Equity Action Team Newsletter banner with the Equity Office Logo and statement "Critical Love in Practice"

The Equity Action Team (EAT) is a coalition of community members and City of Austin staff focused on advancing racial equity in our communities through partnerships with City departments, non-profits, philanthropic entities and community-based groups.

 

The EAT meetings are dedicated to critical discussions and strategizing on how to best improve the quality of life for most directly impacted communities in Austin. Join the EAT and find more information on the dashboard.

 

Everyone is welcome to join the EAT! As a member, your responsibility is to attend and bring your community with you. During our meetings, we hear from community members and City staff to understand community needs and City projects and work together to produce better outcomes for all.
EQUITY OFFICE ANNOUNCEMENTS
EAT members gather below trees outdoors and pose for the Equity Action Team photo. The flyer reads: "Join our In-Person August Equity Action Team Meeting! Wednesday, August 30, 6pm-8:30pm, Street-Jones Building, 1000 East 11th St, Suite #120, 4th Floor, Conference Rm 400A, Register today at bit.ly/AugEAT
 
✨Mark Your Calendar for the August EAT Meeting✨

Register here for August!

We are excited to have you for our in-person August EAT meeting! Please join us Wednesday, August 30, 2023 from 6pm to 8:30pm. We'll connect over a delicious dinner and get our meeting started by 6:30pm.

 

The August EAT Meeting will be held at the Street Jones Building, 1000 East 11th St, Suite #120, 4th Floor, Conference Rm 400A.

 

This month, we will be joined by Sue Spears, President of the Bethany Cemetery Association, to discuss it's history, cultural significance of the cemetery, and recent development threats to the cemetery that is the resting place of many formerly enslaved persons and buffalo soldiers.

 

We will also be playing jams to commemorate the 50th anniversary of hip hop's creation, recognizing its profound expression, impact, and cultural significance within communities of color.

We will also hold space to review the passing of the City's 23-24 Budget.
Example of an Enhanced Library Card. Text reads "The Austin Public Library Enhanced Library Card is a full-access library card for Austin residents (18 or older) that includes your library card number, photograh, address, date of birth, the expiration date, and a scannable barcode. The card can be used at all Austin Public Library locations, as well as online to access our eBooks and other digital resources, and is accepted by many local organizations and goverment agencies as a valid photo ID. Starting Mary 1, 2023, the card will be available at three Austin Public Library locations: Little Walnut Creek Branch, 835 W. Rundberg Ln, St. John Branch, 7500 Blessing Ave, Southeast Branch, 5803 Nuckols Crossing Rd. More information and a list of agencies that will accept the Enghanced Library Card at: library.austintexas.gov/enhanced
Stop by one of the three pilot locations and get yours today and help us spread the word within your communities.
LEARNING FROM HISTORY
Black and white photo from 1954 shows black students in the library of Blackshear Elementary School. The picture shows: Reading from left to right are student library assistants Mary Ann McAlister, Gloria Shelton, Joan Means and Clarence Holmes. Mrs. Algerene M. Craig, librarian, Principal F.R. Rice, and Mrs. Morene Douglas, P.T.A. President.

August means back to school for many Austin area students...The photograph above shows students in the library of Blackshear Elementary in East Austin. This 1954 photo from the Texas Standard, an Official Publication of Colored Teachers State Association of Texas, is accompanied by an article titled  Blackshear School by Ruth Thomas Houston: "Blackshear School was one of the first organized Negro elementary school libraries in the Southwest with a full time librarian teaching the elements of library science..."

 

Citation: White, Leslie J. The Texas Standard, Volume 28, Number 4, September-October 1954, periodical, September 1954; Austin, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth193776/m1/15/?q=West%20Austin%20Colored%20School: accessed August 10, 2023), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Prairie View A&M University.

JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Cartoon image of a girl with flowers and stars in her hair reading a book that covers the lower half of her face. Text: "What We're Reading-Check out these recs from the Equity Office!"
Cover of the book 'The Hip Hop Movement: From R&B and the Civil Rights Movement to Rap and the Rap Hip Hop Generation" by Reiland Rabaka. Cover shows colorful, realistic illustrations of black hip hop and R&B artists.
 
Happy 50th Birthday, Hip Hop!
The Hip Hop Movement by Reiland Rabaka is a transformative book that connects rap music and hip hop culture to their origins in the Civil Rights Movement and Black Power Movement. Through examining classic rhythm & blues, rock & roll, soul, and funk, the author explores their contributions to modern rap, neo-soul, and the broader Hip Hop Movement. Reiland Rabaka presents rap and neo-soul as expressions of contemporary multi-issue movement, challenging the limited focus on commercial rap and pop culture while highlighting the diverse genres and socially progressive aspects of hip hop culture.
SURVEYS & COMMUNITY INPUT
City of Austin seal, Founded in 1839
The Office of Civil Rights is wanting to hear from you as we look to learn how to tailor outreach strategies to reach a wider audience...share your input today!
The deadline to respond is August 16, 2023.
Sex Worker Violence Prevention Research (logo for SWEET-Sex Workers Educating & Empowering Texans in upper right corner). Text: Sex Workers Educating & Empowering Texans is enrolling sex workers of all ages, races, and genders for an anonymous survey on violence prevention, and we want to hear from you! Eligibility: We are seeking escorts, street workers, survival works, strippers & erotic dancers, pro-BDSM and fetish providers, sensual masseurs, sugar babies, phone and web sex providers, content creators & porn performers, and more. If you have participated in any form of selling or trading sex or sexual labor in Aust TX or Travis County in the last 6 years (since 2017), this survey is for you! Payment: Eligibile participants/responses will be paid $100 through a digital or physical gift card or CashApp/Venmo. Interested: Pre-Register now using the QR code on this flyer, or by entering the link below into your browser. Note, pre-registration does not guarantee payment; participants will only be paid for completion of the upcoming survery. Pre-Register (QR code scan), Questions? Contact our research team! contact@sweetatx.org, 512-337-0037, www.sweetatx.org/survey. This study is a research project launched in collaboration with the University of Texas at Austin, Texas Harm Reduction Alliance, and Transgender Education Network of Texas.
GRANTS & CONTESTS
United Way for Greater Austin logo, United Way for Greater Austin Grants
United Way for Greater Austin's Model Community BIPOC Engagement Grants: Application OPEN!
 
Model Community recognizes that there have been historic and ongoing barriers and inequities for organizations led by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. As a commitment to redressing the racial and health disparities that exist in our funding landscape, Model Community is offering six BIPOC-led organizations $10,000 each to support their capacity to engage in coalition efforts like Model Community and others. 
 
Applications are due by August 30, 2023 | Learn more and Apply at: https://unitedwayatx.smapply.io/prog/modelcommunity_engagement/
Register for HERE for the Informal Webinar to learn more!
Logo from Dine Diaspora with black background and white and yellow letters stating "Black Women in Food"; the 'O' in women is a plate with a spoon and fork graphic in it
The Black Women in Food Grant presented by Uber Eats and EatOkra provides $100,000 in grants for Black women-owned food businesses on UberEats.  Grants of $10,000 will be given to 10 food enterprises that effectively demonstrate how the funds will catalyze impactful growth.
 
Deadline: September 8th, 2023
Ballet East Folklorico dancers twirl their colorful long skirts and look at their partners in traditional "charro" or black suit. Graphic shows logo for Economic Development Office of the City of Austin, National Endowment for the Arts at arts.gov, and MindPop

Application Open! $475,000 Available for Arts Education Non-profits  

The Arts Education Relief Grant application is open today! The grant offers $25,000 in funding to Austin’s diverse non-profit arts education providers. The program aims to cover facilities costs, salaries, marketing, and other eligible expenses. 

 

Learn more and apply by September 12.
Front of Cisco's Restaurant Bakery and Bar on E 6th Street is an Austin Historic Landmark. The restaurant has polka dot covering on its shaped parapet consisting of segmental-arched corner piers with ornamental raised brickwork.

Application Open! $2.7 Million Available for Heritage Preservation  

The Heritage Preservation Grant seeks to preserve Austin’s history through grants for capital, planning, educational, and marketing projects at historically designated sites.

 

Keep Austin’s history alive and thriving by applying for the Heritage Preservation Grant by September 22. 
Blue background with "Nexus" in the center in white letters. Logos for the City of Austin and Economic Development department are in the lower right hand corner.

Nexus Grant Closing Soon 

Don't miss the opportunity to receive $5,000 for your creative public projects in Austin with the Nexus Grant—designed to uplift and bolster the local creative community, aiding small organizations, individual artists, and small arts businesses.

 

Submit your Nexus application by August 15.
Artwork by past winner, Luis Angeles, of two arms reaching into the graphic holding a laptop with the word "Equity" across the screen.

 

Put your imagination and artistic skills to the test and enter the City of Austin's ArtConnect art contest for ages 10 - 18. Winning entries may be hosted in various gallery spaces across the City and include a cash prize. Winners will be announced during Digital Inclusion Week (DIW), October 1-7. DIW raises awareness around home internet access, personal devices and local technology training and support programs. Deadline for entry is August 31, 2023 at 11:59 PM CT.

 

Learn more and submit today: ArtConnect 2023 | AustinTexas.gov 

Artwork by past winner, Luis Angeles
CITY & COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS
Digital cartoon of diverse persons standing in a group with Austin's skyline in the background. In the forefront is a woman of color standing with legs apart and hands on hips with a colorful cape blowing behind her. Text states "Make emergency preparedness your superpower! Get Ready Central Texas. Find out more at ReadyCentralTexas.org"

Due to extreme heat, all Parks and Library facilities will serve as Cooling Centers during normal operating hours. All Parks and Library facilities can serve as a Cooling Centers during normal operating hours. Service animals are permitted in City facilities. To view the current list of cooling centers, locations and hours of operation, please visit austintexas.gov/alerts.   

 

Need transportation to a cooling center? CapMetro is able to provide free rides to anyone seeking a cooling shelter without the means to pay a fare. 

 

For more tips on how to stay cool and safe, we invite you to watch and share this episode of

MY API LIVE.

 

English - Stay Cool, Stay Safe and Prepared This Summer

https://youtu.be/GzIJ7qx_PI8

 

中文 - Stay Cool, Stay Safe and Prepared This Summer

https://youtu.be/MRj8oXz5l-w

 

Tiếng Việt | Stay Cool, Stay Safe and Prepared This Summer

https://youtu.be/VJQWp43_Nhw
In Spanish: Austin Travis County EMS Seal, Pop Up Resource Clinic, Clinica de Recursos, El 16 de Agosto 9-1pm, Dove Springs Rec Center, 5801 Ainex Dr. 78744, Clinica Medica de atencion comunitaria, Tarjetas MAP, Asistencia para Veteranos, Tratamiento de drogas y recursos, Pruebas de HIV/Hepatitis, Vacunas (Covid y mas), Tarjetas de "Service Point", Servicios de salud Mental, Suministros de mascotas, Evaluacion coordinada para vivienda, Oportunidades de empleo, Nuevo programa de identificacion con foto con la Biblioteca de Austin. Identificacion impresa en el sitio.
In English: Travis County EMS Seal at top: Pop Up Resource Clinic. Aug 16th 9-1pm, Dove Springs Rec Center, 5801 Ainex Dr, 78744. Community Care Clinic, MAP Cards, Veteran Services, Substance Use Resources/Treatment, HIV/Hep C Testing, Covid Vaccines & Immunizations, ServicePoint Cards/ID Docs, Mental Health Services, Pet Supplies/Food, Coordinated Assessments for Housing, Employment Opportunities, New Picture ID Pilot with Austin Public Library!! ID will be made on site.
Fadebox East Box to School Summer Fadeaway '23, Fadebox East, 2310 Hidalgo St, Austin, TX 78702, 8-13-23, 11am-3pm, Free Haircuts, Food, Supplies, First Come, First Served; Background is the lobby of Fadebox East with large open industrial-like space with barbers cutting clients' hair.
A Latinx Transgender woman with blonde hair and sunglasses atop their head gazes out to the ocean. Text reads "Transgender Education Network of Texas in Solidarity with our Trans Siblings: August 19, 7:30pm. Ride from Parque Zaragoza, Screening at Yellow Bike, bit.ly/trans_solidarity. 8:05pm: Q and A with Transgender Education Network of Texas, 8:15pm Film Screening of 'The Real Thing' and 'Transit Havana', 10pm group ride to after party location-Violet Crown Social Club. Sponsors listed at the bottom: Yellow Bike, Ride Bikes Austin, Brooklyn Bike Doctor, Violet Crown, Black History Bike Ride, and Rise and Shine World Sales."
Black and white photo from Austin History Center Archives of Latin American women gathered in a room with some sitting at sewing tables working on garments, and one women in middle of the room being measured while others look on.
Call for Latino/a/e/x Artists! 
Do you know any Latin American artists who call Austin or Travis County home? The Austin History Center is seeking nominations for Latino/a/e/x Artists whose histories should be included in our archives! All nominated artists will be considered for inclusion in our archives. Some of these artists will be celebrated through a traveling exhibit, “Soy Austin, Soy Travis County.”
Submit nominations at: bit.ly/3rIXUuM
Photos: PICA-25432, and PICA-22366, Austin History Center, Austin Public Library
Annual Open Call for Community Curators! Join Future Fronts Volunteer Curatorial Committee-Futurefrontexas.org/curators

Become a Community Curator.

Future Front Texas' Applications Are Open Until August 16th!

 

As volunteers,  Curators jury applications for our markets and festivals, determine our micro-grant awardees, as well as assist with a number of projects behind the scenes. 

 

Click here to meet this season’s Curatorial Cohort.
Cartoon illustration of a woman and girl cooking rice and placing into a plant leaf together in a kitchen. Text: The Asian American Resource Center Presents 'Sugar and Spice: Learn Asian American Kitchen Staples, Summer 2023'.

The Asian American Resource Center (AARC) Presents:

Sugar & Spice | Learning Asian American Kitchen Staples

Reserve your free spot HERE!

 

Saturday August 12 | 11AM – 12PM – Vietnamese Đồ Chua

Asian American Resource Center 8401 Cameron Road Austin, TX 78754

If you have questions, please contact the AARC at aarc@austintexas.gov
Beginner ESL Registration Open: English as a Second Language for Beginners. Class Dates: Wed. Sept. 6th, 2023-Sat. April 6th, 2024. Class Time: Wednesdays 7pm-9pm CT. Location: Zoom (students need internet access). Registration Deadline: August 23rd, 2023. Tutition: Free. In-Person Orientation: Bambu, Aug. 26th at 10am. Students must be 18+ to register for this class. Please note that the last class date of each semester is on a Saturday morning (Dec. 9th and April 6th), not a Wednesday Evening. A cartoon chalkboard and 2 students stand with 'Tieng Anh' on the chalkboard. Link to register: https://forms.gle/x4V6kME9yUyLaQ2g6. VSL Registration Open: Vietnamese as a Second Language for Beginners. Class Dates: Tue. Sept 5th, 2023-Sat. Apr. 6th, 2024. Class Times: Tuesdays, 7pm-9pm CT. Tuition: $150 (tuition is for both semesters). Location: Zoom (students need computer and internet access). Registration Deadline: August 23rd, 2023. Please note that the class date of each semester is on a Saturday morning (Dec. 9th and April 6th, and not a Tuesday evening). Early Bird Special: Register by Aug. 2nd for $120. Link: https://forms.gle/qponrBLv2Pg6ZV3M8

Truc Viet's Registration for 2023-2024 English as a Second Language & Vietnamese as a Second Language classes have opened!

Registration Deadline August 23rd | Visit Truc Viet here for more information!

 
Note: VSL Registration is now closed--class registration limit has been exceeded. 
 

With our classes, we will help you learn English or Vietnamese or prepare for the US Citizenship Test. Our Beginner English as a Second Language Class is free for the Vietnamese community! Our Vietnamese as a Second Language Classes are $120 for a limited time only until August 2nd. Tuition covers the whole year. The ESL and VSL classes will be online via Zoom.

 

Quý vị có thể bắt đầu đăng ký các lớp học ngôn ngữ 2023-2024 của chúng tôi từ bây giờ!
Các lớp học của chúng tôi sẽ giúp quý vị học tiếng Anh hoặc tiếng Việt, hoặc luyện thi Quốc Tịch. Lớp học Anh Ngữ ESL Căn Bản của chúng tôi miễn phí cho cộng đồng người Việt và lớp học tiếng Việt của chúng tôi có học phí là $120 (cho cả niên khoá) cho đến ngày 2 tháng 8! Sau đó học phí sẽ là $150. Lớp Anh Ngữ ESL Căn Bản và Việt Ngữ VSL sẽ được dạy trực tuyến qua Zoom.
Searching for Volunteers: Casa Marianella is looking for volunteers interested in hosting a Casa Marianella resident. This is an incrdible opportunity for cultural exhange and language learning. We need your help to relieve overcapacity at Casa!
If you live centrally or have access to a bus line, you would be an especially great fit! Contact Jennifer Long at jlong@casamarianella.org if you are interested.
 
Visit our website for details and DM us with questions!
brandon.kroos@austintexas.gov
brandon.kroos@austintexas.gov
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