Houston All Stars featuring Reggie Jamz, Liz Vaughn, Kai Hicks, Patrice Dominique, Nesha Cortez and Susan Carol. Additionally, attendees can look forward to guided tours, kid-friendly entertainment and education, art displays, complimentary barbecue, vendors and more.
To kickoff the Juneteenth Celebration, Emancipation Park Conservancy in collaboration with Houston Play on Purpose, will showcase the original stage play “In All Thy Getting: The Forgotten Story of Freedmen’s Town” on June 7 through 9. Written by Houston native and playwright Holly Charles, the production chronicles the rise and fall of the largest ex-slave settlement in the nation, Freedmen’s Town, and aims to inform Houstonians about a rich, yet forgotten history.
“Emancipation Park Conservancy is thrilled to partner with Houston Play on Purpose to bring this amazing play to Emancipation Park Cultural Center,” said Ramon Manning, Board Chairman for Emancipation Park Conservancy. In All Thy Getting provides a great platform to preserve African American history and share a great story with Houston communities.”
This year’s theme of “Celebrating Our Legacy, Bridging Future Generations” reflects the Conservancy’s long-standing commitment to continue the work began by Houston historical figure and former slave, Revered Jack Yates in 1872. Yates was instrumental in organizing funding for the land that Emancipation Park sits on today and that continues to serve as the home for Houston’s annual Juneteenth celebration. The park was recently rededicated in 2017 after undergoing extensive renovations.
“Juneteenth is more than a celebration of our freedom,” says Lucy Bremond, Executive Director of Emancipation Park Conservancy. “It’s a celebration of a collective effort amongst African-Americans, particularly here in Houston, to uplift the city through education, health and wellness, history and culture, economic empowerment, environmental stewardship, families and communities.”
In observance of the Juneteenth holiday on Wednesday, June 19, the Conservancy will host an additional day of interactive and educational youth activities from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For a complete schedule of weekly programming, please see the below timeline or visit emancipationparkconservancy.org.
To schedule interviews, please contact Chaniece Vaughns at 281-804-9988 or at chaniece@medley-inc.com.
Emancipation Park Conservancy Juneteenth Programming
- Saturday, June 1
- Shape Community Center 50th Anniversary Celebration; 6:30 to 9 p.m.
- Friday, June 7 through Sunday, June 9
- “In All Thy Getting:The Forgotten Story of Freedmen’s Town” Play; 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. showtimes
- Thursday, June 13
- Youth Talent Show; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Friday, June 14
- Juneteenth Pageant; 7 to 9:30 p.m.
- Saturday, June 15
- Juneteenth Parade and Celebration; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Wednesday, June 19 (Juneteenth)
- Youth Activities; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Friday, June 21
- Movie in the Tre; 7 p.m.
ABOUT EMANCIPATION PARK CONSERVANCY
Emancipation Park Conservancy is a non-profit 501c3 charitable corporation established in 2015 to restore, manage, and enhance Emancipation Park. Its goal is to create an open space of environmental and community excellence while continuing to preserve the integrity and historical roots of the park. Its goal is to transform Emancipation Park into one of the nation’s premier landmark parks and destinations
through capital initiatives, operational improvements, strategic partnerships, programming and events. For more information about Emancipation Park Conservancy
