Back in 1928, the City of Austin cut off public services to black residents unless they lived in East Austin. Over time a sizable Hispanic population developed in the area to create a culturally rich neighborhood within a mostly white city. As local Pharmacies become farm to table restaurants and property costs skyrockets, descendants of those that were forced to leave their homes and move to East Austin so long ago are now forced out once again.
As yet another culturally rich neighborhood falls victim to gentrification, it's essential that we not work together as a community for preservation solutions. What makes America great is the diversity of its people, and I hope to capture the essence of East Austin before it's gone for good.
