BLACK AUSTIN TOURS Let’s take a deep dive into history!
FOUNDER & GUIDE Javier Wallace Hey y’all! I’m Javier, a Native Austinite with deep roots in the state. My family has been in the Austin area for almost 200 years. We arrived here as enslaved African people when Texas was still a part of Mexico in the 1820s. My father came to Austin in the 1970s on an athletic scholarship from The Republic of Panama.
My love for history and my community led me to create Black Tours to add to the many Austin tours available. I completed my PhD at The University of Texas at Austin, Hook’em Horns! In my research, looking through the lens of sport, I explore how race, class, gender and migration impact educational access, attainment and outcomes in different communities across the globe. I specifically investigate human trafficking in U.S. high school basketball.
I am also the co-founder of two social entrepreneurial companies, AfroLatinx Travel and BlackPackas
TOURS
Downtown’s Black History Walk – Seasonal This historical walking tour takes guests through the presence of Black people in the heart of downtown Austin. Since Austin’s establishment in 1839 and before, people of African descent have played an integral part in this city’s development. We journey through centuries of histories, contributions, and experiences that are seldom told. We will explore the history of enslavement in Austin, routes to freedom in Mexico for enslaved persons passing through Austin, and the Black businesses and institutions that once flourished downtown. On this one-mile walk, guests will engage in dialogue about Black people’s role in Austin’s development and their continued presence.
East Austin Black History Walk – Seasonal This historic walking tour takes guests through the beginnings of Austin’s Black community through the present. Guests will learn about The City of Austin’s 1928 Master Plan and creation of the “Negro District", which is was centered around East 11th Street. We will visit important sites and institutions throughout our one-mile journey. Guests will also be able to engage in dialogue about the changing nature of East Austin and the city’s Black community. A large part of this experience is to support local Black owned businesses in the neighborhood.
Roll Colorado Roll – Seasonal Guests will discover the Colorado River’s centrality in the development of Austin and the surrounding region. We will do this by centering African Americans’ history and experiences related to the vital waterway. Guests will have a chance to paddle through the river’s role in race-based enslavement as a mode of transport and barrier to be overcome by self-emancipating African people in pursuit of freedom. This tour will also highlight how African Americans have used the Colorado River for different activities such as baptisms and recreation. Emphasis will be placed on the “swim-ins" of the 1960s, where Black youth in Austin challenged the city’s segregationist policies, which barred Black people from recreating in its most coveted green space, Barton Springs. This tour is led by Javier Wallace, the founder and guide for Black Austin Tours. His family was trafficked into Mexican Texas as enslaved persons on this same body of water in the 1830s.
Rowing Dock is proud to support Black Austin Tours. 100% of proceeds from this tour series will go to Black Austin Tours.
Black Austin Tour – Virtual Come and discover the rich and vibrant history of Austin’s Black community. We will do this by visiting historical landmarks and current Black-owned businesses. Guests on this experience will gain factual knowledge on Austin’s history and have a list of businesses to support on their next visit to Texas’ Capitol City. By doing this, we can help ensure sustainable growth within this historic community. This experience is highly centered on the achievements and strength of Austin’s Back community.
AfroLatinx Travel Looking for more Afro centered trips and experiences in Latin America? Check out some of our international offerings to destinations in Latin America.
