Austin, Texas, was a bustling city in the 1960s. It was known for its vibrant music and arts scene and its growing technology industry. The University of Texas at Austin was a significant presence in the city and was home to many influential musicians, artists, and writers. Austin was also the site of several important political events during the 1960s, including creating the Texas Democratic Party’s “Texas Two Step” primary system and the passage of the city’s first land development code.
The civil rights movement was a social and political movement that sought to end discrimination and segregation against African Americans in the United States. The movement significantly impacted Austin and other cities across the country during the 1960s. In Austin, the movement was led by organizations such as the Austin chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Austin Youth Council. These organizations worked to end segregation in schools and public facilities and to ensure that African Americans had equal access to education, housing, and other opportunities. During the early 1960s, students protested segregated lunch counters, restaurants, and movie theaters. After the 1964 Civil Rights Act outlawed racial discrimination in public accommodations, the barriers gradually receded. However, discrimination persists in areas such as employment and housing. In 1968, African Americans won a school-board seat and, in 1971, a city-council seat in the town, regaining a foothold in the local political leadership.
Some stunning historical photos show Austin, Texas, in the 1960s.
