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.
Pflugerville Colored Addition
The Pflugerville Colored Addition is a community located on Farm Road 1825 in West Pflugerville. In 1910, Black workers that worked in the Pflugerville cotton industry and ice factory weren’t allowed to move to Pflugerville or live in city limits. In response to this, La Rue Norton, a farmer who owned 1200 acres of land west of Pflugerville, set aside an acre of his land, split it into lots, and sold the lots of land to Black workers. This page will highlight the Pflugerville Colored Addition’s history and significance in the Austin community.
Doris Miller Auditorium
For a detailed history of the Doris Miller Auditorium, ADHP member Darnell Wilson interviewed the City of Austin’s Program Manager, Kim McKnight, and Program Coordinator and Historian, Sarah Marshall.
Victory Grill – Harold McMillan
Victory Grill was established in 1945 by entrepreneur Johnny Holmes as a gathering place for African-American soldiers returning from World War II, hence the name. It became a significant stop on the “Chitlin’ Circuit” for renowned blues musicians such as James Brown, Tina Turner and Billie Holiday.
To share an oral history of the Victory Grill, E4 Creative Mentors Jadzia Padilla, Jennifer Chavez, and Karina Mata interviewed Harold McMillan. McMillan is a local musician and founder/director of Diverse Arts Culture Works. He also runs Kenny Dorham’s Backyard, the outdoor event space immediately adjacent to Victory Grill.
12th and Chicon
To share local historical knowledge of 12th & Chicon, E4 Creative Mentor Jorge Ramirez interviewed Executive Director of Six Square Nerfertitti Jackmon and longtime Austinite Pearl Cox. They talked about the meaning of the 12th & Chicon mural and its history.
Harlem Theater
Opening its doors October of 1935, The Harlem Theater of East Austin was an iconic cultural hub of the black community. The venue hosted local performances such as magic shows and talent shows, for which local black-owned businesses would donate prizes. Ultimately, the theater’s legacy ended in 1973—the same year it was reopened—when it was burned to the ground. While the Harlem Theater had a sad demise, the surviving community will never forget how much this theater impacted them, and created a place so many families called home.
Longtime Austinites, Sam Alexander and Pearl Cox, speak on the importance of the black-owned Harlem Theater to the youth of color in East Austin and the potential future of the Harlem Theater.