Struggle and Success

African Americans in Texas

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Struggle and Success

African Americans in Texas

While African Americans have been subjected to the cruelties of slavery, segregation, and discrimination during the long history of Texas, they have made significant contributions to the growth and development of the state. Having overcome these terrible obstacles, it is important to document African American influence on Texas policies, social standards, and culture. Today, TSHA operates the Handbook of African American Texas to ensure the stories of the African American experience are shared.

In Struggle and Success, you will discover:

  • A brief overview of the history of African Americans in Texas, as well as their involvement in Texas politics

  • Biographies on some of the prominent political and civil rights leaders from Texas, such as Barbara C. Jordan and James L. Farmer, Jr.

  • Profiles on the African American leaders in business, law, education, science, and medicine

Articles from the Southwestern Historical Quarterly focusing on desegregation and the fight for civil rights in Houston

Table of Contents

  1. African Americans
  2. African Americans and Politics
  3. Barbara C. Jordan
  4. Matthew Gaines
  5. National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
  6. James L. Farmer Jr.
  7. Antonio Maceo Smith
  8. Mark H. Hannah Jr.
  9. Percy P. Creuzot Jr.
  10. Aloysius M. Wickliff Sr.
  11. Richard D. Evans
  12. Carter W. Wesley
  13. Julia S. Reed
  14. Education for African Americans
  15. Isaiah Q. Hurdle
  16. Nathaniel Q. Henderson
  17. Samuel W. Houston
  18. Emmett J. Conrad
  19. Connie Y. Conner
  20. Black Professional Baseball in Texas (Texas Almanac)
  21. Eugene (Gene) T. Upshaw Jr.
  22. Curtis C. Flood
  23. Duke-Peacock Records
  24. Sam (Lightnin’) Hopkins
  25. Henry (Ragtime Texas) Thomas
  26. Buffalo Soldiers
  27. Bessie Coleman
  28. Southwestern Historical Quarterly Selected Articles

Commemorating 250 years of American independence through the stories, people, and places that shaped Texas and the nation.

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, Texans have a unique opportunity to reflect on the state’s role in the American story. Through exhibitions, programs, educational initiatives, and community events across Texas, Texas America250 encourages celebration, reflection, and commemoration at both local and statewide levels. At the Texas State Historical Association, we are proud to support this important moment through our mission-driven work in history education and public engagement, including Texas History Day, and we invite students, educators, and communities to explore this milestone in meaningful ways.

On July 4, 2026, we will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the greatest nation in the history of the world. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Long may these ideals live in the heart of every Texan and every American. May God bless all who have defended our freedoms that we enjoy each day. And God bless the United States of America.

Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas

Commemorating 250 years of American independence through the stories, people, and places that shaped Texas and the nation.

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, Texans have a unique opportunity to reflect on the state’s role in the American story. Through exhibitions, programs, educational initiatives, and community events across Texas, Texas America250 encourages celebration, reflection, and commemoration at both local and statewide levels. At the Texas State Historical Association, we are proud to support this important moment through our mission-driven work in history education and public engagement, including Texas History Day, and we invite students, educators, and communities to explore this milestone in meaningful ways.

On July 4, 2026, we will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of the greatest nation in the history of the world. “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Long may these ideals live in the heart of every Texan and every American. May God bless all who have defended our freedoms that we enjoy each day. And God bless the United States of America.

Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas

Find Events

Discover commemorative events across Texas

Explore local and statewide programs, exhibitions, and public events connected to the semiquincentennial and the many stories that shape our shared history.

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Participate through education and community engagement

Learn how students, teachers, families, and local communities can take part in Texas America250 through activities, programs, and opportunities tied to Texas History Day and beyond.

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Explore the initiative and its broader purpose

Learn more about Texas America250 and the effort to promote deeper understanding of the nation’s founding and the contributions of Texans past and present.

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