Season of Friendly Garden

Blackshear Bridge Winter & Spring 2019 Activities dedicated to the memory of Principal Friendly R. Rice and the indomitable life of his loving daughter Ms. Vonnye Rice.

EVENTS

Mon. Jan. 21, 9:00 AM CELEBRATE MLK Day!

Meet at 9:00 AM at the MLK Statue on the University of Texas Campus for a short program.  March with Blackshear Bridge to Huston-Tillotson University for  MLK Day Festivities beginning at 11:15. If you can’t make it to the start, join us en route on E. 11th Street to celebrate the legacies and dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  RSVP for more info. to hello@blackshearbridge.org.

Mon. Jan. 21, 2:00 – 5:00 PM – HEAL in Community

We are excited to announce that this MLK Day, Blackshear Bridge is partnering with the Austin Health Commons to host a Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) Circle at Huston-Tillotson University. For more information and to register, visit mlkdaycircles.eventbrite.com Our site will be one of five different TRHT Circles around Austin on MLK Day.  We invite you to participate in one of these transformative Circles. Please note, you will be notified of the location for your circle after you register so you may not end up at the one at Huston-Tillotson. We believe this work is critically important at this time in our society and hope that you will attend the Austin Health Commons:  Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation for MLK Day.

In the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we invite you to experience community healing this MLK Day. The Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation (TRHT) Circle allows us to develop a deeper understanding of our shared humanity by telling our truths. When we share our stories, we find common ground with those who we perceive as different and build connections that transcend the perceived hierarchy of human value. Please join us.  For more information and to register, visit mlkdaycircles.eventbrite.com

Sat. Feb. 2, 10AM-Noon, LISTEN & LEARN

Panel & Conversation about the legacy of Principal Friendly R. Rice, Blackshear Elementary Fine Arts Academy, 1712 E. 11th St., Austin, TX 78702

Blackshear Bridge and our partners launch the 2019 Season of Friendly Garden – creative placemaking this Spring wherein we proclaim the history of excellence in African American education and commission an artist to paint the Friendly Garden Mural at Blackshear Elementary School.  Come listen, learn and be inspired by the story of long-time Principal Friendly R. Rice and his legacies at Blackshear Elementary School, the history of excellence in African American education in Austin, and more.  With our host Principal Rick Garner, we’ll enjoy refreshments as we hear 10-15 minute presentations from:

• Ms. Vonnye Rice, Businesswoman, Educator, & Daughter of Principal Friendly R. Rice
• Ms. Arlene Youngblood, Austin Historian & Educator, Six Square Member
• Ms. Gina Tillis, Blackshear Bridge Board President, Ph.D. Candidate, Sociology & Education Instructor at Huston-Tillotson University
• Mr. Harrison Eppright, Visitor Services Manager & Tour Ambassador for Visit Austin, East Austin’s docent with Six Square: Austin’s Black Cultural District

RSVP for more info. to hello@blackshearbridge.org.

Sun. Feb. 10, 4-7 PM LOVE Your Neighbor!

Benefit & Silent Auction with Ex Romantika at Tamale House East, 1707 E. 6th Street. Follow us on Facebook! , Let your Friends Know, Bring your Friends, Family, and Neighbors, Sponsor the Event, Make a Donation RSVP for more info. to hello@blackshearbridge.org

Sat. Feb. 16, 10 AM-Noon, SHARE the Mural Design

The selected Muralist presents the first design for a Friendly Garden Mural for community input. RSVP for more info. to hello@blackshearbridge.org

Fri. April 26, REUNITE

Friendly R. Rice Birthday Party, Friendly Garden Mural Unveiling, and Blackshear Elementary School REUNION, Blackshear Elementary School this Spring 2019, Blackshear Elementary Fine Arts Academy, 1712 E. 11th St., Austin, TX 78702 (Time TBD)  RSVP for more info. to hello@blackshearbridge.org

Also in April – VISIT an associated exhibit at The George Washington Carver Museum, Cultural, and Genealogy Center.

LEARN & MANAGE in Affordability Workshops in April & May (More information coming soon!)