Texas wants to know: Why do large black communities call Texas home?

The state of Texas, with a population of over 3.9 million, has more blacks than any other state. Yes, Texas is the second most populous state in the US, but California has the most multi-racial black residents and New York has the most black Hispanics. The Lone Star State is home to the majority of non-Hispanic black residents of the same race.

The only main reason? Slavery. But the answer also has a nuance.

In fact, Deborah Liles, W.C. Gordon Chair of Texas History at Tarleton State University, says there were real opportunities for black Texans in the short period after the Civil War, especially in cattle drives.

“When they first start walking the trail, they get paid the same as white cowboys,” she said. “Usually this is not what we will see. Right? So, this ability to actually make a living and grow stocks that will add to their wealth is something that is not necessarily seen as an opportunity for liberated blacks after the war.”

Lyles said that by the late 1870s, opportunities were not as common as they once were, a trend that continued through the civil rights movement.

But Amber Sims, executive director of the nonprofit Strong City Young Leaders, said she saw a shift in the aftermath of the 2020 protests.

“There are innovative ways that our community has come together to show pride, to show the love that we have contributed to Texas to make it what it is today,” she said. “And that gives me a lot of hope because it makes me realize that the young people that I work with, that the work that I do, can change Texas in a way that includes me, and that I continue to be proud of.” “.

Hear itWith the full episode of Texas Wants to Know on the Audacy app or wherever you listen to podcasts.