Amy Leah Ann Dickinson

Harriet Mitchell Murphy

Jul 05, 1927 - Jan 16, 2024

Austin, TX

"Harriet Mitchell Murphy was a trailblazing judge and civil rights advocate. She passed away on January 17th, 2024, at her home in Austin, Texas, at the age of 96. Murphy made history as the first Black woman permanently appointed to a judgeship in Texas. Graduating from the University Of Texas School Of Law in 1969, she overcame numerous obstacles, including racial discrimination, to pursue her passion for justice. Throughout her illustrious career, Murphy served as a beacon of hope and inspiration, fighting against injustice and championing equality for all. Her remarkable achievements include sitting as a judge in Austin for two decades and earning accolades such as induction into the National Bar Association Hall of Fame in 2010. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1927, Murphy's dedication to social justice was evident from a young age. She confronted racial discrimination head-on, even facing down the Ku Klux Klan during the Jim Crow era. Murphy's impact extended beyond the courtroom. She shared her experiences and insights through her memoir, ""There All Honor Lies,"" published in 2018, and continued to inspire future generations through her teachings at institutions like Prairie View A&M University and Huston-Tillotson University. Harriet Mitchell Murphy leaves behind a legacy of courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to justice. She will be remembered as a true pioneer and a tireless advocate for civil rights. "

Howard Waldrop

Sep 14, 1946 - Jan 13, 2024

Austin, TX

On January 14, 2024, the literary world bid farewell to the prolific author, Howard Waldrop, aged 77, in Austin. Born on September 15, 1946, in Houston, Mississippi, Waldrop carved his niche as one of the most celebrated authors of short fiction, renowned for his erudite, playful, and allusive narratives. Waldrop's magnum opus, "The Ugly Chickens" (1980), not only garnered World Fantasy and Nebula Awards but also stood as a finalist for the prestigious Hugo Award. His debut genre work, "Lunchbox" (Analog, 1972), marked the inception of a remarkable career. Over the years, Waldrop produced an extensive body of work, featuring stories such as those found in "Howard Who?" (1986), "Night of the Cooters" (1990), and "Things Will Never Be the Same: A Howard Waldrop Reader: Selected Short Fiction 1980-2005" (2007). In addition to his short fiction, Waldrop penned novels, including the collaborative "The Texas-Israeli War: 1999" (1974, with Jake Saunders) and the alternate history/time-travel tale "Them Bones" (1984). His novella "A Dozen Tough Jobs" (1989) masterfully retold the Labors of Hercules in the backdrop of 1920s Mississippi. A revered member of the Turkey City Writing Workshop and a Clarion Writers Workshop instructor, Waldrop's legacy extends beyond his captivating narratives to the humorous readings he shared at conventions. Howard Waldrop's literary brilliance and unique voice leave an enduring imprint on the Texas writing community and the hearts of readers worldwide.