Hundreds of people lined the streets to protest outside of Highland Mall last year after the shopping center closed early during the Texas Relay Races. The races are a popular event for black people.

"The community was disappointed in the way that our tourists were treated. So I felt like we needed to take some affirmative, positive steps to make sure that we have a welcoming environment for our guests,” Austin City Council member Sheryl Cole said.

Larry Jackson is the founder of the Central Texas Black Cultural and Health Festival. He decided to make some positive changes to this year’s events.

"I don't have time to waste protesting. I want to have alternative things,” he said. “So what I do is positive."

Jackson has lived in Austin for more than 50 years. He was asked by members of the city council to spearhead a series of events to host during the Texas relays.

"People come here from out of town to do the same things. Sixth Street, the mall, Sixth Street, the mall. We’ve got something different now," Huston-Tillotson track and field coach Harvey Ware said.

This year, AISD will help host relays for school-age children. A parade and other family-friendly activities are also on the schedule.

Jackson said they encourage their guests to support businesses on the east side of town.

"That doesn't mean we want to be separate, excluded or anything else. It only means when they choose not to include us, that's to their detriment, not ours," he said.

Jackson said he hopes this year visitors will be able to see that Austin is a city that can evolve.

The Central Texas Black Cultural and Health Festival kicks off a series of events for the Texas Relays starting April 1. All are welcomed and invited to attend.

For more information about the festival visit Your relays.com.