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Originally located in Houston's Fourth Ward, Freedmen's Town was established in 1865 by a group of formerly enslaved people. Here, they built a community: homes, schools, businesses, and churches—including the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, the first African American church in Houston, and the Gregory School, the first public education institution for African American children in Houston.
The Houston Freedmen's Town Conservancy protects and preserves the history of this community for the benefit of future generations. The organization supports community engagement, re-education, and heritage tourism through historic preservation initiatives, the Freedmen's Town Visitor's Center, and advocacy efforts.
In 2020 and 2021, Humanities Texas awarded the Houston Freedmen’s Town Conservancy two COVID-19 Relief Grants to bolster their community-focused programming. These grants were critical to advancing the organization's mission, which is centered on providing support and education to the community.
In January 2024, members of our grants team spoke with Sharon Fletcher, acting executive director of the Houston Freedmen’s Town Conservancy, about the organization’s work in the humanities and their upcoming programs.
Interview with Sharon Fletcher, acting executive director of the Houston Freedmen’s Town Conservancy
How do you see the humanities as being essential?
[The humanities] provide a unique opportunity for individuals to explore and learn from diverse journeys. Take, for instance, the post-emancipation era when African Americans faced immense challenges. However, in Freedmen’s Town, the community not only overcame these difficulties but also thrived by establishing infrastructure and culture. Beyond this historical example, the humanities play a crucial role in sharing compelling narratives from the past, making education enjoyable and engaging for future generations.
Moreover, the humanities serve as a vital tool for fostering mutual understanding among people of different cultures and backgrounds. By exchanging stories and experiences, we have the chance to educate one another and, in the process, humanize our perspectives. This collective understanding becomes a powerful force in promoting empathy and bridging the gaps between diverse communities.
What is the most important thing people should know about your work?
To ensure a seamless connection between the ongoing work and [Freedmen Town’s] residents, it is crucial to not detach the work from the people who have been living in the community for generations. Our overarching objective is to exert a positive influence [in the area], particularly because it has a history of disenfranchisement and being underserved. Aligning individuals with our mission is imperative as we strive to provide health and wellness services to the community.
Who and what makes your work possible?
The collaborative efforts that make our work possible involve various individuals and organizations. The former mayor of Houston, Sylvester Turner, played a pivotal role by establishing a task force dedicated to overseeing the preservation of Freedmen’s Town. Our board members, beyond their governance role, have actively engaged with the community and spearheaded fundraising efforts for the organization.
In addition, our success owes much to the invaluable partnerships we have forged with entities such as the City of Houston, Houston Public Works, the Houston Public Library, and the African American History Research Center. Last but not least, gratitude is extended to our donors and supporters, as their contributions are vital in sustaining and advancing our mission.
What do you find enjoyable about the work you are doing?
Participating in walking tours of Freedmen’s Town, led by board members of the Freedmen’s Town Conservancy, has proven to be an exceptionally rewarding experience. These tours not only provide valuable insights into the history of the area but also underscore the significance of sharing stories about past and present individuals.
Upcoming Programs
Scheduled to commence in April 2024, Freedmen's Town Conservancy's Porch Talk Series will invite partners from Rice University, the University of Houston, and Texas Southern University to discuss African American and local history within the community. The series promises to offer insightful perspectives and enriching dialogues that delve into the historical fabric of the community. Stay tuned for more details via their website and on Facebook and Instagram.