Main Street, Sunday Spirit: Spreading the Word About the South End

On a warm Sunday afternoon, fresh from worship and filled with purpose, we walked down Main Street—flyers in hand, hearts open, and history on our minds. Just days after our boundary tour of the South End, I felt called to keep the conversation going. To take what we had seen and learned and begin planting those seeds face to face, with the very people who make this town what it is.

We stepped into shops, greeted friendly faces, and shared the vision of the South End District—a community-led effort to preserve the heritage and lived history of Bastrop’s historically Black neighborhood. Whether folks were already familiar with the initiative or hearing about it for the first time, the response was overwhelmingly positive. We handed out dozens of flyers and survey QR codes, inviting everyone to vote on proposed district names and boundary maps.

The message was simple: Your voice matters, and we want to hear from you.

After our outreach, we made our way to Tough Cookie Bakery for a well-deserved treat. But the warmth of the day didn’t end with conversation—it extended into the kindness and encouragement offered by local business owners, who welcomed the vision of honoring the South End’s legacy.

Cedar’s Coppice

A special shout-out goes to Cedar’s Coppice, a stunning new storefront on Chestnut Street, right across from the food truck park. The energy there is peaceful and welcoming. If you haven’t stopped in yet, I encourage you to visit. I can already tell it will become one of my favorite places in town.

Online Questions Spark Offline Dialogue

Later that evening, several thoughtful questions were posted on Facebook—

“Can you all please explain? Not sure what this is.”
“What is the South End community?”
“What kind of feedback are you getting?”

I answered with honesty and heart.

The South End is a historically Black neighborhood in Bastrop, rooted in resilience, rich with legacy, and woven with stories of churches, schools, family homes, and small businesses that have endured through generations. It’s where Mt. Rose Missionary Baptist Church still holds services, where Emile School once educated generations of Black children, grades 1 -12, during segregation, and where the Kerr Community Center hosted USO dances for Black soldiers and concerts from blues legends like Roosevelt “Grey Ghost” Williams.

It’s a place where people gathered, looked out for one another, and built something beautiful—often with little, but always with love.

As for the feedback—it has been encouraging, emotional, reflective, and above all, honest. People are asking powerful questions, sharing meaningful memories, and expressing hope for what this district can become. Many have shared relief that this work is finally happening—and pride in knowing their families, churches, and elders won’t be forgotten.

This work isn’t about rewriting history. It’s about remembering it clearly, honoring it fully, and protecting it thoughtfully. And it begins with listening.

So, if you’re reading this and wondering whether your voice counts—it absolutely does. Whether you were born in the South End, live nearby, or are newly connected to Bastrop, your insight helps keep this initiative grounded in truth, inclusion, and community care. The Next meeting is scheduled for September 11, 2025 at 6 pm in the Bastrop City Hall. During this meeting Councilman Lowe and the committee will reconcile the survey results and continue to plan for the future of the South End District.

Learn more about the South End Cultural District initiative: www.lulu-writes.com/sec

Complete the Community Survey: Click here to access the form

Let’s keep walking together—through Main Street, through memory, and into a shared future.