'The Pivot' Podcast Showcases Austin African American Experience

AUSTIN, TX — City officials on Wednesday announced the launch of a livestream video podcast aimed at offering a virtual conversation space especially for East Austin residents.

The Pivot will be a biweekly livestream from the African American Cultural and Heritage Facility Facebook page, City of Austin Economic Development Department officials wrote in an advisory. The broadcast also will also highlight the ways local businesses, the creative community and Austin culture can be collaborative, officials added. Each episode also features performances from local Austin musicians.

"We are excited to add this new dimension in our efforts to continue to tell the story of the African-American experience in Austin," said Sylnovia Holt Rabb, Acting Director for the Economic Development Department. "These are critical times for communicating and storytelling. Adding this opportunity to tune in virtually continues our efforts to share vital information with residents and receive community feedback about City programs and services."

The series will air every first and third Wednesday of the month beginning in February, and viewers can watch the production online at www.facebook.com/AACHFAustin. The Pivot will be hosted by T.J. Owens, Program Manager for the Economic Development Department’s African American Cultural & Heritage Facility.

“With the African American Cultural and Heritage Facility inoperable for most of 2020 due to the pandemic, our team sought a way to still serve the community who needs it the most,” Owens said. “The Pivot ensures we stay connected to our East Austin neighbors and provides useful information to the community as the pandemic continues.”

The first episode of The Pivot airs on Feb. 3 at 7 p.m from the African American Cultural and Heritage Facility Facebook page. The episode will feature a conversation Sharon Mays, Owner and CEO of Baby Greens, to discuss how City resources helped her business successfully pivot after the initial COVID-19 emergency declaration in Austin. A performance from local musicians Bomani Ray Barton and Friends will close out the episode.

Future episodes will include topics about the History of Black Austin, health and wellness, and the creative and entrepreneurship sectors. For more information and a schedule of upcoming episodes, visit the African American Cultural and Heritage Facility.

Those interested in being a featured guest or recommending a guest or artist performance, are urged to contact the African American Cultural and Heritage Facility team at: aachf@austintexas.gov