Officials celebrate the installation of banners honoring Evansville’s Black leaders -- past and present. WNIN’s John Gibson has more:
Mayor Stephanie Terry says the inaugural Downtown Banner Project marks the 100th anniversary of Black History Month:
"So it's only fitting that in these challenging times that we uplift our history because history is not just something we look back on, it's something we stand on."
During the midday event at Innovation Pointe, Diane Clements-Boyd of the Human Relations Commission presented photos and accomplishments of the ten honorees, including Estella Moss:
"From riding in the back of segregated buses to becoming a groundbreaking public official, her life stands as a testament to resilience and the power of meaningful change."
Three of the ten honorees were able to attend the celebration including Sondra Matthews, founder of Our Times newspaper and the Evansville African-American Museum. She noted the posting of the banners along Main St.:
"It's going to be unusual for everybody in Evansville to see our flags along the way."
The Rev. Adrian Brooks Sr. is the youngest of the honorees:
"None of us are self-made. We're standing on the shoulders of others."
Others honored with banners include Willie Effie Thomas, Jacqueline LaGrone, Dallas Sprinkles, and Verdelski Miller.
