“The world is a better place because we have learned every person is important,” said the Rev. Michael Stiggers, who spoke during the event. “What would the world be like without the accomplishments of African Americans?”
The city holds an annual black history celebration each year during Black History Month, but this year’s observance drew more than 100 people.
One former black leader in the city now has a street named in his honor. Apple Street now is named Frank Hall Jr. Street. Hall was West Point’s first black city councilman, a member of the city’s housing authority and served on West Point High School’s parent-teacher organization.
“I’m so happy with the recognition you’re giving my brother,” said Sarah Smith, Hall’s sister and one of several family members who came to represent the late Hall. “He did so much for everyone in the community.”
More than a dozen black civic leaders were recognized, including John Hoggs, a former city councilman who now lives in Newnan. Stiggers remembered him, however, for his days as a basketball coach.
“What would our community be like without going to (the state basketball tournament) every year?” Stiggers asked, to laughter and ap-plause.
Two of West Point’s oldest black residents, Corrine Battle and Lizzie Mae Malone, received proclamations from the city. Both will be 102 in April.
“I can only imagine the stories they could tell,” said Mayor Drew Ferguson IV.
The city also recognized a number of honors students from Springwood School in Lanett, Ala., and West Point Elementary School, Long Cane Middle School and Troup High School. Councilwoman Sandra Thornton, who organized the ceremony, said the city had 40 students from West Point in the Beta Club at Long Cane Middle School, a club that requires a high grade-point average for participation.
While they didn’t receive official recognition, Donald and Ruth Downs, who are white, were mentioned several times during the ceremony. Both were active community leaders and both served on the city school board, although at different times. Their son, Joe Downs, is a city councilman.
Stiggers said he didn’t interact with many whites while growing up but “I saw Joe Downs’ parents on a regular basis.”
Jennifer Shrader may be reached at jshrader@ lagrangenews.com or at (706) 884-7311, Ext. 236.
http://www.ibdeditorials.com/IBDArticles.aspx?id=320283863033633
and who, by the way, is Black.
Hey Guys and Girls,
Read this excellent article and you will understand our current situation a little better. I wanted to cut and paste, but copyright would be violated.
http://www.newswithviews.com/Duke/selwyn110.htm
This should be required reading for all.
Why do they have to be called African-Americans? You either are an American or you arent! Stop the crap!!