Beginning with the Spanish exploration of Tejas, through the fight for independence and statehood, to the present day, African descendants contribute to San Antonio's history. From involuntary to voluntary migration, the citizens of San Antonio include African Americans, African Mexicans, African Indigenous, African Caribbean, and African Natives.

Historically and presently, African descendants in the area worked as explorers, interpreters, soldiers, settlers, educators, pioneers, ranchers, surgeons, military officers, community advocates, publishers, politicians, preachers, doctors, attorneys, business owners, inventors, scientists, artists, entertainers, and much more! We invite you to explore the influence of Africa here in San Antonio year-round.

There are also many Black residents making contributions to San Antonio, including Richard Pretlow, the president of Morgan's Wonderland , the first amusement park for people with special needs, including those with autism, as well as Nicola Blaque, an award-winning chef, mother, veteran and owner of The Jerk Shack .

Below are just a few of the  city's best events  to attend, participate in and celebrate the city's rich black heritage:

The  Carver Community Cultural Center   delights young and old, celebrating the diverse cultures of our world, nation and community, emphasizing its African and African-American heritage by providing premier artistic presentations, community outreach activities and educational programming.

After years of hosting a popular smooth jazz cruise featuring local musician Billy Ray Sheppard,  Foster Perry Travel  presents a concert series featuring nationally and internationally touring smooth jazz artists. The inaugural 2023 season features critically acclaimed artists such as Javier Colon, Kirk Whalum, Maysa, Althea Rene and Najee. 

If you're looking for African-inspired cultural products, the  MAAT Market Pop-Up Shop  is an excellent place to find them. The market has African clothing and accessories, African American children and adult books, shea butter and natural body products, cultural t-shirts, Kwanzaa products, and more.

Located in the historic Government Hill neighborhood,  In the Eye of the Beholder Art Gallery & Studio  is San Antonio's only Black-owned art gallery. Representing and exhibiting the works of artists of the African diaspora, the gallery also hosts artist talks, master classes, and other community events throughout the year.

The last weekend of July, San Antonio is home to the  Reggae Festival . In addition to music that will keep you rocking all night long, enjoy over 50 food and cultural vendors, including food trucks, frozen treats, Jamaican foods, a children's playground, face painters, hula hoops, and much more!

The mission of the  San Antonio Black International Film Festival  (SABIFF) is to showcase quality film genres indicative of vast Black experiences, advocate for, and support filmmakers of African descent. Held the first weekend of October, here you'll find many stories, subject matters, voices, and diverse images of Black people throughout the global diaspora that have been historically under-represented.

For more information please contact Beatriz Guerrero at beatriz.guerrero@aboutdci.com .