Texas African American Museum

08/31/2026

📖 HELP US PRESERVE EAST TEXAS BLACK HISTORY!

The Texas African American Museum is searching for an original copy of the August 1952 issue of EBONY Magazine.

This historic issue includes the feature “Negro Millionaires of Texas,” which features Major Kennedy of Easton, Texas—an East Texas educator, businessman, landowner, and oilman whose remarkable story is an important part of our region’s African American history.

Do you have this issue tucked away in your home, family collection, attic, or storage? Perhaps your parents or grandparents saved copies of EBONY over the years.

If you own the August 1952 issue pictured here, please consider donating it to the Texas African American Museum so it can be preserved and shared with future generations.

📍 Texas African American Museum
Empowerment CDC Complex
309 W. MLK Jr. Blvd.
Tyler, Texas

📞 903-218-1388

Help us preserve the documents, photographs, publications, and stories that tell the history of African Americans in East Texas and beyond.

Our history belongs in a place where generations can see it, learn from it, and remember it.

08/31/2026

Read a devotional thought and prayer about Psalm 95:6-7.

08/31/2026

A JOURNEY INTO EAST TEXAS HISTORY — DISCOVERING THE LEGACY OF MAJOR KENNEDY

On August 30, 2026, I had the opportunity to visit Easton, Texas. After learning about the remarkable life and legacy of Major Kennedy, I knew I had to make the trip and learn more about this important chapter of East Texas history.

My wife Christie’s cousin, Victorio Rockmore, has pastored Union Grove First Baptist Church in Easton for 32 years. I was blessed to worship with the congregation, and afterward, the history I had been researching began to come alive through the people who knew the community and the Kennedy family.

I had the privilege of sitting down and talking with Major Kennedy’s granddaughter, hearing history from someone directly connected to his legacy.

I also spent time with Mr. Coleman, a lifelong Easton resident and volunteer firefighter who shared a wealth of local history with me. I had another meaningful conversation with Mr. Jackson, who actually had the opportunity to meet Major Kennedy.

Then I was able to walk some of the places connected to the story—including the site where the Kennedy Center once stood and the Kennedy Memorial Cemetery.

This is why preserving our history matters.

Major Kennedy was more than an oilman. He was an educator, entrepreneur, landowner, philanthropist and community builder whose success during the East Texas Oil Boom helped him make an impact that extended far beyond himself.

And now we have an opportunity to help tell his story.

📅 SAVE THE DATE — SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2026

The Texas African American Museum will celebrate the Legacy of Major Kennedy in recognition of the 96th anniversary of the East Texas Oil Boom.

This will be more than an event—it will be an opportunity to bring generations together, preserve history and recognize an East Texas legacy that deserves to be known.

Major Kennedy Day
📅 Saturday, October 3, 2026
⏰ 11:00 AM–2:00 PM
📍 Texas African American Museum
Empowerment CDC Complex
309 W. MLK Blvd. | Tyler, Texas

Honoring the Past. Celebrating the Present. Inspiring the Future.

08/30/2026

08/23/2026

WE’RE PARTICIPATING IN GIVE 8/28!

Empowerment Community Development Corporation is proud to participate in Give 8/28, a national day of giving focused on uplifting Black-led and Black-benefiting nonprofit organizations that are often underfunded, yet uniquely positioned to meet the needs of their communities.

🟢 EARLY GIVING STARTS AUGUST 26!
🔴 GIVE 8/28 — AUGUST 28

Give 8/28 takes place during Black Philanthropy Month and brings people together from across the country to invest in organizations making a difference every day.

Your gift to Empowerment CDC helps us continue our mission to Educate, Equip, and Empower individuals, families, and communities through:

• Education & Youth Programs
• Affordable Housing & Community Development
• Economic Empowerment & Small Business Support
• Health, Arts, Tourism & History Preservation
• Veteran Services & Mentorship

Whether you give $5, $10, $25, $100, or more, every gift helps us strengthen communities and create opportunities.

Early giving begins August 26. Give 8/28 is August 28.

Help us spread the word by giving, sharing, and inviting others to support Empowerment CDC!

The mission of empowerment CDC is to engage in community development activities that provide

08/21/2026

08/21/2026

Tyler Legacy missed the playoffs in 2025 for the second straight season –the first time the Red Raiders missed consecutive postseasons since 2015-18. The Red Raiders have been left out […]

08/21/2026

An East Texas officer has been arrested for allegedly misusing a Flock camera, halting use within the city.