Imprinting East Austin One Story at a Time
Tommy Wyatt
Owner
The Villager Newspaper and Black Registry
T.L. Wyatt, born in Point Blank, Texas, grew up at the epicenter of the Civil Rights Movement, a time in American history of deep hurt and profound healing. The segregation movement led to widespread reform for the African American community and was at the forefront of American social change.
Moving three times through his early years, Wyatt ended up in Lubbock, Texas, where he completed his high school education at Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School, and then attended Bishop College in Marshall, Texas, in 1960, where he completed his undergraduate work. His goal of majoring in accounting would soon change. He pursued graduate work and, in 1961, ended up in Seattle, Washington at the University of Washington.
Wyatt served in the United States Army for two years and was honorably discharged. His varied work experience set the platform for his path toward a movement of positive change in the Austin community. Moving to Austin in 1962 and learning the rhythm of a new urban center, Wyatt realized the city needed a new tune that would bring the black community together and cover the many positive aspects not being covered by mainstream media.
As a one-man team in 1976, Wyatt left the insurance field and founded the Villager with the intention of shining light on the many positive activities of the black community. This new approach toward journalism in Austin provided renewed hope to a community in need. He focused on areas needing positive revitalization and brought change and insight to growing community issues.
The Villager caught on quickly and brought with it the attention of politicians who began to lobby for endorsements. Through the years, the Villager grew, as did the accomplishments of Wyatt. He’s become a representation of positive social change in the Austin community, serving on many boards and commissions, including the Private Industry Council, Austin Cable Commission and the East 11th Street Village Association.
A lover of golf, travel and good food, this Texas native has created a community that has brought optimism and peace during a time when it was needed most. Through it all, Wyatt remembers his early life, not by the segregation around him, but by the best impact you can make out of any situation. “There’s always light at the end of the tunnel,” he says.
