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A new art installation at Magrill Plaza will shine light on the history of the Black community in Longview.

City crews recently installed a special artificial tree at what is being called The Grove at Magrill Plaza.

An historical marker at the park describes its historical importance.

“The grove was a natural timber stand within what became Longview in 1870. Tradition holds that the area’s Freedmen gathered in the Grove for worship services as early as the 1860s,” the marker says. “.In 1871, John R. Magrill sold the one-acre grove tract to the town’s African American population. Acting on their behalf were O.J. Taylor, Silas Billup and Alick Berry. Over the years, the Grove was an important gathering place for the local African American community. Efforts in the 1930s to acquire the land for oil production failed due to confusion over the title, and the city later adopted the land for use as a park, now known as Magrill Plaza.”

Parks Director John Albertson said the city of Longview has been doing a lot of work since he arrived here a couple of years ago.

“We replanted the grove trees,” added additional landscaping and repainted the gazebo, Albertson said.

A grant from Union Pacific helped make the art installation possible. It consists of a tree with leaves and branches that will light up. The tree is rated for outdoor use, Albertson said.

“It’s really us as a city wanting to recognize the history of Magrill Plaza in the community,” he said of the project.

A dedication for The Grove at Magrill Plaza set for 6 p.m. Thursday will kick off a five -day celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

On Jan. 16, an opening reception and jazz concert will take place at the Longview Community Center, 500 E. Whaley St. The reception begins at 6 p.m., and the concert takes place at 7 p.m. The Brass-a-Holics band will perform. Both events are free and open to the public.

The annual MLK Celebration Parade will take place at 10 a.m. Jan. 17. The parade begins at Pittman Street and moves north along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to the Broughton Recreation Center, 801 S. Martin Luther King. Longview ISD Superintendent Dr. Marla Sheppard will be the grand marshal.

A community festival will take place immediately following the parade until 3 p.m. Jan. 17.  Food, vendors and children’s activities will be available. Festival attendance is free, but patrons will have to pay for food and other expenses. Vendors should contact the city’s Parks and Recreation department at (903) 237-1270 to inquire about limited vendor space.

The night of Jan. 17, the Humanitarian Award Celebration will take place at the East Cotton Street Church of Christ, 2015 E. Cotton St. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. Angela Fitzpatrick will be honored for “her service and dedication,” city officials said in a statement.

On Jan. 18, a musical celebration will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. at Parkview Baptist Church, 2014 S. Green St.

Celebrations conclude Jan. 19 with the annual community march. Participants will gather at the Broughton Recreation Center at 11:30 a.m. to march north to Mt. Olive Baptist Church. An interfaith religious service will take place there at the conclusion of the march. Shuttle services will be available for attendees.