The Waxahachie City Council voted 3-2 on May 21 to deny item C on the consent agenda, removing a proposed street-closure for a second Juneteenth parade scheduled the Saturday before Juneteenth.

The item concerned a request to close portions of a state highway for a march; staff said the application to TxDOT for the applicant had been approved on May 5. Dr. Jamal Rashid, representing the Ellis County African American Museum, told the council that “TxDOT approved our portion of the application on May 5” and said the event has brought vendors and revenue to the city over three years.

The vote followed more than an hour of public comment and council discussion about whether Waxahachie should allow two separate Juneteenth marches or consolidate celebrations into a single event. Several speakers, including Betty Square Coleman of the local NAACP branch, said the organization intends to continue its parade whether or not the city assists. Coleman told the council that the branch “is gonna do its Juneteenth parade” and asked the city to help if possible.

Council members pressing for a single annual parade said multiple events create confusion for participants and community groups and could set a precedent for duplicate celebrations for other holidays. “I will not be supporting the second parade held the Saturday before Juneteenth,” a council member said during debate. Other council members urged the groups to coordinate and suggested bringing all parties together to agree on one date in future years.

Public safety officials told the council they could staff both events this year. Police Chief Weiser said the department had no staffing issue; Fire Chief Boyd said the fire department could provide support and that the city typically uses an in-service engine to bring up the rear and make areas safer for participants.

Councilman Wright made the motion to deny item C from the consent agenda; the motion carried 3-2. The denial removed the council authorization tied to that consent agenda item. The council did not adopt a substitute plan at the meeting and directed no formal follow-up action on a new consolidated parade schedule during the vote.

Background: Staff reminded the council that parade permits on state highways may require TxDOT approval and that the city notified applicants of the council’s position after the prior meeting. Several council members and speakers said applicants had opportunities to discuss concerns with staff before the council meeting.