In appreciation of Juneteenth, Rockets and Toyota Center employees took part Friday in a company-wide day of service at historic Freedmen’s Town, which is located in Houston’s Fourth Ward.
Young players Jabari Smith Jr. and Kevin Porter Jr. were joined at the site by general manager Rafael Stone, new head coach Ime Udoka, president of business operations Gretchen Sheirr and dozens of other staffers to conduct cleanup tasks at Saulnier House, Wiley Park and Freedmen’s Town Association. In 2020, the Rockets produced a video highlighting the area’s historical significance.
Saulnier House was one of the original homes built in Freedmen’s Town after emancipation was proclaimed in Texas on June 19, 1865.
After taking part in Friday’s service work, Stone, Udoka, and the players all met with lodal media members. Scroll on for a roundup of quotes, photos, and videos related to the organization’s service day, and click here for their responses to basketball-related questions.