Blog #5

I thoroughly enjoyed reading individual stories in the book Images of America Austin's Rosewood Neighborhood, which added to the deep, rich contextual history of East Austin.  A couple of things caught my eye that I would like to share.  I found it very interesting that President Bill Clinton visited the Rosewood Recreation Center in East Austin prior to a neighborhood-wide cleanup.  This seems very similar to what UT does every year with The Project. Maybe we can call President Obama to come give an opening speech to kick off The Project!  I think it is pretty cool that a Juneteenth Celebration still occurs in Rosewood Park (the first celebration was in 1900).  Also, something that has remained a huge part of the Rosewood community churches. Many of the churches have been around for over 100 years.  The process of changing the name of 19th street to MLK is quite interesting.  Many people did not want the change because they protested the patronizing gesture of dedicating only that section of the boulevard that runs through predominantly black neighborhoods.  The name was still changed.  I, personally, don't see it as offensive.  This book was really cool to read and I loved seeing pictures with each story, making it easier to visualize.