Black, a pioneering entrepreneur, co-founded the South By Southwest Music Festival and Conference in 1987, which subsequently expanded to incorporate film and new media components in 1994. This iconic event, now known as the South by Southwest Music, Film and Interactive Conferences and Festivals, takes place over a period of ten days in March, drawing attendees from around the world.
As an original board member of the Austin Film Society, Black collaborated with AFS Founder and Artistic Director Richard Linklater to shape the organization's vision. He also served as a past president of the AFS, utilizing his leadership skills to drive the organization's growth and success.
In 2000, Black teamed up with Texas Monthly Editor Evan Smith to establish the Texas Film Hall of Fame, an initiative that celebrates the state's rich cinematic heritage. The Texas Film Hall of Fame was launched in March, recognizing outstanding contributions to the film industry.