Freedmen's Town Documentary Project
Donation protected
The Freedmen's Town Documentary Project will assist the general public in understanding the history and historical value of the Freedmen’s Town story.
Now, more than ever, the art of visual storytelling is needed to document the progression of events, emotions and concepts surrounding the rise and fall of one of Houston’s most important African American historic communities. The area formally known as Fourth Ward, and frequently referred to as Freedmen’s Town, is located on the western edge of the city, and the Freedmen’s Town Fine Art Photography Project (The Project) will tell the community’s story as it has never been told.
To communicate true emotions, the photographer will go beyond merely representing historical events surrounding the rise and fall of Freedmen’s Town, and even beyond commonly accepted examples of realism. Ferrell E. Phelps’ photographic eye will communicate Freedmen’s Town’s story - in a manner that will honor the community’s former inhabitants, while at the same time inspiring universal support for a portion of Houston’s Cultural Heritage, whose memory is threatened with extinction.
The photographer’s objective is to digitally capture his carefully designed reenactments of Freedmen’s Town residents on the red brick streets, as well as in the remaining historic structures. The photographer and his team will then create narratives to illustrate the community’s story using inspiring words that convey historical messages of Freedmen’s Town’s place in the broader history of Houston.
Capturing the raw emotions of anger, joy, hurt and excitement, Ferrell Phelps’ photographic art will connect the spirit of Freedmen’s Town’s ancestors to the viewing audience. Most importantly, combined with the narratives, the photography will tell the story of how the original red clay bricks were made, fired, cured, and laid by the hands of former slaves who chose to leave an enduring mark by using their talents, skills and hard earned money to positively impact the collective life of their community.
Now, more than ever, the art of visual storytelling is needed to document the progression of events, emotions and concepts surrounding the rise and fall of one of Houston’s most important African American historic communities. The area formally known as Fourth Ward, and frequently referred to as Freedmen’s Town, is located on the western edge of the city, and the Freedmen’s Town Fine Art Photography Project (The Project) will tell the community’s story as it has never been told.
To communicate true emotions, the photographer will go beyond merely representing historical events surrounding the rise and fall of Freedmen’s Town, and even beyond commonly accepted examples of realism. Ferrell E. Phelps’ photographic eye will communicate Freedmen’s Town’s story - in a manner that will honor the community’s former inhabitants, while at the same time inspiring universal support for a portion of Houston’s Cultural Heritage, whose memory is threatened with extinction.
The photographer’s objective is to digitally capture his carefully designed reenactments of Freedmen’s Town residents on the red brick streets, as well as in the remaining historic structures. The photographer and his team will then create narratives to illustrate the community’s story using inspiring words that convey historical messages of Freedmen’s Town’s place in the broader history of Houston.
Capturing the raw emotions of anger, joy, hurt and excitement, Ferrell Phelps’ photographic art will connect the spirit of Freedmen’s Town’s ancestors to the viewing audience. Most importantly, combined with the narratives, the photography will tell the story of how the original red clay bricks were made, fired, cured, and laid by the hands of former slaves who chose to leave an enduring mark by using their talents, skills and hard earned money to positively impact the collective life of their community.
Organizer
Ferrell E Phelps
Organizer
Aldine, TX
