Austin ISD Celebrates Black History Month
Join Austin ISD in celebrating Black History Month! Every February, 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.
2025 Engagement Opportunities
Signature Events
Pan-African Flag-raising Ceremony
Date: Monday, Feb. 3
Time: 9 a.m.
Location: Central Office by the Flagpole,
4000 S. I-H 35 Frontage Rd.
African American Heritage Celebration
Date: Friday, Feb. 26
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Performing Arts Center (PAC),
1500 Barbara Jordan Blvd.
Event Description and Essay Contest
The African American Heritage Celebration began in 1983 under the leadership of former Austin ISD Associate Superintendent William Charles Akins. With a 2025 theme of “Unity in Diversity," 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 2025 celebration will feature hosts and student performances from Akins Early College High School.
Student essay contest deadline is Friday, Jan. 17. Current 4th, 7th and 10th grade students can participate.
Please send questions to us via Let's Talk!
Experience Events
Select the experience type below.
Student Experience
African American Student Affirmation Project
Austin ISD students will share empowering affirmations that promote confidence, self-worth, and recognition of their unique strengths. The audio recordings of these affirmations will be available online.
Starting Monday, Feb. 3, campuses can access the affirmation recordings at Austin ISD Black History Month.
Date: Monday, Feb. 3
Location: Online
Black History Month Austin ISD Alumni Virtual Panel Discussion
This discussion with Austin ISD Alumni to share their experience as students in our district and share what they are doing now. This event will highlight the journey of alumni as they venture into their careers and how it connects to their journey as Austin ISD students.
Date: Friday, Feb 7
Time: Noon –1 p.m.
Location: Virtual Meeting via Google Meet
Dial-in: (US) +1 321-465-4929 PIN: 238 831 440#
Black History Month Resources
To support both classroom and learning, a comprehensive curriculum for elementary and secondary levels will be available in Black History Month Resources shared folder.
Community Experience
Bring All to Kickball – Community Event
Date: Saturday, Feb. 8
Time: Noon-4 p.m.
Location: Rosewood Recreation Center, 2300 Rosewood Avenue, Austin, TX 78702
This free community event will promote wellness and foster a sense of unity among students, staff, and the greater Austin ISD community.
Staff Experience
You Know It Like A Poet: Celebrating Black History Through Poetry
Date: Friday, Feb. 21
Time: 11 a.m. – Noon
Location: Central Office Board Room
This event will be live-streamed and recorded for later viewing. More details to come.
2024 African American Heritage Celebration Awards Winners
Share in honoring Austin ISD’s outstanding students and the presentation of the 2024 African American Heritage Celebration awards:
- Charles Akins Award
Chief Wayne Sneed
- Hobart L. Gaines Award
Anthony Lee
- Spirit of Giving Award
Roger C. Davis
- Friend of Education Award
The Reverend Randy Knight
- Servant of Education Award
Sam Herrera
- Team Player of the Year Award
Frankie Mendoza
- Principal for Continued School Improvement Award
Andrea Williams, Pecan Spring Elementary School
- True Gem Counselor Award
Robin D. Johnson
- Volunteer Service Award
Betty Johnson Williams
- Servant of Education Award
Val Barnes
- Artistic Achievement Award
Anderson Trojan Cheer Team
2023 Collection
Past 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
