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Texas has a long lasting history concerning African-Americans. Not all references are great, but their history has its important points of view.
After the Civil War, the U.S. Army needed more men so six segregated regiments of African American soldiers were created and stationed across Texas. The legendary Buffalo Soldiers served their country and changed the course of military history.
From early explorers to Mexican citizens to Texas slaves to free men and women, African Americans have contributed much to the story of Texas. Learn more about their stories.
AFRICAN AMERICANS. People of African descent are some of the oldest residents of Texas. Beginning with the arrival of Estevanico in 1528, African Texans have had a long heritage in the state and have worked alongside Americans of Mexican, European, and indigenous descent to make the state what it is today. The African-American experience and history in Texas has also been paradoxical. On the one hand, people of African descent have worked with others to build the state's unique cultural heritage, making extraordinary contributions to its music, literature, and artistic traditions. But on the other hand, African Americans have been subjected to slavery, racial prejudice, segregation, and exclusion from the mainstream of the state's institutions. Despite these obstacles and restrictions, their contributions to the state's development and growth have been truly remarkable.
This museum explores the history of the 1956 fight over desegregation at Mansfield High School.
During the 1950s, Texas was an epicenter for the national civil rights movement. In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its famous Brown v. Board decision based, in part, on legal precedents set in Texas. Then, in 1956, Mansfield High School became the first public school in north Texas ordered to desegregate – sparking a protracted fight by local white residents to prevent black Texans from being admitted to the school. White Texans in Mansfield eventually won and prevented the desegregation of the school. Mansfield would not desegregate its schools until 1965.
This museum offers exhibits and curated objects from that era which explore the local, state, and national contexts for these momentous events.
Humanities Texas has supported numerous projects in African American history and culture through its grants program. The following selection of projects comes from all corners of the state: from big cities and small towns and from all types of organizations—universities, historical societies, churches, museums, libraries, and community organizations.
The Texas Historical Commission is the state agency for historic preservation. Our nationally recognized programs bring awareness to Texas' architectural, archeological, and cultural landmarks.
