Graphic: Corey De’Juan Sherrard Jr.
Saturday, May 18 | 12 PM - 4 PM
Givens Avenue | Rogers-Washington-Holy Cross Historic District
Free to the public
Preservation Austin and the City’s Equity-Based Preservation Plan invite the community to join us for our rescheduled Block Party celebrating the vibrant Black history of the Rogers-Washington-Holy Cross Historic District! Join the fun on Saturday, May 18 from 12-4 PM on Givens Avenue in East Austin, featuring:
Guided historic tours of the neighborhood by Black Austin Tours
Music by DJ Lauren Light
Free food from Kinfolk BBQ and GoodenSweet Cookies
Community partner booths sharing resources and information
Activities for kids and more!
Preservation Austin featured the Rogers-Washington-Holy Cross Historic District in our 2021 Virtual Homes Tour – Rogers-Washington-Holy Cross: Black Heritage, Living History. This tight-knit post-war neighborhood was home to some of the twentieth century’s most significant Black Austinites, including those of Tuskegee Airman Norman Scales, former Huston-Tillotson president Dr. John Q. Taylor King and his roster of esteemed house guests, Ira Poole and his iconic collection of yard art Americana, and more.
This free public event is hosted in partnership with the Rogers-Washington-Holy Cross Neighborhood Association and Where Y’All At Though ATX.
Walking Tours
Guided 30-minute walking tours of the neighborhood will be provided by Black Austin Tours. Tours start at 12:30, 1:30, and 2:30 and begin at the corner of Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd and Maple Ave. No preregistration to take the tours is required.
This event is supported by the City of Austin Planning Department’s Equity-Based Preservation Plan. Stop by the Block Party to learn more about the plan and share what’s important to you!
