The Texas Freedom Colonies Project
Reviewed by: Wale Shittu
Review start: March 1, 2024
Review updated: March 5, 2024
Site Links:
Archive Link: https://archive.ph/S7Hpa
Data Sources
- United States Geological Survey maps
- US Census data
- GIS analysis
- National Register of Historic Places
- Oral histories
- Social media
Processes
- The project began as a research, educational, and social justice initiative dedicated to preserving Texas' historic African American settlements.
- The project used Texas Historical Commission historical marker content, National Register of Historic Places listings, USGS maps, and census data to create the core database.
- To improve atlas, the project actively involves the public by crowdsourcing data. Users can share data, collaborate on research projects with academics, and preserve both historical and modern materials, recordings, images, and interviews.
Presentation
The findings are presented through an interactive map, allowing users to explore and understand the geographical distribution of frontier massacres. Information is organized under various categories such as site name, Aboriginal place name, language group, colony, coordinates, date, victims, attackers, weapons, and narrative, creating a comprehensive overview.
Digital Tools Used
The map and visualization are implemented using:
- USGS Maps
- GIS Layers
Institutional Affiliations
- The University of Virginia
- Texas A&M University, College Station
- Centre of Digital Humanities Research
Languages
English
Review
The Texas Freedom Colonies Project emerges as a transformative force in the preservation of Texas' historic African American settlements, known as Freedom Colonies. This educational and social justice initiative, led by the understanding that these colonies represent historically significant communities, pioneers a comprehensive approach to safeguarding their cultural heritage and empowering descendant communities.
The project's commitment to understanding the origins of Freedom Colonies gains significance when considering their founding during the Reconstruction and Jim Crow eras by formerly enslaved individuals. These intentional communities served as havens for Black Texans seeking refuge from economic repression and racialized violence. The project's historical documentation reflects the resilience and determination of a community striving for self-sustenance and independence. The initiative recognizes the historical significance embedded in these structures and their role in forming the identity of Texas' African American communities by concentrating on the preservation of home/farmsteads, churches, and schools.
The term "Freedom Colonies" is specific to Texas settlements, and the project serves as a crucial guardian of their distinct historical position. The exploration of these colonies goes beyond traditional narratives, shedding light on the unique challenges they faced, including gentrification, cultural erasure, natural disasters, resource extraction, population loss, urban renewal, and land dispossession. The project's collaboration with descendant communities underlines its commitment to social justice. Actively engaging in co-creating resilience strategies ensures that preservation efforts align with the needs and aspirations of those affected by the disappearance of their heritage.
The three core activities undertaken by the project demonstrate a comprehensive and forward-thinking strategy. Recording and safeguarding stories and materials associated with freedom colonies' origins and decline not only preserves history but also amplifies the voices of those who lived it. The interactive Atlas & Database, with its GIS layers indicating development and ecological threats, provides a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and the public, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by these communities.
In conclusion, The Texas Freedom Colonies Project stands as a beacon of historical preservation and social justice. By delving into the unique history of Freedom Colonies, the project not only maps disappearing places but actively engages in a transformative journey toward preserving cultural heritage, empowering communities, and challenging historical and contemporary injustices. It sets a commendable example for initiatives seeking to bridge the gap between historical research, preservation, and social impact.
How does this project address information?
In terms of handling information, The Texas Freedom Colonies Project demonstrates proficiency by incorporating various digital tools to implement its interactive map and visualization. Despite the complexity of the information gathered, the project's presentation remains accessible and user-friendly. The interactive Atlas & Database provides valuable resources for researchers and the public, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by Freedom Colonies. By indicating developments and ecological threats, the project enhances the user's experience and interaction, facilitating meaningful exploration and analysis of the data. Overall, the project successfully incorporates information by leveraging digital tools and interactive features, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of Texas' Freedom Colonies while empowering communities and challenging historical injustices.
How well does this project handle information?
The project utilizes existing resources like Texas Historical Commission and National Register of Historic Places listings to construct its core database. Additionally, it actively involves the public by crowdsourcing data, allowing users to share information and collaborate on research projects, thus facilitating the preservation of both historical and modern materials, recordings, images, and interviews. The project's commitment to comprehensive data collection ensures a rich and diverse dataset that reflects the cultural heritage and historical significance of Texas' Freedom Colonies.