The Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce launched its new campaign to address the declining black population in Austin.
"I am Black Austin" is a social media initiative to lend a narrative to what is means to be black in Austin.
Tuesday night, the group unveiled a portrait exhibit at Austin City Hall. The photos document African-Americans from Austin in a wide range of ages and industries.
Some of the people featured in the exhibit include City Manager Marc Ott, former NFL quarterback Vince Young and chef Hoover Alexander.
The portraits aim to show that blacks are thriving in Austin despite their declining population.
"It's really to show that there are a variety of different people here partaking in all the things again that make this city really awesome,” Natalie Madeira Cofield with the Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce said. “Also, I hope that when people walk through City Hall, they see a representation of themselves even reflected in the people that are photographed."
The portraits will be on display at City Hall until Feb. 3. After that, they’ll be moved to the Dedrick Hamilton House on East 11th Street.
People can spread the word about the campaign on social media using #IAmBlackAustin.