AUSTIN, Texas — In the war against gentrification, Sue Spears is fighting to save Black culture in East Austin, a battle she says is about preserving Black history that’s been neglected throughout the years.
“We need to stand up and protect what's left because a lot of our historical schools and places are gone. And if it keeps up this way, we won't have anything left," said Spears.
For more than 20 years, Spears has been a strong advocate for Bethany Cemetery, a historic graveyard located on 12th Street and Springdale.
Over the years, she’s worked with community groups like the Martin Luther King Neighborhood Association to mark the cemetery as a historical landmark in order to honor those who came before her.
“We have slaves that lived there [who] are buried here. We have Civil War soldiers. We have some of the very first Black citizens in East Austin, so I think this whole area has a lot of historical significance. And they're just slowly inching away at, you know, our history in East Austin,” said Spears.
Spears’ son Dex X said he grew up near the cemetery as he recalled his first school field trip to the site.
"I walked past the cemetery every day for like six or seven years going to Sim's Elementary right across the street. We cut across here to go play with friends. We've always respected the cemetery,” said X.
Last month, the City of Austin voted to upzone the lot adjacent to the cemetery.
The decision allows developers to build multi-unit residential homes and commercial spaces.
While city leaders say rezoning is an opportunity for growth in East Austin, Spears believes it can do more harm than good without them truly knowing the boundaries of the cemetery.
As Spears pointed out various gravestones located outside of the fence line, she said, "Earlier maps showed that the cemetery is actually probably bigger than what we thought it would be. We just think it’s a bigger plan for gentrification."
During a city council meeting on Aug. 26, city leaders approved the zoning request with all of the present members in favor.
"We can either deny this case and the site will still develop with 78 market rate units and on-site detention. Or we can approve the rezoning request to allow an additional 50 units with 10% of the total units affordable at 60% median family income,” said Austin Mayor Pro Tem Natasha Harper-Madison said.
Harper-Madison went on to say that rezoning will also resolve flooding issues in adjacent neighborhoods.