| |  | Dear Friends, As the executive director of Emancipation Park Conservancy, my job duties include telling the story of the Juneteenth journey that led to the purchase of the historic Emancipation Park in 1872 and the role that we play in preserving the park’s rich history. It is a story with memories of progress, setbacks, hopes and dreams. In the midst of COVID-19, the untimely death of Houston’s native George Floyd and the international recognition of the Black Lives Matter movement, the Emancipation Park Conservancy team created the #WEAREJUNETEENTH (#WAJ) campaign. It provided an opportunity for anyone in the world to experience Juneteenth. Our #WAJ campaign held in June, now has more than 200,000 views across Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Youtube. It clearly demonstrated the creativity and innovative approach of ‘pivoting’ from the talented EPC staff that far exceeded any of our wildest imaginations. They continue their commitment to provide the excellent customer service that you have come to know and expect from the conservancy while remaining in full compliance with all City of Houston directives. I want to take a moment to introduce them to you and the roles they played to ensure the success of the #WAJ campaign. | | | | I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge and thank our #WAJ sponsors and donors who generously responded to our #WAJ campaign fundraising efforts. August is Black Philanthropy Month (BPM), a global celebration and concerted campaign to elevate Black philanthropy. I hope that you will join me in celebration of BPM by making your donation to Emancipation Park Conservancy, accessing our virtual GeoTourist and sharing it with others. Until we emerge from the devastating effects of COVID-19, you can continue to expect even more fun, engaging virtual health and wellness, educational, and economic empowerment programs and events. Remember, we're in this together!  Lucy Bremond, Executive Director Emancipation Park Conservancy | | | | | | | | Even in light of the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, Emancipation Park Conservancy strives to maintain programs in the areas of health and wellness, education, and economic empowerment that are resourceful, fun, culturally relevant, informative, and offer unique opportunities to our community. For program or partnership inquiries, contact Iman Garrett-Price at [email protected]. | | | | Bridging the Gap Financial Literacy Series Bridging the Gap continues this month with an Emergency Financial Preparedness workshop taking place at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 25, 2020. A financial emergency can range from a natural disaster, sudden unemployment, sudden illness, global health pandemic, or many other scenarios. This virtual workshop will cover financial disaster budget planning and emergency preparedness. We will be joined by representatives from The Alliance, who will discuss their COVID-19 response, including their financial empowerment center and COVID-19 emergency resources for individuals, families and small businesses in search of relief. Registration is required. Click here to register. The Emancipation Park Conservancy Bridging the Gap Financial Literacy Program is made possible through our sponsor Veritex Community Bank and community partner NABA-Houston Chapter. | |  | | | | | Get Fit in the Tre Virtual Experience We are still rocking and rolling with Get Fit in the Tre! While some gyms have opened up, we still must 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. | | | | Get Fit in the Tre for Kids Richard Dora of RichSoFit continues to share weekly guided workout videos for kids. Get Fit in the Tre for Kids is a great way for them to remain active at home and enjoy some fun physical activity. Videos are appropriate for all levels of fitness, so feel free to have the entire family join the fun. Check out one of our favorite workouts this month, a fun circuit with Richard, Blake, Zariah and Aubrey. | |  | | | Cooking with the Garcias The Garcias are still cooking up some great recipes in the kitchen! Cooking with the Garcias provides kid-friendly snack and meal options you can prepare with your family. Every other Thursday our very own staff member, Iris Garcia, and her beautiful family join us on Facebook to share some of their favorite recipes. This month Ava and Iris show us how to make a healthy, refreshing cucumber tomato salad that even the kids will enjoy. | |  | | | 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 fitness experience that is appropriate for all levels. This workout can be modified so that you can participate with or without an aerobic step platform. | |  | | | Fitness Tips with Tia of Grace and Grit Fitness Enjoy healthy eating tips and home workout demos every Tuesday with health and wellness coach, Tia Alexander, founder of Grace and Grit Fitness. Tia not only shows us how we can stay fit at home, but also how to practice discipline in the kitchen! | |  | | | | | Mayor’s Back to School Fest Presented by Shell The Mayor’s Back to School Fest Presented by Shell is designed to help economically disadvantaged Houston-area elementary school students and their families as they prepare to return to school. In order to accommodate the growing number of students who need assistance, this year’s event will take place over a two-day period at NRG Park, Yellow Lot on Friday, August 7th and Saturday, August 8th from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. While there is much uncertainty during this time, a critical need for assistance with basic school supplies, food, and personal protection equipment for students still remains. The event will be able to help fill in these gaps with a drive-through distribution in partnership with the Houston Food Bank. With the help of many great partners and sponsors, backpacks, school supplies, masks and food will be provided to thousands of elementary students (K-5) and their families, free of charge. Click here to register. | |  | | | Emancipation Park Historical Audio Tour We launched the Emancipation Park Historical Audio Tour during our #WEAREJUNETENTH celebration. The project was funded in part by a grant from the Fondren Fund for Texas of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Get ready to learn about the rich history and heritage of Emancipation Park, and to 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. Click here or scan the QR Code to begin. | |  | | | | | | | | | | |  | | | We Want to Hear From You! We are working proactively to bring you interactive digital content that keeps you connected to Emancipation Park from the comfort of your home. In order for us to continue providing great events with you in mind, we want to hear your suggestions. For special event and marketing inquiries or to share your ideas, contact Kynetta Moore at [email protected]. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Emancipation Park Reminders: All indoor facilities are closed. Most outdoor facilities are closed including the playground, basketball court and baseball field. Yellow signs have been placed around the park to remind patrons of closures. If you must 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. City of Houston officials have increased park patrol to ensure patrons' safety and compliance. Non-Compliance should be reported to HPARD Dispatch at 832-395-7100. Updated Reservation/Rental Message from HPARD: "In an effort to reduce the community spread of COVID-19, the City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department (HPARD) has extended its cancellation of all private permitted reservations until further notice. Currently, no reservations are being accepted. Please be advised that this is an ever-changing and ongoing situation and we will continue to adapt to any directives or guidelines we receive from Mayor Turner as it relates to the health and safety of the City of Houston’s citizens. We appreciate your patience as we continue to work diligently through this global pandemic that is impacting our normal operations." For more information, please visit HPARD website. | | | | | | | | | | 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 [email protected]. | | | |  | Support EPC During Black Philanthropy Month! In support of Black Philanthropy Month, we invite you to become a philanthropist and be one of 148 donors to make a monthly recurring gift of $18.72 during the park’s 148th anniversary year. Your monthly gift of $18.72 makes it possible for us to continue to restore, manage and enhance the open space of environmental and community excellence while continuing to preserve the integrity and historical roots of Emancipation Park. Help us reach our goal this August! Black Philanthropy Month (BPM), observed every August, is a global celebration and concerted campaign to elevate African-decent giving. Created by Jackie Bouvier Copeland, Ph.D. and the Pan-African Women’s Philanthropy Network (PAWPNet), BPM launched in August 2011 to commemorate the United Nations Year and Decade of People of African Descent. Primary aims of BPM are informing, involving, inspiring and investing in Black philanthropic leadership to strengthen African-American and African-decent giving, in all its forms, for the benefit of our planet, our communities, our organizations and our lives. | | | | | | | | | | WAYS TO GIVE Giving is not just about making a donation, it’s about making a difference”
~ Kathy Calvin, CEO & President of the United Nations Foundation. You can play an integral part in helping enhance Emancipation Park by preserving its integrity and enriching its heritage as a local, state, national, and international landmark. Consider making a gift today! Choose one of the various ways to support: | | | | | | Your support will make a huge impact within the community we serve through our education, health and wellness, and economic empowerment programs and events. Thank you for considering joining us! | | | | | | Emancipation Park Conservancy
3018 Emancipation Avenue
Houston, Texas 77004
(713) 528-1872
[email protected] | | | | | |  | | | | | | |
