The INSIDER - VOLUME 18 SPRING/SUMMER 2022

CELEBRATING 128 YEARS

First Building (1894)

Sunday, January 9, 2022, signified a momentous and significant occasion in the life of Texas College – the 128th Anniversary of the Historically Black College's founding. Inspired by God, a group of Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church ministers founded Texas College on Tuesday, January 9, 1894, less than a mere three decades following the Civil War, to educate a disenfranchised population, a population comprised of the descendants of slaves.

Since the College’s founding, Texas College has served as a beacon of hope and opportunity for the East Texas region and beyond. Having been in the same geographic location for more than 128 years, on the same founding physical site, Texas College has continuously provided educational opportunities since 1894, all at the location that is now 2404 North Grand Avenue in Tyler, Texas.

The historical records of the College provide an account of humble beginnings that started with an enrollment of just six students of varying ages. However, Texas College’s enrollment grew quickly within the same year to comprise more than 100 students because of an interest

in education, believed to be an equalizer of men and women across racial lines and barriers, leading to gainful employment and a better way of life.

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Graduates (1904)

Homecoming Parade (1959)