With catalytic support from Kinder Foundation, Houston Endowment, Brown Foundation, the Wagner Foundation, and a dozen Preservation Champions, and in partnership with the City of Houston and artist Theaster Gates, phase two of the project focuses on preserving and returning more than 20,000 historic bricks previously removed from Freedmen’s Town, constructing a pavilion to temporarily house the bricks, and rehabilitating three historic homes.

Established in 1865, Freedmen’s Town is a 40-block area west of downtown Houston that was built by the newly freed Black people who lived there. The most significant intact Freedmen’s Town in the country, its residents formed a vibrant community anchored by brick streets that are a testament to the resilience and empowerment of Black people and places.

Theaster Gates is designing an open-air pavilion to house the bricks until they are returned to the streets and then for use by Mt. Horeb Missionary Baptist Church. Three homes on Mt. Horeb Missionary Baptist Church’s property also will be rehabilitated — a pivotal step in preserving and revitalizing the cultural assets of the community. These homes are integral to the rich heritage and history of Freedmen’s Town. Construction of the pavilion and restoration of the homes are expected to begin in early 2026.

While the comprehensive design for the full preservation of Freedmen’s Town’s brick streets is being completed by Houston Public Works, the partnership will continue to host and inspire a range of artistic activations and community engagement events.

Additionally, this initiative represents a vital economic investment in the community, catalyzing revenue generation through increased tourism, cultural events, and local business support.

The Rebirth in Action project, launched in 2022, aims to fully preserve the 0.7 miles of Freedmen’s Town’s historic brick streets and catalyze the ongoing preservation of Freedmen’s Town.

Information on page is current as of August 22, 2025. Lifetime gift total of $3,000,000 may include other gifts not mentioned above.