THE PRIDE OF EMANCIPATION
Rededication of Third Ward park reflects on its past, prepares for future
The rededication of Houston’s Emancipation Park on Saturday drew hundreds to honor the 145year history of a gathering place founded by formerly enslaved people that remains a community landmark.
Jacqueline Bostic, the great-granddaughter of the park’s co-founder, the Rev. Jack Yates, spoke at the multigenerational celebration. She said the park that received a $33.6 million makeover symbolizes the spirit of community empowerment.
The property was purchased in 1872 with $800 donated by black leaders and residents. The land was named Emancipation Park to commemorate Juneteenth, when a Union Army general on June 19, 1865 read an order enforcing the Emancipation Proclamation, issued two years earlier by President Abraham Lincoln but unknown to Texas slaves until after the Civil War ended.
“These men led the community in sacrifice, cooperation and empowered the community to purchase and develop the first known community park in the state of Texas — did you hear me? — and the first known community park in the city of Houston. You ought to be proud of it,” Bostic declared. “We didn’t get here without standing on someone else’s shoulders.”
“Because for those who were enslaved, those who survived and those who were freed, those who ac-
cepted the challenge and the responsibility of being loving, caring, kind human beings they provided leadership, guidance and community empowerment.”
Mayor Sylvester Turner noted that the investment in the park came from Greater Third Ward tax dollars and federal money as well as gifts from community benefactors. He offered a decidedly native Houstonian explanation of how Emancipation Park represents the migration, growth and development of this city.
“People started off in Galveston, came down the Gulf Freeway, stopped off in Freedman’s Town — Fourth Ward —transferred over to Third Ward, the Tre, then migrated to Fifth Ward — the Nickel — didn’t stay there, but went to Acres Homes, the 4-4, then spread out to Fort Bend,” Turner said.
He also commented on concerns about whether public improvements will encourage or accelerate gentrification.
“In communities that have been underserved and under-resourced for decades, I think we can give them the very best and then work hard to make sure that we do not force people out,” the mayor said. “We have to make sure that people who have been living here for years and years can continue to live here for years and years and continue to enjoy the very best that this city has to offer.” ‘A proud day’
State Rep. Garnet Coleman pointed out that the vision and action for the grand contemporary revitalization of Emancipation Park began 25 years ago. He said the project included $2.5 million in state funding. Generations of his family have lived in Third Ward for more than 100 years.
“It is a very proud day for all of us and it’s a proud day for black people,” he said. “I also want to thank the steadfast people in this community who don’t give up and we make sure things happen and that we get to enjoy the benefits of the change.”
The park upgrades have spurred a new economic corridor on a street once named after a Confederate Army commander, Dowling, and renamed Emancipation Avenue this year. The park is located at Elgin and Emancipation, just east of the Southwest Freeway.
The park includes a new recreation center, a modern pool and a renovated community center. Children enjoyed new playground equipment. Performers entertained on a new outdoor staging area behind a building to be used as a cultural center. Saturday’s activities became a community festival with food trucks and other vendors. ‘The little-bitty pieces’
Jerry Richardson, a jewelry artist and painter who has moved from Third Ward to Pearland, said the renewed Emancipation Park will energize the area.
“It’s beautiful. It’s nice. This is a great place for local artists to display, do business and have camaraderie with other artists,” the 44-year-old said. “It will bring people back to the community and to get interested in the community again.”
But Koswa Williams, a 35-year-old baker who moved to Third Ward a year ago, said the improvements are showing up along with the new residents of higher-end, multistory townhouses.
“I think it’s awesome. It’s beautiful out here, but who are we making it nice for? Gentrification is pushing out our elders,” she said.
During the rededication program, Theola Petteway also pointed out that the redevelopment work began decades ago.
She serves as executive director of the OST/Almeda Corridors Redevelopment Authority, a local government corporation that administers the project and finance planning for Houston’s Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 7. The TIRZ works to encourage investment and stimulate development in key corridors and adjacent neighborhoods.
“No one individual made this happen ever,” she said. “It’s those people that do all the little-bitty pieces.”
There are were brief remarks from the park’s lead architect, Phil Freelon, and former State Rep. Al Edwards. Both received special honors from U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, whose congressional district includes the park.
Edwards sponsored and shepherded a bill to make Juneteenth a state holiday; Freelon was recognized for leading the design team of the National Museum of African American History & Culture in Washington.
The Emancipation Park Conservancy, founded last year, will oversee the park and provide financial support into the future.
The celebration continues all weekend, punctuated with the unveiling of the Emancipation Park sign on Monday morning — the Juneteenth holiday.