Austin’s creative scene pulses at the heart of the city’s culture. This Black History Month, The Daily Texan spotlighted local Black artists whose work pushes boundaries, tells untold stories and redefines the nature of art so readers can connect deeper with Black artistry.
A 2020 Moody Dean Scholar graduate, Jade Fabello built himself a distinct voice in the journalism world, writing works for Texas Monthly, Austin Monthly, UT News, Batshit Times and more. He uses his newsletter, I Love Words and You, as a personal canvas for meaningful discourse, where he emulates his appreciation for written craft. Through his words, he invites readers to ponder intimate dialogues regarding culture, art, grief and love. Those seeking compelling storytelling that blends intellect with emotion shouldn’t miss Fabello’s work.
Having once brought UT’s beloved mascot, Hook ‘Em, to life, Christian Coffey, a 2022 Department of Theatre and Dance graduate, still visits his old stomping grounds at the arena occasionally but now as a master of ceremonies. An arena host for the Texas Longhorns and the Austin Spurs, his carefully crafted mic work electrifies the crowd. Whether through rallying fans or keeping the energy high during halftime, his passion for sports and talent to connect with audiences make him a vital part of every game. Keep an eye out to catch him hyping up the crowd at the next UT basketball game!
During his time as a UT student, Adraint Bereal published “The Black Yearbook,” a biography and memoir comprising over 200 images and 50 interviews with Black students at UT. Displayed in the George Washington Carver Museum in Austin and covered by The New York Times and The Washington Post, his project offers a look into the lives of Black students on their journey at a predominately white campus. Since graduating, Bereal has continued his artistic pursuits in photography and directing. Students should explore his memoir to witness how he captures the duality of agony and ecstasy of the Black college experience.
When she’s not teaching in the classroom, one can find Tammie Rubin in a studio crafting away and bringing her artistic visions to life. An accomplished sculptor and installation artist with praise from the Austin American-Statesman and The Austin Chronicle, her ceramic pieces often incorporate everyday objects to explore themes of tradition and home through maps and coded symbols. Some of her work sits at the grayDUCK Gallery, inviting onlookers into her imaginative world.
