Celebrating Austin's Black History
Celebrating Austin's Black History
Austin's Park History Highlights the Achievements of Black Austinites
In Rosewood Park and Plummers Cemetary, Downs-Mabson Fields, St. John Neighborhood Park, the Carver Museum and everywhere in between - Austin's park history is deeply connected to the achievements of Black Austinites.
Overcoming significant obstacles to provide recreational and community spaces, including the 1928 master plan that officially segregated the city, Austin's Black residents have a storied track record of creating, caring for and developing green spaces all over town.
From local community leaders to baseball legends, there's plenty to celebrate. These are just some of the stories of the people who helped make Austin's parks spaces for everyone. We are grateful to work with so many park advocates carrying the important history of these spaces forward.
Photo: Doris "Dorie" Miller, a hero at Pearl Harbor and namesake of the auditorium at Rosewood Park in East Austin.
Austin's Park History Highlights the Achievements of Black Austinites
In Rosewood Park and Plummers Cemetary, Downs-Mabson Fields, St. John Neighborhood Park, and everywhere in between - Austin's park history is deeply connected to the achievements of Black Austinites.
Overcoming significant obstacles to provide recreational and community spaces, including the 1928 master plan that officially segregated the city, Austin's Black residents have a storied track record of creating, caring for and developing green spaces all over town.
From local community leaders to baseball legends, there's plenty to celebrate. These are just some of the stories of the people who helped make Austin's parks spaces for everyone.
Photo: Doris "Dorie" Miller, a hero at Pearl Harbor and namesake of the auditorium at Rosewood Park in East Austin.
Baseball Legends in East Austin
Now the home of the Huston-Tillotson University Rams, Downs-Mabson Field was once the home field of the Austin Black Senators - part of the Texas Negro League. The likes of Willie Mays, Satchel Paige, Willie Wells and more of baseball's legends played right here in Austin.
The History of Rosewood Park
If the trees, picnic tables and stone walls at Rosewood Park could talk, they'd dazzle you with stories of WWII veterans, beauty pageants, famous musicians and more. This East Austin park is a community treasure with a rich history worth learning about.
Black History of AUstin, TeXas
Javier Wallace, Founder and Guide at Black Austin Tours, takes you on a virtual walking tour to some of Austin's most familiar locations! He speaks to the Black History of these public spaces including the Wooldridge Square Park, 6th Street, the Texas State Capital and much more!
Take Me Out to Downs Field
Beginning in February 2020, Forklift Danceworks partnered with Huston-Tillotson University, local artists and more for a year-long celebration of legacy and future of Downs Field. From slam poetry to visual artistry, this creative collaboration is not to be missed!
Baseball Legends in East Austin
Now the home of the Huston-Tillotson University Rams, Downs-Mabson Field was once the home field of the Austin Black Senators - part of the Texas Negro League. The likes of Willie Mays, Satchel Paige, Willie Wells and more of baseball's legends played right here in Austin.
The History of Rosewood Park
If the trees, picnic tables and stone walls at Rosewood Park could talk, they'd dazzle you with stories of WWII veterans, beauty pageants, famous musicians and more. This East Austin park is a community treasure with a rich history worth learning about.
Take Me Out to Downs Field
Beginning in February 2020, Forklift Danceworks partnered with Huston-Tillotson University, local artists and more for a year-long celebration of legacy and future of Downs Field. From slam poetry to visual artistry, this creative collaboration is not to be missed!
Black History of AUstin, TeXas
Javier Wallace, Founder and Guide at Black Austin Tours, takes you on a virtual walking tour to some of Austin's most familiar locations! He speaks to the Black History of these public spaces including the Wooldridge Square Park, 6th Street, the Texas State Capital and much more!
PEople + Parks
PEople + Parks
Pastor Edward Clarence Craig, Jr. made it his mission to see Franklin Park transformed into a welcoming community asset. Learn how his family, neighbors and friends are carrying on his legacy.
Thelma Williams, also known as Grandma Wisdom, has lived in the St. John Neighborhood since childhood. Learn more about how Thelma and her neighbors created a beautiful park space for their community.
The Mayor of Mabson Field: Lee Dawson Jr.
Leading the Greater East Austin Youth Association, Lee Dawson Jr. is ushering in a new era of baseball history at Downs-Mabson Fields.