What is a Freedom Community?

After emancipation on June 19, 1865 formerly enslaved African Americans in Austin, Texas and surrounding areas created Freedom (or Freedmen) communities. These communities were built with little resources from the ground up and included churches, schools, and stores.

All Aboard is a collaborative, interdisciplinary educational lesson plan that utilizes the arts as a tool to engage Austin youth with local history. Through All Aboard, students will learn about over 13 Freedom Communities established in Austin, as well as the often-overlooked Black heroes who have made the city what it is today. After learning the rich history of freedom communities, students are encouraged to create artwork reinforcing what they’ve learned (drawing, poetry, creative writing, etc). Click here to request our free lesson plan.

The lesson plan is suitable for 5th-12th grades.

THE FILM

Austin Black Freedom Communities is a feature-length documentary currently in pre-production. This is an ongoing project through 2025. Austin Black Freedom Communities are communities built in Austin, Texas and surrounding areas by former enslaved African Americans after the civil war ended in 1865. These communities were built with little resources from the ground up and included churches, schools, and stores.

Brackenridge Elementary School Students and their teacher in Austin, Texas, in the early 1900s.

This photograph is part of the collection entitled: Austin History Center General Collection Photographs. Image ID# PICA 30195

Thomas W. Kincheon and his wife. In 1865, his family established Kincheonville, a freedman community in Southwest Austin. Blumie, James Ander, and Minnie Streets in South Austin are all named for his family members.

Thomas W. Kincheon and his wife. In 1865, his family established Kincheonville, a freedman community in Southwest Austin. Blumie, James Ander, and Minnie Streets in South Austin are all named for his family members.

Thomas W. Kincheon. In 1865, his family established Kincheonville, a freedman community in Southwest Austin. Blumie, James Ander, and Minnie Streets in South Austin are all named for his family members.

Thomas W. Kincheon. In 1865, his family established Kincheonville, a freedman community in Southwest Austin. Blumie, James Ander, and Minnie Streets in South Austin are all named for his family members.

Lucy Mosby, the 1st black milliner & dressmaker in Austin.

Lucy Mosby, the 1st black milliner & dressmaker in Austin.

Thomas W. Kincheon and his wife. In 1865, his family established Kincheonville, a freedman community in Southwest Austin. Blumie, James Ander, and Minnie Streets in South Austin are all named for his family members.

Thomas W. Kincheon and his wife. In 1865, his family established Kincheonville, a freedman community in Southwest Austin. Blumie, James Ander, and Minnie Streets in South Austin are all named for his family members.

Thomas W. Kincheon. In 1865, his family established Kincheonville, a freedman community in Southwest Austin. Blumie, James Ander, and Minnie Streets in South Austin are all named for his family members.

Thomas W. Kincheon. In 1865, his family established Kincheonville, a freedman community in Southwest Austin. Blumie, James Ander, and Minnie Streets in South Austin are all named for his family members.

Lucy Mosby, the 1st black milliner & dressmaker in Austin.

Lucy Mosby, the 1st black milliner & dressmaker in Austin.