On Wednesday, January 5, 2022, dreams became reality for several in Monroe. Dreams of those with us, and some gone for years. Almost 4 years to the day she left us, Esther Gallow was honored during the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Community Garden in the Booker T Neighborhood that will bear her name. Through a partnership between ULM, Louisiana Delta Community College and Esther’s son Chris, a vacant plot of land on Sherrouse Street will be transformed in the near future into a garden for all to share. On an overcast day, the event was attended by dignitaries from the area with heartfelt speeches given by many discussing the idea that had sprouted years before with Esther herself. After she passed, the idea took a backseat to other goings on in the community, but the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service concept revived the idea.
If you never met Esther Gallow, you have probably heard her name. She worked as Assistant Director of Community Affairs for the City of Monroe for a while. But Esther was a voice…THE voice for not just the Booker T neighborhood, but for the people of Monroe. She had resources, a passion, and over the years she made contacts. And when those things combine, they make for change. And Esther made changes. She spoke in front of city council meetings, state Senate meetings, neighborhood groups, town hall meetings and she also applied for grants. Esther put her heart and soul into her community for the young and the old. She wanted her community…her people…to be part of not just Booker T, but of MONROE. And she worked hard to make dreams come true. She partnered with local radio stations to provide toys for neighborhood children at Christmas. The area needed something…needed a friendly hangout spot. Therefore, she opened Christopher’s Restaurant, a steak and seafood spot in the heart of Booker T. When the freezer went out at her son’s restaurant years ago, they cooked the food and distributed it to the community. If there was a need, she made something happen. She had a heart of gold, and her voice just as golden. And she made an impact.
Many spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony. Dr. Pamela Saulsberry, ULM’s Vice President of Diversity, stated that with this garden, “We are bridging two generations…the children at (Roy Neal) Shelling Elementary and the Senior Center”. The garden will be situated merely a block away from Shelling Elementary School, and across the street from the Booker T Senior Village. According to Monroe City Councilwoman Juanita Woods, the garden will be situated in several 4 foot by 8 foot boxes that can be easily maintained by citizens within the community who will also be able to harvest foods as needed. It will be a great opportunity for children, adults and senior citizens of the community to receive fresh fruits and vegetables that are much needed by citizens in the area. Woods also stated that “the community has asked for a community garden. Dr. Saulsberry and Chris Gallow said it will happen and made it come together.” Another speaker at the ceremony was Mr. Kendall January, the principal at Shelling Elementary. He described how excited he was when he was approached by Dr. Saulsbery and Councilwoman Woods. “We had been thinking about the idea of putting in a garden at the school. So when they brought up the idea, we were glad to be part of it.”
Representatives from the Monroe Chamber of Commerce were also in attendance. When asked about the ceremony, Monroe Chamber President Roy Heatherly commented, “This community garden symbolizes what is going on in Monroe today. A garden is a diverse being in and of itself with different plants growing, from seed to harvest. In much the same way, Monroe is working to build stronger relationships between businesses, schools and the community through beautiful concepts like this.”
Esther’s son put it best when he simply and wholeheartedly told all in attendance, “This is something my mom would be proud of. This is something she always wanted.” The community garden will be on a plot of land donated by Chris and will be maintained by the community. As everyone made their way across the street for the official groundbreaking and the photos, the skies opened up, and the sun shone down on the on the ground, on the people, and on the hearts of all that were there. It was a beautiful end to a well-deserved honor at the Esther Gallow Community Garden.
Citizens from all over Monroe are invited to participate in the Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service on January 17th to fill planters built by the ULM Construction Department, prepare walking paths, and place signs at the garden located at the lot across from 1401 Sherrouse St. in Monroe.
Stay tuned to our Macaroni KID Monroe-West Monroe Facebook page and newsletter for exact times for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service events at the Esther Gallow Community Garden and other locations for events around town.
