The Texas Freedom Colonies Project (TXFCP) isn’t just a chapter in history—it’s a living, breathing foundation for everything we’re building with the Out(sider) Preservation Initiative (OPI)

We’re still here. We’re still showing up. And now, we’re going outside—expanding our work to support descendant-led preservation efforts far beyond Texas. Using TXFCP as our blueprint, OPI is creating opportunities to preserve Black placemaking, freedom-seeking, and migration stories in Texas, California, Virginia, Louisiana, Maryland, DC, and North Carolina.

Through grant funding, we’re helping descendants bring these stories to life with creative projects—films, performances, gatherings, digital storytelling, and more. Whether through Innovator Grants ($250–$10,000) for capacity-building or Arts-Based Place Activation Grants ($25,000–$75,000) for larger community projects, we’re focused on uplifting Black histories and ensuring these places are not forgotten.

The work that started with TXFCP continues to grow. We’re reaching further, listening harder, and showing up in ways that honor the legacy of Freedom Colonies while inspiring new stories of resilience.

The best part? This is just the beginning—let’s keep going outside together.

— Daniele Dixon, Project Associate

Learn more at OutsiderPreservation.com.

Read the original press release about the OPI’s Mellon grant here.