TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)— The City of Terre Haute’s Human Relations Commission has announced that they’ve chosen from 55 nominations who will newly be represented on the Black History Month banners.
The Human Relations Commission began taking nominations for new honorees on December 9, 2024, when they announced they’d be updating the Black History Month banners and digitizing the old ones. This was in an effort to not only create new banners that were more durable to the elements and age but also give them a chance to honor new individuals who have made contributions to the community.
12 new individuals were chosen from the original 55 nominations and were recognized for their leadership, service, and dedication across various fields. The list of the nominations from the press release are as follows.
- Albert Meyzeek – Educator, Civil Rights Leader
- Carolyn Tyler Roberts – Educator, Counselor, Mentor,
- Charles “Chuck” Miles – City Councilperson, Veteran, Firefighter, Community Leader
- Charles E. Brown – Educator, Mentor, African American Cultural Center Director
- Dr. Winton D. Jones – Pharmacist, Mentor, Business Owner
- Evangeline Harris Merriweather – Educator, Author, Vocalist
- James Porter – Professional Boxer, Mentor, Coach, Philanthropist
- Jane Dabney Shackelford – Teacher, Author, Historian
- Mark Blade – Pastor, County Councilperson, State Senator
- Melvin L. Burks – CEO, Coach, Mentor, Community Leader
- Michael Phillips – Mentor, Coach, Community Leader
- Bill Read (Mayor’s Choice) – The First African American Fire Chief for the City of Terre Haute
The Mayor’s Choice banner is a unique recognition reserved for someone who has shown outstanding dedication and service to Terre Haute and is chosen by the Mayor to highlight their contributions reflecting the values of the community. Those chosen to be honorees come from a broad group of fields and will be celebrated along with the original honorees this February.
“These individuals exemplify the spirit of community, leadership, and progress,” said Anne-Therese Ryan, Human Relations Commission Director. “Their contributions remind us of the vital role that Black leaders have played and continue to play in shaping Terre Haute into a more inclusive and dynamic city.”
Along with this, the stories of achievement for each honoree will be shared throughout the month of February on the city’s Facebook page. For more information on the Black History Month Banner Project visit this link.
