From New Jersey Roots to Austin Icon: A Look at the Visionary Behind SXSW, The Austin Chronicle, and a Cultural Movement
AUSTIN, TX / ACCESS Newswire / July 2, 2025 / Louis Black, renowned co-founder of South by Southwest (SXSW) and The Austin Chronicle, is the subject of a newly released professional spotlight article. The feature presents a compelling, semi-biographical look at Black's extraordinary career in film, publishing, and cultural entrepreneurship.
Published today by a leading business and media blog, the article explores Black's journey from his early days in Teaneck, New Jersey-where his love for comic books and movies took root-to becoming a driving force behind one of the world's most influential creative festivals.
"I was just a kid from New Jersey who liked stories," Black says in the article. "And I got to tell a few of my own."
The feature traces key milestones from Black's early education and move to Austin in the 1970s, through the launch of The Austin Chronicle in 1981, and the founding of SXSW in 1986. It also highlights his role in launching the Austin Film Society, Austin Studios, and the Texas Film Hall of Fame.
"We both believed very strongly that it is important to create an amazing paper and pay your staff well," Black shares in the piece, reflecting on the founding values of The Austin Chronicle.
The spotlight emphasizes Black's leadership, vision, and deep commitment to community-building, crediting him with helping launch the careers of filmmakers like Robert Rodriguez, and serving as a mentor and connector in the independent film and music scenes.
"I've spent my whole life connecting people," Black states in the article.
The piece is already receiving attention for its engaging storytelling and its accessible style, crafted to inform a wide audience about Black's impact on both the creative economy and the culture of Austin.
To read the full feature article, visit the website here.
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SOURCE: Louis Black
View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire