Each February during Black History Month we celebrate the numerous achievements and contributions to American advancement, technology, and culture by African Americans. While the entire country honors these great men and women, the City of Natchez has been blessed to have as our citizens many of these heroes. It has been a great honor as mayor to recognize these contributions, and with history such as ours, I feel like each year I learn something new.
This year, we began a new tradition with our first annual Heroes of Black History awards ceremony at the NAPAC museum on Main Street. These awards will feature one of four fields of accomplishment: “Arts and Entertainment”, “Church and Community Service”, “Education and Cultural Heritage”, and “Leadership and Politics”. Afterwards, the documentations of those honored will be given to NAPAC for its permanent collection. This year our honorees were from the category of “Leadership and Politics”.
During this inaugural event, held Thursday evening, we wanted to make sure that we mentioned two historic trail blazers from the 1800’s: Hiram Revels and John R. Lynch. Hiram Revels was the first African American to serve in either house of the U.S. Congress. He also organized two regiments of the U.S. Colored troops, served as the first president Alcorn State University, and spent many years in the ministry. John R. Lynch served as Speaker of the Mississippi House of Representatives and was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Born into slavery, Lynch also served in the United States Army and became a celebrated author with his 1913 book The Facts of Reconstruction along with his memoir Reminiscences of and Active Life: The Autobiography of John Roy Lynch. For his service, he was buried with honor at Arlington National Cemetery when he died in 1939 at the age of 92. We mentioned also former Natchez Mayor Phillip West, who was himself such a trailblazer as the first African American Mayor of Natchez since reconstruction, in addition to serving as a State Representative and County Supervisor.
Of special recognition during the ceremony were members of the secret Black Dot Club, whose pivotal role in supporting the Freedom Riders’ efforts continues to inspire us today. The original Black Dot founders included Radford Battiste, the only known living member, and the late Johnathan W. Grennell, Jr. Also recognized was Grennell Jr.’s son, former Natchez Mayor Darryl Washington Grennell, and his nephew, State Representative Robert Johnson, both of whom exemplify the continuity of commitment and service that has always defined our community. Mr. Grennell’s daughter, LLJuna Grennell Weir also participated, sharing interesting stories of her father and others who were so instrumental during the Civil Rights movement.
I look forward to continuing this tradition for years to come. Not only do we have a tremendous number of people still to recognize, but their numbers also continue to grow as new generations pick up the torch and continue to lead our city, state, and nation forward. I often speak about how the Natchez Renewal is a team effort, but there would be no Natchez at all had it not been for the contributions of the great men and women who came before us.
I am encouraged to know that through continued collaborative efforts and the innovations and contributions of citizens dedicated to public service, our beautiful and historic city will continue to prosper.
It is only right that today we honor the contributions of those who sacrificed and gave so much. We must also remain steadfast in our dedication to continue moving our beloved city forward- because Natchez Deserves More!
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