Austin ISD Celebrates Black History Month
Join Austin ISD in celebrating Black History Month throughout February! Every year, to honor our Black students, staff and families Austin ISD celebrates Black History Month, a time to highlight the district's commitment to creating a safe, supportive and inclusive environment.
Black History Month provides an opportunity for deeper exploration of Black and African-American history than what is taught throughout the year. Each campus receives resources, and campuses are encouraged to collaborate with students and staff to design Black History Month activities that engage, educate and inspire.
2024 Engagement Opportunities
Student experience
Students can explore the Black History Month BLEND course with activities and resources for the elementary and secondary classrooms.
The 2023 Student Equity Council and campus Black Student Alliances, in collaboration with AISD TV, created the Black Table Talk Series to encourage engagement and discussion amongst students. Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3
Pan-African flag-raising ceremony at Central Office
Thursday, Feb. 1, 9 a.m.
Black-owned food trucks at Central Office
Thursday, Feb. 15, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a special performance by the Akins ECHS Jazz Band.
FREE Right to Read film screening at the Austin Film Society
Wednesday, Feb. 21, 6 p.m. at 6406 N I-35 Suite 3100 Austin, TX, 78752
The stories of a courageous activist, a teacher, and two American families who fight to provide our youngest generation with the most foundational indicator of life-long success: the ability to read.
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Seating is limited. Please reserve a ticket.
African American Heritage Celebration at Austin ISD PAC
Friday, Feb. 23 at 6:30 p.m. at 1500 Barbara Jordan Blvd.
Now in its 41st year, the African American Heritage Celebration began in 1983 under the leadership of former Austin ISD Associate Superintendent William Charles Akins. With a 2024 theme of “Illuminating African Americans and the Arts," this event showcases the academic achievements of our students, the dedication and leadership of our staff, and the commitment of our community partners. Austin ISD awards our Top Senior Scholars with a textbook scholarship for their college of choice, as well as prizes for winners of the essay and art contests. The 2024 celebration will feature hosts and student performances from Crockett Early College High School.
Community award nominations have been extended to January 30, 2024.
Student essay contest deadline has been extended to Monday, February 5, 2024. Current 4th, 7th and 10th grade students can participate.
African American Heritage Celebration Program
Please send questions to us via Let's Talk!
2023 Profile Articles
2023 African American Heritage Celebration Awards Winners
Share in honoring Austin ISD’s outstanding students and the presentation of the 2023 African American Heritage Celebration awards:
Hobart L. Gaines Award
Sarah Dilworth
Teacher, Joslin Elementary
Spirit of Giving Award
Laverta Crayton
Teacher, Andrews Elementary
Friend of Education Award
Daphne Octave
Community Member
Servant of Education Award
Yolanda Dumas-Faulkner
Community Member
School Excellence
Rhoda Coleman
Principal, Palm Elementary
School Improvement
De’Sean Roby
Principal, Sadler-Means YWLA
Continued School Improvement
Courtney Colvin
Principal, Overton Elementary
Austin ISD Celebrates Juneteenth
Join Austin ISD on June 15, 2024 as we march in the annual Central Texas Historical Juneteenth Parade. Students, staff and community will march behind the Austin ISD Juneteenth banner along with the All-Star Band under the direction of Northeast ECHS Band Director, Rory Guice.
Where to meet
Austin ISD participants will meet no later than 9 a.m. at the Rising Star Baptist Church, 1710 E. 20th St, Austin 78722. We will walk together to the parade entrance.
Length of Parade
The parade will begin at 10 a.m. The parade route is approximately 1.2 miles. We will reach the end of the parade route at approximately 11:30 a.m.
If you park at the church, the bus will take you back immediately following the parade. You also have the option to attend the Juneteenth Park Festival at the Rosewood and Boggy Creek Park located at the end of the parade.
What to Wear
- Juneteenth T-shirts will be provided upon arrival. (Limited quantity, first come.)
- Wear clothing suitable for summer heat.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Bring water. Additional bottled water will be available during the parade.
- Sunscreen is highly suggested.
- Wear a hat and/or sunglasses.
Please send questions to us via Let's Talk!