Author: Alyse Tatum
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Vin Zeal Brings Soulful Energy to the Stage at SXSW 2026
The South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival is one of the best events for audiences to find their “new” favorite artists. Among the performers to watch this year is rising singer-songwriter Vin Zeal, whose blend of pop, soul, and alternative R&B is beginning to capture attention. For Vin Zeal, performing at SXSW represents a meaningful…
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7 BIPOC & AAPI Events and Showcases to Experience at SXSW 2026
From cross‑cultural music showcases to film community meetups and cultural houses, SXSW’s ecosystem each year includes a vibrant mix of official events and independent activations. Below are six experiences worth checking out during SXSW 2026 — from live music to community connections. 1. Taiwan Beats The Taiwan Beats Showcase and Day Party is one of…
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Pierce Washington Talks SXSW, His New Album Budrow, and the Power of Faith in Music
At this year’s South by Southwest, artist Pierce Washington is returning with a deeper sense of purpose and a growing platform. While many performers see SXSW as a breakthrough opportunity, for Washington it represents something a little different: evolution. This year marks his third time performing at the internationally recognized music festival, and he says…
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SXSW Debuts New Festival Format as Austin Convention Center Renovation Reshapes the Event
With its longtime headquarters under construction, SXSW is bringing film, music, and tech programming together at the same time across downtown Austin. For the first time in its history, South by Southwest—better known as SXSW—is trying a new format that brings its major festivals and conferences together simultaneously. The shift comes as the Austin Convention…
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ESSENCE Festival 2026 Announces First Wave of Performers, Leading with the Ladies
The first wave of performers for the 2026 ESSENCE Festival of Culture has been announced, and the message is clear: the women who shaped the culture are still leading it. Presented by Coca-Cola, the festival revealed the first artists scheduled for its signature Evening Concert Series at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. The Wave…
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Heath Donell Creech Day Celebrates a Visionary Who Helped Shape Black Austin
On March 7, the city of Austin pauses to recognize the lasting legacy of Heath Donell Creech, a visionary community builder whose influence helped shape the cultural landscape of the city. Self-proclaimed as the “Godfather of Austin,” Creech dedicated his life to uplifting Black culture, strengthening community institutions, and ensuring that Black stories in Austin…
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Rooted, Restricted, and Rising: Black Austin in Context
Austin’s Black community did not arrive by accident, and its displacement did not happen by coincidence. To understand the present landscape of Black-owned businesses, grassroots organizations, and ongoing inequities, we have to start with policy. A City by Design: The 1928 Plan and the Making of East Austin In 1928, Austin adopted its first comprehensive…
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The Black History of Jacksonville, Florida: A Legacy of Resilience and Entrepreneurship
When most people hear “Jacksonville, Florida”, they usually think of its beaches. However, it should also be known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and the significant place it holds in the narrative of Black America. Founded in the 1820s, Jacksonville became a pivotal site for the African American community, particularly after the Civil War…