Community members will gather on June 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Riceville Cemetery, 9945 Honeywell Road, Houston, Texas 77074, for the unveiling of the Riceville Memorial, a tribute to one of Harris County's most significant historic Freedom Colonies.

City Council Member Edward Pollard

 

The event is hosted by the Office of Houston City Council Member Edward Pollard of District J and will commemorate the enduring legacy of Riceville, a historic African American community whose roots predate the Civil War. Organizers are also encouraging community members, descendants, residents, and supporters to attend and take part in honoring the community's rich history.

Riceville is among the 13 recognized Freedom Colonies in Harris County. These communities were established by formerly enslaved African Americans and their descendants during and after Reconstruction, creating opportunities for land ownership, self-determination, and economic independence.

Founded as a farming settlement, Riceville became a place where newly emancipated Black families built lives and established institutions that continue to serve the community today. Among them is Riceville Mount Olive Baptist Church, founded in 1889, which remains a cornerstone of the area's cultural and spiritual heritage.

The Riceville Cemetery, designated as a Historic Texas Cemetery, preserves the stories of generations of families who helped shape southwest Houston. The new memorial honors the faith, resilience, and contributions of those residents whose efforts laid the foundation for the community's growth and success.

The Juneteenth gathering will provide an opportunity for residents, descendants, local leaders, and supporters to reflect on Riceville's place in Houston history while recognizing the broader significance of freedom and emancipation. Organizers hope the memorial will help educate future generations about the important role Freedom Colonies played in creating opportunities for African Americans during a period marked by segregation and discrimination.

Although urban development has transformed much of the original settlement, Riceville's legacy remains visible through landmarks such as Riceville Mount Olive Baptist Church, Riceville School Road, and the historic cemetery. Community leaders believe the memorial will help preserve those stories and ensure that the contributions of Riceville's founders and families continue to be remembered.

The unveiling is part of Juneteenth commemorations recognizing the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Texas and celebrating the enduring contributions of Black communities throughout the state.