CALVERT, Texas — The Texas Historical Commission has given official recognition to Calvert Colored High School, designating it as a important piece of Texas history with the placement of an Official Texas Historical Marker.
The dedication ceremony is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 3, at 801 W. Texas Ave.
The event, hosted by the Robertson County Historical Commission, aims to honor the historical significance of Calvert Colored High School. The keynote speaker for the ceremony will be announced at a later date.
"The Official Texas Historical Marker program helps bring attention to community treasures and the importance of their preservation," Mark Wolfe, executive director of the THC said.
"Awareness and education are among the best ways to guarantee the preservation of our state's history. This designation is a tool that will increase public awareness of important cultural resources," Wolfe said.
Established in 1929, Calvert Colored High School served as a cornerstone for African American education in Robertson County until its integration in the 1970s. Reverend Roderick Jackson, Sr., President of the Calvert Colored High School Alumni Association, emphasized the school's role in providing academic excellence and vocational training during the era of segregation.
"Despite the challenges and inequities of segregation, the school fostered academic achievement, vocational training, and a vibrant campus life under the leadership of long-time headmaster Willie Daniel Spigner, Rev. Jackson said. "This historical marker ensures that the school's important legacy will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come, " he added.
The Texas Historical Marker program, managed by the THC, distinguishes sites of historical significance and educates the public on their importance. It categorizes markers into three types: subject markers for public education, Recorded Texas Historic Landmarks for legal protection of structures, and Historic Texas Cemetery markers for designated cemeteries.