East Austin is set to honor notable figures in youth sports and mentorship with a Wall of Honor unveiling ceremony. Taking place on December 6 at noon, the event will be held at Rosewood Park in the Britton, Durst, Howard, and Spence Building. Details released by the City of Austin indicate the celebration is open to the public, and admission is free.
The Wall of Honor will pay tribute to individuals who have been pivotal in shaping opportunities for Black youth in East Austin, particularly during a time when segregation was a stark reality. Among those being recognized are leaders like L.D. Washington and Nathaniel Cannon, who have made lasting contributions through organizations such as the East Austin Youth Foundation and the Greater East Austin Youth Association—cornerstones for community development and youth empowerment in sports.
Located within a building that was renamed in 2011 to honor community leaders like Lawrence M. Britton, Sr., and James Howard, the wall resides in a recognized hub for Black youth athletics. James Howard's partnership with Nathaniel Cannon led to the creation of the Greater East Austin Youth Association, which has been a staple in bolstering community strength and inclusivity in sports.
L.D. Washington's legacy as coach and mentor reached well beyond the playing fields, earning him honors, inclusive of the Al Edwards Juneteenth Un-Sung Hero Award in 2001 and a later induction into the Prairie View Interscholastic Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2016. His work has left an indelible mark on the community and on the lives he touched.
The initiative for the Wall of Honor was sparked by Kenneth D. Thompson, Sr., in collaboration with Lee Dawson, Jr., who both have personal ties to the East Austin Youth Foundation, the latter currently serving as the president of the Greater East Austin Youth Association. The project saw fruition thanks to funding from the Austin Parks Foundation’s Austin City Limits Music Festival Grants Program.
