Before city council passed a resolution, Carl Ferebee spoke about a man who helped him in his own political career in Roanoke Rapids.

Ferebee reads the resolution to Mullen's wife, Mary.

“He’s a man who did so much for the city,” Ferebee said of Madison Mullen, the first black city councilman who died last month. “He dedicated his life to helping others.”

Members of First Baptist Church and the Roanoke Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church gathered behind Ferebee as the councilman talked about his mentor. “I followed in Madison’s footsteps. Following Madison’s footsteps is a tough thing to do.”

Ferebee said Mullen left the area and then came back. “He came back to where he started.”

Ferebee also announced the lobby of the new Chapel Ridge Apartments was being named in Mullen’s honor.

The resolution council passed unanimously Tuesday night refers to Mullen’s achievements. “After his return to Roanoke Rapids Madison served as an active and able member of the Roanoke Rapids Board of Adjustment, the NAACP and the First Baptist Church.”

He also worked with the Adult Day Care Center in Weldon.

In 1991 Mullen joined the NAACP in a lawsuit against the city, challenging the constitutionality of the city’s at-large voting method, which resulted in the Justice Department approving a three district election system.

In May, 1992, Mullen became the first black elected to city council and served two terms, “As a distinguished and hard working member of the Roanoke Rapids City Council where his education and past experience enabled him to be of great assistance in the progress and growth of the city of Roanoke Rapids.”

He was a member of the beautification committee and, as his health began to decline, was named a lifetime member of that committee. “The city of Roanoke Rapids and its citizens are saddened by the death of Madison P. Mullen Sr. and would like in some way to recognize his accomplishments and express deep gratitude for his lasting contributions to his God, his family and the City of Roanoke Rapids and its citizens.”

Mullen’s wife, Mary, thanked council for the resolution. “My family and I are truly grateful of the acknowledgement of my dear husband, MPM. He would be truly honored and humbled by the accolades bestowed upon him tonight.”

Mrs. Mullen said her husband was a gardener, “Who planted many seeds in the hearts of friends, associates and family members. May his blossoms continue resonating in the lives he touched.”