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April 2021 Newsletter

Dear Friends,

Save the Dates: June 1 - 19, 2021. Emancipation Park's 149th Juneteenth is a holiday celebrated all over the world that observes the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans in Texas on June 19, 1865. This celebration also commemorates the purchase of the historic Emancipation Park, the oldest public park in the City of Houston, (and reportedly the first one of its kind in the state of Texas), spearheaded by four determined men, Rev. Jack Yates, Richard Brock, Richard Allen and Rev. Elias Dibble, to provide a place where former slaves could safely celebrate their freedom. 

In reflection, Emancipation Park's 147th Annual Juneteenth Celebration in 2019 included over 5,000 attendees, two stages filled with amazing entertainment, free food, games, a kids' zone, 25+ vendors, 50+ community groups, and so much more marking a monumental success. While in 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Emancipation Park Conservancy (EPC) was faced with the task of upholding our four founders’ legacy by continuing the 148th Annual Juneteenth Celebration under pandemic restrictions. It was important to the Conservancy to carry on this tradition. The resiliency of our staff to overcome any challenges quickly pivoted to a virtual #WEAREJUNETEENTH campaign and we were able to host one of the most successful celebrations in our history that reached worldwide audiences.  

Overcoming the challenges of 2020 resulted in EPC taking Juneteenth to a place it had never been before. Again, we will face challenges in 2021 with tenacity, heart, and resilience. We are compelled to continue to commemorate Juneteenth with the 149th Annual Celebration at the historic Emancipation Park where it all began. So save the date! Click here to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.

Thanks so much for your continued support!

Lucy Bremond, Executive Director

Emancipation Park Conservancy

Engaging with EPC just got easier. Stay connected to Emancipation Park all in one place

 

EVENTS 

We are working proactively to bring you interactive virtual events that keep you connected to Emancipation Park from the comfort of your home. For special event and marketing inquiries or to share your ideas, contact Kynetta Moore at events@epconservancy.org.

 

#WEAREJUNETEENTH 2021 Virtual Experience sponsored by Shell

 
Title Sponsor 

Emancipation Park's 149th Annual Juneteenth Celebration will be virtual this year due to the pandemic. We are thrilled to once again plan an amazing schedule of events for the community to enjoy from June 1st to June 19th. #WEAREJUNETEENTH, 2021 Virtual Experience sponsored by Shell, is a national campaign that celebrates Juneteenth and its connection to the African American experience including the history, traditions, heritage, and culture.

During the month of June, we will use various platforms to highlight the community and the proactive measures they are taking to affect change. We will share stories of triumph, host panel discussions surrounding topics specific to African American experiences, spotlight businesses and organizations, celebrate with entertainment, and recognize leaders and history makers pushing the movement forward.

To learn more about the #WEAREJUNETEENTH campaign visit our website or contact Kynetta Moore at events@epconservancy.org or 346-319-3036. Make sure you follow us on Facebook and Instagram. More details coming soon!

 

#WEAREJUNTEENTH Sponsorship Opportunity

Reaching over 250,000 people globally via its digital platforms in 2020, Emancipation Park Conservancy's virtual Juneteenth celebration was a major success and provided a great marketing opportunity for event sponsors. Consider becoming a sponsor today!

We can create a sponsor package tailor-made for your brand and also help align your messaging with ours so that your organization can resonate with our community. Scheduled entertainment and educational segments will be featured on our website, social media platforms, newsletter, and much more. This diverse digital reach offers you exceptional opportunities to feature your brand to an increased global audience.

For more information, contact Patrina Johnson, development@epconservancy.org, 346-319-3033. 

 

#WEAREJUNETEENTH Volunteer Project 

There are other ways you can support us during #WEAREJUNETEENTH. You, your team, or your corporate group can sign up to volunteer for our Juneteenth service project and give a collective, impactful gift. For more information, contact Patrina Johnson, development@epconservancy.org, (346) 319-3033.

Sign Up to Volunteer as a Group | Donate Today

 

PROGRAMS

Even in light of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, Emancipation Park Conservancy strives to maintain programs in the areas of economic empowerment, health and wellness, and education that are resourceful, fun, culturally relevant, informative, and offer unique opportunities to our community. For program or partnership inquiries, contact us at program@epconservancy.org. 

 

Tech Pivots for Small Business Owners

Register today for our upcoming small business and entrepreneur training webinars.

Using Emerging Technology for Small Business Investments, Insurance and Business Credit
Date: Wednesday, April 14, 2021 | Time: 6:30 p.m. | Register here 

Is your business sufficiently healthy to receive interest from lenders to loan? Have you made the move to improve your business’s financial health to become a thriving successful business, or is your business a stagnant side hustle? Did you know that selling products or providing services isn't the only way to generate revenue for your business? Join us as we discuss investments, insurance, and business credit, and how leveraging new and emerging technology makes it easier to make your business more successful!

Upcoming Event: 

Technology and Intellectual Property Protection and Prevention
Date: Wednesday, May 19, 2021 | Time: 6:30 p.m. | Register here

The Emancipation Park Conservancy Economic Empowerment Small Business & Entrepreneur Technology training program, made possible through our sponsor Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation and community partner Emancipation Economic Development Council, provides training for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Visit our EPC Calendar to view other Upcoming Events.

 

Get Fit in the Tre Virtual Experience

Get Fit in the Tre virtual experience is still going strong. EPC is continuing to provide virtual fitness programming, encouraging our community to stay vigilant and do our part in helping to stop the spread of COVID-19. It is important for us to continue taking care of our minds and bodies by eating healthy and participating in some form of physical activity. Each week Get Fit in the Tre offers fitness options that can be accessed on our YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram pages at your convenience. All of our workouts can be completed from the safety of your home. Be sure to take photos and videos of your workouts and tag @EPConservancy to be featured on our social media pages.

 

Hip Hop Step Aerobics with Gretchen Jean 

Join us every Monday and Wednesday on Facebook at 6:00 p.m. for a 30-minute intense workout with Gretchen Jean. Gretchen guides us through a fun, interactive experience that is appropriate for all ages and fitness levels. This workout can be modified to participate with or without an aerobic step platform.

 

Fitness Tips with Grace and Grit Fitness 

Check out this video of Tia sharing chest and tricep exercises you can add to your daily routine. Each week, Tia shares fitness and wellness tips from healthy recipes, beauty/hair regimens when working out, to workouts you can complete right at home.

 

Historic Emancipation Park Audio Guide on Geotourist App 

Experience the rich history and heritage of Emancipation Park and explore its thoughtful architecture and state-of the art recreational facilities. The GPS-led audio guide can be streamed by downloading the free GeoTourist App on your mobile device and visiting the park at the designated sites. Can’t make it to the park? You can also stream the audio tour from your computer in the comfort of your home by clicking the link below.

This project has been funded in part by a grant from the Fondren Fund for Texas of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

 
 

WAYS TO SUPPORT

Our mission is to enhance Emancipation Park by preserving its integrity and enriching its heritage as a local, state, national, and international landmark. Your support will help us with capital initiatives, operational improvements, programs, and events to benefit current and future generations. For donation or sponsorship inquiries, contact Patrina Johnson at development@epconservancy.org.  

 

Support through Recurring Gifts, Workplace Giving, and Matching Gifts

Thank you for supporting Emancipation Park Conservancy. Did you know that you can make an even greater impact?! We would like to invite you to participate through our various giving programs: RECURRING GIFTSWORKPLACE GIVING, MATCHING GIFTS, and VOLUNTEERING.

Recurring Gifts Program

Spreading your support throughout the year is a convenient way to include your donations into your personal budget. 

Workplace Giving Program

This program is an easy and efficient way to make tax-deductible donations to charities through payroll contributions. 

Matching Gifts Program

This program allows you to maximize the impact of your donation through your company matching donations. 

Volunteer Program

This program empowers corporations, groups, and individuals to give back to through valuable volunteer opportunities.

Click a link or button below to make an even greater impact or to learn more. 

 

Online Donations and Recurring Gifts

Workplace Giving

Matching Gifts 

Volunteer

Sponsorship

Text-to-Give

Call

Mail

 

Sponsor Highlight

We are proud to announce that Shell will be the title sponsor of our 149th Juneteenth Virtual Celebration!

Cultivating relationships with sponsors like Shell is a direct reflection of the quality and value of our celebration. We are proud of the growth in partnerships, and the support from returning sponsors demonstrates the strength of our shared commitment to the history, traditions, heritage, and cultural of this virtual experience.

To become a sponsor to learn more on how you can support Emancipation Park Conservancy, contact Patrina Johnson at (832) 883-5114 or development@epconservancy.org.

 

Shop and Support at AmazonSmile 

Help make an impact in your local community every time you shop. Support Emancipation Park Conservancy through AmazonSmile.

When you select Emancipation Park Conservancy as your favorite charitable organization on smile.amazon.com, AmazonSmile donates 0.5% of the price of your eligible purchases at no cost to you. Simply shop for the same products that you'd find on Amazon.com and a percentage of your purchase automatically goes to EPC.

To connect EPC to AmazonSmile, log in to Amazon.com, visit this page and click start shopping. Make sure to shop from smile.amazon.com instead of Amazon.com for all of your future purchases.

Your donation will help us continue providing free, engaging online programs and events that keep your family connected to Emancipation Park such as collaborative live webinars and performances, movie night, fitness and cooking videos, park updates and much more.

 

COVID-19 UPDATES

COVID-19 Vaccination Available to All Adults 

All Texas adults are now eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination. Start by calling your doctor's office to check vaccine availability there. The Houston Health Department is offering free vaccines by appointment only. To learn more click here or call 832-393-4220.

 

What We Are Doing For You

During this unprecedented time we have been working with local officials to communicate the most updated information to our community.

We are working remotely from home Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We are checking our voicemail on a daily basis. Visit our website to contact us.

We are staying abreast of resources available to the community.

We are finding ways to keep you connected to Emancipation Park from home through our digital platforms.

We are staying informed with local and national updates, especially Houston Parks and Recreation Department, the National Recreation and Park Association, and Houston Emergency Operations Center.

 
 

Event Reservations, Rentals, and Permits during the COVID-19 Pandemic 

Please note updated information regarding event reservations, rentals, and special event permits during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mayor Sylvester Turner and the Mayor’s Office of Special Events (MOSE) have advised that all parades, fun runs and walks, bike rides, and festivals are on hold until further notice. For more information, contact MOSE at 832-393-0868, specialevents@houstontx.gov or click here.  

 

Emancipation Park Reminders:

Message from Mayor Sylvester Turner: Per the Texas Mask Lift Mandate, the City of Houston will continue to enforce its mask mandate in city-owned venues and buildings. "For people visiting all city venues and all city employees, you are still obligated to wear the face mask" said Mayor Turner. Learn more here.

All indoor facilities remain closed. Some outdoor facilities have reopened including the playground, basketball court, baseball field, and small pavilion (15 guests limit). If you visit the park, we strongly caution you to comply with social distancing as directed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization. Learn more about HPARD reopening here

HPARD Reservation and Rental Update: The City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD) has reopened its reservation and rental system for limited permitting. For more information or questions, contact 832-394-8805, askparks@houstontx.gov, visit HPARD website or click here

 

Emancipation Park Conservancy
3018 Emancipation Avenue
Houston, Texas 77004
(713) 528-1872
info@epconservancy.org

 
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