1 00:00:08,640 --> 00:00:10,119 Nighttime temperatures in Austin 2 00:00:10,120 --> 00:00:11,939 will not be cold enough this week to 3 00:00:11,940 --> 00:00:13,319 warrant the opening of warming 4 00:00:13,320 --> 00:00:15,319 shelters But last month's prolonged 5 00:00:15,320 --> 00:00:16,919 freeze did highlight the lack of 6 00:00:16,920 --> 00:00:18,679 nutritious food being served at one 7 00:00:18,680 --> 00:00:20,579 refuge in town We're gonna hear from 8 00:00:20,580 --> 00:00:21,919 someone who's taking shelter there 9 00:00:21,920 --> 00:00:23,759 and the people helping to fill 10 00:00:23,760 --> 00:00:26,079 that need Plus Travis County 11 00:00:26,080 --> 00:00:28,059 District Attorney Jose Garza is 12 00:00:28,060 --> 00:00:29,559 joining a group of DA's banding 13 00:00:29,560 --> 00:00:31,179 together to hold federal officers 14 00:00:31,180 --> 00:00:33,259 Accountable to the world of law 15 00:00:33,260 --> 00:00:35,039 what brought them together and the 16 00:00:35,040 --> 00:00:36,539 complicated process that the project 17 00:00:36,540 --> 00:00:38,539 is hoping to tackle Those stories 18 00:00:38,540 --> 00:00:40,629 are coming up on today's show. 19 00:00:40,630 --> 00:00:42,529 The Austin Signal is a production 20 00:00:42,530 --> 00:00:44,629 of KUT News, hosted by 21 00:00:44,630 --> 00:00:45,759 Jerry Quijano. 22 00:00:45,760 --> 00:00:47,659 And a new photo exhibit at the 23 00:00:47,660 --> 00:00:49,119 Central Library celebrates 24 00:00:49,120 --> 00:00:51,039 black-owned businesses in Austin and 25 00:00:51,040 --> 00:00:53,019 their role in preserving the city's 26 00:00:53,020 --> 00:00:54,439 cultural history. 27 00:00:54,440 --> 00:00:55,419 Come hear more about it. 28 00:00:55,420 --> 00:00:57,539 That's up next on Austin Signal. 29 00:01:08,370 --> 00:01:10,609 Howdy out there, this is Austin 30 00:01:10,610 --> 00:01:12,209 Signal. Thank you for tuning in to 31 00:01:12,210 --> 00:01:14,609 listener-powered public radio KUT 32 00:01:14,610 --> 00:01:16,709 News. It is the first Monday 33 00:01:16,710 --> 00:01:18,829 of February 2026, 34 00:01:18,830 --> 00:01:20,989 just about 9% finished with 35 00:01:20,990 --> 00:01:22,149 the new year. 36 00:01:22,150 --> 00:01:23,329 We're glad that you're starting off 37 00:01:23,330 --> 00:01:26,389 the new week here with us. 38 00:01:26,390 --> 00:01:28,269 A quick note before we roll 39 00:01:28,270 --> 00:01:29,549 on with the show. Today is the 40 00:01:29,550 --> 00:01:31,249 deadline to register to vote in 41 00:01:31,250 --> 00:01:33,089 Texas to be eligible for the March 3 42 00:01:33,090 --> 00:01:35,269 primary. Voters will be deciding who 43 00:01:35,270 --> 00:01:36,869 will appear on this fall's ballot 44 00:01:36,870 --> 00:01:37,859 for races. 45 00:01:37,860 --> 00:01:39,459 That include governor, U.S. 46 00:01:39,460 --> 00:01:40,959 House and Senate, and state 47 00:01:40,960 --> 00:01:42,099 legislature. 48 00:01:42,100 --> 00:01:44,459 You can check if you're registered 49 00:01:44,460 --> 00:01:47,359 to vote at votetexas.gov. 50 00:01:47,360 --> 00:01:48,979 And remember, you cannot register 51 00:01:48,980 --> 00:01:49,919 online to vote. 52 00:01:49,920 --> 00:01:51,759 You can mail in or bring in a 53 00:01:51,760 --> 00:01:53,099 registration form to your county 54 00:01:53,100 --> 00:01:54,419 elections office. 55 00:01:54,420 --> 00:01:56,019 That form is available, again, 56 00:01:56,020 --> 00:01:57,839 votetexis.gov, it has to be 57 00:01:57,840 --> 00:02:00,479 postmarked or submitted today. 58 00:02:00,480 --> 00:02:03,419 We have more about that at kut.org. 59 00:02:03,420 --> 00:02:05,559 Also on the website is a story about 60 00:02:05,560 --> 00:02:07,439 women who during last month's harsh 61 00:02:07,440 --> 00:02:09,258 free state at an Austin shelter 62 00:02:09,259 --> 00:02:11,259 without proper food, leading 63 00:02:11,260 --> 00:02:13,119 to online backlash and even 64 00:02:13,120 --> 00:02:14,759 regular folks sending over some 65 00:02:14,760 --> 00:02:16,299 pizzas for them. 66 00:02:16,300 --> 00:02:17,779 For more about that story, we are 67 00:02:17,780 --> 00:02:19,139 joined by QUT's Government 68 00:02:19,140 --> 00:02:20,579 Accountability Reporter, Andrew 69 00:02:20,580 --> 00:02:21,999 Weber. Thanks for starting your 70 00:02:22,000 --> 00:02:23,299 Monday off with us, Andrew. 71 00:02:23,300 --> 00:02:24,379 Yes, sir. Thank you for having me, 72 00:02:24,380 --> 00:02:26,399 Jerry. So tell us which 73 00:02:26,400 --> 00:02:28,379 shelter was this and who's 74 00:02:28,380 --> 00:02:29,759 responsible for operating the 75 00:02:29,760 --> 00:02:30,179 shelter. 76 00:02:30,180 --> 00:02:32,059 This is the Eighth Street 77 00:02:32,060 --> 00:02:33,359 Shelter, which I think a lot of 78 00:02:33,360 --> 00:02:35,119 folks would know by its previous 79 00:02:35,120 --> 00:02:36,999 moniker, the Salvation Army Shelter. 80 00:02:37,000 --> 00:02:38,399 It operated as that for years. 81 00:02:38,400 --> 00:02:40,219 And it's actually the longest 82 00:02:40,220 --> 00:02:42,079 standing shelter in Austin, 83 00:02:42,080 --> 00:02:44,259 but it serves only women. 84 00:02:44,260 --> 00:02:46,259 And so it's about 165 85 00:02:46,260 --> 00:02:47,619 folks regularly. 86 00:02:47,620 --> 00:02:49,519 There were about 300, more 87 00:02:49,520 --> 00:02:51,599 than 300 folks who, 88 00:02:51,600 --> 00:02:53,799 and the shelter is 89 00:02:53,800 --> 00:02:56,059 run now by Endeavors, 90 00:02:56,060 --> 00:02:58,159 which is a nonprofit in San Antonio. 91 00:02:58,160 --> 00:02:58,969 And, uh, this... 92 00:02:58,970 --> 00:03:01,009 This situation there at the 8th 93 00:03:01,010 --> 00:03:02,989 Street shelter got some recent 94 00:03:02,990 --> 00:03:04,669 criticism, obviously because of the 95 00:03:04,670 --> 00:03:06,209 freeze that we had last month, but 96 00:03:06,210 --> 00:03:07,449 it seems like this wasn't an 97 00:03:07,450 --> 00:03:09,309 isolated instance at this location, 98 00:03:09,310 --> 00:03:09,310 correct? 99 00:03:09,311 --> 00:03:11,159 Yeah. Yeah. This all started because 100 00:03:11,160 --> 00:03:12,839 of a Reddit post and folks were 101 00:03:12,840 --> 00:03:14,799 like, hey, these conditions, 102 00:03:14,800 --> 00:03:16,619 this food rather doesn't look great. 103 00:03:16,620 --> 00:03:18,779 It was sort of a paltry 104 00:03:18,780 --> 00:03:20,199 sandwich. It was two pieces of bread 105 00:03:20,200 --> 00:03:22,039 and a packet of peanut 106 00:03:22,040 --> 00:03:23,040 butter and jam. 107 00:03:24,360 --> 00:03:26,199 And some folks had sort of intimated 108 00:03:26,200 --> 00:03:28,319 that it might be that 109 00:03:28,320 --> 00:03:30,279 sort of conditions, that 110 00:03:30,280 --> 00:03:31,999 food service might be sort the norm 111 00:03:32,000 --> 00:03:33,419 there, so we decided to check it 112 00:03:33,420 --> 00:03:33,919 out. 113 00:03:33,920 --> 00:03:35,279 And you spoke to somebody who has 114 00:03:35,280 --> 00:03:37,139 taken shelter at 8th Street before. 115 00:03:37,140 --> 00:03:38,279 Were they there during this recent 116 00:03:38,280 --> 00:03:39,249 freeze? Who did you speak with? 117 00:03:39,250 --> 00:03:41,309 Yeah, yeah. I spoke with a woman who 118 00:03:41,310 --> 00:03:43,069 wanted to be known as Star. 119 00:03:43,070 --> 00:03:44,249 She didn't want to, you know, give 120 00:03:44,250 --> 00:03:45,549 her a real name because she didn't 121 00:03:45,550 --> 00:03:46,949 wanna speak out and maybe get kicked 122 00:03:46,950 --> 00:03:47,950 out of the shelter. 123 00:03:48,630 --> 00:03:49,829 She's been there since May. 124 00:03:49,830 --> 00:03:51,609 So that's a while. 125 00:03:51,610 --> 00:03:53,609 And she said that the 126 00:03:53,610 --> 00:03:55,449 sandwiches that they offered 127 00:03:55,450 --> 00:03:56,949 over the freeze are pretty much what 128 00:03:56,950 --> 00:03:58,509 they offer every day for lunch. 129 00:03:58,510 --> 00:04:00,629 And that a lot of the food, 130 00:04:00,630 --> 00:04:02,709 even if it is a dinner, 131 00:04:02,710 --> 00:04:03,969 something like chicken, it usually 132 00:04:03,970 --> 00:04:04,970 comes in pretty cold. 133 00:04:06,190 --> 00:04:08,009 It really isn't enough to 134 00:04:08,010 --> 00:04:09,389 fill you up. 135 00:04:10,510 --> 00:04:12,529 We're hungry, you know, because it's 136 00:04:12,530 --> 00:04:15,309 not nutritious, really. 137 00:04:15,310 --> 00:04:17,229 Majority of us are hungry all the 138 00:04:17,230 --> 00:04:18,230 time. 139 00:04:19,500 --> 00:04:21,419 Yeah, and so I reached 140 00:04:21,420 --> 00:04:23,359 out to Endeavors, the non-profit, 141 00:04:23,360 --> 00:04:25,279 and I didn't really hear anything on 142 00:04:25,280 --> 00:04:26,559 the record from them. 143 00:04:26,560 --> 00:04:28,399 They deferred to the city, who 144 00:04:28,400 --> 00:04:29,519 said that this was an isolated 145 00:04:29,520 --> 00:04:31,819 incident and that they were working 146 00:04:31,820 --> 00:04:33,479 on this and that food service was 147 00:04:33,480 --> 00:04:34,929 adequate outside. 148 00:04:34,930 --> 00:04:36,589 Reporting on the homeless community 149 00:04:36,590 --> 00:04:37,729 here in Austin has been something 150 00:04:37,730 --> 00:04:38,949 that you've been doing for lots of 151 00:04:38,950 --> 00:04:40,609 years here at KUT. 152 00:04:40,610 --> 00:04:41,889 And often in these situations, 153 00:04:42,990 --> 00:04:43,989 community members and community 154 00:04:43,990 --> 00:04:45,929 organizations step in to fill 155 00:04:45,930 --> 00:04:47,809 the gaps that are 156 00:04:47,810 --> 00:04:48,889 there in the community. 157 00:04:48,890 --> 00:04:50,089 One such person that you talk about 158 00:04:50,090 --> 00:04:52,269 in your story is Pamela Bryant. 159 00:04:52,270 --> 00:04:53,329 Who is she? Tell us a little bit 160 00:04:53,330 --> 00:04:53,719 about her. 161 00:04:53,720 --> 00:04:55,619 Yeah, yeah, Pamela Bryant runs 162 00:04:55,620 --> 00:04:57,599 a nonprofit called Walking by 163 00:04:57,600 --> 00:04:59,059 Faith Prison Ministry. 164 00:04:59,060 --> 00:05:01,059 She previously was homeless, so 165 00:05:01,060 --> 00:05:03,699 she's been sort of an activist, 166 00:05:03,700 --> 00:05:04,879 a service provider for the last 167 00:05:04,880 --> 00:05:06,619 couple of years. Since 2023, when I 168 00:05:06,620 --> 00:05:08,599 met her, she was out giving hot 169 00:05:08,600 --> 00:05:10,379 meals to folks in camps who weren't 170 00:05:10,380 --> 00:05:11,599 in shelters. 171 00:05:11,600 --> 00:05:13,559 And when she was 172 00:05:13,560 --> 00:05:15,519 on the streets, she said that a home 173 00:05:15,520 --> 00:05:16,759 cooked meal from her grandma meant 174 00:05:16,760 --> 00:05:18,559 the world to her and sort of gave 175 00:05:18,560 --> 00:05:20,899 her time to reflect and see 176 00:05:20,900 --> 00:05:22,659 how she could doing better and you 177 00:05:22,660 --> 00:05:24,599 know maybe get off the street. 178 00:05:24,600 --> 00:05:26,519 But when you give them that home 179 00:05:26,520 --> 00:05:29,079 cooked food, they remember and 180 00:05:29,080 --> 00:05:31,379 sometimes it touched their stomachs 181 00:05:31,380 --> 00:05:33,219 and it touched their souls and it 182 00:05:33,220 --> 00:05:35,099 touched their mind and 183 00:05:35,100 --> 00:05:37,179 that's when you can have a 184 00:05:37,180 --> 00:05:39,079 relationship, a decent 185 00:05:39,080 --> 00:05:40,779 conversation with them where they 186 00:05:40,780 --> 00:05:41,780 want to change. 187 00:05:42,680 --> 00:05:44,319 Okay, we have been speaking with 188 00:05:44,320 --> 00:05:45,119 Andrew Weber. 189 00:05:45,120 --> 00:05:46,219 He is KUT's Government 190 00:05:46,220 --> 00:05:47,599 Accountability Reporter. 191 00:05:47,600 --> 00:05:48,779 We're gonna have a link to his 192 00:05:48,780 --> 00:05:50,679 reporting in today's show notes, and 193 00:05:50,680 --> 00:05:52,699 you can always find more over at 194 00:05:52,700 --> 00:05:54,679 kut.org. 195 00:05:54,680 --> 00:05:55,699 Thank you, Andrew, for your 196 00:05:55,700 --> 00:05:56,499 reporting on this story. 197 00:05:56,500 --> 00:05:57,500 Appreciate it, Jerry. 198 00:06:03,320 --> 00:06:05,359 The push and pull between states' 199 00:06:05,360 --> 00:06:06,939 rights and federal overreach is a 200 00:06:06,940 --> 00:06:09,339 tell as old as the country itself. 201 00:06:09,340 --> 00:06:11,219 Its most recent iteration is in 202 00:06:11,220 --> 00:06:12,559 the form of US immigration and 203 00:06:12,560 --> 00:06:14,219 customs enforcement operations in 204 00:06:14,220 --> 00:06:16,039 cities around the country, cracking 205 00:06:16,040 --> 00:06:18,159 down and arresting protesters, 206 00:06:18,160 --> 00:06:20,499 legal observers and US citizens. 207 00:06:20,500 --> 00:06:21,839 With the lack of federal government 208 00:06:21,840 --> 00:06:23,579 oversight over what some are calling 209 00:06:23,580 --> 00:06:25,419 questionable actions, a set of local 210 00:06:25,420 --> 00:06:26,659 district attorneys from across the 211 00:06:26,660 --> 00:06:28,459 country are banding together to hold 212 00:06:28,460 --> 00:06:30,199 federal officers accountable to the 213 00:06:30,200 --> 00:06:31,919 rule of law. It's a project called 214 00:06:31,920 --> 00:06:34,339 the Fight Against Federal Overreach, 215 00:06:34,340 --> 00:06:35,319 and Travis County's District 216 00:06:35,320 --> 00:06:37,199 Attorney Jose Garza is part of the 217 00:06:37,200 --> 00:06:37,999 coalition. 218 00:06:38,000 --> 00:06:39,839 He's with us today on Austin Signal. 219 00:06:39,840 --> 00:06:40,779 And, Dea Garza, thanks for speaking 220 00:06:40,780 --> 00:06:42,919 with us. Dea. Thanks for having me. 221 00:06:42,920 --> 00:06:44,799 So, I think the average listener 222 00:06:44,800 --> 00:06:47,079 of KUT has been well aware of 223 00:06:47,080 --> 00:06:48,319 the things that have been going on 224 00:06:48,320 --> 00:06:49,719 in this country, particularly in 225 00:06:49,720 --> 00:06:51,619 Minnesota, but also here in 226 00:06:51,620 --> 00:06:52,419 Texas as well. 227 00:06:52,420 --> 00:06:54,179 So, tell us a little bit about this 228 00:06:54,180 --> 00:06:55,599 project, how it came together, and 229 00:06:55,600 --> 00:06:57,159 how y'all decided uh... 230 00:06:57,160 --> 00:06:58,579 That you needed to to band together 231 00:06:58,580 --> 00:06:59,459 and work together 232 00:06:59,460 --> 00:07:01,339 Well first, it's been a week 233 00:07:01,340 --> 00:07:03,339 since what appears 234 00:07:03,340 --> 00:07:05,559 to me to be murder 235 00:07:05,560 --> 00:07:07,279 of Alex Preti. 236 00:07:08,300 --> 00:07:10,539 Like so many people last 237 00:07:10,540 --> 00:07:13,099 weekend when the shooting happened, 238 00:07:13,100 --> 00:07:14,459 I was outraged. 239 00:07:14,460 --> 00:07:16,639 As I said, I heartbroken not just 240 00:07:16,640 --> 00:07:18,359 for the people in communities 241 00:07:18,360 --> 00:07:20,399 involved but for all of us because 242 00:07:20,400 --> 00:07:22,459 of what that shooting 243 00:07:22,460 --> 00:07:24,299 means about the current state of 244 00:07:24,300 --> 00:07:25,829 our democracy. 245 00:07:25,830 --> 00:07:27,869 And so I was so grateful when my 246 00:07:27,870 --> 00:07:29,609 colleague from Philadelphia, Larry 247 00:07:29,610 --> 00:07:31,889 Krasner, reached out to me 248 00:07:31,890 --> 00:07:34,509 during the weekend to 249 00:07:34,510 --> 00:07:36,329 ask me to help be 250 00:07:36,330 --> 00:07:37,389 part of the solution. 251 00:07:39,170 --> 00:07:40,989 Many of us are in 252 00:07:40,990 --> 00:07:42,049 frequent communication. 253 00:07:42,050 --> 00:07:44,549 We deal with the same challenges, 254 00:07:44,550 --> 00:07:46,309 regardless of whether we're on the 255 00:07:46,310 --> 00:07:48,269 west coast or north or south 256 00:07:48,270 --> 00:07:49,109 or east coast. 257 00:07:49,110 --> 00:07:50,949 And it just 258 00:07:50,950 --> 00:07:52,889 made sense for us to get 259 00:07:52,890 --> 00:07:53,859 together. 260 00:07:53,860 --> 00:07:55,799 And to start doing our part to keep 261 00:07:55,800 --> 00:07:57,019 our community safe. 262 00:07:57,020 --> 00:07:58,419 And so that was last week and the 263 00:07:58,420 --> 00:08:00,279 same weekend as the killing of Alex 264 00:08:00,280 --> 00:08:02,099 Preti, that all kind of started 265 00:08:02,100 --> 00:08:02,899 bubbled up? 266 00:08:02,900 --> 00:08:05,019 That's correct. Okay, so what 267 00:08:05,020 --> 00:08:06,279 are the advantages, and you 268 00:08:06,280 --> 00:08:08,619 mentioned the DA from Philadelphia, 269 00:08:08,620 --> 00:08:09,719 I believe. There's a few from 270 00:08:09,720 --> 00:08:11,439 Virginia as well, Dallas. 271 00:08:11,440 --> 00:08:13,319 What are the advantage of this group 272 00:08:13,320 --> 00:08:14,419 of district attorneys working 273 00:08:14,420 --> 00:08:16,099 together as opposed to individually 274 00:08:16,100 --> 00:08:17,219 in this moment? 275 00:08:17,220 --> 00:08:19,079 Well, we should be clear as a 276 00:08:19,080 --> 00:08:21,199 starting place that, you 277 00:08:21,200 --> 00:08:23,099 know, contrary to 278 00:08:23,100 --> 00:08:24,879 the comments from our vice president 279 00:08:24,880 --> 00:08:27,159 and other commentators in 280 00:08:27,160 --> 00:08:28,160 the administration, 281 00:08:29,380 --> 00:08:31,359 federal law enforcement agents 282 00:08:31,360 --> 00:08:33,459 are not absolutely immune 283 00:08:33,460 --> 00:08:35,059 from criminal prosecution. 284 00:08:36,559 --> 00:08:38,499 Each of us has a responsibility to 285 00:08:38,500 --> 00:08:40,479 uphold the laws in our state. 286 00:08:40,480 --> 00:08:42,639 And if a law enforcement 287 00:08:42,640 --> 00:08:44,379 officer breaks the laws of the state 288 00:08:44,380 --> 00:08:45,469 of Texas... 289 00:08:45,470 --> 00:08:47,469 We have an absolute obligation to 290 00:08:47,470 --> 00:08:49,169 hold them accountable. 291 00:08:49,170 --> 00:08:51,349 But we should also be clear that 292 00:08:51,350 --> 00:08:53,249 holding accountable federal agents 293 00:08:53,250 --> 00:08:55,589 is difficult. 294 00:08:55,590 --> 00:08:57,409 The law and procedure 295 00:08:57,410 --> 00:08:59,369 around that kind of legal 296 00:08:59,370 --> 00:09:01,409 process can be complicated. 297 00:09:02,410 --> 00:09:04,329 We are also well aware that 298 00:09:04,330 --> 00:09:07,129 in this moment of 299 00:09:07,130 --> 00:09:09,210 heightened and pitched partisanship, 300 00:09:10,450 --> 00:09:12,309 that if ever any of 301 00:09:12,310 --> 00:09:15,239 us were in a circumstance where we 302 00:09:15,240 --> 00:09:16,979 had to make the difficult decision 303 00:09:16,980 --> 00:09:18,279 about whether or not a federal law 304 00:09:18,280 --> 00:09:19,719 enforcement agent should be held 305 00:09:19,720 --> 00:09:22,279 accountable, that we 306 00:09:22,280 --> 00:09:24,159 anticipate that we would be up 307 00:09:24,160 --> 00:09:25,779 against the full weight of the 308 00:09:25,780 --> 00:09:27,819 federal government and probably 309 00:09:27,820 --> 00:09:30,759 the full of the 310 00:09:30,760 --> 00:09:33,319 right-wing political apparatus, 311 00:09:33,320 --> 00:09:35,699 including its funding and legal 312 00:09:35,700 --> 00:09:37,079 infrastructure. 313 00:09:37,080 --> 00:09:39,139 And because of that, there is 314 00:09:39,140 --> 00:09:41,179 real value in prosecutors 315 00:09:41,180 --> 00:09:43,059 across the country coming 316 00:09:43,060 --> 00:09:45,069 together to share information. 317 00:09:45,070 --> 00:09:47,169 To help teach each other 318 00:09:47,170 --> 00:09:49,269 about the complicated process 319 00:09:49,270 --> 00:09:51,149 that is entailed if 320 00:09:51,150 --> 00:09:52,889 a federal law enforcement officer 321 00:09:52,890 --> 00:09:54,869 needs to be held accountable, 322 00:09:54,870 --> 00:09:58,129 and so that we can pool resources. 323 00:09:58,130 --> 00:10:00,489 And I think the real 324 00:10:00,490 --> 00:10:02,729 reason behind this, 325 00:10:02,730 --> 00:10:04,549 I think, is the same reason 326 00:10:04,550 --> 00:10:06,529 that animates so much 327 00:10:06,530 --> 00:10:08,349 of the activity that we 328 00:10:08,350 --> 00:10:09,629 see happening on the streets of 329 00:10:09,630 --> 00:10:11,549 Minneapolis, Chicago, Los 330 00:10:11,550 --> 00:10:13,469 Angeles. Here in Austin over 331 00:10:13,470 --> 00:10:15,589 the weekend. I think the point is 332 00:10:15,590 --> 00:10:16,909 that in this moment 333 00:10:18,250 --> 00:10:20,249 where what we are facing 334 00:10:20,250 --> 00:10:22,229 feels so big and existential, 335 00:10:23,370 --> 00:10:25,389 us coming together is a reminder 336 00:10:25,390 --> 00:10:27,309 to our communities and 337 00:10:27,310 --> 00:10:29,469 to each other that we are not alone 338 00:10:29,470 --> 00:10:31,469 in this moment, that we're 339 00:10:31,470 --> 00:10:33,629 more powerful together. 340 00:10:33,630 --> 00:10:35,569 And I think that's what 341 00:10:35,570 --> 00:10:36,809 we're trying to get across and what 342 00:10:36,810 --> 00:10:38,209 we trying to accomplish in this 343 00:10:38,210 --> 00:10:38,769 moment. 344 00:10:38,770 --> 00:10:40,789 When are y'all planning to meet 345 00:10:40,790 --> 00:10:42,249 and and what does that what might 346 00:10:42,250 --> 00:10:43,779 that end up in telling? 347 00:10:43,780 --> 00:10:45,239 We're actually getting together 348 00:10:45,240 --> 00:10:47,179 later this week in person. 349 00:10:47,180 --> 00:10:48,399 I think there's a couple of things 350 00:10:48,400 --> 00:10:50,039 that we hope to do, and again, most 351 00:10:50,040 --> 00:10:51,859 importantly, we hope to learn 352 00:10:51,860 --> 00:10:52,900 and share information. 353 00:10:54,000 --> 00:10:56,139 We are really 354 00:10:56,140 --> 00:10:57,919 fortunate to be joined in this 355 00:10:57,920 --> 00:11:00,339 coalition by the prosecuting 356 00:11:00,340 --> 00:11:02,879 attorney in Minneapolis, and 357 00:11:02,880 --> 00:11:04,739 she is currently 358 00:11:04,740 --> 00:11:06,639 investigating the 359 00:11:06,640 --> 00:11:07,999 conduct that all of us witnessed 360 00:11:08,000 --> 00:11:09,859 last week, and so it 361 00:11:09,860 --> 00:11:11,559 will be an opportunity for us to 362 00:11:11,560 --> 00:11:13,709 hear in real time. 363 00:11:13,710 --> 00:11:15,169 What that experience has been like. 364 00:11:15,170 --> 00:11:17,009 Just as someone who's 365 00:11:17,010 --> 00:11:18,189 observing what's happening in 366 00:11:18,190 --> 00:11:20,029 Minneapolis, I know that the legal 367 00:11:20,030 --> 00:11:22,409 proceedings have been 368 00:11:22,410 --> 00:11:23,410 unusual. 369 00:11:24,370 --> 00:11:26,709 Your listeners may have read that 370 00:11:26,710 --> 00:11:28,209 the state of Minnesota had to go 371 00:11:28,210 --> 00:11:30,049 into federal court to get a 372 00:11:30,050 --> 00:11:31,969 court order ordering DHS 373 00:11:31,970 --> 00:11:33,729 to preserve evidence. 374 00:11:33,730 --> 00:11:35,209 So it will be important for all of 375 00:11:35,210 --> 00:11:36,889 us to be aware of the kind of legal 376 00:11:36,890 --> 00:11:38,309 steps that they took so that we can 377 00:11:38,310 --> 00:11:40,489 be prepared to take the steps 378 00:11:40,490 --> 00:11:42,229 if we need to. 379 00:11:42,230 --> 00:11:44,159 And then there's also a 380 00:11:44,160 --> 00:11:46,459 member of our coalition who has 381 00:11:46,460 --> 00:11:48,339 successfully prosecuted 382 00:11:48,340 --> 00:11:50,659 a federal law enforcement agent 383 00:11:50,660 --> 00:11:52,279 in Virginia. 384 00:11:52,280 --> 00:11:53,499 And so it'll be an opportunity for 385 00:11:53,500 --> 00:11:55,479 us to learn in more detail what 386 00:11:55,480 --> 00:11:57,239 that process and experience was 387 00:11:57,240 --> 00:11:58,119 like. 388 00:11:58,120 --> 00:11:59,219 And then I think there are some 389 00:11:59,220 --> 00:12:01,179 concrete steps that each of us need 390 00:12:01,180 --> 00:12:03,419 to take to 391 00:12:03,420 --> 00:12:06,139 prepare our communities to 392 00:12:06,140 --> 00:12:07,579 respond to the kind of violence that 393 00:12:07,580 --> 00:12:08,919 we're seeing across the country. 394 00:12:08,920 --> 00:12:10,439 We'll be talking about those 395 00:12:10,440 --> 00:12:12,259 tangible steps, and I hope that 396 00:12:12,260 --> 00:12:13,319 I will be. 397 00:12:13,320 --> 00:12:14,939 Coming back from that meeting with 398 00:12:14,940 --> 00:12:16,899 some real tangible steps that 399 00:12:16,900 --> 00:12:17,900 our community can take. 400 00:12:18,970 --> 00:12:20,909 In the Minneapolis, 401 00:12:20,910 --> 00:12:22,369 D.A., that is, of course, in a state 402 00:12:22,370 --> 00:12:24,649 that has a Democratic governor. 403 00:12:24,650 --> 00:12:25,909 That seems as though maybe there 404 00:12:25,910 --> 00:12:28,429 might be a little more willingness 405 00:12:28,430 --> 00:12:30,569 to work hand-in-hand 406 00:12:30,570 --> 00:12:31,589 in that state. 407 00:12:31,590 --> 00:12:33,289 But here in Texas, Governor Greg 408 00:12:33,290 --> 00:12:34,589 Abbott is a Republican. 409 00:12:34,590 --> 00:12:36,049 He's often made it a point to stop 410 00:12:36,050 --> 00:12:37,869 instances of a Democratic-led 411 00:12:37,870 --> 00:12:39,789 city governance or actions. 412 00:12:39,790 --> 00:12:40,649 I'm thinking here in Austin 413 00:12:40,650 --> 00:12:42,509 specifically about ordinances 414 00:12:42,510 --> 00:12:44,349 like plastic bag bans or Uber 415 00:12:44,350 --> 00:12:46,649 regulations. Uh, on social media, 416 00:12:46,650 --> 00:12:48,249 uh, g- Governor Abbott said quote 417 00:12:48,250 --> 00:12:49,789 local prosecutors should be working 418 00:12:49,790 --> 00:12:51,709 with not against federal law 419 00:12:51,710 --> 00:12:53,789 enforcement to enforce the law and 420 00:12:53,790 --> 00:12:55,709 keep our community safe That was the 421 00:12:55,710 --> 00:12:56,629 end of his quote there. 422 00:12:56,630 --> 00:12:58,269 What do you have to say to that? 423 00:12:58,270 --> 00:13:00,089 Well, the governor has a 424 00:13:00,090 --> 00:13:02,149 responsibility to keep all 425 00:13:02,150 --> 00:13:04,269 Texans safe, not 426 00:13:04,270 --> 00:13:06,329 to be subservient to 427 00:13:06,330 --> 00:13:07,989 this president. 428 00:13:07,990 --> 00:13:09,729 At the end of the day, the governor 429 00:13:09,730 --> 00:13:11,669 of the state of Texas works for 430 00:13:11,670 --> 00:13:13,569 the people of the State of Texas. 431 00:13:13,570 --> 00:13:15,449 And I would remind him of that, 432 00:13:15,450 --> 00:13:17,269 just as I am proud to work for the 433 00:13:17,270 --> 00:13:19,209 People of Travis County. 434 00:13:19,210 --> 00:13:21,049 What I wake up every 435 00:13:21,050 --> 00:13:23,049 morning thinking about is 436 00:13:23,050 --> 00:13:25,329 the work that we have to do to 437 00:13:25,330 --> 00:13:27,179 keep our community safe. 438 00:13:27,180 --> 00:13:29,039 I am deeply concerned that what 439 00:13:29,040 --> 00:13:30,799 the governor wakes up every morning 440 00:13:30,800 --> 00:13:32,939 thinking about is how he can better 441 00:13:32,940 --> 00:13:35,099 serve Donald Trump. 442 00:13:35,100 --> 00:13:37,079 They have become one 443 00:13:37,080 --> 00:13:38,639 in the same, which is deeply 444 00:13:38,640 --> 00:13:40,159 disappointing, but not at all 445 00:13:40,160 --> 00:13:41,299 surprising. 446 00:13:41,300 --> 00:13:42,719 And I'm going to continue to be 447 00:13:42,720 --> 00:13:44,799 focused on the 448 00:13:44,800 --> 00:13:46,759 work of keeping our community safe. 449 00:13:46,760 --> 00:13:48,819 We are 450 00:13:48,820 --> 00:13:51,099 really grateful to have fantastic 451 00:13:51,100 --> 00:13:53,019 working relationships with 452 00:13:53,020 --> 00:13:54,499 all of our federal Law Enforcement 453 00:13:54,500 --> 00:13:56,069 Partners from ATF. 454 00:13:56,070 --> 00:13:57,589 To FBI, to the United States 455 00:13:57,590 --> 00:13:58,949 Attorney's Office. 456 00:13:58,950 --> 00:14:00,949 We work together day 457 00:14:00,950 --> 00:14:02,869 in and day out to keep this 458 00:14:02,870 --> 00:14:03,769 community safe. 459 00:14:03,770 --> 00:14:05,809 We're in close contact with those 460 00:14:05,810 --> 00:14:07,689 agencies and we're gonna 461 00:14:07,690 --> 00:14:09,029 continue to be. 462 00:14:09,030 --> 00:14:11,609 What we're talking about here is 463 00:14:11,610 --> 00:14:13,669 instances where federal 464 00:14:13,670 --> 00:14:16,209 law enforcement break state law. 465 00:14:16,210 --> 00:14:18,349 And in those circumstances, I would 466 00:14:18,350 --> 00:14:20,349 think and hope that everyone in 467 00:14:20,350 --> 00:14:22,269 the state of Texas would be 468 00:14:22,270 --> 00:14:24,169 committed to upholding the 469 00:14:24,170 --> 00:14:25,739 laws of our state. 470 00:14:25,740 --> 00:14:27,219 That's what we're gonna do. 471 00:14:27,220 --> 00:14:28,599 If the governor chooses to do 472 00:14:28,600 --> 00:14:30,629 something else, that's up to him. 473 00:14:30,630 --> 00:14:32,909 Do you think this is something that 474 00:14:32,910 --> 00:14:35,009 your voters want you to pursue in 475 00:14:35,010 --> 00:14:36,329 your role as Travis County District 476 00:14:36,330 --> 00:14:37,079 Attorney? 477 00:14:37,080 --> 00:14:38,979 What I have seen over 478 00:14:38,980 --> 00:14:41,919 the last several weeks is 479 00:14:41,920 --> 00:14:43,979 the compassion, 480 00:14:43,980 --> 00:14:46,059 the heart, and the persistence 481 00:14:46,060 --> 00:14:47,519 of this community. 482 00:14:48,980 --> 00:14:50,979 At the end of the day, 483 00:14:50,980 --> 00:14:52,439 the work of the district attorney's 484 00:14:52,440 --> 00:14:55,299 office is guided by 485 00:14:55,300 --> 00:14:57,279 the laws passed by the state 486 00:14:57,280 --> 00:14:58,379 of Texas legislature. 487 00:14:58,380 --> 00:15:00,339 And what the legislature 488 00:15:00,340 --> 00:15:02,159 has said is that 489 00:15:02,160 --> 00:15:04,969 the role of the local prosecutor 490 00:15:04,970 --> 00:15:06,849 is not to seek convictions, but 491 00:15:06,850 --> 00:15:09,369 to see that justice is done. 492 00:15:09,370 --> 00:15:11,449 And the fundamental question 493 00:15:11,450 --> 00:15:13,509 that animates our democracy and our 494 00:15:13,510 --> 00:15:15,509 judicial system is who gets 495 00:15:15,510 --> 00:15:17,629 to decide what justice 496 00:15:17,630 --> 00:15:19,589 is, who gets decide when 497 00:15:19,590 --> 00:15:20,949 justice is down. And I think the 498 00:15:20,950 --> 00:15:23,129 answer is really simple. 499 00:15:23,130 --> 00:15:24,309 You do. 500 00:15:24,310 --> 00:15:26,449 Every single person listening to 501 00:15:26,450 --> 00:15:28,169 this broadcast does. 502 00:15:28,170 --> 00:15:30,189 The people who live and 503 00:15:30,190 --> 00:15:32,389 work and vote in Travis County get 504 00:15:32,390 --> 00:15:34,749 to decide what justice is 505 00:15:34,750 --> 00:15:36,709 They have said repeatedly and 506 00:15:36,710 --> 00:15:38,549 clearly what they think justice 507 00:15:38,550 --> 00:15:40,629 is, and it's my responsibility 508 00:15:40,630 --> 00:15:43,009 to see their aspirations 509 00:15:43,010 --> 00:15:44,829 and their visions for justice 510 00:15:44,830 --> 00:15:46,519 in our community through. 511 00:15:46,520 --> 00:15:47,939 Alright, we have been speaking with 512 00:15:47,940 --> 00:15:49,839 Travis County District Attorney Jose 513 00:15:49,840 --> 00:15:50,839 Garza, D.A. 514 00:15:50,840 --> 00:15:51,979 Garza. Thank you so much for talking 515 00:15:51,980 --> 00:15:53,279 with us here on Austin Signal. 516 00:15:53,280 --> 00:15:54,280 Thank you for having me. 517 00:15:58,850 --> 00:16:00,369 And in more news, Texas prisons 518 00:16:00,370 --> 00:16:02,009 without air conditioning get so hot 519 00:16:02,010 --> 00:16:03,309 in summer, temperatures would 520 00:16:03,310 --> 00:16:05,149 violate state standards for other 521 00:16:05,150 --> 00:16:06,949 lockups like county jails. 522 00:16:06,950 --> 00:16:08,229 That's according to a new analysis 523 00:16:08,230 --> 00:16:10,289 of four years of heat data. 524 00:16:10,290 --> 00:16:11,789 The Texas Newsroom and Data Fellows 525 00:16:11,790 --> 00:16:13,609 at UT Austin's Media Innovation 526 00:16:13,610 --> 00:16:15,329 Group spent over a year analyzing 527 00:16:15,330 --> 00:16:17,029 temperatures at dozens of state 528 00:16:17,030 --> 00:16:18,989 prisons without AC. 529 00:16:18,990 --> 00:16:20,869 We have more about that story at 530 00:16:20,870 --> 00:16:22,949 kut.org, and we have more 531 00:16:22,950 --> 00:16:24,769 Austin Signal coming up 532 00:16:24,770 --> 00:16:25,770 after this break. 533 00:16:31,220 --> 00:16:32,879 This is Austin Signal, thank you for 534 00:16:32,880 --> 00:16:35,799 making us part of your Monday. 535 00:16:35,800 --> 00:16:37,779 A new photo exhibit at Austin's 536 00:16:37,780 --> 00:16:39,339 Central Library celebrates 537 00:16:39,340 --> 00:16:41,319 black-owned businesses and their 538 00:16:41,320 --> 00:16:42,779 role in preserving the city's 539 00:16:42,780 --> 00:16:44,359 cultural history. 540 00:16:44,360 --> 00:16:46,039 And as Stephanie Federico reports 541 00:16:46,040 --> 00:16:47,859 for KUT's Art Beat, 542 00:16:47,860 --> 00:16:49,859 the show also includes some 543 00:16:49,860 --> 00:16:50,860 personal treasures. 544 00:16:52,400 --> 00:16:54,259 Stephen Hatchet is standing in front 545 00:16:54,260 --> 00:16:55,839 of an old barber's chair. 546 00:16:55,840 --> 00:16:57,999 As you can see in the right hand 547 00:16:58,000 --> 00:17:00,299 side of the armchair there 548 00:17:00,300 --> 00:17:01,300 is an ashtray. 549 00:17:02,590 --> 00:17:04,848 The leather is creased and worn. 550 00:17:04,849 --> 00:17:06,309 Stuffing pokes out from one corner 551 00:17:06,310 --> 00:17:07,229 of the seat. 552 00:17:07,230 --> 00:17:09,429 Right below the ashtray is 553 00:17:09,430 --> 00:17:11,409 a lever so that the barber 554 00:17:11,410 --> 00:17:13,429 can pump the 555 00:17:13,430 --> 00:17:14,598 chair up higher or lower. 556 00:17:14,599 --> 00:17:16,979 There's oil smeared around the base. 557 00:17:16,980 --> 00:17:18,899 Because back in the day you had to 558 00:17:18,900 --> 00:17:21,039 fill that oil and get those gears to 559 00:17:21,040 --> 00:17:21,639 work. 560 00:17:21,640 --> 00:17:23,179 Thousands of customers got their 561 00:17:23,180 --> 00:17:24,639 hair cut in this chair over the 562 00:17:24,640 --> 00:17:25,640 decades. 563 00:17:26,140 --> 00:17:27,499 It might seem weird to have a 564 00:17:27,500 --> 00:17:29,379 barber's chair in a photo exhibit, 565 00:17:29,380 --> 00:17:31,359 but look behind it at the giant 566 00:17:31,360 --> 00:17:32,799 photo on the wall. 567 00:17:32,800 --> 00:17:34,799 In it, barber Kevin Asprey can be 568 00:17:34,800 --> 00:17:36,099 seen through the front window of 569 00:17:36,100 --> 00:17:37,699 Marshall's barber shop on 12th 570 00:17:37,700 --> 00:17:39,439 Street in East Austin. 571 00:17:39,440 --> 00:17:40,659 It's one of about a dozen 572 00:17:40,660 --> 00:17:42,499 photographs in Hatchet's show called 573 00:17:42,500 --> 00:17:44,019 Holding Spaces. 574 00:17:44,020 --> 00:17:45,819 The exhibit combines photos with 575 00:17:45,820 --> 00:17:47,279 objects from black owned businesses 576 00:17:47,280 --> 00:17:49,239 in Austin, objects that he 577 00:17:49,240 --> 00:17:50,719 calls artifacts. 578 00:17:50,720 --> 00:17:52,559 That overlay, that image, 579 00:17:52,560 --> 00:17:54,539 works perfectly as he's 580 00:17:54,540 --> 00:17:56,359 looking out over 581 00:17:56,360 --> 00:17:57,979 the chair. 582 00:17:57,980 --> 00:18:00,859 That is the artifact that 583 00:18:00,860 --> 00:18:02,879 speaks true to why he does it and 584 00:18:02,880 --> 00:18:04,889 is still there doing it. 585 00:18:04,890 --> 00:18:06,469 Hatchet is a portrait photographer 586 00:18:06,470 --> 00:18:08,489 and co-founder of a nonprofit called 587 00:18:08,490 --> 00:18:09,729 Of Color. 588 00:18:09,730 --> 00:18:11,269 The group supports the work of 589 00:18:11,270 --> 00:18:12,909 underrepresented communities in 590 00:18:12,910 --> 00:18:13,910 Austin. 591 00:18:14,390 --> 00:18:16,309 In holding spaces, he makes the case 592 00:18:16,310 --> 00:18:17,949 for supporting black businesses in 593 00:18:17,950 --> 00:18:20,169 the communal spaces they create. 594 00:18:20,170 --> 00:18:22,249 He argues that's needed to preserve 595 00:18:22,250 --> 00:18:23,569 cultural history and fight 596 00:18:23,570 --> 00:18:25,049 gentrification. 597 00:18:25,050 --> 00:18:26,649 He's also hoping to tell a deeper 598 00:18:26,650 --> 00:18:28,789 story of resilience and belonging. 599 00:18:28,790 --> 00:18:30,949 Even though the idea of 600 00:18:30,950 --> 00:18:32,969 displacement and 601 00:18:32,970 --> 00:18:34,909 folks leaving Austin is 602 00:18:34,910 --> 00:18:36,769 a very real thing, the folks 603 00:18:36,770 --> 00:18:38,729 that choose to stay, the folk that 604 00:18:38,730 --> 00:18:40,489 choose do the work, and the folks 605 00:18:40,490 --> 00:18:42,589 that choose the whole space, 606 00:18:42,590 --> 00:18:44,209 they are the lifeblood of the 607 00:18:44,210 --> 00:18:44,769 culture here. 608 00:18:44,770 --> 00:18:46,649 The exhibit includes portraits and 609 00:18:46,650 --> 00:18:48,989 stories from Rich's Art Gallery, 610 00:18:48,990 --> 00:18:51,029 Black Pearl Books, Kickin' It ATX, 611 00:18:51,030 --> 00:18:52,369 and others. 612 00:18:52,370 --> 00:18:54,089 Taylor Danielle Davis is an 613 00:18:54,090 --> 00:18:55,809 independent curator and cultural 614 00:18:55,810 --> 00:18:57,029 arts producer. 615 00:18:57,030 --> 00:18:58,649 She helped put the show together. 616 00:18:58,650 --> 00:19:00,589 And there's been a huge fight to 617 00:19:00,590 --> 00:19:02,669 protect cultural spaces, especially 618 00:19:02,670 --> 00:19:04,209 in East Austin and the historic 619 00:19:04,210 --> 00:19:05,429 Sixth Square. 620 00:19:05,430 --> 00:19:08,209 So to hold onto those spaces and 621 00:19:08,210 --> 00:19:10,049 to really highlight 622 00:19:10,050 --> 00:19:12,289 that they're here and that 623 00:19:12,290 --> 00:19:13,589 they are important, that they doing 624 00:19:13,590 --> 00:19:15,009 great work, I think that that's what 625 00:19:15,010 --> 00:19:16,439 this project means to me. 626 00:19:16,440 --> 00:19:17,959 Davis says she worked with Hatchet 627 00:19:17,960 --> 00:19:19,499 to make the exhibit feel more 628 00:19:19,500 --> 00:19:21,479 immersive and to bring businesses 629 00:19:21,480 --> 00:19:23,419 into the gallery space. 630 00:19:23,420 --> 00:19:25,199 They collected objects, like the 631 00:19:25,200 --> 00:19:26,579 barber's chair, from some of the 632 00:19:26,580 --> 00:19:28,759 people featured in the photos. 633 00:19:28,760 --> 00:19:30,199 There's also a collection of books 634 00:19:30,200 --> 00:19:32,019 recommended by Black Pearl, 635 00:19:32,020 --> 00:19:34,079 a sneaker from Kicken at ATX. 636 00:19:34,080 --> 00:19:35,419 All of those little things sort of 637 00:19:35,420 --> 00:19:36,859 make this more than just a photo 638 00:19:36,860 --> 00:19:37,879 exhibit, and that was really 639 00:19:37,880 --> 00:19:39,339 exciting to kind of work with him to 640 00:19:39,340 --> 00:19:40,339 figure that out. 641 00:19:40,340 --> 00:19:42,079 Across the room from the barber's 642 00:19:42,080 --> 00:19:43,859 chair, there's a giant vinyl photo 643 00:19:43,860 --> 00:19:44,860 of Minnie Little. 644 00:19:45,700 --> 00:19:47,699 She's staring into a mirror at her 645 00:19:47,700 --> 00:19:49,559 salon, Chag Noir. 646 00:19:49,560 --> 00:19:51,239 There's a plastic baggie in a glass 647 00:19:51,240 --> 00:19:53,019 case next to the photo. 648 00:19:53,020 --> 00:19:54,959 In the bag is a lock of curly gray 649 00:19:54,960 --> 00:19:56,079 hair. 650 00:19:56,080 --> 00:19:57,539 This was one of Little's offerings 651 00:19:57,540 --> 00:19:58,539 for the exhibit. 652 00:19:58,540 --> 00:20:00,359 As soon as I picked it up and I held 653 00:20:00,360 --> 00:20:01,819 it in my hand, I was like, this 654 00:20:01,820 --> 00:20:02,919 feels very heavy. 655 00:20:02,920 --> 00:20:03,999 I was, like, who's is this? 656 00:20:04,000 --> 00:20:05,159 She said, that's my grandmother's 657 00:20:05,160 --> 00:20:07,679 hair, very casual about it. 658 00:20:07,680 --> 00:20:09,559 A lot of these participants, I 659 00:20:09,560 --> 00:20:11,619 invited them to submit 660 00:20:11,620 --> 00:20:13,359 artifacts that meant something to 661 00:20:13,360 --> 00:20:13,999 them. 662 00:20:14,000 --> 00:20:15,339 To the right of the shag noir 663 00:20:15,340 --> 00:20:17,219 artifacts is another display with 664 00:20:17,220 --> 00:20:19,059 handmade wooden spoons. 665 00:20:19,060 --> 00:20:21,039 They belong to Chi Indika. 666 00:20:21,040 --> 00:20:23,319 She owns Love Fats Ice Cream. 667 00:20:23,320 --> 00:20:24,819 She says she grew up using similar 668 00:20:24,820 --> 00:20:26,379 spoons on trips to Kenya when she 669 00:20:26,380 --> 00:20:26,939 was young. 670 00:20:26,940 --> 00:20:28,119 It's just something that like 671 00:20:28,120 --> 00:20:30,459 reminds me of my family and 672 00:20:30,460 --> 00:20:32,459 like the food that I used to 673 00:20:32,460 --> 00:20:33,659 eat when I would go to Kenya and 674 00:20:33,660 --> 00:20:34,389 still eat. 675 00:20:34,390 --> 00:20:36,049 A photo in the exhibit shows Indika 676 00:20:36,050 --> 00:20:37,709 smiling from the service window of 677 00:20:37,710 --> 00:20:39,389 her former ice cream shop on North 678 00:20:39,390 --> 00:20:40,389 Lamar. 679 00:20:40,390 --> 00:20:41,829 She says her business has allowed 680 00:20:41,830 --> 00:20:43,469 her to build a new community. 681 00:20:43,470 --> 00:20:45,909 It's just a beautiful place to 682 00:20:45,910 --> 00:20:47,729 experience some joy and 683 00:20:47,730 --> 00:20:50,029 to be able to be 684 00:20:50,030 --> 00:20:51,769 around like-minded people and new 685 00:20:51,770 --> 00:20:53,389 people that you wouldn't necessarily 686 00:20:53,390 --> 00:20:54,419 be around. 687 00:20:54,420 --> 00:20:56,139 Indica had to close her shop last 688 00:20:56,140 --> 00:20:57,879 year after her rent went up almost 689 00:20:57,880 --> 00:20:59,319 $1,000. 690 00:20:59,320 --> 00:21:00,899 Her new brick and mortar space in 691 00:21:00,900 --> 00:21:02,260 East Austin isn't open yet. 692 00:21:04,340 --> 00:21:06,299 Back in the gallery, Hatch says he 693 00:21:06,300 --> 00:21:07,619 came up with the idea for the 694 00:21:07,620 --> 00:21:09,399 exhibit after hearing stories about 695 00:21:09,400 --> 00:21:10,839 the pressure to keep black-owned 696 00:21:10,840 --> 00:21:12,119 businesses open. 697 00:21:12,120 --> 00:21:13,579 What came out of hearing their 698 00:21:13,580 --> 00:21:16,519 stories became sort 699 00:21:16,520 --> 00:21:18,279 of a spiritual awakening around the 700 00:21:18,280 --> 00:21:20,279 idea of 701 00:21:20,280 --> 00:21:22,259 us wanting to hold a 702 00:21:22,260 --> 00:21:24,179 space for our humanity and 703 00:21:24,180 --> 00:21:26,059 safety and in 704 00:21:26,060 --> 00:21:27,959 camaraderie with what 705 00:21:27,960 --> 00:21:29,839 it means to be black in Austin. 706 00:21:29,840 --> 00:21:31,539 Hatchet moved here from Chicago nine 707 00:21:31,540 --> 00:21:32,859 years ago. 708 00:21:32,860 --> 00:21:34,539 He says black newcomers can feel 709 00:21:34,540 --> 00:21:36,299 disconnected in a city until they 710 00:21:36,300 --> 00:21:37,879 find community. 711 00:21:37,880 --> 00:21:39,719 These Austin business owners want to 712 00:21:39,720 --> 00:21:41,719 stay to provide that community. 713 00:21:41,720 --> 00:21:43,239 They need to be here. 714 00:21:43,240 --> 00:21:44,379 I think that's the most important 715 00:21:44,380 --> 00:21:46,339 piece to me is at the 716 00:21:46,340 --> 00:21:48,259 end of this exhibit, if folks 717 00:21:48,260 --> 00:21:51,199 can get an eye over 718 00:21:51,200 --> 00:21:52,519 the shoulder of one of these 719 00:21:52,520 --> 00:21:55,079 entrepreneurs and learn that 720 00:21:55,080 --> 00:21:57,919 through the blood, sweat, tears, 721 00:21:57,920 --> 00:22:00,079 the ability to say, 722 00:22:00,080 --> 00:22:02,099 I deserve 723 00:22:02,100 --> 00:22:03,299 to be here and here's why. 724 00:22:04,630 --> 00:22:06,569 For KUT's Art Beat, I'm Stephanie 725 00:22:06,570 --> 00:22:07,969 Federico in Austin. 726 00:22:10,270 --> 00:22:12,129 The Holding Spaces exhibit is 727 00:22:12,130 --> 00:22:14,309 up through March 29th at the Central 728 00:22:14,310 --> 00:22:16,529 Library in downtown Austin. 729 00:22:16,530 --> 00:22:18,409 There is an artist reception 730 00:22:18,410 --> 00:22:20,469 happening this Thursday at 731 00:22:20,470 --> 00:22:21,989 the gallery on the second floor of 732 00:22:21,990 --> 00:22:22,829 the library. 733 00:22:22,830 --> 00:22:25,049 That is from 5.30 until 734 00:22:25,050 --> 00:22:26,589 8 p.m. We're gonna have a link to 735 00:22:26,590 --> 00:22:28,529 this story and the others we covered 736 00:22:28,530 --> 00:22:30,649 today in our podcast show 737 00:22:30,650 --> 00:22:32,569 notes. And that is it for 738 00:22:32,570 --> 00:22:34,469 today's episode of Austin Signal. 739 00:22:34,470 --> 00:22:36,389 Thank you for including us in 740 00:22:36,390 --> 00:22:37,389 your Monday. 741 00:22:37,390 --> 00:22:38,829 We're here every weekday at one 742 00:22:38,830 --> 00:22:40,209 o'clock, and you can find more from 743 00:22:40,210 --> 00:22:42,209 us at kut.org 744 00:22:42,210 --> 00:22:43,649 slash signal. 745 00:22:43,650 --> 00:22:44,929 Kristen Cabrera is our managing 746 00:22:44,930 --> 00:22:45,809 producer. 747 00:22:45,810 --> 00:22:47,569 Rayna Sevilla is our technical 748 00:22:47,570 --> 00:22:48,649 director. 749 00:22:48,650 --> 00:22:50,189 Thank you to Andrew Weber, Stephanie 750 00:22:50,190 --> 00:22:52,029 Federico, and Rene Chavez for 751 00:22:52,030 --> 00:22:53,889 their help with today's show. 752 00:22:53,890 --> 00:22:55,009 I'm Jerry Quijano. 753 00:22:55,010 --> 00:22:56,329 We will talk to you tomorrow. 754 00:22:56,330 --> 00:22:57,330 Have a great day.