JUNETEENTH CELEBRATIONS, PEACEFUL PROTESTS SATURDAY IN DOWNTOWN BRENHAM, BELLVILLE

  

A Facebook group made up of several local residents will gather in downtown Brenham and Bellville tomorrow (Saturday) to celebrate Juneteenth.

The group, called “Friends Against Racism”, which has organized peaceful protests throughout the region this month, will meet at the Austin County Courthouse at 10 a.m. and the Washington County Courthouse from 6 to 8 p.m.

Event organizers say the family-friendly gatherings are meant to not only celebrate Juneteenth, but to peacefully bring attention to ending systemic racism.

Anyone planning to attend is asked to follow social distancing guidelines and encouraged to wear masks.  Hand sanitizer will be made available.

Formal Juneteenth activities were not hosted in Brenham this year by the Washington County Historical Juneteenth Association, who in May cancelled their annual celebration.  The activities normally span Father’s Day weekend with a parade through downtown Brenham, along with live music and activities at Fireman’s Park.