Proclamation 2021-11 - Southend Cemetery Day - 2/27/2021
P roclamation N0. 2021-11
WHEREAS the Southend Cemetery is the last remaining historical link to the predominantly
African American neighborhood that was once called the Flat; and
WHEREAS, in 1920, five acres of land was purchased by community leaders from Gibbs
brothers & company to create this African American cemetery that was once
known as Pine Grove cemetery ; and
WHEREAS, Southend Cemetery is the primary burial site for many of the original settlers
of the Flat community. The cemetery is also the final resting place for residents
with connections to the Flat, who have made notable contributions to Walker
County history; and
WHEREAS, in 1998, a group of descendants and others reorganized the Sountend cemetery
association to care for this special place. Still today, it remains a testament to
residents of the Flat and the African American heritage in Huntsville.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY PROCLAIMED, by the power vested in me on behalf
of the Mayor of the City of Huntsville, Texas that:
February 27, 2021
be declared: Southend Cemetery Day
in the City of Huntsville.
th
PROCLAIMED AND SIGNED this, the 27 day of February 2021.
_________________
Andy Brauninger, Mayor