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elcome to the spring issue of AUSTIN Black Business Journal & Community News. As we enter a new year, we look forward to continuing our mission of creating a space for information, empowerment and transformation within our community. We pride ourselves on creating quality content for the multi-cultural community we serve. We are the voice of Central Texas. We provide influence & direction to Black communities and consumers. We’ve created a space to present business and community news from a trusted source, and ensure the information is presented with a respectful and positive voice. In this issue we feature our Top Ten Black Lawyers, Influential and Up & Coming Lawyers all of whom prove that the impact and practice of law goes far beyond the courtroom. Each of our honorees have incredible credentials with staggering resumes, all dedicated and committed to justice. They tirelessly give back to their community ensuring that others follow in their footsteps. I am extremely grateful to be able to share their stories with you. Central Texas we are looking forward to another productive year. If you know of others who should be featured please go to www.blackbusinessjournal.com to nominate them. We welcome your suggestions for future editorial topics, feel free to message me directly. Also, if you feel you have a story that would be valuable to the community please submit it to info@blackbusinessjournal.com.
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CONTENTS
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TOP TEN CENTRAL TEXAS SUPER LAWYERS
©2018 Austin Black Business Journal & Community News. All Rights Reserved. No reproduction of any portion of this issue is allowed without express permission form the publisher.
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INFLUENTIAL LAWYERS
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Endorsed by
2020
CENTRAL TEXAS SUPER LAWYERS
Gary Bledsoe Denise Davis Dexter Gilford Sedora Jefferson John F Mccormick Carl S Richie Eric Montgomery Shepperd David Talbot Bobby Taylor Linda von Quintus
TOP TEN DIVERSITY & INCLUSION CHAMPIONS
Straight Shooter
Gary Bledsoe Attorney, President Texas NAACP
Gary Bledsoe is an Austin attorney, who specializes in public interest law, employment and civil rights law. He has had a longstanding relationship with the NAACP as a member of its National Board since 2003, and President of the Texas NAACP since 1991. Bledsoe also serves as the Chair of the National Criminal Justice Committee of the NAACP. Bledsoe has been a key player in the fight against racial discrimination for most of his career. His influence has generated significant, positive change in civil rights for minorities. Bledsoe’s legal ability has earned him high ratings according to the prestigious legal publication Martindale-Hubbell. A graduate of the University of Texas School of Law, Bledsoe now has a busy private practice with various types of cases, often representing those who are overlooked and disempowered.In recent years, when Texas congressional redistricting endangered the needs and concerns of minorities and threatened to dilute their voting strength, Bledsoe acted like a (fierce) watchdog, supporting those who would have been “exiled into districts where their needs and concerns would be illegally and needlessly frustrated.” Bledsoe is also the national chair of an organization trying to promote justice, gender eq6
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uity and increased overall equality in Africa. Bledsoe and others are promoting connections with African colleges and universities, seeking to enrich the education of African American students with a visit to Africa at least once during their college experience. Bledsoe was born in west Texas and while growing up, he spent time working in the oil fields.He values the powerful influence that his mother had on his life. “She was always such a great stalwart ...really like a best friend in addition to a mom and she knew how to talk to me in great, straight ways.” Bledsoe’s father and grandparents were also a key part of his early character development. Bledsoe’s decision to pursue a career in law began as he grew up watching Martin Luther King on television. Leaders like King, Thurgood Marshall and Nelson Mandela inspired Bledsoe, and he says that his purpose in life is to “make the world a better place before I’m gone.”And he is apparently doing that. Bledsoe enjoys positively influencing young students entering the legal profession, and one of the best compliments ever paid to him was from a person who said, “You’re one of the best things that ever happened to poor black people because you really care about them.” Bledsoe wants to be known as someone who brings all people together, regardless of racial
or religious divides. He feels that there’s good in all colors, shapes and philosophies and everyone can progress by working hard and by working together. Bledsoe’s thoughts on Austin, Texas are pretty straightforward. “Right now, we’re nowhere near where we need to be, we’re nowhere near where we think we are because we aren’t quite the progressive community that we think we are, but it’s a great community, it’s a lovely community, it’s a community that has a lot of potential.” His ongoing hope for Austin is that people would see racism as a key issue, as important as growth or environmental concerns. Bledsoe considers himself fortunate and blessed to do what he does. From Austin to Africa, he seems to be using his profession to bring clarity to important issues, serve others and promote positive changes. “We all need to understand that it is time to make the American example be what it can be and show when people can get together, discuss their differences and make for a good situation – we need to make that the case here and be able to export that everywhere around the world because if we don’t, we’ve reached the situation now where it can be headed in the other direction. I don’t think we survive if you have people at each other’s throats.
I think it was all intended that we be brothers and sisters. What did Martin Luther King say? We’ll have to learn how to live together as brothers or we will perish as fools.” When Bledsoe isn’t tirelessly serving others, he enjoys spending time with his wife, going to movies, spending time with the boys, walking his dogs, scuba diving and hiking. To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com
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Legal Strategist
Denise Davis Partner Davis Kaufman PLLC
Denise Davis of Davis Kaufman, PLLC practices legislative law with her law partner Lisa Kaufman. These attorneys lobbying efforts involve advocating on behalf of their clients to the legislature and to government agencies. Their work also entails drafting legislation and advising corporate clients on legal issues in the areas of taxation and general business. Davis was born in Lubbock, Texas, and is the youngest of eight children. She was raised by a single mother who left Lubbock with six of her children in the early 1970’s—in a car without air conditioning—to start a new life in Garland, a suburb of Dallas. Her mother is the person she admires most, for her courage to take “a huge leap of faith.” One of her fondest childhood memories of Garland is of a tree-planting ceremony attended by the first lady at the time, Rosalynn Carter; it was the town’s claim to fame. Davis had an early interest in a becoming special education teacher. She was inspired to study law during junior high school, when her friend’s father spoke to her class about his career as an attorney. Davis received an academic scholarship to the University of Texas in Austin.She remembers when Austin had only one or two skyscrapers—a sharp 8
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contrast to the present cityscape. Although an older sibling attended college for a about a year, she was the first in her family to graduate from college. Her family’s support of her education was integral to her success—20 family members drove her to college while she was pursuing her undergraduate degree. The popularity of the glamorous 1980’s television show “L.A. Law” inspired many law students at the time to pursue lucrative careers in corporate law. Job prospects, however, were poor in this law area at the time. She was redirected as a result of her year of post-graduation work with Bill Hobby in the capital, where she attended special sessions on education. This experience sparked an interest in legislative law, prior to her continuing at her alma mater for her law degree. Davis held no interest in becoming a politician, but she was fascinated by the interconnection of policy and law. She was captivated by the technical side of the profession and the opportunity to write legislation. One of the highlights of her over 30 years in Austin was holding the position of chief of staff for the Speaker of the House. The position allowed her to forge connections with all members of the legislature. Davis
believes the key to happiness in her field is being passionate about an area of the law and finding balance between time dedicated to work and to serving the community. Davis cherishes her role as a mother and prioritizes active involvement of herself and her children in African American organizations. These groups have been an important source of support in her professional life and in navigating the challenges of being an African American woman practicing law. She is concerned about maintaining the African American identity in Austin, due to members of the community relocating because of the high cost of living in the city. Civic engagement is of paramount focus in Davis’s life.She has a deep commitment to giving back to the community because of the impact mentorship has had in her professional growth.Her career on a macro-level has involved helping people through legislative efforts, and at this point in her life she is dedicating more time to projects that will directly assist disadvantaged populations. One such project was a group trip to Jamaica to deliver supplies to four elementary schools and to teach classes. Davis views her commitment to civic engagement as her greatest legacy.
As an African American woman, Davis is an advocate for diversity in her field. During her college years in the 1980’s, there were racial tensions on campus, and she has encountered dismissive and disrespectful behavior over the course of her career. Davis recalls incidents when she was the only African American and the only woman in a meeting.She would be the only person in the room who had the answer to a question, but she would be the last person asked, and that was only after her colleagues had failed to resolve the issue at hand. She recognizes the disparity of such situations arising in a profession that is supposed to be rooted in fairness and justice. Davis stresses the importance of not being paralyzed by racism or sexism, of open discussion of these issues, and of holding people accountable for their actions. Davis has identified three life lessons learned in the course of her career. The first is the importance of loyalty to family and friends, the second is to “always think one step ahead” and the third is to always put family first when managing professional obligations. In her free timeDavis loves to garden and to practice her bass guitar. To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com
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Civil Rights for All
Dexter E. Gilford Director, Civil Rights Div. Travis County District Attorney Office
Most people today know San Antonio, Texas, simply as the famous home of the Alamo, or maybe the Spurs. But Dexter E. Gilford can tell us a more personal story. In the 1970’s, when Gilford was growing up, the city was racially divided. He lived with other AfricanAmericans in the east, Latino families lived south and west, and Caucasians lived in the north. Socioeconomic levels were mixed together in these regions; one house in the community may be middle class, but two blocks over may be poverty. Gilford was born in 1965 in this city. His mother was from Arkansas, grew up in LA, and was a teacher. His father, from East Texas, sold insurance. Together, they were very good parents to Gilford and his sister. They attended the Second Baptist Church there in eastern San Antonio, of which Gilford himself is still a proud member. This is where Gilford spent his public school years. He graduated high school in the early 80’s, and continued his education at a local community college. While he is thankful for his good parents, and his good life, he is no stranger to grief; unfortunately, many of his friends were lost to urban violence, or found themselves in prison. “That part of me,” he says, “has continued to inform my sensibilities to this day.” Gilford didn’t grow up wanting to be a lawyer. His undergrad years were spent at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, and then he continued his college years at University of Texas in Austin. It was in LA that he decided that law school was the path he would take.
While in college, Gilford met people from many different places. Some of them were young men from very rough neighborhoods. He made friends from Harlem, Detroit, St. Louis, and Chicago, and in doing so, he found that their upbringing was actually not so different from his. This revelation had a great impact on his worldview. After college, Gilford returned to his hometown of San Antonio and became a Bexar county prosecutor. He did this long enough, he says, to realize that he’s not a prosecutor at heart. However, he was very good at it. He found himself defending people who had been accused of capital murder in the 90’s, during a time when Texas was dealing out more death penalties than all the other states combined - and even more than some countries. He never once lost a client to death row; at best, they were deemed not guilty, and at worst were given a life - not death - sentence in prison. The board certified him as a specialist, he received the Defense Lawyer of the Year award from the State Bar, and he became president of his local defense bar. He even spoke at Continuing Legal Education events. Tragedy struck in 2011, when Gilford’s mother began dying of Alzheimer’s. When he got the news, Gilford brought his career to a screeching halt, and took care of her until 2017, when she passed away. During that time, he dove into his love of writing, and went back to school. He received a masters degree in English, and an MFA in creative writing. When Margaret Moore was elected Travis County District Attorney, she invited Gilford
to be on her staff. After his mother passed, he accepted her offer, and continued his career this time, as Assistant District Attorney. He holds this title to this day, working as Director of the Civil Rights Unit. The Civil Rights Unit has two subunits: the Civil Rights Division, and the Conviction Integrity Unit. The Civil Rights Division handles cases involving use of force by police officers, while the Conviction Integrity unit deals with prisoners who may actually be innocent. “I try to, at the end of the day, do what I would want done for me if it were my child or my loved one,” says Gilford, “who had either been shot by a law enforcement officer, or for on whom less than lethal force had been used. If I satisfy myself that I’ve done the best in that regard, then I’m prepared to accept whatever criticism...” Outside of work, Gilford is a music lover. His favorite genre is jazz, and he’s a huge fan of John Coltrane. He has a record collection that covers a good couple of walls in his house. One day, he hopes to get back to writing and teaching. But for now, “There’s probably not a more important undertaking that I could be engaged in as an attorney at this point in my life,” Gilford observes. To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com
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Advancing Public Education
Sedora Jefferson Associate Executive Dir. General Counsel Texas Association of School Bd.
Less than ten miles from Stamford, Connecticut is a town called Norwalk. It’s located just forty minutes out of New York City. This is where Sedora Jefferson, daughter of a barber and a psychiatric nurse, and the youngest of three sisters, was born and raised. She grew up in the 1960’s and 1970’s. During that time, the town was highly integrated. However, she was aware of what was happening in the civil rights movement.
great program for it. While there, she participated in a required practicum, and worked for a woman who ran her own social work agency. Jefferson quickly determined that she didn’t need to be that close to the problem to effect change, and she wanted to do something else, leading to a temporary crisis for her. After several suggestions from other people for her to try law, she decided to listen to them and give it a shot.
was litigation at the Texas Attorney General’s office, working alongside powerhouse names like David Talbot and Carl Richie. “When you see how you’re dealing with things that you can’t control, or you didn’t invite, it’s a humbling experience,” says Jefferson. “Quite frankly, humbling in a positive way, because it made me a whole lot more compassionate and understanding that, for the most part, people are doing the best they can.”
“I didn’t know it as civil rights,” Jefferson says, “I just knew it as the Black Power movement.” She was part of the black history club, as well as other organizations, so she feels she was still in tune with things that were going on. “I definitely grew up with the whole vibe of embracing blackness. We all had afros. My father cut afros.”
At first, Jefferson wasn’t interested in the courtroom side of law; she wanted to be a telecommunications lawyer. Back then, cable was a booming business. A series of companies known as the Bell System, led and named for the Bell Telephone Company, had dominated phone lines and services in America for a century. These companies, collectively referred to as Ma Bell, had been enjoying almost a total monopoly on the phone and cable industry. With $150 billion in assets (worth almost $4 billion today), this colossus was finally meeting its demise, and with its downfall, Jefferson saw a great opportunity arising.
Nowadays, Jefferson is a lawyer for a nonprofit organization called the Texas Association of School Boards. Her official title is Associative Executive Director (which is basically the vice president) and General Counsel. She’s the chief legal officer for the TASB and its seven associated entities. She has a team of just two other attorneys, managing all eight projects together.
The African-American community in Norwalk, she says, was very supportive of one another. “There was only one black dentist in town,” she recalls. “It was that kind of town, and we supported each other.” After Jefferson reached college age, she and her family spread to other parts of the country. Her parents retired to South Carolina, and her sisters moved to Virginia. Jefferson herself started college at Temple University. She went from a small town, to a big, and heavily African-American city. She says that for her, this experience was an awakening. Originally, Jefferson wanted to be a social worker, which was the reason she went to Temple University to begin with; they had a
With her target in sight, Jefferson piled on the courses, and barreled on toward her intended career. The Federal Communications Law Journal was to be hosted at her school, and she succeeded in becoming one of the board members who worked on it. However, life often has a funny way of taking its own course. Though it was not at all the field she was aiming for, the job Jefferson was first hired for
Jefferson says that since she first moved to Austin, the city has grown bigger than she ever imagined, and she hopes families can be planted and bloom there. During her life, she states, “Before it’s my time to check out, I hope that I have been a friend to many, and someone who just helps them to have a happier day.” To the younger generations, Jefferson does her best to be a positive and encouraging role model. She always tells younger people to push beyond what they think they are capable of. “Just shoot higher, aim higher,” she tells them. “I did not know it was in my sights to be a lawyer... that was not something I imagined, so aim higher.” To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com
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Integrity & Passion for the Law
John McCormick Attorney The McCormick Law Firm
Raised by his mother and grandmother, John McCormick and his younger brother grew up in a tight-knit community in East Lubbock, Texas. Both his mother and grandmother worked to support him and his brother. It was easy for McCormick to find positive role models in his community who helped shape him into the man he grew up to be. One such role model who drew McCormick’s attention just happened to be the only African American attorney in the Lubbock area. McCormick took note of the honor and prestige in the law field and became intrigued. Fueling his interest even more, he got his first taste of the law while participating in mock trials in high school. Growing up, McCormick always knew he would go to college. His mother instilled in him a desire to better himself by continuing his education, along with a passion for public service. Between that and his fascination with the law field, McCormick had dreams of perhaps becoming a judge or even U.S. Senator. After some research, McCormick discovered that most U.S. Senators start out as lawyers, so he switched his major in college from computer science to government. He has always enjoyed studying and watching politics. A degree in government seemed perfect for him. But God had plans for McCormick as well. On a path to continue his legal career and eventually become a U.S. Senator, God called him to a life of ministry. In the beginning, McCormick resisted the calling, feeling it a burden. He only found relief from this burden once he accepted the calling. McCormick found a way to pursue both
ministry and the law by becoming a pastor and a lawyer. Loving what he does, he does not consider practicing law a job in the traditional sense. He feels tremendously blessed to be able to do what he does as a pastor and a lawyer. After five years of practicing law, McCormick had an enlightening moment where he realized that if it weren’t for practicing law, he would have missed out on a lot of different experiences, opportunities, and relationships. Knowing that not everyone gets the opportunity to do what he does, McCormick’s gratitude is boundless. Throughout his career, McCormick’s admiration for all African American Lawyers has grown, especially for those that still practice with integrity and passion after having weathered everything that life and the law has thrown at him. God placed a calling of encouragement on McCormick. He is blessed to be able to use his pastoral ministry as well as his lawyer’s influence to encourage as many people as he can. Knowing that life is not and never will be fair has kept McCormick level headed. Although he has had to work hard, he has always maintained his integrity, doing the best he could with what he had to work with throughout life. A strong believer that good will always prevail, he has always tried to do the right thing. McCormick hopes people will remember his legacy of encouragement, as well as being a good husband and father. “In fact, it’s
better that I was a good father and a good husband than anything else I do because the way I look at it, pastoring and practicing law is what I do. A husband and a father. Those are who I am.” In his spare time, you will find McCormick listening to jazz and going to the movies. Occasionally, you will find him playing golf, although he’s not an avid golfer like some are. What he would really love to do is get his pilot’s license, but so far, his wife has vetoed that pursuit. Who knows, perhaps one day, his wife will give in. To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com
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Affordable Housing for All
Carl Richie Carl S. Richie, Jr. Attorney at Law
For Carl Richie, his mother was his primary source of inspiration and encouragement while growing up. Although she suffered from schizophrenia at times, she was strong enough not to let it affect her life except under extremely stressful conditions. Being a school teacher, his mother knew the importance of discipline and hard work, and she instilled Richie with these ideas at an early age. Every day when he got home from school, he would change his clothes, get a snack, and study until dinnertime. This habit carried over into his college years as he majored in law to become a lawyer. As soon as Richie got out of class, he would eat and then study for the next three hours. Richie excelled in school and college because his mother impressed upon him that he can and would succeed, he was on the right track and doing all the right things. “The decisions that I made as a result of listening to her and having her whisper in my ear were always the right decisions.� Throughout his career, Richie has been blessed to work with members of Congress,Senators, and even the Governor of Texas. He has led such organizations as the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO), serving as the President. He also 16
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serves as Chairman of the Board of Commissioners for the Housing Authority for the City of Austin. “I’ve told myself on several occasions that the future is today and today is time for you to lead.” As a result of this mindset, Richie was the first National President of NAHRO who actually lived in public housing. He has turned his passion for housing into his life’s purpose. “I focused primarily on helping us be an advocate because that’s what I am professionally as a lobbyist, I’m a professional advocate, increasing our advocacy on Capitol Hill to get money for various programs for the Housing Authorities and Community Development agencies.” Richie said. After moving to Austin, Richie fell in love with the city’s vibrancy and host of opportunities. When asked how America perceives black men, Richie explains that unless the African American male is in a profession, he will always be seen as a threat. And as for the males in a professional position, they can be seen as a threat to colleagues and others because to get where they are professionally, they needed to be smarter than others.
In order to get past these preconceived notions, Richie recommends engaging people in conversation. Through conversations, we learn that we have more things in common than not with other people. It’s through those commonalities that society can be brought together, creating a bond. Being an African American, Richie has encountered racism throughout his life, even in the professional world. “I think the more we talk about it, the more we can help address the issue because racism comes from two things: ignorance and insecurity.” Richie feels that talking about racism, the ignorance, and the insecurities that cause racism will help address some of the issues. His advice to younger boys? “Go anywhere you want to... Never talk yourself out of doing something you want to do. You can do whatever it is you want to do. It may take you a little longer to do that to get there and don’t get frustrated, but always stay on track.” Richie further advised, “Have a vision for where you want to go and talk yourself into it. It’s just as easy to talk yourself into doing something as it is to talk yourself out of doing something.” Richie loves to play golf and has used his hobby to raise money to give back to the community. Hosting several golf tournaments,
he was able to raise $100,000 to put towards the city’s education funding. This ensured that at least one kid in each of the city’s eight regions had access to the education funding, giving them an opportunity to go to college. When asked what he thinks his mother and grandmother would say about his life, he said, “I think they would say, “You’ve done what you were supposed to do. You helped the professionals who oversee housing. You made sure the residents had the skillsets to do the right things. You helped raise money so that kids who live in public housing, they can go to college.” In essence, a job well done. To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com
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Justice Prevails
Eric Shepperd Judge Travis County
Eric Montgomery Shepperd is a successful county court judge, vibrant member of the Austin, Texas community, and one of central Texas’s top ten African American super lawyers. However, people who enter Judge Shepperd’s civil court at Law Two may not know the story behind this man who demonstrates both personal character and professional excellence. Shepperd was raised primarily in Texas and growing up as a preacher’s kid, he was constantly in the spotlight. Watched by both kind and critical onlookers, he overcame the stereotypical image of a rebellious pastor’s kid, lived straight, and accepted his parents’ plan for all their children to attend college. With assistance from a high school counselor, Shepperd took a career test and decided to follow in his father’s footsteps and help people -- but as a lawyer, not a preacher. Growing up, he often mimicked his father’s preaching, and Shepperd says, “If you can learn how to preach, you can learn how to be a good trial lawyer.” Shepperd graduated from Andrews University and arrived in Austin in 1982 to attend law school at the University of Texas. He earned his Juris Doctorate in May 1985. His early inspiration to become a judge was on a high school field trip to a federal court, where he was surprised to meet an African American judge. In 2006, when he seriously
considered running for County Court judge, he mentioned his plan to a friend, who said, “You will never win.” Shepperd’s ambitious spirit, together with the counsel and encouragement of others, propelled him into the race.He had backing from people that knew politics, but some were skeptical about his Seventh-day Adventist Church affiliation; how could he canvass the neighborhood properly if he didn’t campaign on Saturdays? But with the help of church members and other supporters, Shepperd walked many blocks and knocked on many doors, and was elected as a County Court judge in 2006. Faith, friends, hard work and life experiences have all contributed to Shepperd’s personal and professional success. One life-changing event was the death of his father. This forced him to see life with a different perspective; it changed the way he looked at the world. After working long days in the courthouse, Shepperd spends a lot of his leisure time taking care of his mother, and investing in his church family, and cherishing the time and relationships that really matter. With the wisdom Shepperd has gained along the way, he tells young people considering the legal profession, “Work hard. Be prepared to do the best you can. Always be prepared. Mentors come in all colors, shapes and sizes and you need to remember that just because they don’t look like you, doesn’t mean they can’t help you get to where you’re going. God
will put people in your path and they will teach you lessons you never thought you would learn. Just listen.” Shepperd has enjoyed his experience in Austin, and he is here to stay. “It’s a good town, good people,” he says. Shepperd has been active as the chair of organizations such as the Austin Black Lawyers Association, Texas Organized Professionals, Red Cross of Central Texas and Austin Habitat for Humanity. “My place is here,” says Shepperd, and he is devoted to helping Austin grow in size and spirit. One of Shepperd’s favorite quotes is, “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place. (George Bernard Shaw)” Shepperd wants to be part of removing the illusion and letting good communication prevail in Austin. He’s committed to participate at all levels when it comes to making Austin the best it can be. “If we can all just come together and try and help everybody out...no man is an island is absolutely true.” To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com
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Legacy Builder
David Talbot Assist. Attorney General (Ret.) State of Texas David Talbot was born in Brooklyn, New York in 1949, to a British Ghanaian father, who came to America to attend college at Morris Brown in Atlanta, Georgia. His father went on to serve in World War II under George S. Patton, then came back to America, married, and moved to New York. Early in life, Talbot’s family moved to North Little Rock, Arkansas, where his father took a job as an English professor at Shorter College - a school belonging to the African Methodist Episcopal Church - on the advice of Talbot’s grandfather, an AME minister. Talbot’s father also became a minister with the church. When Talbot was in second grade, they moved again, to what he considers his home: Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where his father became the dean of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (then called Arkansas AM&N College). Talbot attended a segregated school, but says he had a wonderful childhood, good parents, two younger brothers, and a very nurturing environment. He was the drummer in the band, and his favorite subject was history. Talbot’s parents moved on to spend the rest of their lives in Commerce, Texas, where his father integrated the faculty of East Texas State University. That time, however, Talbot did not go with them. By then, he was old enough for college, and wound up attending Rutgers’s University in New Jersey. After Talbot finished college, he moved back home to Pine Bluff, married his high school sweetheart, and had a son. Getting married, Talbot says, is a blessing that changed his life; he met his wife in the tenth grade, and the couple has been married for forty-eight years. Talbot took a job as a reporter for his hometown paper, the Pine Bluff Commercial, which honed his writing skills. Soon after, he decided to attend law school at the University of Texas
in Austin, where there were only three other African-Americans in his class. “I actually had some hometown heroes that I looked up to,” Talbot remembers. “In Pine Bluff, we had some courageous black lawyers who led the way during the civil rights movement.” Racism, Talbot says, is a sickness that has existed throughout our society. “I think things have gotten a lot better,” he admits, “I’m not disputing that, but I’m surprised at how the stain of racism is still with us.” Talbot’s career began in Austin while he was still in law school, after his first year, under Attorney General John Hill - who made diversity a priority in his office - in 1973. Talbot stayed in the office from there. First, he was a law clerk, and then he worked in the general litigation division as a trial lawyer. About seven years in, Mark White asked him to be the chief of the Consumer Protection Division - a position he’s held three different times - and he went on to lead more divisions from there. “I probably hold the record for number of divisions that I headed,” says Talbot. In addition to the aforementioned roles, he has headed the departments of financial litigation, transportation, general litigation, administrative law, the champ station division, and law enforcement defense. He was in executive administration twice - once with Mattox, and then with the Morales administration - and he was the general counsel for Governor Ann Richards for four years. He has worked for a grand total of forty-six years in state government, and for seven Attorneys General, representing and advising the state of Texas on legal matters. He was County Trust when he brought his career to a satisfactory end. Talbot says that his favorite part of his career was the challenges. “I never got bored,” he
recalls. “Every time I would look up, I would get a new challenge, a new set of individuals, a new area of law to work in.” When asked what it was like working for the famous, Governor Ann Richards, he responded, “She made me a better lawyer. It actually was a special time in my life. She was a dynamic, strong, positive, tough boss. She could be very demanding, but only demanding in the sense that she was demanding on herself, but also on her staff. I think she really expected us to do well...” Talbot says that Austin is a jewel of a city, which he loves, and he feels a real sense of comfort there. He wants to see it continue to grow in a sustainable way. He says that the African-American community used to live closer together, but now they are growing and spreading further and further throughout the city and its suburbs. Nevertheless, he hopes they will all remain united and strong as a community. On a personal front, Talbot wants to be known as a God-fearing family man. A kind, decent, loyal person who did his best. His advice to the rest of us is this: “Be true to yourself. Be honest and keep your integrity... Try to be understanding, have forgiveness.” May we all live up to this wisdom. To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com
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TOP TEN DIVERSITY & INCLUSION CHAMPIONS
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SPRING 2020
TOP TEN DIVERSITY & INCLUSION CHAMPIONS
Austin’s Civil Rights Crusader Marches On
Bobby Taylor Civil Rights Attorney
Bobby Taylor was born in Dallas, Texas in 1947. He grew up in a traveling military family and was taught early on that he was no better than anyone else and to succeed, he would have to work twice as hard. Taylor says his skin color shaped how the world saw him which shaped how he saw the world. Growing up during segregation, living through the Civil Rights Movement; seeing the work of Martin Luther King Jr.; watchingshowslike Perry Mason on television. Taylor was destined to be a civil rights champion for for others. He always knew he wanted to be a lawyer and desperately wanted affect change. He has never wavered. Today, Taylor is a legendary, nationally recognized attorney specializing in civil rights and criminal cases. Taylor attended the University of Texas at Austin School of Law in the 1970s. Because of the history of blacks in America, and present day events, a disproportionate number of blacks and hispanics are arrested, prosecuted, and sentenced to longer terms than their white counterparts.No matter how much you earn or where you come from, black men aretreated differently in America. This is the reason Taylor laces up for a fight every single day knowing that he can’t win them all but he is on the right side of fight. During his time in law school Taylor says it was evident that every step they made,
black students were being monitored.Earning his law degree – being an agent of change – was the only avenue to help correct a broken system. Everyday young men and women face the harsh reality that being poor and black can drastically inhibit lives. However Taylor believes, education can be a great equalizer. “Money affects where you live. Money affects where you go to school,” he says. “Money affects what you can do for your children, and you cannot give the best for your kids on a nickel-and-dime pocketbook, so you’ve got to make things better and you’ve got to get out there andwork hard.” He goes on to say, “ I never had any doubts that I was going to try to get as much education as I could.” As an attorney, Taylor has fought to right wrongs in the areas of civil rights, sexual harassment and other discrimination cases. Taylor is known for being a fighter, because he believes at some point justice will prevail. Bobby Taylor says hehas come a long way, “I remember back when we still had outdoor toilets.” Today, he says, his life is different, but what really matters most is fighting for the rights of others. He credits his parents for his success and humble outlook. They taught him that no matter what you have, who you are, where you came from – it could
all be gone tomorrow, count yoru your blessings. Taylor says he takes that lesson to heart, treating the lowest-level employee the same as the highest-level one. Ifthere is one lesson Taylor hopes he will leave for others it is to “respect everyone.” Taylor enjoys traveling and admits he doesn’t take enough time for himself. He’s recovering from an unexpected health crisis but says “he’s feeling better.” And is back to work and ready to fight the good fight. He say heloves the workhe does,but as he looks back over his life if he had it to do over he would have spent more time with his kids and family members. But say’s “at this age, you make the best of where you are and enjoy every single day.” To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com
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TOP TEN DIVERSITY & INCLUSION CHAMPIONS
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SPRING 2020
TOP TEN DIVERSITY & INCLUSION CHAMPIONS
Helping Communities Make Safety a Priority
Linda von Quintus Vice President, Govt & Community AAA Texas Linda von Quintus is a recently retired Austin attorney who specialized in regulatory law.She previously held positions as Vice-President of Public and Government Affairs and Community and Public Relations in Texas and New Mexico.In this role she was a registered lobbyist for its advocacy initiatives, which included foci in traffic safety, insurance, and travel. Quintus has a lived a life of compassionate service. Her accomplishments are as much a testament to her giving spirit as they are to her acumen and perseverance. Her empathy for the struggles of others and her tenacity in the face of challenges have led her to career and personal success. Born in 1952 in Brownfield, Texas, Quintus was raised in Jonah, east of Georgetown. Her father, pragmatic and direct, stated: “Your mother takes care of the house;I work and you kids bring A’s home.” In elementary school, Quintus was taught by Viola Grant, an alumna of the Tuskegee Institute, whose teaching—which strongly emphasized reading, laid the foundation for her academic achievements. When Quintus was twelve, her father passed away, and the family relocated to Georgetown, where she enrolled in an integrated school and continued to excel academically. In high school, despite having been diagnosed with epilepsy, Quintus was active in tennis, basketball, and track. Towards the end of high school, she had a seizure at a track event and was taken to the hospital. When her mother arrived, she was furious with the principal for allowing Quintus to participate in sports and mentioned the note she had given her daughter to bring to school. The principal had no knowledge of it and pulled Quintus aside to question her. She replied that she had “lost the note” on the way to school. Her mother and the principal laughed, for they knew her determined nature. Throughout her life, Quintus would not let her illness hold her back, nor would she accept the
imposition of limitations. Quintus had always aimed for a college education, which her father had intended for all his children (out of seven children, six went to college). She earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Houston, with the intention of continuing for a Master of Business Administration. She followed the recommendation of her advisor, who complimented her speaking ability and suggested that she consider law school. During law school, with the goal of becoming a prosecutor, Quintus interned with a criminal judge and with the Harris County Sherriff’s Office.She did not feel called to the work, and the dean thus advised her to explore regulatory law, which became her career path. Quintus’ career included a role as a marketing manager with a company in the oil and gas industry which, prior to her employment, had never hired an African American employee to work in their corporate offices. She established a reputation for her willingness to take on any task, and for being focused on results. Her motto is “If it’s doable, I’m going to get it done.” She also held the position of regulatory counsel for the American Auto Association (AAA) and was proud to work for a company whose traffic safety division focuses on saving lives. Quintus’s career has been informed by her volunteer efforts. A defining period in Quintus’s life was after law school, while her dear friend in New York City was dying of AIDS. She became involved in the Volunteer for AIDS Project, sponsored by the Austin Black Lawyers (a volunteer legal program). She counseled AIDS patients over the phone and was deeply affected by their stories. Her conversations with these patients showed her “how tenuous life can be” and fostered within her a strong desire to use her law degree to help people in need. In her personal life, Quintus raised two children: her nephew and her older sister’s granddaughter. She loves to travel and journeyed with members of the National Bar Association to South Africa, where she met Nelson Mandela. She is an avid supporter of dogs, which hold a special place in her heart and volunteers with animal welfare organizations. Quintus has come to accept that misdeeds by others are part of the normal course of life:she has decided to learn from negative experiences with people and to not hang on to resentment. She has found that situations that affected her greatly at the time have mattered less to her as
she has progressed in life.Her advice is to let go of what is behind you and “focus on the new that you have just been introduced to.”When faced with ignorance and racism, she believes in handling situations by not displaying anger and by maintaining dignity in her demeanor and speech: “always be respectful…absolutely no name calling.” In her retirement, Quintus looks forward to serving as a mentor within the African American community.She appreciates the diversity of Austin—that it is not separated into racial neighborhoods, and she is inspired each time she hears of a new African American business in the city. Her wish is that she will “live long enough so that it won’t matter if you are the first black, but it matters now.It still matters now and it is going to continue to matter until the world changes its views.” To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com
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2019 Top Ten Super Lawyers
Congratulates 2020 Top Ten Super Lawyers
Shafeeqa Giarratani 2019 Top Ten Super Lawyer
Carl S. Richie, Jr. Black Business Journal’s
TOP TEN SUPER LAWYERS FOR 2020
congratulates Carl S. Richie, Jr.’s selection as one of
Black Business Journal’s
TOP TEN SUPER LAWYERS FOR 2020.
A Sendero board member since 2012, Mr. Richie is a passionate supporter of Sendero’s mission to provide high-quality healthcare coverage for the underserved. With gratitude and admiration, the Sendero Team proudly celebrates Mr. Richie for his years of dedication and service to the community.
CONGRATULATIONS Gary Bledsoe
&
Bobby Taylor
Black Business Journal’s
Top Ten Super Lawyers AUSTIN NAACP
The mission of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is to secure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of rights in order to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the health and well-being of all persons. Nelson Linder, President, Austin NAACP 1717 E 12th St, Austin, TX 78702 | (512) 476-6230
Congratulations Carl Richie on being named one of Black Business Journal's
Top Ten Lawyers Bringing Opportunity Home https://www.hacanet.org
Denise Davis Partner, Davis Kaufman PLLC
On being named one of Black Business Journal's
Top 10 Central Texas Super Lawyers
Congratulations
Black Business Journal’s TOP Ten Super Lawyer John F. McCormick, we are very proud of you.
The members of CrossWork Christian Center
Congratulations Carl Richie Attorney at Law
On being named as a
2020 TOP 10 CENTRAL TEXAS
BLACK LAWYERS
On behalf of the friends of Mr. Talbot
Congratulations on being named Black Business Journal's David Talbot
Top Ten SUPER Lawyer
Proudly served nearly 46 years in the Texas Attorney General office
Congratulations Carl Richie! From your Friends at the Texas Lobby Group TXLobby.com
512.473.2646
INFLUENTIAL LAWYERS
Keiko Anderson Sareta M. Davis Jacqueline R. Habersham Eustace Prince Isidore
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INFLUENTIAL LAWYERS
Keiko Anderson Attorney, Law Office Keiko Griffin, PLLC
Born and Raised: San Antonio Texas Moved to Austin: 1996 Education: Bachelors of Social Work, Doctor of Jurisprudence Legal focus: Family and Civil Law ABBJ: Describe what you do in one sentence: Anderson: On my best days I help people find solutions to family and property conflicts through compromise and civility; and on my worst days I guide people through one of the most difficult times of their lives and with the most valuable pieces of their lives in the hands of a court system that is designed to break it all but in a way that is legally defined as fair and equitable and/or in the best interest of children. ABBJ: Why did you decide to become a lawyer or when did you know you wanted to be a lawyer? Anderson: I decided to become a lawyer when I recognized that my voice in the courtroom as a Social Worker was not heard as loudly as the voices of the men and women in suits at the tables before the judge’s bench. I decided to become a lawyer because I believed that if I understood the process of legal representation and had the authority to speak on behalf of people without that knowledge then I could advocate for the best interest of children, families, and the community at large! ABBJ: What advice would you offer someone who may be considering becoming a lawyer? 34
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Anderson: Do not think for a moment that being a lawyer is glamorous. Do not go into this field merely for financial gain or social status. If you think you want to be a lawyer I recommend speaking to multiple attorneys about their experience and even shadowing them for a period of time to get an accurate reflection of what is involved in this career before you leap. ABBJ: What life lessons have you’ve learned? Anderson: Through my practice I have learned that everyone deserves to be heard whether you agree or not. I have learned that the law is always changing even when the law stays the same the interpretation of it changes judge by judge and jury by jury. I learned that being kind works better than hostility even when you’re advocating for people. I have learned that people tend to minimize their contribution to an existing problem and they tend to maximize the opposing person’s fault, and that the hardest part of my job is not the hours or the trial preparation or the paperwork but the hardest part is getting people to truly see some things from another perspective. ABBJ: What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? Anderson: One moment that changed my way of thinking was a moment after I concluded a custody battle involving a teenage boy and a special needs younger girl. After litigation and many thousands of dollars spent and after many hours of arguments our clients finally resolved their case and decided to split the children so that each of them would feel like they won something. Shortly after the case finished, the teenage son shot and killed his father and shot and killed himself. That experience redefined the word “win” for me. My definition for winning in life and at work from that point
on was that everybody survives and thrives in the end and that we protect our souls and our peace more than we protect our pride, our resources, and our power in a conflict. ABBJ: Have you ever experienced overt racism? If so, when/how? Anderson: In 1996, at the age of 17 I was walking down “The Drag” Guadalupe Street, Austin Texas, excited for my college experience when 4 white young men drove by me in a Jeep and yelled “NIGGERRRRR” at the top of their lungs and laughed. It echoed for moments beyond their passing me by because it was so loud; and in fact, it echoed for many years in my own head as I was in utter disbelief that I lived in the age of such an alive racism. At the age of 35 I was driving to my home in a black Maserati and I passed through a lower income Caucasian neighborhood in order to get to my home and a middle aged Caucasian woman yelled NIGGER GO BACK WHERE YOU... and I couldn’t hear the rest because I kept driving . I imagine she said GO BACK WHERE YOU CAME FROM. This time I smiled because this time it didn’t hurt my feelings the way it did at 17. I had grown into an appreciation of all of who I was and all of who I represent and there was no shame for me on that day unlike 1996. There was only sadness for her ignorance and for the fact that we are still living in the age of ignorance regardless of how much money I made or how articulate I was; I was still a “nigger” to some people. I did yell out of my window “I came from San Antonio!” That tickled me. ABBJ: What does it feel like to be Black and living in Austin, Texas? Anderson: Being Black feels powerful in any place because I decided how I feel isn’t dictated by anything external. ABBJ: Where do you see yourself in 10 – 15 years? SPRING 2020
INFLUENTIAL LAWYERS Anderson: In 15 years, I see myself managing another unrelated business somehow mentoring and equipping young people to live life to their fullest potential. I see my current law firm being managed by other upcoming star attorneys who consult with me from time to time so that I stay sharp! I see myself with more time to dedicate to ministry and other community objectives as well!
ABBJ: Favorite book or book you’d recommend? Anderson: My all-time favorite book is hands down and without question the B- I-B- L-E! ABBJ: Tell us one thing that someone would be surprised to know about you. Anderson: Some people are surprised that I know as much Spanish as I do; and others
Sareta M. Davis Attorney, Chair Austin Human Rights Commission ABBJ: Why did you decide to become a lawyer or when did you know you wanted to be a lawyer? Davis: I knew I wanted to be a lawyer when I was 6 years old. I would watch old Perry Mason re-runs, and I was enamored with the idea of being able to help people who were being wrongly accused.
Born and Raised: I was born in the Midwest. I was raised in the Midwest, on the north east coast, and Texas. Moved to Austin: To attend the University of Texas at Austin. Education: B.A., The University of Texas at Austin, M.S. Texas State University, J.D. St. Mary’s University School of Law Legal focus: Finance, Compliance, Financial Technology Regulation, Business, Criminal (past); Human Rights and Labor and Employment Law as Chair of the City of Austin Human Rights Commission. ABBJ: Describe what you do in one sentence. Davis: I lead and provide the knowledge and insight that individuals, communities, and organizations need to feel secure in their decision-making, and raise the ceiling on what they think is possible and can be achieved.
ABBJ: What advice would you offer someone who may be considering becoming a lawyer? Davis: The law is a wonderful gateway into various industries. If you don’t want to focus on one area of law, a legal education gives you the ability to be versatile in your professional endeavors. ABBJ: What life lessons have you learned? Davis: I’ve learned to trust the process in your professional journey. No matter where you are right now, have a plan, work the plan, and be present. ABBJ: What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? Davis: My experience working as an Assistant District Attorney radically altered my views of the ability of individuals to improve the criminal justice system. I believe for positive change to occur in criminal justice, it must occur on the systemic level. Good
are surprised that I am old enough to have a child who plays for the Denver Broncos, and one going to Baylor. ABBJ: What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time? Anderson: What is that?
people working as prosecutors, judges, and defense attorneys matter. However, because the criminal justice system has implicit and explicit bias against marginalized individuals in our society, change must happen on an operational level. It requires a commitment to conscious and direct structural change. ABBJ: Have you ever experienced overt racism? If so, when/how? Davis: Yes. I’ve experienced it in both my personal and professional life. ABBJ: What does it feel like to be Black and living in Austin, Texas? Davis: I feel like there is a lot of opportunity in Austin, and I chose to make Austin my home many years ago. I do miss the racial and ethnic diversity I’ve experienced in other cities. My hope is that as Austin grows, so to will the diversity of the population. ABBJ: Where do you see yourself in 10 – 15 years? Davis: I see myself advancing and excelling professionally, and expanding my band-with to help my community. ABBJ: Favorite book or book you’d recommend? Davis: The Count of Monte Cristo authored by Alexandre Dumas. It’s a great testament to forgiveness and re-birth. ABBJ: Tell us one thing that someone would be surprised to know about you. Davis: That I sculpt and do metal work. ABBJ: What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time? Davis: Traveling, out door sports, creating art, and serving on various boards in my community. To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com
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INFLUENTIAL LAWYERS
Jacqueline R. Habersham Executive Director Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct
Born and Raised: I was born in Augusta, Georgia. I was a “military brat” so I was raised in various places. Moved to Austin: on May 31, 2001 Education: Florida A&M University (Bachelor of Science), Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Texas Southern (Juris Doctorate) Legal focus: Judicial discipline. Formally, I was a criminal defense attorney, as well as family law and probate.
ABBJ: Describe what you do. Habersham: I’m the executive director of a regulatory agency responsible for prosecuting cases involving judicial misconduct and disability of judges in the State of Texas. ABBJ: Why did you decide to become a lawyer or when did you know you wanted to be a lawyer? Habersham: Honestly, as a child I was in love with the television series “Matlock.” Somehow, that’s when I decided I wanted to become a lawyer. As I began to research the profession, I realized that becoming a lawyer was one of the ways that I could give back to the community to those who would otherwise not receive fair and impartial justice. ABBJ: What advice would you offer someone who may be considering becoming a lawyer? Habersham: Becoming a lawyer is hard work that takes 100% dedication and commitment. Research the profession to determine what are you want to go into. Apply for summer internships. Study, Study, Study. ABBJ: What life lessons have you’ve learned? Treat people the way you want to be treated, and Don’t take anything for granted. ABBJ: What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? Habersham: After both of my parents passed
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away, it made me value and make time for my social and family relationships. Time is not promised to anyone of us so it’s important to nurture those relationships and “be in the moment” when you spend time with friends and family. Those memories will become valuable. ABBJ: Have you ever experienced overt racism? Habersham: As a child in elementary school, I was part of desegregation in Charleston, SC in the early 70’s, having to be bused to the White school and escorted into the building by the state police. ABBJ: Where do you see yourself in 10 – 15 years? Habersham:Retired, but still practicing part-time, and living somewhere near the ocean. ABBJ: Favorite book or book you’d recommend? Habersham: Emotional Intelligence 2.0 ABBJ: Tell us one thing that someone would be surprised to know about you. Habersham: In my free time, I volunteer as a foster parent for the Cocker Spaniel Rescue in Austin. I have been a foster for approximately 13 years. ABBJ: What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time? Habersham: I love to read and travel.
SPRING 2020
INFLUENTIAL LAWYERS
Eustace Prince Isidore Managing Attorney Yudell Isidore PLLC
Born and Raised: St. John’s, Antigua Moved to Austin: 1998 Education: BS Electrical Engineering, Juris Doctorate (Law Degree) Legal focus: Intellectual Property – Patents and Trademarks ABBJ: Describe what you do in one sentence. Isidore: I assist inventors and companies secure patent protection for their inventions and with registration of trademarks. ABBJ: Why did you decide to become a lawyer or when did you know you wanted to be a lawyer? Isidore: I first thought about being a lawyer as a boy, before my love of and aptitude in science led me down the engineering path. I then decided to pursue law during my last year of engineering undergrad because of the emerging opportunities to utilize my engineering and technical background in the specialized field of patent law. ABBJ: What advice would you offer someone who may be considering becoming a lawyer? Isidore: Access to a good law school requires you do well academically in undergraduate school. So, someone interested in law should really focus in on doing well academically during undergrad. He/she should also make it a point to become a great writer and to read a lot, as those skills become invaluable during law school, and while practicing law afterwards.
ABBJ: What life lessons have you’ve learned? Isidore: Always stay positive. Balance hard work with lots of activities you enjoy. Spend as much time as you can with your family or friends so work does not become the focal point of your life. ABBJ: What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? Isidore: The birth of my son made me appreciate even more the value of being efficient with my time and getting as much work done in the off-hours (early AM and late PM), and allow myself to focus when working, all so I can spend afternoons with my kids. Have you ever experienced overt racism? If so, when/how? Isidore: First year in college, my Irish roommate and I, attended a church a few times where we met some people from a youth group. We both signed up to receive more information and participate in the group activities. Over the next several months, my roommate found it odd that I never received any of the several invitations they sent him to attend their events…. There have been several instances of racial profiling (vehicle stops) by the police, including while attending undergrad, where the police patrol followed my friend’s vehicle for several blocks close to campus and then stop us to “confirm” we were on campus because we taking classes. The book bags with engineering books proved helpful! What does it feel like to be Black and living in Austin, Texas?
Isidore: Definitely makes you realize how little diversity there is in some parts of Austin. My family and I are often the only ones of color when we go out to events and/or when we enroll our kids to participate in activities in our geographic area of Austin. Having moved here from Houston, where I lived for 6 years, this lack of diversity in some areas of Austin and in some instructions was initially surprising, but is no longer “unexpected”. ABBJ: Where do you see yourself in 10 – 15 years? Isidore: I would like to be primarily running a business startup focused on commercializing several inventions that I have invented or co-invented with my inventive-thought partners. ABBJ: Book you’d recommend? Do Nothing by Celest Headlee. Having a good work-life balance is a big part of my thought process and the way I structure my life. I have found that I am unique in the way I define time away from work. ABBJ: Tell us one thing that someone would be surprised to know about you. Isidore: I compose wake-up songs and sing them to my children. ABBJ: What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time? Isidore: Playing and coaching sports with my kids; watching sports on TV and attending sporting events with my kids and family; listening to music; and going to the movies with my wife. To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com
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LINDA VON QUINTUS Vice President, Public & Government Affairs AAA Texas (Retired)
Congratulations on being named
Black Business Journal’s 2020 Top Ten SUPER Lawyers
Copyright © 2020 AAA Texas, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
PUBLIC OFFICIALS
Joel Baker Clifford Brown Natasha Harper-Madison Aurora Martinez Jones Brenda P Kennedy Lora J Livingston Rudolph Metayer Velva L Price Eric Montgomery Shepperd Christopher Shorter Jeff Travillion Yvonne Michelle Williams Larry Wallace, Jr
PUBLIC OFFICIALS
Joel Baker Fire Chief City of Austin Fire Department
“There Is No Right Way to Do Wrong.”
Born and raised: Atlanta, Georgia Moved to Austin: November 2018 Education: Columbus State University - Master of Public Administration, Georgia State University - Bachelor of Science , Georgia Perimeter College Associate (Fire Science and Technology) ABBJ: Describe what you do in one sentence, two at the most. Baker: I am responsible for the state of readiness for the city of Austin’s community risk reduction as it relates to fires, and non-law enforcement emergencies. ABBJ: Why did you decide to become a firefighter? Baker: I decided to become a firefighter after completing my military services with the United States Marine Corps. I wanted to join a profession where I believed that I could continue to serve my community and the public. ABBJ: What advice would you offer someone who may be considering becoming a fire chief? Baker: Join the fire department as a fire fighter, which will enhance your knowledge, skills and abilities as a professional fire fighter. Establish or join a fire fighter’s mentoring group or join the various working groups/committees within your fire department in order to 40
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learn the inter working of how the fire service meet the needs of its stakeholders. Obtain an associate degree in Fire Science; bachelor degree in Emergency Management or Human Resource; a master degree in Business, Finance or Public Administration. Attend the National Fire Academy in Emmetsburg, Maryland, which will help you develop long turn relationship with members in the fire services from all over the country. Finally, ask a fire chief to help you outline your career plan for the fire service. ABBJ: What do you like most about living in Austin, Texas? Baker: It’s hard to say what I like most because I have only been living in Austin for approximately 3 months. However, what I do like since I moved is its people. Everyone has been so welcoming to me. Reaching out to ensure that I am settling in. ABBJ: Discuss one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? Baker: The United States Marine Corps – as it relates to the development of leadership and management skills. However, since I started working in the fire service my attitude toward seeking a college degree also changed. Before joining the fire department, I never had a desire to go to college. It wasn’t until I decided to enhance my
opportunities in my fire station that I decided to go to college and obtain various degrees which I believe prepared me to become fire chief for the City of Atlanta – Fire Rescue Department and the City of Austin – Fire Department. ABBJ: What life lessons have you’ve learned? Baker: Put God first and take nothing personal. Develop your personal and professional relationships early and do all you can to ensure that you nurture those relationships. And finally, always seek out opportunities to pay it forward. ABBJ: Where do you see yourself in 10 – 15 years? Baker: Since I am aspiring to inspire before I expire, I am planning on starting a professional executive coaching consulting firm that will enhance the opportunity for fire fighters to get promoted in their fire department, as well as obtain the rank of fire chief for those who are willing to take on that opportunity. ABBJ: Favorite book or book you’d recommend? Davis: I would recommend the following: • Autobiography of Malcom X (author: Alex Haley) • Roots (author: Alex Haley) • Black Man of the Nile and His Family (author: Dr. Yosef Ben-Jochannan) • It’s Your Ship: Management Technique (author: D. Michael Abrashoff) • Think and Grow Rich (author: Napoleon Hill) • Black Square and Compass (author: Joseph A. Walkes) • Landmarks of our Fathers (author: John L. Hairston Bey) • The Leadership Secrets of Colin Powell (author: Oren Harari) • Leadership on the Line (author: Ronald A. Heifetz and Marty Linsky) • Any book of your personal faith (i.e. Holy Bible, Quran, etc.) ABBJ: What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time? Baker: I like to ride my Harley Davidson, play golf and spend time with my friends and family. SPRING 2020
PUBLIC OFFICIALS
Clifford Brown State District Court Judge , 147th District Court
Born and raised: Mount Vernon, NY Moved to Austin: 1999 Education: BS in Business from Adelphi University (Long Island, NY) and JD from George Washington University (Washington DC) Legal focus: Criminal Law ABBJ: Describe what you do in one sentence. Brown: Sit as the Arbiter of Criminal Allegations brought by the State of Texas against individual citizens. Ensure that the rights of the accused are protected and all parties encounter fair proceedings based solely on the law. ABBJ: Why did you decide to become a Judge? Brown: My becoming a District Judge is rooted in the desire that ALL participants in judicial proceedings are treated fairly with dignity and respect. To bring my life experience to bear lending objectivity and sensitivity borne out of those experiences to ensure fair and just outcomes. ABBJ: What advice would you offer someone who may be considering becoming a Criminal Judge? Brown: 1. Have a sincere desire to do what is right, just and fair irrespective of person in an effort to bring balance, integrity and sound judgement to the position 2. Gain a comprehensive understanding and holistic view of the criminal justice system 3. Obtain vast experience demonstrating excellent logical reasoning, analytical and decision-making skills to analyze complex cases and statutory law and render sound legal decision
ABBJ: What do you like most about living in Austin, Texas? Brown: My top 3. • Opportunity and accessibility. The mix of people: Academia meets Technology meets Government • Weather and Topography: Absolutely lovely especially coming from east coast. • The Food Scene: BBQ/TexMex ABBJ: What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? Brown: Being raised in poverty by a single Mother with 5 children who deeply valued Love, Faith, Family, and Education and watching her graduate from college while I was in middle school and seeing first-hand the value of education. ABBJ: What life lessons have you’ve learned? Brown: Most important thing in life are relationships: God, family and friends. Ground your character in humility. Treat everyone you meet with dignity and respect. To much is given, much is expected ABBJ: Where do you see yourself in 10 – 15 years? Brown: On the Bench still serving the citizens of Travis County ABBJ: Favorite book or book you’d recommend? Brown: The Warmth of Other Suns by Isabel Wilkerson ABBJ: What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time? Brown: Spending time with my family, travel. cooking and entertaining friends, watching sports and golfing when I can
Natasha HarperMadison City Council Member, District 1 ABBJ: Describe what you do. Harper-Madison: As a city council member for the city of Austin I have the opportunity to serve my constituents and Austin residents through advocacy and policy making. ABBJ: Why did you decide to become a city council member? Harper-Madison: I decided to run for elected office because I wanted to serve my community and my city. As the singular black city council person, it is also of the utmost importance to me that Austin have black representation on council. ABBJ: What advice would you offer someone who may be considering becoming a council member? Harper-Madison: I would advise anyone interested in running for an elected office to first determine why they want to run, what they hope to accomplish, and whether or not they are prepared for the sacrifice of public service. If the “why” isn’t to be of service, if the hopes of accomplishment aren’t the betterment of the community they serve, and if the sacrifice of privacy and time are too great, I advise another path. ABBJ: What do you like most about living in Austin, Texas? next page >> To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com
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PUBLIC OFFICIALS Harper-Madison: I love the natural beauty of the city of Austin most.
Aurora Martinez Jones
ABBJ: Describe one experience that changed your way of thinking? Harper-Madison: The moment my doctor gave me a cancer diagnosis changed my way of thinking entirely. Prior to that, I thought my altruistic goals would be met with philanthropy, which would first require I amass some degree of wealth. I was singularly focused on wealth-building until that moment. My perspective shifted when my mortality was in question and community advocacy became my path. ABBJ: What life lessons have you’ve learned? Harper-Madison: • Be patient with children and the elderly • Think before you speak • Always operate with integrity • Cheaters actually do win sometimes, but that doesn’t mean you want to be one • Smile often, laugh even more, dance whenever possible • Set measurable goals • Don’t make promises you can’t keep • Admit when you don’t know something • You do not have to be the smartest person in the room • Speak up and out when necessary- but know when to be quiet and listen ABBJ: Where do you see yourself in 10 – 15 years? Harper-Madison: In 10-15 years, I see myself as a social innovation business consultant specializing in helping small businesses find resources, large businesses in partnering with community organizations and connecting organizations that encourage and provide civic education and engagement mentorship. ABBJ: Which book would you recommend others read? Harper-Madison: Evicted: Poverty and Profit in the American City by Matthew Desmond ABBJ: What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time? Harper-Madison: My leisure time is best enjoyed in the company of my family and friends, eating, playing games, listening to music, watching movies, camping or just relaxing. 42
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Travis County Associate Judge
Born and raised: La Porte, Texas Moved to Austin: 2001 Education: University of Texas at Austin—Bachelor of Arts, Government University of Texas School of Law—Juris Doctorate, Law Legal focus: Child Welfare Law and Civil Litigation ABBJ: Describe your job. Jones: I help children and families heal and improve their lives through support, services, and collaboration. I work to provide healthy, safe, loving, longterm permanency for children in Travis County, Texas. ABBJ: Why did you decide to become a judge? Jones: As a child of immigrants, I learned early in life that I needed to help my family navigate through American systems and cultural norms. Since then, I developed a passion for helping people who traditionally go unheard. I became an attorney so that I could (help the most fragile members in our community – especially children, immigrants, and families living in poverty.
ABBJ: Any advice? Jones: For anyone considering becoming a lawyer or a judge I would tell them, you can do it! Growing up, I did not know any attorneys or judges. In fact, it was quite some times before I was able to meet an attorney who looked like me. As a young Afro-Latina in a Southern state, I was unaware of the potential I could achieve. Fortunately, I received encouragement and confidence to become a judge. ABBJ: What do you like most about living in Austin, Texas? Jones: I like the openness to innovation and progressive ideas that Austin, Texas embraces. I am constantly working to improve the child welfare system and the way in which the community accesses the court system so being in a city that is willing to try new things provides the kind of environment needed to enable change. ABBJ: What was one experience that changed your way of thinking? Jones: While I was an attorney, a judge, who was another woman of color, asked me had I considered being a judge. I had not. To be honest, I had no idea how to become Judge and I questioned whether I was qualified enough to consider being a Judge. Through her encouragement, I became a judge at age 31. Since then, I have made it a point to not limit myself in my personal life or in my career. In addition, I have become a mentor and regularly encourage young people to reach beyond their wildest dreams.
SPRING 2020
PUBLIC OFFICIALS
Brenda P. Kennedy ABBJ: What life lessons have you’ve learned? Jones: In life, I have learned that challenges, obstacles, and perceived failures make for a stronger, more resilient person. Most of what I achieved came with great difficulties, but success through that lens has helped me grow wisdom. I have learned to appreciate the hard times because they have set me up for greatness. ABBJ: Where do you see yourself in 10 – 15 years? Jones: In 10 to15 years I see myself continuing to serve my community and expanding progressive approaches to overcome broken institutions. I hope to expand my definition of community to be statewide or greater. ABBJ: Favorite book? Jones: The Giver by Lois Lowry. Although it is a children’s book, it is a great read as an adult. This book gives me hope. It is a great reminder, especially in my work, that despite all the suffering, sadness, and awful things that make us human, there are also wondrous, amazing, and loving things that show the best of humanity. It reminds me that my priority is always to invest as much as possible in goodness for our children because the human experience is a varying balance of good and bad. The more good a child can receive, I believe, the better life can be for that child. ABBJ: What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time? Jones: I enjoy reading books for my Feminist Book Club, watching Anime, spending time with my husband and two daughters, and attending community events.
Presiding Judge Travis County Criminal Courts, 403rd District Court
In 1988, Kennedy became the first African-American elected in a contested countywide race in Travis County. Born & Raised: Mexia and Temple, Texas Moved to Austin:1975 Education: University of Texas at Austin, School of Law Legal focus: Criminal Law ABBJ: Describe what you do. Kennedy: I preside over felony level criminal cases.
Kennedy: My exposure gained as a result of being involved in Drug Court has provided a whole new way of thinking regarding drug addiction, its consequences and effects on families and communities. ABBJ: What life lessons have you’ve learned? Kennedy: Too many to name… a few would be patience, active listening, and how to talk to varied people of differing backgrounds and life experiences. ABBJ: Where do you see yourself in 10 – 15 years? Kennedy: Hopefully, travelling and enjoying retirement by that time.
ABBJ: Why did you decide to become a lawyer? Kennedy: Initially, my intent was to become a civil rights attorney after learning of the injustices occurring across our nation. During my law school experience, I became more interested in criminal law; got an internship with the Department of Justice in Washington D.C.; and, returned wanting to pursue a career in advocacy.
ABBJ: Favorite book? Kennedy: I am an avid reader, so, I have many favorites. I would say that of my latest reads, “An American Marriage”, by Tayari Jones was a very good read.
ABBJ: What advice would you offer someone who may be considering becoming a lawyer or a judge? Kennedy: A student should pursue an internship in the particular area of law that they have interest in to get the day to day exposure, experience, and working knowledge that they will need to determine if that is the area they really wish to pursue.
Background: Kennedy earned her Juris Doctorate from the University of Texas School of Law and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin. She has served as an assistant city attorney for the city of Austin and assistant district attorney in Travis County before assuming her judicial duties in October 1987. Kennedy is the founding member of the Austin chapter of the National Charity League and completed many projects through the Austin chapter of the Links, Incorporated and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated; and many others. She is the proud mother of two daughters, Mallore Ahmad and Pilar Caldwell. Kennedy enjoys traveling to different parts of the country and around the world, and see the varied cultures and people across the globe.
ABBJ: What do you like most about living in Austin? Kennedy: The environmental concerns, cleanliness, and overall culture of the city. ABBJ: What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking?
ABBJ: What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time? Kennedy: Reading, swimming, making Jewelry and traveling to beach locations.
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PUBLIC OFFICIALS
Rudolph “Rudy” K. Metayer Lora J. Livingston Civil and Family Law Judge In 1999, Livingston became the First African-American woman to serve on a district court in Travis County, Texas. Born and raised: Los Angeles, California Moved to Austin: 1982 Education: BA Political Science; Juris Doctorate ABBJ: Describe what you do. Livingston: I am a judge. I hear all types of civil and family law cases. ABBJ: Why did you decide to become a judge? Livingston: I felt called to public service and I believed I could make a significant difference in the justice system. ABBJ: What advice would you offer someone who may be considering becoming a lawyer? Livingston: Be prepared in every way possible; personally, and professionally. 44
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Background. Judge Lora J. Livingston is a 1982 graduate of the UCLA School of Law. She began her legal career as a Reginald Heber Smith Community Lawyer Fellow assigned to the Legal Aid Society of Central Texas in Austin. After completing the two-year fellowship program, she continued to work in the area of poverty law until 1988, when she entered private practice with the law firm of Joel B. Bennett, P.C. In 1993, she and S. Gail Parr formed a partnership and opened the law firm of Livingston & Parr and engaged in a general civil litigation practice with an emphasis on family law. In January 1995, she was sworn in as an associate judge for the district courts of Travis County. After her successful election, Livingston was sworn in as Judge of the 261st District Court in January 1999, the first to African American woman to do so. Since 2011, she has served as the Local Administrative Judge for the Travis County Courts. Livingston is active on several local, state and national bar association activities and serves on several boards.
Councilmember, City of Pflugerville and Litigator, Chamberlain McHaney Born and raised: Brooklyn, NY, Raised in Trophy Club, TX Moved to Austin: 1998 (Live in Pflugerville.) Education: BA in Philosophy, BA in Government, Masters in Public Affairs (MPA), Doctor of Jurisprudence (JD), all from the University of Texas at Austin Legal focus: Insurance Defense, Corporate Litigation ABBJ: Describe what you do in one sentence, two at the most. Metayer: I defend corporations, big and small, in lawsuits ranging from slip and fall cases to medical malpractice or building construction defects. I also serve the citizens of Pflugerville as their Councilmember ABBJ: Why did you decide to become a lawyer or civic professional? Metayer: Simply put, to help people. When I was 4 years old, I discovered a book my parents own named “The Kennedy Years and the Negro.” That book documented the work of several people during the Civil Rights movement, including Thurgood Marshall. Once my parents explained to me who he was and SPRING 2020
PUBLIC OFFICIALS that he was a lawyer, I decided to become one. Out of my desire to help people, it organically continued toward service at a higher level for public at large as a Councilmember in a place I love and call home, Pflugerville ABBJ: What advice would you offer someone who may be considering becoming lawyer or civic professional? Metayer: Perspective is a key attribute in life that is often understated by those in leadership. Meaning, it is just as important you are able to relate to a custodian as it is to a CEO of a major Fortune 100 company. Often times, you will be called upon to find solutions to difficult problems and if you cannot understand, or empathize, with a perspective or opinion that is different from your own, you are likely not going to find a solution that benefits everyone involved. Both as a lawyer and a Councilmember, you’re a problem solver. To do so effectively is to understand everyone’s perspective. ABBJ: What do you like most about living in Austin, Texas? Metayer: I love living in Pflugerville due to wonderful city services, the great schools, diverse population, and overall high quality of life. This old German town is the 3rd fastest growing city in the US and based on all it has to offer, you can see why. ABBJ: What are the challenges of being Black and living in Austin, Texas? Metayer: In Austin, often times you do not see the rich diversity that’s necessary to help make sure all viewpoints and perspective are engaged in helping to make a decision on a specific topic or matter. That lack of representation often times shies away young black people who may have been willing to call Austin home instead of Houston or Dallas. If you don’t see that inclusivity from the onset, you often times wonder why that is the case and makes you think twice about living in Austin. ABBJ: What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? Metayer: When I realized that often times the wrongdoing or actions of someone do not come from a place of malice (evil), but ignorance (misunderstanding). That fundamentally changed how I interacted with people for the better.
ABBJ: What life lessons have you’ve learned? Metayer: You are always interviewing. You just don’t know it. Meaning, people are always watching how you treat others, how you treat your job, how you treat society around you. Therefore, act and conduct yourself in a manner that will make those around you want you to be on “their team.” ABBJ: Where do you see yourself in 10 – 15 years? Metayer: Continuing to serve people in the Great State of Texas
ABBJ: Favorite book or book you’d recommend? Metayer: “Mindset” by Carol Dweck ABBJ: What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time? Metayer: Spending time with my wife Letisha, family and friends. Working out in Camp Gladiator, meeting with my Men’s Prayer Group, playing soccer and video games. Supporting the Texas Longhorns in all that they do.
Velva L. Price Travis County District Clerk
Velva Price was the first AfricanAmerican woman to be elected president of the Austin Bar Association and the Travis County Women Lawyers Association. She also served as president of the Austin Black Lawyers Association. Born: Denver, Colorado Raised: Everywhere due to Father’s military service in the Air Force. Moved to Austin: 1983 Education: University of Texas School of Law, J.D. Legal focus: Trial Litigation ABBJ: Describe what you do: Price: Administrator of all the District Court records and funds from 19 district courts, 4 associate courts and a magistrate court and summoning potential jurors for all the Travis County and City of Austin jury trials including grand jury service.
ABBJ: What advice would you offer someone who may be considering becoming a lawyer? Price: Being an attorney is an intellectually stimulating profession that can apply to any position or industry. A person may consider attending court to see how trials/ hearings are conducted, contact local legal organizations and/or join/attend pre-law groups. ABBJ: What do you like most about living in Austin, Texas? Price: The small town feel in a now big city. ABBJ: What life lessons have you’ve learned? Price: This lesson was taught by my parents – ‘ People are more alike than they are different and most want to make the world a better place, if given a chance’ ABBJ: Favorite book or book you’d recommend? Price: Any book that my almost book club, of the last 29 years, is reading.
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PUBLIC OFFICIALS
Eric Montgomery Shepperd Judge County Court Law #2
ABBJ: What life lessons have you learned? Shepperd: Never attribute to malice that which is adequately explained by ignorance. We just don’t know what we don’t know. Born and raised: Maryland Moved to Austin: 1982 Education: BA in Business Andrews University, JD University of Texas Legal focus: Civil Trial
ABBJ: Describe what you do. Shepperd: I help litigants resolve their differences. ABBJ: Why did you decide to become a judge? Shepperd: Because I believe in the rule of law and want to help others do so ABBJ: What advice would you offer someone who may be considering becoming a lawyer or judge? Shepperd: Read Wrote and Analyze as much as possible ABBJ: What do you like most about living in Austin, Texas? Shepperd: The people of Austin. They are for the most part warm friendly kind and sophisticated ABBJ: What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? Shepperd: Creating an environment where even pro se litigants can resolve their legal problem.
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ABBJ: Where do you see yourself in 10 – 15 years? Shepperd: Still engaged in Austin civic life in whatever way Austin would have me do so. ABBJ: Favorite book or book you’d recommend? Shepperd: Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis Background. Shortly after graduating from UT Law School in 1985, Eric Shepperd became an Assistant Attorney General in what is now called the Law Enforcement Defense Division. He went on to become the director of civil litigation for the Travis County Attorney’s Office until his election for County Court Judge in 2006. Shepperd is an active mentor in the legal community for more than 30 years. He is the immediate past president of the Austin Bar Foundation, a lecturer for the University of Texas School of Law’s Trial Advocacy Program and a professor for the Austin Community College paralegal program, teaching advanced litigation. In the past, he has had the honor to serve as president/chairman of Austin Black Lawyers Association, Texas Organized Professionals, Red Cross of Central Texas, Austin Habitat for Humanity, Leadership Austin and Texas Center for the Judiciary.
Christopher Shorter City of Austin, Assistant City Manager
Focus Areas: Health & Environment; Culture & Lifelong Learning Born and raised in: Vicksburg, MS (born), Detroit, MI (raised) Moved to Austin: February 2019 Education: University of Pittsburgh - MPA (Urban and Regional Affairs), Florida A&M University - BS (Economics) ABBJ: Describe your job. Shorter: Supporting positive outcomes around Health, Environment, Culture and Life Long Learning in the city of Austin.
SPRING 2020
PUBLIC OFFICIALS
Jeffrey W. Travillion, Sr.
ABBJ: What do you like most about living in Austin, Texas? Shorter: The parks, food, and public art
Travis County Commissioner, Precinct 1
ABBJ: What life lessons have you’ve learned? Shorter: If you can tune into your purpose and really align with it, setting goals so that your vision is an expression of that purpose, then life flows much more easily. ABBJ: Favorite book or book you’d recommend? Shorter: Guns, Germs and Steel by Jared Diamond The World is Flat Mis-Education of the Negro The Debt by Randall Robinson ABBJ: What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time? Shorter: Volunteering, swimming and working out and reading Background. Christopher J. Shorter has served in leadership roles for the District of Columbia (DC) Government for the past 10 years. Most recently he has been the district’s Director of Public Works which provides environmental services and solid waste management for residents. He has also held roles as Chief Operating Officer (COO) for DC’s Department of Health and as COO and Chief of Staff for the district’s Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services. Mr. Shorter received a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Pittsburgh’s Graduate School of Public & International Affairs and a Bachelor of Science degree in economics from Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University in Tallahassee, Florida.
Born and raised: Jackson, Mississippi Moved to Austin: 1985 Education: Bachelor of Arts, Jackson State University, WEB Dubois University Honors Program Sloan Fellow (Carnegie Mellon University, Harvard University - Master of Public Affairs, University of Texas at Austin ABBJ: Describe what you do. Travillion: I work with the Commissioners Court to fund Constitutional and statutory requirements of Travis County by State government (Court systems, county jail, public safety, indigent care) while working to understand and provide for the needs and priorities of communities in Travis County. ABBJ: Why did you decide to become a commissioner? Travillion: I understood very early that government can have a tremendous impact on the quality of life of its citizens. I believed that I had a unique perspective from working for many years to guarantee civil rights (NAACP), and as a professional in local, and state government. ABBJ: What advice would you offer someone who may be considering becoming a commissioner? Travillion: If you work on things that you believe in, your passion will be obvious and create opportunities for you.
ABBJ: What do you like most about living in Austin, Texas? Travillion: It is a great place to raise a family. ABBJ: What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? Travillion: My thinking changed when my wife and I had children. I understood that my mission was creating a space for the next generation to thrive. ABBJ: What life lessons have you’ve learned? Travillion: You only get out of this life what you put into it. ABBJ: Where do you see yourself in 10 – 15 years? Travillion: I enjoy the public space. I enjoy meeting people, sharing ideas, challenging beliefs. I plan to work in the community or teach as long as I find joy in those spaces. ABBJ: Favorite book or book you’d recommend? Travillion: I have several, but I recommend the “Crisis of the Negro Intellectual” by Harold Cruise and “In the Matter of Color” by A. Leon Higginbotham, Jr. ABBJ: What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time? Travillion: Reading, traveling, and spending time with family.
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PUBLIC OFFICIALS
Yvonne Michelle Williams Yvonne Michelle Williams, Justice of Peace, Travis County Precinct 1
Born and raised: Sublime, Hallettsville, and San Antonio Texas Moved to Austin:1989. Education: University of Houston – Juris Doctorate
ABBJ: What do you like most about living in Austin, Texas? Williams: It is the most progressive city in the state; in spite of its enormous growth it remains a pleasant place to live so far.
ABBJ: Describe what you do. Williams: I am a judge who presides over small claims, evictions, class C misdemeanor tickets, and juvenile truancy cases.
ABBJ: What experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? Williams: My college year where I became involved in organizing in the anti-apartheid movement.
ABBJ: Why did you decide to become a judge? Williams: I became a lawyer to “right the wrongs of this world” and as such I chose to prosecute civil rights and employment discrimination cases (Houston/Galveston area for years). I was coaxed into becoming a judge and so decidedly approached the role as one who respects everyone who comes before me. ABBJ: What advice would you offer someone who may be considering becoming a legal professional? Williams: Read, read, read and be involved in your community & your world. Study both academics as well as everyday life. Maintain a life of integrity and watch the company you keep. 48
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ABBJ: What life lessons have you’ve learned? Williams: There will “always be something” to challenge us. But, we have deep within us a natural resiliency to prevail when we try hard enough. ABBJ: Where do you see yourself in 10 – 15 years? Williams: Glad to be alive! ABBJ: Favorite book or books you’d recommend? Williams: For leisure, anything written by Beverly Jenkins. For all other, • “When & Where I Enter: The Impact of Black Women on Race and Sex in America” by Paula Giddings.
• “Women, Race & Class” by Angela Davis • “ILLUSIONS: Adventure of a Reluctant Messiah” by Richard Bach ABBJ: What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time? Williams: Music, movies, the woods, the desert southwest, and good company. Background. She was appointed to an associate municipal court judge post in 2006 by the Austin City Council and became the first judge selected to magistrate a night court. Williams has also been an adjunct instructor at Austin Community College since 2006, teaching legal writing courses. After winning election, a law school friend contacted Williams about a prevention/intervention program she had designed to address truancy while working with families of justice-involved youth. Dr. Grady M. Paris, J.D., senior trainer at Prairie View A&M University’s Texas Juvenile Crime Prevention Center, piloted it with JP1 and its court-involved families. Several hundred families have successfully completed the workshop series. Williams’ juvenile court was cited as a model by Texas Appleseed, when it advocated for decriminalizing truancy during the 2015 legislative session. SPRING 2020
PUBLIC OFFICIALS
Larry Wallace, Jr Mayor City of Manor
Born & Raised: I was born in Corpus Christi, Texas, on March 20th, 1980 and adopted shortly thereafter. I grew up in the Dallas-Fort. Worth area before entering the U.S. Army. Moved to Austin: I retired from the U.S. Army on June 1, 2017 and move to the Austin Metro by way of the city of Manor based on guidance from my father who has lived in the area since 2002. Education: 2008, Masters in Business Administration at Northcentral University - 2006, Masters in Human Relations & Business at Amberton University - 2005, Bachelors in Interdisciplinary Studies at University of Texas at Arlington ABBJ: Describe what you do. Wallace: Serving as the Mayor of Manor, Texas, which was acknowledged as the 7th fastest growing suburb in America (2018), 20th best small cities to live in America (2019), and among fastest growing cities in Texas (2020); an MBA Assistant Professor of Management at Huston-Tillotson University; President of Wallace Brothers & Associates which provides small business strategic planning, and Co-Owner of The Transition which mentors within the transition assistance space. I also serve as an Employment & Training Advisory Member for the Texas Veterans Commission; Manor Schoolhouse Foundation Board Member; Advocacy Co-Chair for the State of Texas Military Spouse Economic Empowerment Zone Member; and Chair for the Texas Veterans Leadership Task Force.
ABBJ: Why did you decide to run for mayor? Wallace: The City of Manor is experiencing a once in a lifetime period of growth, that significantly impacts the eastern crescent of Travis County, requiring a vision with actions that maximize the opportunities various junctions present. If I am truly an advocate for my city, a true leader offers their services than sit comfortably in an uncontested position. ABBJ: What advice would you offer someone who may be considering becoming a civil servant? Wallace: One of the biggest discussions during my Veterans in Politics Program at Syracuse University was having some type of experience and credibility to perform the job and functions sought. Desire and passion are easily beat out by knowledge and credentials, especially if you have little to no name recognition. ABBJ: Describe an experience in your life that changed the way you think about life. Wallace: In 2002, I learned to be the developmental and supportive person and leader I am today. My battalion commander (Lieutenant Colonel) at the time had a zero tolerance policy for any driving while drunk incidents. Needless to say, I ended up receiving a DUI the day after promotion to sergeant. Overnight, all the great things I strived for to make me an indispensable member of the team were voided. The awards, recognitions, training, etc., would be diluted if I was reprimanded with paperwork filed in my military records. After placing blame on everyone else, I accepted my role and decisions resulting in the incident. I also realized the best use of my time until actions were taken on me was to develop and mentor those around me with the knowledge and information, I gained but rarely shared. After a few months, it was finally judgement day with my seniors (Brigadier General), of whom I humbly acknowledged my lapse in judgement to honor my word to see a friend before he departed the next day to
a new assignment. When asked if I would do it again, I immediately said I would never drink again. But then quickly changed my answer, with saying I won’t lie followed by I may drink again but not that it hinders my judgement as a I hated my life being out of my control. My final words to my senior leadership was the relief that nobody got hurt and the expressed gratitude that the incident occurred. To their puzzlement, I explained that this incident made me find fault in my own actions, that it taught me to work with people than be out for myself, and that it taught me to start using my benefits like education before I no longer have them one day. ABBJ: What life lessons have you learned? Wallace: The biggest is a work-life balance only occurs if you make it a priority as others will conform and come to terms with your priorities, if they truly appreciate you. Other lessons would be: who you are is a brand; name recognition is not only beneficial for political success; entrepreneurship and leadership are a state of mind not necessarily tied to a position of authority; and doing what is right will always reap benefits even if they are not immediate. ABBJ: Where do you see yourself in 10-15 years? Wallace: I’m just following my heart and hopefully God’s design. ABBJ: Favorite book: Wallace: The Transition: Preparing for Financial Combat because it is about preparing transitioning service members psychologically for the next stage of their life after the military. ABBJ: What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time? Wallace: My day is never complete. Nevertheless, I consider my free time best spent with my immediate family. I was fortunate to learn early on to incorporate and take advantage of family time. To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com
49
TECHNOLOGY
CONGRATULATIONS! BLACK
SUPER LAWYERS
UP & COMING
Jasmine M. Harding  Ashley Nwonuma To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com
51
UP & COMING
Jasmine M. Harding Attorney Doyle & Seelbach PLLC
Born and Raised: I was born and raised in Humble, Texas (Greater Houston Area). Moved to Austin: I moved to Austin in 2014 for law school. Education: University of Texas School of Law, J.D. Houston Baptist University, B.A. in Journalism & Mass Communication, Minor in Christian Studies. Legal focus: Employment Law, Personal Injury and Commercial Litigation
ABBJ: Describe what you do in one sentence, two at the most. Harding: Jasmine defends individuals, employers and their leadership in workplace injury lawsuits, discrimination and retaliation lawsuits and charges of discrimination, wage claims, suits for breach of contract, various employment-related torts, and suits for violation of state and federal statutes. ABBJ: Why did you decide to become a lawyer? Harding: I was always intrigued with the law, but I was seriously inspired to become a lawyer at the age of 16 years-old when I assisted getting a decision overturned by the school board in my school district. 52
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ABBJ: What advice would you offer someone who may be considering becoming a lawyer? Harding: I would advise them to seek out mentorship, so they have reasonable expectations and are properly prepared for their legal journey. ABBJ: What life lessons have you learned? Harding: Work ethic is so incredibly important. I have learned that you do not always need to possess more experience than your opponents, you just have to outwork them. ABBJ: What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking? Harding: My first time volunteering and serving a group of those who were living in extreme poverty changed my entire thought process. It reminded me how blessed I am but most importantly, it ignited something on the inside of me to want to serve. ABBJ: Have you ever experienced overt racism? If so, when/how? Harding: I have experienced overt racism. However, covert racism and microaggressions are much more common, and happens often in various places. ABBJ: What does it feel like to be Black and living in Austin, Texas? Harding: It’s challenging and fulfilling. It’s challenging at times because the percent-
age of African Americans is smaller than other surrounding major cities. However, it can be fulfilling to interact with so many different types of people and share different experiences. ABBJ: Where do you see yourself in 10 – 15 years? Harding: In my career, I see myself with a vast array of my own clients but personally I see myself impacting the community through service, faith and sound leadership. ABBJ: Favorite book or book you’d recommend? Harding: I recommend the Becoming Michelle Obama book. I thought it was extremely encouraging regardless of your political affiliation or background. ABBJ: Tell us one thing that someone would be surprised to know about you. Harding: My two older brothers are my best friends, and we talk almost daily. In high school, they would bring flowers to almost all my games they attended. In college, my oldest brother would often come and take me to dinner and in law school, I actually lived with my other brother. ABBJ: What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time? Harding: In my leisure time, I enjoy attending my church, spending time with my loved ones, volunteering, going to the movies, and trying new restaurants. SPRING 2020
UP & COMING
Ashley Nwonuma Assistant General Counsel Texas Water Development Board
Born and Raised: I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas by my parents, who are from Nigeria (Igbo). Moved to Austin: 2007 Education: University of Texas of Austin (B.A.), University of Texas School of Law (J.D.) Legal focus: Civil litigation, insurance defense, energy and infrastructure, administrative law ABBJ: Describe what you do in one sentence.: Nwonuma: I am an advocate and problemsolver for my clients. ABBJ: Why did you decide to become a lawyer or when did you know you wanted to be a lawyer?: Nwonuma: I decided to become a lawyer because I wanted to make an impact on society, and knew that lawyers had a certain expertise and knowledge that could be helpful in that mission. ABBJ: What advice would you offer someone who may be considering becoming a lawyer?: Nwonuma: Carefully evaluate what you want to do with your life, and make sure this is something you want to do. Talk to a practicing attorney before going. Don’t be afraid to reach out to practicing attorneys (even if you
don’t know them) to ask for advice. Many would be glad to talk to you. ABBJ: What life lessons have you’ve learned?: Nwonuma: I’ve learned to always have confidence and not be intimidated. I am supposed to be in the room, and I have valid opinions to offer. No one knows everything, even if they have decades of experience. We are all still learning, no matter the age. We can all learn something from every single person on this planet. ABBJ: What was one moment or experience in your life that changed your way of thinking?: Nwonuma: A moment that changed my way of thinking was talking to a professional that asked a question about something I thought was simple. From that moment, I realized how true this quote is from Einstein: “The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don’t know.” We are all learning, and we should never be ashamed of what we don’t know as long as we are trying. ABBJ: Have you ever experienced overt racism? If so, when/how?: Nwonuma: I can’t recall any overt instances (I might have blocked it out though), but innumerable covert instances. It’s the subtle racism that is the most insidious though— death by a thousand small cuts.
ABBJ: What does it feel like to be Black and living in Austin, Texas?: Nwonuma: It feels good, I’ve always been comfortable with who I am. ABBJ: Where do you see yourself in 10 – 15 years?: I see myself continuing to grow and succeed. Nwonuma: I am a lifelong learner, and am always striving towards enlightenment in all areas of my life. ABBJ: Favorite book or book you’d recommend?: Nwonuma: I have lots of favorites, but a few that stick out in my mind right now are: The Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin, Becoming by Michelle Obama, and Siddhartha. ABBJ: Tell us one thing that someone would be surprised to know about you: Nwonuma: I have the same birthday (down to the year) as my husband. ABBJ: What do you enjoy doing in your leisure time?: Nwonuma: I enjoy trying new things, and always improving. My latest pursuits are: currently improving my swimming skills by taking lessons and practicing Brazilian JiuJitsu. I enjoy traveling, spending time with family and friends, and I am an avid reader. I read about one book a week.
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53
TECHNOLOGY
$100,000 Investment Challenge
at Black in Tech Summit in Partnership with DivInc
C
apital Factory, in partnership with DivInc, is excited to announce the next $100,000 Investment Challenge at our 2nd Annual Black in Tech Summit. DivInc is a pre-accelerator based in Austin that bridges the gap between underrepresented entrepreneurs and the resources they need to build profitable, high-growth companies. We’ve had the pleasure of working with DivInc in the past on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Challenges in Austin, Houston, and Dallas. We’re dedicated to increasing diversity in the tech community and making our coworking space an inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds and identities. Year-round Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Summits are just one example of how we’re making Capital Factory more accessible. On April 14th, during Capital Factory’s Black in Tech Summit, five technology startup finalists will pitch to prestigious judges made up of successful entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and DivInc leadership. One founder/ startup will walk away with a $100,000 investment that day! 54
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The best opportunity and pitch will receive:
• Admission to Capital Factory’s statewide VIP Accelerator • $100,000 cash investment on a SAFE or Convertible Note using Capital Factory’s term sheet • Special access to an A-List of Texas’ top entrepreneurs who add value far beyond the money you received • Automatic acceptance into our accelerator (1% Common class equity) • Access to the Capital Factory Mentor network • Access to the DivInc mentor network and community • Up to $250,000 in potential total hosting credits from AWS, and other major hosting providers (each individual offer is different and subject to change) • A podcast recording for an episode on Capital Factory’s Austinpreneur • 6 months of unlimited co-working at Capital Factory for your whole team
Startups! Submit your application Who can apply?
Any tech or consumer startup with a Black founder can apply to pitch at our Black in Tech Summit.
Take your shot at $100,000!
Apply now to be one of five teams selected to pitch. You could walk away with $100,000 and a new home at the Center of Gravity for Entrepreneurs in Texas! Application deadline is March 20. SPRING 2020
Shape the future for your family and community. The U.S. Constitution requires that every decade we count our nation’s population. By April 1, every household will receive a notice to complete the 2020 Census and be counted. Responding is important. You can shape the future for yourself, your family, and your community for the next 10 years. Data collected in the 2020 Census will inform the distribution of more than $675 billion in federal funds to states and communities each year. Businesses, community leaders, and local governments use census data to create jobs, ensure public safety preparedness, and support community initiatives. Results of the census impact funding for things like: › Schools and education
› Child and adult food assistance programs
› Health care facilities › Housing assistance
› Assistance for people transitioning out of homelessness
› Public transportation
› Career and technical education grants › Medicare Part B
2020CENSUS.GOV D-OP-BL-EN-127
CITY & COUNTY GOVERNMENT
CITY OF AUSTIN LEADERSHIP Austin is an incredible place to live, work, play and invest, and it’s easy to see why.
S
Spencer Cronk, City Manager
Jason Alexander Assistant To The City Manager
56
Austin City Managers
ince 2011, Austin has received more than 50 local and national rankings. And there are so many things to do here! For more information on what makes our city so unique , be sure to visit the Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau website.
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Nuria RiveraVandermyde Deputy City Manager
Rey Arellano Assistant City Manager
Gina Fiandaca Assistant City Manager
Rodney Gonzales Assistant City Manager
Christopher J. Shorter Assistant City Manager
Elaine Hart, Cpa Chief Financial Officer
SPRING 2020
CITY & COUNTY GOVERNMENT
Voting and Elections Voting is an important civic duty and essential for us to run our city according to the Austin community’s standards. Learn more about registering to vote and how you can vote in our local election at votetexas.gov https://www.austintexas.gov/government
Austin City Council Steve Adler Mayor
Natasha Harper-Madison District 1
Delia Garza District 2
Sabino “Pio” Renteria District 3
Gregory “Greg” Casar District 4
Ann Kitchen District 5
Jimmy Flannigan District 6
Leslie Pool District 7
Paige Ellis District 8
Kathie Tovo District 9
Alison Alter District 10
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57
COMMUNITY
My Black Photoshoot
F
or the last three years Brandon & Shaleka Boone invited African Americans in Austin to join them for a photoshoot at the Texas capitol. They were extremely surprised at the response.
58
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ABBJ: What’s the purpose/mission of the shoot? Boone: The whole purpose of the shoot is to foster community and to celebrate Black History Month in a unique way. ABBJ: What is the future goal? Boone: We hope to grow the celebration into an official city-wide event that people all over Austin and beyond look forward to every year.
ABBJ: Why did you decide to start a public, group photoshoot? Boone: Our primary goal for our organization Up SZN is to empower the culture by fostering community. So, this was a random idea we had back in December 2017 as we were brainstorming ideas on what to do for Black History Month. We always are looking for creative ways to bring the community together. We believe that community building is the first step to addressing the problems
SPRING 2020
COMMUNITY
facing black Austinites, whether they’ve been here for years or just moved.
Brandon and Shaleka Boone
ABBJ: When did you start the photoshoot? Boone: We did the first shoot in 2018. This is our 3rd year doing it the photoshoot. This is the first year that we incorporated the Post Celebration after the photoshoot. Photos courtesy www.upszn.com
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59
FINANCE
The State of Black Business and
Our Economic Impact In his famed 1968 speech “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” to assert black independence, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. called on followers to strengthen black institutions and
Brian K. Marshall
businesses by moving their money away from the white-run business and banking establishments and depositing their dollars into black owned institutions. This idea, that buying and banking from black owned businesses would empower the black community and close the racial wealth gap, has been widely embraced, historically by a diverse array of Americans including Booker T. Washington, Marcus Garvey, Richard Nixon, and recently, by former President Obama.
W
hile entrepreneurship and small business ownership for minorities has made some progress over the past 60 years, there is still much to be done. Recent numbers indicate that we have 2.5 million U.S. black-owned businesses, which generate only $150 billion in revenue. This represents negligible ownership and control over the nation’s productive capacity. For instance, in 2017, the top 100 black-owned firms identified by Black Enterprise collectively grossed $27 billion and employed 79,216 workers. While both numbers show growth of our black businesses from previous years, in contrast, Walmart, the top firm by revenue in the U.S., grossed more than twenty times as much in revenue and employed 2.2 million more workers than the entire top 100 black-owned firms. When blacks do own a business, the return to that business is lower than that of whites and falls well short of closing the racial wealth gap. According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Survey of Business Owners (SBO), over 90 percent of Latino and black firms do not have even
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one employee other than the owners, and the proportion of owner-only firms reaches close to 98 percent for African American female-led businesses. Also, even if blacks had the same business ownership rate as whites, the question of the scale and profitability of the business still would be an issue. Data from the Small Business Administration indicates that just over 19 million businesses, or 70.9 percent of all U.S. businesses, are white owned. Blacks own about 2.6 million businesses or 9.5 percent of all U.S. businesses, and Latinos own 3.3 million businesses or 12.2 percent of all American businesses. But the sales and employment numbers tell a more depressing story. The 19 million white owned businesses have 88 percent of the overall sales, and control 86.5 percent of U.S. employment, while black businesses have a mere 1.3 percent of total American sales, and 1.7 percent of the nation’s employees. Latino businesses have 4 percent of U.S. sales and 4.2 percent of U.S. employment. SPRING 2020
FINANCE
But here is a clue, businesses with paid employees have a much greater economic impact than those without employees. The annual sales of businesses without employees are on average only a fraction of the sales of businesses with employees. While there are some firms without employees that are very successful financially, the majority are not. Sixty-seven percent of firms without employees had annual sales of less than $25,000. Any profits these firms made—if they did make profits—would only be a fraction of the total sales. This means that many firms without employees do not make enough to keep their owners and their owners’ families out of poverty if the firm is the owner’s sole source of income. On the other hand, a majority (57.9 percent) of businesses with paid employees had annual sales of more than $249,999. It is more likely that these firms are earning profits for their owners.
About the author: Brian K. Marshall is the Director of Entrepreneurship at BCL of Texas and is a certified small business consultant with the Association of Accredited Small Business Consultants. His program’s mission is to “Equip and empower entrepreneurs and small owners with trusted guidance and access to capital.”
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61
SPIRITUALITY
Austin’s Black Churches Church Name
Pastor
Agape Baptist Church Alpha Seventh Day Adventist Bethany Christian Church Christian Faith Fellowship Church Church of the New Testament CrossWork Christian Center David Chapel Missionary Baptist East 19th Street Missionary Baptist East Side Church of Christ Ebenezer Baptist Church First Presbyterian Baptist Church Gates of Dominion Word MinistryInternational Grant A.M.E. Worship Center Greater Calvary Baptist Church Greater Mt. Moriah Primitive Baptist Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church Greater Union Baptist Higher Dimension Church Holy Cross Catholic Church Imani Community Church Joshua Chapel C.M.E. Little Zion Baptist Metropolitan AME Church Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church Mt. Olive Baptist Church Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church Mt. Zion Baptist Church New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church New Covenant Church New Hope Baptist Church New Lincoln Missionary Baptist Church Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church Rehoboth Baptist Church Simpson United Methodist Church Solid Rock Missionary Baptist Church St. James Missionary Baptist Church St. James Episcopal Church St. John Primitive Baptist Church St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church St.Peter United Methodist Church St. Stephens MBC-Northstar Sweet Home Baptist Church True Light Baptist Church Wesley United Methodist Zion Rest M.B. Church
H. Ed Calahan Dr. Gordon S. Jones Rev. W.W. Booker
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Billy J. Walker John F. McCormick Rev. Joseph C. Parker, Jr. Rev. M.C. Walker George Williams - Minister Dr. Ricky Freeman Elizabeth McLean Michael A. Price - Apostle Rev. Sylvester Delaney Patton III Archbishop Dr. Sterling Lands, II Chester F. Brown, III Gaylon Clark Pastor Rickey E. Williams Bishop Sid Deon Johnson Rev. Basil Aguzie, MSP
Rev. N. Jordan Mkwanazi Rev. L.K. Jones Rev. Richard E. Carter A. W. Anthony Mays Rev. G. V. Clark
Pastor Roy F. Jones II Rev. Darron E. Patterson Pastor Nathaniel T. Cannon, Jr. Robert C. Waddle John M. Perez Dr. B.W. McClendon, Sr. Rev. Madeline Hawley
Rev. Richard A. Coaxum Jack Gause BJE McQueen Dr. Dante R Wright Sylvester Chase R.E. Foster
Address
City
7801 North Lamar Blvd., Bldg. F-15 Austin 3016 East 51st Street Austin 3507 East 12th Street Austin 14900 Avery Ranch Blvd. Suite C200 Austin 1602 Harvey Street Austin 4 Applegate Cir Round Rock 2211 E. MLK Jr. Blvd. Austin 3401 Rogge Ln Austin 5701 East MLK Jr., Blvd. Austin 1010 East 10th Street Austin 8001 Mesa Drive Austin 5050 Commercial Park Dr., Suite A-1 Austin 1701 Kramer Lane Austin 6510 Berkman Drive Austin 4907 Springdale Road Austin 4301 Tannehill Lane Austin 2939 Pecan Springs Austin 1310 Salina Street Austin 1610 East 11th Street Austin 5214 Duval Road Austin 1309 East 12 St Austin 406 East Burton St. Manor 1101 E. 10TH STREET Austin 2111 S.L. Davis Ave. Austin 2718, 1800 E 11th St Austin 5900 Cameron Road Austin 2938 East 13th Street Austin 3403 Manor Road Austin 507 Commercial Drive Buda 2405 East 16th Street Austin 2215 East 8th Street Austin 1158 Webberville Road Austin 5303 Samuel Huston Ave Austin 1701 East 12th @ Leona Austin 1014 Gardner Road Austin 3417 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd Austin 1941 Webberville Road Austin 1709 E.M. Franklin Austin 1160 Hargrave St Austin 1202 Russell St Pflugerville 4509 Springdale Road Austin 12300 Amherst Dr Austin 3200 Sunrise Rd Round Rock 1300 Fort Branch Blvd. Austin 1164 San Bernard Austin Austin 3326 Paisano Trail Austin
State
Zip
Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas Texas
78752 78723 78721 78717 78702 78665 78702 78723 78721 78702 78731 78724 78758 78723 78723 78721 78723 78702 78702 78757 78702 78653 78702 78702 78702 78723 78702 78723 78610 78702 78702 78721 78721 78702 78721 78721 78721 78721 78702 78660 78723 78727 78665 78721 78721 78745
SPRING 2020
BLACK RESTAURANTS & FOOD TRUCKS Type Food
Name
Website
African
Cheap Date
https://www.facebook.com/CheapdateAustin-130884130646017/?ref=page_internal
Emoji’s Grilled Cheese
www.EmojisGrilledCheese.com
My Granny’s Kitchen
https://www.facebook.com/My-Grannys-Kitchen-431160566944688/
American
Country Boyz Fixins
places.singleplatform.com
Dirty Glove Midwest BBQ
https://www.facebook.com/Dgmbbq313/
Sam’s BBQ
https://www.facebook.com/ATXBBQ/
Willie’s Bar-B-Q
https://www.facebook.com/Willies-Bar-B-Que-105259916179491/
Jean-Jean’s Cajun Barbque
https://www.facebook.com/JeanJeans-Cajun-Barbque-434878466676325/
Original New Orleans Po-Boy
http://www.theoriginalneworleanspoboygumboshop.com/
Wild Magnolias
https://www.facebook.com/WildMagnolias/
Big Easy Bar & Grill
https://www.facebook.com/barandgrillbigeasy/
Chicken wings
Ooh Wee Chicken
https://www.facebook.com/Ooh-Wee-Chicken-254822834684553/
Comfort food
Lard Have Mercy
https://www.facebook.com/Lardhavemercy/
Christen’s Gourmet Pralines
www.christenpraline.com
American, Cajun, & Soul Barbecue Cajun Barbecue Cajun Creole
Creole
La Gris Gris
https://www.facebook.com/ConjureNoir/
Pink Sugar Sweets
https://www.facebook.com/pinksugaraustin/
Sweet Epiphany
https://www.facebook.com/sweetepiphanytreats/
Sweet Sensations Desserts
http://sweetsensationstex.wix.com/home#!about/cjg9
The Black Banana Dessert Bar
https://www.facebook.com/TheBlkBanana/
Word of Mouth Bakery
http://wordofmouthbakery.com/
Sweet Temptations
www.sweettemptationsbymo.com
Asters Ethopian Restaurant
https://www.astersethiopianrestaurant.com/
Haesha Ethopian Restaurant
http://www.habeshaaustin.com/
Nubian Queen Lola
http://nubianqueenlolas.com/
Taste of Ethiopia
www.tasteofethiopiaaustin.com
Gemma Love Jamaican Cuisine
https://www.facebook.com/GemmaLoveJamaicanCuisine/
Tony’s Jamaican Food
https://www.facebook.com/Tonys-Jamaican-Food-370547336313465/
Goodies and Bits
https://roaminghunger.com/goodies-bits/
Y’all Down Home Cafe
http://www.yalldownhomecafe.com/
Elevated Soul
https://www.facebook.com/erinselevatedsoul
Galloway Sandwich Shop
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Galloways-Sandwich-Shop/109666675736229
Hoover’s Cooking
http://www.hooverscooking.com/
Krack of Dawn Breakfast and Donuts
https://www.facebook.com/krackofdawndonuts/
Lil Mama’s Corner Cafe
https://www.facebook.com/pg/LilMamasKitchenTX/about/?ref=page_internal
Marie’s Menu
https://www.facebook.com/mariesmenu/
Midtown Sports Bar & Cafe
https://www.facebook.com/MidtownLive/
Mr Catfish and More
https://www.facebook.com/thebestcatfish/
The Rolling Rooster
www.therollingrooster.com/
Roland’s Soul Food and Fish
https://www.facebook.com/rolandssoulfood
Three Chicks Soul Food
https://www.facebook.com/threechickssoulfood
Southern Hospitality
http://sohosfoods.us/
African
Wasota African Cuisine
https://www.facebook.com/wasotaveganparadise/
American
Baby Greens
http://eatbabygreens.com
Soul Food
Sassy's Vegitarian Soul Food
https://www.facebook.com/sassysvegetariansoulfood/
Desserts
Desserts/Custom Sweets
Ethiopian
Jamaican Soul Food & Barbecue
Soul Food
Southern comfort Vegetarian
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BLACK BUSINESS DIRECTORY TYPE
BUSINESS NAME
WEB ADDRESS
Advertising Agency
Sanders/Wingo
https://www.sanderswingo.com/
Agape Family Barbershop Marshall’s Barber Shop
Barber Shop
Beauty Mary Kay Rep
Beauty Salon
Beauty Supply
PHONE
PHYSICAL ADDRESS
https://www.facebook.com/Agape-FamilyBarbershop-107320889326709/
512-542-9994
3218 E Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Austin, TX 78721
https://www.facebook.com/pages/MarshallsBarber-Shop/143649095666663
512-472-0302
1915 E 12th Street, Austin, TX 78702
Wooten’s Barber Shop
https://www.facebook.com/Wootenbarber/
512-477-0109
2106 Guadalupe Street
Tie’s Barbershop
https://www.facebook.com/TiesBarbershop-1472681953025553/
512- 906-2775
628 E. Oltorf Dr Suite B
Legendary Cuts
http://www.legendarycutsaustin.com
512-953-1360
4700 Loyola Ln #107, Austin, TX 78723
Zeus Barbershop
https://www.facebook.com/ZeusBarberShop
512-443-4142
4360 S Congress Ave, Ste 102, Austin, TX 78745-1909
Kutting Edge Barber Shop, Trae The Barber
https://www.facebook.com/ nicecutatkuttingedge/
817- 840-8619
1779 Wells Branch Pkwy #110A
Kut Klose Barber Shop
http://www.kutklosebarbershop.com/
512-252-9260
821 Grand View Pkwy Austin, TX 78660
Keesha Nix, Indepedndent Beauty Consultant
www.marykay.com/KeeshaNix
512-963-7197
513 Hickroy Run Dr. Cedar Park, TX 78613
Ann’s Private Cuts
https://www.facebook.com/anngosey61/
512- 491-8730
11139 N Interstate Hwy 35, Austin, TX 78753
Black Hair Unlimited
http://www.blackhairunlimited.com/
512- 423-3940
3218 E Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
JaeUndreas Natural Hair Care
http://www.jaeundreas.net/
512-840-0660
7517 Cameron Rd. Ste 105 Austin, TX 78752
Salon Envee
https://www.facebook.com/SalonEnvee-172328024723/
512- 767-8877
702 W St Johns Ave, Ste C, Austin, TX
The Hair Clinic
http://thehairclinicaustin.com/
512- 608-4016
3016 Guadalupe Street
Gabrielle’s Salon & Day Spa
http://www.gabriellesalonspa.com/index.html
512-323-0798
9012 Research Blvd Suite C7
512- 494-4327
1923 E 7th St #170, Austin, TX 78702
512-265-2155
7500 Rialto Blvd. #250, Austin, TX 78735 7703 North Lamar Blvd.
Boojee Hair Austin
https://boojeehair.com/
Ball Business Consulting Business Consulting
Darrell K Malone Consulting
www.dkmalone.com
512-879-6307
Sirach Consulting, LLC
http://sirachconsulting.com/
512-790-4524 512-579-6517
College or University
Construction
Unbound Consulting
www.theunboundgroup.com
512-994-2883
Huston-Tillotson University
http://htu.edu/
512-505-3000
900 Chicon St, Austin, TX 78702
Virginia College
https://www.vc.edu/locations/austin/
512- 371-3500
14200 N. Interstate Hwy. 35 Austin, TX 78728
Bridgeucation
www.bridgeucation.com
Aleon Properties, Inc.
www.aleonpropertiesinc.com
Haynes-Eaglin Waters Construction
http://www.hewaustin.com/
512-451-6600
6448 E Hwy 290 Ste D-105, Austin, TX 78723
MM Family Dentistry
http://www.mmfamilydentistry.com/
512-477-9775
2113 East Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Suite 105, Austin, TX 78702
Frazier Dentistry
http://frazierdentistry.com/
512-453-3879
7333 E. US Hwy. 290, Austin, TX 78753
Dentist
64
To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com
SPRING 2020
BLACK BUSINESS DIRECTORY TYPE
BUSINESS NAME
WEB ADDRESS
PHONE
Demitra N. Alexander, CPA, PC
http://www.dalexandercpa.com/
512-535-7932
Hopkins Tax & Accounting
http://www.hopkinstaxaccounting.com/
512-829-1088
7600 Chevy Chase Dr. #300, Austin, TX 78752
Bobs Tax Teachers
http://www.bobstaxteachers.com/
512-252-1927
200 E Pecan St., Pflugerville, Tx 78660
512-808-7656
6200 Bridge Point Pkwy, Bldg 4, Ste 300, Austin, TX 78753
Finance
Financial Check-up and Review Home Organization Human Resources
Nicky Fix My life
https://www.facebook.com/ groups/1907248392929347/
512-522-2016
ChelaWorks
http://www.chelawhiteramsey.com/Shop.php
228-326-7768
PHYSICAL ADDRESS 5407 N IH 35 Ste 303 Austin, TX 78723
Pat Bell | HR Consulting
http://patbellhr.com/
361-861-0086
Interior Design
Stephanie Sullivan Interior Design
http://www.ssinteriordesign.com
512--593-1437
Magazine
Austin Black Business Journal & Community News Magazine
www.austinblackbusiness.com
512-380-1611
Marketing
Elevation Firm
https://elevationfirm.com/
512-910-2420
Floor 14, 600 Congress Ave, Austin, Tx 78701
Newspaper
The Villager Newspaper
http://theaustinvillager.com/
512-476-0082
4132 E. 12th Street, Austin, TX 78721
Non-profit Organization
National Black MBA Association Austin
http://austinblackmba.org/
Nonprofit
Child Inc
http://childinc.org/
H|Adewumi Photography
http://hadewumi.com/
Photography
Public Relations Firm
P.O. Box 144822 Austin, TX 78714-4822 512-451-7361
Alfy Wilmot Photography
http://www.alfywilmotphotography.com/
512-537-5451
Look At Me! Media
https://www.facebook.com/lookatmemedia/
512-296-3341
Northstar Photography
www.flickr.com/photos/lissiaz/
512-422-7968
Rebuk Artist Photography
http://www.rebuckartisticphotography.com/
512-367-9747
Texas Touch Photography
https://www.facebook.com/ TexasTouchPhotography/
512-905-3371
818 E 51st Street, Austin, TX 78751
Cindy Elizabeth Photography
http://www.cindyelizabeth.com/
D.Hills Photography
https://www.dhillsphotography.com/
Adisa Public Relations
www.makingthingsclear.com
512-472-6112
Donald Harrell - Century 21
http://www.century21.com/real-estate-agent/ profile/donald-harrell-P25253564
512-968-3290
E Infinity Realty
https://www.facebook.com/einfinityrealty/
512-807-9292
Edie C. Phillips Real Estate
http://ediecphillips.com/
512-775-0637
106 E 6th St #900, Austin, TX 78701
6205 Burnet Rd. B, Austin, TX 78757
Anita C Roberts
www.luxuryaustinproperties.com
512-380-1611
1801 S MoPac Expy #100, Austin, TX 78746
Kathy De La Cruz (Realtor) Re/Max Posh Propeties South
http://www.remax.com/realestateagentoffice/ austin-tx-78735-kathydelacruz-id27266661. html
512-470-4877
5501 W Hwy 290 Suite C, Austin, TX 78735
Real Estate
W.G. Hunt & Co. Yinka Oyefeso - Keller Williams Realty
http://www.kw.com/kw/agent/austin-budaforsalehome
Funmi Ogunro
https://www.facebook.com/layo88
Videographer Documentary You - Justin Humphries
512-478-3451
1721 E 12th St, Austin, TX
(660)693-3376
1801 S MoPac Expy #100, Austin, TX 78746
https://www.facebook.com/JustinJoyful
To advertise email sales@blackbusinessjournal.com
65
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