City of Laurel honors 95-year-old reverend with proclamation
City of Laurel honors 95-year-old reverend with proclamation By Caroline Wood | February 23, 2021 at 7:33 PM CST - Updated February 23 at 10:23 PM
LAUREL, Miss. (WDAM) - Feb. 23, 2021 will now be known as âRev. Wilson Rice Dayâ in Laurel.
At 95 years old, officials say Rice is the oldest African-American pastor actively preaching in Laurel.
Mayor Johnny Magee explained why the city chose Black History Month to honor Rice.
âThe Black church was a big part of the Civil Rights movement,â Magee said. âEverything centered around the church, and Rev. Rice was here during that time. He went through the Civil Rights movement with the church and heâs still with the church.â