RACINE â Anton House, a Racine native whose life has been an achievement in recovery and restoration, is now celebrating a new milestone: redemption.
The 41-year-old man has risen from a rough-and-tumble life on the streets to earning a Ph.D. and becoming a college professor.
On Friday, he attained another important goal when he received a pardon from Gov. Tony Evers for a drug conviction that had followed him around for 20 years. The pardon reflects that House has turned his life around and deserves to have certain rights restored, including the right to run for public office.
Contacted in Maryland, where he now lives, House called the governorâs act of forgiveness âan honor and a privilege,â and said it would allow him to enjoy a restored status of full citizenship.
Wreath in front of statue
The statue of Martin Luther King Jr. is seen at 909 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr. on Friday. DIANA PANUNCIAL, The Journal Times
Close-up of wreath
The wreath, which features white and red flowers with MLK s initials intertwined, is seen on Friday after being laid at the plaza that bears his name in Racine. DIANA PANUNCIAL,
Watching the livestream
Kelly Scroggins, left, and Mary Pucci, members of the Racine Women of Justice, who were sponsors of the ceremony, watch a livestream of Friday s MLK celebration, which included a speech by Rev. Al Sharpton, on Pucci s phone. To have this wreath laying is pivotal, Scroggins said. It s time to dream again about a beloved community with equality. Â
Sharpton will appear virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Additional speakers include: Racine Mayor Cory Mason, Racine County Executive Jonathan Delagrave, Gateway Technical College President Dr. Bryan Albrecht, Racine Police Chief Art Howell, basketball star and philanthropist Caron Butler and local faith leaders.
The event will include a wreath laying ceremony at the statue of King.
Lisa Parham, of the Racine Mirror, organizes the yearly event on the birthday of King.
She pointed out Sharpton was bringing a message of hope and inspiration to Racine, rather than addressing the community because there had been a murder or some other event that sometimes captures the attention of the nation.