Friends of the San Benito Cultural Heritage Museum

Creating a 7ft by 6ft Granite Monument to Commemorate the Contributions of San Benito’s Black Families.

At the turn of the 20th century, over 25 Black families, mostly in the El Jardin neighborhood, resided in San Benito. Even before the town's incorporation, they significantly contributed to the local economy. The Joe Callandret family, who arrived in 1908, played a crucial role in this community's development. Joe Callandret's land spanned from the present HEB food store to the remnants of the former CPL plant, and across the street from the Joe Callandret Colored School, now the Callandret Black History Museum. This school was the first Black school in the Rio Grande Valley.

The surrounding houses were predominantly owned by Black families. Despite the segregation in schools, Black and Hispanic children, including Freddy Fender, played together and shared meals. Freddy Fender, who later became a famous musician, was a part of this close-knit community.

The San Benito Historical Society, which operates the San Benito History Museum, the Freddy Fender Museum, and the Callandret Black History Museum, has recently added to the city's history by placing several state historical markers. These include the Freddy Fender State Historical Marker, the Callandret State Historical Marker, and the Bobby Morrow State Historical Marker, which will be installed in August. Additionally, the Stonewall Jackson State Historical Marker is expected to arrive early next year.

To honor the contributions of these 300 individuals, whose descendants have mostly moved away, a granite monument will be erected on the Callandret Black History Museum land. The monument will be 7 feet wide and 6 feet tall, taking the shape of the slanted roof of the actual school. It will contain the names of all the Black residents, past and present, to commemorate their lives in San Benito. Several park benches will surround the monument, and concrete pavers will cover the surrounding ground. This monument will ensure that their legacy and impact on San Benito are remembered by all who see it.

Lonnie Davis, a business owner, expressed that this project is very near and dear to his heart and family history. Born on Winchell Street in his grandmother's house, located 200 feet from what is now the Callandret Black History Museum, Davis reflects on his family's long association with other historical Black families of San Benito, such as the Callandrets, Smiths, Sayons, Lasleys, Wilsons, and Jacksons. He believes this monument will help educate the public about San Benito's rich history and bring pride to the neighborhood.