Founding of Waco TX
Connie Kirk – VR Story
Connie Jo Kirk, an Austin, Texas native, fondly remembers East Austin as a wholesome, integrated community where Blacks and Hispanics coexisted harmoniously without racial tensions. She recalls a time when neighbors shared recipes and held decorative street parties, fostering a united community spirit. Kirk highlights that East Austin is the original neighborhood of Austin. She emphasizes that East Austin’s rich history and the legacy of its leaders remain accessible for future generations to learn from.
Celeste González de Bustamante – Ambos Nogales (Both Nogales)
Associate Dean for DEI, Moody College of Communication, University of Texas at Austin
Dr. González de Bustamante selected Ambos Nogales (Both Nogales)—the twin cities of Nogales, Arizona, in the United States and Nogales, Sonora, in Mexico, separated by the U.S.-Mexico border—as her place of significance. Stemming from her distinguished background in journalism and her experience in news media, Dr. González de Bustamante’s choice is deeply anchored in her rigorous exploration of media dynamics in the U.S.-Mexico border regions. She dedicates her life’s work to educate people that places like Ambos Nogales are so much more than what we read or see in mainstream news.
April Inniss – Martha’s Vineyard
Senior Research Associate – James Bell Associates
April selected Martha’s Vineyard as her place of significance because it offered her tranquility, cherished memories of relaxation, and a sense of freedom from life’s obligations and responsibilities. Moreover, she envisions this location as an alternate universe where systemic oppression never occurred in American society, and where people live in happiness and prosperity.
Maria Cazares – Wasco, California
Youth Organizer – Dolores Huerta Foundation
Maria’s place of significance is Wasco, California, where she grew up witnessing and overcoming inequalities in communities of color. She is a first-generation Mexican-American with a Sociology degree from Fresno State, now working as a youth organizer with the Dolores Huerta Liberated Youth for Empowerment Program. Through her activism, she continues to make a difference in her communities, committed to dismantling systemic barriers.
Jose Enriquez – John Glenn High School
CEO/Founder – Latinos in Action
Jose’s place of significance is John Glenn High School, where he learned to fail and succeed, developing humility and resilience. He overcame his fear of public speaking, gained confidence, and understood the essence of leadership. Through hard training, he honed essential skills, from studying to networking, ultimately boosting his self-assurance.
Corrina Brown – Avenues at Steele Creek
Development Manager – The Beautiful Project
Corrina’s choice of her first apartment as her place of significance symbolized her initial taste of independence, devoid of external influences. As time passed, she delved deeper into self-discovery. Within the confines of this space, she mastered the art of cultivating her own community. This period of living alone for the first time enabled her to authentically identify her genuine interests, desires, and needs.
Anthony Barrows – Maverick Square Public Housing
Managing Partner & Founder, Center for Behavioral Design & Social Justice
Anthony’s place of significance is the Maverick Square public housing complex in East Boston, MA where he grew up. The area has since been completely redeveloped.
Ronnette Smith – Clark Atlanta University
CEO – Future Foundation
Ronnette is a proud graduate of the HBCU Clark Atlanta University, where she earned a B.A. in Mass Communication/Media Studies. Her alma mater, selected as her meaningful institution, bore witness to Mrs. Smith’s triumphant graduation from a four-year university, even in the face of academic challenges during her high school years.
Dollhouse Barbershop
Roosevelt “Bubba” Stewart cut hair at the Dollhouse Barber Shop on Rosewood Avenue in East Austin. Bubba ran the Dollhouse Barbershop for more than forty years until rising rents and dwindling customers forced him to close.
Roosevelt “Bubba” Stewart (1933-2018), East Austin native and lifelong owner of Stewart’s Doll House Barber Shop at 1811 Rosewood Ave
The Austin City Council proclaimed October 19, 2017 as Roosevelt “Bubba” Stewart Day in honor of Stewart’s 60+ year service as one of East Austin’s most prestigious and longest-serving barbers.