Our History

Black Austin Democrats traces its roots back to the early 1980s, likely around 1981 or 1982, mirroring the emergence of similar groups across Texas. This momentum was ignited by the establishment of the Coalition of Black Democrats in 1980. The statewide organization's genesis is detailed on its website:

 

The concept that evolved into the Coalition of Black Democrats began in January 1979 at the home of Mrs. Sallye Moore of Grand Prairie, Texas. A small group from Arlington, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Grand Prairie met to discuss the possibility of establishing a network between African Americans in the Metroplex. The group met for about six months and later decided to call a meeting of African American grassroots leaders from across the state to share the idea. 

 

The meeting was held at the Holiday Inn in Duncanville, Texas on August 25, 1979. Robert Malson, Assistant Director of Domestic Policy for the White House was the speaker. Those in attendance enthusiastically embraced the idea and decided to call a statewide meeting to be held in Austin, Texas. Several planning meetings were held including Austin in October 1979 and Corsicana in January 1980.

 

The first state conference was held in Austin on February 22-24, 1980. Three hundred fifty-six registered delegates participated in the Austin meeting.

 

Workshops were conducted by Conrad Mallet, Jr., Black Affairs, DNC; Dr. James R. Ukockis, Sr., Economist, Department of Treasury; Edgar Berlin, Department of Labor; David Rivers, Department of Energy; Eddie B. Johnson, Health Service Administration. The Luncheon Speaker was Congressman Ron Dellums (D-California) and the banquet speaker was Ambassador Andrew Young.

 

Among the Austinites instrumental in the organization's founding were Richard Scott, Ben Dukes, Sr., Wilhemina Delco, and numerous others. Notably, a significant portion of the organization's early membership comprised government employees, elected officials, and individuals affiliated with core Democratic Party constituencies, including labor.

"Everyone in the Black community must organize, and then we decide whether we will have alliance with other people or not, but not until we are organized."

- H Rap Brown