As Project Row Houses (PRH) announced earlier this month, the home of Cleveland Turner, Houston’s beloved Flower Man, will be razed by Cherry Companies. on February 7, 2024, due to a severe infestation of highly toxic mold making the structure and many of his possessions unsalvageable.

To commemorate Mr. Turner on this day, PRH, alongside his church, First St. Matthew’s Missionary Baptist Church, is pleased to present “Flower Man Day,” a day dedicated to celebrating the life and visionary work of the man so loved by the Houston community. His final home at 2305 Francis St. became a living work of art and has been recognized as one of the nation’s best examples of African American yard-art while his sculptures gained international recognition, but Mr. Turner will always be treasured most for his presence.

He will be remembered for his bicycle decorated with silk flowers, earning him the name “Flower Man,” and he will be cherished for welcoming all visitors with open arms. Although Cleveland gained much notoriety for his artwork, his greatest talent was his ability to inspire others and help them bloom like the flowers he loved. He contributed much to each community he lived in, and he will always be thought of fondly for his smiling face, his wisdom, and his optimism.

Project Row Houses would like to welcome everyone to come and join us at 3239 Simmons St. at 10am for a Second Line or 2305 Francis St. at 10:45am to help us celebrate and honor Mr. Turner’s memory – schedule of activities included below.

Schedule of Events

10:00am

Second Line from the church to Flower Man’s House

10:45am

Welcome and Remarks from Rick Lowe and the committee

11:00am

Special performance by the First St. Matthew’s Missionary Baptist Church Choir

11:15am

Demolition by Cherry (approx. 30 minutes)

11:30am

Crafts for commemorating Flower Man

11:45am

Community stories and performances

with a song from Lisa Harris

1:00pm

Community bike ride and walk organized by

Autumn Knight, Lisa Harris, and M’kina Tapscott