It was a jubilee, of sorts, in western Santa Ana as officials and neighbors gathered on Thursday, Feb. 16, to unveil the city’s first ceremonial street sign toppers.
The brown and white markers, with little stars and Santa Ana’s logo, now stand as tangible recognition of the city’s Black heritage and the contributions of the late Helen Shipp, founder of the Orange County Black History Parade.
Now, Willits Street between Fairview and Bristol streets is designated Helen M. Shipp Way. And the intersection of Willits and Raitt Street is now Black History Square.
“For us, it’s an honor for her to be honored,” son Dwayne “BH” Shipp said. “My mother has always done stuff for all the people, all of our neighbors.”
Dubbed “a community mother,” Shipp’s selfless and tireless dedication to her community is well-remembered by her neighbors and Santa Ana residents. She was quick to extend a helping hand to those in her church or community, even inviting people into her home to eat or take showers, said Dwayne Shipp, now the president of the OC Heritage Council, which carries on her work with the parade.
The signs — unveiled in a ceremony on Thursday that was at times emotional — are the first for Santa Ana under a new program and will be up in perpetuity, according to city spokesman Paul Eakins.
The new toppers don’t officially change the names of the streets, but will offer a secondary designation to honor people or organizations instrumental to Santa Ana’s history. Residents, councilmembers and neighborhood groups can apply for a ceremonial street sign topper; applications are found on the city’s website.
Curtis Shipp said his mother lived by the notion that there are “two important days in your life: the day you are born and the day that you find out why you were born, your purpose.”
“My mama knew that at an early age, and she went back into this community, although she had these kids, she went back in the community and did…
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