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A little rain won't put a damper on plans to say farewell to the "Harriet Tubman: Journey to Freedom” traveling exhibit at the Kerr Community Center—where longtime civic leader Opal Lee will offer a few words on Aug. 31 at 5:30 p.m.
What you need to know
According to the National Weather Service, there is a 50% chance of rain as of publication time.
Dock Jackson, Kerr Community Center board chair, said the Kerr team will move the event inside the center if it rains.
In anticipation of a large crowd, Jackson said attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for the farewell ceremony, which will be held outside barring rain.
"Rain or shine, we will be serving light refreshments inside the Kerr Community Center," Jackson said.
The plan
Speeches, poetry, music and prayer are scheduled during the event, including:
What's happening
After making its Texas debut at the 2024 Bastrop Juneteenth Family Freedom Festival, the 2,400-pound "Harriet Tubman: Journey to Freedom” sculpture will continue on its nationwide tour following the ceremony at 5:30 p.m.—when Lee, also known as the Grandmother of Juneteenth, will offer a few words.
Notable quote
"I'm elated to get a chance to see the Harriet statue before it gets out of my state," Lee told Community Impact. "You know, they call me the Grandmother of Juneteenth, which means freedom, and Harriet is the original champion of freedom. I'm so glad to get to see her."
What else?
Built in 1914 by Beverly and Lula Kerr, the Kerr Community Center has served as a hub for the Black community, providing a space for social, civic, recreational and education, according to the website.
The center was designated a National Historic Place in 1978, and a playground and park were added in 2007.
"We thought the park would be the perfect location for the Tubman sculpture," Jackson said. "It gives us a sense of pride to have been able to host the sculpture here—the Kerr Community Center served as a safe space for African Americans and was really the only African American gathering place, besides church and school, for many years."
One more thing
Today, the center continues to provide a venue for the community and can be rented for private and corporate events.
For more information, email [email protected].
