Historic Preservation

Austin’s African American Cultural Heritage District

Street Scaping and Arch Gateway
Street Scaping and Arch Gateway
Street Scaping and Arch Gateway
Austin’s African American Cultural Heritage District gathering
  • Street Scaping and Arch Gateway
  • Street Scaping and Arch Gateway
  • Street Scaping and Arch Gateway
  • Austin’s African American Cultural Heritage District gathering
    • Type: Historic Preservation

    As a part of its 1928 plan, the City of Austin forced Black residents to live within a six square mile boundary to maintain segregationist policies. This “Negro District” became the home of Black residents, businesses, schools, and churches and The District birthed the rich heritage and cultural contributions of Austin’s African American community.

    Honoring this legacy, the African American Cultural Heritage District includes a diverse group of community partners working together in the arenas of city planning, urban revitalization, and public arts, taking the lead on creative place making and anchoring The District as a Black arts & cultural center, strengthening community connections, and improving the economic landscape.

    ARA helped push forward the African American Quality of Life Initiative, which led to the designation of the African American Cultural Heritage District in 2007. The district is the first designated Black cultural district in the state of Texas and the only cultural arts district in the city of Austin.

    • Produced SoulFest concert (2001-2007)
    • Soul Food Truck Fest (2019) – sponsored by ARA, supported local food truck operators, $1,000 prize for the winning food truck
    • Support for the BL Joyce Parade (2011-present)
    • Established mobile food vendor court at the corner of 11th and Lydia (2010)
    • Sponsors and acts as fiscal agent for orgs to access the COA Community Initiative Program under the Cultural Arts Division (2015-present)
    • Provides technical assistance for homeowners on property tax issues (2015-Present)
    • Dr. Charles Urdy golf tournament (2016- present) – fundraiser for ARA to support community programs
    • Supports local artists through community art exhibitions – Black History month, Juneteenth, and the Austin Studio Tour (formally known as the East Austin Studio Tour)