Galveston's black lifeguards of the Jim Crow Era honored with historic marker • $300K bronze monument is planned as well A new initiative aims to recognize the legacy of African American lifeguards who patrolled Galveston's beaches during segregation. The African American Beach Lifeguard Monument Project is spearheading a fundraising campaign to build a life-size bronze monument in Menard Park, commemorating these unsung heroes who safeguarded the community and fostered a thriving cultural space. “We're hoping to raise somewhere in the range of $250,000 to $300,000,” said Thomas Singleton, a fundraising subcommittee member for the group. The monument plans were unveiled after a Texas Historical Marker was dedicated on the Seawall on Saturday (2/1/2025). “Over the next few months, we’ll unveil printed materials to engage the community and start our fundraising efforts, beginning with larger donors before working toward our final goal.” The monument seeks to highlight the contributions of Black lifeguards who protected beachgoers at a time when segregation limited their access to public resources. According to supporters of the initiative, these lifeguards not only ensured safety in the water but also played a crucial role in creating a vibrant community gathering space. Samuel Collins III, an advisor with the National Trust for Historic Preservation and a Galveston County Historical Commission member, emphasized the significance of this recognition. “African American history is American history. It’s Galveston history and world history,” Collins said. “Too often, we focus on pain and suffering in African American history, but here we celebrate excellence and the positive contributions these individuals made on the island.” February 1st was officially named Black Lifeguard Day in Galveston, drawing community members and historians alike to celebrate their legacy. Organizers hope that shedding light on these stories of success and accomplishment can inspire future generations and bring long-overdue recognition to these vital figures in Galveston's past.

Posted by i45NOW Staff Report at 2025-02-03 01:04:13 UTC