On Juneteenth 2026, community leaders, residents, and descendants will gather to celebrate the unveiling of the Riceville Memorial, a permanent tribute honoring the history, resilience, faith, and legacy of the Riceville community—one of Houston’s historic African American settlements.
The unveiling ceremony will take place on Friday, June 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Riceville Cemetery, located at 9945 Honeywell Road in Houston. The unveiling ceremony is free and open to the pubic and will include remarks from community leaders, project partners, and stakeholders who helped bring the memorial to life.
Commissioned by Houston City Council Member Edward Pollard and developed in partnership with Riceville Mount Olive Baptist Church, the memorial preserves and elevates the story of Riceville through a powerful artistic representation of the community’s journey from its founding to the present day.
“Riceville’s story is Houston’s story,” said Council Member Edward Pollard. “This memorial honors the men, women, and families whose faith, sacrifice, and determination built a community that has endured for generations. Unveiling this memorial on Juneteenth is especially meaningful because it reminds us that freedom is a legacy carried forward by those who came before us and a responsibility entrusted to us today. The Riceville Memorial ensures that future generations will know this story, honor this history, and draw inspiration from it.”
The project was made possible through the collaborative efforts of numerous community and civic partners. District J led the development and coordination of the project, while Riceville Mount Olive Baptist Church provided historical guidance and community support. Artist Mathieu JN Baptiste developed the memorial’s artistic narrative and design, Ross Metal Works fabricated and installed the memorial, and the Brays Oaks Management District provided critical support for the unveiling event and community engagement efforts.
Media Contact:
Misty Starks
Director of Communications
City of Houston District J
(832) 393-3366 Office
(346) 577-4440 Mobile
[email protected]
