As I rode down I-35 transitioning from high school to a young college freshman, the view of the capital and the tower on my new campus was breathtaking. I was about to embark on a love affair with a university, city, and a culture that one cannot find anywhere else- unless they are looking for a town full of black people. Such was not my mission however upon arriving here. Anxious to be in a place with diversity yes, but more than that, a culture of educated, warm, and sociable people, I immediately found and loved my new home.
I have heard that many black people find Austin socially discouraging, with the black population being around 9%. My only retort is what difference does that make? Is a city only as good as the number of people living in it who look and think just like you? In 1996, I lived in Tokyo where I never came in contact with another 6ft tall black woman. This minor detail never kept me from appreciating Japanese culture, their rich history, and most profoundly, their people. Though I lived amongst of city where I could in no way relate racially, I felt comfortable. More than comfort, I felt a sense of pride in my ability to represent my race in a world so foreign to my previous existence. I was able to share and make an impression unlike any where else. What became important then was not to seek out a black niche in Tokyo, but also, as a black person, to make my mark on a place where few black people lay their head.
Some might say, if you can be black and happy in Tokyo, Japan, you can be happy anywhere. Not necessarily. After living in San Jose, California, Japan, and Austin I could never imagine living in a place where everyone looks like me. First, I realize that a city with a large black population does not guarantee that everyone will act, think, and possess the same ambitions as I. Nor does it assure that I will be happy. The happy part is my responsibility. Now that I have grown in my expectations of the world at the ripe age of 27, I am looking less for people of like background, mind, and influence, but more of what I can learn, experience, and share with others who are different. One thing I have found is that people of different backgrounds have much more in common that I'd ever thought. Sure, I couldn't convince anyone of my Japanese friends in Tokyo that peanut butter was real food, but, we related on the human level of compassion, interaction, and a mutual respect for each other. I suspect if I were to live in a city without these cultural differences, I would wilt as a person.
Coming from a small town with a sizeable black population, my exposure to Indian, Asian, and Hispanic people was unfortunately limited. My freshman year at UT allowed understand and appreciate these cultures. Before UT, who knew that Fleetwood Mac was so good, and that the guitar of Stevie Ray Vaughn could be so entrancing? Not only have I been able to mingle in many social circles, but, I have been collectively sought after to join scenes to make it more diverse. The key to being sought after though, is to be interested and genuine in a love for people.
In my life, it has always been about getting the full meal. Sitting down to, and/or seeking the same element in every aspect of my in terms of race seems to be a road toward limitation. By opening up to others and seeking to join, not divide, I have found my options for friendship, entertainment, and culture widely broadened and revealed. Living in Austin has only added to that palate of social desire for me. Never have I felt shunned, out of place, or unwelcome in a place with so much to offer all races of people. Running on Town Lake, taking in the Austin Ballet, standing on the bridge to see the bats, or having a huge helping of pancakes at Magnolia (where your waitress probably has a Master's degree), are all things that make this place fun, exciting, and culturally diverse. Yes, there are definitely things about Austin that I don't love - traffic, traffic, traffic, but a 9% black population is not one of them. I fail to see how my life would be more or less enriched if the demographic were instead 20%.
Should you think I am alone in my love for this city, look no further than one of my black neighbors living happily in Austin. Some might say that we live in one of the more affluent parts of town, but we are not the only blacks, nor are we one of two. Says, Cheryl, "Austin may not have everything we want, but it is an open environment, a great place for kids, and good for professional African Americans who are progressive. You can find a niche." Besides this, I have made a family of friends from various backgrounds: Korean, Cuban, white, and black. I shudder to think what might have happened had I only made a point to meet and befriend only my black neighbors, or join black organizations. For I would have missed out on good friends, laughter, and, most of all, the full meal.