FEMA

A museum will also go alongside the memorial to trace the country's history from slavery to present day. The structure is slated to open in April 2017.

Texas State Senator Rodney Ellis spoke with Roland Martin on NewsOne Now about the conditions on the ground and the latest developments in the deadly historic Houston flooding.

Gov. Rick Snyder requested the president declare a federal emergency on Thursday after nearly exhausting all efforts to prevent residents from cooking, drinking, and bathing using the lead-filled water.