BY SARAH STEPHENS
OWNER/EDITOR EAN
PHOTOGRAPHS BY BOB EALUM/EAN
The City of Prattville celebrated Black History Month Feb. 28 with the 21st Annual Program held at the Doster Memorial Community Center.
This year’s theme was “Celebrating Black History Through Music, Dance and Poetry.” The Guest Speaker was Maxwell Pickett, brother to legendary Musician, Singer and Songwriter Wilson Pickett who grew up in Prattville.
Today Maxwell lives in Atlanta. In 1948 he was born in Autauga County, the seventh child of 11 children and Wilson’s youngest brother.
They were born and raised on the McQueen-Smith Plantation. Max attended Autauga County Elementary, North Highland Jr. High and North Highland High School of Prattville.
Beginning in 1962 when Maxwell was 14, he began going to New York to visit with his older brother Wilson, working and traveling with him on the road. The excitement of stardom was bigger than life and the experiences of working for his famous big brother would create a lifetime of cherished memories for young Maxwell.
He continued to work for his brother until he was drafted and served in the military from 1968-1970.
After leaving the military, Maxwell returned to New York to continue working for his brother but now as a young man, he found the work very trying on their relationship. Maxwell recognized the need to become independent and seek stable work of his own. He went on to work with New York Telephone as a Data Technician and worked for 30 years until retirement. He stayed in touch with his brother Wilson and would continue visits when time allowed.
In 2005 Wilson told Maxwell about his health challenges. Knowledge of this afforded them an opportunity to spend some needed quality time together.
Wilson passed away on Jan. 19, 2006 at the age of 64 in Reston, Virginia. He left Maxwell as Executor and Trustee of his affairs.
Recognizing that his brother had many regrets prior to his death, Maxwell has since been determined to leave a legacy of love in Wilson’s honor. To assist young up and coming artists was a desire left unfulfilled by Wilson. Maxwell has led the way as CEO of the Wilson Pickett Jr, Legacy LLC with the support of his wife, Branda, associate Kenneth Green and others as they promote Wilson’s legacy.
Some products created in his honor include:
The Wilson Picket Exhibition, “25 at the Top” which will be on display at the Autauga Prattville Public Library during the month of March.
An Atlanta Jukebox Musical, “In the Midnight Hour, the Music of Wilson Pickett.”
Maxwell partnered with Author Tony Fletcher in the official biography, “In the Midnight Hour, the Life and Soul of Wilson Pickett.”
The Annual Wilson Pickett Leadership in the Arts Workshop.
The Wilson Pickett Book Award Scholarship.
Partnered with the City of Prattville in the production of The Wilson Pickett Music and Arts Festival and the Wilson Picket Historic Markers.
Maxwell is currently working with Alabama Shakespeare Festival Theatre on a Wilson Pickett Musical Production that Maxwell expects will put his brother back on Funky Broadway!
For the program, the Posting of Colors was done by Prattville High School ROTC. The National Anthem was sung by Earnest Harris, the Assistant Band Director for Alabama State University.
Invocation was led by Mary Virginia Lee-Harris, Welcome by Yolanda Thomas and Greetings from Mayor Bill Gillespie, Jr.
A solo was done by Ayesha Mosley, with introduction of guest speaker from Sylvia Brantley.
The Prattville Youth Community Choir performed, as well as the Centre for Performing Arts, Dr. Cordelia Anderson, professor of Vocal Studies at ASU.
Poetry was read by Demario Owens. Mime Dancers included Deanna Hardy and Tia Wells. A musical performance was from Nicholas Tolver. Another performance was by Diva of States Elite Competitive Dancers. A poetry reading was done by Cortez Wood. A performance was from Steppers Choice Dancers, and a praise performance by Bethesda MBC God’s Chosen Angels.
Other performances were from Alabama State University Dept. of Theater Arts BFA Dance program with James R. Atkins, Jr., director and Jerome Stigler, choreographer.
Presentations were made for the Youth Community Achievement Award, Highest Participation Award and other special presentations.
The 2020 City of Prattville Black History Program Committee Members are: Latricia Gardner, Chair; Princess Harper; Sacha Smith, Cassandra E. Morris, Sandra Hill and Yolanda Thomas.
Special thanks to all who made this wonderful, annual event a big success once again!
