Episode 90: Pause to Ponder - Remember the Alamo

Welcome to the Counter Narrative Podcast, a show designed to change the way we talk, and think, about education. By sharing stories of successes and triumphs, we aim to challenge the dominant narrative that often negatively portrays our disenfranchised populations.

I’m your host, Charles Williams. An urban educator for more than 15 years, a current school principal in Chicago, an educational consultant, an equity advocate, and the co-host of Inside The Principal’s Office.

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You know the saying, "Remember the Alamo!"? What would you do if I told you that the whole story behind this patriotic event was steeped in tyranny, racism, and slavery? To be honest, I was shocked at first too.

During a recent trip to San Antonio, my wife and I decided to visit the Alamo. We're nerds and we love exploring historical spaces like this while also attempting to uncover any untold truths that may be waiting to be discovered. And what a truth we found! After touring the site we continued our exploration of the city and happened to stumble across a small museum, SAAACAM (say-cam) where we learned a disturbing reality that neither of us had ever considered. Not only did the Alamo serve as a slave auction site, but that the events leading up to the battle were fueled, in large part, by slavery. 

During this episode, I recount my reactions and what I realized as I found myself digging deeper into this newfound truth. 

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