A Guide to Historic African American Communities in Burleson County
Community Partners
Somerville is a tight-knit community with a population of almost 1,600 residents. In this section, learn about a few key community partners who are committed to preserving the legacy of the African American communities within Somerville and Birch Creek, Texas.
Barbara Hester (Somerville)
Barbara Hester grew up right outside of Sommerville, four miles away in a town called Lyons. She is married to Doc Hester and also contributes to helping out around this church community.
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Debra Coleman (Birch Creek)
Ms. Coleman also serves as a leader for this church community beside Mr. Hester and has lived in Birch Creek her entire life. Since her father had lived in Birch Creek before she was born, he was involved with the church being relocated.
Doc Hester (Birch Creek)
Doc Hester's family was one of the largest "black landowners in the county," and went to school in Birch Creek from 1936 to 1945 before moving to California. His first memory of the church was from when he was 11, just before the relocation of Sweet Home Baptist. Now, Mr. Hester is one of the main leaders of this church community.