You Can Support the Black & African American Community Through Local Causes

San Antonio has a population of 1.53 million people, 6.18%, or approximately 94,700, of which are Black or African American. To find this data, I used this source which is actually focused on COVID-19 research but has a vast amount of data on San Antonio that you might find fascinating and educational as I did. 

Over the course of the last several weeks we have hopefully all seen lists and names of organizations to support and donate to during this time of heightened calls for social justice. I know I’ve been learning about more local and national organizations doing the work to move the needle. As we all learn more, I do hope that we all also remember that so much begins in our own backyard. The work and change that happens locally is just as important as what happens on a national level.

This list I’ve compiled is a starting point for anyone looking to donate to local causes that benefit and support the Black and African American community in San Antonio. I welcome you to share in the comments any other relevant organizations not included so that we can continue to inform each other. I encourage you to explore these organizations, learn about their mission and programs, and donate if you can.

Carver Community Cultural Center. Image from Facebook page.

Carver Community Cultural Center

226 N. Hackberry, 78202

The mission of the Carver Community Cultural Center is to celebrate the diverse cultures of our world, nation, and community, with emphasis on its African and African-American heritage, by providing premier artistic presentations, community outreach activities, and educational programs. The Carver has served as the San Antonio Eastside’s foremost gathering place of cultural exchange and performance arts, including world class performances from the likes of Aaron Neville, Esperanza Spalding, Gregory Porter, Poncho Sanchez, & Sheila E.

MAKE A DONATION

San Antonio African American Center. Image from Facebook page.

San Antonio African American Community Archive & Museum

430 N. Cherry Street, 78202

Mission: To collect, preserve, and share the cultural heritage of African Americans in the San Antonio region. The museum also wants to hear from you. The SAAACAM Oral History Project is a collection of original stories––including text, documents, photographs, videos, and audio files celebrating the African American past, present, and future of San Antonio and the surrounding area. Click here to submit your story.

MAKE A DONATION

Image from Black Outside website

Black Outside

P.O. Box 78513, 78218

With the knowledge that only 1% of Texas state park participants identify as Black/African-American, Black Outside was founded with the mission of expanding access, programming, and relevancy to both Black and Brown communities across Texas. Black Outside seeks to not only diversify the outdoors but unleash a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts reflective of our country and state’s beautiful diversity.

MAKE A DONATION

Image from DreamWeek website (January 2020 event)

DreamWeek

1160 E. Commerce Suite 200, 78205

Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his legacy of civil rights reform, the DreamWeek mission is to lay the foundations of tolerance, equality, and diversity to create a platform where people across cultures and communities can discuss and exchange ideas, fostering enlightenment for the greater human experience. DreamWeek is a 16-day summit of events with the aim to invite all to participate in an open forum where real-world issues are presented and nurtured, with the understanding that the truest voices will always prevail.

MAKE A DONATION

Image from SAGE Facebook page

San Antonio for Growth on the Eastside

220 Chestnut 78202

SAGE’s vision is that by 2025, the San Antonio Promise Zone will be a vibrant mixed-income community, rich in diversity and opportunity, catalyzing progress throughout the Eastside. The Promise Zone, a 22-sq. mile geographic area in the Eastside of San Antonio, is a national initiative to revitalize high-poverty communities by creating jobs, increasing economic activity, improving educational opportunities, advocating for affordable housing, reducing violent crime, and supporting health and wellness programs.

MAKE A DONATION

Image from MLK Scholarship, City of San Antonio webpage

MLK, Jr. Scholarship Program

Each year, as part of its celebration and focus on youth and education, the MLK, Jr. Commission administers a Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Program. These scholarships help to fund a portion of the college tuition of several deserving students, regardless of race or ethnicity. Each year, the MLK, Jr. Commission gives thousands of dollars in scholarships, thanks to the support of its many partners. The community can help support students in achieving their higher education goals. Donations for the scholarship fund are accepted from the public and can be mailed to:

City of San Antonio MLK Commission
Attn: Madeleine Mendez
Neighborhood & Housing Services Department
P.O. Box 839966
San Antonio, TX 78283

Make checks payable to San Antonio Area Foundation – MLK Commission Scholarship. Donations can also be made by credit card.

Heather
Heather was born and raised in San Antonio and became a mom in 2013 and again in 2018. She never imagined she'd be raising two sons but is grateful for the opportunity! Heather enjoys the outdoors and even mowing her own lawn. She and her husband Santiago look forward to raising two feminist boys who will hopefully be better at Spanish than she is. Her professional experience since graduating from Tufts University with a degree in Art History includes working for a variety of arts and cultural nonprofit organizations, from grassroots to governmental. She spent a few years as a stay at home parent and is easing her way back into the workforce. Her dream job would be to work for Sesame Workshop, or President of the United States. In the meantime, Heather enjoys filling her family's weekends with the diversity San Antonio has to offer. Favorite Restaurant: La Tuna Favorite Landmark: Hemisfair Favorite San Antonio Tradition: Breakfast tacos

3 COMMENTS

  1. Carver Community Cultural Center also provides outstanding educational programming. We have attended their Youth Matinee Series since my kids were in elementary school. They also have wonderful programming on Saturday mornings.

    Yes, please donate to the Carver and also check out their educational offerings. https://thecarver.org/education/

  2. Walk On The River and Walk on the River 2.0 are two very important films documenting both the history and the contributions that African Americians have made to the fabric of San Antonio. Meleneyes Media produced these films. They are locally owned and they produce other films and online learning opportunities. Donations can be made at the link below.

    https://www.paypal.com/donate/?token=AcKnfOndsRCRjCprO1OQXaNTpRnSRWpv15D2YiLluk6h__bHJ-oO0xTjVq8qcO_CI04_sG&country.x=US&locale.x=

  3. Deborah Jarmon is the Executive Director of the San Antonio African American Community Archive & Museum, Dreamweek leadership, an engaged community member, and a fun San Antonio mom! 💛
    I also encourage donations via the link in the article and membership. I have learned so much as a member. The programming is excellent and there are so many virtual learning options. Membership info can be found here.
    https://saaacam.org/become-a-member/

Comments are closed.