The Legacy of Slavery: A Dark Chapter in Texas History

Kai Dupé • June 28, 2023

Texas Black History

The Legacy of Slavery: A Dark Chapter in Texas History


Texas, a state with a complex history, witnessed the brutal institution of slavery that profoundly affected the lives of Black Americans.

From the early days of Spanish colonization to the era of the Republic of Texas, enslaved individuals endured forced labor, separation from their

families, and systemic oppression. Their resilience and resistance against these dehumanizing conditions laid the foundation for the fight for freedom and equality.


Juneteenth: The Long-Awaited Emancipation

On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced General Order No. 3, proclaiming the freedom of all enslaved people. This momentous event, now known as Juneteenth, marked the end of slavery in Texas, two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. Black Americans celebrated their newly gained freedom, paving the way for future generations to commemorate this date and honor the struggle for liberation.


Juneteenth: A Day of Remembrance and Celebration

Juneteenth serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and determination of Black Americans in the face of adversity. Today, Juneteenth

celebrations embrace the rich cultural heritage and contributions of Black communities. Parades, family gatherings, music, poetry, and educational events create a vibrant atmosphere where the struggles and triumphs of the past are acknowledged, and the ongoing journey towards racial equality is embraced.


Black Texans: Pioneers and Changemakers

Black Texans have made significant contributions to the fabric of Texas society, often overlooked or minimized in historical narratives. From influential figures like Barbara Jordan, the first Black woman elected to the Texas Senate, to Carter G. Woodson, known as the "Father of Black History," Black Texans have shaped politics, education, arts, and countless other fields. Recognizing their achievements and amplifying their stories is crucial for a more inclusive and accurate understanding of Texas history.


Juneteenth not only represents the end of enslavement in Texas but also symbolizes the ongoing struggle for racial justice and equality. By

exploring Texas history through the eyes of Black Americans, we gain a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges they faced and the progress they achieved. As we commemorate Juneteenth, let us honor the resilience, contributions, and heritage of Black Texans, while continuing the fight for amore just and equitable society.


By Dr. Kai Dupe September 18, 2026
A mentor gives you advice. A sponsor creates opportunities.
By Dr. Kai Dupe August 20, 2026
Representation alone will not solve the persistent racial disparities in computing.
By Dr. Kai Dupe July 28, 2026
The truth is that most software applications exist to manage information.
By Dr. Kai Dupe July 1, 2026
Artificial intelligence has become the newest member of nearly every software development team.
By Dr. Kai Dupe June 17, 2026
The true promise of computing is not found in the machines we build, but in the human potential we unlock when knowledge becomes accessible to everyone.
By Dr. Kai Dupe June 3, 2026
One of the reasons I value the MCT program so highly is that it represents more than technical knowledge.
By Dr. Kai Dupe May 22, 2026
Software engineering is not simply coding.
By Dr. Kai Dupe May 15, 2026
Companies often promote the idea that technical skill alone determines success.
By Dr. Kai Dupe May 3, 2026
Hackathons also strengthen teamwork and communication skills.
By Dr. Kai Dupe April 22, 2026
Stepping onto the campus of Morehouse College this past weekend for Admitted Students Day was more than a visit—it was a moment of reflection. As I watched young Black men walk with purpose across the yard, I found myself asking a simple but profound question: What would it have been like for me to study computer science here? My journey into computing was shaped in environments where I was often the only Black man in the room. That reality brings with it an unspoken weight—the need to prove you belong, the awareness of being watched, and sometimes, the quiet isolation that comes with underrepresentation. Standing at Morehouse, I realized that this burden is not a given. It is a condition of the environment. At Morehouse, the environment is different by design. Here, Black men are not anomalies—they are the standard. I imagined what it would feel like to learn algorithms, data structures, and software development in a space where my identity was not questioned but affirmed. Where excellence is expected, not in spite of who you are, but because of it. As a computer science professor, I understand the academic rigor required to succeed in this field. There is no shortcut through recursion, no bypass around debugging, no substitute for disciplined problem-solving. But what struck me during my visit is how much context matters. When students are free from the psychological burden of proving they belong, they can redirect that energy toward mastering the material. They can collaborate more openly, ask questions more freely, and take intellectual risks without fear. I also thought about legacy. At Morehouse, students walk the same grounds as Martin Luther King Jr.. That kind of history does something to a person. It raises the bar—not just academically, but personally. It invites students to see their education not just as a pathway to a career, but as preparation for impact. Leaving campus, I felt inspired—but also reflective. I cannot rewrite my journey, but I can appreciate what spaces like Morehouse offer the next generation. For a Black male pursuing computer science, it is more than a degree. It is an opportunity to develop skill, confidence, and identity in alignment. And that combination is powerful.