They Built Me for Freedom, Tonya Duncan Ellis
They Built Me for Freedom, Tonya Duncan Ellis
List: $2.99 | Sale: $2.10
Club: $1.49

They Built Me for Freedom
The Story of Juneteenth and Houston's Emancipation Park

Author: Tonya Duncan Ellis

Narrator: Aaron Goodson

Unabridged: 10 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Clarion Books

Published: 05/14/2024


Synopsis

A moving book about the history of Emancipation Park in Houston, Texas—and the origins of Juneteenth.When people visit me, they are free—to run, play, gather, and rejoice.They built me to remember.On June 19, 1865, the 250,000 enslaved people of Texas learned they were free, ending slavery in the United States. This day was soon to be memorialized with the dedication of a park in Houston. The park was called Emancipation Park, and the day it honored would come to be known as Juneteenth.  In the voice and memory of the park itself—its fields and pools, its protests and cookouts, and, most of all, its people—the 150-year story of Emancipation Park is brought to life. Through lyrical text Tonya Duncan Ellis and Jenin Mohammed have crafted an ode to the struggle, triumph, courage, and joy of Black America—and the promise of a people to remember.

About Tonya Duncan Ellis

Tonya Duncan Ellis is a former journalist and the author of the Sophie Washington series. She lives in Houston, Texas. You can visit her at tonyaduncanellis.com.  


Reviews

A great look at the history of Juneteenth and the history of Emancipation Park told from the perspective of the park.......more

Goodreads review by Steena

Beautiful book told through the POV of Emancipation Park and a message that will resonate with all ages! Engaging text, vibrant illustrations, and historical references make this a perfect read for classrooms, libraries, and homes!......more

Goodreads review by Jilanne

Lyrically narrated from the perspective of the Houston park originally created to celebrate the belated emancipation of slaves in Texas, this book serves as a perfect metaphor for how freedom needs tending. Originally a jewel in the heart of Houston, the park fell into disrepair until it was rescued......more

Goodreads review by Candace

THEY BUILT ME FOR FREEDOM by Tonya Duncan Ellis is a beautifully written history of Houston’s Emancipation Park and Juneteenth. “June 19, 1865. The day enslaved people found out the truth. They could work for their own money. Start their own families. Live their own lives.” I love that Ellis writes......more

Goodreads review by Karen

They Built Me for Freedom is a vibrantly colored story of Emancipation Park in Houston, built and rebuilt to honor Juneteenth and freedom from slavery. The staccato language is easy to repeat and share. “They built me to play” “They built me to give thanks” “They built me for freedom.” The many uses......more