Black Austin

    

    To wrap up my experience here in Austin, I knew I had to visit Six Square, the city’s Black Cultural District. While Black history and the contributions of Black Austinites go far beyond East Austin and Six Square, this area is definitely worth exploring for its rich array of Black-owned businesses, public art, and historic landmarks. So off I went.

    I began at the George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural and Genealogy Center. Located near a library and a school, the museum has excellent facilities and offers compelling content that’s essential for anyone seeking to understand the history of the Black community in Austin. At the time of my visit, there was a powerful exhibit on Juneteenth, which is still on display, along with an exhibition by a local artist. I truly enjoyed visiting this museum and gaining a deeper understanding of Austin’s past.

    Next, I headed to the African American Cultural Heritage Facility. Along the way, I encountered stunning murals like Rhapsody and Voyage to Soulsville, as well as several historical markers that highlight the profound influence of Black culture in the area. I also passed by several significant sites, including Austin’s Historically Black College and University (Huston-Tillotson University), Sam’s Bar-B-Que, the Southgate-Lewis House, Hezikiah Haskell House, Neill-Cochran House Museum, and the Texas African American History Memorial. While the last few are located a bit farther from Six Square, they are nonetheless highly relevant.

    All in all, this was a powerful and enriching experience. It allowed me to engage with Austin’s history through the lens of its Black community, and in doing so, reflect on our own experiences as Black people in Brazil. Truly enlightening!