09/28/2026
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 27, 2026
Texas African American Museum to Celebrate the Legacy of Major Kennedy During East Texas Oil Boom Commemoration
Historic “Major Kennedy Day” will honor an East Texas oilman, entrepreneur, philanthropist and community builder whose legacy helped shape Easton, Texas
TYLER, TEXAS — The Texas African American Museum (TAAM), a division of Empowerment Community Development Corporation, will host a special Major Kennedy Day celebration on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Empowerment CDC Complex, 309 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Tyler, Texas.
The event is being held in celebration of the East Texas Oil Boom and will recognize the life and legacy of Major Kennedy Sr., an African American oilman, entrepreneur, philanthropist and community builder whose story represents an important chapter in East Texas history.
A Legacy Worth Remembering
Major Kennedy's story reaches from the farmland of East Texas to the growth of the historically Black community of Easton, Texas. His success and vision extended beyond personal prosperity. His legacy is associated with business and industry, faith and churches, education and youth, and the strengthening of community life.
The Texas African American Museum is highlighting Kennedy's story as part of its continuing mission to research, preserve and share African American history that has too often been overlooked in traditional accounts of East Texas history.
“When we tell the story of the East Texas Oil Boom, we must also tell the stories of African Americans who participated in that history, built communities and created opportunities for generations that followed. Major Kennedy's story deserves to be remembered, preserved and shared.”
— Stanley L. Cofer, President & Founder, Empowerment Community Development Corporation
Special Screening of Sarah's Oil
As part of the celebration, TAAM will present a **special screening of Sarah's Oil at 12 noon. The film tells the inspiring story of Sarah Rector, whose life became connected to the early oil industry and African American history in Oklahoma.
The screening will complement the day's examination of African American participation in the broader history of oil, entrepreneurship, economic opportunity and community development.
The Major Kennedy Day celebration will feature historical exhibits, presentations, music and opportunities for the community to learn more about Kennedy's contributions and the history surrounding the East Texas Oil Boom.
The event is designed as a family-friendly community celebration centered on three themes: Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present and Inspiring the Future.
EVENT INFORMATION
Major Kennedy Day — Celebrating the East Texas Oil Boom
Saturday, October 3, 2026
11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Special Screening of Sarah's Oil: 12 Noon
Empowerment CDC Complex
Home of the Rider Centre and Texas African American Museum
309 W. MLK Blvd.
Tyler, Texas
About the Texas African American Museum
The Texas African American Museum, housed at the Empowerment CDC Complex in Tyler, works to preserve, document and share the stories, achievements and contributions of African Americans in Texas and beyond. Through exhibitions, historical research, educational programming and community events, TAAM seeks to ensure that overlooked and forgotten stories become part of the historical record.
About Empowerment Community Development Corporation
Empowerment Community Development Corporation (ECDC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2015 with a mission to educate, equip and empower individuals, families and communities. Its initiatives encompass historical preservation, affordable housing, performing arts, community development, health, small-business empowerment and neighborhood revitalization.
Media Contact:
Empowerment Community Development Corporation
Texas African American Museum
309 W. MLK Blvd., Tyler, Texas
903-218-1388
