We are excited to announce this year's Community Service Project, focused on the restoration and beautification of Freedman’s Town, a historic community in Houston initially established by freed black families of Afro-Caribbean descent. Many of these families, speaking Spanish and having traveled via the Port of Galveston, eventually settled in Houston’s fourth ward.
This project includes a range of activities designed to honor and preserve this significant cultural site, and we need your help to make it a success! Here are the details:
Project Activities:
Restoration of a Prayer Labyrinth:
- This prayer labyrinth was created on the site of a former historic church demolished without permission. The church trustees transformed the space into a contemplation and prayer maze for community use. We need approximately 20 volunteers to help re-rock the area. Texas AFT has agreed to pay for the materials. Read more about the history here.
Lily Planting:
- Ms. Roberts has requested assistance in re-planting and preserving the historic lilies, originally imported from Africa and cultivated by the community for over 100 years. Up to 20 volunteers can help with this task.
Indoor Assistance:
- Volunteers unable to work outside may assist in an air-conditioned archaeological laboratory.
Schedule:
- Arrival: Between 7:30 and 8:00 AM to start before it gets too hot.
- Work Completion: By 10:30 or 11:00 AM, or once it becomes too hot to continue.
- Lunch and Historical Talk: A historian will share details about the community and our work during lunch on-site at the conclusion of the service.
Location:
- The site is extremely close to the convention center and hotel, less than a 10-minute drive, or approximately a 30-minute walk.
- Texas AFT volunteers will also be on hand to assist with the work.
We are looking forward to your participation in this meaningful project!
