WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressmen Tony Gonzales (R-TX-23) and Filemon Vela (D-TX-34) introduced legislation to establish the BlackwellSchool in Marfa, Texas, as a National Historic Site (NHS) under the National Park Service. The Blackwell School operated from 1909 – 1965 and served as a school for children of Mexican descent. The building is a tangible reminder of a time in American history where “separate but equal” dominated our culture. A companion bill in the U.S. Senate was introduced by Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Alex Padilla (D-CA).
“The Blackwell School is an important cultural and historical monument that should be preserved for future generations to come,” said Congressman Gonzales. “The school played a large, complicated role in American history, specifically for Mexican-Americans and their struggle for equality. Designating this property as a National Historic Site ensures that the story of the Blackwell School is maintained properly so that future Americans can learn from and understand its rich and complex history.”
“I am proud to join Congressman Tony Gonzales in supporting legislation that would establish the Blackwell School in Marfa, Texas as a National Historic Site,” said Congressman Vela. “This bill would recognize the Blackwell School for its role as both an academic and cultural cornerstone at a time when the practice of 'separate but equal' dominated education and social systems. This designation will help preserve and maintain the property to allow fellow Texans and visitors to learn the history that Mexican-American families experienced during this time in Texas history.”
“Preserving historical sites is crucial for future generations to understand and apply the important lessons learned as they shape the next chapter of American history,” said Senator Cornyn. “The Blackwell School in the Big Bend Region of Texas will continue to serve as a symbol of the progress that has been made and what work remains.”
“The history preserved in our National Park System helps tell the rich story of our country,” said Senator Padilla. “However, our national parks and monuments do not yet adequately represent the significant contributions, and often painful history, of diverse communities across the country. I’m proud to introduce this bill with Senator Cornyn that would designate one of just a few national park sites that commemorate Latino history. Understanding our nation’s history of segregation and discrimination in places like the Blackwell School that serves as a cornerstone to Mexican heritage, is integral to building a more inclusive and just future in America.”
“The history of the Blackwell School in West Texas is multifaceted, containing stories of hardship and discrimination, but also ones of resilience and pure joy,” said Theresa Pierno, President and CEO of the National Parks Conservation Association. “Mexican American students were segregated from their white peers at ‘Mexican schools,’ throughout the borderlands, including Blackwell. Despite the inherent unfairness of segregation, the Blackwell School became a meeting place and source of pride for the local Latino community. The National Parks Conservation Association is calling on Congress to protect Blackwell, one of the last ‘Mexican schools,’ left standing. The National Park Service should preserve this place and its complex legacy so future generations can learn from it. We are proud to support bipartisan legislation to designate the Blackwell School National Historic Site, which would be one of the first national parks dedicated to protecting contemporary Latino stories.”