AustinTalks | Rev. Ira Acree

Faith leaders demand justice for teen killed on West Side

By Rev. Ira Acree | August 23, 2023

A candlelight prayer vigil for teenager Ashuntice Wilburn, who was killed last weekend, will be held at 5 p.m. Aug. 23 at Galewood Park, 5729 W. Bloomingdale Ave.

Church announces award in honor of slain member

By Rev. Ira Acree | March 5, 2023

Tracey Showers, a longtime member of Greater St. John Bible Church, was killed Tuesday night in front of her Austin home. The Tracey Showers Faithful Servant Award will be given each year to a woman in the community whose light has shined exceptionally over the past year. A $10,000 award also has been announced to help find Showers’ killer.

assault weapons

West Sider ministers offer condolences, prayers for Highland Park victims

By Rev. Ira Acree | July 10, 2022

Members of the Leaders Network traveled Friday to Highland Park to offer their support and prayers – and to renew their commitment for an assault weapons ban.

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West Side ministers travel to Buffalo to speak against violence, white supremacy

By Rev. Ira Acree | May 26, 2022

Leader Network Co-Chairs Rev. Ira J. Acree and Rev. Marshall Hatch will attend the funerals of two of the 10 people killed earlier this month in a Buffalo grocery store.

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Missing Austin teen remembered more than a decade after her disappearance

By Rev. Ira Acree | October 25, 2021

It’s been nearly 14 years since 15-year-old Yasmin Acree went missing from her Austin home, yet the family still has no answers about her whereabouts. Rev. Ira Acree, one of Yasmin’s relatives, is pushing for answers once again. The family and West Side faith leaders are offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to Yasmin.