Garrett Griffin Jr.
Google
Today, blessed my soul and the ancestors were pleased. Pilgrimaging from Connecticut to Houston, Texas was not complete until we stepped foot on this sacred land. I took this journey with my wife and my mother, making it an even more meaningful family experience. My wife had first learned of this neighborhood from watching an episode of Top Chef, and our travels led us to the historic Freedmen’s Town Conservancy.
Terrell welcomed us at the Visitors Center with open arms, setting the tone for what became a deeply moving visit. Along the way, we were introduced to the “Mayor of Freedmen’s Town,” Charonda Johnson, a fifth-generation descendant of the original settlers. She generously shared her personal experiences and family history, reminding us of the vital importance of listening to our elders and leaders so we can carry their stories forward to the next generation.
The Gregory School Library was the icing on the cake—beautifully outlining the very history we had just walked through, giving context and depth to every brick street and preserved home.
This community stands as a living testament to freedom, perseverance, God’s divine protection, and the essential value of financial independence, ownership, and generational wealth. As an educator, I will carry the lessons of Freedmen’s Town to my scholars so that they, too, may understand and honor this legacy. I am truly grateful for this unforgettable experience.
