Historical marker unveiling unites community and elected officials
The unveiling will be Thursday, May 16, at 10am, in honor of Rev. Arthur Tasker, Ponchatoula's first Black mayor
A special unveiling ceremony is planned in Ponchatoula as the city erects a historical marker commemorating the Reverend Arthur Tasker.
Organized by the Rev. Arthur Tasker Historical Planning Committee and in partnership with History Untold Foundation, LLC., the City of Ponchatoula, Mayor Robert "Bob" Zabbia, and Councilwoman Roslind McKay-Batiste, District B, the unveiling will be Thursday, May 16, 2024, at 10am, in the Kiwanis Club, located at 300 North Sixth Street.
“This event is a testament to the shared dedication in preserving and honoring our history,” said Antoinette Harrell, founder of the History Untold Foundation, LLC. and committee member. Local historian Jim Perrin and Eddie Ponds, founder of The Drum, served on the planning committee and have collected Tasker’s historical documents for the occasion.
"Tasker was a trailblazer and a beacon of hope,” stated the committee. "He demonstrated an unwavering spirit and great ability to lead in the face of adversity. His legacy extends beyond politics."
A formerly enslaved man in Ponchatoula, Tasker established the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church in 1867. It remains a community cornerstone that housed Ponchatoula's first school to educate Black children. His story is one of resilience and leadership, as he became the city’s first Black American elected mayor in 1873.
The mission of the Untold History Foundation (UHF) is of utmost importance. It is to collect, preserve, and disseminate untold histories of African Americans in the Louisiana Florida Parishes. The UHF's work is not just about history; it's about keeping the stories and experiences that have shaped our community. The UHF produces short films, collects oral histories, presents webinars, and hosts workshops and seminars.