Walking the Past Into the Present: A South End Tour with Lulu Shelton & NaKiva Washington Fitzpatrick

Bastrop, TX – Evening Tour

Photo by LaMonica Shelton

Lueella “Lulu” Shelton currently serves on the City of Bastrop’s African American Cultural District Steering Committee as the historian under the Programming Committee. Shelton’s role is to collect and preserve oral histories, draft community-centered narratives, and elevate the untold stories that shape the identity and legacy of the South End.

Joining her for this evening’s tour is NaKiva Washington Fitzpatrick, a fellow Steering Committee member and representative of the Design Committee. NaKiva and her team are tasked with developing the district’s visual identity—including signage, branding, and mapping—to help both residents and visitors recognize the cultural and historical significance of the area.

Together, they set out on foot to explore the proposed boundaries of the South End Cultural District, beginning near Jasper Street, walking down Water Street, and crossing over to Chestnut Street. As they moved through the neighborhood, they paused often—taking note of buildings with weathered facades, faded paint, and historical significance. Many of these structures are already identified as historic landmarks or lie within areas of cultural importance.

"We took our time," Lulu recalls. "We pointed out family homes, churches, the Masonic Lodge, the Armory, and even old municipal buildings—each one holding a piece of the South End’s story." Their goal is to gather enough documentation, interviews, and historical reference to ensure these sites are represented in the official district narrative and, where possible, preserved for future generations.

Along the way, they spoke with neighbors and curious passersby—introducing themselves and explaining the work of the Steering Committee, which seeks to preserve, protect, and invest in the Black heritage of Bastrop’s historic South End.

As NaKiva reflected during the walk, “It’s powerful to see this taking shape. I’ve been waiting a long time to witness this kind of recognition for our community.” It's a sentiment echoed by many—one of pride, memory, and the importance of visibility.

Lulu and NaKiva are encouraging all members of the community to get involved. “If you have stories, photographs, or memories connected to the South End, I would love to hear from you,” Lulu says.

Community members can reach out by visiting: www.lulu-writes.com
There’s a contact form available to schedule a conversation or contribute materials for the archive.

You can also participate by completing the South End Community Survey, which invites residents to vote on proposed district names and boundary lines. QR codes are posted along Main Street and printed on flyers distributed throughout the neighborhood—making participation quick and accessible.

For full updates, meeting recaps, and ongoing reflections, visit The South End Chronicle section at: www.lulu-writes.com/sec
There, you’ll find transparent documentation of committee decisions, maps, community feedback, and stories like this—told directly from the heart of Bastrop.

This work is about more than just lines on a map. It’s about reclaiming space, honoring contributions, and restoring collective memory. We invite you to walk with us—physically, spiritually, and historically—as we bring the legacy of the South End into the light, where it has always belonged.