The Friends of Emancipation Park (FEP) will be celebrating 147 years of FREEDOM at Emancipation Park located on 3018 Dowling Street (77004) starting June 2 nd –June 19 th . More information on each event will be provided closer to the date. FEP welcomes volunteers for each event.
In 1872, Rev. Jack Yates and his congregation at Houston’s oldest African American Church, Antioch Missionary Baptist Church along with the help of the members of Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church, and other community leaders, purchased the land the park stands on to celebrate Juneteenth. This community park was later donated to the City of Houston in 1916. In 1979, State Representative Al Edwards sponsored the bill that made June 19th an official Texas State holiday beginning in 1980. Houston’s collective 2012 Juneteenth Emancipation Celebration marks 147 years of freedom, the 140th celebration in Emancipation Park, and currently hosted by Friends of Emancipation Park.
The activities are listed as follow:
June 2 • 10am • Emancipation Park • Free “Nutrition & Health” – Coordinator: Alura Baxtor “Healthy Families” – Coordinator: Renee Robinson
June 9 • 2pm • Emancipation Park • $5 4th Annual Mr and Ms. Juneteenth Pageant: Ages 3-19 Coordinator: Ms. Mildred Johnson
June 10 • 3pm • Emancipation Park • $25 4th Annual Beauty and the Beast Tea Coordinator: Dr. Joan Williams Honorary Chair: Licia Ellis & Congresswomen Shelia Jackson Lee
June 11 • 2pm • Emancipation Park • Free 6th Annual Talent Show. Song, Dance, Vocal & Instrumental Music, Drama, Poetry
June 13 • 2pm • Emancipation Park • Free 4th Annual Children’s FunDay. Storytelling, Arts & Crafts, Games. Coordinator: Ms. Dorris Ellis Robinson
June 14 • 5-8pm • Emancipation Park • Free Freedom Movies & Discussion Coordinator: Mr. Eugene Foney
June 15 • 8am • Hermann Park Golf Center • $150 per person, $500/four person team 2nd Annual Golf Tournament Coordinator: Ms. Dorris Ellis Robinson
June 16 • 10am-1pm • Emancipation Park • Free Freedom Genealogy Workshop Coordinator: Ms. Shirley Whitmore
June 16 • 4-9pm • Emancipation Park • Free Juneteenth Festival with Vendors and Entertainment Coordinator: Ms. Ingrid Robinson
June 17 • 3-6:30pm • Emancipation Park • Free 2nd Annual Freedom Sunday with Spiritual/Religious Musical & Dramatic Entertainment Coordinator: Ms. Cherlyn K. Latham
June 19 • 12-8pm • Emancipation Park • Free 47th Annual Juneteenth Festival. Legacy Stories, Legacy Heritage Gathering of Artifacts; Vendors, Arts & Crafts, Musical & Dramatic Entertainment & Speeches Coordinator: Ms. Dorris Ellis Robinson, Ms. K. Wisemen, Mr. Lonal X Robinson
All events are coordinated by Friends of Emancipation Park. For more information on these and other Houston area Juneteenth activities, go to www.JuneteenthFest.com
The Friends of Emancipation Park (FEP) is non-profit organization that offers a variety of service and programs to those residing in the Third Ward community. FEP provides a wide range of cultural events, youth development, mentorship, 4-H club, volunteer opportunities, and health awareness to Houston’s metropolitan area. For further information, contact Dorris Ellis Robinson, Board President at 713.443.9774 or visit the website at www.emancipationusa.com.
