Tommie “T.L.” Lee Wyatt, the longtime publisher of The Villager newspaper serving East Austin, died in his sleep on January 9th after a long illness. He was 88 years old.
A Voice for Austin’s Black Community
Wyatt arrived in Austin in 1962, inspired by the Civil Rights Movement. A former college football player and life insurance salesman, he recognized a need to amplify the voices and achievements of Austin’s Black residents during a period of significant segregation. In 1973, he co-founded The Villager to address this need.
Wyatt explained in 2020 that the paper’s mission was to “put together the historical record of the Black community and the good things about the Black community.” He felt mainstream media at the time largely focused on negative portrayals of African Americans, stating, “In our daily papers, all you could see when we made the front page is when an African American had done something bad.”
A Legacy of Representation
The Villager’s commitment to positive representation was highlighted by kYmberly Keeton, an archivist who worked on a 2020 exhibit at the Austin History Center recognizing the paper’s contributions to documenting African American history. Keeton noted that The Villager regularly featured accomplishments often overlooked elsewhere, such as “debutants” and “straight-A students.”
Wyatt’s son, Thomas Wyatt, has assumed the role of editor for The Villager. He described his father as “soft-spoken, yet determined,” and “dead set” on promoting equal representation for the people of East Austin.
Thomas Wyatt shared that his father was a central figure for those seeking to improve East Austin, with even city officials seeking his perspective. He was, according to his son, a “lifeline” focused on the well-being of his neighbors.
Community Mourns a Leader
Community leaders publicly acknowledged Wyatt’s impact following his death. Doug Greco, chair of the Travis County Democratic Party, stated Wyatt’s voice was “one of the key voices for the African American community.” Jeffrey Clemmons, communications director for Texas state Sen. Sarah Eckhardt, called Wyatt a “landmark” and a “total giant,” emphasizing the importance of starting a community paper at a time when Black journalism was often undervalued.
Wyatt is survived by his son, a granddaughter, and two great-grandchildren.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was The Villager founded?
The Villager was co-founded in 1973.
What inspired Tommie Wyatt to start the newspaper?
Wyatt was inspired by the Civil Rights Movement and a desire to uplift the achievements of Austin’s Black residents, countering what he perceived as negative portrayals in mainstream media.
Who currently leads The Villager?
Wyatt’s son, Thomas Wyatt, now serves as the newspaper’s editor.
As The Villager continues its mission, how might community journalism evolve to meet the changing needs of Austin’s Black residents?
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