Black History Month is a great time to honor, learn about and celebrate our San Marcos Black community. From a larger-than-life jazz icon to The Calaboose African American History Museum, gorgeous pieces of art and rich history – San Marcos wouldn’t be the place we all know and love without our diverse and extraordinary locals.

 

Black History in SMTX

The Calaboose African American Museum

The Calaboose African American Museum is dedicated to African American history and culture within San Marcos and Hays County. Open on Wednesday through Saturday from 10am-2pm (and by appointment), the museum is a great place to learn about Buffalo Soldiers, Tuskegee Airmen, WWII, Civil Rights, Ku Klux Klan, and general San Marcos area history. They also have lots of Eddie Durham memorabilia! (You’ll read about him next.) 

 

Eddie Durham

Renowned composer and musician Eddie Durham was born in San Marcos in 1906. It’s said that Eddie became a professional musician at 10 years old and he and his family made the Durham Brothers Band. He began traveling and performing all over the United States. Eddie was a guitarist, trombonist, composer and arranger for some of the biggest names in jazz. In fact, he is considered one of the pioneers of the electric guitar in jazz. We are very proud of this successful San Marcos local and his impact can be found at the park named in his honor: Eddie Durham Park. You can listen to some of Eddie Durham’s recordings HERE.

Historic First Baptist Church

In 1873, the First Baptist Church of San Marcos, TX, a fixture of the African American community, was burned to the ground by the Ku Klux Klan. The church was then rebuilt in 1908 by its loyal parishioners. This once grand place of worship has been vacant since 1986. There is now a mural adorning the front of the historic church with the simple message “Love your neighbor as yourself,” from local artist, Rene Perez.

 

 

Making A Mark

Ms. Ollie's Store - 404 Centre Street

The building locally known as Ms. Ollie’s Store was originally owned by the Landa Family. When Ms. Ollie Hamilton was 16 years old she came to work in the store and live with the Landas. When both Mr. and Ms. Landa passed away the store and home became Ms. Ollie’s until her death in 1985. Ms. Ollie was a pillar San Marcos’ African American community and operated the store for more than 46 years. A mural memorializing this incredible woman, painted by artist Ryan Runcie, now adorns the side of the building where she dedicated most of her life.
 

Crossroads Memorial - Corner of MLK and LBJ Drives

The LBJ MLK Crossroads Memorial celebrates and honors the historic efforts of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and President Lyndon Baines Johnson in forging the most significant civil rights legislation since the Civil War. The monument is located at the crossroads of MLK Drive and LBJ Drive, the only American intersection bearing the names of both of these leaders!
 

Celebrate Diversity Our Common Thread – 110 E. Martin Luther King Drive

Just behind the Crossroads Memorial is the mural Celebrate Diversity Our Common Thread. The piece was created by local artist, Robert Jones. The beautiful mural honors the many cultures of San Marcos. There are interactive QR codes throughout the mural identifying civil and social rights advocates within the San Marcos community. The piece was commissioned from The Downtown Association, Dunbar Heritage Association, Centro Cultural Hispano de San Marcos, and the Indigenous Cultures Institute. You can find more of Jones’ work HERE.

 

Veterans Memorial – 133 W. San Antonio Street

Artist Ryan Runcie, a biracial, first-generation American, was commissioned to create a mural honoring local and national veterans who have served in the American Armed Forces. Runcie included the names of the fallen and M.I.A. soldiers of Hays County in the mural, which can be found on the first panel of the mural. What makes this mural extra special and unique is that Runcie encouraged the public to get involved and paint sections of the mural onto parachute fabric themselves, turning the mural into a true community tribute. You can find more of Runcie’s work HERE.

 

Interested in more San Marcos history and local legends? You’ll find some great stories HERE.

Black History Month Events

The Calaboose African American History Museum is celebrating Black History Month through dialogue, practical workshops, conversation, and reading. Every Saturday in February, the Calaboose Museum will host an event at The Cephas House to honor Black experience, history, and voice.

February 7 from 12:30-2pm - The State of Black San Marcos: A Dialogue

February 14 from 9:30am-3pm - Peace in Action: Nonviolence as a Tool for Change - A practical workshop with Sarah Davenport of Provisions for Peace. (Registration is required)

February 21 from 10am-2pm - National African American Read-In

February 28 from 12:30-2pm - New Book Conversation: Poverty Rebels: Black and Brown Protest in Post-Civil Rights America by Dr. Casey D. Nichols, History Professor at Texas State

 

The Dunbar Heritage Association will also be hosting events celebrating Black History Month. 

February 7 from 11am-2pm at the San Marcos Library - Black History for Kids
Black history is American history! This Black History Month educational youth event is in partnership with the San Marcos Public Library. Come learn about the scientists, writers, educators, and inventors who made their mark on history!  This event is for ages 1st through 6th grade only. Attendees must stay for the entire event. This event is by registration only. Walk-ins will not be accepted. Click here to register.

February 28 from 4-7pm at The Price Center - The Sip, Paint, & Poetry event will highlight poets from the African diaspora to educate and celebrate Black poetry and the Black aesthetic. The event will feature poetry, music from DJ 2Reel, painting/adult coloring, and refreshments. Click here to purchase tickets. Tickets are $25 pre-sale (before 2/20) and $30 after 2/20. There are only 55 seats, so don't wait to hold your spot.