Leander Morgan Sr. Memorial Golf Classic raises funds for Stanley White Rec Center
The legacy of a former New Bern mayor and alderman lives on and he will be honored for the third time at a community golf tournament Saturday.
The third annual Mayor Leander R. "Lee" Morgan Memorial Golf Classic is 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Harbour Pointe Golf Club, 1105 Barkentine Drive, in New Bern. The shotgun is at 9 a.m.
The New Bern Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity is hosting the event and all proceeds will go to the Stanley White Recreation Center rebuilding efforts. The center was destroyed by Hurricane Florence in 2018.
More: Nearly four years after Florence, Stanley White Rec project draws closer to reality
Marvin Credle, event director and fraternity member, said the golf event is to honor former Mayor Morgan who was the first Black New Bern mayor for three terms from 1977 to 1979, 1979 to 1981 and 1989 to 1993. Morgan was also a Kappa Alpha Psi member and served as the first Black alderman from 1971 to 1973 and again from 1981 to 1983. Morgan died Dec. 7, 1999.
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"Former Mayor Lee Morgan was our fraternity brother and when we decided to do this event, we wanted to partner with the Morgan family because a lot of us, when we were younger, he was the mayor," Credle said. "It was a good time in New Bern and we just appreciate that legacy."
Credle said the event is open to the public and spectators are encouraged to attend. The opening ceremony is at 8 a.m.
Morgan's family will also participate in the event including his only daughter, Lisa Morgan and one of his sons.
Credle said Monday that about 20 slots remained open. Those interested can register at eventbrite.com or by sending an email to NewBernAlumniKAPSI@gmail.com. Prices range from $75 per adult golfer or $280 for a group of four. Tickets for children ages 10 to 17 are $45 each. Trophies, a continental breakfast, lunch and gift bags are included.
An awards ceremony will be held after the event around 1:30 p.m. inside the Harbour Pointe Golf Clubhouse. Seating is limited. Golfers could receive a first, second or third place trophy. A raffle for various prizes from local businesses and supporters is also being held.
Credle said the event is growing with more local support and he hopes to continue the event for many more years.
"It’s just an opportunity for us to support the community and honor the legacy of Mayor Morgan," he said. "It’s definitely going to be a part of our giveback for years to come."
For more information, contact Credle at newbernalumniskapsi@gmail.com or marv.credle@gmail.com or by calling 703-587-4947.
Reporter Symone Graham can be reached by email at sgraham@gannett.com. Have a story tip or idea? Send it her way.
This article originally appeared on Sun Journal: 3rd Leander Morgan Sr. Memorial Golf Classic kicks off Saturday
