 This year’s Seminole Days will go down as one of the rainiest celebrations ever. Despite the wet conditions, our annual celebration went off without a hitch. In the text below, we give a play-by-play of the weekend. We are looking forward to seeing you all next year.  Seminole Canyon Trip The first event for Seminole Days 2018 was our annual trip to Seminole Canyon. The group set out a little after 7:30 AM. This year, we were happy to see three youngsters among the group. All of them were eager to make the trip. As they drove away from Carver School, we couldn’t help but wonder how their trip would go because of the rain. When they returned, they reported that, while they were able to hike, they weren’t able to complete the whole tour because several areas were flooded. Everyone who went, however, enjoyed themselves.  Photo Courtesy of Sarah Nicole Johnson. Friday Lecture Series Our Friday Lecture Series was our first sign that a little rain couldn’t stop people from coming out and celebrating Seminole Days. We love rain in Brackettville because we are always in need of it, so the rain was not an inconvenience. It was almost its own character throughout the weekend, an added layer that made the festivities more interesting. As the time for the lecture to begin neared, many worried about attendance levels, parking in (and getting stuck in) the mud, and several of the other concerns that come with rainy days. While we did start a little late, by the time Augusta “Gigi” Pines stood to welcome everyone, there was a full house. Billie Jean Frierson delivered an engaging presentation. She recounted several historical facts and heartwarming stories about Black Seminole Scouts and their descendants, She, also, urged all in attendance to research their genealogy. Mary Cleve shared a beautiful personal story with the audience about a dream she’d had. She ended her talk by encouraging everyone and letting everyone know that she prays for all of us. Finally, Windy Goodloe spoke briefly about the conflict that has plagued SISCA for the past year. The good news is a resolution is in sight. Current members of SISCA are voting on the fate of the Seminole Indian Scouts Cemetery entrance. We will report the results by September 28, 2018. Parade At eight in the morning on Saturday, we were pretty sure that there would not be a parade. There was a slight drizzle, but a downpour seemed imminent. At 9:30, a few calls came in. The callers stated that they would be ready for the parade, rain or shine. A parade is many things to many people, but on this day, the word that could best sum up everyone’s feelings was pride. The people who walked and rode in the parade reminded us that small numbers can still get things done. We want to thank the Border Patrol for leading the procession, and we want thank Sterling Goodloe for bringing up the rear.  Our Annual Program Our annual program took place after our parade. This year’s guest speaker was Brother Y.J. Jimenez. He gave a rousing speech. It seemed almost like an incantation as he repeated the phase “follow the dust.” This phrase was meant to remind listeners of the journey that the Black Seminoles took as they sought freedom and where life ends for all of us.  Photo courtesy of Corina Torralba Harrington.  Photo courtesy of Sarah Nicole Johnson. BBQ The BBQ plate sale is our largest annual fundraiser. Along with this, it is also a chance for friends and family to sit down and catch up. This year’s BBQ plate was comprised of brisket, chicken, beans, and rice. Thank you to Louis Basquez for all of his hard work. Thank you to Mary D. Jaso for making the beans. Thank you to Lucille Wilson for making the rice.  Saturday Afternoon Lectures This year, we added afternoon lectures to our list of events. We were honored to have two esteemed professors who agreed to present before our attendees, and an award-winning documentary closed out the event.  Photo courtesy of Corina Torralba Harrington. Dr. Rosalyn Howard - Black Seminole Presence in South Florida and the Bahamas. Dr. Rosalyn Howard’s presentation was an engaging overview of the field she is an expert in. As a cultural anthropologist, Dr. Howard has studied the Black Seminoles, who found refuge in the Bahamas, and their descendants. The attendees of this seminar learned that the Bahamian Black Seminoles are a proud group who live tough but resourceful lives. , Matt Griffin contributed invaluable information during her presentation. Following her presentation, she showed a twenty-minute video entitled Black Seminoles in the Bahamas. It was directed by Marvin Dunn.  Photo courtesy of Kato Wittich. Dr. Paulina Del Moral - Bride Theft among the Negros Mascogos Dr. Paulina Del Moral’s presentation was very interesting. She spoke about bride theft among the Negros Mascogos. We learned that there is an informal tradition among the group that allows for young couples to marry without having to incur a large expense. Dr. Moral provided interviews from different generations to show how much the ideas of marriage have changed and how much they have stayed the same. The question and answer period following her presentation was also quite engaging as audience members compared and contrasted their own or their family’s ideas about marriage.  Black Border Warriors Screening Following the presentations by Drs. Howard and Del Moral, Joseph Hill’s award-winning documentary Black Border Warriors was screened by attendees. Cynthia Ventura Atchico was entrusted by Joseph Hill to present the documentary. Last year, the unfinished film was screened at Brackettville’s high school auditorium. Following the event, Mr. Hill stated that it was his goal to return to Brackett during Seminole Days and allow the descendants of the Scouts to be the first to view the finished product. Thank you to Mr. Hill and Ms. Atchico for making this happen.  Spaghetti Dinner Our spaghetti dinner has become a favorite tradition. We don’t know if it’s because folks plan to shake, shimmy, and twist the calories away once the dance starts or because it’s just so darn good. No matter the reason, we appreciate how much everyone loved the spaghetti and how it is another chance for all of us to come together and talk. This year, we had a special guest. Gina Ortiz Jones, who is a democrat running for the 23rd Congressional District, stopped by the Carver School after a busy day in Uvalde. While enjoying her dinner, she readily and confidently answered questions from those who were there. She was very thankful that we were so welcoming and willing to listen to what her plans are for our district if she gets elected. Dance Our annual dance was held inside the Carver School this year. The normal location was changed because of the rain. Nonetheless, as was the theme for the whole weekend, regardless of the weather, everyone had a great time. Sunday Ceremony Because of the rain, the cemetery grounds had become oversaturated. Unfortunately, even though there were several brave souls who had trekked out there to see if the ceremony could happen, we felt it was best and safest to bring the ceremony indoors, especially for our elders. We would like to thank the Warrior clan from Tucson, Arizona, the Johnson family from Providence, Rhode Island, Bennie and Jerry McRae, Paulina Del Moral, Kato Wittich, Charles Carroll , and Mr. William Warrior and Mrs. Ethel Warrior for inviting us and allowing our Sunday ceremony to be held in the home they had rented for the weekend. This location was the perfect space for the culmination of Seminole Days. Just being indoors and within the comfort of a warm environment provided intimacy and warmth that those in attendance felt immediately, even with there being close to fifty people in the house. We, especially, want to thank Miles Warrior for cooking up a delicious feast for so many people with only a one-hour notice. After Kato and Gigi welcomed everyone, Billie Jean Frierson asked the elders for permission to speak. Once she was given permission, she acknowledged our loved ones who had passed away since last Seminole Days. The act of calling their names is sacred. She spoke of the importance of doing this often. Following a moment of silence, Billie Jean led everyone in singing “This Little Light of Mine,” which started out a bit melancholy but was quickly transformed into the rousing and uplifting song it is meant to be. Following the ceremony, everyone was invited to eat, and while eating, many interesting discussions could be heard. This last event gave everyone a chance to relax and talk about history and family and our hope and dreams for the future.  Save the Date:
Seminole Days will take place from Friday, September 20 - Sunday, September 22, 2019. The Seminole Indian Scouts Cemetery Association is a democratic organization that was founded in 1967. In order to stay neutral and to be a voice for the community, we feel it is important to publicly state that we do not endorse any other organization or tribe. While individual members may do so, SISCA has not and will not join another organization or tribe.
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 Friday, September 14, 2018 Seminole Canyon State Park & Historic Site Friday 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM (return time is approximate) Our first event is our annual trip to Seminole Canyon. This will be our sixth year hiking to this breath-taking land. The trip is organized by Mrs. Cynthia Ventura Atchico, a Seminole Indian Scout descendant. Each year, we are led by our special tour guide, Tanya, to the area where several of the Black Seminole Indian Scouts camped while they were scouting. We encourage you to join us on this special, sacred walk. Note: The Seminole Indian Scouts Cemetery Association does not charge a fee for the trip, but there is a fee to enter Seminole Canyon. The entrance fee is $5.    Friday Lecture Series Friday 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM at the Carver School For this year's Friday Lecture Series, we would like to focus on bringing everyone up-to-date on all that has been happening this past year and answering any questions you might have. We look forward to having an honest, open dialogue about the lawsuit that was filed one year ago, about the events that led up to it, the illegal construction that began at the Seminole Indian Scouts Cemetery, and the vote that is taking place. We hope you all will bring your insight and ideas as we talk as a community. We are honored to have Mrs. Billie Jean Frierson and Ms. Mary Cleve join us this evening. Both ladies will be discussing topics that are important them and, therefore, important to all in attendance. Also, we have light refreshments (finger foods and desserts) and drinks.  Saturday, September 15, 2018 Robert "Bobby" Kibbetts Marker Dedication 8:30 AM at Fort Clark Springs (Unfortunately, this event is tentatively cancelled because of the weather.)  We have been looking forward to this dedication since last year. It is an honor to dedicate this marker to Robert "Bobby" Kibbetts and his descendants. Thank you to Fort Clark Historical Society. Without them, this annual event would not take place. Here is some information about Robert Kibbetts: Robert “Bobby” Kibbetts was born in 1846 in Arkansas. He was the son of John and Nancy Kibbetts. John Kibbetts, who lived from 1810-1878, was a Seminole Negro Indian Scout. He served as a first sergeant. He was also a subchief of the Black Seminoles. He served as scout from 1870 until his death on September 7, 1878. In addition to their son Robert, John and his wife Nancy also had a daughter named Rosella (1850-1885). Robert Kibbetts followed in his father’s footsteps. He joined the Seminole Negro Indian Scouts and became a sergeant. His service began in 1870, the same year his father joined. Robert was married to Phyllis Wilson Kibbetts. She was born in Mexico. Her parents were John Wilson and Laura Naco. They were both from Mexico. Phyllis lived until May 13, 1939. She was 96 when she died. She and Robert had two children. Their names were Washington and Maria. After over thirty years of service, Robert Kibbetts died on April 29,1905. He was buried at the Seminole Indian Scouts Cemetery. Parade 10:00 AM (Begins on Ann Streets, Ends at Carver School Grounds) Who doesn't love a parade? We certainly do. Our annual Seminole Days parade is one of the highlights of our celebration. Each year, we look forward to gathering and walking or riding down Ann Street on our way to the Carver School. The parade is our chance to celebrate and show our pride. If you would like to participate in our parade, please print out the parade form below. There are trophies awarded to the top three floats. Program 10:00 AM Carver School Grounds  This year's program guest speaker is Pastor YJ Jimenez (He is pictured in the above photo with his lovely wife Lisa). Brother YJ has been the pastor at the First Baptist Church here in Brackettville since 2013. He was our speaker last year and gave such an uplifting and inspiring message that we just had to invite him back again. Come out and listen to Brother YJ. You will not be disappointed. BBQ Plate Sale 11:00 AM - until we sell out Carver School Grounds  Who is ready for some barbecue? Our barbecue plate sale will feature brisket, chicken, and goat. The sides are beans, rice, and potato salad. The price for the two meats is $12. The price for one is $10. Bingo 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM Carver School Grounds  What is more fun than yelling "BINGO"? Come on down and try your luck. The fun will begin at two. Saturday Lecture Series This year, we are pleased to announce our Saturday Afternoon Lecture Series. We are excited to have Dr. Paulina de Moral and Dr. Rosalyn Howard to be our inaugural speakers. Following their presentations, we will screen Black Border Warriors.  Paulina Rocío del Moral González was born in Torreón, Coahuila, in Northeast México. She received a bachelor’s degree in Social Communication at Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Xochimilco (1986) in México City. Years later, she received a Master’s Degree in Social Anthropology (2006) at Centro de Investigaciones y Estudios Superiores en Antropología Social, in Chihuahua City, with a dissertation on the mestizo pilgrimage to Señor de Mapimí Sanctuary in Cuencamé, Durango. In 2013, she wrote a thesis on ethno-meteorology and a regional ritual system in North Central México to achieve her Ph.D. in Anthropological Sciences (2013) at Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa, in México City. Part of her life has been dedicated to independent research, alongside editorial works, advising to non-governmental organizations, and freelancing. In the summer of 1991, she visited the Mascogo community of El Nacimiento, Coahuila for the first time and started a modest cultural fieldwork in 1992, which culminated in the publication of the book Tribus olvidadas de Coahuila (Forgotten Tribes of Coahuila, 1999), the first monography on the black Seminole of Coahuila and Texas. It was edited in México. She is also co-author of Recetario Mascogo de Coahuila (Mascogo Cookbook, 2000, reprinted 2004 and 2014). In 2014 and 2015, with the support of Conacyt (The National Council of Science and Technology in México), she did research about body, ethnicity, and ritual in the communities of El Nacimiento and Cuarterones y Morelos, both in the Múzquiz municipality, Coahuila. Presently, Dr. Del Moral is working as a coordinator of traditional cooking and morteros workshops as part of the Colectivo Comunitario Mascogo, an initiative sponsored by Mexico’s federal Ministry of Culture for revitalization of Mascogo’s cultural heritage. Invited by SISCA, Dr. del Moral will offer the conference “Bride Theft among the Coahuila Mascogos” for Seminole Days, edition 2018, afternoon session at Carver School, Saturday September 15, in Brackettville, Texas.  In addition to Dr. Moral, Dr. Rosalyn Howard will join our lecture series. The title of her presentation is "The African Presence in Spanish Florida and the Bahamas." Dr. Rosalyn Howard is a Cultural Anthropologist. She was an Associate Professor of Anthropology and Director of the North American Indian Studies Program at the University of Central Florida until her retirement in 2015. Her primary area of teaching and research was the African Diaspora with a focus on the interrelationships formed by African and Native American peoples in the Americas and the Caribbean. Dr. Howard has conducted extensive research among mixed Native American and African populations in Florida, the Bahamas and Bermuda. She also has conducted research in the following countries: Guadeloupe, Jamaica, China, South Africa, Swaziland, Botswana, Senegal, and Ghana. Among Dr. Howard's publications are three books: First, Black Seminoles in the Bahamas is an ethnographic research study of the Black Seminole descendant community of Red Bays, Andros Island, Bahamas. Today's presentation is based on that research. Second, Recollection and Reconnection: Voices of the St. David's Islanders and their Native American Relatives concerns her research on a community with mixed Native, African, and European ethnicity in Bermuda. Third, Newtown Alive: Courage, Dignity and Determination is an ethnohistorical study of an African-American community in Sarasota, Florida at its 100 year anniversary. Although retired, Dr. Howard continues to be an active scholar, lecturer, writer, and consultant for various projects.  Following the presentations by Drs. de Moral and Howard, there will be a special screening of Black Border Warriors, the documentary directed by Joseph Hill. This is scheduled start at about 4PM and will be presented by Cyntha Ventura Atchico. Spaghetti Supper 6PM-8PM  Our spaghetti dinner has become an annual favorite. For the second year, we are honored to have Dr. Al Nofi preparing this special meal. The dinner will begin at 6PM. Each meal is $5. Dance 8PM - 1AM  Come and dance under the stars at the Carver School Grounds. Our annual dance will begin at 8PM. Deejaying the event is DJ Musicman Trevino. The dance, as always, is free. Sunday, September 16, 2018 The final event of Seminole Days takes place at the Seminole Indian Scouts Cemetery.  The ceremony at the cemetery is scheduled to begin at 10AM. During this ceremony, we will honor those who have passed away this year. Mrs. Billie Jean Frierson will serve as the mistress of ceremonies for this event.
Following the ceremony, we hope you will return to the Carver School, where we will have some potluck and say our "until next year" to each other. |
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