Juneteenth

Juneteenth was another excellent LIFE program as part of the Lincoln Exhibition Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War, December 28, 2011 – February 17, 2012.

Professor Dorris Ellis is a true believer in Houston's Emanicpation Park as a strong symbol of freedom. All ten park acres were purchased back in 1872 by four freed slaves for $800. Just like Dorris Ellis, they believed they could raise the necessary funds to accomplish their goals. They wanted a place for Houston to celebrate freedom. As president of the Friends of Emacipation Park, Dorris Ellis has big plans for major new facilities such as new buildings, meeting rooms, and trails. Everything from weddings and proms to classrooms and libraries are possible for Emancipation Park (located here in Houston at Dowdin and Elgin). It was acquired by the city in 1916 and is the oldest collectively owned land in Texas.

Celebrate Juneteenth (June 19) and freedom. On this one day only, the gates are open for all to enter symbolizing how freedom feels when all other 364 days of the year we are prohibited entrance to a special place in the park.