Galveston African American Cultural Heritage District

Celebrating Culture. Investing in Community. Planning for the Future.

The African American Cultural Heritage District is a growing effort to honor the rich history and cultural contributions of Galveston’s Black community, while shaping an inclusive and creative future for generations to come.

Guided by the City’s Arts and Culture Master Plan, and developed through an Our Town NEA grant in partnership with the Galveston Arts Center and the Park Board, the district brings together history, public art, and civic investment. The goal is to recognize the past, celebrate the present, and create space for shared cultural experiences that move Galveston forward.

Experience the Arts

The vision for this district places arts and culture at the center of everyday life. By blending creativity with community, the City of Galveston is creating space for murals, sculptures, performances, and events in public places that reflect the spirit and identity of the neighborhoods they serve.

With increased investment in public art grants, improvements to parks, and future opportunities tied to a state Cultural Arts District designation, the district will become a hub for local expression and creative placemaking.

This is where visual art, music, storytelling, and performance intersect with public life—where the arts are not just seen, but felt and shared.

Participate in Programming

Through partnerships with local organizations, artists, and educators, the district will host cultural programs throughout the year ranging from youth workshops and history tours to live performances and community festivals.

With dedicated funding, accessible public spaces, and support from the City of Galveston and the Cultural Arts Commission, programming in the district will support artists, educate residents and visitors, and strengthen the connection between culture and community life.

Expect to see:

Pop-up exhibitions and markets
Music and dance in neighborhood parks
Cultural storytelling and oral history workshops
Hands-on art and maker events
Youth engagement through school and community collaborations

Connect to the Past and Present Through Cultural Heritage

This district sits at the heart of Galveston’s Black history, home to landmarks that have shaped education, faith, entrepreneurship, and civil rights on the island.

The boundaries include more than 40 historic markers and culturally significant sites such as:

Old Central Cultural Center, the site of Texas’s first African American high school
Jack Johnson Park, honoring the first Black heavyweight boxing champion
Avenue L Missionary Baptist Church, the oldest Black Baptist church in Texas
Former Green Book business locations that supported safe travel and economic growth during segregation

The district creates a platform to preserve and share these stories in new ways through art, interpretation, digital archives, and public events that honor the people and places that have defined Galveston for over a century.

The African American Cultural Heritage District will:

Support local economic development through heritage tourism
Create new cultural and educational programs
Provide access to state and federal funding for preservation
Recognize and elevate the history of African American residents past and present

This is a lasting investment in Galveston Island’s identity. It acknowledges the people who built and shaped the island, and it provides a space where history can be learned, shared, and carried forward.

African American Cultural Heritage District

Support Community Events

The district strengthens Galveston’s role as a place for gathering, celebration, and collective memory. Community events will highlight the diversity of voices, talents, and traditions that continue to thrive in this part of the island.

The City is committed to supporting local organizations and community leaders through:

Increased funding for arts and culture programs
Investments in parks and public space activation
Partnerships with groups like Old Central Cultural Center and VISION Galveston
Transparent planning that welcomes resident feedback and participation

Recent and upcoming investments include:

$24M renovation of Courville Stadium
$10M+ in corridor improvements on 25th and 27th Streets
$2M+ in upgrades to Menard Park
$1M in additional park improvements across the district

These projects create a stronger foundation for events and gatherings that celebrate culture, family, and neighborhood pride.

Stay Connected

Attend a community roundtable
Share your story, photo, or family history through Old Central Cultural Center
Watch for public surveys and digital feedback tools through city and partner websites

This is more than a designation. It’s a commitment to community, creativity, and cultural identity.

Learn more at Old Central Cultural Center and VisionGalveston.org Follow updates on City of Galveston platforms

The Path Forward

In 2024, the City of Galveston applied for a Cultural Arts District designation through the Texas Commission on the Arts, with guidance from Old Central Cultural Center and third-party outreach led by VISION Galveston. The City has submitted an intent to apply again.

This designation would:

Expand access to public and private grant funding
Create more opportunities for cultural tourism
Amplify the role of the arts in economic development
Honor the history and future of Galveston’s African American community

As planning continues, the City invites residents, culture bearers, and community groups to help shape what this district becomes. Public feedback, creative input, and neighborhood leadership are key to making this effort meaningful and lasting.