¡Saludos!

It was our honor to pay tribute to local titan Joe Vela, a beloved boxing legend and coach who recently passed away. Gracias to the Austin boxing community who entrusted us with telling the story of his inspiring legacy. Learn more about his impact on generations of Austinites below.

As Selena’s birthday approaches on April 16, there’s many ways to celebrate the life of this pop cultural icon. Plus, listen to Austin Vida’s new cultural radio segment in partnership with NPR member station KUT 90.5 FM. I chatted all things Selena y más!

Catch up on the latest Austin Vida articles. Got a news tip? Is there a story you’d like to see in Austin Vida? Email news@austinvida.com.

The passing of an icon; Austin boxing legend Joe Vela leaves a legacy of empowerment

Beloved local boxer and coach Joe E. Vela, Jr. passed away at 87. He helped uplift generations of Austin youth and beyond through his boxing programs and community advocacy. Read more.

Where to Celebrate Selena’s Birthday in Austin

As Selena fans worldwide celebrate the anniversary of her birthday on April 16, Austin hosts various celebrations throughout April 2023. Check out some ways you can honor the Queen of Tejano’s legacy. Read more.

Got a community news event you’d like to submit for consideration? Hit reply or send to news@austinvida.com.

Photo by Krista Bennett/Unsplash

The Salsa Project coming to Austin. Ojeda Middle School will host a booth on April 21 on Ragsdale Lawn at St. Edward’s University to sell their salsa, made with some ingredients from the school’s small garden. The Salsa Project, funded by the Texas Farmers Bureau, aims to teach the community about how to build and maintain a community garden. 

Are you a leader? The New Philanthropists, an organization that seeks to create more diverse and inclusive nonprofit boards in Austin, hosts the Take the Lead Mixer at Eastside Lash Company on April 21 from 6- 8:30 p.m. The free event focuses on the importance of board service and leadership in the Latinx community. Council Member Vanessa Fuentes, LaRessa Quintana, a governmental affairs consultant at LLP, and Damian Pantoja, a community engagement specialist at City of Austin, are featured guests. 

Latinitas needs volunteers. Latinitas, a nonprofit that empowers all girls to innovate via media and technology, needs volunteers for a green-focused startup conference called Eco Chica on April 29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This conference aims to help girls ages 9-14 learn about entrepreneurship and the skills needed to launch their own startups. Find out more here. 

Do you have any extra toiletries to spare? Casa Marianella, a shelter for displaced immigrants, needs shampoo, conditioner and toothpaste. You can drop off donations at 821 Gunter St. Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call 512-385-5571 or email donations@casamarianella.org to give a heads up when dropping donations off. 

In case you missed your free, instant download of the latest Cultura Guide, check it out now. Here’s some of what it features this month:

How you can attend Austin’s biggest Conjunto music fest.

️ Where you can find a mosaic mural honoring inspiring women such as Dolores Huerta.

How to incorporate indigenous traditions into Earth Day.

Where to catch Los Lobos, Spanish-language opera, Brazilian grooves and a female-led salsa band this month.

Dig into a platica with an influential Chicana artist plus new exhibit focused on identidad.

Get April Cultura Guide PDF here

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​Austin Vida is an independent digital news and culture site amplifying, informing and celebrating Latinidad. We’re based in Austin, Texas. All of our content, including our popular monthly Cultura Guides, is free. Thank you for your support.