The Seminole Indian Scouts Cemetery Association Celebrates Black History Month

The Seminole Indian Scouts Cemetery Association (SISCA) is dedicated to celebrating our unique history throughout the year. February, in particular, gives us the perfect
opportunity to celebrate our story and Black history in general, along with the rest of country.

On Saturday, February 21, SISCA celebrated Black History Month. Upon entering Carver School, a “Black History Month” sign and a table with several books about Black history greeted attendees. The school portion of the Carver School was decorated with numerous portraits of figures who are important to our history, such as the Seminole Negro Indian Scouts, Miss Charles Emily Wilson, and Mr. and Mrs. Willie “Dub” Warrior. These pictures were donated to SISCA by Mr. Richard Best. On one wall of the school, several obituaries were displayed to honor our loved ones who have passed on. Surrounded by all of these beautiful portraits and timeless documents, a very special presentation was held.

The SISCA members who gathered at the Carver School were treated to a short program organized by the association’s president Augusta “Gigi” Pines. The program featured speakers Bertha Fay Benson, Isabel Celestino, and Augusta Pines. 

Ms. Benson spoke about her family. Her great-grandmother walked the Trail of Tears, meaning she was forced to walk from Florida to present-day Oklahoma following the end of the Second Seminole War (1835-1842). Ms. Benson’s family would later be a part of the group that left Oklahoma and traveled 700 miles to Mexico in 1849. Led by John Horse and Wild Cat, this was a journey that took about a year to complete. Her father would later be born in El Nacimiento de los Negros, Coahuila, Mexico, while her mother was born in Marfa, TX. Her parents raised their family in Mexico. 

Ms. Celestino spoke about her great-great-grandma Alice Fay, affectionately known as “Ninas.” After living in San Antonio for about two years, Isabel and her mom moved back to El Nacimiento because her mom was homesick. She spoke about how much she enjoyed spending time with Ninas, who would ask her to bring her fresh water to her every morning. She spoke about her great-great-grandma foraging for fresh herbs to make medicine. She enjoyed just spending the day with her.

Ms. Pines spoke about her family as well. She pointed out that several of the obituaries that were displayed on the wall belonged to her relatives. She reminisced about how close our community used to be and spoke particularly about the close relationship that her mom (my granny Dora) and Miss Charles had. She said that she learned a lot from
Miss Charles and that those lessons have carried over into her adulthood.

Following the presentation, attendees enjoyed a lunch that consisted of poblano chicken lasagna, a salad, and individual cake cups topped with sweet cream and fruit. The meal
was provided by Corina Torralba. The celebration of Black History Month has always been very important to SISCA. No matter how big or small the celebration or how many people attend, as an organization, we believe that it is important to always show our respect and reverence for those that paved the way for us. Black History Month gives us the perfect opportunity to do so.

Speaking the names of our dearly departed loved ones and gathering to hear stories about the past is just one way that we keep their memory alive. Black History Month
encourages us to reflect on the past, be grateful for our present, and remain committed to shaping a more just future.