Emancipation Park Conservancy

In partnership with diverse collaborative partners, Emancipation Park Conservancy (EPC) offers culturally responsive programming of education, economic empowerment, and health and wellness. See Schedule O for program details.Education: Each year, EPC hosts its Juneteenth celebration, which consists of programs and events commemorating the oldest known US celebration of the end of slavery on June 19, 1865, when enslaved people were emancipated in Galveston, Texas. EPC's Juneteenth festivities engage African diaspora members worldwide by sharing African Americans history, traditions, heritage, and culture of African Americans while also highlighting the strides African Americans are making toward collective economic, educational, and political advancements. In 2022, during its 150th year, EPC hosted its sesquicentennial celebration, welcoming over 7,500 visitors into the park over the two-day event. Our additional educational program offerings include STEM Summer Camp, After School Enrichment Programs, and Read-In Programs. Emancipation Conversations Lecture Series: This program refers to the rich griot tradition central to the diffusion and preservation of African American culture across generations. The discussions feature innovative and iconic community leaders, influencers, and humanitarians across various disciplines, including the arts, literature, business, science, philanthropy, and politics. Health & Wellness: Get Fit in the Tre - these programs are a variety of fitness and exercise classes and classes on preparing healthy meals.Economic Empowerment: Bridging the Gap Financial Literacy Series - This program is designed to give families the tools to help break the cycle of poverty. Classes include budgeting workshops, financial planning, small business assistance, career development, and others to equip families for financial growth. EPC hosted in-person and virtual offerings serving a vast number of local and non-local participants. Holiday In The Tre': A continuation of the rich tradition of communal celebration. This program provides a platform for talent and a conduit to support local businesses in Houston's historic Third Ward community. EPC also launched the Healthy Communities initiative during FY 2022 - 2023. This initiative utilizes social determinants of health framework to address health disparities across the community's priority populations (i.e., Seniors, Children and Families, Women, and Men). Additionally, EPC conducted its inaugural Community Innovation Grant during FY 2022 - 2023. Awards were made to community organizations to add capacity, drive innovation, and establish a pipeline of collaborative partners.