Essence Magazine Recognizes Delta Mu Archousa for Community Service

FORT WORTH, TX - Long-time community activist and executive director of the Renaissance Cultural Center and the National Cowboys of Color Museum and Hall of Fame, which she also co-founded along with her husband, Archon James N. Austin, Jr., of Delta Mu Boule, 501 (c)(3) non-profit organizations located in Fort Worth, Texas, is getting some national recognition. After providing many years of community service, Archousa Gloria Reed Austin is the focus of a national ad in Essence Magazine. Nominated by her daughter, Tara Reed, Gloria is one of twelve (12) women selected by Clorox®, the makers of Pine-Sol® Cleaners and ABC Radio Networks as having made a significant difference in their communities and will be featured in an article in the May 2008 issue of the Essence magazine and also received the “Woman Making a Powerful Difference Award.”

The editorial focus of Essence magazine is on today's career-minded, independent and sophisticated African American woman. The magazine is dedicated to helping its readers meet their maximum potential through articles stressing career and educational opportunities, investing and money management tips, fashion and beauty ideas and health and fitness trends. In addition, it features information on parenting, home decorating, cultural reviews and profiles of celebrities and achievers.

The primary objective of the National Cowboys of Color Museum & Hall of Fame, founded in 2001 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is to offer the visitor a true and complete historical perspective of the people and activities that built the unique culture of The American West. The work of artists who documented the people and events of the time, journals, photographs, ant other historical items are part of this new collection of long overlooked materials that tell, perhaps for the first time, the complete story. The American West of today still operates on many of the principles and cultural relationships begun so long ago. The hope of the museum is that its visitors will share in the enjoyment of a new vision and leave with awareness that today's West came into being through the struggles and triumphs of diversity. The Hall of Fame was founded to give recognition to the outstanding pioneers who contributed to the settling of early American western frontier as well as acknowledge individuals who continue the legacy of the western culture. The Hall of Fame tells the stories and presents excellent examples of American heroes of the past, present and future.

Renaissance Cultural Center was incorporated in 1994 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The mission is to provide a diversified mix of cultural activities and community services to educate, stimulate pride and enhance economic development. Renaissance Cultural Center is a community-based center that views the neighborhoods as the focal point for human development affecting our youth, working class and the elderly. Renaissance Cultural Center provides a range of developmental opportunities to meet the needs of the community, by offering cultural events, educational programs, job preparedness and career development services. By targeting groups within the community, Renaissance Cultural Center supports and encourages by teaching and giving the neighborhood a sense of pride. Feeling a responsibility to the youth in the area, the Renaissance Cultural Center is investing in the future by helping high school and college students. Renaissance Cultural Center has awarded over $318,500 in scholarships to 189 high school seniors from the Fort Worth Independent School District and Tarrant County from 1995-2007.

Please contact the staff of the National Cowboys of Color Museum and Hall of Fame or Renaissance Cultural Center for more information.