2025 Black History Month Banner Honorees

January 16, 2025

City of Terre Haute Announces 2025 Black History Month Banner Honorees

Terre Haute, IN – The City of Terre Haute’s Human Relations Commission is proud to announce the new class of honorees for the 2025 Black History Month banners. This annual initiative celebrates the contributions of local Black leaders, past and present, whose lives and work have had a profound impact on our community.

The selection process began with an open call for nominations, resulting in 55 submissions from community members. A diverse selection committee was formed, consisting of representatives from various sectors of the community. Using a structured rubric to evaluate nominees’ impact, leadership, and service, the committee carefully selected 12 honorees to be featured this year.

This year, 12 exceptional individuals have been selected for this prestigious recognition:

  1. Albert Meyzeek – Educator, Principal, Civil Rights Leader.
  2. Carolyn Tyler Roberts – Educator, Counselor, Mentor.
  3. Charles “Chuck” Miles – City Councilperson, Veteran, Firefighter, Community Leader.
  4. Charles E. Brown – Educator, Mentor, African American Cultural Center Director.
  5. Dr. Winton D. Jones – Pharmacist, Mentor, Business Owner.
  6. Evangeline Harris Merriweather – Educator, Author, Vocalist.
  7. James Porter – Professional Boxer, Mentor, Coach, Philanthropist.
  8. Jane Dabney Shackelford – Teacher, Author, Historian.
  9. Mark Blade – Pastor, County Councilperson, State Senator.
  10. Melvin L. Burks – CEO, Coach, Mentor, Community Leader.
  11. Michael Phillips – Mentor, Coach, Community Leader.
  12. Bill Reed (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 an individual who has demonstrated outstanding dedication and service to the City of Terre Haute. This selection is made personally by the Mayor to highlight a figure whose contributions reflect the values and vision of our community.

These honorees represent a broad spectrum of fields, including education, healthcare, arts, civic leadership, and social advocacy. Their stories of resilience, achievement, and service will be featured prominently on banners displayed throughout downtown Terre Haute during Black History Month in February 2025. The new banners will join the original Black History Month banner honorees in being displayed downtown, ensuring both past and newly recognized individuals are celebrated together.

The banners will be displayed downtown throughout February, and the stories of the new honorees will be featured on the City of Terre Haute's Facebook during the month.

“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.”

Mayor Brandon Sakbun added, “The Black History Month banners are a powerful tribute to individuals whose legacies inspire us all. Each honoree has left an indelible mark on our community, and their stories deserve to be celebrated and shared.”

Additional details about an honoree reception and an unveiling ceremony will be shared in the coming weeks. For more information about the Black History Month Banner Project, please visit https://www.terrehaute.in.gov/departments/human/black-history-month-banners.