About the African American Memorial Conservancy
Who We Are
We preserve the history of Fort Bend County's Freedmen's Town community through a permanent monument, cultural campus, and living memorial in Kendleton, Texas.
Why AAMC Exists
Our Story
Kendleton, Texas is one of the oldest towns in the United States, founded by formerly enslaved people. The community built there after emancipation was extraordinary. For generations, that story was known almost exclusively by the people who lived it.
We were founded to ensure that the story is permanently recognized, and have done so through a permanent monument and cultural campus on the ground where that history happened.
WHO WE ARE
Mission
To preserve, honor, and share the history of the African American Heritage Monument + Park in Kendleton, Texas, while creating opportunities that strengthen communities, inspire learning, promote wellness, and celebrate culture.
WHO WE ARE
Vision
A world where the full story of Black American history, its courage, its community, and its enduring legacy, is taught, celebrated, and carried forward by every generation.
Leadership
Board of Directors
AAMC is guided by a board of dedicated leaders who bring expertise in cultural preservation, community development, philanthropy, and Texas history.
Board Chair
Lucy Bremond
Founding Board Chair and President
Board Secretary
Dr. Kevin Riles
Commercial Real Estate Broker, PVAMU Professor
Board Treasurer
Khambrel Marshall
retired kprc-tv anchor and meteorologist
Board Member
Washington "Rey" Alton
CERTIFIED TRAVEL INDUSTRY EXECUTIVE
DESCENDENT OF ONE OF THE FOUNDING FAMILIES OF KENDLETON, TEXAS
Board Member
Shana Bailey- Scott
Financial Empowerment • Community Investment • Financial Education
Board Member
Dr. Jonita Fair-Payton
Executive Leader
Board Member
Xchelsia Jennings
Global Business Development Executive
Board Member
Pamela Lazard
Financial Stewardship • Project Management • Philanthropy
Executive Director
Vanessa Reed
FOUNDING EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Advisory Board
Our Advisory Board is a collective of respected leaders and champions who lend their expertise, relationships, and influence to advance AAMC’s mission—serving as ambassadors and strategic connectors who strengthen partnerships, expand our reach, and help build a lasting legacy for generations to come.
Kim Alton
Descendent of one of the founding families of Kendleton, Texas
Shellye Arnold
President & CEO, Coastal Preservation and Restoration
Patra Brannon-Isacc
Private Philanthropy
E. Elizabeth Collins
Entrepreneur • Philanthropist • Real Estate Broker
Dexter L McCoy
Fort Bend County Commissioner
Veronica Melton Harris
Mayor, City of Kendleton
Sandi Newkirk
Native of Kendleton
Founding Chairman, Emeritus Fort Bend County Heritage, Unlimited Museum
Pete Olsen
former U.S. Representative Tx-22 congressional District
Barron Wallace
Partner at Bracewell LLP and Co-Chair of its Public Finance Section
The Late Sylvester Turner
Inaugural Advisory Board Member I U.S. Representative TX-18 Congressional district, Former Houston MayoR
community
Our Donors and Sponsors
The monument and campus exist because of individuals and organizations who invested in the preservation of this history. We are grateful to our founding donors, institutional sponsors, and grant partners.
Sponsors
Partners
What Your Donation Supports
Your gift helps turn history into action by investing in education, wellness, opportunity, culture, and community at any level, is a direct investment in this history
History, Arts
& Culture
Support exhibitions, cultural events, and community gatherings that honor and preserve African American history and traditions.
Health &
Wellness
Help bring health fairs, outdoor activities, nutrition demonstrations, and community gardening to local communities, celebrating local history and traditions.
Economic Empowerment
Support legacy planning and generational wealth workshops that strengthen under-resourced communities and create pathways to economic opportunity.
Environmental
Sustainability
Fund volunteer initiatives, recycling drives, and educational programs focused on food insecurity and protecting our natural resources.
Education
Support camps and workshops with schools, churches, and civic organizations that teach history and inspire the next generation of leaders.
