Tired of feeling captive, a group of former slaves utilized their resources and talents to raised $1,000 to buy 10 acres of land in Houston 147 years ago to create a space where they could just be free. The space would become Emancipation Park, the central hub of generations coming together with a sense of community. Passing years has seen the park at its ups and downs causing it to be revitalized in 2006 by TIRZ7 and again this year with a $33 million renovation. The rich history of this Texas' treasure is once again a welcoming space in Third and Fourth Ward where all can be free to eat, live and play. Overseeing that the park maintains its purpose and meets the needs of the community is Lucy Bremond, Emancipation Park Conservatory Executive Director. The conservatory in partnership with the city of Houston is the body responsible for the maintenance, operation, and programming of activities.

Emancipation Park is intricately part of Houston's and Texas History. It is the first public park in Texas and became an Official Texas Historical Marker in 2009. Home to many celebrations, the park is gaining a new outlook with Bremond at the helm.

"In one short year, we have made great strides," said Bremond as she spoke about the Conservancy having a full staff of talented and dedicated individuals for the first time. Combing their skill sets and professional backgrounds they are helping to catapult the organization to greater heights. Iris Garcia serves as the Administrative Assistant, Iman Garrett-Price is our Manager of Programs & Strategic Partnerships, Patrina Johnson serves as Development Associate, Kynetta Moore serves as Special Events & Marketing Manager and Aysha Steward serves as the Volunteer Service Coordinator. In addition, the team has completed and is implementing a strategic plan that they are already seeing positive results.

"(The plan) helped to streamline processes, improved working relationships, and increase programming, partnerships, and events. " Bremond continued, "Bringing people together from all walks of life to work collaboratively to establish and achieve common goals motivates me. So, when I seek change, I do it by bringing people together and inspiring them to take action."

Bremond and her team are just getting started. Future goals are continuing to be planned and mapped out to truly showcase the beauty and functionality of the park. Bremond tells of innovative, educational and culturally relevant programming and events that will grow Emancipation Park into a local, state, national, and international cultural landmark and destination with more public gathering to celebrate the heritage and traditions of the area.

Although Bremond and her staff are the overseers of the park, community involvement is always welcomed. "Emancipation Park Conservancy is always looking for like-minded community organizations and individuals who share the same programming/partnership focus areas of education, health and wellness, and economic empowerment.” Those interested can learn about EPC volunteer opportunities by attending one of our monthly volunteer informationals/orientations and completing the volunteer application available at www.emancipationparkconservancy.org, emailing volunteers@emancipationparkconservancy.org," commented Bremond.

She also encourages people to educate themselves on the rich cultural history and significance of Emancipation Park, along with how that relates to the early contributions of African Americans in the city of Houston. A wealth of information can be found on the park's website at www.emancipationparkconservancy.org.

"If people are informed and educated on the park’s history, the more connected they will feel to this sacred space. We hope this translates to them then taking advantage of this beautiful place and all the activities, programming and events it has to offer," Bremond added.

Speaking of events, the park's activity calendar is getting full of engaging activities for the young and old. Upcoming events include:

*Movie in the Tre – Enjoy a movie, food trucks and a community marketplace in collaboration with Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas. Hidden Figures will be showing at 7 pm on Friday, 8/2/19. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs!

*Get Fit in the Tre – Various workout classes for all ages and levels will be offered throughout the week and free pop-up health screenings and health education resources from Avenue360.

Mondays & Wednesdays – Hip Hop Step Aerobics

Wednesdays – Senior Line Dancing

Thursdays – Tai Chi in the Tre with Four Dragons Institute

Register online at the conservatory website.

*Bridging the Gap Financial Literacy Program sponsored by Coca-Cola – Attend monthly events geared towards economic empowerment and financial education.

Homebuyer’s Education Courses – 7/27/19

Savings, Investments & Estate Planning – 7/23/19

*All Skills Sports & Education Camp – Powered by Plex, boys and girls ages 8-17 are invited to the FREE camp on Saturday, July 27th from 9a-1p at Emancipation Park. Register online at www.allskillscamp.com. More programming and events can be found at www.emancipationparkconservancy.org and also follow them on Facebook and Instagram @epconservancy!

As you can see Emancipation Park has a lot of offer to the residents of Houston. Spend some time taking advantage of all its amenities including the sprawling green space, a saltwater pool, tennis courts, a baseball field, two splash pads, a recreation center, and cultural center. And when you are tell Bremond and her crew what you think. They are always all ears to hear feedback to make the park meet the needs and demands of all.