What Once Was Austin
The Life and Legacy of Marian LaVonne Marshall
About This Oral History
Mrs. Marshall reminisces about the vibrant and united community of East Austin, particularly in the Rogers Washington Holy Cross area. Mrs. Marshall paints a vivid picture of the close-knit community, where everyone knew and supported each other, especially during times of illness or grief. Mrs. Marshall emphasizes the importance of preserving and learning from the rich legacy left by past community leaders.
Introduction
Marian LaVonne Marshall, a name synonymous with dedication, resilience, and a deep-rooted connection to Austin, Texas, has witnessed and contributed to significant changes in her community over the decades. Through an intimate conversation, Marian shared her life’s journey, filled with poignant memories, valuable lessons, and enduring legacies.
Roots in Austin
Marian LaVonne Marshall has been a pillar of her community since 1966, though her family’s ties to Austin began even earlier. “My parents bought this property and built this house in 1959-60,” Marian recalls. “At that time, the price was $14,000, including the house” The house has been her home since her parents’ passing in the mid-60s.
A Storied Career in Education
Marian’s professional journey is as impressive as her personal one. Despite initially resisting the idea of teaching, she eventually embraced a career in education, spurred by the need to stand on her own. Reflecting on her early career, she shared, “I was a recruiter, student advisor, senior class advisor, sponsor of the yearbook, and the student newspaper. I was director of alumni affairs… and the placement director, the career counselor”. This extensive list of roles showcases her versatility and commitment.
The Love Story with General
Marian’s life partner, General, played a pivotal role in her narrative. Their relationship, which began in school, blossomed through years of shared experiences and mutual support. “We started talking and then he started helping me with my geometry, and I passed with a B, so I decided he had more potential than I thought”. Their love story, marked by a shared dedication to education and community, is a testament to their bond.
Lasting impact at Houston Tillotson
Marian’s tenure at Houston Tillotson College was marked by significant contributions and personal growth. She fondly recalls, “One of the things that I loved about being at Houston Tillotson is that because I knew the students back in those days, if you had problems with the students, you could call their parents”. Her approach to student affairs, characterized by personal connections and a sense of responsibility, left a lasting impact on the institution and its students.
Memories and Wisdom
Marian’s reflections are filled with wisdom and humor. One particularly memorable story involves her mother, a home economics teacher, and Marian’s own school days. “My mother always dressed me very well… But invariably, at least two or three times a year, I’d get into a fight. This anecdote, illustrating her spirited nature, is one of many that color her rich tapestry of memories.Ones filled with family,friends, and the nature of the neighborhood.
Conclusion
Marian LaVonne Marshall’s life is a vivid mosaic of experiences, from her deep roots in Austin to her multifaceted career in education. Her stories, filled with laughter, love, and lessons, offer a glimpse into a life well-lived and a legacy that continues to inspire. Her dedication to her family, her community, and her profession exemplifies the true spirit of resilience and commitment.
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Berri McBride Remembers the Rogers Washington Holy Cross Area
About This Oral History
Nestled in the heart of East Austin, the Rogers Washington Holy Cross neighborhood holds a special place in the tapestry of the city’s history. One of its proudest residents, Berri McBride, offers a vivid recounting of life in this vibrant community. From its close-knit community to the significant landmarks that shaped its identity, Berri’s story is a testament to the neighborhood’s enduring spirit and its role in the broader narrative of Austin’s growth.
A Close-Knit Community
Berri McBride, a native Austinite, grew up in the Rogers Washington Holy Cross area during a time of change and community solidarity. The neighborhood, which came into prominence in the mid-20th century, was more than just a collection of houses; it was a place where everyone looked out for one another. This sense of community was evident in the gatherings and celebrations of the community. These gatherings weren’t just social occasions; they were moments that reinforced the bonds of family and friendship that defined the neighborhood, cherished to this day.
Landmarks of Significance
The Rogers Washington Holy Cross neighborhood is steeped in history, marked by significant landmarks such as the Holy Cross Hospital. This hospital, which stood right in front of Berri’s childhood home, was a beacon of hope and a vital healthcare provider for the African-American community. It was one of the few places where African-Americans could receive affordable and high-quality medical services, often from African-American doctors. The hospital’s presence was a cornerstone of the neighborhood, symbolizing the progress and resilience of its residents.
The Village that Raised a Child
Berri’s story is deeply intertwined with the notion that it takes a village to raise a child. The supportive network of teachers, parents, churches, and community leaders in East Austin provided the guidance and encouragement necessary for him and his peers to succeed. Shown from the success that this supportive environment nurtured. His brother became a lawyer, his sister earned a PhD, and Berri himself went on to achieve significant personal and professional milestones. This collective effort ensured that despite the challenges of segregation and economic hurdles, children in the neighborhood could aspire to and achieve greatness.
Reflections on Progress and Change
Reflecting on the 60s and 70s, Berri acknowledges the complex journey towards integration and the challenges that came with it. Despite the difficulties, the community’s commitment to progress never wavered. Leaders in East Austin stood up for their rights, often at great personal risk, to ensure a better future for their children. This spirit of resilience and determination is a cornerstone of Berri’s narrative, illustrating the enduring strength of the Rogers Washington Holy Cross community.
Preserving RWHC for the Future
Today, Berri and his neighbors are dedicated to preserving the rich history of the Rogers Washington Holy Cross neighborhood. They strive to ensure that future generations understand and appreciate the significance of this area, not just as a collection of homes, but as a vital part of Austin’s history and cultural heritage. In sharing his story, Berri McBride not only honors the past but also inspires current and future residents to cherish and continue the legacy of the Rogers Washington Holy Cross neighborhood.
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Brenda Malik on Juneteenth, Civil Rights, and East Austin
About This Oral History
Brenda Malik is a member and former president of the Rogers Washington Holy Cross Neighborhood association. Rogers Washington Holy Cross is an East Austin neighborhood built by and for black professionals after World War Two. In this interview, Malik describes her experience growing up in Rogers Washington, the leaders that emerged from her community, and her desire to go to the original all black L.C. Anderson High School.
Interview Highlights
Juneteenth celebrations from childhood
“Juneteenth was always a park event. So everyone in the neighborhood here joined other neighborhoods along MLK, Chicon, and Rosewood when the parade would come down the street. And then we’d all gather after the parade at Rosewood Park, which was our emancipation park, and everyone would get to see everyone that you ever knew growing up at that park.
And we love to mingle like that and know each other, and know that we’re still a family and we’re still here. And the community is still vibrant, and you get your red soda and barbecue and get to know your other neighbors. It was just all kinds of games going on. There was a baseball game in the park. There was music on the other side. And Juneteenth was such a wonderful occasion for the neighborhood.”
Historic leaders from Rogers Washington
“We had quite a few leaders over here in this neighborhood, come from this neighborhood, including Mr. Snell, who was the first black Travis County Commissioner. But that was after his stint at the Austin City Council.
We also had the first black mayor of Dallas come from this neighborhood. Ms. Kirk’s son, Ronald Kirk, was the first black mayor of Dallas, Texas, and went on to become appointed an ambassador in Obama’s presidency. And they became good friends as well. So it was a bunch of leaders because we had the professionals come from this area.”
Bussing and L.C. Anderson High School
“Now, my brother, older brother and sister were part of the bussing that took place in the early ‘60s or the mid ‘60s, and they were bussed to Austin High. And I watched them and it didn’t feel like they were all that happy going to Austin High as part of that experiment. So when it came time for me to go to high school, I said, ‘No, I want to go to Anderson.’
Like I’ve always wanted to go to Anderson and be a yellow jacket. And I was so glad that they let me do that. Because I was able to participate in so many things. And it was a school of excellence. So all of the teachers and principals made sure that they pushed us into excellence at every level.”
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Blackshear Fine Arts Academy: History of Blackshear
From a wooden shack in the 19th century, to a modernized school in the 21st century, the Austin Digital Heritage Project collaborates with Creative Action to provide an abridged history of Blackshear Elementary School, also known as Blackshear Fine Arts Academy.
Blackshear Fine Arts Academy: Principal Friendly Rice
In this special report, the Austin Digital Heritage Project collaborates with Creative Action to showcase the life and legacy of Mr. Friendly R. Rice, who led this historical school in East Austin between 1931 and 1972 during Austin’s discriminatory laws under Jim Crow.
Interviews include alumnae, such as Betty Ussery and Arlene Youngblood, and Vonnye Rice Gardner, Mr. Rice’s daughter.
Blackshear Fine Arts Academy: Today and Tomorrow
In this special report, the Austin Digital Heritage Project collaborates with Creative Action to showcase Blackshear Fine Arts Academy, a historical school in East Austin, which is also near Huston-Tillotson University.
This school grew from a wooden shack to educate children of newly freed slaves, to a segregated school for Black students, and finally, a fine arts academy to serve all students.
This short film covers Blackshear in the present and future; and includes interviews with Principal Rick Garner, teachers, and students.
Oakwood Cemetery
The Oakwood Cemetery is Austin’s oldest cemetery and is home to Austin’s founding population. The cemetery is divided into 4 quarters and stands near the heart of downtown Austin. The cemetery symbolizes the diverse cultures present in Austin in its founding years as it was the primary cemetery in the city for years. Oakwood cemetery also provides physical evidence of inequity in Austin when it was founded with its more affluent residents containing large statues and structures while residents of lower socioeconomic status were often buried with no headstone.
The Oakwood Cemetery Chapel currently stands to educate Austin residents of the city’s and its inhabitant’s histories. This robust set of resources can be found at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/oakwood-cemetery-chapel-resources.
Furthermore, a virtual tour of Oakwood Cemetery is available at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/oakwood-cemetery-chapel-tours-maps
Full Interview with Jennifer Chenoweth, Museum Site Coordinator of Oakwood Cemetery Chapel is available at: https://youtu.be/hiToZDyR-LU
Waterloo Greenway
For a detailed history of Waterloo Greenway, ADHP member Darnell Wilson interviewed the Conservancy’s Community Engagement and Government Relations Director, Melissa Ayala.
Rosewood Park
For a detailed history of Rosewood Park, ADHP member Darnell Wilson interviewed the City of Austin’s Program Manager, Kim McKnight, and Program Coordinator and Historian, Sarah Marshall.
Huston-Tillotson University
Tillotson College (1875) and Sam Huston College (1878) were established as private institutions to provide Black people with formal education. For most, this would be the first time they learned to read and write. The two institutions shared friendly competition through sports and corresponding core values. After being met with a financial burden, the institutions united and became what we know it as today, Huston-Tillotson University.
Huston-Tillotson University has provided the locals of East Austin with knowledge and education for over a century and counting. HTU is also 1/107 HBCU’s in the country that still stands, providing students a private education. The university strives to keep its classes small, providing a unique collegial experience.
They also provide various resources and learning programs for individuals to immerse themselves. Courses for middle and high school grade students and adults who wish to continue their education All programming aims to help participants reach their maximum potential.
