Hays County Underrepresented Communities Committee

10/06/2025

Make sure to check out the The Calaboose African American History Museum Eddie Durham Jazz Festival on October 11th.

08/03/2025

SAVE THE DATE

Join the Calaboose Museum in celebrating Eddie Durham, one of the most important composers and arrangers of southwestern swing. Spend the day in the park enjoying live jazz, arts and crafts, swing dancing and good food!

Free event. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets.

2025 Eddie Durham Jazz Fest
Saturday, October 11, 2025
11 am to 5 pm

Eddie Durham Park
205 W Martin Luther King Dr.
San Marcos, TX 78666
 
Contact [email protected] for more information or to become a vendor or sponsor.

07/03/2025

05/22/2025

What: Juneteenth Children’s Art Exhibit & Reception
When: Thursday, June 19th, 2025 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm
Where: Calaboose African American History Museum
200 W Martin Luther King Dr., San Marcos, TX 78666

FREE EVENT!
Come see Juneteenth through the eyes of 2nd graders. Free refreshments at the Cephas House, across the street from the museum.

01/05/2025

Tulsa '21 is a screenplay inspired by true events of the Tulsa race riot of 1921. The script was written by Joe Fikes and Anita Azenet about two star-crossed lovers as they find themselves in the center of the riot. In the staged reading, we follow them as they navigate racial tensions in a thriving American community divided by violence and prejudice. Tulsa, and specifically a neighborhood called Greenwood or "Black Wallstreet", was burned to the ground marking the first time a U.S. city was bombed from the air by its own people.

Stage Reading: February 8, 2025 6:00 PM CST - San Marcos Price Center
Admission is free, but please RSVP using the link below.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tulsa-21-a-staged-reading-tickets-1113306332209?aff=oddtdtcreator

01/02/2025

https://www.sapiens.org/archaeology/antioch-colony-texas/

Antioch colony texas - Archaeologists are working with the descendants of Antioch Colony to preserve its history.

01/01/2025

Imani: The Seventh Principle of Kwanzaa
Habari Gani! (What's the news!)

Imani (ee-MAH-nee) is the seventh and final principle of Kwanzaa, observed on January 1st. The word "Imani" means "Faith" and it encourages faith in oneself, in others, and in the collective pursuit of a better world. It is a day dedicated to reaffirming the belief that through faith, one can overcome obstacles and create a brighter future for all.



Imani Symbolisms and Candle
The symbol for Imani is a simple, yet profound image: a circle, which represents unity and the eternal nature of faith. This circle embodies the unbreakable connection between the individual and the community, symbolizing the ongoing cycle of faith passed down through generations.

On Imani, the third green candle of the Kinara is lit. Green represents the future, growth, and the vitality of life, qualities that faith nurtures in the community and the world.


African Philosophy

Imani is deeply rooted in African philosophy, which emphasizes communal living, interconnectedness, and spiritual growth. The belief in a higher power and the power of faith plays a central role in the African worldview. Faith is seen as an essential force that connects individuals to their heritage, community, and the larger world.

African Proverb

"He who has faith in the greatness of others has faith in his own greatness." This African proverb speaks to the power of faith in others, which in turn strengthens our belief in ourselves. By supporting and believing in the potential of others, we uplift ourselves and contribute to the collective strength of our community.


Contemporary Relevance

In today's world, Imani reminds us to hold on to hope, especially during times of uncertainty or adversity. In a society that can often feel disconnected, Imani teaches us to invest in one another and to believe in the collective strength we possess. Faith in oneself and others fosters resilience and growth in both personal and communal life.

Handmade Gifts

On Imani, handmade gifts take on a special meaning. These gifts are often symbols of faith and hope, created with love and intention. Examples include handcrafted jewelry, textiles, or personalized artwork that reflect the values of the day. These gifts are a reminder that faith and tradition are often passed down through the care and craftsmanship of one’s hands.


How to Celebrate Imani Today

•Reflect on your faith, faith in yourself, your loved ones, and your community.
•Share a meal with family or friends, focusing on the strength that faith brings.
•Reaffirm your commitment to the values of Kwanzaa.
•Make a conscious effort to support those around you in their journeys.
•Meditate on the growth and prosperity that faith fosters.
•Encourage others to do the same.

Imani, the principle of Faith, encourages us to look inward and outward with trust, knowing that with faith, all things are possible.

12/31/2024

Kuumba: The Sixth Principle of Kwanzaa
Habari Gani! (What's the news!)

The sixth principle of Kwanzaa is Kuumba (koo-OOM-bah), which means "Creativity." Celebrated on December 31st, it emphasizes the commitment to use creative energy to improve the community and leave it better than it was inherited. Kuumba encourages us to focus on building and enriching the world through our creative actions.



Kuumba Symbolisms and Candle
On Kuumba, the symbol for the day is a beautifully crafted sculpture representing the creative spirit. This symbol embodies the idea of making the world better, one creation at a time.

The third red candle is lit on this day, symbolizing the passionate and determined effort required to bring creative ideas to life.


African Philosophy

African philosophy views creativity as a vital force for community growth and development. It emphasizes that creativity is a collective effort that strengthens communal bonds, urging individuals to look beyond current challenges and envision possibilities for progress. Kuumba drives societal upliftment, innovation, and harmony, often tied to ancestral wisdom, spirituality, and the shared aspirations of the people.

African Proverb

An African proverb that aligns with Kuumba is: "The eye that looks at the sun will not see shadows." This means that those who focus on the bright possibilities ahead are not distracted by obstacles. It encourages looking forward to new ideas and solutions instead of being bogged down by limitations. By embracing creativity and innovation, we can overcome challenges and create a brighter future, free from the constraints of past setbacks.


Contemporary Relevance

In modern times Kuumba holds significant relevance across various spheres of life. It serves as a catalyst for innovation in fields like the arts, technology, social justice, and environmental sustainability. The principle encourages individuals and communities to think outside conventional boundaries and create solutions that drive positive change. Whether through creating impactful art, advancing scientific discoveries, or addressing social and environmental issues, Kuumba reminds us that intentional creativity can improve lives and help build a more just, equitable, and sustainable world.

Handmade Gifts

On Kuumba, people often exchange handmade gifts that reflect their creativity. These can include art, crafts, or even homemade recipes, all crafted with love and intention to contribute something beautiful to the world. The day can also be marked by family projects, community art events, or workshops where creativity flows and collective works are celebrated.


How to Celebrate Kuumba Today

Engage in a creative activity that benefits your community.
Donate artwork to a local charity.
Start a community garden.
Contribute to an environmental cause.
Encourage others to express their creativity through painting, music, writing, or problem-solving.
On this sixth day of Kwanzaa, embrace your creativity to make the world a better place. Through it we are reminded of the power of imagination and innovation to inspire change and progress.