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Hampton City Council reads local Black History Month recognitions
Summary
At its meeting the council read short biographies of local Black leaders and historic figures — Y.B. Williams Jr., John Mallory Phillips Sr., Brenda Wharton Taylor and Mary Peake — highlighting their civic and educational contributions to Hampton.
Council members used part of the meeting to recognize Black History Month by reading short biographies of local leaders and historic figures.
Mayor Gray read about Y.B. Williams Jr., noting his service on the Hampton City Council and community boards. Vice Mayor Brown read about John Mallory Phillips Sr., a longtime business and civic leader who served on the council and as vice mayor. Councilwoman Mugler read about Brenda Wharton Taylor, a longtime educator and the first African American woman to serve on the council; Mugler added personal recollections. Councilwoman Campbell read about Mary Smith Kelsey Peake, who taught enslaved and free Black people in the 1850s, later worked with the American Missionary Association and whose legacy is linked with the Emancipation Oak at Hampton University.
Campbell said of Peake: "Mary Peake was the first teacher hired by the American Missionary Association." The council said it will continue to acknowledge local leaders at the next meeting as part of Black History Month observances.
