6 questions with the creators of the ‘Black Austin Matters’ podcast – Community Impact Newspaper
When the Black Lives Matter movement gained momentum in summer 2020, two Austin residents decided to explore the conversation locally and asked what it meant to be Black and living in Austin.
Almost three years later, they continue to spearhead conversations about the Black experience in Central Texas, uniting the community through storytelling.
Lisa B. Thompson and Richard J. Reddick, Black Austinites and professors at The University of Texas, partnered with radio stations KUT and KUTX last year to create Black Austin Matters, a podcast centered around conversations with different members of the Black Austin community.
With one new episode per month, Black Austin Matters continues to grow in recognition and listeners. The podcast has had 40,315 downloads since its release, according to KUT.
As they navigate the second season of the podcast in March, Thompson and Reddick spoke with Community Impact about their goals for the show and the importance of creating a positive space for Black voices in Austin.
The interview content was edited for length, style and clarity.
You mentioned in the podcast that the idea for Black Austin Matters started in a social media post. How has it evolved into what it is today?
Reddick: It was in June 2020, and I woke up one morning, and I had seen that they had painted Black Austin Matters on Congress Avenue. ... I had no idea who had created it, and it made me sort of think about the more philosophical angle, which was to whom does Black Austin matter? We should talk about that. I tagged a bunch of folks who I know in the community who I thought would be great interlocutors to talk about this, and I posted it [on Twitter].
Thompson: I definitely had a viewpointif anyone knows me, I always have a viewpointbut I wanted it to not be a one-off conversation of, Oh, trauma is happening to Black America at this moment. ... Tell us how you feel. I wanted it to be a more sustained conversation about what Black Austinities think and feel about all kinds of things. Ive been saying this a lot lately, is that African Americans have a very clear viewpoint about racial oppression, but we actually have views about the price of eggs; we have views about the weather; we have views about the way in which power is maintained, whether its electricity or people in the White House.
How did it feel to have that casual thought turn into something so impactful for the community?
Thompson: Its been a burning thought for me [because] Ive always been disappointed with news coverage that comes into a traumatized community and wants to get their take on that moment as opposed to a thoughtful engagement thats thorough, gives the full humanity of their sense of the world. Im a playwright, so narrative is important to me; story is important to me, and Im also a scholar as well in Black studies, and it just feels like there is a piece thats missing in our daily conversation. ... We hear so much about Black Austins disappearance and not enough conversation about who is herewho is Black in Austinand we wanted that to be clearer to our neighbors.
How do you decide which guests youre going to invite on the show and what stories youre going to tell?
Reddick: One thing about this is the diversity of our community, so we didnt want to make it like, Here are Austins top business leaders or top political leaders. We wanted to have a variety of folks coming in, and so that means sometimes people who we actually know ourselves or people we dont know but weve heard of in certain circles. ... [We want] to be mindful about really attending to all the diversitythat mosaic of Black Austinbecause I think sometimes theres this assumption that the community is a monolith. Were always thinking about, Now that weve talked to this person [and] had this representation, who have we not talked to? Thats always a constant conversation. Its good for us too because we get to learn more about the community that we are a part of as well.
What kind of feedback/reactions have you received from the Black Austin community and Austin community in general about the podcast?
Thompson: A big one is like, you should talk to fill in the blank. Its lovely, actually, because its such an engagement with the community but also that folks who know us feel comfortable suggesting people who they think are remarkable, and theyre always people who Id never heard of, which is great. We have a long list [of suggestions], and we actually take those very seriously. People also like the fact that it is diverse. [Black Austin] is very close but we also see the world differently, different things that were interested in. I think we bring in a variety.
Reddick: I think the element of surprise is really important. ... We actually sort of challenge ourselves to go out of our comfort zones and really talk to folks [who] again we have connections to perhaps, but they might not be very strong connections. More importantly, I think I hear a lot of what Lisa described. ... We always follow up on those and think about, Does this person represent a perspective we havent heard from yet? We have lots of ideas and lots of energy, so were not going to stop anytime soon, but Im always thinking about, Gosh, thats a good idea, or We should do this.
What do you want people from outside of the community to know about Black Austin?
Reddick: I think the dimensionality is always a thing. We will talk about everything. ... Its going to be very much grounded in the experiences that people live day to day. We want to understand how they navigate and exist in the city. For me its like, listen for both, Wow, thats really amazing or, Thats really an ordinary thingI do that, or I go to that place, or I like that thing. Its the normalization of our existence. ... We live full lives. We dont just pop up in spaces where we are the only ones. The podcast tries to get at that, like, How are you living and existing and thriving in this space?
What are your goals for the current season of Black Austin Matters?
Reddick: I was actually talking to an older Black Austinite today, and I was like Gosh, we have to start thinking about age diversity. Weve talked to some very senior folks, [and] weve talked to some young adults, but weve really never talked to youth. One of the things thats sort of great about our collaboration is that I have the experience of growing upat least my high school yearshere in Austin, and now both Lisa and I are raising kids of that same vintage in Austin. ... What does it mean to be young and observe the world and the events that have happened in the last several years, and does the city weigh into that?
Thompson: We are definitely going to do some kind of community events sometime this season, and were also taking a big leap and teaching a Signature course at The University of Texas called Black Austin Matters. ... Were excited about having students think about what it would mean for them to create a podcast about their own community ... and how they want to represent particularly the voices that are underrepresented on air and podcasts.
Sarah Brager is a reporting fellow for a Community Impact and University of Texas at Austin partnership with a focus on growing and diverse neighborhoods. The project is supported by the School of Journalism and Medias Dallas Morning News Innovation Endowment.
Read this article:
6 questions with the creators of the 'Black Austin Matters' podcast - Community Impact Newspaper
- Community continues to demand answers concerning Rayvon Shahid during Black Lives Matter protests - Flint Courier News - November 28th, 2024 [November 28th, 2024]
- Black Lives Matter protests police shooting of 17-year-old in Flint - WJRT - November 24th, 2024 [November 24th, 2024]
- Black Lives Matter Flint hosts three-day protest for death of 17-year-old Rayvon Shahid - WEYI - November 21st, 2024 [November 21st, 2024]
- Davis, Black Lives Matter say police discipline bill is being rushed - WVPE Public Media - November 21st, 2024 [November 21st, 2024]
- Revealed: Starmer called for an export ban on police gear to Trump during the Black Lives Matter protests in 2 - Daily Mail - November 14th, 2024 [November 14th, 2024]
- Black Lives Matter activist to vote for Donald Trump: 'I definitely would not be supporting Kamala Harris' - Fox News - November 5th, 2024 [November 5th, 2024]
- Black Lives Matter activist to vote for Donald Trump: 'I definitely would not be supporting Kamala Harris' - MSN - November 5th, 2024 [November 5th, 2024]
- Black Lives Matter activist to vote for Donald Trump: 'I definitely would not be supporting Kamala Harris' - AOL - November 5th, 2024 [November 5th, 2024]
- Lake County Black Lives Matter co-founder going to jail on contempt charge: They said I was trying to incite a riot - Chicago Tribune - November 5th, 2024 [November 5th, 2024]
- Portland Book Festival: Robert Samuels, author of His Name Is George Floyd, reflects on the police killing that ignited Black Lives Matter - Oregon... - October 31st, 2024 [October 31st, 2024]
- Jury awards $6M to family members of Black Lives Matter protester killed by a car on Seattle freeway - Yahoo! Voices - September 16th, 2024 [September 16th, 2024]
- Jury awards $6M to family members of Black Lives Matter protester killed by a car on Seattle freeway - The Associated Press - September 16th, 2024 [September 16th, 2024]
- City of Ft. Lauderdale could stand trial following class action lawsuit after judge rules police have immunity in Black Lives Matter protester case -... - September 10th, 2024 [September 10th, 2024]
- Participating in Black Lives Matter Protest Isn't Protected by Federal Labor Law - Reason - August 29th, 2024 [August 29th, 2024]
- NYPD texted one another to Kick their a before mass arrests at Black Lives Matter protest - Gothamist - August 29th, 2024 [August 29th, 2024]
- One decade later: How Ferguson boosted the Black Lives Matter movement - The Alestle - August 29th, 2024 [August 29th, 2024]
- NYPD texted one another to Kick their a before mass arrests at Black Lives Matter protest - R Street - August 29th, 2024 [August 29th, 2024]
- From Ferguson to Minneapolis, AP reporters recall flashpoints of the Black Lives Matter movement - Toronto Star - August 29th, 2024 [August 29th, 2024]
- J.D. Vances 2020 Black Lives Matter Lie Shows the Threat He Really Is - The New Republic - August 18th, 2024 [August 18th, 2024]
- How Do I Put This? J.D. Vance Thinks Amazon Funded the Black Lives Matter Movement. - Esquire - August 18th, 2024 [August 18th, 2024]
- Black Lives Matter Attacks Democratic Party for Anointing Kamala Harris without Primary Votes - National Review - July 24th, 2024 [July 24th, 2024]
- Black Lives Matter slams Democrats for 'anointing' Kamala Harris without primary vote - The National Desk - July 24th, 2024 [July 24th, 2024]
- California teachers were right to severely punish girl, 7, for writing these words under Black Lives Matter dr - Daily Mail - July 24th, 2024 [July 24th, 2024]
- A 2020 Black Lives Matter protest is revived as a neighborhood celebration in Mantua - WHYY - July 14th, 2024 [July 14th, 2024]
- Plymouth man accused of causing tens of thousands in damage to church, Pride and Black Lives Matter flags - Fall River Reporter - July 10th, 2024 [July 10th, 2024]
- Florida Republicans terrorized a teacher for her Black Lives Matter flag but now she's prevailed - Salon - June 24th, 2024 [June 24th, 2024]
- Black Lives Matter sign to return. Sacramento's Oak Park monument will receive updates - ABC10.com KXTV - May 7th, 2024 [May 7th, 2024]
- Cincinnati Artist Collective Creates Sculptural Series that Spells Out Black Lives Matter - Cincinnati CityBeat - May 7th, 2024 [May 7th, 2024]
- Viral SF Karen who went on rant against Fil Am man speaks out AsAmNews - AsAmNews - May 7th, 2024 [May 7th, 2024]
- Black History Matters; MET Gala Attendee Lewis Hamilton Is Taking On The World With One Outfit at a Time - EssentiallySports - May 7th, 2024 [May 7th, 2024]
- Court revives fired Whole Foods worker's lawsuit over Black Lives Matter masks - New York Post - April 28th, 2024 [April 28th, 2024]
- BLM Protests: Black Women Police Chiefs Led To More Peace - NewsOne - April 28th, 2024 [April 28th, 2024]
- Man who recorded fatal shooting of Ashli Babbitt on Jan. 6 sentenced - The Washington Post - April 28th, 2024 [April 28th, 2024]
- Amid Black Lives Matter flag debate, Milton school board votes to only fly U.S. and Vermont flags - VTDigger - April 13th, 2024 [April 13th, 2024]
- Parkway sub tore down Pride and Black Lives Matter signs. He has no regrets. - St. Louis Post-Dispatch - April 13th, 2024 [April 13th, 2024]
- The mass protest decade: From the Arab Spring to Black Lives Matter - The Real News Network - April 13th, 2024 [April 13th, 2024]
- Substitute teacher escorted off the job in Chesterfield - KSDK.com - April 13th, 2024 [April 13th, 2024]
- Liberal medias latest Black Lives Matter martyr tried to murder police officers - Washington Examiner - April 13th, 2024 [April 13th, 2024]
- O.J. Simpson Is Dead. To Understand His Life, Watch These Two Shows - GQ - April 13th, 2024 [April 13th, 2024]
- What Happened to the 'Glove of Blades' Man Who Threatened Black Lives Matter Protesters? - The Root - March 22nd, 2024 [March 22nd, 2024]
- "Black Lives Mat[t]er" + "Any Life" Drawing "Not Protected by the First Amendment" in First Grade - Reason - March 22nd, 2024 [March 22nd, 2024]
- AP Black History Program Makes Discussing Black Lives Matter Optional and Won't Mention Rape - The Good Men Project - March 22nd, 2024 [March 22nd, 2024]
- Employees have a right to express support for Black Lives Matter while they're on the job, according to a historic labor ... - New Pittsburgh Courier - March 22nd, 2024 [March 22nd, 2024]
- City seeks to avoid trial over Black Lives Matter mural - Palo Alto Online - March 7th, 2024 [March 7th, 2024]
- NLRB: 'Black Lives Matter' insignia allowed New England Biz Law Update - New England Biz Law Update - March 7th, 2024 [March 7th, 2024]
- How parents talked with kids about Black Lives Matter differed by race - Futurity: Research News - February 19th, 2024 [February 19th, 2024]
- Vermont Conversation: What is happening to really ensure that Black lives matter? - VTDigger - February 19th, 2024 [February 19th, 2024]
- RFK Jr Confronted by BLM Leader Over Police Brutality - The Daily Dot - February 19th, 2024 [February 19th, 2024]
- How the Church Can Help Black Women Heal - ChristianityToday.com - February 19th, 2024 [February 19th, 2024]
- Seattle crews remove Black Lives Matter garden in Cal Anderson Park - KUOW News and Information - December 30th, 2023 [December 30th, 2023]
- City clears Black Lives Memorial Garden from Cal Anderson Park - CHS Capitol Hill Seattle News - December 30th, 2023 [December 30th, 2023]
- The City of Seattle Destroyed the Black Lives Memorial Garden - The Stranger - December 30th, 2023 [December 30th, 2023]
- Seattle removes Black Lives Matter garden from Cal Anderson Park - Crosscut - December 30th, 2023 [December 30th, 2023]
- Seattle Supporters Watch Black Lives Matter Garden Leveled After It Was Overrun by Drug Users, Homeless - The Messenger - December 30th, 2023 [December 30th, 2023]
- City finalizes $4.8M payout to protestors trapped by NYPD during 2020 BLM protest - Gothamist - October 26th, 2023 [October 26th, 2023]
- Jason Aldean removes Black Lives Matter protest footage from 'Try That In A Small Town' video - NME - July 30th, 2023 [July 30th, 2023]
- How Christian Theology Created the Need to Assert that Black Lives Matter - Religion Dispatches - July 11th, 2023 [July 11th, 2023]
- Reckoning With the Marxists of Black Lives Matter 10 Years Later - Daily Signal - July 11th, 2023 [July 11th, 2023]
- FBI Hired Social Media Surveillance Firm That Labeled Black Lives Matter Organizers Threat Actors - The Intercept - July 11th, 2023 [July 11th, 2023]
- Science activism is surging. This is why | Opinion - Pennsylvania Capital-Star - July 11th, 2023 [July 11th, 2023]
- Black men's resilience in the face of twin pandemics - KU Today - July 11th, 2023 [July 11th, 2023]
- The English city facing up to its troubled past - BBC - July 11th, 2023 [July 11th, 2023]
- Black Lives Matter mural in Hartford unveiled following hateful vandalism - NBC Connecticut - June 20th, 2023 [June 20th, 2023]
- Support for the Black Lives Matter Movement Has Dropped Considerably From Its Peak in 2020 - Pew Research Center - June 20th, 2023 [June 20th, 2023]
- Mayor Bowser Invites Residents to Commemorate Juneteenth 2023 ... - Executive Office of the Mayor - June 20th, 2023 [June 20th, 2023]
- Juneteenth puts focus on preserving enslavement sites - Axios - June 20th, 2023 [June 20th, 2023]
- The Racial Wage Gap Is Shrinking - The New York Times - June 20th, 2023 [June 20th, 2023]
- What does the black heart emoji mean? - Android Authority - June 20th, 2023 [June 20th, 2023]
- Opinion | America's Poverty Is Built by Design - POLITICO - May 22nd, 2023 [May 22nd, 2023]
- Opinion | America Has Become Both More and Less Dangerous Since Black Lives Matter - The New York Times - May 20th, 2023 [May 20th, 2023]
- David Starkey in bizarre claim that left-wing wants to replace Holocaust with BLM - The Independent - May 20th, 2023 [May 20th, 2023]
- Congress should fund the BLM (no, not that one) - The Economist - May 20th, 2023 [May 20th, 2023]
- MPD Lieutenant Charged with Obstruction of Justice and False ... - Department of Justice - May 20th, 2023 [May 20th, 2023]
- I'm a Couples Therapist. Something New Is Happening in ... - The New York Times - May 20th, 2023 [May 20th, 2023]
- PARTING SHOT: Don't move off the sidewalk. - University of Virginia The Cavalier Daily - May 20th, 2023 [May 20th, 2023]
- Countering organized violence in the United States - Brookings Institution - May 20th, 2023 [May 20th, 2023]
- Black Lives Matter campaigner included in king's birthday honour list - DutchNews.nl - DutchNews.nl - April 28th, 2023 [April 28th, 2023]
- From dress codes to equality, Phil Jackson is exactly who we thought he was - The Guardian - April 28th, 2023 [April 28th, 2023]
- When the Broadway Lights Went Out, Two Theater Workers Found ... - The New York Times - April 28th, 2023 [April 28th, 2023]
- How Tucker Carlson rode a wave of populist outrage - BBC - April 28th, 2023 [April 28th, 2023]