Madera to celebrate Black History Month

McNally Park will be host to a Black History Month Celebration presented by Black Saints United and will be honoring Lucille Murphy, the eldest African American resident in Madera.

“We want to reach out to the community and bring awareness,” said Anita Evans, Madera City Councilwoman. “I have proclaimed February as Black History Month. I presented the proclamation. I want the community to know that we’re here.”

In addition to honoring Murphy, Evans is hoping the community can come out, have a good time and celebrate.

“Madera Police Department is going to bring cards and stuff to give away to the children,” she said. “Madera Fire Department is bringing a ladder truck and a huge flag that they are going to fly over the park. They are also going to give things away. Madera Food Bank will be giving away water and whatever packaged food handouts they have.”

The celebration begins at 2 p.m. on Feb. 21 at McNally Park (825 S. A Street) and will last until 5 p.m.

“We’re going to be honoring the eldest African American Woman here who is 101 years old, Lucille Murphy,” Evans said. “She just celebrated her birthday on Dec. 19 and was born in 1919.”

Evans, one of two new city councilmembers, also read a proclamation that February is Black History Month in Madera.

“I read the proclamation at the City Council meeting,” she said. “It was declared February will be Black History Month in Madera.”

In addition to the African American churches, Evans had reached out to a number of other churches to join in the celebration.

“I’ve invited not only the African American churches, but I’ve reached out to numerous churches in the city,” she said. “Whomever comes, I don’t know. I’ve reached out to everybody just to be able to celebrate. I want to get some balloons to give away, too. I’m loving it.”

Evans, who was sworn in November, is hitting the ground running with things she wants to accomplish as a city council member and the Black History Month Celebration is just one of those accomplishments.

“I’m so excited.” she said. “I’m praying we will have a lot of people to attend. There are three songs we are going to sing, as well. Everybody is going to be singing. I’ve even asked the churches to bring out their choir. The park will be singing.”