Kendleton Unveils Nation’s Tallest African American Heritage Monument in Historic Ceremony
In a moment steeped in history and symbolism, community members and leaders gathered on November 8, 2025, to dedicate the newly completed African American Heritage Monument and Park in Kendleton, a landmark now recognized as the tallest monument in the country honoring African American heritage.
Located at Bates Allen Park on a site rich with historical ties to Black resilience and self-governance, the 40-foot-tall monument stands as a striking tribute to generations of African Americans who helped shape Fort Bend County and the state of Texas.
The dedication ceremony drew a diverse crowd of residents, civic leaders, and descendants of Kendleton’s founding families. Fort Bend County Precinct 4 Commissioner Dexter L. McCoy led the event in partnership with the African American Memorial Conservancy and local stakeholders. Their goal: to celebrate the completion of a project years in the making—one that unites cultural preservation, public remembrance, and regional revitalization.
“This monument is more than a landmark; it is a living legacy and a testimony to resilience,” said Commissioner McCoy during his remarks. “We want every visitor to leave inspired, understanding the history that shaped us and envisioning the unity we must continue to build together”.
A Monument with Purpose
Set on a 236-acre site in one of Texas’ earliest African American settlements, the monument anchors a broader $10 million project launched in 2024 to highlight Black heritage in the region. The land includes the historically sacred Newman Chapel Cemetery, final resting place of Benjamin Franklin Williams—believed to be Texas’ first Black state legislator—and Oak Hill Cemetery, where many other African American pioneers are buried.
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Designed by Hines Architecture + Design under the creative leadership of Daimian Hines, the monument represents more than aesthetics. It was conceptualized to be a gathering place for education, reflection, and celebration. The project includes walking trails, wetlands, museums, and educational displays that are intended to foster a deeper understanding of local and state history.
The November dedication included music by gospel singer Kirisma Evans and tributes from descendants of Kendleton's original settlers, including Kimberly Alton-Calhoun, Washington “Rey” Alton, and Henry Douglas King, Sr. Emceed by Khambrel Marshall, the ceremony also featured words from Kendleton Mayor Veronica Melton Harris and Reverend Richard Booker of Little Zion Missionary Baptist Church.
Lucy Bremond, Board Chair of the African American Memorial Conservancy, offered reflections on the monument’s cultural role and emphasized the importance of preserving the stories of those who endured—and overcame—the cruelties of slavery to build independent lives in Texas.
Honoring Kendleton’s Historical Significance
The placement of the monument in Kendleton is deeply intentional. Founded after emancipation by formerly enslaved families who purchased land from a plantation owner, Kendleton remains one of the rare examples of a self-governed Black town in Texas. It’s a community rooted in self-determination, and leaders hope this monument will shine a light on its often-overlooked legacy.
By combining local history with contemporary design and public programming, the African American Heritage Monument and Park positions itself as a cornerstone for heritage tourism in Fort Bend County—an effort local officials say will support not just education but long-term economic growth and regional investment.
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A Community Effort with Statewide Impact
The project was made possible by a mix of voter-approved Fort Bend County parks bonds and public-private partnerships. While Commissioner McCoy has been the visible face of the project’s progress, the dedication event underscored the shared commitment from community members, faith leaders, local artists, and descendants who have fought to preserve their stories.
And now, with the monument in place and construction of the surrounding park facilities continuing, the site is poised to become both a solemn space for reflection and a vital hub for community engagement, school field trips, and historical education.
As visitors begin to arrive, many will walk away with a greater understanding not just of Kendleton’s past, but of how the spirit of resilience continues to shape Texas today.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
