In 2021, President Joe Biden signed a bill to create June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day, also known as Emancipation Day. This federal holiday is the oldest documented celebration of the end of slavery in the United States. It reminds all Americans that we are weakened by division and strengthened in unity.
Will you join us in celebrating the 159th anniversary of Juneteenth by supporting the preservation of College Park Memorial Cemetery, a historic final resting place for many of Houston's African American trailblazers? All proceeds will go toward purchasing new lawn equipment, cutting decayed trees, and cleaning up and professionally landscaping the cemetery.
The College Park Memorial Cemetery Association in partnership with the Honey Brown Hope Foundation is pleased to extend this special invitation to you to be a part of our Juneteenth commemoration, “Unlocking and Preserving Juneteenth’s History.”
This event will celebrate freedom, engage the community, and raise critical funds to preserve a vital piece of Houston's Black history.
A Vital Link to the Past
Founded in 1896 by Rev. Jack Yates, College Park Memorial Cemetery served as a final resting place for Houston's freed enslaved persons and Black pioneers who shaped the city's history.
Among those buried are:
Jack Yates: A pillar of Houston's Black community, instrumental in establishing Emancipation Park- the first public park in the state of Texas, founder of Houston Academy in 1885 now Booker T. Washington High School in Houston Independent School District.
Other notable persons buried at College Park Memorial Cemetery include I.M. Terrell Family: Leaders in education, including the president of Prairie View and Houston College and
Buffalo Soldiers: Brave veterans who served our country.
College Memorial Park was designated as a Texas State Historical Cemetery in 2002. The College Park. The College Park Cemetery Association was formed in 2010 to maintain the site. It works to maintain the cemetery every second Saturday with a diverse group of volunteers.
An Urgent Call to Action: Preserving a Sacred Space
Despite its significance, the cemetery faces ongoing maintenance challenges. Through this Juneteenth event, we aim to raise $10,000 to purchase new equipment, remove decayed trees, and professionally landscape the grounds. This will elevate the ongoing efforts to honor all whom are buried at this historic cemetery.
Join Us for "Unlocking and Preserving Juneteenth's History"
Our Juneteenth event features an engaging and enlightening luncheon/program.
Date: Saturday, June 15, 2024
Time: 12 – 2 pm
Location: Metropolitan Multi-Service Center, 1475 West Gray, Houston, Texas 77019
Let’s Make a Difference this Juneteenth
Marcus Cicero, a Greek philosopher said, “The life of the dead is placed on the memories of the living.”
Please help us honor the legacy of Black Houstonians and save the future of this historic cemetery future for future generations. We are currently seeking corporate partners and other supporters. This year, our goal is to raise $10,000 to purchase new lawn equipment, cut decayed trees, and clean up and professionally landscape the cemetery. Will you join us as a sponsor or supporter?