The Rosenwald Centennial Project
The Rosenwald Centennial Project presents
"Step Back in Time..."
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Three Historical and Edutainment Events planned for Walker County, Texas in 2024…
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A Houston Informer Foundation, Inc. Initiative with Huntsville's Rosenwald School Acres
Who is HiFI?
HOUSTON INFORMER FOUNDATION, INC.
www.HoustonInformerFoundation.org
NPO # 86-2509947
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The Houston Informer Foundation, Inc. (HIFI) is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting historical documents and data related to the Houston Informer and Texas Freeman Newspapers.
The Informer network of newspapers is recognized as the "Oldest Black Newspaper Published West of the Mississippi."
A BRIEF HISTORY:
The Texas Freeman newspaper first hit the streets in 1893. Later evolving into the Informer and Texas Freeman, the newspaper became the information hub of a multi-city chain of local publications ...chronicling/reporting the news for Black communities in Houston, Dallas, Galveston, Huntsville, Beaumont, San Antonio, Austin, Jackson Mississippi, Shreveport and New Orleans Louisiana.
For many, the information these papers provided was the life-blood of their quest for equality...unifying the communities they served “Without Fear or Favor.”
By the 1950s, the paper became a major player in advancing the call for civil rights for citizens of African descent.
HIFI's MISSION:
HIFI’s mission is to bring people together through the power of history and culture; promote cultural equity, inclusion and education that engages the public by creating memorable events of historic and edutainment value.
Our Purpose: To preserve and share nearly forgotten stories of African American inspiration and accomplishment. To incorporate unique cultural heritage experiences utilizing stories from and photographs from 130 years of pages of the Houston Informer and Texas Freeman’s extended family of newspapers.: Houston, Dallas, Galveston, Huntsville, Beaumont, San Antonio, Austin, Shreveport and New Orleans, Louisiana and even Jackson, Mississippi..
Our Vison: To feed the need in some—and create it in others—the adventure of discovering a new genre of Texas history; To promote inclusion by utilizing the power of edutainment to impart a love of history and culture;
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In 2023, HIFI offered Houston's residents innovative workshops, photography camps, labs, and field trips designed to engage students in historical preservation.
The Publisher's Vision
"PRESERVING THE PAST...AND THE FUTURE.
Publisher Lorenza P. Butler, Jr 's mission is to document, preserve and publicize African American culture. "Too many wonderful and inspirational stories are being lost..." He recently said, "Integration is a good thing, but that means we need to now INTEGRATE our historical audience. Allow our stories to take their rightful place in Texas history. "
"The only way to do this is to find ways to expose the ENTIRE citizenry to the joy of discovering historical treasures in general ...and ours by default."
"HIFI initiatives focus on positive stories of success. This 21st century digital age allows us to employ imaginative and immersive approaches to first attract, then educate and inspire diverse populations to appreciate our approach to imparting history."
"HIFI wants to create a hunger --an appreciation of the extraordinary accomplishments of patriotic citizens to enhance the educational, entrepreneurial and cultural development of Texas."
LORENZA P. BUTLER, JR..
Publisher Emeritus, Houston Informer and Texas Freeman
Chairman of the Houston Informer Foundation. INC
RESULTS MATTER
"PRESERVING THE PAST...AND THE FUTURE.
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PUBLISHER LORENZA BUTLER'S INTERVIEW ON FOX-26 HOUSTON WITH ISIAH CARY
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In 2023, HIFI, in partnership with H-E-B and other local businesses offered Houston's residents a year of traveling Photo Exhibits, innovative workshops, photography camps, labs, and field trips designed to engage students in historical preservation.
City of Houston's Kickoff Reception Highlights on YouTube
https://priscillagraham.zenfolio.com/p47536396/h542697af#h542697af " rel="noopener" target="_blank">by historic photographer Priscilla Graham
~ See other links to press coverage below ~
Huntsville/Walker County Texas:
Three Edutainment Events for Huntsville/Walker County Texas:
Partnering with Rosenwald School Acres, local businesses, media sponsors and 2 Huntsville museums, HIFI will create specialized adaptive issues of the "Huntsville Informer" available as souvenir handout and environmentally friendly digital eBooks.
Tax-deductible donations support HIFIs preservation projects, while helping to preserve and maintain the school gounds and graves of the founders in the Kittrell-Wilson Cemetery behind the school grounds
Each Special "Huntsville Informer" Edition
will be designed to compliment the "style" and character of each event while providing relevant local historic facts. (See below)
TEXAS MEDIEVAL MERRIMENT FESTIVAL
Feb 16-18, 2024....Walker County Fair Grounds, South Entrance at 270 FM 1791, Huntsville, TX 77340.
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STEP BACK IN TIME to historical renaissance and fantasy immersion festival with cos-play, knights, jesters, fair maidens, magic, madrigal singers, authentic mead and more. The festival aims to take winter-weary attendees to a whimsical world of medieval fantasy. Experienced and professional exhibitions, vendors and artisans will orchestrate primitive village games; demonstrate weaving, blacksmithing, pottery, jewelry making, archery, axe throwing, music, dance, acting, feats of strength and other fun skills. There is a 40% discount for $10-15 tickets through New Years Eve.
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Ye Medieval Informer "Town Crier"
At Huntsville's historic immersion “renaissance/fantasy” cos-play . Costumed student "Squires" will announce Merriment Village news, ring the bell for the beginning iof games and roaming performance events, provide directions , pass out flyers with QR-codes to the event's eSouvenir book and grounds map.
Step Back to Our Roots: Earth Day Oldies Music Fest
April 21, 2024, 3-8pm …at Rosenwald School Acres, 639 Rosenwall Rd, Huntsville, TX 77320…www.EarthDayJamFest.com.
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STEP BACK IN TIME TO...
“Old School Music” on the “Old School” grounds.
A free event at the site of Walker County's 1st public school for black children. This “rap-free” festival--sponsored in the past by HEB, Awesome Without Borders, local alumni and others-- is a old-fashioned community picnic of conservationists, live music history lovers, former alumni, and unique vendors. Sweet sounds gracing the woods at the past two festivals included bands and solo artists performing Motown, blues, country, bluegrass, folk and the music of Vaudeville..
Most importantly...This event celebrates energy conservation while honoring the memories of Rosenwald Schools#1 founders, teachers and caregivers. Between music sets 8 and 90 year old alumni share stories of their beloved (and for most--their only) school, the teachers, community games, competitions and holidays on the land.
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The Rosenwald School Centennial Edition
A Huntsville Informer Publication
This Centennial Edition of the Huntsville Informer will incorporate stories of the Rosenwald School founders, caregivers and living alumni. Many of the folk mentioned it the publication are buried in the Kittrell-Wilson cemetery behind Rosenwald Acres. Some will be honored as "Huntsville Heroes with their stories as part of the HIFI's Photo Exhibit, targeted for Juneteenth 2024.
STEP BACK IN TIME: “HUNTSVILLE HEROES”
… a Juneteenth Photo Exhibit. June 1-30, 2024
at select locations in and around Huntsville , Texas
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This East Texas expansion of HIFI’s hugely successful 2023 H-E-B sponsored traveling history Photo Exhibits in Houston will expand in June, 2024 to Huntsville/Walker County . .
The edition will celebrate Juneteenth by chronicling the stories of black and white Walker County Texas patriots who supported Emancipation and equal rights for African American Citizens, .featuring 16- 24 captivating stories of black and white "Huntsville Heroes" who played a significant role in improving the lives of the citizens of color in Walker County.
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CLICK TO BROWSE...
Steppin’ Back in Time Souvenir Booklet, October, 2023:
https://anyflip.com/wecp/lftb/
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The Huntsville Informer Guide to
HIFI's "Steppin' Back in Time: Huntsville Heroes" Photo Exhibit
The final Huntsville edition will celebrate Juneteenth with a print and online guide to the legends of our honorees and maps to the multiple locations of HIFI's oversize multi-site Huntsville outdoor photo display modules.