AUSTIN, Texas — This weekend, Austin is celebrating a major milestone: 100 years of Black history in the city. Celebrate Black ATX 2026 is a free, community-wide event honoring the legacy, culture, and joy that have shaped East Austin and the greater Austin area.
Co-founders Jane Obi and Bryan Edwards recently sat down with Sierra Waggoner and Trevor Scott to share what this historic celebration means for the community!
Co-founders Jane Obi and Bryan Edwards recently sat down with Sierra Waggoner and Trevor Scott to share what this historic celebration means for the community.
Obi explained the vision behind the movement. “Third Spaces is a local creative community organization founded by Bryan and me. We are basically event producers, and we produce large-scale festivals and events right here in the city. It’s really a space centered on the Black lived experience, but open to the whole community. We wanted to create a space where people feel seen, heard, and empowered because there’s not a lot of us in Austin, but we are here. We want people to know there are people who look like you, celebrating you, listening to your music, and eating the food you want to eat right here in Austin.”
This year’s theme reflects a larger historical milestone. Edwards said, “We are walking toward a bigger way of celebrating 100 years of Black history. We touch a lot of different churches and landmarks within East Austin that amplify that history. A lot of those places are slowly being eroded over time due to transition in East Austin. So we really want to highlight the places that are still there, that are still standing, that people can unite around while we can. It’s a great opportunity to see what the history looks like and how people are still celebrating it right now.”
That celebration begins with history tours designed to connect attendees to the past, followed by a lively block party.
Celebrate Black ATX 2026 Marks 100 Years of Black History in Austin
Obi shared, “After the history tours, we’re going to have a block party from 1 to 6. We’ll have the legendary jazz collective performing — they are incredible — along with a couple of DJs, visual artists with exhibitions, and of course a local Black market where you can support and shop Black-owned businesses. It’s family-friendly. And the best part, which is always my favorite, is the food. We have The Historic Victory Grill doing a cookout menu for us, and they’re even including a crawfish boil this year. It’s going to be outside, the weather’s looking beautiful — think of it like a huge backyard party that’s fun for everyone.”
This year also marks the final block party at Kenny Dorham’s Backyard, a space that has become central to the event’s identity.
Edwards reflected on the significance of the location. “This will be our fifth year hosting it at Kenny Dorham’s Backyard. It has been really supportive of us and the community at large. It’s transitioning due to the Block 16 and 18 project and will be redeveloped into a new space that’s community-focused but also commercial. We hope it stays rooted in community like it always has been. Kenny Dorham’s has been a great place for us.”
Celebrate Black ATX 2026 Marks 100 Years of Black History in Austin
Celebrate Black ATX takes place Saturday, February 28. The history tours begin at 11 a.m., followed by the block party at 1 p.m.
Obi added, “Whatever you need, we’ll have it for you — whether it’s food, music, or art. We’ll have everything you need to have a really good time. You can find us at celebratespaces.com or on Instagram at spaces_recreate, where you can RSVP to the event. It’s free, but we just ask that you RSVP so we can prepare for you.”
Organizers say the goal is simple: honor the past, celebrate the present, and create space for the future — together!
More details on how to attend, celebrate, and get invloved at celebratespaces.com!
More details on how to attend at celebratespaces.com!