Learn more about what we do

Welcome to Fred Douglass
Community Development Corporation

The mission of the Fred Douglass Community Development Corporation (FDCDC) is to advance the social and economic well-being of low and moderate income individuals and families in and around Jacksonville, Texas.

History of Mother's Day Celebrations of mothers and motherhood can be traced back to the ancient Greeks and Romans, who held festivals in honor of the mother goddesses Rhea and Cybele, but the clearest modern precedent for Mother’s Day is the early Christian festival known as “Mothering Sunday.”

Once a major tradition in the United Kingdom and parts of Europe, this celebration fell on the fourth Sunday in Lent and was originally seen as a time when the faithful would return to their “mother church”—the main church in the vicinity of their home—for a special service.

Over time the Mothering Sunday tradition shifted into a more secular holiday, and children would present their mothers with flowers and other tokens of appreciation. This custom eventually faded in popularity before merging with the American Mother’s Day in the 1930s and 1940s.

Did you know? More phone calls are made on Mother’s Day than any other day of the year. These holiday chats with Mom often cause phone traffic to spike by as much as 37 percent. 

Events

May 20, 2023

Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Coronation

1208 Arnold Street
Jacksonville, Tx


Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Coronation

The Fred Douglass Community Development Corporation (FDCDC) is excited to announce these two young ladies have been chosen as the first Miss Juneteenth Scholarship  Queens!

 Jaleigha Jiles has been named Junior Miss Juneteenth. (Ages 13-15)

 Marquicia Robertson has been named Miss Juneteenth. (Ages 16-18)

A crowning (coronation) will occur on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at Seminary Heights Church of Christ at 1:00 p.m. Family and friends are invited and encouraged to attend.

Each Queen will receive:

 Scholarship funds in the amount of $500 in a 529 account.
The young ladies and their families can contribute to their accounts as much and as often as they would like. Total funds will be withdrawn by FDCDC and submitted to the college of their choice at the time of college enrollment.

 Crown

 Dozen roses

 Juneteenth T-shirt

 Fulfilling the duties of the title for one year

Congratulations, Queens!! My Character, My Crown

Continuing the Legacy of Service!



Jaleigha Jiles is the daughter of Dorsheria Tatum and Jeremy Wilburn, the granddaughter of Jerri and Darrian Johnson, Gloria Wilburn, and Albert Franklin. She is in the eighth grade at Whitehouse Junior High School. Jaleigha is a member of the East Texas Outlaws dance team. She is a member of the Whitehouse Jungle Club, an organization that raises money for the school. She plays basketball and is an all-star cheerleader for the Whitehouse Wildcats. She loves to draw and style her hair. The reason why she signed up for the Junior Miss Juneteenth Pageant was that she wanted to send a message to all young girls that you can do anything if you put your mind to it. 

Marquicia (Quiqui) Shantell Robertson is the daughter of Marsha Robertson, the granddaughter of John and Brenda Robertson. She is a sophomore in the class of 2025 at Jacksonville High School. Marquicia is a member of the National Honor Society, HOSA where she is the treasurer, a 2-year varsity basketball player, and member of the student council.



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.

Read more

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!

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. Please submit information on your FDHS success stories to [email protected] in PDF format please. 



3 phase development of the Lincoln Park area presented by FDCDC Board of Trustee, Dr. Kenya I. Sekoni Etim  


 

Phase 1: Renovate the park
Phase 2: Create a community garden
Phase 3: Build a community center

FDCDC is teaming up with other community leaders interested in improving District 1- the Lincoln Park neighborhood to start Phase 1.

AIMS:

Safer: better lighting, neighborhood watch, better equipment.

Smarter: An intentional playground
helps children develop emotionally and intellectually.

Healthier: Improve balance, strength, mobility of seniors and kids. 



Our Fred Douglass Family includes a fine group of people operating as a team with the common objective of keeping the Fred Douglass dream alive and improving the community. All of us play an important part in making this happen. I am pleased and honored to be part of the Fred Douglass Family, and I am looking forward to all of us working on this important community project together.

Sincerely,

Willie J. Howard 

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