The Ellis County African American Hall of Fame Museum and Library was established to recognize and tell the stories of African Americans with ties to the city of Waxahachie, Texas.[1] The museum and library are housed in a historic fraternal building in Waxahachie, Texas. The building was built in 1926 and housed a lodge of the Colored Knights of Pythias. The building was listed as endangered before being restored and receiving funding for roof work.[2]

The museum and library, which opened in 2016, are at 441 East Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard.[3][4] Jamal Rasheed, CEO and President of the Hall of Fame, has spoken about the area’s Prince Hall Cemetery, efforts to preserve it and the veterans buried there.[5]

Recognition

In 2022 a ceremony was planned to induct new wall of fame honorees. Carl O. Sherman Sr. was the keynote speaker. The organization also maintains monuments in the area.[6]

Jamal Rasheed advocated to have a section of highway named for aviator Bessie Coleman honored. An overpass where her home was located was renamed for her.[7]

References

  1. ↑ Branca, Andrew (2022-02-28). "Recognition sought for local aviation pioneer, Bessie Coleman". Retrieved 2022-07-15.
  2. ↑ "African American Hall of Fame". www.historicwaxahachie.com.
  3. ↑ "Ellis County African American Hall of Fame Museum & Library · 441 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Waxahachie, TX 75165-3861, USA". opengovus.com.
  4. ↑ Rasheed, Jamal (27 February 2021). "Ellis County African American Hall of Fame Museum and Library". Waxahachie Sun.
  5. ↑ "Paying tribute to Black veterans buried in historic Waxahachie cemetery". wfaa.com. November 10, 2021.
  6. ↑ Staff REPORTS (October 31, 2022). "Ellis County African American Hall of Fame to induct 13 to the Wall of Fame; tickets available now". Waxahachie Sun.
  7. ↑ FITCH, CHARITY (February 23, 2023). "Overpass to be named Bessie Coleman Memorial Bridge". Waxahachie Sun.

32°23′01″N 96°50′33″W / 32.38362°N 96.84237°W / 32.38362; -96.84237

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