San Antonio Celebrates Its History with New Marker Honoring African American Schools
In a heartwarming ceremony, community members gathered in San Antonio to unveil a new “History Here” marker that pays tribute to the African American schools that were once a vital part of the West Side. The event took place at the intersection of Delgado and Elmendorf streets, where the rich legacy of education and cultural growth still resonates today.
A Personal Journey
Leading the ceremony was Earl J. Bullock, the chairman of the Grant-Dunbar Historical Preservation Interest Group. Earl, who grew up just a stone’s throw away from his beloved Grant Elementary School, shared his heartfelt memories of learning and growth. He reminisced about his formative years at Dunbar Junior High School, where he picked up essential skills like typing and woodworking. “Those educators taught us more than just what was in our textbooks,” Earl reflected. “They instilled in us the values of responsible citizenship, which have guided me throughout my life.”
Recognizing the Past
In 1969, the San Antonio Independent School District took crucial steps to bring together the once-segregated Grant and Dunbar schools into a single entity — Grant-Dunbar Elementary. Unfortunately, this historic institution did not stand the test of time. When Earl returned home from college, he was saddened to see that much of the school had been demolished. This drove him to action.
In a bid to keep the memories alive, he formed the Grant-Dunbar Historical Preservation Interest Group two years ago, advocating for a historical marker through a petition to the school district. “We are very elated and excited we were able to do that,” Bullock, now 73, said in a recent phone interview. “It’s been an opportunity to share historical information with others.”
Community Unity and Celebration
During the unveiling ceremony, Bullock, along with former students, families, and local dignitaries, dedicated the historical marker, which now stands proud at the corner of Delgado and Elmendorf streets. District 5 Councilmember Teri Castillo and Charles Gentry, a historic preservation specialist, addressed the eager crowd. Gentry shared insights about the significant role of St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church, the city’s first AME church, in supporting education and civil rights in the early days.
“This part of our work focuses on African American heritage and preservation,” Gentry said. “We want to dispel the myth that Black people only lived on the East Side of San Antonio.”
Discovering the Roots
In his research, Gentry traced the history of the Grant Elementary school back to several incarnations as far back as 1890. The school was named after Abraham S. Grant, one of the early pastors of the St. James AME Church, who later became an AME bishop. This rich history lives on in the stories of those who walked the halls of the institution.
What’s Next?
The new marker is a part of the “History Here” program, which seeks to spread awareness about significant historical sites across San Antonio. With the latest addition, there are now three markers across the city that highlight the important presence of Black heritage. Other markers include one at the original Church’s Chicken on Alamo Street and another at the Rinconcito De Esperanza Historic District.
Following the dedication, Gentry brought a pop-up exhibit to the Frank Garrett Multi-Service Center to provide an overview of African American history in San Antonio and plans to take it to local libraries and each city council district in the coming months.
Keeping Memories Alive
The collective effort to honor the Grant-Dunbar Elementary School reflects a strong desire among alumni and community members to remember their roots and the teachers who shaped their lives. “They wanted to make sure their memories are preserved,” Gentry noted. “Those formative years are crucial, and it’s vital that they are not lost to time.”
As the sun set on that memorable day, it wasn’t just a historical marker that was unveiled; it was a celebration of a community’s rich educational legacy and a promise that their stories would continue to be told.
