Program

National Conversation on Race: San Antonio

December 3-14, 2024
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San Antonio’s collaborating museums and cultural organizations will immerse attendees in thought-provoking conversations, critical convenings on historical interpretation, film screenings, educator workshops, and art explorations, all aiming to deepen participants' understanding of how race is woven into every aspect of daily life. The National Conversation on Race - San Antonio program is hosted by, and in collaboration with: American Indians in Texas at the Spanish Colonial Missions, Asian Texans for Justice, Esperanza Peace and Justice Center, the DoSeum, San Antonio African American Community Archive Museum, and the Witte Museum.

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December 3: Kick Off Conversation @ 5-8:30pm

Bridging Divides: Race, Education, and Storytelling in San Antonio’s Communities

Be a part of the conversation! Facilitated by Dr. Eric Castillo, join all six National Conversation on Race San Antonio collaborators on a captivating panel discussion on the crucial role cultural organizations and museums play in the public’s understanding San Antonio’s legacies of race and racism. Panelist will highlight their work on expanding narratives, creating critical programs for community dialogue, and their future envisioning’s for San Antonio. 

RECEPTION: 5:00PM

Performances by: 

PANEL: 7:00PM

Performances by: 

Free and open to the public, registration encouraged.

Register Here
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Don't miss this riveting two-day conference revealing the foundational role of chattel slavery in the formation and growth of Texas. Featuring Keynote Speaker Annette Gordon-Ree, author of On Juneteenth, and one of the first voices to bring Juneteenth into the national conversation. Advance registration required.   
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The second day of the conference will feature a call to action and roundtable discussions led by SAAACAM to contextualize and act on the new scholarship learned in the previous day. Advance registration required. 
Person with text saying "The Black Power Mixtape."
Join SAAACAM's Black Film History series screening of The Black Power Mixtape (1967-1975), a documentary film filled with music and narration chronicling the evolution the Black Power movement. A lively panel discussion and a fun 70’s dance party commences the night! Free, registration required. 
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Led by elder Westside community Maestros, tour and learn about the places and moments significant to the cultural and political history of Chicanx and Tejanx in San Antonio. Afterwards, accompany Esperanza's Museo del Westside Planning Group to discuss the importance of a working-class community-based museum.
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Come see "Resilience and Legacy" a multi-disciplinary art exhibition and performance series by University of Texas San Antonio (UTSA) “Democratizing Racial Justice’s" inaugural artist in residence program. In partnership with SAAACAM, the exhibition highlights the impact of race through the creative expressions of local artists of color. Free, registration encouraged.
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DoSeum’s Beyond Limits is a sensory-friendly program providing a supportive space, specialized staff, and inclusive opportunities to engage and support learners. There will also be a resource fair, with a focus on their upcoming exhibition Uniquely Us: Understanding Race and Building Unity.  
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Join SAAACAM and their joint event with Texas Kidney Foundation’s Hope series for the premiere of The Christmas Chain, an impactful film that debunks myths and the racial disparities about organ donation. Afterwards there will be an engaging cast discussion, featuring producer Nicole Mendez, many of whom have personal connections to kidney disease. Reserve your ticket today!
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Screening the documentary web series that  delves into the rich history and impactful work of the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center. Founded in 1987 by Chicana artists and activists, the Center stands out for its diverse range of issues and innovative approaches, including community-based art, popular education, direct action, conservation, public talks, and scholarly work.
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Calling all educators! Join Asian Texans for Justice (ATJ) and UT’s Center for Asian American Studies (CAAS) at a San Antonio Asian American history seminar and panel on the significance of Asian American contributions and their influence shaping San Antonio through historical landmarks and sites. Registration encouraged.  
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Take a quintessential San Antonio river cruise through a Black History lens. Learn how the central city established racial divisions and the strength demonstrated by the community in overcoming these challenges. Join at 3pm on SAAACAM’s back patio (218 S. Presa) for refreshments prior to the boat’s departure at 4pm! Seating is limited, and advance tickets are required. 
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Esperanza Center will host  Pláticas, or panels, with local members, academics, and activists. The panel will share about the ongoing impacts of historical racism and the response, especially in the Westside neighborhoods and within the larger context of the city of San Antonio and the state of Texas. See schedule here: https://esperanzacenter.org/event/chicanx-platicas/
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Join AIT-SCM on an engaging panel discussion on the missionization of Native American peoples in South Texas, featuring both lived experiences and insights from historical and cultural experts. Hors d'oeuvres, snacks, and beverages catered.