Members of the Juneteenth Charity Foundation, Hays County Commissioners Court and additional community members pose for a photo during the Commissioners Court meeting on Tuesday, June 7. PHOTO BY ALYSSA GONZALES.
Court recognizes month-long Juneteenth celebration
The Hays County Commissioners Court adopted a proclamation declaring June 2022 as a month-long celebration of Juneteenth in Hays County. Included in the proclamation were several dates for various Juneteenth events and celebrations around the county, with events in San Marcos, Buda and Kyle.
Representatives from various county and city organizations were present to discuss the events, encouraging the community to join and celebrate.
“It is truly going to be a countywide celebration and a full weekend of activities that we hope everyone in the county will turn out for every event for each day of the weekend, from Friday going all the way into Monday,” said Pastor Jonafa Banburry, secretary of the Dunbar Heritage Association.
During the meeting, the commissioners also recognized the winners of the Hays County Historical Commission 2022 Juneteenth Essay Contest. Middle and high school students submitted essays that expressed their perspective of the 2022 essay theme: “Why is the Celebration of Juneteenth Important in the History of Texas?”
Vanessa Westbrook, Chair of the African American Heritage Committee of the Hays County Historical Commission presented the winners, Stephanie Murray of Hays High School and Nevaeh Veals of Chapa Middle School.
For the complete meeting and agenda, visit hayscountytx.com/commissioners-court/courtvideo.