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Dr. Bernard Lafayette Jr. was honored by Selma last weekend for his tireless work during the Civil Rights Era in the 1960’s.

Dr. Bernard Lafayette Jr. Day  was held throughout the Queen City on May 14. The night concluded with the Voting Rights Banquet in Lafayette’s honor at Selma University.

The City of Selma, Historic Tabernacle Baptist Church-Selma, The Historic Tabernacle Baptist Church-Selma Legacy Foundation, Selma Center for Nonviolence, Truth and Reconciliation all co-sponsored the event.

Over a delectable spread of baked chicken, mashed potatoes, garden salad and assorted desserts catered by Tameka Peoples, various political figures in Selma and Dallas County participated in the program.

Selma City Council President Billy Young was master of ceremonies

“It’s important to give someone flowers when they can still smell them,” Young said.

Selma Mayor James Perkins Jr. delivered a powerful speech as keynote speaker, thanking Lafayette for opening the doors for him and Young.

“Dr. Bernard Lafayette did not know me by name, but he loved me enough that he sacrificed and allowed me to one day become Mayor of Selma and one day allow Billy Young to become Selma City Council President.”

Selma City Councilwoman Jannie Thomas, Dallas County Commissioner Curtis Williams, State Senator Malika Fortier all delivered greetings.

Historic Gospel Tabernacle Pasror Rev. Dr. Otis D. Culliver was workman-like through the program. He opened with a prayer, blessed the food, delivered a welcome address alongside Selma University President Dr. Stanford Angion.

Lafayette’s godchild Azali Fortier, Perkins, Southern Christian Leadership Conference President Dr. Charles Steele and Tuskegee Mayor  Omar Neal gave tributes to Lafayette, where Union Street is named after him.

Former Selma Mayor George Evans, former Selma City Councilwoman Angela Benjamin,  former Dallas County Commissioner Valerie Reubin and former Orrville councilwoman Jewell Williamson were among the high-profile officials who attended the event.