"Spheres of Reflection" by Kaldric Dow
San Antonio is rich in Black heritage, and the Eastside is the soul of our city. From historic landmarks, such as Ellis Alley and the Healy-Murphy Center, to the educational and creative hub that is the Carver Community Cultural Center, our African American culture runs deep. Be sure to check out our guide to exploring San Antonio’s Eastside.
Come explore our food, festivals and fun celebrating our Black community.
The Carver Community Cultural Center celebrates the diverse cultures of the world, with an emphasis on African American heritage. Each season you will find eclectic and multi-ethnic representations from various disciplines such as dance, music and theater. Two unique venues hold an array of social and cultural events and performances – the Jo Long Theatre and the Little Carver Civic Center. Interested in art in addition to the performing arts? Visit the Carver Gallery inside Jo Long Theatre’s lobby for a paintings, sculptures, graphics, photography and more by local and regional artists.
The San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum (SAAACAM) is a digital archive and museum located in the La Villita Historic Arts Village near the San Antonio River Walk. The organization captures the complete history of African Americans and their contributions to San Antonio. SAAACAM’s goal is to reclaim San Antonio’s Black history by empowering individuals to curate their archives and cultivate a community-driven museum of digitized, audiovisual exhibits.
Be sure to visit the “Spheres of Reflection” sculpture at Martin Luther King Park. The 13-foot-sculpture, which rests on a 4-foot-tall foundation, was created by local San Antonio Artist Kaldric Dow and celebrates African American culture. “Spheres of Reflection” depicts an ambiguous face topped by a cylindrical tower of dark, reflective spheres symbolic of hair. The spheres feature words that are common themes found in Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s work including “dream, sincerity, bold, desire, brave, unity, gratitude, accountability, devotion and change.” Find more information on “Spheres of Reflection” at the City of San Antonio Department of Arts & Culture site.
Every January, San Antonio is home to one of the largest Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. marches in the nation. Supported by the city’s MLK Commission, the MLK March is usually held on the city’s Eastside and draws in participants from all around the United States. In fact, the march has attracted more than 300,000 people in the past! Join us for this event where our city comes together to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Join us for DreamWeek every January where multicultural communities come together to have meaningful conversations and exchange ideas on the challenges faced daily and advance and modernize the teachings set forth by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision. DreamWeek events range from exhibits, engagements, performances and mixers to celebrations, events, and more.
Though titled DreamWeek, this event has grown so large and successful that it actually lasts almost two weeks and San Antonio is the perfect setting for these engaging events. Not only are we a strongly diverse city, but we also have a strong, dynamic arts and culture scene that radiates throughout the city.
On view at Culture Commons Art Gallery January 19 – November 17, 2023, this exhibit showcases the multifaceted talents of Black artists in the greater San Antonio community and features artwork by: Carmen Cartiness Johnson, John Coleman, Kaldric Dow, Kwanzaa Edwards, Anthony Francis, Alain Boris Gakwaya, Deborah Harris, Edward Harris, Paul Hurd, Alethia Jones, Theresa Newsome, Wardell Picquet, Calvin Pressley, Don Stewart, Naomi Wanjiku, Angela Weddle and Bernice Appelin Williams.
At its core, Black Restaurant Week San Antonio is committed to celebrating diversity, supporting local businesses and inviting more voices to the culinary table. Learn more about this annual event and the impact it has on our community.
On June 19th, 1865, federal troops informed Black residents of Galveston, Texas that they were finally emancipated. This was the last group of enslaved men and women in the United States. The anniversary of the liberation of these men and women is now recognized as a federal and, for some, a state holiday – Juneteenth.
San Antonio celebrates Juneteenth in many ways. In addition to a weekend-long Juneteenth San Antonio festival, there are several events throughout the week as well. SAAACAM hosts many festivities including a digital History Harvest where the community is welcome to bring important documents to be digitally archived to preserve for generations to come.
For an enriching and educational experience in the heart of San Antonio, be sure to check out the Black History River Boat Tours, presented by San Antonio African American Community Archive Museum (SAAACAM) where you will be treated to a guided tour highlighting the many contributions made to San Antonio by the African American community. SAAACAM also periodically hosts free movie screenings featuring influential films. Check out our Cultural Events Calendar for upcoming event information.
Our mission at Visit San Antonio is succinct: Bringing the world to San Antonio. Current events, however, forced us to re-examine exactly what that means. When the world arrives at our doorstep, what will it find today and moving forward?
Events, museums, performance halls and more! Did we mention our iconic restaurants? San Antonio’s culinary scene is rich in diverse cultures and flavors. We are home to a wide variety of Black-owned restaurants, all unique in their offerings. Support San Antonio’s Black-Owned Restaurants at your next San Antonio visit!
