A Legacy of Unity
Heath Donell Creech was a visionary community builder, media strategist, and mentor whose impact shaped Austin’s cultural and civic life for over three decades.
As founder of Soulciti and the African American Leadership Institute, Heath’s work centered on uplifting Black voices, building bridges, and nurturing the next generation of leaders. This space is dedicated to preserving his legacy — not just in memory, but in motion.
Heath Donell Creech didn’t just dream of a better world — he rolled up his sleeves and built it. With every program he launched, every leader he lifted, and every community he touched, Heath reminded us: progress is not a solo act. It is a collective rhythm. A shared breath. A sacred responsibility.
Heath embodied Ujima — collective work and responsibility — not as an idea, but as a way of life. He believed that unity was our superpower. That we rise when we rise together.
Now it’s our turn. To organize. To uplift. To love hard. To rise.
A Life of Impact
A Community Tribute
On a day where family, friends, and community members mourned the passing of a Central Texas leader who elevated black voices, the City of Austin declared March 7 ‘Heath Donell Creech Day.’ This was in honor of his community-shifting contributions. [Source: KXAN]
A Life on Assignment
Heath was a gentle leader, a sensitive soul, a quiet force and a person who fiercely loved his people, Black people. Through his studies at UT Austin he buried himself in African and African American History. He learned of our struggles, he knew of our pain but ultimately when he saw his people, Black people, he saw an indescribable beauty. He saw limitless ability. He saw talent beyond measure. It was apparent he was on assignment - to liberate us right where we stood. To change the reflection we saw in our mirrors. To allow us to see the majesty in the lives we were living and to showcase the power of our existence.
SUPPORT HIS WORK
AALI
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The African American Leadership Institute (AALI) is designed to enhance civic awareness and leadership opportunities to make an innovative community impact on Central Texas.
Launched in January 2021, it’s mission is to build a stronger Black Austin community by equipping exceptional leaders to live up to their moral responsibility to seek to make life better for everyone in the city, state, and the world.
In honor of the life and legacy of Heath Donell Creech, AALI is proud to announce the Heath Donell Creech Scholarship—a full tuition award granted annually to one visionary leader in each cohort class. Through this scholarship, we carry forward Heath’s belief in black brilliance, his love for his people, and his vision for a world where all people rise—together.
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To learn more about the African American Leadership Institute, please visit aaliaustin.org. To support the Heath Donell Creech scholarship fund, please email info@aaliaustin.org
Soulciti
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Launched in 1999, soulciti is the premiere digital news and media platform celebrating Black culture, community, and people in Central Texas.
It offers news, profiles, entertainment, and event coverage while connecting audiences to local businesses and cultural happenings. soulciti fosters pride and unity through diverse content, making it Austin's Black population the go-to resource for staying informed and connected.
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To learn more about Soulciti visit soulciti.com To discuss partnership, collaboration please email estate@heathdonellcreech.com
Griot Media
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Griot Media is a strategic creative agency serving corporations seeking to engage diverse communities with authentic experiences.
For over 25 years - Griot Media has masterminded, visualized and built numerous cultural cornerstones of the Black experience in Austin.
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To learn more about Griot Media please email estate@heathdonellcreech.com
Champions of Change
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Champions of Change is an Austin-based initiative that honors and uplifts local community leaders who are making transformative contributions across community, culture, education, and equity.
Through storytelling, recognition events, and legacy-building efforts, Champions of Change highlights the impact of those working to shape a more just and connected future for Austinites. It serves as both a celebration of leadership and a call to collective action.
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To learn more about Champions of Change or discuss partnerships please email info@aaliaustin.org