Rescheduled Groundbreaking for African-American Memorial Set to Honor History and Resilience in Fort Bend County
A long-awaited tribute to African-American history and resilience in Fort Bend County is set to break ground this summer, with a rescheduled groundbreaking ceremony slated for August 24, 2024. The ceremony will mark the commencement of construction for a $10 million African-American Memorial at Bates Allen Park in Kendleton, Texas, a project that has garnered bipartisan support and will stand as a testament to the area's rich and tumultuous history.
Commissioner Dexter L. McCoy, the youngest elected official in the county, has been a driving force behind the Memorial's realization. He took the stage back in February 2024 to announce a landmark investment into the memorial. Standing just steps away from the resting place of Benjamin Franklin Williams, a former slave and the first Black legislator in Texas history, Commissioner McCoy announced a significant initial investment of $4 million for the project.
Aerial view of the anticipated African-American Memorial in Fort Bend County. (Source: Fort Bend County)“This Memorial will commemorate the Black experience, not only in Fort Bend County, but in Texas and beyond. It will be reflective of stories from Kendleton all the way to Congress,” McCoy said. The commissioner vowed to honor those buried in the two historical cemeteries, which will be incorporated into the Memorial's plans, and recognized the need to pay homage to those who have had their tombstones lost to time and neglect.
The Memorial and park, to be spread over four acres, will feature two museums, wetlands, and nature trails. The park aims to both acknowledge past injustices and celebrate the contributions of African-Americans in shaping the communities of Fort Bend County.
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As a tribute to the African-American journey, the Memorial will also stand in the same city where six freed families laid the foundations of the community by purchasing land from a plantation owner. It is hoped that the African-American Memorial will attract visitors for generations, spurring reflection and healing through the power of remembrance.
The groundbreaking ceremony, previously scheduled for June 19, 2024, was postponed due to tropical weather. The rescheduled ceremony promises to be a significant event, with the community expected to turn out in large numbers. The festivities will include musical performances and a presentation for Expose Excellence's spoken word competition.
A rendering of the African-American Memorial in Fort Bend County. (Source: Fort Bend County)Construction for the African-American Memorial, funded by parks bonds approved by Fort Bend County voters, is projected to take approximately one year.
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.
