Faison House Announces MLK Program

The Faison House is proud to be a sponsor of the Martin Luther King walk for freedom and unity on Saturday, January 14, 2023. The .8-mile walk starts at the Fayette County Courthouse at noon. A short program will be held at the Library Gazebo. After the program, participants will gather across the street at the Faison House (822 S. Jefferson).

“The house has a fascinating African American history,” explained Faison Preservation Society President, Arnold Romberg. Louisiana Brown Faison, an African American, owned the property from 1870 until 1872 and continued to be a property owner for the rest of her life. Nathaniel and Peter Faison had a half-brother, Peyton Faison, an African American, who resided in the Fayette County area.

World-renown primitive folk artist Dorothy Shelby will be on hand to display and sell her art. Shelby did not pick up a brush and acrylic paint until August 2008, at age 64. Her art is known worldwide. She has been judged into many large shows and placed in galleries across the country. In 2018 her work was showcased in the African American Museum. Additionally, this talented woman is a wife, mother, grand and great grandmother, author, singer/ songwriter, and pastor.

Additionally, Fayette County historians David Collins and Marie Watts will be present to discuss the planned African American Exhibit, Thriving Through God’s Grace, that tells the story of Louisiana and Peyton’s family.

Refreshments will be served. Transportation back to the courthouse will be provided.

The N.W. Faison House is on the National Register of Historic Places at the state level of recognition for this social history. Visit us at www.faisonhouse.org for more information about the house and www.juneteenthtexas. org for more information about the unity march.