Wednesday, June 19, 2013

The Handbook of African-American Texas

The Texas State Historical Association’s Handbook of Texas Online, a multidisciplinary encyclopedia of Texas history, geography, and culture, has produced an in-depth online resource detailing the history of African-Americans in Texas.

The Handbook of African-American Texas features more than 850 entries, including more than 300 new articles and dozens of images, that chronicle the individuals, communities, businesses, institutions, organizations, and events that comprise the African-American experience and its significant contribution to the heritage of the Lone Star State.

This project was envisioned in 2011 by then TSHA President Merline Pitre, a professor in the Department of History and Geography at Texas Southern University.  Pitre, Project Director of the Handbook of African-American Texas, acknowledges the struggles and accomplishments of blacks in Texas and the need to preserve this history:

While African-Americans have been subjected to slavery, segregation, and discrimination during this long history, they have made significant contributions to the growth and development of Texas. They have influenced Texas policies and social standards. Living and working with other ethnic groups, they have helped create a unique Texas culture....This Handbook is initiated to capture, to create greater awareness, and to increase research on the roles and contributions that Afro-Texans (individuals, groups, and organizations) have made to their neighborhoods, cities, state, and often the nation and beyond.

Historians from across the state have contributed new scholarship in the making of this resource, and the Handbook of African-American Texas, as a dynamic medium, will continue to add new articles and images in the future.

In celebration of the African-American heritage of Texas, the Handbook of African-American Texas officially launches on Juneteenth.

To access this new resource on a vital part of Texas history, visit the following link: http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/african-americans. 

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

Celebrate Independence Day at Heritage Park


Plan to attend the 27th annual Independence Day celebration at Heritage Park at the corner of East 30th and Hutchins Streets in Bryan, Texas, on Thursday, July 4, 2013, from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM.

This event, sponsored by the Brazos Heritage Society, will feature patriotic activities for adults and children of all ages, including live music, flag raising and toast, a children’s parade, and classic car display.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase.  All refreshments will be sold at the low price of 50 cents.

In addition, there will be a number of booths to visit and a silent auction.

Schedule of Events

 9:30 AM  Patriotic Music by Proud Country

 9:40 AM  Invocation

 9:45 AM  Flag Raising, Pledge of Allegiance, and Toast to the Flag

10:00 AM  Special Announcements

10:15 AM  Music by Proud Country Continues

10:30 AM  Children’s Parade

11:00 AM  Silent Auction Closes

Come join us for an enjoyable, entertaining, and patriotic Independence Day celebration.  Bring lawn chairs and friends to this annual event.

For additional information, please contact Event Chairs Stephanie Hilliard (979-777-4924) or Randy Hilliard (979-777-5670).

Monday, June 3, 2013

BVMNH Grand Opening for Grass Roots: African Origins of an American Art

The Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History (BVMNH), in cooperation with the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH), and in celebration of Juneteenth, proudly presents Grass Roots: African Origins of an American Art from June 17 to August 10, 2013.

On Thursday, June 20, 2013, the BVMNH invites the public to its free grand opening event, beginning at 6:00 PM with a presentation by Lois B. Beach, an expert on basket making with 25 years of experience. Her presentation will be followed by a reception and gallery viewing.

For more information, visit Grass Roots: African Origins of an American Art.