Welcome to The Austin Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Austin FC upcoming jersey release

• A new AI startup in Austin

• A deep-dive into the life of Barbara Jordan

• And more…

Quote of the Week

"He who knows others is wise; he who knows himself is enlightened."

– Lao Tzu

Trivia

Here is your trivia question of the week. The answer will be shown in next week’s newsletter. Which do you think it is? No cheating!

Which of these universities is located in Austin?

A) Texas A&M University

B) Baylor University

C) University of Texas at Austin

D) Rice University

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

Austin's official slogan for its music scene is C) The Live Music Capital of the World.

News

💼 Business

Thomas Ranch, a 2,200-acre mixed-use project on the shores of Lake Travis, continues to take shape. (link)

Another Korean manufacturer is considering setting up a plant in Taylor. (link)

John Paul DeJoria cofounds new AI startup in Austin. (link)

🏒 Sports

Austin FC president Andy Loughnane discussed new rules and the team’s upcoming jersey release. (link)

The 2024 Ascension Seton Austin Marathon was scheduled for February 18, 20242. (link)

Austin’s Westwood Country Club prepared to host the ATX Open, Austin’s largest women’s sporting event. (link)

Austin College mourned the passing of Carl Iwasaki, a significant figure in Kangaroo Baseball. (link)

🏦 Finance

More companies in Austin started embracing benefits aimed at student loan debt. (link)

Small-business grants were available for application in February 2024. (link)

Steve Orr from Texas Capital Bank Private Wealth Advisors shared insights. (link)

Upcoming Events

Here are some events that are happening in our city this week. There is a good mix between sports, entertainment, conferences, concerts, and more.

Sports

🏀 Texas Longhorns vs. Kansas State Men’s Basketball
Moody Center ATX, Austin
Monday, February 19, 9:00PM | (more info)

⚽ ATX Open
Westwood Country Club, Austin
Saturday February 24 - March 3 | (more info)

⚽Austin FC Vs. Minnesota United FC
Q2 Stadium Austin, TX
Saturday February 24 7:30pm | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Kill Tony
Fat Man Stage at Comedy Mothership, Austin
Monday, February 19 | (more info)

🤘 Ben Brainard
Cap City Comedy Club
Wednesday Feb 21 7:15 PM| (more info)

🎸 Jacquees
Emo's East, Austin, TX
Friday Feb 23, 2024 7:00PM| (more info)

Family

🌳 FREE DAY @ Zilker Botanical Garden
Zilker Botanical Garden, Austin
February 19, 2024 | (more info)

🎉 Black History Month Kids’ Day
The Carver, Austin
February 24, 2024 | (more info)

🎭 Show Way: The Musical
Paramount Theater, Austin
February 25, 2024 | (more info)

Image of the Week

Every week, I have a habit of making some AI art about our city.

This week, I typed in “Retro-futuristic 1950s style Austin with modern technology.” and this is what I got.

Let me know what ideas you have for this. I really enjoy making these types of photos.

Austin Historical Events

1900 - Austin's population reaches 22,258.

In 1900, Austin, Texas, marked a significant milestone in its urban development with its population reaching 22,258. This growth was indicative of Austin's burgeoning status as a pivotal center for politics, education, and commerce in the state. At the turn of the century, the city was already home to the Texas State Capitol, the University of Texas at Austin, and a growing network of railways that connected it to major cities across the United States, fostering its economic expansion and cultural significance.

This period in Austin's history was characterized by a vibrant community spirit and the beginnings of the city's rich cultural tapestry that is celebrated today. The population boom contributed to a surge in construction, including residential areas, commercial buildings, and public works, laying the foundation for the modern cityscape. The establishment of educational institutions, alongside the Capitol and other state government buildings, attracted a diverse group of professionals, students, and politicians to the city, enriching its social fabric.

The year 1900 stands as a testament to Austin's resilience and its ability to adapt and thrive amidst the challenges of the time. From overcoming the devastation of previous floods to navigating the complexities of the post-Reconstruction era, Austin's growth to a population of over 22,000 marked its emergence as a key player in Texas's economic and political scene, setting the stage for its evolution into the vibrant, dynamic capital city it is known for today.

Famous People From Austin

Barbara Jordan - Lawyer, educator, politician, and civil rights leader

Early Life and Education (1936-1956)
Barbara Jordan was born on February 21, 1936, in Houston, Texas, into a deeply religious African American family. She showed an early aptitude for law and public speaking, graduating magna cum laude from Texas Southern University and later attending Boston University School of Law. These formative years laid the groundwork for her career in law and politics, emphasizing the importance of education and public service in her life.

Entry into Politics (1956-1966)
After completing her education, Jordan returned to Texas, where she started practicing law in Houston. She quickly became involved in politics, motivated by the Civil Rights Movement and the desire to affect change. Despite initial setbacks, including two unsuccessful bids for the Texas House of Representatives, her persistence paid off when she was elected to the Texas Senate in 1966, becoming the first African American state senator since 1883.

Rising Star in the Texas Senate (1967-1972)
Jordan's tenure in the Texas Senate was marked by her effective leadership and eloquent oratory. She championed civil rights, workers' rights, and voting rights, earning respect from both Democrats and Republicans. Her efforts led to the Texas Fair Employment Practices Act and made her a beloved figure in Texas politics.

Making History in Congress (1972-1978)
Barbara Jordan's election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1972 made her the first woman elected in her own right to represent Texas in the House and the first Southern African-American woman elected to Congress. She gained national prominence for her role in the Judiciary Committee during the Watergate hearings, where her eloquent speeches on the Constitution and the impeachment process won her widespread acclaim.

Champion for Civil Rights and Education (1979-1986)
After retiring from politics, Jordan didn't retreat from public life. She became an esteemed professor at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin, where she influenced a new generation of leaders and policymakers. Her work focused on ethics in politics, civil rights, and inclusive education.

Voice for Ethics and Democracy (1987-1992)
Jordan continued to serve in various capacities, including chairing the Commission on Immigration Reform, which recommended policies that balanced enforcement with respect for human rights. She was also a formidable advocate for voting rights and electoral reform, emphasizing the importance of ethical leadership and the protection of democratic institutions.

Legacy and Awards (1993-1996)
Barbara Jordan's contributions to American politics and civil rights were recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded by President Bill Clinton in 1994. She remained a powerful voice for justice and equality until her death on January 17, 1996.

Connection to Austin
Barbara Jordan's connection to Austin was profound, marked by her tenure as a professor at the University of Texas at Austin. This role allowed her to shape future generations, emphasizing the importance of public service and ethical leadership. Austin was not just her workplace but also a community she greatly impacted through her advocacy and educational efforts.

• Key Achievements:
  

• First African American woman elected to the Texas Senate (1966) and the U.S. House of Representatives from the South (1972).

• Influential member of the Judiciary Committee during the Watergate hearings.

• Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1994.

• Pioneered civil rights legislation and championed education and immigration reform.

• Esteemed professor at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs, impacting countless students and future leaders.

Barbara Jordan was a trailblazer in American politics, law, and education, whose legacy is felt strongly in Austin and across the nation. Her eloquence, integrity, and dedication to public service left an indelible mark on the country's political landscape. Jordan's life and work continue to inspire those committed to justice, equality, and the power of democracy.

Connect With Me

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I would love to hear from you. Don’t be shy.

-Matthew Larsen

Follow me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/matthewblarsen

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