Updated: 2:25 p.m., April 2, 2019
The University of Texas at San Antonio and Texas A&M University-San Antonio have partnered to teach students about social justice issues through a bus tour visiting historically significant locations throughout San Antonio.
The universities are hosting the Social Justice for San Antonio Tour, or SJ4SA as it is referred to by its organizers, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 6, with the tour bus leaving from the A&M-San Antonio campus.
Students must register by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 31.
“We are going to explore a couple different areas of the city,” said Allie Beedle, service learning coordinator at A&M-San Antonio.
The tour is designed to provide greater awareness of the history and social justice issues associated with many of San Antonio’s prominent landmarks.
“We are trying to teach students about the social justice issues, like racism and equality,” Beedle said.
The bus will depart at 8 a.m. on April 6 by the Science and Technology building of A&M-San Antonio but students are encouraged to arrive at 7:30 a.m. This will be a day-long event, returning to the Science and Technology building at 5 p.m.
The tour will include a visit to a local cemetery for a presentation on African-American history related to the Civil War.
Beedle said the tour will help empower students to use their voices to create awareness and reforms in social justice arenas.
Change for these issues requires awareness and action.
“When we think about civil rights…when we think about large social movements, students have the ability to have a huge impact because they can elevate their voice and be heard,” Beedle said.
Free lunch and snacks will be provided to students.
“Students wishing to participate in the tour should bring a bottle of water, comfortable walking shoes and comfortable clothing appropriate to represent the universities to the public”, Beedle said.
Miguel Garcia, civil engagement associate at the Mays Center, said students are registering for the tour “little by little.” He said he hopes more will sign up for what he believes will be a thought-provoking event.
“We are looking for passionate students who are interested in positively impacting the community,” Garcia said.
Students are encouraged to visit JagSync to learn more about this event or contact Beedle at abeedle@tamusa.edu.
