A few days ago, Congress gave final approval to a bill that will turn a onetime segregated school in Marfa into a national historic site, which is really a big deal in a lot of ways for this little ol’ town and the people who actually went to the school.

We’ve been following the efforts of Blackwell School alumni to preserve its history for years now. Some of them have mixed memories – painful memories, even – of their time there. But the former students have nonetheless pumped just so much time and energy into making sure this important part of history doesn’t get overlooked, as the story of how school segregation played in the Southwest sometimes does. You can hear it in their voices when they talk about Blackwell: They want this story told.

One of the fun things about reporting on this story has been getting to know some of the former Blackwell students. They are just so cool – so full of memories and wisdom, and so generous with their time.

Jessi Silva, one of the alumni featured in my most recent story, is actually my next-door neighbor. I called her a celebrity once and she laughed and shushed me, but she really is! She and other alumni have done some really important and inspiring work on this, and now that work is paying off in a way that’ll make sure this history never fades away.  

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