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KUT News tells the stories of people who are on the front lines of changes in Austin--and the stories of what happens when a place becomes valuable to a new group of people.

KUT » On My Block

Austin, Texas


    • Mar 24, 2017 LATEST EPISODE
    • infrequent NEW EPISODES
    • 9m AVG DURATION
    • 68 EPISODES


    Search for episodes from KUT » On My Block with a specific topic:

    Latest episodes from KUT » On My Block

    12th & Chicon: Live Broadcast Wrap-up

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2017 96:24


    In October, KUT embarked on a project to tell the story of a neighborhood in transition: the area around 12th and Chicon streets in East Austin. Decades ago, it was a center of black life in the city, but over the past few years, the forces of gentrification have taken hold. We opened a bureau […]

    12th & Chicon: Surviving the Development

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2017 11:35


    KUT’s Jennifer Stayton spoke with Nefertiti Jackmon, executive director of Six Square, and Natasha Madison of the 12th Street Merchants’ Association at a live broadcast during Morning Edition from the Urban Co-Lab on 12th and Chicon streets. This is an excerpt from the entire broadcast which can be heard on another episode of this podcast.

    12th & Chicon: AISD’s Achievement Gap

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2017 5:56


    As the Austin Independent School District deals with declining enrollment and decisions about facilities and campuses, many wonder if students across the district are getting the same quality of education. AISD school board member Ted Gordon, who represents District 1 in East and Northeast Austin, joined KUT’s Jennifer Stayton to discuss achievement gaps and possible […]

    12th & Chicon: Austin’s Affordability Crisis

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2017 6:26


    Dr. Eric Tang is an associate professor at the Institute for Urban Policy Research and Analysis at UT-Austin. After analyzing that data a few years back, Tang wanted to look more closely at why African-Americans were leaving Austin – specifically, East Austin. KUT’s Jennifer Stayton spoke to Tang about this new research for our On […]

    12th & Chicon: Live Broadcast Wrap-up

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2017 96:24


    In October, KUT embarked on a project to tell the story of a neighborhood in transition: the area around 12th and Chicon streets in East Austin. Decades ago, it was a center of black life in the city, but over the past few years, the forces of gentrification have taken hold. We opened a bureau...

    12th & Chicon: Surviving the Development

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2017 11:35


    KUT’s Jennifer Stayton spoke with Nefertiti Jackmon, executive director of Six Square, and Natasha Madison of the 12th Street Merchants’ Association at a live broadcast during Morning Edition from the Urban Co-Lab on 12th and Chicon streets. This is an excerpt from the entire broadcast which can be heard on another episode of this podcast.

    12th & Chicon: AISD’s Achievement Gap

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2017 5:56


    As the Austin Independent School District deals with declining enrollment and decisions about facilities and campuses, many wonder if students across the district are getting the same quality of education. AISD school board member Ted Gordon, who represents District 1 in East and Northeast Austin, joined KUT’s Jennifer Stayton to discuss achievement gaps and possible...

    12th & Chicon: Austin’s Affordability Crisis

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2017 6:26


    Dr. Eric Tang is an associate professor at the Institute for Urban Policy Research and Analysis at UT-Austin. After analyzing that data a few years back, Tang wanted to look more closely at why African-Americans were leaving Austin – specifically, East Austin. KUT’s Jennifer Stayton spoke to Tang about this new research for our On...

    12th & Chicon: Preserving the Community’s History

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2017 3:54


    On the East Side, development and rising property costs continue to force the African-American community out. With such rapid migration, how have the neighborhood’s history and culture and the city’s African-American population been preserved? LaToya Devezin, the community archivist at the Austin History Center, spoke to KUT’s Jennifer Stayton about the work of local archivists […]

    12th & Chicon: Growing Up on the East Side

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2017 8:46


    The neighborhoods in East Austin looked a lot different in the 1980s and 90s. Two childhood friends who grew up near 12th and Chicon reflect upon their youth, their struggles and the mistakes they made. They wonder if the crime of yesteryear in their community lead to its gentrification.

    12th & Chicon: Showing Kealing Students Their Potential

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2017 4:23


    Kealing Middle School Principal Kenisha Coburn is focused on figuring out ways to get the school’s underrepresented students to realize their academic potential. The school is divided between a magnet program, which accepts students from across the district, and the academy program, which is made up of students from the neighborhood. One of the first […]

    12th & Chicon: What’s The Future Of East 12th Street?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2017 7:15


    One-fourth of what was once a thriving business corridor for Austin’s African-American community is now owned by Eureka Holdings, a company based in Grapevine, outside Dallas. Eureka is currently renting some of these properties and the buildings on them, other properties are undeveloped and being held for undetermined future plans.

    12th & Chicon: Churches Adapt to Changes

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2017 7:46


    The loss of long-time East Austin residents is changing the look of some congregations. The handful of remaining churches are learning to embrace the diversity and changes within their communities, but some are left with no choice but to pull up their roots and move to a new location.

    12th & Chicon: Preserving the Community’s History

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2017 3:54


    On the East Side, development and rising property costs continue to force the African-American community out. With such rapid migration, how have the neighborhood’s history and culture and the city’s African-American population been preserved? LaToya Devezin, the community archivist at the Austin History Center, spoke to KUT’s Jennifer Stayton about the work of local archivists...

    12th & Chicon: Growing Up on the East Side

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2017 8:46


    The neighborhoods in East Austin looked a lot different in the 1980s and 90s. Two childhood friends who grew up near 12th and Chicon reflect upon their youth, their struggles and the mistakes they made. They wonder if the crime of yesteryear in their community lead to its gentrification.

    12th & Chicon: Showing Kealing Students Their Potential

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2017 4:23


    Kealing Middle School Principal Kenisha Coburn is focused on figuring out ways to get the school’s underrepresented students to realize their academic potential. The school is divided between a magnet program, which accepts students from across the district, and the academy program, which is made up of students from the neighborhood. One of the first...

    12th & Chicon: What’s The Future Of East 12th Street?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2017 7:15


    One-fourth of what was once a thriving business corridor for Austin’s African-American community is now owned by Eureka Holdings, a company based in Grapevine, outside Dallas. Eureka is currently renting some of these properties and the buildings on them, other properties are undeveloped and being held for undetermined future plans.

    12th & Chicon: Churches Adapt to Changes

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2017 7:46


    The loss of long-time East Austin residents is changing the look of some congregations. The handful of remaining churches are learning to embrace the diversity and changes within their communities, but some are left with no choice but to pull up their roots and move to a new location.

    12th & Chicon: Remembering the Harlem Theater

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2017 7:30


    According to a book co-written by the curator of the Austin History Center, the Harlem Theater was one of only seven black-owned theaters in the country in the early 20th century. And, compared to other theaters in Austin, where black customers were either not allowed or segregated to the balcony seats, it offered moviegoers their […]

    12th & Chicon: The Stability in Huston-Tillotson

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2017 7:40


    Huston-Tillotson University President Colette Pierce Burnette says as the neighborhood surrounding the historically black college expands, the footprint and impact of the university must, as well. HT was once two separate schools founded in the late 19th century, Samuel Huston College and Tillotson Collegiate and Normal Institute. In 1952, the schools combined.

    12th & Chicon: Remembering the Harlem Theater

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2017 7:30


    According to a book co-written by the curator of the Austin History Center, the Harlem Theater was one of only seven black-owned theaters in the country in the early 20th century. And, compared to other theaters in Austin, where black customers were either not allowed or segregated to the balcony seats, it offered moviegoers their...

    12th & Chicon: The Stability in Huston-Tillotson

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2017 7:40


    Huston-Tillotson University President Colette Pierce Burnette says as the neighborhood surrounding the historically black college expands, the footprint and impact of the university must, as well. HT was once two separate schools founded in the late 19th century, Samuel Huston College and Tillotson Collegiate and Normal Institute. In 1952, the schools combined.

    12th & Chicon: The Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2017 7:15


    The murder of 16-year-old Tamika Ross in East Austin in 1992 started a journey for social justice that would take seven long years to complete. The history of the Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex may not be well known, but its impact is felt and appreciated throughout the community.

    12th & Chicon: The Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2017 7:15


    The murder of 16-year-old Tamika Ross in East Austin in 1992 started a journey for social justice that would take seven long years to complete. The history of the Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex may not be well known, but its impact is felt and appreciated throughout the community.

    12th & Chicon: Consistency of Sausage Making

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2017 3:53


    Gary Tharp, owner of Texas Sausage Company, has been running the the business since 1988. He says he’s considered moving from the East 12th Street location, but that it would likely cost more to move than it would to stay put. Tharp’s business has been in his family for the better part of 70 years.

    12th & Chicon: Consistency of Sausage Making

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2017 3:53


    Gary Tharp, owner of Texas Sausage Company, has been running the the business since 1988. He says he’s considered moving from the East 12th Street location, but that it would likely cost more to move than it would to stay put. Tharp’s business has been in his family for the better part of 70 years.

    12th & Chicon: Hot Street, Cold Street

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2017 10:43


    East 11th seems to be the picture of urban renewal in Austin. Since the city launched its revitalization effort in 1999, the street has made significant progress toward becoming a visitor destination. Residential, retail and office development is booming. Just a few blocks away on East 12th, things are a lot quieter.

    12th & Chicon: Hot Street, Cold Street

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2017 10:43


    East 11th seems to be the picture of urban renewal in Austin. Since the city launched its revitalization effort in 1999, the street has made significant progress toward becoming a visitor destination. Residential, retail and office development is booming. Just a few blocks away on East 12th, things are a lot quieter.

    12th & Chicon: Allowing Denser Housing

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2017 5:08


    Neighborhoods in East Austin are not immune to the difficult deliberations over housing density, affordability, and when a “tear-down” truly needs to be labeled historic. City council and the Historic Landmark Commission are challenged with weighing the rights of a homeowner and the desire to preserve Austin’s history.

    12th & Chicon: Allowing Denser Housing

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 20, 2017 5:08


    Neighborhoods in East Austin are not immune to the difficult deliberations over housing density, affordability, and when a “tear-down” truly needs to be labeled historic. City council and the Historic Landmark Commission are challenged with weighing the rights of a homeowner and the desire to preserve Austin’s history.

    12th & Chicon: Preserving History

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2017 7:24


    Ebony Acres, a historically black neighborhood in East Austin, is at the crossroads of preservation and development. With some homes slated for demolition, some neighbors are trying to slow the tides of change.

    12th & Chicon: Preserving History

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2017 7:24


    Ebony Acres, a historically black neighborhood in East Austin, is at the crossroads of preservation and development. With some homes slated for demolition, some neighbors are trying to slow the tides of change.

    12th & Chicon: Mentoring, Connecting with Students

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2017 6:10


    Nearly a quarter of students at Kealing Middle School are considered at-risk of dropping out, which is why the PTA runs a mentorship program. Meet mentor Gabriel Russell, a student at Huston-Tillotson, and Joshua Morgan, a Kealing student. They’re involved in the Kealing Men program. Several local and national programs have cropped up focusing on […]

    12th & Chicon: Mentoring, Connecting with Students

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2017 6:10


    Nearly a quarter of students at Kealing Middle School are considered at-risk of dropping out, which is why the PTA runs a mentorship program. Meet mentor Gabriel Russell, a student at Huston-Tillotson, and Joshua Morgan, a Kealing student. They’re involved in the Kealing Men program. Several local and national programs have cropped up focusing on...

    12th & Chicon: A Steady Business

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2017 5:29


    In East Austin a lot has changed–new homes, new businesses, new residents-–but there are some things that have stayed the same. As part of our On My Block series, KUT’s Lauren Hubbard brings us to Marshall’s Barbershop, a longtime fixture in the neighborhood that’s now one of the few black-owned businesses in the neighborhood.

    12th & Chicon: A Steady Business

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2017 5:29


    In East Austin a lot has changed–new homes, new businesses, new residents-–but there are some things that have stayed the same. As part of our On My Block series, KUT’s Lauren Hubbard brings us to Marshall’s Barbershop, a longtime fixture in the neighborhood that’s now one of the few black-owned businesses in the neighborhood.

    12th & Chicon: It’s Not the Same East Side

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2017 3:38


    Judy Mitchell grew up in the neighborhood and raised her children there, but she’s sad that many longtime residents are being offered money to leave their homes and then can’t afford to stay in the neighborhood. Mitchell owns the Ideal Soul Mart at the corner of Angelina Street and Rosewood Avenue.

    12th & Chicon: A Corner of Change and Diversity

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2017 8:00


    On one East Austin corner, Bobby Mitchell operates Ideal Soul Mart, Ideal Beauty Salon, and Swamp Daddy’s Cajun food truck. Inches away, Charles Carver operates a law office from an Airstream in the parking lot. The convergence of these varied services is emblematic of the new businesses moving into the neighborhood.

    12th & Chicon: It’s Not the Same East Side

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2017 3:38


    Judy Mitchell grew up in the neighborhood and raised her children there, but she’s sad that many longtime residents are being offered money to leave their homes and then can’t afford to stay in the neighborhood. Mitchell owns the Ideal Soul Mart at the corner of Angelina Street and Rosewood Avenue.

    12th & Chicon: A Corner of Change and Diversity

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2017 8:00


    On one East Austin corner, Bobby Mitchell operates Ideal Soul Mart, Ideal Beauty Salon, and Swamp Daddy’s Cajun food truck. Inches away, Charles Carver operates a law office from an Airstream in the parking lot. The convergence of these varied services is emblematic of the new businesses moving into the neighborhood.

    12th & Chicon: Honoring Austin Blacks in Baseball

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2017 2:54


    The Black Senators, Austin’s black baseball team in the first part of the 20th century, played at Downs Field in East Austin. The field is now home to the Huston-Tillotson University Rams. Houston artist Reginald Adams and members of the East Austin senior center are commemorating the players by crafting murals.

    12th & Chicon: Honoring Austin Blacks in Baseball

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2017 2:54


    The Black Senators, Austin’s black baseball team in the first part of the 20th century, played at Downs Field in East Austin. The field is now home to the Huston-Tillotson University Rams. Houston artist Reginald Adams and members of the East Austin senior center are commemorating the players by crafting murals.

    12th & Chicon: Saving Emancipation Park

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2017 7:18


    A parcel of land in the Chestnut neighborhood of East Austin was once home to the city’s annual Juneteenth celebration. Now, it’s the proposed site of a new development that neighbors say would undermine its historical significance.

    12th & Chicon: Saving Emancipation Park

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2017 7:18


    A parcel of land in the Chestnut neighborhood of East Austin was once home to the city’s annual Juneteenth celebration. Now, it’s the proposed site of a new development that neighbors say would undermine its historical significance.

    12th & Chicon: Juggling the Demands of a Business

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2017 6:25


    Meet Vivian Linden and Kathy Duffy, co-owners and practitioners at Rosewood Acupuncture & Ayurveda on Chicon. The office is the manifestation of a business plan they created in school to provide affordable health care to everyone.

    12th & Chicon: Juggling the Demands of a Business

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2017 6:25


    Meet Vivian Linden and Kathy Duffy, co-owners and practitioners at Rosewood Acupuncture & Ayurveda on Chicon. The office is the manifestation of a business plan they created in school to provide affordable health care to everyone.

    12th & Chicon: What a New Business Owner Sees

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2016 6:05


    Executive Chef and Owner of Big Easy Bar & Grill Darold Gordon, has brought a taste of his hometown of New Orleans to the neighborhood. He opened his restaurant in 2013, about eight years after Hurricane Katrina forced him to move to Central Texas. His restaurant is where the old Club 40 used to be […]

    12th & Chicon: What a New Business Owner Sees

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2016 6:05


    Executive Chef and Owner of Big Easy Bar & Grill Darold Gordon, has brought a taste of his hometown of New Orleans to the neighborhood. He opened his restaurant in 2013, about eight years after Hurricane Katrina forced him to move to Central Texas. His restaurant is where the old Club 40 used to be...

    12th & Chicon: ‘Shepherd’ of East Austin Funerals

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2016 4:10


    Barry J.W. Franklin of King Tears Mortuary has been in the funeral business since he was in high school. King Tears Mortuary, located at 12th and San Bernard streets in East Austin.

    12th & Chicon: ‘Shepherd’ of East Austin Funerals

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2016 4:10


    Barry J.W. Franklin of King Tears Mortuary has been in the funeral business since he was in high school. King Tears Mortuary, located at 12th and San Bernard streets in East Austin.

    12th & Chicon: Charlie’s Playhouse

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2016 11:51


    Charlie’s Playhouse was a blues club entertaining the predominantly black neighborhood in east Austin when it opened in the late 1950s. Within a decade the audience integration was pushing the regulars out, and in 1971 Charlie’s closed. The community is working so history doesn’t repeat itself, on the same block.

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