What happened at Woolworth’s in 1960 and why should you care?
The peaceful voluntary integration of lunch counters in San Antonio set an example for the nation at a time when non-violent, sit-in protesters in other Southern cities faced abuse. As part of a student-led movement across the segregated South, lunch counter integration helped bring about the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Today, the Woolworth Buildings stands as a visible link to this important civil rights achievement. It also represents a vital aspect of Alamo Plaza’s rich, but little-known Black history.
The Threat
Will the Woolworth Building remain standing? The 2017 Alamo Master Plan supported the reuse of the Woolworth Building as part of a planned Alamo Museum. However, the State-owned Woolworth Building did not appear in any of the 2018 conceptual drawings for the new museum and demolition appears to be an option.
The professional architectural assessment completed for the Alamo Trust in 2020, confirmed that the Woolworth Building is structurally sound, historically significant, and suitable for reuse as a world-class museum! Despite this favorable report, the State has not committed to preserving the building.
What You Can Do
Speak Out
The Coalition is asking all concerned citizens to contact the following officials. Tell them you support the preservation of the Woolworth Building for reuse as part of the new Alamo museum.
George P. Bush, Commissioner, Texas General Land Office
Phone: 1-800-998-4GLO (4456)
Representative Barbara Gervin-Hawkins (State Culture, Recreation & Tourism Committee)
Phone: (512) 463-0708 (Capitol) or (210) 333-0245 (District Office)
Mayor Ron Nirenberg
Phone: (210) 207-7107
Councilman Roberto Treviño (Council District 1 and Alamo Management Committee Chair)
Phone: (210) 207-7279
Want to send a message wherever you go? Purchase a Save the Woolworth T-shirt with our rallying cry on the front and Jackie Robinson’s quote on the back!
