Bullock Texas State History Museum
Dangerous Shadows
RECEIVED Mon., Jan. 1, 2024
Dear Editor,
The article "South of Austin, White Supremacist Groups Are Flourishing" [News, Dec. 29] brings back a distant memory. I got my first car decades ago while attending Huston-Tillotson College (as it was named then). It was a fun car to drive, so I took me some lovely excursions throughout our deservedly famous Hill Country. Among the natural treasures I discovered was the Blanco River. One day I explored the road closest to the river. It led to an end that resembled what one might call a compound out in them woods. At the gate an Anglo young man stopped me and said, "You better turn around and don't come back!" This was the first – but not the last – time I had witnessed this tone of voice directed at me as a Black man. And of course, I turned around and made that place vanish in the rearview mirror!
I have lots of good thoughts about Wimberley and Central TX. But there are some dangerous and dark shadows too. Look hard enough, one can still find those today.
The article "South of Austin, White Supremacist Groups Are Flourishing" [News, Dec. 29] brings back a distant memory. I got my first car decades ago while attending Huston-Tillotson College (as it was named then). It was a fun car to drive, so I took me some lovely excursions throughout our deservedly famous Hill Country. Among the natural treasures I discovered was the Blanco River. One day I explored the road closest to the river. It led to an end that resembled what one might call a compound out in them woods. At the gate an Anglo young man stopped me and said, "You better turn around and don't come back!" This was the first – but not the last – time I had witnessed this tone of voice directed at me as a Black man. And of course, I turned around and made that place vanish in the rearview mirror!
I have lots of good thoughts about Wimberley and Central TX. But there are some dangerous and dark shadows too. Look hard enough, one can still find those today.
Michael Emery
