PICTURED ABOVE: Ramon Manning, Chairman of the Emancipation Park Conservancy Board of Directors
The Emancipation Park Conservancy recently announced that the Coca-Cola Foundation has awarded them a major financial grant that will enable the Conservancy to directly impact key constituents in the area.
Ramon Manning, Chairman of the Emancipation Park Conservancy Board of Directors, shared the news that Conservancy received the grant in the amount of $100,000, which will support programming at the historic park and green space destination located in Houston’s Third Ward.
“This very generous financial grant and the significant corporate-level support associated with it enables the Conservancy leadership to directly impact key constituencies in the community,” said Manning. “Working in conjunction with a number of community organizations and key stakeholder groups, we have developed some ambitious programming at Emancipation Park, and this partnership with the Coca-Cola Foundation only reaffirms we are on the right track.”
Originally purchased in 1872, by four former slaves for $800, Emancipation Park served as a gathering place for African Americans, and was the original site of Juneteenth celebrations in Houston. Today, Emancipation Park, an 11.7 acre jewel located between Houston’s thriving central business district and the world renowned Texas Medical Center, is pressing forward with a $33.6 million renovation and construction project.
“The board of The Coca-Cola Foundation has awarded Emancipation Park Conservancy a grant in the amount of $100,000 in support of the Bridging the Gap program,” said Linda W. Brigham, Senior Manager, Public Affairs and Communications for the Coca-Cola Company. “We at Coca-Cola are delighted to support your efforts and look forward to working closely with the Emancipation Park Conservancy.”
The Bridging the Gap program empowers women in the areas of financial literacy, financial planning and business consulting. The goal of the program is to educate women in making wise financial decisions and develop strong business acumen to build a more stable and solid financial future. The program will consist of financial literacy classes to cover budgeting skills; college loans, home buying and retirement planning workshops; the introduction and implementation of savings and investment clubs; and business consulting workshops for aspiring entrepreneurs. Classes will be offered free of charge at the Emancipation Park Community Center.
Scheduled to officially open to the public on Sunday, November 6, 2016, Emancipation Park will serve as ground-zero for a variety of programs serving all ages in the areas of education, wellness, fitness, and sports. In addition to programming, Emancipation Park will also host seminars, town hall meetings, conferences, concerts, plays, exhibitions, festivals and the Juneteenth Festival for all to come and enjoy.
In addition to the Coca-Cola Foundation, Emancipation Park is financially supported by a committed group of well-known and highly respected public and private partners including the City of Houston; Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone No. 7; Texas Parks & Wildlife Department; Houston Endowment; Brown Foundation; Kinder Foundation; and the Timken Foundation.
About Emancipation Park:
Emancipation Park, located in Houston’s Third Ward, is the oldest park site in the City of Houston. It was originally part of the land granted in 1839 to James S. Holman, who had served as Houston’s first mayor. The parcel was purchased for $800 in 1872 by a group of black community leaders (Jack Yates, Elias Dibble, Richard Allen & Richard Brock) in celebration of Juneteenth (the anniversary of the emancipation of African-Americans in Texas on June 19, 1865). Today, Emancipation Park, an 11.7 acre jewel located between Houston’s thriving central business district and the world renowned Texas Medical Center, is pressing forward with a $33.6 million renovation and construction project. The park’s master plan provides for restoration of the community center and pool house; construction of a new recreation center; off-site parking; multi-purpose space to accommodate gatherings of up to 3,000; enhancement of outdoor experiences including picnic areas, a baseball field, tennis court, basketball court, play area and event, exhibition and performance space, as well as an interactive visitor’s center and souvenir retail shop. Designed by highly respected and noted architect Phil Freelon of the global architecture and design firm Perkins+Will, and the design visionary behind some of America’s most respected cultural institutions, including the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., the new Emancipation Park is certain to take its place among the nation’s most respected parks and green space destinations.
About Emancipation Park Conservancy:
A state of Texas recognized 501c (3) not-for-profit organization, Emancipation Park Conservancy is comprised of a diverse group charged with the responsibility, management and sustainability for Emancipation Park. This includes programming, safety, maintenance, security and long-term funding.
About The Coca-Cola Foundation:
Since our inception in 1984, The Coca-Cola Foundation has given back more than $820 million to enhance the sustainability of local communities worldwide. The Coca-Cola Foundation is our Company’s primary international philanthropic arm. The Foundation was established in the U.S. as a registered 501(c) (3) charitable organization. Foundations grants are awarded throughout the year based on our priorities, tax requirements, legal compliance and approval by the Foundation’s Board of Directors. For more information about the Coca-Cola Foundation, please visit www.cocacolacompany.com.