San Antonio Welcomes Insightful Black Cowboy Exhibit and Conference on Slavery’s Legacy
San Antonio, Texas, is buzzing with excitement as the Witte Museum gears up for a remarkable journey through history with its Black Cowboy exhibit and the much-anticipated 8th annual Conference on Texas. These events shed light on critical aspects of Texas history, with an emphasis on the struggles and triumphs surrounding slavery and freedom.
A Close Encounter with History
On Friday, November 15, 2024, the Witte Museum hosted an engaging preview event for the upcoming conference. Attendees were treated to a guided tour led by Ronald Davis II, the museum’s curator of American history. As he walked through the stunning Black Cowboy exhibit, Ronald highlighted fascinating artifacts that reveal the often-overlooked contributions of Black cowboys in America’s Wild West.
There’s so much to learn, especially as many might not know that a significant portion of cowboys were African American! Ronald shared stories that brought to life these characters and their importance in shaping the Texas landscape. Visitors were visibly captivated, soaking in the histories behind each display.
Artifacts That Tell a Story
One of the standout moments from the tour included Leslie Ochoa, the museum’s vice president of collections, showcasing an original Bible that belonged to Sarah Tate. Sarah was freed in 1865 and her Bible showed personal touches—faintly written names of her three older brothers. It was heartwarming to hear Ronald emphasize how deeply family connections mattered to those who endured the heavy burden of slavery. “She writes down the birthdays of each and every one of her siblings,” he noted, highlighting the resilience and love that flourished even in hardship.
The exhibit is not just about celebration, though. Several harrowing documents, including a bill of sale for an enslaved individual named Forchune from 1850, serve as sobering reminders of the injustices experienced throughout history.
Conference on Slavery in Texas: A Platform for Understanding
Mark your calendars for December 5-6 because that’s when the Conference on Texas takes place! This year’s theme, “Ode to Juneteenth: Slavery in Texas,” promises to provide profound insights into the crucial role that slavery played in Texas’s history and development. More than 500 participants are expected to gather and share their perspectives—what a fantastic opportunity for everyone involved!
Keynote speaker Annette Gordon-Reed, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, will kick things off on December 5. Her work, “The Hemingses of Monticello: An American Family,” has made waves in academic circles, and her insights promise to enrich the discussions at the conference.
As Dirk Elmendorf, Witte president and CEO, stated, this conference promises to deeply engage with both Texas’s past and its future. There will be discussions about how slavery shaped the legal systems still in place today, with Deborah Omowale Jarmon, CEO of SAAACAM, emphasizing the need to confront these lingering issues.
Interactive and Community-Oriented Activities
But it’s not all lectures and discussions! The conference will blend learning with movement, featuring a celebration of dance and interactive community conversations designed to encourage attendees to reflect on the lessons learned. “Studying slavery in Texas is not something that just reveals a past,” said Michelle Everidge, the Witte’s deputy director and COO. “It really helps us understand what we can do in the future.”
With scholarships available for educators and students, and affordable admission starting at just $35 for one day, the event is very accessible.
Start a Conversation
Aaronetta Pierce, a valued Witte trustee, hopes the conference will spark enlightening conversations that bring a deeper understanding of historical injustices. She believes that exploring the lives of enslaved people is critical to reconciling the past with the present.
“They endured so much, and knowing their struggles helps us grasp the present,” Aaronetta shared passionately.
San Antonio is ready to dive deep into its history and embrace the stories that have shaped its culture. Stay tuned for what’s bound to be an enlightening and enriching experience at the Witte Museum!
For more information about the conference or scholarships, call 210-357-1888 or email MichelleEveridge@WitteMuseum.org.
