Forced In, Priced Out: The Fight for East Austin’s Soul
In 1928, the City of Austin gave Black residents a devastating ultimatum: move to East Austin or lose access to all public services. Out of this forced segregation, a vibrant, resilient community grew—eventually blending with a thriving Hispanic population to create one of the most culturally rich neighborhoods in Texas.
Today, history is repeating itself in a different way.
As vintage pharmacies transform into high-end farm-to-table restaurants and property taxes skyrocket, the descendants of those original residents are being forced out once again. This isn't just "growth"—it's the erasure of a legacy.
Today, history is repeating itself in a different way.
As vintage pharmacies transform into high-end farm-to-table restaurants and property taxes skyrocket, the descendants of those original residents are being forced out once again. This isn't just "growth"—it's the erasure of a legacy.
Why Preservation Matters
Gentrification often trades community identity for luxury development. When we lose the people who built East Austin, we lose the heart of the city itself. Our strength lies in our diversity, and it is vital that we work together to find sustainable preservation solutions before the neighborhood’s unique essence is gone forever.
Capturing a Disappearing Legacy
This project is a tribute to the spirit of East Austin. My goal is to document and celebrate the faces, stories, and landmarks of this community before they are replaced by glass towers and coffee shops. We must remember where we came from to understand where we are going.
