Learn more about what we do

Welcome to Fred Douglass
Community Development Corporation

The mission of the Fred Douglass Community Development Corporation (FDCDC) is to advance the social and economic well-being of low and moderate income individuals and families in and around Jacksonville, Texas.


International Women's Day is March 8, 2023, campaign theme: #EmbraceEquity

When we embrace equity, we embrace diversity, and we embrace inclusion. We embrace equity to forge harmony and unity, and to help drive success for all.

Equality is the goal, and equity is the means to get there. Through the process of equity, we can reach equality. Don't just say it. Think it. Be it. Do it. Value it. Truly embrace it.

How will you embrace equity?

Share the passion and excitement that comes from valuing and supporting difference. Reflect on how we can all be part of the solution, not the problem. Encourage and rally your friends, family, colleagues, and community to embrace equity. Together we can work collectively to impact positive change. Together we can all help forge an equal world. Let's all embrace equity today, and always.

Are you in? Will you embrace equity? Show the world your huge embrace. Strike the IWD #EmbraceEquity pose to show solidarity. Share your #EmbraceEquity image, video, resources, presentation, and articles across social media using #IWD2023 #EmbraceEquity to encourage others to help forge an inclusive world.

International Women's Day March 8, 2023

Congratulations to Tracey Wallace, one of the FDCDC Board Black History Champions! We had our third Black History Month challenge contest played by the FDCDC board members. The board members were asked four questions that were taken from the article, "One of the Last Slave Ship Survivors Describes His Ordeal in a 1930s Interview." Tracey answered three questions and won $75.00 to be donated to the Casino Party fundraiser in her name. 

Congratulations to Virginia Brown the other FDCDC Board Black History Champion! Virginia answered one question and won $25.00 to be donated to the Casino Party fundraiser in her name. Thanks to all of the FDCDC board for their participation.

Meet the 11-year-old student-athlete named Houston going viral for large mural in downtown Houston.

If you've been in downtown Houston lately, you may have noticed some larger-than-life murals on the sides of buildings and businesses. The little boy depicted on a bike at the corner of Prairie and Main has gone viral, and inspired people of all backgrounds.

ABC13 tracked down the little Third Ward legend. "How do you feel seeing yourself on the side of a building?" we asked. The 11-year-old Houston Atlee said, "Good. Like, I'm on Google. I searched myself up in math class." Atlee may be soft-spoken and humble, but he has every reason to brag. He makes all A's and plays basketball at MacGregor Elementary School in Third Ward, where ABC13 caught up with him.

Months ago, a German artist wanted to paint one of the boys in The Shape Center's after-school program. They all got their photo taken, and of them, Houston was chosen. "I would have never imagined my son, my son, Houston Atlee, would have been picked to be on that, to shine a light," his mom Shavonne Leon said. And shine a light he does. The cool part is, this image includes something Houston loves to do - ride his bike. He goes all around Third Ward on it. To his Granny's house, his school, and Emancipation Park, where he plays sports and volunteers.

To many, this mural humanizes a demographic that too often is villainized. "It's always something negative. Somebody's getting robbed. Somebody's getting shot. Somebody's stealing something or something negative. So, to have a positive with Black children that's coming up, it's always great," passerby Reggie said.

"There's a lot of young men in Third Ward that don't have positive role models or avenues that they can use to be positive. When they pass by that picture, hopefully that would let them know there is hope. There are dreams," Leon continued. Houston's image is part of a bigger United Nations mural project across downtown Houston to promote green energy, human rights, social equity and education.

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis helped conceive and spearhead the "Big Art. Bigger Change" initiative. "Instead of just putting up, do something about climate change. What we try to do is use art to lure people into the conversation," Ellis said.

While Houston only has to worry about what a typical 5th grader has to do right now, he knows what his mural represents. "It's talking about how you can be happy as a Black boy and not hate," he said with a smile. This will not be the last time we see Houston Atlee on the big stage.

Math is his favorite subject, so the sky's the limit in STEM. Not only that, but he tells us he'll grow up to play basketball at the University of Houston. No matter what your race or religion is. No matter what you have going on in your life, he hopes you walk by him and smile.

For more on this story, follow Erica Simon on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

Submitted by Cynthia Jones Mayes



FDCDC Scholarship Announcement

Fred Douglass Community Development Corporation is now accepting applications for the 2023-2024 Scholarship for College Students. 

Events

March 4, 2023

Las Vegas Casino Night Fundraiser Party

Jacksonville, Tx.

June 10, 2023

Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant Fundraiser

Jacksonville, Tx


Save The Date

FOR THE FDCDC LAS VEGAS CASINO PARTY FUNDRAISER SATURDAY, MARCH 4, 2023 JACKSONVILLE, TEXAS


Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant

UPDATES:

The new deadline for submitting applications is March 8, 2023. The application fee is no longer required. We need applicants, encourage family and friends to apply today!  

Fred Douglass Community Development Corporation (FDCDC) is now accepting applications for its first annual Miss Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant scheduled for June 10, 2023.

The theme is “My Character—My Crown.” The Juneteenth Pageant is designed to stimulate self-development and growth by teaching life skills, personal communication skills, and the importance of family in positive relationships.

Age divisions are as follows:
Miss Junior Juneteenth, ages 13--15 Miss Juneteenth, ages 16--18

More than $2500 in scholarship money and prizes will be awarded. Contestants must be in good standing with the school system; attend all mandatory rehearsals and meetings; participate in workshops, community service activities, fundraisers, and events. Applicants who are accepted will receive a Juneteenth Pageant T-shirt. Click the read more button below to download an application.

For additional information, please contact Anita Starling at 832-622-4015 or Tracy Wallace at 903-262-6041


The dates and times for the FDCDC Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant workshops and rehearsals are as follows: 

March 11, 2023, 1:00 pm until  2:30pm (informational meeting)
March 25, 2023, 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm
April 22, 2023, 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm
May 20, 2023, 1:00 pm until 4:00pm 

All workshops and rehearsals will be at Seminary Heights Church of Christ, 1208 Arnold Street in Jacksonville, Texas.

What does Juneteenth mean to me?

What does Juneteenth mean to me? Juneteenth is a day to celebrate our forefathers who paved the way that we might have equal rights, for all mankind. Juneteenth is a special day in my life, I remember when my grandmother would sit on the front porch and watch the parade pass by our house on Lincoln Street. She instilled in us that we should always keep this day special because many men, women, boys, and girls lost their lives so that we may be free. She would say “we still have a long way to go, but at least we are free”, As the decades went on the parade grew smaller and smaller. One year it was 2 police cars, a horse, and a motorcycle. I was determined that this would become my focus, my passion, and my destiny to bring Jacksonville Juneteenth back to life. With the help of Jacksonville and surrounding communities, I am pleased to say that the parade lives on. I now charge everyone who reads this, to donate whatever their heart desires, to help make Jacksonville Juneteenth Parade bigger and better each year. We strive each year to make this event free to all. We are looking forward to another epic year on June 17, 2023. The parade time is to be determined. For more information regarding the 2023 Juneteenth parade, please contact me at 903-393-4288 or email [email protected]

Sincerely,

Michelle Williams 

 Miss Juneteenth 1992, Shonta Horn 

Juneteenth Parade Celebration 2022

Juneteenth Parade Celebration 2022

Juneteenth Parade Celebration 2022

Juneteenth Parade Celebration 2022

        Grateful to our anonymous donor!

Learn more about what we do

About FDCDC

FDCDC has a fundamental belief that poverty cycles can be broken by education, hard work and opportunity. We envision young boys and girls in Jacksonville growing up with dreams of becoming confident and successful citizens in their community. Our belief is if they are given the proper tools, resources and guidance they are more likely to fulfill their destiny.

Read more

Fred and wife, Clorinda Wagoner make a $1000.00 donation to the Lincoln Park Revitalization Project on July 30, 2022

Austin Bank makes a $1000.00 donation to FDCDC to support the Lincoln Park Revitalization!

Add a description here.

Beacon of Light Church of Christ donated $1000.00 for a table at the Founders Banquet!

Kingdom Christian Center donated $500.00 for a table at the Founders Banquet!

Fred Douglass Community Development Corporation awarded grant 

The Fred Douglass Community Development Corporation received a community grant, in the amount of $2500.00 from Walmart in Jacksonville. Walmart Grant Coordinator Wanda Phillips and Assistant Manager Jason Lobdell presented the check to Tracey Wallace (left), who received the check on behalf of FDCDC.



FDCDC – Continuing the Legacy of Service

Please be reminded that the FDCDC is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization and all contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Thank you in advance for your contribution and God Bless you and your family!

High Lights of FDHS 100 Year Celebration

             BURYING THE TIME CAPSULE!

                 Monument Unveiling

           Movie Night with Old Friends!


The Newsome Brothers, James & Bobby are enjoying the 100 Year Celebration!

Fred Douglass High School Success Stories 

In follow up to the article recognizing pathways to success by FDHS, we want to highlight the many successful students from the historic FDHS. Please submit information on your FDHS success stories to [email protected] in PDF format please. 



3 phase development of the Lincoln Park area presented by FDCDC Board of Trustee, Dr. Kenya I. Sekoni Etim  


 

Phase 1: Renovate the park
Phase 2: Create a community garden
Phase 3: Build a community center

FDCDC is teaming up with other community leaders interested in improving District 1- the Lincoln Park neighborhood to start Phase 1.

AIMS:

Safer: better lighting, neighborhood watch, better equipment.

Smarter: An intentional playground
helps children develop emotionally and intellectually.

Healthier: Improve balance, strength, mobility of seniors and kids. 



Our Fred Douglass Family includes a fine group of people operating as a team with the common objective of keeping the Fred Douglass dream alive and improving the community. All of us play an important part in making this happen. I am pleased and honored to be part of the Fred Douglass Family, and I am looking forward to all of us working on this important community project together.

Sincerely,

Willie J. Howard 

Subscribe

Sign up to our newsletter and stay up to date

Subscribed!

Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.
bowl of tomatoes served on person hand

Check out our Gallery

Click here