DreamWeek San Antonio
Our culture runs deep in San Antonio, and we are proud of our rich Black Heritage. While there are events year-round that are essential to celebrating our Black community, January is full of can't-miss Black-centered celebrations. Celebrate San Antonio’s rich Black heritage with these exciting events and experiences:
DreamWeek
Each January, our multicultural communities get together for DreamWeek, dedicated to exchanging ideas, inspiring discussion, and igniting change. Don't let the name fool you - DreamWeek is more than one week. For over two weeks, events occur throughout San Antonio with the same mission - spurring these essential discussions.
DreamWeek will be held from January 12 - January 28, 2024, and the 2024 theme is "The Compassion Drive: Compassion is what makes our city unique for the good of us all."
Join DreamWeek in the mission to celebrate our humanity by creating civil and civic engagement environments to embrace ideas and dreams for the common good. Be sure to check out the 2024 lineup of events!
Martin Luther King March
San Antonio is home to one of the largest MLK marches in the U.S., held in January in honor of civil rights leader Martin Luther King. In the past, the San Antonio MLK march has attracted over 300,000 attendees.
For 2024, the theme will be "Yesterday's Dream, Today's Vision, Tomorrow's Reality!" chosen amongst the commission's endless submissions. Join us for this year's march on January 15, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. The march will begin at Martin Luther King Jr. Academy and end at Pittman-Sullivan Park!
Visit the San Antonio African American Community Archive & Museum (SAAACAM)
San Antonio African American Community Archive & Museum (SAAACAM), located in La Villita Historic Arts Village, shares insights into African Americans' untold stories and history in San Antonio. Here, guests will find digitized, audiovisual exhibits rich in culture, storytelling, and empowerment. SAAACAM holds a community-based digital archive of historical accounts to cultivate a stronger understanding and appreciation of Black history in San Antonio.
SAAACAM Black History River Boat Tours
To understand what San Antonio’s Black heritage truly means to our city, book a Black History River Boat Tour, presented by SAAACAM.
Knowledgeable tour guides will take you on an insightful and thought-provoking journey to the African American core of San Antonio on a 100-minute excursion. The Black History River Boat Tour is also the only River Cruise that has access to cross into the Pearl, so this will surely be an experience to remember.
Black History Film Series
SAAACAM
Beyond their monthly Black History river tours, SAAACAM is instrumental in bringing Black-centered attractions to life throughout the city. Free screenings of relevant Black historical cinema can be enjoyed throughout the year at SAAACAM's Black History Film Series. Previous films have included The Bronze Buckaroo, Tulia Texas, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, Glory Road, The Tuskegee Airmen (which included special guests from the San Antonio chapter of the Tuskegee Airman), Miss Juneteenth, and Hidden Figures.
Locations and times vary by show, so check out the SAAACAM website to learn more.
Performances at Carver Community Cultural Center
Embrace African and African American arts and culture at Carver Community Cultural Center, whose mission is to "celebrate the diverse cultures of the world, nation, and community, with emphasis on its African and African American heritage by providing challenging artistic presentations, community outreach activities, and educational programs."
Find large shows at the Jo Long Theatre, which hosts 10-12 main stage performances, or visit the Little Carver Civic Center, which highlights 4 intimate series events. Are you looking to be inspired by art before a performance? Check out The Carver Gallery, located in the Jo Long Theatre lobby, for paintings, sculptures, photography and more by local and regional artists.
Check out their 2023-2024 season to find your next must-see performance.
McNay Art Exhibit: Prints by Contemporary Black Artists
Pay a visit to McNay Art Museum for the art exhibit Prints by Contemporary Black Artists. Prints by Contemporary Black Artists is on view through March 17, 2024, and showcases art pieces created by Atlanta-based artist Radcliffe Bailey as well as Derrick Adams and Kara Walker. View this exhibit and discover Black artists' importance and contributions to American art history.
San Antonio Is Proud of Its Diversity and Cultural Heritage
There is no shortage of diversity in San Antonio, and our culture is at the cornerstone of all we do. Find a host of cultural events to inspire and reignite your passion for the arts. Plan a trip to San Antonio and experience our rich diversity for yourself!