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The Tyler Loop
Farewell from the Tyler Loop
We are writing to you with bittersweet news. The Tyler Loop is coming to an end. For seven years, this local journalism project has produced an impressive amount of content – from investigative journalism, to storytelling, podcasts, videos, and showcasing local artists. We are truly proud of the work that was started by Tasneem Raja and Chris Groskopf and shepherded beautifully by our current executive director Jane Neal.
Why D.G. Montalvo insists Tyler’s racist past hurts its present
Author and anti-racism activist D.G Montalvo has focused his research and efforts for change in Tyler, Texas, his hometown. He recently spoke to The Tyler Loop about his book, “Tyler’s History of White Supremacy,” published in 2021. Montalvo said racism in Tyler contributed to the foundations of the city Tyler is today.
Andina Fest Celebrates Latin Diversity in East Texas
Hosted at the Tyler Rose Garden Center last Saturday, July 15, Andina Fest 2023 honored Latin culture and diversity in Tyler. Attendants from more than 15 Latin countries came together to take part in the second annual celebration. Though this is the second annual Andina Fest, it was the first open to the public, with 220 tickets being sold and attendees traveling from as far as Shreveport and Dallas to take part in the festivities.
“Us and Them is Only in Your Mind:” Black Liberation in East Texas
During last weekend’s Juneteenth events, the Juneteenth Association of Tyler held its annual parade on Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. and We Remember Tyler presented its second annual vigil in remembrance of Black victims of lynching. The holiday marks the day Union General Gordon Granger and his troops came...
Who Deserves to Be Here?
Love what you're seeing in our posts? Help power our local, nonprofit journalism platform — from in-depth reads, to freelance training, to COVID Stories videos, to intimate portraits of East Texans through storytelling. Our readers have told us they want to better understand this place we all call home,...
The Tyler Loop Interview: Rylie Bay of UT Tyler Social Work Club
Jane: My guest today is Riley Bay. Originally from the Texas Panhandle, Riley is a 21-year-old social work major at the University of Texas at Tyler. She just completed her junior year with plans to graduate in the spring of 2024 with UT Tyler’s first social work program’s graduating class. Riley lived in Pennsylvania for three years where she reluctantly experienced cold winters, which helped her decision to come back to Texas. Riley, welcome.
Refuge Recovery Offers Teaching, Meditation, Fellowship
Refuge Recovery, a new group in Tyler, launches Friday to provide addiction recovery through meditation and fellowship. Aaron Fagan, the group’s representative, said the Buddhist-inspired meetings are a peer community for anyone suffering from addictions to drugs, alcohol and all manner of process addictions such as pornography, gambling, shopping and tech.
Stewarding Earth’s Gifts: A Conversation with Jonathan Ramm
Jonathan Ramm, 38, has lived in the Tyler area most of his life, aside from a few years in the Dominican Republic. Today, Ramm owns Porch Culture, a coffee roasting business delivering ethically sourced, sustainably grown coffee to customers’ front doors. 📷 all photos by Nico Grayson. For...
The Tyler Loop Interview: Cheyenne Lortz of UT Tyler Social Work Club
Jane: My guest today is Cheyenne Lortz. Cheyenne is a 25-year-old social work major, graduating spring of 2024 with UT Tyler’s first social work program’s graduating class. Cheyenne has lived all over East Texas and calls Tyler home. She loves painting and live concerts, especially older punk rock....
Watch: 25 years after James Byrd Jr. was killed for being Black, his loved ones question how much has changed in Texas
“Watch: 25 years after James Byrd Jr. was killed for being Black, his loved ones question how much has changed in Texas” was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues.
Tyler’s Third Pride March: The Queer Art of Protest
Pride participants march and chant along South Broadway Ave. at Tyler’s third pride march June 4. 📷 Nico Grayson. Tyler’s third annual pride march took place June 4th, drawing queer Texans and their allies to the long-awaited celebration. Participants shopped from local vendors and marched downtown advocating for queer visibility and LGBTQ+ rights.
Analog is Back: Piney Woods Darkroom Launches for Film Photographers and Artists
Photographer Jamie Maldonado has launched a new nonprofit, Piney Woods Darkroom. The public darkroom will allow East Texans to use camera equipment, process analog photos and make and show their art. Maldonado, a professional photographer and the nonprofit’s founder, said analog photography is not a thing of the past, nor a fleeting trend.
The Tyler Loop Interview: Alex White of UT Tyler Social Work Club
Jane: My guest today is Alex White. Alex is 29 and has lived in Tyler for about a year. They are a senior student enrolled in the University of Texas at Tyler’s social work program with plans to complete in the spring of 2024 with UT Tyler’s first social work program’s graduating class. Alex is the president-elect of the university’s social work club, designed to help engage social work students with their communities.
The Tyler Loop Interview: Jim Nipp of Children’s Advocacy Center of Smith County
“I want more justice for the kids. I want more kids to get past this, and the only way that that’s gonna happen is to just shine the light on it,” Jim Nipp said. 📷photos courtesy Jim Nipp. Jane: My guest today is Jim Nipp. A resident...
“Aesthetics has nothing to do with this:” Why Paul Welch says Chapel Hill needs to pass its bond election May 6
Paul Welch may feel like celebrating come Saturday, May 6 — Election Day for residents to vote for three Chapel Hill bond proposals to improve and add to the school district’s existing structures. Three propositions, totaling $113, are on the ballot. Welch is hopeful the propositions will pass...
Texas Senate moves to end countywide voting on Election Day
“Texas Senate moves to end countywide voting on Election Day” was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues. Sign up for The Brief, The Texas Tribune’s...
In East Texas, skepticism over private school tuition assistance persists despite push from conservative leaders
“In East Texas, skepticism over private school tuition assistance persists despite push from conservative leaders” was first published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs Texans — and engages with them — about public policy, politics, government and statewide issues. Sign up for...
Meet the storytellers, musicians and organizers of Out of the Loop 9: True stories from Tyler and East Texas
Take nine! It’s a whole new batch of surprising, inspiring, eye-opening stories about life in Tyler and East Texas. Get to know the storytellers, performers and organizers behind the show premiering Saturday, April 15, at 7 p.m. at Liberty Hall. Seating is limited — grab tickets here!. Want...
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