Black cougars be a part of the Texas® Star line-up to develop into the Texas litter prevention champion

AUSTIN – Four-time Grammy-nominated musicians Black Pumas take their place in the ranks of Texan legends and celebrities who have teamed up with Don’t mess with Texas to remind Texans to clean up their show when it comes down to it that’s about the trash on the side of the road.

The Austin-based rock and soul band, led by singer / songwriter Eric Burton and guitarist / producer Adrian Quesada, appear in a new TV commercial and radio PPE for Don’t Mess with Texas that aired on TV, cable and radio Railway stations and digital platforms July 7th.

For a creative spin on the creation of the commercial, Black Pumas have teamed up with Don’t mess with Texas for a one-of-a-kind performance on May 25, 2021 at Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater in Austin, Texas. The special performance took place before the band’s historic five nights, sold out at Stubb’s, and featured an intimate concert for 150 social media contest winners. Contest winners submitted a photo or video of themselves picking up trash for access to the exclusive performance.

“We’re excited to add Black Pumas to the line-up of Texas music icons who give the ‘Don’t mess with Texas’ campaign their unique voice,” said Becky Ozuna, campaign administrator. “The Black Pumas’ apparent passion for the state of Texas and its people make them a perfect partner to help expand the reach of our garbage-free message.”

Working with Don’t mess with Texas, Black Pumas join the many other Texas celebrities who have supported the campaign over the years including Willie Nelson, George Strait, Eva Longoria, Erykah Badu, the Randy Rogers Band, Las Fenix, Grupo Fantasma and Oscar winner and Minister of Culture / MOC Matthew McConaughey.

Don’t mess with Texas has been teaching Texans about waste avoidance since 1986. The program includes a base partnership with Keep Texas Beautiful, annual trash-off community outreach events, and the Adopt-a-Highway volunteer program.

For media inquiries, contact TxDOT Media Relations at MediaRelations@txdot.gov or (512) 463-8700.