Welcome to The Austin Newsletter!

In today’s edition:

• Austin ranks as fastest-growing U.S. city for women-owned businesses

• Texas freshman wins Big 12 Women’s Player of the Year award

• A deep-dive into the life of John Henry Faulk

• And more…

Quote of the Week

“The only person you should try to be better than is the person you were yesterday.”

- Matt Haig

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 famous barbecue restaurant in Austin is known for its long lines and exceptional brisket?

A) Salt Lick BBQ

B) Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que

C) Micklethwait Craft Meats

D) Franklin Barbecue

Answer to Last Week's Trivia:

The historic hotel known for its opulent style in downtown Austin is A) The Driskill Hotel.

News

💼 Business

Canadian coffee chain Tim Hortons to make its Austin market debut. (link)

Austin-based Bumble to lay off roughly 30% of workforce. (link)

Yelp ranks Austin as fastest-growing U.S. city for women-owned businesses in 2023. (link)

🏒 Sports

Texas freshman, Booker, shares the Big 12 women's player of the year award with Oklahoma senior Vann, highlighting her impactful debut season. (link)

Madison Booker lead with 20 points as No. 3 Texas secures a decisive 71-46 victory over BYU, pulling away in the 3rd quarter to clinch the win. (link)

Eleven University of Texas Longhorns players invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, setting a record for the program. (link)

🏦 Finance

The Austin Housing Finance Corporation approved a $50 million project for 1,000 new affordable housing units​​. (link)

The City of Austin updates financial documents including the FY 2023-24 Approved Budget and the 2022 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report​​. (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 Baseball vs. Incarnate Word Cardinals Baseball
UFCU Disch-Falk Field, Austin, TX
Tuesday, March 12 | 6:30PM | (more info)

🏒 Texas Stars vs. Rockford IceHogs
H-E-B Center at Cedar Park
Tuesday, March 12 | 7:00PM | (more info)

🏒 Texas Stars vs. Rockford IceHogs
H-E-B Center at Cedar Park
Wednesday, March 13 | 7:00PM | (more info)

🥎 Texas Longhorns Softball vs. BYU Cougars Softball
Red & Charline McCombs Field, Austin, TX
Thursday, March 14 | 6:00PM | (more info)

Music & Concerts

🎤 Matt Maltese: Touring Just To Tour 2024
Emo's Austin, Austin, TX
Monday, March 11 | 7:00PM | (more info)

🤘 The Stage at SXSW: PARTYNEXTDOOR
Moody Amphitheater, Austin, TX
Thursday, March 14 | 7:00 PM |  (more info)

Family

🎡 Rodeo Austin
Travis County Expo Center, Austin, TX
Mar 11 | (more info)

🎭 Wicked (Touring)
Bass Concert Hall, Austin, TX
Friday, March 15 | 8:00PM | (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 “Austin streets bustling with holographic advertisements” 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

1963 - The University of Texas at Austin welcomes its first African American undergraduate students.

In 1963, The University of Texas at Austin made history by welcoming its first African American undergraduate students. This significant milestone marked a pivotal moment in the university's journey toward diversity and inclusion. Prior to this, the campus had been slow to integrate, waiting until 1956 to enroll African-American undergraduates, despite the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in Brown v. Board of Education in 1954. The arrival of these pioneering students paved the way for thousands of African American students to attend the flagship institution, leaving a lasting impact on the university's culture and community.

The enrollment of the first African American undergraduates at The University of Texas at Austin was a courageous and trailblazing moment in the institution's history. It represented a step forward in the pursuit of equality and access to education for all. The university's recognition of this milestone serves as a reminder of the challenges these students faced and the resilience they demonstrated in the pursuit of their education. Their legacy continues to inspire and motivate future generations of students to strive for excellence and contribute to a more inclusive and diverse academic environment.

As the university marks the 60th anniversary of the enrollment of its first African American undergraduate students, it honors the bravery and determination of these trailblazers. Their contributions to the university's history and the impact they have had on the campus community are celebrated and remembered. The University of Texas at Austin's commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in its recognition of this historic moment and its ongoing efforts to create an environment where all students can thrive and succeed.

Famous People From Austin

John Henry Faulk

John Henry Faulk: 1913-1990

John Henry Faulk, a renowned Texas writer, humorist, radio and TV personality, lecturer, and civil rights activist, was born in Austin, Texas, on August 21, 1913. His upbringing in Austin and his education at the University of Texas played a significant role in shaping his career and activism.

Early Life and Education (1913-1932)

John Henry Faulk was born in Austin, Texas, to Methodist parents Henry Faulk and Martha Miner Faulk. His parents, staunch yet freethinking Methodists, instilled in him a detestation of racism from an early age. In 1932, Faulk enrolled at the University of Texas in Austin, where he became a protégé of influential Texas thinkers, including J. Frank Dobie, Walter Prescott Webb, and Roy Bedichek. This environment enabled Faulk to hone his skills as a folklorist, and he earned a master's degree in folklore with his thesis "Ten Negro Sermons."

Rise to Prominence (1930s-1950s)

Faulk's career as a humorist, radio and TV personality, and civil rights activist gained momentum in the 1950s. He became known for his wit and storytelling abilities, drawing comparisons to Mark Twain and Will Rogers. His upbringing in South Austin and his exposure to progressive thinkers influenced his views on civil rights, leading him to become a vocal advocate for social justice.

Defender of the Defenseless (1950s-1960s)

John Henry Faulk's advocacy for civil rights and his fearless stance against McCarthyism earned him a reputation as a defender of the defenseless. His radio show, "The John Henry Faulk Show" on CBS, became a platform for his outspoken views and storytelling prowess. He fearlessly addressed social and political issues, making him a prominent figure in the upheaval of the 1950s.

Legacy and Activism (1970s-1990)

Faulk's legacy as a civil rights activist and storyteller continued to inspire future generations. His impact on Austin and Texas was profound, and his contributions to the preservation of African-American folklore and culture were widely recognized. After a battle with cancer, John Henry Faulk passed away in Austin on April 9, 1990, leaving behind a legacy of courage, humor, and unwavering commitment to social justice.

Key Achievements of John Henry Faulk:

• Renowned Texas writer, humorist, radio and TV personality, lecturer, and civil rights activist.

• Fearless advocate for civil rights and outspoken critic of McCarthyism.

• Hosted "The John Henry Faulk Show" on CBS, addressing social and political issues.

• Instrumental in the preservation of African-American folklore and culture.

• Remembered as a defender of the defenseless and a champion of social justice.

John Henry Faulk's story is one of courage, humor, and unwavering commitment to social justice. His legacy as a prominent figure in Texas, particularly in Austin, continues to inspire and resonate with those who value storytelling, civil rights, and the preservation of cultural heritage.

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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