With a new year rapidly approaching, we would like to take a moment to reflect on the great things that 2024 brought to our community. One of those things, or actually three, were plates designed by Ralph Boston to honor Oak Park High School. They will now serve as a reminder of Boston’s own significant contributions to The City Beautiful.
The memory of Ralph Boston, a beloved figure in Laurel’s history, will live on through a special presentation held in his honor. Boston, who passed away in 2023, left behind a collection of memorabilia that his cousin, Jeanelle Boston Newell, discovered while cleaning out his home on Peach Street in Georgia. Among the treasures was a series of commemorative plates that Boston had designed to honor Oak Park High School in Laurel.
Recognizing the significance of these plates, Newell sent them to Lula Cooley, Director of the B.E. Murph Senior Center and Oak Park alumna. Cooley was entrusted with distributing the plates to those who would truly appreciate the legacy they represented.
On September 24, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., a small but meaningful ceremony was held in Mayor Johnny Magee’s office at City Hall, where three notable community figures received these commemorative plates.
Lula Cooley, presented the plates to Laurel Mayor Johnny Magee, Laurel’s Parks and Recreation Director Elvin Ulmer, and Marion Allen, the founder and Director of the Laurel-Jones County Black History Museum & Arts.
In a touching tribute, Allen emphasized that these plates, designed by Ralph Boston, are a symbol of both the rich history of Oak Park High School and the broader contributions Boston made to Laurel and the African American community.
The plates represent not only Oak Park High School’s legacy but also the city’s connection to Boston, who played a significant role in the community.
In his remarks, Mayor Magee acknowledged that Ralph Boston’s influence could still be felt in the city, noting that “he is a part of Laurel” and that the commemorative plates serve as a reminder of the strong ties between the city’s past and its future.
The surprise presentation was an emotional moment for all involved. Elvin Ulmer was caught off guard, expressing his gratitude and surprise at receiving such a meaningful piece of Laurel’s history. The plates will now be proudly displayed by the recipients, including Mayor Magee, who plans to have his framed as a permanent tribute in his office.
This special ceremony further highlights the deep sense of community in Laurel, where past and present come together to celebrate the contributions of individuals like Ralph Boston, whose legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
Read original article by clicking here.