Lamar State College President Tom Johnson and members of Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown’s family cut the ribbon yesterday evening on a new outdoor plaza named for Gatemouth Brown, the Orange native and Grammy-winning musician.
“I am so proud that there is now a place to honor the incredible legacy of Orange’s own, Gatemouth Brown, and that that place is here at Lamar State College Orange,” Dr. Johnson said.
“This newly-constructed plaza at the center of LSCO’s beautiful college on the Sabine will be a focal point of gathering for not just the Gator Family, but the entire Orange community. A place where music and merriment shall be shared. Which is why Gatemouth Brown is such a fitting individual for which this space is now named,” Johnson said.
Gatemouth’s brother, Bobby Brown, also a musician, and his daughter, Gatemouth’s niece, Brenda Brown, cut the ribbon to officially unveil and dedicate the plaza.
Dr. Johnson brought the concept of naming Gatemouth Plaza to the Texas State University System Board of Regents in order to create a permanent place to honor Orange’s own music legend. The Board unanimously approved the motion to name the plaza after Brown at their May meeting.
“We hope our students and members of the community will return time-and-time again to Gatemouth Plaza to enjoy this beautiful outdoor space for many years,” Johnson said.
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