More than 100 people joined the family and friends of the late William H. Thorpe Friday to dedicate a new Macomb park named after the trailblazer, who would have turned 93 on Sept. 4.
The William H. Thorpe Memorial Park in the 1200 block of East Pierce Street is now complete, with trees recently planted and benches installed. In addition, the park includes a 'story walk,' which is composed of eight markers that tell the story of Bill and the Thorpe family. A plaque at the east end of the park is dedicated to the man who paved the way for other Black community residents.
The official ribbon-cutting of the William H. Thorpe Park on East Pierce Street. Helping Mayor Mike Inman is Thorpe's grandson, his wife, Helen, and nephew, Carl, who spearheaded the project.
'What a beautiful day to celebrate a man who made an indelible mark on his community,' said Macomb Mayor Mike Inman.
The park on Macomb's east side honors Thorpe, who was the city's – and the county's - first Black police officer when he was hired in 1962. Even though he was an officer and a Korean War veteran, Thorpe faced segregation, prejudice and violence. After several years on the force, he was promoted to sergeant, which was a rare occurrence for predominantly white police departments. When he was first hired, he was assigned only menial tasks and couldn't take his service revolver home following his shift, unlike his white counterparts. Thorpe retired from the Macomb Police Department in 1984, after 23 years of service.
'I think this is great. The people here showing so much love and support for this, especially on his birthday,' said Bill's wife, Helen. 'I didn't sleep very well last night, thinking about today. But this is closure, and I'm so proud of him. This is a good day for a very good man.'
After retiring, Thorpe attended and graduated from barber college in Peoria and then began working at WIU in the Physical Plant, where he became a supervisor. After 13 years at WIU, he retired and became a bus driver for Go West where he was awarded as the 2012-2013 Driver of the Year. When he retired from Go West after 10 years, he worked as a barber. Thorpe passed away on Oct. 21, 2019 at the age of 86 at his home in Macomb.
Thorpe's nephew, Carl, spearheaded the park initiative, and he raised almost $45,000 for the park, which included $30,000 from the City of Macomb through the American Rescue Plan Act.
'I couldn't have done this without all of you,' Carl added. 'We kept the faith and stayed vigilant with this project, and the vision became a reality.'
Greg Huston, who was raised by Bill and Helen Thorpe, also spoke, thanking those present, including the Macomb Police Department, for their support for not only the park, but also for the Thorpe family.
'This park is done,' Huston noted. 'Thank you so much for supporting William H. Thorpe and his legacy.'
The final speaker, the Rev. Wilbert Cole, laughed as he recalled that Bill was a modest person, who didn't like anyone to make a fuss over him. Cole said he'd be floored at the event taking place, and for a park named in his honor.
'He deserved this and so much more,' Cole said. 'Thank God for him. Thank you for the life of William H. Thorpe and the time we had with him.'
Photos by Lynne Campbell
Photo courtesy of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce
Photo courtesy of the Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce Members of the Thorpe family plus numerous friends, community residents and local leaders attended the William Thorpe Memorial Park dedication on Thorpe's birthday, Friday, Sept. 4. Speakers included Mayor Michael Inman, Carl Thorpe, William's nephew who spearheaded the project, Greg Huston, who was raised by Bill and Helen Thorpe and the Rev. Wilbert Cole.
