Honoring Lincoln Elementary: Black Westside Voices

Join us for an unforgettable afternoon honoring the legacy of Lincoln Elementary School, located on the vibrant Westside. This in-person event celebrates the voices and stories of the Black community that have shaped this historic institution. Hear firsthand stories from teachers and community leaders, highlighting the pivotal role Lincoln Elementary has played in fostering education and empowerment. Prepare to be inspired and connect with local history during this special occasion.

Site History

The Westside Education and Training Center (WETC) rests in a historic part of San Antonio known for its rich cultural and linguistic heritage. While much of the Westside’s popular history includes a vibrant Mexican American community, a less known but equally important story of African American heritage and culture permeates the area.

San Antonio was one of the first major cities in 1954 to desegregate its schools following the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education and its precursor 1931 landmark case Roberto Alvarez v. the Board of Trustees of the Lemon Grove School District. Prior to desegregation, Edgewood I.S.D. opened Lincoln Elementary School to educate African American and Mexican American children with Elizabeth T. Wrenn as the school’s first principal and Edgewood’s first African American teacher and administrator. Hear first-hand how desegregation impacted Lincoln Elementary.

Over 70 years later, this site continues to provide a wealth of resources, education, and training to all members of the westside community. Through WETC, the Alamo Colleges District continues to activate its mission to empower diverse communities for success. An ongoing project between the Alamo Colleges and the San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum (SAAACAM) aims to document and amplify the important stories of African American culture, pride, and history in San Antonio’s Westside.