Part of U.S. 75 named for north Tulsa family
BY KENDRICK MARSHALL World Staff Writer
Sunday, October 21, 2012
10/21/12 at 4:41 AM
For decades, the Chappelle family was instrumental in shaping and developing north Tulsa through various community outreach programs and projects.
Local and state officials decided to return the favor by ensuring the family's name would be remembered for years to come.
Led by the efforts of state Sen. Judy Eason McIntrye, D-Tulsa, and state Rep. Jabar Shumate, D-Tulsa, a portion of U.S. 75 will now be named the Chappelle Family Memorial Highway, officials announced Saturday during a dedication ceremony at Morning Star Baptist Church.
The section stretches between Interstate 244 to 56th Street North, within Tulsa's city limits. A sign designating the highway is expected to be displayed sometime next week, officials said.
"This is an honor and privilege," said T. Oscar Chappelle III. "We are very thankful that our family would be honored in this way."
"The Chappelle family's impact in the community can be seen by merely driving through the community," said Shumate, who helped co-author bills HB 3108 and SB 1320 that were signed into law by Gov. Mary Fallin on May 29. "I personally had many interactions with the Chappelles that inspired me to be a community servant."
The late T. Oscar Chappelle Sr. inspired countless individuals as pastor of Morning Star Baptist Church at 1014 E. Pine St. for 48 years.
One of his achievements during that time was serving as president of the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education, one of the largest African-American religious organizations in the country. He also co-owned a rest home and helped many people establish their own businesses. His wife, Elizabeth Chappelle, taught in the Tulsa Public Schools system for more than 40 years and volunteered with many civic organizations such as Meals on Wheels.
Morning Star Baptist Church interim pastor John L. Thomas Jr. said no moreappropriate honor could be bestowed upon a family whose achievements extended well beyond the walls of a church.
"Highways are pathways to economic success and development," Thomas said. "The Chappelle family have been highway builders for so many of us. They laid the foundation for us. They opened doors for us. It is symbolically significant that a highway would be named after them."
Original Print Headline: Portion of highway will be named for Chappelle family
Kendrick Marshall 918-581-8486
kendrick.marshall@tuslaworld.com
Associated Images:
Members of Tulsa's prominent Chappelle family gather around a commemorative highway sign during a dedication and unveiling ceremony at the Morning Star Baptist Church on Saturday. JAMES GIBBARD / Tulsa World
"The Chappelle family's impact in the community can be seen by merely driving through the community," State Rep. Jabar Shumate said during the dedication ceremony Saturday. JAMES GIBBARD / Tulsa World
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