My Fox Austin: Austin unveils African American Heritage and Cultural Center

Austin unveiled another city landmark Friday afternoon. It's the African American Heritage and Cultural Center

The center has been some seven years in the works and after times of not knowing if it would be built it has been and will honor African-American history in Austin.

The mayor and U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett who lives on the east side along with other dignitaries took part in today's ribbon cutting.

The culture and heritage facility was a $4.4 million project helped along by a 2006 bond election and federal grants.

People came in from California, Chicago, Detroit and several cities in Texas to be part of the grand opening.

The center will marry progress and history in east Austin. It will also serve as a hub for the capital city African American Chamber of Commerce and play in the development of business, culture and the arts.

"It's the culmination of a dream from many years ago and a lot of effort since that time that you've heard today so it really is a great occasion. I'm glad I had a small role in it, I can't tell you how happy I am for the folks who live on the eastside and it's a proud day for everybody," said Austin City Manager Marc Ott.

"This was a rundown building that sat here for years, so like much of East Austin we've seen it transform into a place of beauty where we keep the old but we add around it and we hope to see more of that in east Austin," said Rep. Doggett.

There are a couple of things to see at the center including a mosaic designed by Reginald Adams. He used hundreds of thousands of pieces of porcelain and glass. It's a tribute to the movers and shakers in Austin's African American community over the decades.

Also the restored Dedrick-Hamilton house is a point of interest. It was owned by one of the first freed slaves Thomas Dedrick as early as 1880.

FOX 7 caught up with Darwin Hamilton, whose great-grandfather lived in this home along with many generations including Darwin.

"It's with great honor and appreciation that the city finally made this project come to fruition. It took about 10 years in all. My dad was born in this house, my grandma was born here I lived next door. I'm honored was completed and the city fulfilled its promise," he said.

Darwin, who now lives in Pflugerville, ate many Thanksgiving Day dinners in that home.