Earlier in this millennium a consistent conversation heard around Austin, Texas centered around two discussions when it came to its citizens of color: the population was shrinking at an alarming rate and the quality of life for those African-Americans living in Austin lacked a sense of community. 

 

The Institute for Urban Policy Research and Analysis revealed in the U.S. Census data from 2000 to 2010 that cities experiencing general population growth greater than 10% saw simultaneous growth in their African-American population. And that the average rate of African-American population growth for the ten fastest growing major cities in the United States was 16.7%[1]. 

 

Austin, Texas made the list of the top 10 fastest growing US cities. However there was one glaring difference between Austin and the rest of the cities. 

 

From Charlotte, North Carolina to Portland, Oregon all can claim positive growth in its African-American population as well. 

 

Except in Austin, Texas

 

Since these earlier studies the city has certainly tried to change this picture. 

But now, almost 20 years into the millennium, the sad story is that Austin still lags woefully behind with regard to this population. 

 

A little over a year ago, KXAN ran a story entitled: “African-Americans are moving to Austin again, but many don’t feel welcome.”[2] The article, taking its numbers from the latest Census shows the total number of African-Americans in the city is on the rise, but the percentage of the population that is black continues to fall, down to 7.6 percent as more people move in. 

 

Indeed most predict if something is not done to stop this migration, in just a few decades Austin, TX will not have a discernible African-American population. 

    

[1] The Institute For Urban Policy Research & Analysis 

 

[2] KXAN Austin Texas NBC Affiliate