Black Austin Matters

Black Austin Matters > All Episodes

September 6, 2023

Bavu Blakes

By: Miles Bloxson

In the latest episode of Black Austin Matters, Bavu Blakes shares his inspiring journey growing up and being surrounded by Black excellence. He reflects on the influential role his parents played in shaping his path as a scholar and being the only Texas Longhorn in the family while everyone else in his household graduated from an HBCU. The Scholar Emcee also highlights the invaluable advice he received from his then college professor, John L. Hanson Jr., and the incredible experience of performing alongside hip-hop royalty.


Episodes

December 4, 2024

Gaylon Clark 

Gaylon Clark, the Lead Pastor of Greater Mt. Zion Church, joins Lisa and Rich on Black Austin Matters. Pastor Clark shares insights on his journey from his hometown of Dallas to Austin, and how his path to ministry was inspired by his brother’s faith and guided by prayer. Tune in to learn about finding the […]

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November 6, 2024

Marcus Myers

Lisa and Rich talk with Marcus Myers, former UT football player, Austin native and Diversity & Inclusion advocate in technology. He discusses his time on UT’s 2005 Championship football team, his collegiate recruitment experience, and how much college football has changed. Marcus also shares why he proudly identifies as a self-proclaimed nerd/jock, his tech journey, […]

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October 2, 2024

Dewi Smith

Lisa and Rich talk with community connector, voter motivator and conduit of curiosity Dewi Smith, highlighting the importance of being an educated voter. Dewi also shares her origin story, educational journey, devotion to the community, and commitment to rallying voters for this upcoming election.

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September 4, 2024

Amanda Johnston

In the premiere of Season 3 of Black Austin Matters, hosts Lisa and Rich sit down with Amanda Johnston, the trailblazing poet who became the first Black woman to hold the title of Texas Poet Laureate and the founder of Torch Literary Arts. Amanda shares insights into her childhood, her evolution as a writer, the […]

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April 11, 2024

Lisa B. Thompson and Nadine Mozon

In this bonus episode, Rich talks to his co-host Lisa B. Thompson, award-winning playwright and Black cultural studies scholar about her new show, “The Black Feminist Guide to the Human Body.” They are joined by Nadine Mozon, an associate professor, actor, writer, poet and dramatist who will star in Lisa’s show. Lisa and Nadine talk […]

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December 6, 2023

Simone Talma Flowers

In the last episode of Season 2 of Black Austin Matters Lisa and Rich talk all things Trinidadian with Executive Director of iACT Simone Talma Flowers. She shares her experiences growing up in Trinidad, what faith means to her and some of her favorite recipes.

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December 1, 2023

Bonus Episode: HT Jazz Collective

In this bonus episode, Lisa and Rich catch-up with the Huston-Tillotson Jazz Collective after their performance at ACL. They share how Huston-Tillotson has cultivated a space that makes them feel at home, what playing jazz means to them, and what inspires them. 

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November 1, 2023

Deborah Roberts

Join us on the latest episode of Black Austin Matters as we have the privilege of hearing from renowned artist, Deborah Roberts. Embark on a captivating journey through her inspiring life, from her artistic training to her unwavering dedication to protecting black children through her art. Gain insight into her experiences growing up in Austin […]

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