Block 16 & 18 - "Celebrate Black austin"

The Block 16 & 18 project is an ongoing effort to document, honor, and preserve the cultural legacy of a rapidly changing East Austin. As Kenny Dorham's Backyard enters its final season before redevelopment, we’ve been capturing stories from the people who shaped and sustained this space. During “Celebrate Black Austin” in February 2026, we conducted a series of interviews with community members, artists, and stakeholders creating a living archive that ensures the spirit of this place carries forward, even as the physical landscape evolves.