What We Do

The Dunbar Heritage Association is a cultural heritage organization dedicated to promoting, preserving, and celebrating the history and living cultural heritage of African Americans in Hays County. We host a range of events throughout the year where we invite the community to share in and celebrate our rich cultural heritage and traditions. This page lists our signature events held each year. Subscribe to our webiste for updates!

Juneteenth

Juneteenth is a culturally significant holiday for African Americans in particular and all Americans in general. The celebration helps bring awareness to this federal holiday and highlights the importance of freedom and DHA’s continued commitment to diversity within San Marcos.

DHA hosts a traditional Juneteenth celebration commemorating the delayed announcement of the emancipation of enslaved people in Texas. The celebration includes various activities such as games (bingo, card games, sack races, etc.), Gospel music, live music (R&B, jazz), and an educational segment. Our Juneteenth celebrations often include vendors for attendees to explore.

Harvey Miller Day of Service

The Harvey Miller Day of Service (HMDOS), held on the first Saturday of November, is a day that honors Mr. Harvey Miller and his service to the San Marcos community! 

Harvey Miller, “The Good-Lookin’ Fella,” dedicated 54 years of his life to service in the San Marcos community.  He was the first parks director for the Dunbar Recreation Center and was known for collecting and recycling cans in City Park.  He was the 2008 recipient of the “Spirit of San Marcos Award“and was named “Outstanding Senior Volunteer” by The San Marcos Senior Citizen Advisory Board in 2019.  In recognition of his life-long commitment to service, DHA will host an annual day of service to invite the city to be active participants in the community in which they live! 

Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Celebration

The Dunbar Heritage Association has hosted the only Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Remembrance and Civic Learning in San Marcos, TX, since 2002. The celebration honors the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and commemorates the Civil Rights Movement. The celebration originates at the corner of LBJ and MLK at the Crossroads memorial, and the walk route goes through downtown San Marcos and culminates at the Paul Laurence Dunbar Recreation Center in the historic Dunbar neighborhood.

Black History Month

The Dunbar Heritage Association hosts a number of events celebrating the rich history and contributions of persons of African descent. Black History Month is celebrated in February and was founded by historian and educator Carter G. Woodson.

Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa is a non-religious, cultural holiday that focuses on family, community, and culture. Kwanzaa is modeled after the first-harvest celebrations in Africa, and the name Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza,” meaning “first fruits” of the harvest. The annual celebration takes place from December 26 through January 1.