“We applaud the administration’s action to designate Blackwell School as the nation’s newest national park. Built in 1909, the historic site located in Marfa, Texas was the only public school for Mexican American students from 1909 to 1965, after which it became integrated. During that time, the school was known for giving outdated textbooks and equipment to students, and despite their Mexican heritage, they were punished for speaking in their native language. The designation permanently protects the site and helps tell the history of Texas school districts that established separate elementary schools for Mexican American children. Its history, cultural heritage and stories will now be preserved for future generations. 

“There are numerous American sites that tell the story of our diverse past. Protecting Blackwell School provides an opportunity to explore and understand the complex history of segregation for Mexican Americans and help heal wounds of the past as we look toward a more inclusive, equitable future. Establishing Blackwell School as a national park commemorates a chapter of Latino history in the United States. Latino identity is composed of many narratives; there is not one dominant story that can completely tell the history of Latinos to this country, so new designations like these are necessary to tell all of our diverse stories. 

“Designating national historic parks is the right step towards placing importance on protecting, recognizing and celebrating the diverse cultures and contributions of all Americans. The addition of Blackwell to the National Parks System brings the official tally of national park sites in the United States to a historic 430.” 

The park is the seventh national park designation by the Biden-Harris administration and is making significant progress towards protecting more historically significant sites for future generations. In 2023, we released, “Cultural Erosion: The Climate Threat to Latino Heritage Report” a whitepaper report that features case studies of both climate threats and solutions for heritage preservation, along with a set of policy recommendations to better preserve all aspects of Latino heritage from the threats it faces.