Black Austin: The Gold Dollar
Jacob Fontaine was an educator, minister, community leader, and founder of The Gold Dollar, one of Austin's earliest Black newspapers. This workshop introduces students to his story—and to the ways Black Austinites used journalism, education, and community leadership to speak for themselves and push for change.
Inside the workshop
Students examine archival images, join guided discussions, and use the 5 Ws to investigate people and events. They also connect Fontaine's story to a larger question: who gets to record history?
What students practice
- Looking closely at photographs and other historical materials
- Asking who, what, when, where, and why
- Sharing ideas in discussion
- Connecting a community story to their own voice and experience
Why this story matters
The Gold Dollar shows students that Black Austinites did not wait for someone else to tell their stories. They created their own newspaper, built institutions, and made their voices part of the public record. Students leave knowing their own communities and stories belong in history, too.
Timing
The workshop is scheduled for fall, with delivery planned for November and December.