“I think I want to see my name on the Stanley Legacy Wall someday.”
So said the 14-year-old granddaughter of a community leader whose name already appears on the legacy wall that honors leaders in Port Huron’s Black community.
I put my arm around her and said, “Then I’m sure we WILL see your name up there, someday.”
Recognition matters. It is important to recognize those in our community who dedicate their lives to serving others to thank them, but also to inspire the next generation of leaders.
Like a 14-year-old who looked up at the wall, in awe of the plaque bearing her grandmother’s name.
Today I had the honor of attending the fifth annual Stanley Legacy Wall Induction Ceremony where three local women and outstanding members of the Port Huron Black Community were honored.
The Stanley Legacy Wall is a part of the Port Huron Museum’s permanent exhibit on the history of the Black community in the city. It was established in 2021 by Haran Stanley of Port Huron, who partnered with museum staff to bring to life the work of documenting the history of Port Huron’s Black community that was started by her grandmother, Marguerite Stanley, who in the 1980s authored the book, “From Whence We Came.” Marguerite’s book provided great detail regarding the history of the Black community in the city.
As Haran Stanley said, in a Times Herald article published when the permanent exhibit was opened in 2021: “It is important that our stories are told and preserved.”
As Haran Stanley said, in a Times Herald article published when the permanent exhibit was opened in 2021: “It is important that our stories are told and preserved.”
The 2026 inductees, whose names are permanently placed on the recognition wall in the museum, include:
LaTangie Christmas, a professor of speech at St. Clair County Community College, and the only Black tenured faculty member at the college. “I wanted to open the doors for other professionals of color at SC4, so that when I leave, the doors would be opened wider.”
Cecile Shoulders, a retired DTE employee who has dedicated her life to volunteering in the community for decades. Shoulders quoted a spiritual song in her acceptance speech: “If I can help somebody, then my living will not be in vain.”
Sandra Woodyard, who is retired from the Port Huron Area School District.
Congratulations to all three incredible women!
And: I’m so very, very, very proud of my friend, Haran, for the incredible exhibit and awards program she created. You rock, Haran.
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