Now a National Historic Site, Blackwell School is a Symbol of Progress Toward Equality

RENO, NEVADA – During National Hispanic Heritage Month, U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) authored the following op-ed in the El Paso Times to run in print this Sunday, celebrating the historic designation of the Blackwell School in Marfa, Texas, as a national park, which was made possible through his Blackwell School National Historic Site Act:

Now a National Historic Site, Blackwell School is a Symbol of Progress Toward Equality

Senator John Cornyn

El Paso Times

October 10, 2024

https://www.elpasotimes.com/story/opinion/2024/10/10/blackwell-school-is-a-symbol-of-progress-toward-equality-cornyn/75568740007/


“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

These words in the Declaration of Independence are the revolutionary principles that form the cornerstone of our country. They have shaped the American way of life and served as a catalyst for change and justice since our nation’s inception.

However, we haven’t always lived up to this standard — something especially apparent for the children of Mexican descent who experienced racism and prejudice in Marfa, Texas, in the 20th century.

For decades, Mexican and Mexican-American children in Marfa were forced to attend the Blackwell School, formerly known as the Ward or Mexican School, where they were segregated from their white peers. Built in 1909, the school operated under de facto segregation and continued to do so even after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Brown v. Board of Education that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional.

Despite this pronouncement from our nation’s highest court in 1954, the Blackwell School remained the only school that Mexican-American children living in the area could attend until it closed its doors in 1965.

The walls of the Blackwell School hold the stories of countless young students of Mexican descent who endured racial prejudice and were encouraged to bury their heritage and deprived of the same educational opportunities as their peers.

In one instance, the students were instructed to write Spanish words on a piece of paper and then marched into the schoolyard, where their papers were buried on the grounds in a mock funeral ceremony. The students were also given secondhand learning materials and faced numerous obstacles as they fought to obtain a proper education, something many take for granted today.

Since 2021, I have fought for the Blackwell School to be named a National Historic Site to ensure the memories and lessons it holds are protected and taught to current and future generations of Americans. The Blackwell National Historic Site Act, which I authored and helped pass into law in 2022 alongside my good friend, Congressman Tony Gonzales (TX-23), designates the Blackwell School as one of the few National Park sites in the United States that commemorates Latino history and culture.

When the Blackwell School’s story was brought to my attention by the local community in Marfa, I was deeply moved by its history. Upon learning more, I knew I wanted to help Rep. Gonzales champion the efforts to memorialize the school.

After years of hard work with my congressional colleagues, I was proud to see the Blackwell School finally established as our country’s 430th National Park as of this July, and I look forward to seeing the impact it will have on the visitors who will pass through its doors.

The designation will help ensure the stories of the Mexican-American students forced to receive a segregated education are taught to future generations of Americans from all backgrounds and walks of life. It will preserve the experiences of the Marfa community and stand as a demonstration of the progress we’ve made as a nation.

This historic undertaking would not have been possible without the support of the National Parks Conservation Association, National Park Foundation, Blackwell School Alliance, Marfa Independent School District, city of Marfa, and the devotion of the Big Bend community. 

The Blackwell School is a powerful testament to our nation’s tremendous progress toward equality and a solemn reminder of the work that still remains. Today and for decades to come, the schoolhouse will stand as an important cultural landmark and a symbol of resilience, telling the stories of those who faced injustice and reminding us of the importance of applying lessons from the past as we shape the next chapter of American history.

As we recognize Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor the experiences of Latino-Americans in the Big Bend community and all across Texas. While it is easy to turn away from the pain caused by prejudice, it’s important we never forget the darkest pages of our nation’s story.

In the wake of immeasurable pain, Texans band together and journey toward healing. Last month, the Blackwell School held a ribbon cutting ceremony in honor of the historic park site establishment, where former students, Marfa community members, and local leaders gathered to celebrate. During the ceremony, attendees listened to a traditional mariachi band and viewed a ballet folklórico performance, all things that would have been previously discouraged, if not banned, when the school was still in operation. They also shared stories, smiles, and – I would assume – a few tears. I have no doubt it acted as a salve to the scars of former students formed long ago as they walked through the hallways of the Blackwell school.

The Blackwell School may have taught students subjects like math, reading, and science in its day, but from now on, it will teach future generations how to remember our nation’s history, honor the progress we have made as a nation, and resolve to continue taking steps forward to ensure our country lives up to our guiding principles. If we join together, we can learn from our past and continue to create a better and brighter future for every American, and that may be one of the most important lessons of all.

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