Macon spots to celebrate Little Richard on anniversary weekend of his death
There will be a celebration at Rosa Parks Square with festivities, fun, and food, and that s not all. Author: Suzanne Lawler (WMAZ) Updated: 7:23 PM EDT May 7, 2021
MACON, Ga. This weekend marks a year since the death of Macon native Richard Penniman. The rest of the world knew the big personality as Little Richard, and he revolutionized music with his performances. Now, Central Georgians will pause and celebrate to honor the architect of rock and roll.
There will be a celebration at Rosa Parks Square with festivities, fun, and food, and that s not all.
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Caption The first Little Richard Memorial Celebration will be held in Macon May 7-9 and culminating on the first anniversary of his death at age 87. Credit: Liz Fabian/CCJ
On the first anniversary of the death of Little Richard Penniman, Macon will be celebrating his colorful life which began in the city’s Pleasant Hill neighborhood.
Beginning Friday, select downtown businesses will offer Little Richard-themed cocktails, beverages and food to honor the self-described Architect of Rock & Roll who died May 9, 2020, at age 87 in Nashville.
“We will be trying to encourage people to patronize the local businesses downtown for food and drinks and we’re going to do that by having a Little Richard Memorial Weekend passport,” said Nancy Cleveland, who is helping organize the event.
MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) The Mental Health Matters initiative is kicking off Saturday with a Mental Health Pop-up Gym. Organizers say the pop-ups are a way to introduce mental health to disadvantaged areas.
Nancy Cleveland is the executive director and founder of Macon Head Space. She says the Mental Health Pop-up Gym happening Saturday at Filmore Thomas Park is meant to promote free mental health services coming to recreation centers. The event starts at 8 a.m. and goes on until 4 p.m. It will include chances to interview therapists, yoga, meditation, poetry, and more.
“Macon Head Space is here to help you in whatever way you see fit. Whether it be therapy, aromatherapy, yoga, meditation, drumming, even just sitting in silence. I’m not sure what it is but we’re here to teach you techniques so you can take it home and create your own formula,” Cleveland said.
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MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT)– Community activists gathered in Rosa Park Square Sunday night, to host a vigil honoring all homicide victims.
Macon set a grim record with 50 homicides in 2020. The groups ‘Macon Headspace’ and ‘Freedom for All’, wanted to honor victims with a candlelight ceremony.
Speakers read each name and age aloud. The groups emphasized the victims are more than just a number.
Rowdy Soloman attended the event and also recited poetry to honor victims and their families. He hopes events like these will bring the city together.
“Seeing all of us come together, was the greatest thing that I could ever see in our city, we need more of that,” Soloman stated. “It doesn’t matter what color you are, or what environment you come from. Love’s the main thing that we need here.”