Austin Black

Austin Nathaniel Black was born at Grant hospital in Columbus, Ohio on October 6, 1985, and passed on August 22, 2023, at the age of 37. He is the son of Robert Nathaniel Black, Jr. Atty. at Law, and Dr. Maureen Sims Black. Austin was Christened at Broad Street Presbyterian Church in Columbus, Ohio and remained a lifetime member.

Austin graduated high school in 2003 from The Wellington School as a K- 12 “Lifer”. Throughout his scholastic tenure Austin was a member of the golf, soccer and basketball teams, and during the winter months he enjoyed skiing and snowboarding. In high school he devoted his time to basketball, setting new school records in all categories and leading his team to the Ohio State District Finals. Austin also demonstrated a talent for drama playing “Puck” in the school’s stage production of Midsummer Night’s Dream; his academic accomplishments in high school included the Chemistry Award his sophomore year. Austin was also a member of The Columbus Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Incorporated.

Following graduation, Austin attended The Ohio State University where he was elected President of The Black Student Union his freshman year. He wrote his own curated curriculum for a Music Industry: Business and Production degree major that was approved by the Dean, and he graduated in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts from the university. Austin’s post-graduate studies were at the UCLA Anderson School of Management, where he received a graduate certificate in Economics of Entertainment and Media. Austin interned as a recording studio engineer at the Larry Gold Recording Studio in Philadelphia, PA before returning to his hometown Columbus to begin his independent artistic career; writing, recording and producing music and creating artworks using multiple mediums. He furthered his art studies in graphic design at Columbus State Community College. Under the tutelage of his grandfather, Maurice R. Sims, Sr., Austin learned the piano, and he mastered the application of computer technology in music composition.

When he was not expanding his artistic talents, Austin was contributing to the community as a Peer Counselor for the “Dads Matter” program at Columbus Area Community Mental Health Centers.

Austin was well traveled throughout the United States and shared numerous experiences with his brother Robert (Bobby); traveling to Japan, climbing Mt. Fuji, living in Johannesburg, South Africa and Harare, Zimbabwe. He also sailed the Caribbean Virgin Islands with his family and spent time in Barcelona, Spain sailing with his Uncle Keith, Aunt Carol and cousins.

Austin’s spirit was loving, generous and kind and his smile brightened every moment. His wit, humor, and uniquely keen observations provided his company with sharp repartee, laughter and abundant joy!

He leaves to cherish his precious memory, his mother Dr. Maureen Sims Black, father Robert Nathaniel Black, Jr., Atty at Law (retired), brother Robert Nathaniel Black, III, Atty. at Law, sister Zakiya Theresa Black Barnett, Atty. at Law, Brother-in-law, Wayne Lavin Barnett, nieces, Zara Maureen Barnett, Jaya Florence Barnett, Grandfather, Maurice R. Sims, Sr., uncle, Dr. Keith L. Black, aunt, Dr. Carol Bennett Black, Cousins Teal E. Black, Keith Q. Black, uncle, Ronald I. Park, aunt Betty Park, aunt Millie Park, cousins, Brant A. Sims, Maurice (Reesie) Sims, Ronnell Sims, and a host of other cousins, relatives and friends.