The re-opening Monday of W.C. Handy Park on Beale St. was paired with the annual birthday celebration of the “Father of the Blues.”
Dr. Carlos Handy, the grandson of W. C. Handy, was among the special guests. He and Mayor Jim Strickland cut the ribbon on the revamped park that helps anchor the Beale St. Entertainment District.
Handy takes center stage!
Accenting the occasion was Joyce Cobb singing W.C. Handy’s “Memphis Blues” and “Beale Street Blues.” Ekpe and Company provided the prelude and postlude music, with a special presentation by Deborah Manning Thomas.
The Rev. Dr. L. LaSimba M. Gray Jr. set the tone with his invocation.
The annual birth salute to Handy unfolded on the porch of his home, which forms the basis for the W.C. Handy Home and Museum operated by Elaine Turner and Heritage Tours.
GALLERY
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- Dr. Carlos Handy, the grandson of W.C. Handy, helps frame the day of celebration for his grandfather, W.C. Handy, renowned as the “Father of the Blues.” (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)
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- Celebrating Handy: (l-r) Dr. Carlos Handy, Yvonne Acey, David Acey, Dr. L. LaSimba M. Gray Jr. and Mary Gray. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)
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- Elaine Turner of Heritage Tours and Dr. Carlos Handy near an image of W.C. Handy inside the W.C. Handy Memphis Home and Museum. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)
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- Dr. Carlos Handy (center) tours the W.C. Handy Memphis Home and Museum. (Photo: Tyrone P. Easley)
