Emancipation Park in Houston

Last week, Emancipation Park in Houston's third ward was re-opened. It was a day of joy and festivity coinciding with "Juneteenth" which is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. 

Designed by Perkins+Will, lead by Phil Freelon, FAIA, he wrote: "Visitors to Emancipation Park encounter a variety of experiences as they enter and move through an interwoven tapestry of buildings and landscape. In addition to the Park’s recreation offerings, there are multiple cultural and historic elements in the design, some direct and visible, and others more nuanced."

We were asked by Perkins+Will to document with our photographs this important date in Houston's history.

Photos by Mariella and Luis Ayala.