PERSERVING OUR RICH HISTORY & TELLING OUR OWN STORY
Welcome to San Antonio Black History Tours
Our tours delve deep into the African American heritage of the Alamo City.
San Antonio, like many Southern cities in America, has a history intricately woven with the legacy of chattel slavery and Jim Crow era segregation. These conditions presented significant challenges for the Black community, however it also birthed a sense of pride and self reliance.
Our mission is to illuminate this history, bringing to light the stories of struggle and triumph that have shaped the Black experience here.
From Vision to Reality:
The answer sparked the birth of the "Freedom Black History Bus Tour" in January 2019, debuting as an official "Dreamweek" event. Success followed, leading to the fine-tuning of our process and the continuation of our historic bus tours.
Our Story: Origins and Misson
Aundar Ma’at and Born Logic Allah, the visionaries behind Melaneyes Media and the acclaimed documentary "Walk on the River: A Black History of the Alamo City," responded to a resounding question from their audience: "How can we see some of the locations mentioned in the film?"
AUNDAR MA’AT
Co-founder, Film Producer, Tour Guide
BORN LOGIC ALLAH
Co-founder, Film Director, Tour Guide
Media Spotlight
Click the image below to watch a special Black history piece from local station KSAT 12 highlighting “Walk on the River” as well as our Black History tours.
Click the image above to watch a special Black history segment from local station KENS 5 highlighting our S A Black History tours.
Preserving Heritage, Creating Awareness
Black history tours in San Antonio contribute to the preservation of cultural heritage, provide educational opportunities, strengthen community connections and promote cultural appreciation.
As people move to the East Side and other parts of San Antonio, it's essential to foster a sense of connection and understanding with the existing community. Black history tours create opportunities for residents, both old and new, to come together, share experiences, and build a stronger sense of community.
The “East Side”
During the times of racial segregation in America, the East side of San Antonio emerged as a concentration point for African American residents in the early to mid 20th century. Largely because this was one of the few areas where Black people were able to live and purchase land. Although segregation may not have been the ideal situation, the results of this led to the East side becoming a hub for Black business, culture and creativity that lasted for decades.
“Filmakers share historic San Antonio locations from documentary” - By Vincent T. Davis, San Antonio Express News, March 9, 2019
We have added additional tours since the launch of the original experience we began with in 2019. However, the story of the East side is continues to be our focus. Participants have the opportunity to visit historic locations including:
FREEDOM BRIDGE/MLK PARK
3503 Martin Luther King Dr. San Antonio, TX 78220
Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom bridge is named in honor of the great Civil Rights leader. Today, Freedom bridge, MLK Park, and MLK academy is the starting point of the MLK March.
ST. PHILIPS COLLEGE
1801 Martin Luther King Dr, San Antonio, TX 78203
St. Philip’s Normal and Industrial School began as a sewing class for Negro girls in 1898. Today, St. Philips is a Historically Black College and Hispanic Serving Institution.
CHARLES BELLINGER HOME
500 S New Braunfels Ave. San Antonio, TX 78203
Charles Bellinger, was a political boss, entrepreneur, and gambler who had a deep and lasting impact on the city.
WHEATLEY HIGH SCHOOL
415 Gabriel, San Antonio, TX 78202
Named after Phillis Wheatley, an ex-slave, who was one of the first women, as well as the first African American, to publish a book of poems 1767 in the U.S. Erected in 1932 as a public schools for African American students in San Antonio.
Public and Private Tours
Hosting both public and private tours we strive to provide a variety of options for learning. San Antonio Black History Tours offer:
- Bus Tours
- Walking Tours
- Virtual Tours
Private Tours
Public Tours
Click the button above to learn more
Click the button above to learn more
Our Partners Include
Intercultural Development Research Association • Jack & Jill San Antonio • Capital Group • H.E. Butt Foundation • National Association of Black Military Women • St. Luke Catholic School • Policy Link
Our Documentary Film Series
WALK ON THE RIVER: A BLACK HISTORY OF THE ALAMO CITY
Exploring the Black experience in San Antonio Texas from Emancipation to Integration.
WALK ON THE RIVER 2.0: THE AFRICAN INFLUENCE IN SATX
Exploring the African presence in San Antonio before and during the enslavement period.
Positive feedback and reviews
Testimonials
So much knowledge was provided during the trip, it was very insightful. I look forward to doing the trip again with visiting family members so San Antonio can be highlighted for its rich history regarding African Americans. - W.W. Wray (Facebook Review)
We are committed to educating individuals and organizations about the history, culture and contributions of the Black community in San Antonio in an authentic and honest way.
For more information contact: Aundar Ma’at
melaneyes3@gmail.com
210.560.3622
