Austin Library Exhibit Celebrates Black Entrepreneurs

"The Holding Spaces Project" highlights the stories behind Black-owned businesses in the city.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A new exhibition at the Austin Public Library, curated by "Of Color," is putting the spotlight on Black entrepreneurs and the community spaces they create in the city. The "Holding Spaces Project" features editorial-style portraits and personal narratives that celebrate the resilience and impact of Black-owned businesses, many of which have served as vital gathering places for Austin's Black population.

Why it matters

As Austin's Black population has declined over the years, reaching just 6% currently, the exhibition aims to pay homage to the crucial role Black-owned businesses have played in preserving community and culture. The project emphasizes how these spaces are more than just commercial enterprises, but also serve as safe havens and hubs for families and the broader Black community.

The details

Curated by Taylor Danielle Davis and photographer Steven Hatchett, a co-founder of "Of Color," the exhibition highlights the challenges and triumphs faced by Black entrepreneurs in Austin. It includes an upcoming panel discussion focused on "holy spaces through food from soil to stove," featuring participants from the exhibit like Cajun Eats and Luv Fats ice cream.

  • The exhibition is currently on display at the Austin Public Library.
  • It was launched in February 2026 for Black History Month.

The players

Taylor Danielle Davis

The curator of "The Holding Spaces Project" exhibition.

Steven Hatchett

A co-founder of "Of Color" and the photographer leading the exhibition's editorial-style portraits.

Cajun Eats

A Black-owned business featured in the exhibition and panel discussion.

Luv Fats ice cream

A Black-owned business featured in the exhibition and panel discussion.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“From our perspective, holding spaces is a love letter to black businesses in Austin that create that third space for community in a very special way.”

— Steven Hatchett, Co-founder, Of Color (cbsaustin.com)

“Historically, black businesses in Austin have always been more than just the businesses, right? They are community spaces. They are safe spaces. They're places to gather, places for families. And we're really losing that now when we lose those businesses. And so we wanted to highlight how these businesses are still fighting to survive.”

— Taylor Danielle Davis, Curator, The Holding Spaces Project (cbsaustin.com)

What’s next

The exhibition will feature upcoming panel discussions connected to the project, including a focus on "holy spaces through food from soil to stove" with participants from the exhibit.

The takeaway

This exhibition serves as a powerful celebration of Black entrepreneurship and the vital role Black-owned businesses play in preserving community and culture in Austin, even as the city's Black population has declined over the years. By highlighting the personal stories and experiences of these business owners, the project underscores the resilience and impact of these "holding spaces" for the Black community.