The Villager 45th Anniversary
The Villager
THE VILLAGER newspaper published its 45th Anniversary edition on May 11, 2018.
The Central Texas community gathered to celebrate with a grand celebration held at the Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex.
Tommy L. Wyatt
T.L. Wyatt, was born in Point Blank, Texas. He grew up at the epicenter of the Civil Rights Movement, at 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.
Wyatt moved to a segregated Austin in 1962. During the time of “Separate but Equal”. Wyatt remembers a bustling, vibrate East Austin community with thriving Black-owned businesses for every need – restaurants, automobile repair shops, insurance companies, and more.
Wyatt and two other friends co-founded the Villager Newspaper in the 1970’s with the intention of shining light on the many positive activities of the black community. This new approach toward journalism, since mainstream media seemed to only highlight those African Americans accused of crimes, or other negative behavior. The Villager provided renewed hope to a community in need. His two friends left the paper to pursue other careers but Wyatt persevered.
He focused on areas needing positive revitalization and brought change and insight to growing community issues. Wyatt said, “the community needed a voice. In the 1970’s there were fewer resources for Blacks”. Since he had grown up reading black Newspapers; he knew what the standard could be.
He attributes community support as the key that has kept the paper going strong. “We work hard but black newspapers have a special responsibility to the black community.
Wyatt remembers doing a story about a couple who had been married 71 years. He says, “Can you imagine the larger papers doing a story about them? Those are the type stories we cover.”
Wyatt believes the popularity of black newspapers is stronger now more than ever. “Everyone is not internet savvy so there is a need for the Black newspaper. People still keep scrapbooks of articles that are in paper. That’s why we continue. The people.”
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.
