Important facts about why we celebrate Juneteenth
In March 2021, world-renowned artist Reginald Adams and his team of artists, the Creatives, began to place paint on the wall of the Old Galveston Square building located at 2217 Strand. The east facing wall of the building has been exposed and visible since the Osterman building was torn down many years ago.
The Osterman building was the location of the Union Headquarters on June 19, 1865 when Major General Gordon Granger gave the command to issue General Order number three that freed the enslaved people of Texas. It was signed by Major Frederick W. Emery, on behalf of Union Major General Gordon Granger.
This public art project is so much more than paint on the wall. As the country begins to reimage monuments and memorials in public spaces. Galveston is leading by example with the Absolute Equality mural. This storytelling space will be an outdoor classroom where visitors to the site can learn the history of Juneteenth and the continued push for absolute equality.
The mural will include an augmented reality feature that will allow visitors to the site to use smartphones to learn the history of the images in the mural. Danny Asberry El is President of Solel International, a nonprofit organization specializing in reviving communities through arts and culture. Solel was the first in Houston to create augmented reality murals, thanks to the partnership they share with the Uncover Everything App Company headed by Damien Johnson.
Learn more about what we do
About FDCDC
FDCDC has a fundamental belief that poverty cycles can be broken by education, hard work and opportunity. We envision young boys and girls in Jacksonville growing up with dreams of becoming confident and successful citizens in their community. Our belief is if they are given the proper tools, resources and guidance they are more likely to fulfill their destiny.
FDCDC – Continuing the Legacy of Service
Please be reminded that the FDCDC is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization and all contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Thank you in advance for your contribution and God Bless you and your family!
What We Are Doing
Socks For The Elderly 2021
Socks For The Elderly 2021
Socks For The Elderly 2021
Congratulations! Jordyn Whitaker, The First Softball Player from Jacksonville, Texas to play in the Division 1 College Softball Regionals and Super Regionals
Jordyn Whitaker-#5 Position: DP/Right Field Hometown: Jacksonville, Texas High School: Jacksonville H.S. Travel Ball: Texas Bombers-NTX Another "Lone Star State" native and No. 61 in the Extra Elite 100 Class of 2020 player rankings, Whitaker really made an impression this past spring as a junior at Jacksonville H.S. by hitting .444 with 36 hits, 33 runs scored, 10 doubles, 14 HR's and 49 RBIs on her way to reaping 2019 Collin Street Bakery/Texas Sports Writers Association Honorable Mention All-State, Tyler Morning Telegraph All-East Texas First Team, Cherokee County Offensive Player of the Year and District 16-5A Most Valuable Player honors. As a sophomore she also received honorable mention all-state and all-East Texas accolades as well as district offensive player of the year and an all-district nod for posting a .421 average with 12 extra-base hits and 28 RBIs. A 2018 TCS Power Pool All-Star and a 2016 TCS All-Star and All-American with the Texas Bombers-NTX, Whitaker hit .357 with seven HR's and 18 RBIs for her travel ball squad during fall 2019. Mike White on Jordyn Whitaker: "Jordyn Whitaker is a corner infielder and a power-hitting machine. She hits the ball so hard that it comes off the bat with a force that can only be described as 'explosive.' Jordyn is a solid athlete who can spray the ball around the field and drive it 300-feet thanks to her quick, short stroke." Jordyn has completed her Freshman year @ The University of Texas at Austin with a 3.78 GPA. She was recently named to the 2021 All Big 12 Freshman Team with 24 starts and 39 games played. Her current batting average is 350 with 3 homeruns 1 of which was a “grand-slam” against Texas Tech. The Longhorns will be playing in the Super Regionals in Stillwater May 28-30….2 wins away from advancing to the WCWS in Oklahoma City June 3-9. Jordyn is the daughter of Paul and Michelle Whitaker and the youngest of her 2 siblings: Joseph and Taylor (her personal “hype” squad). Jordyn has played softball since she was 5 years old all over the United States and through adversity and success she has kept her love and passion for the game allowing her to play this game on the biggest collegiate stage. She is majoring in Kinesiology and plans to teach and coach upon graduation.
2021 Scholarship Recipients Named
The Fred Douglass Community Development Corporation is excited to announce the recipients of its "Continuing the Legacy of Service" 2021 Scholarships. Two Jacksonville High School graduates were each presented a scholarship in the amount of $500.00 during the annual Awards Program at JHS on May 13, 2021!
The first recipient is Shy'lliyah Washington. She plans to attend University of Texas at Tyler. Her goal is to become a pediatrician. She was active in student council, HOSA, basketball, and band while attending high school. Shy'lliyah is the daughter of Frenita Hunter.
The second recipient is Peyton Robinson. He plans to attend Washington and Lee University. His goal is to become a physician. During high school, he participated in soccer, HOSA, and numerous community service projects, all while graduating 16th in his class. Peyton is the son of Jeff and LaShondra Robinson.
The FDCDC is committed to the positive development of youth and families in the community of Jacksonville. You can visit our website, fdcdc,org, and click "Donate" to make a contribution to help us support students as they continue their education beyond high school. Pictured from left to right is Tracey Wallace, Anita Starling, Peyton Robinson, Shy'lliyah Washington, and Sandra Thompson.
Historic Fred Douglass School Opening Provided a Pathway to Success for Black Students
M.B. Davis wrote in the 1956 yearbook, The Dragon. He wrote the following to the graduating class, "You have an excellent motto, 'The Door to Success is labeled PUSH.' I urge that you allow the meaning expressed in this motto to serve as an inspiration to you through the years to come. Your contacts and experiences at Fred Douglass High should give you a good foundation upon which to build a life of service to your community, your nation, and yourself. With every good wish, I am, yours truly, M.B. Davis."
Fred Douglass High School Success Stories
In follow up to the article recognizing pathways to success by FDHS, we want to highlight the many successful students from the historic FDHS. This month's featured success story is Mary Lois Boyd Jackson. Please submit information on other FDHS success stories in PDF format to [email protected]
News
Fred Douglass Community Development Corporation has a Facebook Business page. Check out what's new on our Facebook feed!