The late A.Z. Young was remembered as a courageous and active member of the civil rights movement in Bogalusa, during the historic marker ceremony held at his former home church Friday afternoon.

Flozell Daniels Jr., president and CEO of the Foundation for Louisiana, was the keynote speaker during the event, which was held at Second Missionary Baptist Church.

“I want to thank the late A.Z. Young,” he said. “I want to renew the commitment … There is power in the tongue. We are good people.”

Later, Bogalusa citizen Theresa Keller spoke on “who that man was.”

“This man walked with kings, and was the only black man from Bogalusa who ever laid in state,” she said.

Former Bogalusa Mayor Toye Taylor, who brought a proclamation from Gov. John Bel Edwards, called Young a “decent human being.” Taylor further said he was “honored to work with Young.”

Current Bogalusa Mayor Wendy Perrette also offered a proclamation to Young, saying she was “honored to recognize him.”

Later in the day, the historic marker was officially unveiled and dedicated at Young’s Bogalusa home, located at 1119 Young Brothers Road.