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Mayor proclaims February Black History Month, local residents highlight city’s African American heritage
Summary
Mayor Bob Courtney read a proclamation recognizing February as Black History Month and invited longtime residents to speak about Madison’s Underground Railroad history, recent restorations and upcoming cultural events.
Mayor Bob Courtney proclaimed February as Black History Month for Madison and invited community voices to highlight the city’s African American history and ongoing programs.
"I, Bob Courtney, mayor of the City of Madison, hereby do proclaim the month of February Black History Month," the mayor read during the meeting, citing Carter G. Woodson’s 1926 founding of the observance, President Gerald Ford’s 1976 recognition, and local history markers. The proclamation notes Madison’s role in the Underground Railroad, the early Broadway School described in the proclamation as "the first commissioned colored school in Indiana," reference to Eutherian College and local congregations including Broadway Baptist Church and St. Stephen AME Church.
A longtime community speaker identified in the record as Sue addressed the council after the proclamation and described recent local history projects and events. Sue noted the city’s Ohio River Legacy Park ribbon-cutting in November 2024 and the unveiling of a bronze bust of George E. Baptiste, described in the proclamation as a Madison station master on the Underground Railroad. She also referenced the 2023 restoration of Gaines Park and mentioned upcoming local cultural programs including presentations at the Ohio Theatre and author events at the Cotton Mill Inn and the Picker Room.
The mayor and council members thanked Sue for her remarks and noted plans to feature programming around Juneteenth at Legacy Park.
The proclamation and remarks were presented during the ceremonial portion of the meeting; no formal council vote was required beyond the mayor’s reading and presentation.
