Austin City Hall spotlights youth talent for Black History Month; councilwoman urges civic engagement as emcee warns step team funding is at risk

The Austin City Hall Black History Month program on Monday evening showcased student performances, a student art exhibit and remarks from District 1 Councilwoman Natasha Harper Madison.

"We are gathered in this historic space to honor Black history, not only as something we remember, but something we actively build through youth voice, civic leadership, and collective service," the event emcee said in opening remarks, introducing the Lee Lewis Campbell step and dance teams and the Texas Empowerment Academy band.

Fourth-grader Queen Williams of Lee Lewis Campbell Elementary opened the program with an MLK oratory that urged listeners to resist racism and practice respect. "We should stand up when we see wrong, speak up when we hear hate, rise up for fairness, justice, and love," Williams said.

Councilwoman Natasha Harper Madison, who represents Austin’s District 1, praised young people for their leadership and urged residents to remain engaged in local politics. "If you don't look like me and you say 'happy Juneteenth' to your Black friends but you don't go do something, hang out, go to the parade — it's your holiday too," Madison said, framing Black History Month as part of American history and urging attendance at community events. She also reminded residents that the District 1 seat will be on the ballot this November and encouraged voters to ask candidates concrete questions about housing, transit and where people live and work.

School representatives described the student art project behind the evening's exhibit. Sheree Franklin, who said she has worked with the campus now called Blackshear Elementary Fine Arts Academy, traced the school's history and explained that students researched influential Black figures and produced multi-step collage portraits. Alicia Murillo, an art teacher at Lee Lewis Campbell Elementary, described the classroom process — research, layered collage and reflection — and credited collaborators including Mr. Beasley and art teacher Lori Lockhart (a letter from Lockhart was read aloud).

The emcee also raised a community concern: "The Blue Dragon step team is in jeopardy of losing their funding. Next year, it's a possibility that they may not have a program," they said. The remarks did not specify the funding amount, the funder, or whether any formal decision has been made; those details were not provided during the program.

The program closed with a performance by the Texas Empowerment Academy Panthers band and logistical notes about a reception and the art exhibit in the atrium. The band’s instructor noted the program’s track record of students earning college scholarships and promoted an upcoming concert on March 6.

No council votes or formal actions were taken during the event. The program transitioned directly to a reception after the performances.