About Us

Dedicated to the equitable revitalization of Third Ward with an emphasis on protecting its long-time residents and preserving its culturally rich African-American history. 

Our Vision

Third Ward is a resilient, prosperous, and vibrant cultural beacon where African-Americans live, work, and thrive.

The Emancipation Economic Development Council (EEDC) – formed in 2015 and recently approved as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization – has led community-driven efforts to revitalize, protect, and preserve the historic and cultural center of the Third Ward. These efforts are designed to bring businesses back to the Emancipation Avenue corridor and promote economic revitalization by and for this historic community and build local wealth for the benefit of all who live and work here. The EEDC is leading much of the economic development and revitalization work underway in the target area through Resident Engagement and family programs. The EEDC describes itself as “a collaborative of organized, informed, and engaged faith-based organizations, nonprofits, community development corporations, businesses, local government entities, and other stakeholders” whose mission is to inspire hope and contribute to the revitalization and preservation of the Emancipation Park neighborhood of Third Ward. Its vision is a resilient, dynamic, and economically prosperous community where people live, work and thrive in a historically and culturally rich African American neighborhood