Dianne Mills: Championing Culture, Community, and Compassion in Bastrop County

T.j. Johnson
Jul 7
3 min read

Updated: Jul 8

Dianne Mills reminds us all that when passion meets purpose, communities thrive—and the past, present, and future come alive in powerful ways.

In the heart of Bastrop County, where history and hope intertwine, few names resonate with such dedication and heart as Dianne Mills. As Vice President of the Bastrop County African American Cultural Center (BCAACC) and a devoted member of the Bastrop Lions Club, Mills exemplifies servant leadership grounded in education, equity, and empowerment.

🎓 From the Navajo Nation to Central Texas: A Lifelong Journey of Learning

Dianne was born in Bastrop Texas, but spent many of her childhood years in Tuba City, Arizona, on the Navajo Reservation, Dianne’s early life was shaped by community, resilience, and a deep respect for culture. She earned her B.S. in Psychology from Northern Arizona University and later completed a Master’s in Reading Education at Texas State University, setting the foundation for her decades of service in education and advocacy.

🏛️ Preserving the Past at BCAACC

Dianne Mills is a driving force behind the Bastrop County African American Cultural Center’s mission to preserve, document, and celebrate the African American experience in Bastrop County.

As Vice President, her work includes:

Coordinating educational programs and cultural exhibits that bring to life the stories of Freedom Colonies and Black community leaders.
Overseeing oral history initiatives that preserve the memories of elders and amplify voices too often left out of traditional narratives.
Building bridges with local schools and civic groups, ensuring Bastrop’s youth understand the richness of their cultural heritage.

Thanks in part to Mills' influence, BCAACC has become a hub for learning, remembrance, and pride in African American legacy.

🏛️ Preserving Black History in Bastrop County

When she turned her lens to Bastrop County’s past, Dianne Mills curated a deeply researched narrative in Black History of Bastrop County 1821–1988. Drawing heavily on the extensive archives of her grandfather, historian Dr. T. C. Franklin, the book chronicles the African American experience over more than 160 years—spanning from early Black settlements through the formation of Freedom Colonies and into the modern

era.

Highlights include:

Oral histories and personal records inherited from Dr. Franklin, offering rare and intimate insights.
A thorough chronological overview of local Black institutions, communities, and leaders.
Rich context for how Bastrop's African American heritage shaped County identity and culture.

Black History of Bastrop County 1821–1988 is not just a historical account—it’s a reclaiming of narratives and a tribute to generational memory in Bastrop County.

You can pick up a copy of Dianne's book on Amazon:

Black History of Bastrop County 1821-1988: Based on the research of T. C. Franklin: Mills, Marla Dianne: 9798283220154: Amazon.com : Books

🦁 Service with the Bastrop Lions Club: Vision, Action, and Heart

In addition to her cultural advocacy, Dianne Mills is a proud and active member of the Bastrop Lions Club, an organization known worldwide for its motto: “We Serve.”

Her contributions include:

Organizing vision screenings and support services for local schoolchildren, helping ensure every student has access to tools that support learning.
Leading service projects that address food insecurity, community beautification, and disaster relief.
Mentoring new Lions and encouraging civic engagement across generations.

Through her Lions Club service, Dianne brings the same care and commitment she’s known for in education—offering hands-on help and heartfelt leadership in every initiative.

🌻 A Voice for Community, A Catalyst for Change

Whether she’s facilitating a literacy circle, planning a Juneteenth celebration, or volunteering at a Lions Club pancake breakfast, Dianne Mills embodies the best of Bastrop County.

Her influence ripples through:

Increased youth engagement in heritage education.
Expanded access to community services like vision care and wellness education.
A stronger, more unified network of service-oriented citizens.

Her work reflects not only a commitment to justice and inclusion, but also a belief in everyday acts of service as the foundation of thriving communities.

🌟 Looking Forward: A Legacy in Motion

Dianne Mills continues to plant seeds of positive change:

At BCAACC, she's helping expand digital archives and launch intergenerational programs.
With the Lions Club, she’s mentoring new leaders and growing partnerships to address pressing local needs.
In classrooms and community halls, she’s nurturing curiosity, compassion, and cultural pride.