Preserving Our Past, Empowering Our Future—The Journey of Beyond the Schoolyard

History Isn’t Just About the Past—It’s About the Future

Some stories feel too big to tell. School integration in Calvert, Texas, is one of them.

This isn’t just a historical event—it’s a living legacy. It exists in the memories of those who lived it, in the communities shaped by it, and in the conversations we still need to have about education, race, and systemic change.

Recently, I had the honor of leading the effort to get Calvert Colored High School designated as a Texas historical landmark—a recognition that ensures this story won’t be forgotten.

This designation isn’t just about a building—it’s about the people who built a path forward despite the barriers placed in front of them.

Why This School Matters

Built in 1929 under the Rosenwald School Fund, Calvert Colored High School was one of nearly 5,000 schools constructed for Black students in the rural South between 1917 and 1932. This initiative—led by Booker T. Washington and Julius Rosenwald—provided high-quality education in communities that had previously only had access to plantation schools with limited curriculums.

As I shared in an interview:
📍 “This school represented a dramatic shift—from plantation schools with limited curriculums to an education that put Black students in competition for jobs that white workers were doing in town.”
This wasn’t just a school.
It was a launchpad.


How We Made This Happen

Getting this historical designation took research, persistence, and teamwork. Over four years, I worked alongside:

• ✔ The Calvert Colored/WD Spigner Alumni Association
• ✔ Calvert Mayor Layla Wright
• ✔ The Robertson County Historical Society

What makes this designation even more special? The school is still in use today—serving as a multipurpose center where the community continues to gather.

As Charlie Babers, President of the Alumni Association, pointed out:
"This school keeps our community connected. People who have graduated come back for reunions, and they’re able to use the space for gatherings and events. It’s an important part of our history and our present."


The Power of Preserving Our Stories

This process reminded me why protecting historical sites matters—especially in small towns, where history is often overlooked.
🗣 “The reason we make pencils with erasers is so we can change what we say or what is written. But when you have an artifact, a physical structure—the only way to erase that is to knock it down.”
And we won’t let that happen. 🔥


What’s Next?

🏛 Continued Preservation & Advocacy
The historical marker was just the first step. Now, the Alumni Association is working on fundraising and applying for grants to maintain the building and ensure its long-term preservation.

📖 Oral History & Documentary Project
Beyond the physical structure, I want to document the voices and stories of those who lived through this era. Their experiences deserve to be heard beyond textbooks and plaques.

🎞 Bringing This Story to a Larger Audience
Beyond the Schoolyard is evolving into a larger storytelling initiative that will explore the long-term impact of school integration, Black educational spaces, and historical preservation.
This isn’t just about history—it’s about how we move forward with it.


Join the Journey
💡 Want to follow the making of Beyond the Schoolyard? Stay connected for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and future screening announcements.
🔗 Follow @drbabers for real-time updates on filmmaking & research.