Where were all the African-American politicians in Austin this weekend? I was looking, but I could not find one. By the way, who are the black leaders in Austin? These questions keep ringing in my ear as I think about the nasty dispute over the Relay's in Texas this weekend.

I can not help getting upset at the fact that racism is still present in this day in age. This weekend the city officials really welcomed our guest from other cities and states to Texas by closing the Highland Mall, closing different bars, and profiling all African-Americans. This is an outrage and embarrassment to a city that likes to "Keep Austin Weird."

The Austin Police Department states that this years Relay weekend had fewer arrest than the SXSW and Mardi Gras. The police department also stated that the closing of many businesses had nothing to due with pulling the race card, but the problem is safety control , crowd size, and vehicle traffic. They also closed MLK, which is largely populated with minorities, and during the Republican bike festival they welcome all bikers, that's funny. I also wonder why city officials are not closing these places of business when the SXSW and other events take place in Austin. I mean aren't they drawing in the same crowds?

If the city does there research they will find out that the St. John's Association, which was primarily African-Americans, use to own the Highland Mall strip. The Highland Mall also, when first opened, had one of biggest blacked owned businesses in town. It's sad that Austin has let this history of black pride slip through the cracks.

I wish the city council, NAACP, and other leaders in our community would pull together and change the laws in Austin. Austin needs to stay true to keeping it weird and truly embracing the different ethnic groups in Austin. The police department also needs to properly be trained and learn how to deal with minorities. If all minorities stand up and educate themselves and learn how to handle situations like this, I think we will all truly see change. The black city officials need to also be a voice in Austin and stop standing on the side lines. I hope to see change for next years events.