Fifteen years ago, I took a leap of faith.
When I moved to Brownsville in 2006 from Austin, I didn’t know a soul. All I ever heard was that there was "nothing to do" here, and so many locals focused only on the negatives. At the time, our downtown was in a state of decay, ignored by political leaders. Cultural activities and dining options were limited. Having grown up in Fort Worth—where I saw the Bass family transform downtown into a thriving cultural hub—and later experiencing Austin’s ever-evolving vibrancy, Brownsville’s stagnation was disheartening.
But I believed something different. I saw potential.
During my time in Austin, I had seen the power of "Keep Austin Weird," a movement that celebrated local culture and small businesses. I knew that with the right mindset, Brownsville could also embrace and uplift what made it unique. While "Keep Brownsville Weird" didn’t quite fit, inspiration struck during a trip to Las Vegas in 2009, where I came across Las Vegas Living. Merging these ideas, Brownsville Living. Be Part of It! was born in February 2010, right as Facebook was gaining momentum. It became a movement dedicated to highlighting the great things in Brownsville and proving that our city had so much to offer.
Of course, the journey wasn’t always easy. There were challenges, criticism, and moments of doubt. Many misunderstood the mission, and I didn’t always handle the backlash well. But through the years, I grew—and so did this group.
Now, in 2025, Brownsville has transformed in ways that once seemed impossible. Downtown has experienced a renaissance, with historic buildings restored and thriving businesses bringing life back to our city center. New restaurants, cultural attractions, and entertainment venues have emerged. We have seen development in places where people once said, "Nothing will ever happen."
I’d like to believe Brownsville Living played a small role in this evolution.
Today, there are many pages and groups dedicated to showcasing our community’s beauty and progress, a testament to how far we’ve come. Some of these pages have even become full-time businesses, proving that positivity and local pride create real change.
Yet at 15 years old, Brownsville Living is still going strong. 💙 With over 19,000 members, we continue to be a gathering place for people who love and support Brownsville. Whether you’ve been here since day one or just joined recently, I thank you. Your belief in this city makes a difference.
As we move forward, let’s keep celebrating the good. When we focus on the positive, we help it grow.
💙 Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey. Here’s to the next 15 years of Brownsville Living!
With gratitude,
Craig Grove
Founder – Brownsville Living. Be Part of It!
