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https://vimeo.com/event/4523558 https://www.flipsnack.com/alcbf/albert-black-funeral-program/full-view.html Albert L. Black passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 11, 2024 at Ascension Seton Williamson Hospital with his loving family by his side. Albert was born on May 4, 1949, to proud parents Drew (Yank) Black and Laurasenia Black in Crockett, Texas. He joined his two older doting brothers, Andrew Black and James (Jim) Black (deceased), and brought joy to the family and the rural community of Halls Bluff. He grew up in a loving home and strong Christian family and was baptized by his father and pastor at an early age at Union Chapel Baptist Church. Albert’s father, Deacon Drew Black, assisted all pastors in the community with baptisms in nearby creeks. After moving to the city, the Black family united with St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Julius Groves, where Albert participated in all church and youth-related activities. Albert attended Williams High School and graduated from Ralph J. Bunche High School in the Crockett ISD in 1967. He excelled in all studies, played in the band, sang in the choir, and was an editor of the school newspaper. He received an academic scholarship and graduated from Paul Quinn College in Waco, Texas, in 1970. Upon graduation, he was hired as an elementary school teacher in the Waco ISD. After only one year, at age 22, he was asked to become the principal at Nally Elementary School, making him the youngest principal in the country. He continued his education at Prairie View A&M University, driving back and forth on Saturdays to obtain his master’s degree in education. He received a call from his friends Drs. Howard Childs and Billy Howard to come to Austin and interview for a new position with the Texas Education Agency (TEA) Department of Adult Education and Compliance. He hated to leave his job shaping students’ minds, but he finally accepted the position with TEA after several interviews. He held the titles of Program Director and Senior Program Director. He remained on the job for 25 years. He united with Mt. Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Doctor G.V. Clark and upon the wise counsel of Reverend Doctor A. Charles Bowie. He was often there when the doors of the church opened. He founded the YCAs, was Chairman of the Trustees, served as a Deacon, President of the Men’s Ministry/Brotherhood, sang in the men’s choir, participated in Sunday school, and served as chair of One of Albert’s greatest personal accomplishments was his work within the Brotherhood Ministry, where he enthusiastically dedicated countless hours to mentoring thousands of young men to help them grow in Christ, develop much needed relationships with other men in the church, develop future mentors, and strengthen family relationships. He also served as President of St. John District Brotherhood, guiding over 60 churches on moral and ethical values with an enhanced emphasis on family. He led the Brotherhood at the state level, serving as President of the Missionary Baptist General Convention of Texas. He was currently the First Vice President of the National Baptist Convention of America International, Inc. Brotherhood. Albert married the love of his life, Kathy Gaither, a native of Waco, Texas on April 17, 1981. They were blessed with two children, Elijah Black and Kaneisha Black Hill (deceased), and two grandchildren, Karis Hill and Gerald “Trey” Hill, III. Family truly mattered to Albert. He was dedicated to protecting, nurturing, and loving them. He was so loved by his family and always a joy to be around. His infectious smile would light up a room and brighten your day. Albert received another phone call from a friend who asked him to interview with Child Inc, the Head Start agency in Austin and surrounding communities. He joined Child Inc in 2003 and was Executive Director for almost 20 years. His commitment to community and education propelled him toward a career in early childhood education. His lifelong dedication to nurturing and enriching young minds has left an indelible mark on countless lives and laid the foundation for future generations to thrive. Albert was honored with numerous awards and recognitions throughout Texas and the nation. He was recently named President of the Region VI Head Start Association Board, playing a role in shaping policies of Head Start programs in Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. He won the Presidential Volunteer Service Award in June from the Austin Black Business Journal and Community News in recognition of his community service. The City of Austin proclaimed May 16, 2024, as Albert Black Day. Albert held lifetime memberships with NAACP, Blacks in Government, and Paul Quinn College Alumni. Other professional involvements included service on the Austin Parks and Recreation Board, Helping Hands Home, Champions for Children, the Austin chapter of the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children, Visit Austin, and others. Albert was preceded in death by his parents; his loving daughter, Kaneisha Black Hill; brother James (Jim) Black; sister-in-law Mary Black; mother-in-law, Nell Gaither; and father-in-law, Napoleon Gaither. Albert will be missed by all, but most important by his devoted wife, Kathy; son Elijah and grandchildren Karis and Trey; brother Andrew Black; sister-in-law Mary Black; nieces Casaundra Black (Ann Davis), Trina Baker (Bruce), Pershelle Cleveland (Mervin, Jr.), Joselyn White, and Charlotte Graves (Arthur); and nephews Kenneth Black, Stanley Adams, Phillip Adams (Lisa), and Roger Adams (Metria). He also leaves to cherish his memories a host of cousins and other family members, special group of friends, Carl Buhl, Ron Ford, Reverend Doctor Jimmy D. Hunter, Reverend Raymond McClintock, Vonzo Tolbert, Willie Tucker, and Wardell Willis; godchildren, the Mt. Zion Baptist Church Family, the religious and spiritual community throughout this nation and world, the Child Inc Family, the Texas Education Agency Family, local, state, and national Brotherhood members, Paul Quinn College alumni, Phi Beta Sigma fraternity members, and Boule members. Albert was a bright light to everyone he met; no one was a stranger. You knew you were loved by him because he showed it unconditionally. May we honor his life and legacy by showing kindness, a positive attitude, and love to all in our daily actions, just as he did. His Life Celebration of Service will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 11:00 am at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 2938 East 13th Street, Austin, Texas 78702. A Pre-Celebration Service will be held on Friday, August 23, 2024, at 6:00 pm at the same location. Memorial contributions may be made to the Karis and Trey Hill Trust Fund and mailed to 11304 Runnel Ridge Road, Manor, Texas 78653. Online remembrances may be made at: https://www.alcbf.com/obituaries/Albert-Black-2/#!/TributeWall Services entrusted to A Life Celebration by Franklin, 510 S. Main Street, Taylor, Texas 76574.

Tributes

Albert L. Black

May 4, 1949 - August 11, 2024