Houston's Jewel

As I close my eyes and drift away to a land where there is love, health, peace, and blessings. I wanted to take the time to think and reflect.

     The truth is the other day I was reading about Juneteenth. I wanted to learn more about this celebration, and was pleasantly surprised to learn that this holiday is deeply rooted in Texas, America. The Emancipation Proclamation was issued on January 1st, 1863 by Abraham Lincoln. However, it was in 1865 that most people learned of the Emancipation act that was written to abolish slavery. When the Civil war ended on April 9th, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger stormed into the Port of Galveston to establish martial law. It was on June 19th, 1865 he told the people of Texas that they were free. He said "The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the executive of the United States, all slaves are free." 

Sunset view of the Port of Galveston

     Today as I was listening, witnessing, and watching the re-dedication of Emancipation park, it was truly a beautiful site. As we saw upon the stage individuals that possessed a variety of heritages, ethnicities, and social class etc. Everyone was gathered together for one beautiful moment, this was the re-opening of Emancipation Park. This park is located in the Third Ward, it is one of the "oldest and most culturally significant sites." An area that requires re-development, partly due to the fact that there is rising crime. 

     The park took three years to renovate, costing $34 Million. Thank you to the generous donations, funders and to all who made this project possible. The speeches by the many officials, and individuals involved showed how everyone worked at the level of a collective to achieve the vision for this park. It is easy to have a vision, but to be able to transfer the vision to others, to help them to see what you see is an important part of transferring a vision into action. Especially when it is on a large scale. We can link this thought to any organization, project etc. To have the funds for growth are important, but human beings have to also be fully invested in the projects as well if they are to be a success. People are what makes an organization flourish. And this ceremony and project are a fine example of vision, investments, growth and togetherness. 
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Honorable Mayor of The City Of Houston - Sylvester Turner

     What was more special about this project was the fact that the elders were present, and they were honored. They were asked permission to allow the ceremony to proceed. The elders granted permission, signifying an inter-generational relationship. This is important because this site could be a park to anyone, but it contains history, stories, struggles, happiness, and even sentimental value. Asking for permission was symbolic, symbolizing a deep respect for the peoples before, their stories, and histories. The re-development of this park is not to take away from their stories, but to preserve and share for future generations. 

    I would also encourage communities / individuals who are not from the African American communities to also visit this site. To learn about histories, because the Emancipation Declaration was received in 1865, it should be viewed as a shared history. Individuals no longer carried the label of a slave. Racial slavery was now a crime against humanity. 

     This site is not only historic, yet a celebration of the fundamental values that America holds of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. These values are for all. Although there is still much work to be done to dissolve the racial divides, small steps such as the re-development of this park, that also included funds from non African Americans is a significant step paves to further racial equality. 
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     Further Reading
The New York Times - Hot Links and Red Drinks: The Rich Food Tradition of Juneteenth
​The New York Times - In Houston, an Original Juneteenth Celebration Site Reborn 
The New York Times - Juneteenth Is for Everyone

Dedication: The words of this being are dedicated to the people of Houston, Texas and to all who made this project and the re-dedication ceremony a success. May we always have life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. God Bless You & God Bless America. A huge heartfelt thank you! :) My thoughts to share with love and Kindness! :) 

Notes: These thoughts were originally hand - written on June 17th, 2017.
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