ChannelTwoNews Posted January 17, 2023 Share Posted January 17, 2023 I'll admit I've only been aware of the park passing by it over the years on 59 and never have been to it. It is a Fort Bend County property. For those not familiar with the area, it's just southwest of Kendleton near the Lum Road exit, extending toward the San Bernard River. Thought it was interesting as over the past year, people have become more informed of the historical nature of the park as a number of individuals have become involved in raising awareness about the resting places of a number African-Americans of the mid and late 1800s and the deterioration of the grounds that are the burial sites. One of the most notable is Benjamin Franklin Williams - the first man of color to be recognized as a Methodist minister in the state, and a three-term state representative for Fort Bend County who was said to have been the first non-white person to have earned votes for the Speaker's position in that chamber. Former Congressman Pete Olson has been spearheading much of the efforts during this time and has gotten the Exchange Club of Sugar Land involved in making regular visits to the site and conducting several cleanups to remove overgrowth and debris and to keep it down. The Fort Bend Herald had an article on the most recent visit which occurred yesterday. One of the persons quoted mentioned a desire to turn the site into an educational and historical site not unlike the what happened with the Sugar Land 95. The grounds are also currently home to a small museum - the Fort Bend County Heritage Unlimited Museum, which focuses on the history and achievements of African-Americans in the County. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChannelTwoNews Posted March 2, 2023 Author Share Posted March 2, 2023 Fort Bend County to invest in new African-American memorial park to honor one of first freedmen’s towns in Texas – Houston Public Media "Fort Bend County announced on Monday a $4 million investment for the creation of a new African-American Memorial at a park in Kendleton, southwest of Rosenberg. The community was one the first freedmen's towns in Texas – founded by freed slaves in the 1860s. Part of Bates Allen Park will be redeveloped, including the preservation of two historic black cemeteries and a memorial to honor Fort Bend County's sometimes-forgotten African-American History." 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hindesky Posted June 7, 2023 Share Posted June 7, 2023 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChannelTwoNews Posted October 16, 2023 Author Share Posted October 16, 2023 Part of the Election Bond Projects to be voted in in a few weeks. https://agendalink.co.fort-bend.tx.us:8085/docs/2023/CCTS/20230802_3820/57637_Overall_Total_2023_Parks_Bond_Project_07.24.23.pdf Bates M. Allen Park Construct a new 2 story Learning Center building with (8,000 SF). Also, a new expanded road entrance, new parking lot, lighting for parking area, elevated monument sign, new maintenance facility, irrigation, landscaping, area water well and septic system, boat ramp, pier, grading and detention pond. Kendleton $7,315,250.00 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SLC Posted February 27 Share Posted February 27 Do you know when they are going to break ground? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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