Pancake Day, Black History Month discussed by Valley council
BY JOHN BRICE
THE LAFAYETTE SUN
VALLEY — District 6 Council Member Jolanda Barnes once again emphasized the importance of Black History Month during the Valley City Council meeting Monday Feb. 23.
“Tonight, as we continue to recognize Black History Month, we not only celebrate the past but also reflect on the living impact of those who helped shape the freedoms and opportunities we experience today across the nation,” Barnes said.
Barnes also acknowledged the recent passing of civil rights leader the Rev. Jesse Jackson.
“We are thinking of the Rev. Dr. Jesse Jackson, who passed away over the past week,” she said. “They will be celebrating his life and contributions to this country over the next week in Chicago. We want to reflect on his decades of advocacy, faith and leadership that reminded us to continue progressing over the decades.”
Barnes tied the national reflection to a local milestone, highlighting the recent celebration of District 6 resident Dorothy Moore.
“Here at home, we had the opportunity two Fridays ago to celebrate the life and legacy of Ms. Dorothy Moore, who turned 100 years old on Feb. 13,” Barnes said. “We were able to provide a proclamation and recognize her as, I believe, the oldest citizen in District 6. Thank you to Mayor Riley and Kathy for helping orchestrate that. We want to continue to recognize her remarkable milestone and her life of faith and perseverance.”
Barnes encouraged continued recognition of both national and local figures during the month.
“As we continue to observe Black History Month, we want to honor both national figures and our local figures who have changed the course of history in our community,” she said.
Later in the meeting, Director of The Valley Local Sara Crutchfield announced the upcoming Pancake Day fundraiser.
“This Friday is Pancake Day at the community center,” Crutchfield said. “We will start serving from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m., [EST.] and cooking begins at 5 a.m. You can purchase tickets at the community center.”
Adult plates will cost $10 and include four pancakes, two sausage patties and a drink. Children’s plates will cost $5 and include two pancakes, one sausage patty and a drink. Crutchfield added that Soda Splash will be set up outside with its drink truck for additional beverage options.
In Other Business
• Mayor Leonard Riley removed the adoption of the new employee handbook from the agenda, announcing it would be placed on the March 9 meeting agenda.
• The council also approved a consent agenda that included authorization for public consumption of alcohol at five events within the city limits.
