1928: Emancipation Park

Established in 1928, Emancipation Park is situated at 2300 Rosewood Ave. The park once served as a “segregated park” for Black community members in Austin.

Sitting on 17 acres, the park features a limestone building which serves as a recreation facility. The City of Austin added to the park in the 1930s tennis courts, baseball fields, and a swimming pool. There’s also an auditorium named for Doris “Dorrie” Miller – former naval hero and Austinite.

Much like all other historic spaces here in Austin, Emancipation Park also holds a unique history. The park hosts numerous events each year; a Juneteenth parade and festival held annually on June 19 is likely the most notable. The parade gives community members a chance to come together to celebrate the abolition of slavery in the United States.

The parade, first held 1900 at Eastwoods Park (near the University of Texas main campus), was later moved in attempt to hold a proper celebration on Black-owned land. Thanks to the efforts of the formerly enslaved Thomas J. White the festivities were moved to Rosewood Neighborhood Park in 1930. The celebration still takes place there today.