Blackshear Elementary in East Austin isn’t just the city’s oldest operating elementary school—it’s a living piece of history. Once a one-room school for Black students in a freedom colony, it’s now a vibrant fine arts academy serving a diverse community. Walking through its mural-filled halls, you can feel the pride in its roots and the impact of trailblazers like Friendly R. Rice, who started Austin’s first free lunch program here. Despite challenges like low enrollment, Blackshear’s commitment to holistic education and the arts keeps its legacy alive. What does this kind of history mean for our community today? #Education #K12 #AustinHistory