Alderman Keith Fair salute the honrees Bernice Moore and Jacob Lott after presenting them with a city of Racine proclamation honoring the two longtime pioneers of the midtown area.
A host of supporters, politicians, and volunteers gathered to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the George Bray Neighborhood Center. The event was described by many as one of the most important events to celebrate black history in our community .
The George Bray Neighborhood Center began in 1961 as the Franklin Neighborhood Association or “Pink House” — the dream of residents who were eager to solve social and economic problems in their community.
Soon after its inception, the center began offering a variety of education, employment and recreational programs. In 1969, it moved from 816 10th Street to its current home at 924 Center Street. After settling in the new location, board members voted to rename the association and its new building the George Bray Neighborhood Center after longtime director and founder George Bray.
One of the highlights of the event was when the center's executive director, Jameel Ghuari, presented his longtime friend and former Mayor Jim Smith with a service award for his support of the center.
U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore, D-Wis, the keynote speaker, and a former resident of Racine, was honored Saturday night with the unveiling of a colorful mural with a depiction of herself to celebrate her years of public service.
Ghuari thanked those in attendance and encouraged them about the important role they played in making the center vital to the community. "We had 50 percent of our funds cut last year, but what I found out is that volunteerism at the center improved 300 to 400 percent.”
There was much fun and laughter in the crowd after the event was over as people talked and enjoyed the music.
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