Homecoming Block Party
Experience the Future of Black Austin’s Legacy at the E4 Youth Homecoming Block Party
Save the date. Bring your family. Invite your neighbors. The story of Black Austin continues, and you can help shape it.
October 12, 2025
Kenny Dorham’s Backyard (next to Victory Grill)
Free and open to the public
On Sunday, October 12, the heart of East Austin will come alive with purpose as E4 Youth hosts the WOW Homecoming Block Party at Kenny Dorham’s Backyard, right next to the historic Victory Grill.
This free public event offers a rare, immersive preview of the upcoming What Once Was (WOW) Heritage Center, a new cultural institution dedicated to preserving, amplifying, and activating the creative legacy of Austin’s Black communities.
The Block Party is more than a celebration. It’s a homecoming. It’s also the beginning of a movement.
Attendees will experience a powerful mix of history, technology, and community spirit, including:
Bus Tours led by Austin Black Tours exploring historic cultural landmarks
An AR walking tour guided by a 3D avatar of Jacob Fontaine, a 19th-century Black publisher and community leader
Live storytelling and music from East Austin creatives across generations
Food and vendor booths showcasing local Black-owned businesses and artisans
A first look at the WOW Heritage Center, planned to open by Juneteenth 2026
The WOW Center will serve as a cornerstone of the Austin African American Cultural Heritage District. It will be a permanent, youth-powered site where immersive storytelling, education, and creative training intersect to honor history and shape the future.
The Block Party also marks the official launch of the capital campaign that will fund the center’s development.
“This is about more than memory,” says Carl Settles, CEO of E4 Youth. “It’s about reclaiming space, nurturing creative talent, and making sure Black voices continue to be seen and heard in Austin’s story.”
Whether you’ve lived in East Austin all your life or are just beginning to understand its history, this is a chance to connect, reflect, and contribute.
