Loretta Rena McNeill
LAURINBURG — The African American Heritage Committee, Inc., has announced its grand marshal for the inaugural Black History Parade.
Retired US Army Veteran and local youth advocate Loretta Rena McNeill will lead the parade for its first year.
“It is with great pleasure and regard we announce Ms. Loretta Rena McNeill as our Inaugural Black History parade 2023 grand marshal,” said Committee Co-Chair Barbara Rogers. “In doing so we aim to set precedence of celebrating the black women who make history every day by showing up for the people and communities they love. She deserves flowers she can smell and this is truly the least we could offer for her dedicated service.”
McNeill has spent more than 40 years in youth advocacy across the state with a special dedication to the youth of Scotland County to ensure all youth have a strong understanding of their foundational history and own abilities.
She has had roles in the National ACT-SO, a high school achievement program designed to recruit, stimulate, and encourage high academic and cultural achievement to college civic engagement. Most recently she has committed herself to the establishment of NAACP student chapters on college campuses, both at historically Black colleges and universities and predominantly white institution’s Black student unions.
“We are excited to honor the work of Ms. McNeill, as she has given so unselfishly to mold the minds of many young people who have begun in Scotland County and gone on to be a blessing all across the country,” said AAHC President Darrel “BJ” Gibson, Jr.
The inaugural Black History Parade will begin at the light by Bright Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church on North Main Street at 3 p.m. and end on South Main Street. The parade will celebrate the struggle and success of the past, present, and future.