Long before Juneteenth was recognized as a national holiday in 2021, one Coastal Bend family had a vision.
In the early 1970s, the late Dorothy Benson was inspired to Black Awareness Day in Corpus Christi, TX. Working alongside other community members and her brother, Waunell Madison, she spearheaded the celebration to raise funds for the Robert L. Moore Community Center. With only $150 as seed money from the designated Board of Directors, Benson curated the event for the entire community, launching a legacy that has spanned over 50 years.
The celebration was more than a gathering. Rooted in the spirit of liberation and cultural pride, Black Awareness Day included educational forums, art exhibits featuring local Black artists, fashion shows, church events, golf tournaments, and heritage dances. The event brought out hundreds of people across the Corpus Christi community, with more than 150 organizations joining in to offer their support.
Neighborhood News Reporter, Alexis Scott, sat down with Waunell Madison, Benson’s brother and co-contributor of Black Awareness Day…