0.c - Public Communication - Request for Historic Landmark Consideration of Blackshear Elementary School — original pdf

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Begin forwarded message: From: "Berry, Xiara A." Subject: Request for Historic Landmark Consideration – Blackshear Elementary School, 1712 E. 11th St, Austin, TX Date: February 22, 2026 at 11:31:40 PM CST To: "historiclandmarks@austintexas.gov" <historiclandmarks@austintexas.gov>, "BC- Ben.Heimsath@austintexas.gov" <BC-Ben.Heimsath@austintexas.gov>, "BC- Kevin.Koch@austintexas.gov" <BC-Kevin.Koch@austintexas.gov>, "BC- Judah.Rice@austintexas.gov" <BC-Judah.Rice@austintexas.gov>, "BC- Jeffrey.Acton@austintexas.gov" <BC-Jeffrey.Acton@austintexas.gov>, "BC- Roxanne.Evans@austintexas.gov" <BC-Roxanne.Evans@austintexas.gov>, "BC- Carl.Larosche@austintexas.gov" <BC-Carl.Larosche@austintexas.gov>, "BC- Jaime.Alvarez@austintexas.gov" <BC-Jaime.Alvarez@austintexas.gov>, "BC- Trey.McWhorter@austintexas.gov" <BC-Trey.McWhorter@austintexas.gov>, "BC- Tonya.Pleasant@austintexas.gov" <BC-Tonya.Pleasant@austintexas.gov>, "BC- Harmony.Grogan@austintexas.gov" <BC-Harmony.Grogan@austintexas.gov>, "BC- Bat.Taniguchi@austintexas.gov" <BC-Bat.Taniguchi@austintexas.gov> Cc: "Rudd, Mueni L." Some people who received this message don't often get email from Learn why this is important External Email - Exercise Caution Dear Members of the Historic Landmark Commission, My name is Xiara Berry, and I am a student at Huston-Tillotson University enrolled in SOCI 4308: Cultural Advocacy and Community-Led Preservation. I am writing to advocate for the historic recognition and consideration of Blackshear Elementary School, 1712 E. 11th St, Austin, TX, located in East Austin. Through research including archival materials, community history, and architectural documentation, I have learned that this site is significant because: •It provided education for Black children during segregation when opportunities were limited •It served as an important gathering place and support system for the Black community in East Austin • It represents the strength, resilience, and shared history of Black communities in Austin This site contributes to the cultural and historical landscape of East Austin and reflects broader narratives of Black community life, resilience, and place-making in the city. Given ongoing development pressures and the importance of preserving underrepresented histories, I respectfully request that the Commission consider reviewing this property for potential historic designation and/or discussion at a future meeting. Thank you for your time and for your service to the city. Sincerely, Xiara Berry Huston-Tillotson University SOCI 4308 Student 2