By Darrel Wheeler, Contributing Writer
On the 13th of June, at Neal Petties Mountain View Community Park, a special unveiling of the iconic Black Family statue took place.
The wooden statue that stood prominently from 1974 until the mid-to-late 80’s could not endure the test of time.
Long-time Southeast resident and community leader, Jeffery Hayes, remembered the days:
“When park visitors could see the only statue and plaque in the park that recognized the importance of family in our culture, I knew I had to do something to help bring it back.”
Thanks to Hayes’ relentless due diligence and his team of supporters, the statue has been recreated in carbon steel to ensure it lasts for years to come.
“We have been working on this project for a long time, and it has finally come to fruition thanks to people like Senator Akilah Weber, journalist Paul Krueger, sculptor Mike Bradbury, the Wade family, and a host of other very important people who made this very important day possible,” Hayes shared.
City representatives, community-based organizations, family members representing the original statue designer, Rossie S. Wade, and supporters of the restoration project showed up to the historic ceremony.
Monica Montgomery-Steppe of District 4, Daniel Horton representing City Council member Henry Foster, Carole Boyce, and Lynn Brown were some of the speakers who took the podium to express the significance of the Black Family as a symbol of hope.
After all the speeches, proclamations, and recognition awards, it was time for the long-awaited unveiling of the beautiful monument. Loud applause, cheers, and a special blessing from Makeda Dread Cheatom closed the ceremony.
The day’s event was followed by a Juneteenth celebration featuring a free BBQ, live entertainment, a petting zoo, face painting, dancers, information booths, and more.
