| |  | Dear Friends, October is here! As we move into the Fall with cold, flu, and allergy season approaching and COVID-19 still present, Emancipation Park Conservancy will continue to stay vigilant with its safety guidelines and we would like to call your attention to some important October happenings. October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, countries all over the world raise attention, support and awareness for early detection, treatment, and palliative care for people impacted by breast cancer. While we have spent most of 2020 researching causes, cures, prevention and symptoms of COVID-19, it is important for our community to continue rallying around those impacted by breast cancer through advocacy and support of breast cancer research and detection. October 10th is World Mental Health Day, created to raise awareness of mental health issues and also eradicate the stigmas surrounding mental health conditions and resources available. We are hopeful that this day can serve as a reminder to actively check in with your personal mental health advisors and to reach out to family and loved ones to make sure they’re doing alright during these turbulent times. October 13th is the final day that the Say Their Name Memorial will be on exhibit at Emancipation Park. We thank Trae Tha Truth for understanding the need and sense of calling that propelled his outreach to bring this exhibit to Houston. October symbolizes the month of hope! By this time next year, we hope the COVID-19 pandemic will be in our rear view mirror. In the meantime, many of us are adjusting to new routines, combined with the normal surroundings that may trigger stress of everyday life. Having this timeline will help us to better understand, and cope with the unknown. Now is a time to think, connect, care, and support one another. We want you to know that we care about you and your continued well-being, and that all of us at Emancipation Park Conversancy are thinking of you. We truly appreciate your continued support. Engaging with EPC just got easier. Stay connected to Emancipation Park all in one place. Remember, we're in this together!  Lucy Bremond, Executive Director Emancipation Park Conservancy  | | | | | | | | | |  | Say Their Names Memorial on Display at Emancipation Park We are thrilled to host the Say Their Names Memorial exhibit at Emancipation Park through Tuesday, October 13, 2020 from 10a-7p daily. Thank you to rapper and activist Trae Tha Truth and Say Their Names Memorial for bringing the art installation to Houston! On Monday, September 28, 2020, Mayor Sylvester Turner, Trae Tha Truth, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, Emancipation Park Conservancy's board chairman, Ramon Manning, and family members of George Floyd and Botham Jean kicked off the opening of the exhibit with a press conference and ribbon cutting. The Say Their Names Memorial is a nationwide grassroots initiative, created by Joy Proctor, featuring over 200 photos of Black victims whose lives were lost to racial injustice, police brutality and racism. The exhibition was started in Portland, Oregon on Juneteenth 2020 by Say Their Names Memorial. The group shares photos and information with individuals and communities who want to create memorials in their own neighborhoods. It has been put up in over 25 locations nationwide. To learn more click here. Stop by and experience this amazing exhibit. COVID-19 safety guidelines will be enforced including social distancing, wearing masks and temperature checks. For inquiries or questions, contact Kynetta Moore at events@epconservancy.org. | | | | | | | | 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 us at program@epconservancy.org. | | | | Bridging the Gap Financial Literacy Series Last month we hosted our Bridging the Gap Credit and Money Management workshop. The virtual event offered financial strategies to help individuals reduce debt, increase and understand credit scores, and boost savings. We were joined by ShaRhonda Walker of Operation HOPE. The workshop can now be viewed on our YouTube Channel. | |  | Please also take the time to fill out our anonymous survey here. Your responses allow us to cater our programs to your specific needs and keep track of our community impact. Save the date for our next Bridging the Gap Workshop taking place on Tuesday, October 20, 2020. We will be discussing predatory lending. Details are forthcoming, stay tuned. 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. | | | | | | | |  | Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Facts & Figures for African Americans In support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are providing information to help inform you about the importance of preventive, regular screenings. About 202,260 new cancer cases and 73,030 cancer deaths were expected to occur among Blacks in 2019. African Americans have the highest death rate and shortest survival of any racial and ethnic group in the US for most cancers. Since 1990, however, the overall cancer death rate has dropped faster in Blacks than whites among both men and women, largely driven by more rapid declines in Blacks for cancers of the lung, colorectum, and prostate. As a result of this progress, the Black-white disparity in cancer mortality has narrowed and more than 462,000 cancer deaths in Blacks were avoided over the past 25 years. Screening increases the chances of detecting certain cancers early, when they might be easier to treat. Learn what screening tests the American Cancer Society recommends, when you should have them, and how they are covered under some types of insurance. Source: American Cancer Society. Cancer Facts & Figures for African Americans 2019-2021. | | | | Get Fit in the Tre Virtual Experience Get Fit in the Tre 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. | | | | 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 Cameron and Elle show us how to make pigs in a blanket with beef sausage. | |  | | | 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 Check out this video of Tia demonstrating three effective ab, leg, and arm 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. | |  | | | | |  | Ruby L. Thompson Elementary Students Receive Sanitation Kits Whether you're a company looking for a volunteer opportunity for your employees, a group looking to serve together, or an individual ready to give your time and talent, Emancipation Park provides multiple areas to volunteer. Last month, Emancipation Park Conservancy, in collaboration with Volunteer Houston and EnCap Investments, L.P., served 250 students at Ruby L. Thompson Elementary for a day of service in honor and remembrance of 9/11. We presented 250 sanitation kits to Thompson Elementary staff to provide to students returning for in-person instruction. Thank you EnCap Investments L.P. for assembling the kits and Volunteer Houston for bringing us all together! | | | | Internet Safety For Kids As families continue home-schooling and distant learning, kids are spending more time online to complete school work. It has become increasingly important to monitor and control use. Here are some helpful tips to ensure safe and responsible online browsing. | |  | | | 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. | |  | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Event Reservations, Rentals and Permits during 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 through the remainder of the year. They have agreed to allow a limited number of special events, in a controlled environment, up to 25% of the venue’s occupancy. Producers will be required to enforce and follow strict COVID-19 health and safety protocols during events. Any special event producers interested in securing a permit must undergo a rigorous two-step process involving MOSE and the City of Houston (COH) Health Department, this includes submitting a detailed special event COVID-19 safety plan, to be considered for approval. For more information, contact MOSE at 832-393-0868 or specialevents@houstontx.gov. | |  | | | 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, contact 832-394-8805 or askparks@houstontx.gov or visit HPARD website. | | | | | | | | 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 events@epconservancy.org. | |  | | | | | 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. | | | |  | Thank you for Supporting Emancipation Park Conservancy! Because of our donors and supporters, we have been able to continuously provide amazing virtual programs and events to over 200,000 individuals! Through sponsorships, your gifts given through our annual giving program, and our #GivingTuesdayNow and #BlackPhilanthropyMonth campaigns, we were able to offer: Events: Programs: Volunteers: Continue to support the great work being done in the Third Ward by making a donation today. Your support is greatly appreciated! | | | | | |  | | | | | | | | | 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
info@epconservancy.org | | | | | |  | | | | | | |
