Black History Month, observed each February, is a time to reflect on, learn about, and honor the contributions and achievements of African Americans throughout U.S. history. This can take many forms, such as engaging with literature centered on lived experiences, participating in community events, or visiting historic sites that preserve and reflect on Black history.
The 2026 Black History Month theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” marks one hundred years of organized efforts to study, honor, and uplift the history, culture, and contributions of people of African descent. Initiated by historian Carter G. Woodson in 1926 as Negro History Week, the observance expanded into a federally recognized, month-long commemoration in 1976.
This February, residents are encouraged to reflect on the past and present through education, remembrance, and community engagement. Across Kyle and Hays County, libraries, historic sites, museums, and local organizations are offering opportunities to honor Black history through literature, reflection, and public events.
Local Historic Places
Kyle Railroad Depot & Heritage Center – 100 N. Front St., Kyle, TX
The Kyle Railroad Depot & Heritage Center offers insight into Kyle’s early development and the realities of segregation during the Jim Crow era. Built as part of the expansion of the International and Great Northern Railroad in 1880, the depot became a hub of commerce, travel, and communication.
Although it served all travelers, the depot operated under segregation laws that required separate waiting rooms and entrances. These spaces have been intentionally preserved by the Hays County Historic Commission to educate future generations about segregation in the United States. A Texas Historical Commission marker was erected in 2019.
The depot is open for tours Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Special visitation arrangements may be made by calling 512-262-1188 or emailing kyledepot@gmail.com.
Kyle Pioneer Family Cemetery – 2607 S. Old Stagecoach Road, Kyle, TX
Historically referred to as the Old Kyle Slave Cemetery, the Kyle Pioneer Family Cemetery is the final resting place of African Americans who were enslaved by the Kyle family. Burials date from the 1850s through 1938 and include formerly enslaved individuals and their descendants.
Once overlooked and largely forgotten, the cemetery has undergone restoration and preservation efforts since the 1990s through community involvement and grant funding. The Texas Historical Commission erected a marker at the site in 2015 to recognize its historical significance.
Skyview Cemetery – 1.5 miles south of the intersection of CR 136 and CR 225 on CR 136
Established in 1899 as the Kyle Cemetery for Colored People, Skyview Cemetery is now a designated Historic Texas Cemetery. The five-acre site remains actively maintained by the Skyview Cemetery Association, including civil rights icon Mattie Welch, Kyle’s first elected African American City Council member. The cemetery is the final resting place of notable community members.
The cemetery’s name was later changed to Skyview, inspired by an African American spiritual refrain symbolizing hope and endurance. The name honors the lives, struggles, and legacy of Kyle’s early Black residents.
Calaboose African American History Museum – 200 W. Martin Luther King Dr., San Marcos, TX
Located in Hays County’s first jail, built in 1873, the Calaboose African American History Museum preserves and shares the history of African Americans in the region. Established in 1997 by Mrs. Johnnie Armstead, the museum’s permanent collection includes more than 500 artifacts such as photographs, books, letters, textiles, and historical documents.
Admission is free. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., or by appointment.
Black History Month Events
Nnedi Okorafor Reading and Book Signing
The Katherine Anne Porter Literary Center is hoisting a book signing and reading for New York Times bestselling author and Africanfuturism pioneer Nnedi Okorafor on Wednesday, February 11, 7 p.m.
Her latest adult novel, “Death of the Author” — which George R.R. Martin calls “her best work yet” — explores fame, the Nigerian Diaspora, disability, the writer’s life, AI and robots.
One of the most lauded writers in modern science fiction and fantasy, her honors include the Wole Soyinka Prize for Literature, Nebula, World Fantasy, Locus, Eisner, and multiple Hugo and Lodestar Awards. Born in the United States to Nigerian/Igbo immigrant parents, Nnedi draws deeply from African cultures to create captivating worlds, unforgettable characters, and powerful, evocative stories.
The event is sponsored by The Burdine Johnson Foundation and the Texas State University Department of English.
Kyle Public Library Book Display
The Kyle Public Library, 550 Scott St., is recognizing Black History Month with a curated book display featuring literary works for all ages that highlight Black history, culture, and contributions. The collection includes works by influential Black authors across fiction, nonfiction, and children’s literature. More information on library programs and resources is available at CityofKyle.gov/Library.
Kyle Area Senior Zone Annual Peace & Harmony Quilt
The Kyle Area Senior Zone (KASZ) invites residents to take part in its annual community Peace & Harmony Quilt project.
This year’s theme, “Celebrate!,” aligns with the 2026 Black History Month theme, A Century of Black History Commemorations. Community members are encouraged to contribute by decorating a paper quilt square that reflects peace, unity, history, or celebration.
Paper squares may be picked up and returned to the Kyle Area Senior Zone at the Krug Activity Center, located at 101 S. Burleson St., Kyle, TX. KASZ hours vary based on scheduled programming, check their events calendar for more information.
Completed squares will be assembled into a large paper quilt that will be publicly displayed during Juneteenth.
Black History Month at The Cephas House
Join the Calaboose African American History Museum in celebrating Black History Month through dialogue, practical workshop, reading and conversation. Every Saturday in February the Calaboose Museum will host a free event at The Cephas House, 217 W. Martin Luther King Dr., San Marcos, TX to honor black experience, history and voice:
- The State of Black San Marcos: A Dialogue
- Saturday, February 7 from 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m.
- Peace in Action: Nonviolence as a Tool for Change workshop with Sarah Davenport of Provision of Peace
- Saturday, February 14 from 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Registration is required
- National African American Read In: Poverty Rebels: Black and Brown Protest in Post-Civil Rights America by Texas State History Professor Dr. Casey D. Nichols
- Saturday, February 21 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- New Book Conversation: Poverty Rebels: Black and Brown Protest in Post-Civil Rights America by Dr. Casey D. Nichols, History Professor at Texas State
- Saturday, February 28 from 12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m.
Black History Month Youth Educational Event – Feb. 7
The Dunbar Heritage Association, in partnership with the San Marcos Public Library, 625 E. Hopkins, will host a registration-only educational event for students in grades 1–6 on Saturday, February 7 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.. The program highlights Black scientists, writers, educators, and inventors who have shaped history. This event is by registration only.
Buda Black History Celebration – Feb. 21
Buda’s seventh annual Black History Month Celebration, themed “Honoring the Past and Inspiring the Future,” will feature panel discussions, music, children’s activities, and community fellowship. This event takes place on Saturday, February 21, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Buda City Hall, 405 E. Loop St. Buda, TX
Sip, Paint, and Poetry: Black History Month – Feb. 28
The Dunbar Heritage Association will also be hosting a Sip, Paint, & Poetry event on Saturday, February 28, 4 – 7 p.m. that will highlight poets from the African diaspora to educate and celebrate Black poetry and the Black aesthetic. The event, at The Price Center, 222 W. San Antonio St, San Marcos, will feature poetry, live music, painting/adult coloring, and food. Tickets are for sale online.
