Local News

Ville Platte's First African-American Achievers & Black History Mural Dedication Awards Luncheon Held

Ville Platte Mayor, Jennifer Vidrine, welcomed guests Friday to the Ville Platte’s First African-American Achievers & Black History Mural Dedication Awards Luncheon held at the Martin Luther King Center in Ville Platte.  A large, detailed mural on the wall inside the MLK Center was presented showing those who have achieved milestones in Ville Platte throughout the years.  The mural was created in three months by a local artist.  Other reflections of African-American achievements were placed throughout the center for guests to view.

 

A presentation was given where nineteen individuals were recognized for their achievements which included being the first African-American to register to vote, first African-American School Board member, City Councilman, Police Juror, City Marshall, Chief of Police, first African-American female to integrate Ville Platte High School and other historic achievements.  Of course one of those achievements is Jennifer Vidrine as the first African-American Mayor of Ville Platte.

School Superintendent, Rev. Darwan Lazard was the Master of Ceremony along with other distinguished guests contributing to the presentation.  Other elected officials in attendance included, D.A. Trent Brignac, Clerk of Court, Randy Deshotel, Chief of Police, Neal Lartigue, City Marshall, Ronald T. Doucet, Tax Assessor, Dirk Deville, and Police Juror, Ryan Leday Williams.

 

Carleen Bellard sang for the crowd and a stunning performance was made by Antoune Anthony as he recited the I Have a Dream speech.  Ashanti Thomas performed the National Anthem.  The crowed was then treated to a luncheon provided by Wilda Clark.

 

Those honored were:

 

Rev. E.D. Alfred

Herbert Alfred

Mr. Lawrence Deshotel

Mr. Curley Dossman

Mr. Ronald Doucet

Mr. Freddie Dunn

Councilwoman Gloria Frank

Mr. Marshall Frank

Chief Romeo Hargrave

Mr. Gervis Lafleur

Mr. Greg Lafleur

Mr. Alton T. Locks

Ms. Grace Vidrine Sibly

Mr. Arvie Thomas, Sr.

Mr. Edward Knotoe Thomas

Mrs. Mildred Thomas

Rev. M.L. Thomas

Mr. Olenes Vidrine and Mayor, Jennifer Vidrine

 

Family members of those who were honored were also recognized.  Some of those recognized are no longer with us.

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The Louisana Swamp Pop Museum is operated by the City of Ville  Platte is open to the public every Friday and

Saturday from 10:00a.m. to 3:00p.m. Come view the amazing artifacts, photos,records, Wall of Fame and hear the music.
 

Admission charge is $3 adults,

$2 seniors and $1 for children under 12.
The museum is located on

Northwest Railroad Avenue.