The Ground on Which I Stand Tamina is one of the few remaining emancipation communities in the United States. It is thought to be the oldest freedmen’s town in Texas. Freed from slavery, a handful of those who had funds to buy their own land established this community in 1871, where they built their own churches, schools, and businesses. They tilled the land and worked in the flourishing lumber industry. Their stories reveal a deep-rooted kinship with values resting on family and community. Regardless of the challenges these residents have faced, their faith, gratitude, and humor always thread through their tales.

Visit TaminaTexas.com for more information about this historic community, snippets of stories shared, and free teacher resources for creating oral history projects.

The second edition of The Ground on Which I Stand, published by Texas A&M Press is available through the TAMU.

Reach out to me regarding print purchases or exhibit queries, I’d be delighted to talk with you.