Photo Gallery: May 4 Marker Unveiling

Sunday, May 4, 2025, a beautiful, blue-skied afternoon—just right for a community celebration. The Montevallo Legacy Project (MLP) and City of Montevallo partnered to unveil three new markers on the Montevallo African American Heritage Trail.

Gathering at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Missionary

The new markers honor the historical significance of Epsibeth Missionary Baptist Church in Aldrich, Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church in Almont, and The Little School in Jacksonville. 

The project represents a collaboration between city and county officials, two historic Black churches, the MLP, and a family living on the site of an almost-forgotten public school for Black children. It reminds us that African American history in Montevallo is something that brings people together—and for that we say hurrah.

The mood all afternoon was one of pride, gratitude, remembrance, and joy. Those who attended the unveiling at Epsibeth, a church founded in 1872, will long remember the ringing of the original church bell, which has rung out to call people to church for a century and a half.

At the Little School, Kathlyn Lathion, the last living student from Montevallo's first public school for Black children, shared vivid memories of the school’s final year, 1938-39.

Rance Gaddis, grandson of Onnie Dell Fluker, gave us personal glimpses of the beloved teacher he called Mama Dell. Once a student at the Little School, she went on to teach at Almont Elementary. When it was announced that the Almont school would soon be added to the Heritage Trail, cheers went up.

Gathering at the “Little School” marker.

Special guest Debra Harton Love, District 6 Representative of the Alabama Historical Commission's  Black Heritage Council, congratulated Montevallo. You're showing out how it's done, she said.

It was a day of community spirit--honoring the past and looking forward together.

Take a look at the photos from the commemoration below. All photos taken by Tonia Mayton.