Mitchell Center Founder Pastor Kyev Tatum to Return to San Marcos for 30th Anniversary Celebration on February 15, 2025!
Mitchell Center Founder Pastor Kyev Tatum to Return to San Marcos for 30th Anniversary Celebration on February 15, 2025!
By Black Texans, Inc.
San Marcos is set to make history this Black History Month as it celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Mitchell Center! Pastor Kyev Tatum, the visionary leader, civil rights advocate, and founder of the Mitchell Center, will return to his beloved San Marcos on February 15, 2025, for this monumental occasion. This milestone also coincides with the center’s recent transfer to The Calaboose African American History Museum, ushering in an exciting new era of preserving and showcasing the vibrant cultural heritage of the African American community.
A Legacy Rooted in Community Empowerment
The Mitchell Center, located at 715 Valley Street, first opened its doors in 1995, quickly becoming a beacon of hope and opportunity for the historically Black Dunbar neighborhood. Named in honor of the compassionate and selfless Mrs. Willie Mae Mitchell, the center was created to uplift and empower the community through education, advocacy, and cultural celebration.
Pastor Tatum’s tireless leadership was instrumental in bringing this vision to life. He championed the idea of a resource hub that would honor the rich history of African Americans in San Marcos while fostering progress for generations to come. The Mitchell Center became more than a building—it became a movement for change, resilience, and unity.
A New Chapter for the Mitchell Center
The Mitchell Center has now entered a transformative phase, as it was officially transferred to The Calaboose African American History Museum on December 18, 2024. This collaboration is a game-changer for San Marcos. The museum plans to expand its exhibits into the Mitchell Center, creating a dynamic and immersive cultural hub that will spotlight the stories, struggles, and achievements of African Americans in San Marcos and Hays County.
“This is a huge win for our community,” exclaimed San Marcos Mayor Jane Hughson. “Repurposing the Mitchell Center to amplify our history is a monumental step forward!”
Council Member Mathew Mendoza agreed, adding, “The Mitchell Center’s new role will breathe life into our efforts to celebrate and preserve the cultural heritage of neighborhoods like Dunbar.”
The expanded space will not only enrich the city’s cultural landscape but also inspire deeper connections to its past, ensuring these vital stories are never forgotten.
Meet Pastor Kyev Tatum: The Visionary Behind the Mitchell Center
Born and raised in Fort Worth, Texas, Pastor Kyev Tatum is a trailblazer in the fight for social justice, equality, and community development. As the senior pastor of New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church and president of the Ministers Justice Coalition of Texas, Tatum has dedicated over four decades to championing civil rights and uplifting marginalized communities across the state.
A graduate of Tarleton State University, where he served as a student assistant to the university president, Dr. Barry B. Thompson, Tatum developed a passion for leadership and service early on. This passion has guided his mission to address systemic inequities through education, advocacy, and economic empowerment.
In 1995, Tatum founded the Mitchell Center in San Marcos to provide a haven of resources and opportunities for the African American community. His philosophy, “Rear our own to succeed while raising our own to serve,” continues to resonate in every project he undertakes.
A Celebration of 30 Years of Impact
The 30th anniversary celebration promises to be a powerful moment of reflection, pride, and renewed purpose. Pastor Tatum’s return will honor the countless lives impacted by the Mitchell Center while charting a bold path forward for its next chapter as part of The Calaboose African American History Museum.
“For me, the Mitchell Center has always been about honoring the shoulders we stand on and building a stronger foundation for future generations,” said Pastor Tatum. “This anniversary is a celebration of resilience, hope, and progress.”
The Future is Bright
As the Mitchell Center transitions into its new role under the guidance of The Calaboose African American History Museum, it promises to become a beacon of cultural and educational excellence. Pastor Tatum’s enduring legacy reminds us of the transformative power of community, history, and hope.
This 30th anniversary is not just a look back—it’s a rallying cry to continue building a future rooted in equity and empowerment. San Marcos is ready to celebrate its history, embrace its present, and pave the way for an even brighter tomorrow.
Mark your calendars for February 15, 2025, as San Marcos honors the Mitchell Center’s 30 years of impact and the unwavering vision of Pastor Kyev Tatum!
#MitchellCenter30
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