Just 13 miles from campus, Seabell "Mama" White Thomas reopened the Silver Moon on Monday, Jan. 15. Thomas held an opening ceremony and a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.
at noon Monday. Much to the dismay of University students and faculty, the 60-year-old owner of the restaurant was forced to close her Chimes Street location in December. "My heart's breaking into pieces not being close to my babies," Thomas said.
"I cried for three days when I left that campus." About 30 people attended the ceremony, including the East Baton Rouge Parish superintendent of education, a city constable and many local residents. Thomas spoke to everyone in attendance and praised King's accomplishment.
"I'm looking around, and I see white and black people here," Thomas said. "He would be very happy to see this here today, and I hope we can continue to work together hand in hand." Thomas said the ceremony was a way to "show our respect and honor Dr.
King." A small group sang religious music, and local officials prayed for and praised Thomas. "When I came back from Vietnam she was running a veteran's program, and all the veterans would call her Mama," Navarre said.
Some residents said they are excited the Silver Moon has reopened in St. Gabriel. "There aren't a lot of diner options in St.
Gabriel with good home cooking," resident Marilyn Rowe said. Thomas's daughter Sonyja, assistant director of the reproductive biology center, said moving the restaurant away from campus has taken a toll on her mother. "They requested her out here in St.
Gabriel, but it's been real hard on her," she said. "She felt she had been almost a failure, in a way, leaving LSU in that way." The restaurant is now located at 4945 Martin Luther King Parkway in St.
Gabriel. "The years have been so beautiful to me with my children around me at LSU, and I have been extremely heartbroken," Thomas said. "I didn't realize it has affected me the way it has.
I am missing you guys so much.
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