New mural honors former NAACP president, Austin civil rights activist Volma Robert Overton

AUSTIN (KXAN) — A champion and leader in the movement for equality in Austin, Volma Robert Overton Sr., now has a mural in the Bouldin Creek neighborhood in his honor.

Overton was the president of the Austin chapter of the NAACP from 1962 to 1983.

On Monday out-of-town international artist Kyle Holbrook unveiled the mural he painted of Overton, located at 1924 South 1st St. in the Bouldin Creek neighborhood. Overton said it took him two days to complete.

The mural project was sponsored by the social justice nonprofit, Moving Lives of Kids Mural Project.

Overton Sr.’s son Volma Robert Overton Jr. stared at his father in awe, remembering him as a civil rights champion and a leader in the fight to desegregate Austin schools.

“We cried many tears as kids and wondering, why do we have to do all of this?” Overton Jr. said. “The struggles that we had…I was a little kid.”

Overton Jr. said he remembers holding civil rights picket signs and advocating for change alongside his father. Though he didn’t always understand, in his 70s now, he knows his father’s work isn’t done.

Holbrook said he wanted to create the mural in Bouldin Creek rather than Austin’s historically Black side of town in east Austin, so it could reach more people who he hopes will take time to educate themselves on Overton Sr.’s impact.

In a statement, Holbrook said Overton, “dedicated his life to advocating for civil rights and
equality. He spearheaded legal efforts to end racial segregation in Austin schools, leaving an indelible mark on the community. Overton’s legacy extends beyond racial boundaries, as he fought tirelessly for the rights of all people of color, including Hispanics, Asians, and African-Americans.”

In February, the Austin Justice Coalition hosted the State of Black Austin talking about equality for Black Austinites and the historical struggles with discrimination.

Now, it’s people like Meme Styles, founder of the nonprofit Measure, who are analyzing data, and trying to work with the City of Austin to come up with solutions to address the decline of Austin’s Black population.

“The fact that… we persist, and that we continue to create, and that we continue to paint and unveil, despite the inequities that we see within the city…it’s just pure joy for me,” Styles said.

Overton Jr. feels that joy too, though he thinks his father would be disappointed Austin hasn’t come further. Still, he won’t stop.

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