Roots & Realities x E4 Youth

Roots & Reality: Presenting Black Legacies in the Modern Era

Circumstance: The Rogers-Washington-Holy Cross community in East Austin is rich with untold history that has shaped the area’s cultural and social fabric. As the neighborhood experiences rapid gentrification and modernization, there was an urgent need to document and preserve the stories of the Black residents who have called it home for generations. To address this, the “Roots & Reality” project was created in collaboration with E4 Youth, focusing on capturing these legacies through oral storytelling and interviews, ensuring that the voices of the community are not lost and remain accessible for future generations.

Action: The project involved documenting the oral histories of long-standing residents of the Rogers-Washington-Holy Cross community. These interviews formed the foundation of the “Roots & Reality” documentary. A key aspect of the project was integrating Virtual Reality (VR) into E4 Youth’s "What Once Was" platform, offering users an immersive and interactive way to explore the neighborhood’s historical landscape. Additionally, a social media marketing strategy was developed to promote the documentary's release, aiming to engage both the local community and broader audiences interested in historical preservation and cultural heritage.

Result: The “Roots & Reality” project successfully brought the stories of East Austin’s Black community to a wider audience. The documentary, along with the immersive VR experience, allowed viewers to explore the neighborhood’s rich history in a dynamic, modern format. The social media campaign fostered strong community engagement, raising awareness about the project and amplifying the historical and cultural significance of the Rogers-Washington-Holy Cross neighborhood. The combination of oral storytelling and innovative VR technology helped ensure that the legacy of this community remains vibrant and relevant for future generations.