Brownsville to honor Tina Turner with statue

The city of Brownsville and the West Delta Heritage Center are raising funds to honor Queen of Rock and Roll Tina Turner in Brownsville’s Heritage Park. A six-foot bronze statute of Turner – born Anna Mae Bullock in Brownsville – will be erected in the park across the street from the historic Carver High School in Brownsville, where Turner attended and was a member of both the cheerleading squad and basketball team. The high school is now home to the Dunbar Carver Museum which showcases the history of the African American community and students who attended, including Turner. The one-room elementary schoolhouse Turner attended is now located on the grounds of the West Delta Heritage Museum. Fred Ajanogha, aka Ajano, will design the statue with plans to unveil it at Brownsville’s Tina Turner Heritage Days in September. Those interested in donating to the cause may do so at WestTNHeritage.com/donate.