MLK 2021 Souvenir Book

Cover Design by:
Lisa Hawkins
Cover Design by Lisa Hawkins

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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force, Inc.
FOUNDER
Former Southfield Councilwoman Barbara E. Talley
CHARTER MEMBERS
Lecester Allen ............................................................................................................ Anne Harp*
Dr. William Anderson ........................................................................................... Rev. Bert Heise
Nancy Austin .................................................................................................... Vernon Merritt, III
Pearl Battle* ............................................................................................................ Beulah Miles
Barbara Brown* .................................................................................................. Cynthia Overton
Gerald Cardwell ........................................................................................................ Fred Owens
Eric Coleman .......................................................................................... Rev. David L. Roberson
Irma B. Cooper* ............................................................................................ Ron Robinson, Esq.
Judge Stephen C. Cooper ................................................................................. Dr. Kenson Siver
Pat Cunningham .................................................................................................... Susan Slater
Pattie Dexter ..................................................................................................... Barbara E. Talley
Olivia Dyson ............................................................................................... Rev. Kenneth Whyte
Ruth Fields* ......................................................................................................... Karen Widman
Councilwoman Vickie Goldbaum* .................................................................. Robert Willis, Esq.
Councilwoman Suzanne Goldstein ......................................................................... JoAnn Wright
Lamar Gray .......................................................................................... Tammie Wright Williams
CHAIRPERSONS AND PRESIDENTS
1986 ......................................................................................... Councilwoman Barbara E. Talley
Rev. Mark Jenson
1987–1988 ............................................................................... Councilwoman Barbara E. Talley
Florence LaPonsa*
1989-1990 ................................................................................................................. Anne Harp*
Rabbi David Nelson
1991 ........................................................................................................................ Karen Shelly
Mel France*
1992 ........................................................................................................ Judge Stephen Cooper
Rev. David L. Roberson
1993-1995 .............................................................................................. Rev. David L. Roberson
Dr. Kenson Siver
1996-1999 ........................................................................................................ V. Gail Simpson
2000-2001 ........................................................................................................... Patricia Haynie
2002-2003 ............................................................................................................ Carol Thomas
2004-2005 ............................................................................................................... Felix Seldon
2005-2007 ................................................................................................................... Ann Dillon
2008-2009 ............................................................................................... Barbara Purifoy Seldon
2010-2011 ...................................................................................................... Roger Goolsby, Sr
2011-2013 ............................................................................................... Barbara Purifoy Seldon
2013-2015 ................................................................................................. Dorothy J. Dean, Esq.
2015-2018 ............................................................................................................ Patricia Haynie
2019-2020 ..................................................................................................... Roger Goolsby, Sr.
2020-Present ................................................................................................ Tracey Payne-Tellis
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*Deceased

Opening Ceremony “Driving for
Justice” Parade and Virtual Walk
Committee/MLK Day of Service
Food Giveaway
Dorothy Dean, Chair
Rosemerry Allen, Co-Chair
Tracey Payne-Tellis, Ex-Officio
Mayor Mykale Garrett
Faira Glenn
Justin Beck-Director, Homeland
Security/SPD
Lt. Matthew Taylor
Southfield Police Department
Mayor Ken Siver
Dan Brightwell
Ida Cunningham
Barbara Seldon
Michael Manion
Erin Moore
Information Technology/Logistics
Joann Wright
Church / Synagogue Liaison
Hon. Shelia Johnson
Grants/Sponsorship Committee
Chair - Barbara Talley
Co-Chair: Barbara Seldon
Tracey Payne-Tellis
Rosemerry Allen
Program
Chair: Faira Glenn
Co-chair: Tracey Payne-Tellis
Jim Scott
Lisa Hawkins
Jay Reid
AGB Designs
Dedra Hobbs
Youth Peacemakers &
Community Service
Sherita Watson
Erica Perryman
Irene Green
Jay Reid
Community Service Adult Award
Chair-Dorothy Dean, Esq
Barbara Seldon
Felix Seldon
Publicity & Public Relations
Chair -Michael Manion
Lisa Hawkins
Dedra Hobbs
By-laws
Chair - Kyle Van Lopes
Ida Cunningham
Myron Frasier
Patricia Haynie
Sherita Watson
Certificates and Buttons
Chair - Roger Goolsby
City Liaison
Co-Chair: Mayor Ken Siver
Chair Daniel Brightwell
John Michrina
Hon. Kelly Garret: Lathrup Village
Membership
Kyle Van Lopes
Derrick Hale
Sherita Watson
Roger Goolsby
Jay Reid
Lashawna Morman
Erica Perryman
Education
Sherita Watson
Kyle Van Lopes
Erica Perryman
Irene Green
Ashley Durfied
Ida Cunningham
International Relations & Program
Committee & Cultural Programs
Chair Barbara Talley
Co-chair -Barbara Seldon
Dorothy Dean, Esq.
Jay Reid
Dr. Talia Weltman-Cineros
Patricia Ann Talley
Rosemerry Allen
Candelaria Donaji Mendez Tello
Technology
Sherita Watson
Faira Glenn
Budget/Finance
Hon. Daniel Brightwell
Barbara Seldon
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Non-profit
John Michrina
School Liaison
Hon. Daniel Brightwell
Souvenir Book
Layout-Aleta Brown ~ AGB Designs
Editor-Michael Manion
Lisa Hawkins
Choreography
Jim Scott
Historian/Archivist
Chair-Barbara Talley
Co-Chair JoAnn Wright
Roger Goolsby
Executive Board
President - Tracey Payne-Tellis
First Vice President -Faira Glenn
Second Vice President - Sherita Watson
Treasurer - Daniel Brightwell
Financial Secretary - Barbara Seldon
Recording Sectary - John Michrina
Corresponding Secretary - Dedra Hobbs
Youth Peacemaker - Jay Reid
Past President - Roger Goolsby

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
1929 - 1968
• B S •
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born in Atlanta, Georgia on January 15, 1929. He was the son of a wellknown
and influential Baptist Minster. He was a brilliant student throughout his entire academic career. After
graduating from high school at the age of 15, he was awarded an A.B. degree from Morehouse College in
1948 and a B.D. degree from Crozer Theological Seminary in Chester, Pennsylvania in 1951, where he was
also the Valedictorian of his class. In addition he was granted a Fellowship for graduate study and in 1955 a
Ph.D. degree was bestowed upon him. During his academic life he also took philosophy courses at the
University of Pennsylvania and Harvard University.
While studying in Boston in 1953, Dr. King met and later married Coretta Scott. Miss Scott was a beautiful,
intelligent young lady who was a highly gifted musician and had received a scholarship to the New England
Conservatory of Music. Mrs. King sacrificed a very promising career as a concert singer to devote her time
and energies to raising the four King children and to rendering invaluable assistance and wise counsel to her
husband.
Dr. King first achieved national fame for his activities in the Civil Rights movement by leading a bus
boycott in Montgomery, Alabama for one whole year. This boycott was concluded only when the U.S.
Supreme Court made illegal the Alabama law which called for segregated seating on buses. Dr. King then
helped form the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and became its first President. Through the
influence of Dr. King this organization, which is devoted to establishing civil rights for blacks and to
opposing segregation, consistently refused to use violent means to promote its goals. This was the case even
though Dr. King and other members of the Conference were often attacked physically by their opponents.
In 1963 Dr. King led 250,000 Americans, both black and white, in a March to Washington, D.C. There, at the
Lincoln Monument, he gave his famous “I Have A Dream” speech in which he set forth his ideals of
complete equality for all people of every race, color, and creed in accordance with the dictates of the
Declaration of Independence.
In 1964 Dr. King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. He was the youngest person ever to receive this prize
and the third Negro to win it. In his acceptance speech Dr. King again expressed the need to refrain from
violence in the process of establishing freedom and justice for all people.
In 1964 Dr. King led a March to Selma, Alabama to improve voting rights for blacks. This action ultimately
resulted in Congress passing the Civil Rights Act of 1965, which removed all tests designed to prevent
Negroes from voting in elections anywhere in the country.
Dr. King also spoke out strongly against involvement of the United States in Vietnam. In a speech in New
York in 1967 he expressed the thought that our country was morally wrong in spending more money for
military purposes than for social welfare.
In 1968 Dr. King went to Memphis, Tennessee to lead a march to help the garbage men of that city. At that
time he was also planning a Poor People’s Crusade to focus attention to the sufferings of the poor people in
the United States. There, in Memphis on April 4, 1968, he was assassinated only a few hours after his very
prophetic and dramatic speech in which he forecasted the establishment of full equality for his people even
though he might not be alive at the time to see it.
Dr. King’s life serves as a symbol of his appeal to the morals and to the conscience of all human beings. In a
period of time marked by much unrest and strife he advocated that freedom and equality for all people and the
brotherhood of man must be achieved by peaceful means alone. In this way he has made himself an
outstanding citizen of America and of the world.
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C S
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. TASK FORCE, INC.
• HISTORY •
1985-1986 - The first Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Peace Walk in Southfield, Michigan was January 20,
1986 commemorating the first observance of the national holiday of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr. In 1985 City Councilwoman Barbara Talley called residents together to form a committee and
plan an activity for the occasion. Thus was born the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Taskforce.
Plans were put into place to observe the holiday with a Peace Walk for one mile down Civic Center
Drive from North Congregational Church (now Hope United Methodist Church), culminating with a
program at the Southfield Pavilion. The walk and the program paid tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
It recognized the ongoing struggle for peace, human rights, dignity, and brotherhood among all people
of the world and communities, and symbolized the ideals which Dr. King espoused: unity and harmony
between individuals of all races, nationalities and creeds. Awards were given for student essay winners
and later for community service. Councilwoman Barbara Talley and Rev. Mark Jensen of North
Congregational Church were the first chairpersons of the Peace Walk which drew more than 1,000
persons. Peace Statements were signed by more than 400 walkers and sent to United States and
Russia leaders. The Peace Walks continued to grow each year.
1991 - The City of Southfield granted a temporary renaming of a portion of Civic Center Drive for Dr.
King, Jr.
1992 - The City of Southfield provided funds for 28 banners that were, and continue to be placed
around the civic center complex during the celebration and the month of February. The banners were
designed by members of the Task Force.
1993-2001 - The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force gained its tax exempt status and continued its
emphasis on commemorating the national holiday and increasing the participation of walkers,
speakers, school and community choirs, and dramas. Non-profit organizations manned displayed
tables and solicited volunteers.
2002 – As an outreach, a Speaker’s Bureau was formed. MLK Community Service Award recipients
continue to go into area schools as positive role models and speak to students about various attributes
and life experiences that make for future success. Emphasis is placed on qualities necessary for the
achievement of excellence in academics.
2003 - The MLK Task Force broadened its focus and kicked off its King Non-Violence and
Peacemaking Educational Programs for middle and high school students in Southfield and the
surrounding areas of Farmington Hills, Livonia, Detroit, and Bloomfield Hills, utilizing King trained
volunteers. The training of volunteers and conducting workshops continue be an ongoing, year-round
program. To enhance “The Dream,” the MLK Youth Peacemakers component was formed for young
people to take an active role in carrying out the legacy of Dr. King. Through a multifaceted approach,
the Youth Peacemakers promote student involvement and leadership in the community throughout the
year.
2004 – To help youth pursue academic dreams, a Scholarship program was established, and each
year eligible students are awarded scholarships. The Scholarship program was later broadened to
include Civil Rights tours.
2007 - Recognizing that the City of Southfield draws strength from its rich diversity, there began more
outreach to people of all races, creeds, colors, national origins to become integrated into the Peace
Walk and programs. A Taste Fest became part of the annual program. Each year the numbers of
walkers and program attendees continued to grow to more than 2,000.
2009 – The Youth Service Award was initiated to recognize youth and their community volunteer work
and fold the recipients into the Youth Peacemakers program.
2011 - The Task Force hosted a delegation from Ixtapa Zihuantanejo, Guerrero, México to learn more
about African-American culture in the United States, particularly in Michigan. MLK representatives
participated in the Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Guerrero, México Annual Peace Walk and
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were presented with a Peace Award for the organization’s peace efforts and international
collaboration.
2012 - The traveling exhibit “Pathways to Freedom In The Americas: Shared Experiences Between
Michigan, USA and Guerrero, México,” was unveiled culminating the Task Force’s two-year
educational project to present the mutually beneficial relationship between African-Americans and
Mexicans. The exhibit continues to travel in the Detroit Metropolitan area in libraries, universities,
corporate offices and is duplicated in México.
2013-2015 – An Advisory Board of Directors was established comprised of diverse leaders in the
surrounding communities. The first Annual Justice and Equality Awards Ceremony was held
celebrating the Drum Majors, Trailblazers and Leaders Fighting for What is Just and Right in the
Detroit Metropolitan area. Plans began to celebrate both the MLK Task Force’s 30th Anniversary
and the National Holiday in 2015 with a Peace Walk, Program, and a 30th Anniversary History
Book. An artist was commissioned to create a sculptured bust of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to
present to the Southfield Library. When appropriate, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force
continues to speak out for, justice and equality. In addition, through the Task Force efforts, Civic
Center Dr. also has a designation to honor Dr. King, Jr. All the activities demonstrate the lasting
effect Dr. King, Jr. has on society to work for a more peaceful world.
2016 - Southfield Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force member along with Southfield Mayor
Kenson Siver, and two City Council Representatives traveled to South Korea to share business and
culture exchanges as sister cities. They also traveled to the Cities of Seoul, Dongducheon, and the
U.S. Military base, Camp Casey. The delegation was briefed on the history and role the U.S. plays
in the safety and protection of the citizens of South Korea and the world.
2017 – The first educational MLK, Jr. Task Force “Freedom Ride” was conducted with 27 middle
and high school students from Wayne and Oakland Counties. They were given the opportunity to
learn and explore more about the Civil Rights Movement - its meaning and how each stop was
relevant. Stops included Washington, D.C., Atlanta Georgia, Louisiana Kentucky, and Memphis
Tennessee.
The Task Force entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with AMIGOS de la UNESCO (Cali,
Colombia) to seek to implement opportunities for collaboration; to promote international
understanding and to support initiatives of common interest, e.g.; Promote peace education,
intercultural dialogue, and sustainable development as outlined by the United Nations. The Task
Force was represented by an International Relations & Program Committee member at the 3rd
International Colloquium of Afro-Descendants in Cali, Columbia, South America.
2018 –The second Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “Freedom Ride” was conducted with 36 Middle and
High School students from Southfield and surrounding areas. The students made stops in
Memphis, Tennessee; Atlanta, Georgia; and Louisville, Kentucky to learn more about the history of
the Civil Rights movement in the 1960’s dedicated to the activism for equal rights, civil rights and
social changes to end segregation and discrimination of African Americans. Upon return many
students joined the Dr. MLK, Jr. Task Force Youth Leadership Non-Violence Program.
Several Members of the International Relations and Programs Committee were invited, attended
and made an academic presentation of Dr. MLK, Jr. Task Force‘s “Pathways to Freedom In the
Americas: Experiences Between Michigan, USA and Guerrero, México” exhibit at the 19th Annual
“Meeting of the Black Towns of México,” November 9-10, 2018 at Muzquiz, Coahuila, México
hosted by the Black Seminoles Community.
2019 – The Youth Leadership Program, component of the Education Committee, completed its year
-long Non-Violence seminars, dialogues, and workshops. The King Center, Atlanta, GA, provided
Dr. MLK, Jr. certified Non- Violence trainers to conduct a workshop. Attendees received Certificates
of Attendance from the King Center. Later a “Take a Stand Against Bullying” workshop was
conducted.
Several members of the International Relations and Programs Committee attended the 2019
Convention of the Black Towns of Mexico held in Mexico City. The goal is to prepare for the 2020
census when this population will be counted for the first time in history!
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2020 - A 5 year Strategic Plan was completed to prepare for passing the torch to a new generation
of leaders. A representative traveled to Mexico to take part in the first Amig@s de la Paz
Sustainability Award and counseled the City of Southfield to be the first in the U.S. to receive such
an award.
Afro- Mexicans were counted in the Mexico 2020 census for the first time in history.
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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force, Inc.
Salutes the Recipients of
MLK COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
1988 Katherine Schelbe*
1989 Dr. William Anderson
1990 Dr. Louise Reid-Ritchie
1991 Judge Stephen Cooper
1992 Irma B. Cooper*
1993 Commissioner Eric Coleman
1994 Susie M. Hunt*
1995 Rev. Mark Jenson
1996 Anne Harp*
1997 Barbara E. Talley
1998 Lawrence R. Pernick* (posthumously)
1999 Robert Block
2000 Lillian Jaffe-Oaks*
2001 Police Chief Joseph E. Thomas
2002 Gerald Kuhn*
2003 Alan Feuer
2004 Cecil Rice
2005 Priscilla Lamb
2006 Roy Bell*
2007 Felix L. Seldon
2008 Dr. Karl Gregory
2009 No Recipient
2010 Barbara Purifoy-Seldon
2011 Ashley N. Thomas* (posthumously)
2012 Rev. Angelo Henderson*
2013 Patrick Coleman
2014 Herman Sherline
2015 Cherryl Thames
2016 Delores Flagg
2017 Joan Ross
2018 Rosemerry Allen
2019 Patricia Haynie
2020 Millie Hall
*Deceased
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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force, Inc.
‘THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATRONAGE’
Mrs. Rosemerry Allen, MLK Task Force International Committee
Ms. Joanne Barnes, Chrysler Motors, Retired
Ms. Apryl Boyler
The Honorable Daniel Brightwell, Southfield City Council
Mrs. Margo Broner, San Marino Villas Improvement Association
Ms. Bernice Burnette, General Motors, Retired
Danny Craig, Southfield Veterans’ Commissioner
In Memory of Cleopatra Dean-Chesser, sister of Dorothy Dean, Esq.
Ms. Renee Drake, General Motors, Retired
Mrs. Lorene Brooks Everett, Retired Court Reporter
Mr. James Ferguson, San Marino Villas Improvement Association
Ms. Faira Glenn, 1 st vice President, MLK Task Force, Inc.
Mr. Roger Goolsby, Executive Director MLK Task Force, Inc.
Mrs. Sylvia Sims Gray, San Marino Villas Improvement Association
In Memory of Delbert Gray, President, Southfield P. & R Department
Ms. Ashley Gray
Mr. Brandon Gray
Mr. Derrick Hale, Southfield MLK Task Force, Inc.
The Honorable Rudy Hobbs, Mrs. Dedra Hobbs, and Family
The Honorable Janet Jackson, Oakland County Commissioner
The Honorable Tawnya Morris, Councilwoman City of Southfield
Mr. Rodd Monts, Omega Psi Phi - TKK Chapter
Charles Pettway, Director, San Marino Villas Improvement Association
The Honorable Nancy Quarles, Oakland County Commissioner
Mr. Jay Reid, Administrative Assistant, & City of Southfield Commissioner
Ms. Euni Rose, Cable 15, The Roundtable
Mr. Wayne Rucker, President, San Marino Villas Improvement Association
Mr. Christopher Simpson, Omega Psi Phi - TKK Chapter
Mr. Donald P. Smith, San Marino Villas Improvement Association
Mrs. Florene Smith, San Marino Villas Improvement Association
Mrs. Leslie Love Smith, Southfield School Board member
Alfred and Barbara Talley, MLK Task Force, Inc.
The Honorable Linnie Taylor, Southfield City Council
Ms. Cherryl Thames, Southfield Optimist Club
Kevin and Brenda Threatt
Jerome and Ola Wallace, San Marino Villas Improvement Association
Ms. Tedra White
Mrs. Willene White, Business Manager, Oak Park Dental
Mrs. JoAnn Wright
Ms. Joyce Willis, General Motors, retired
We deeply appreciate you. We can’t say “THANK YOU” enough.
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2021 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Task Force, Inc.
Drive for Justice Sponsors/Participants
The world is a better place because there are people like you helping
others and always trying to make this world a better place to live
through your actions, deeds, and words. You deserve our thanks.
Thank you for your contributions to the success of the
2021 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force, Inc. Drive
for Justice Food Baskets project.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Southfield Chapter
Attorney Dorothy J. Dean
Beans and Corn Bread
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Southfield Alumnae Chapter
First Aid on Site Foundation
Gleaners Community Food Bank
Little Caesars Pizza
Market Fresh Grocers, Beverly Hills
Mayor Kenson Siver
New Metropolitan Detroit Chapter of the National Association of Negro
Business and Professional Women's' Clubs, Inc.
Oakland County Board of Commissioners
Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Tau Kappa Kappa Chapter
Page Toyota / Honda
Sam's Shoe Service
Serra Chevrolet
Southfield Veterans’ Commission
Western International Optimist Club
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FAIRA GLENN
FIRST VICE PRESIDENT
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force, Inc.
It is a great honor to serve as 1st Vice President of the Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force, Inc. and the Chairman of the
2021 Program. It has been said many times, but I have to reemphasize
that now more than ever we need the teachings of our
great civil rights leaders like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and
John Lewis. We have been patient while others have fought and
died for our rights. The time has come for us to demand
JUSTICE NOW! As we continue the struggle to make King’s
Dream a reality let us take the time to get into some “Good
Trouble”. Let us peacefully protest and let the world know that
the lives of way too many who were taken because of the color of their skin matter.
Thank you to all who contributed to our virtual program and to all those who continue to fight
for justice! “Injustice Any Where is a Threat to Justice Every Where”
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Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Task Force, Inc.
36th Annual Peace Walk & Celebration Virtual Program
Monday, January 18, 2021
Theme: “Injustice Any Where Is A Threat To Justice Every Where”
9:00 A.M. .................................................................................... Convene at Hope United Methodist Church
12:00 Noon ................................................................................................................................... Virtual Walk
12:30 P.M. ............................................................................................................................... Virtual Program
VIRTUAL PROGRAM
Star Spangled Banner/Lift Every Voice..................................................................................... Stacey Barrett
Presentation of Colors ......................................................................... Southfield Police and Fire Department
Buffalo Soldiers
Scout 672
Invocation............................................................................................................................... Rev. Kim Riegel
Northwest Unitarian Universalist Church
Welcome .................................................................................................................... Barbara Talley, Founder
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force, Inc.
Performance ................................................................................................................... Legacy Dance Studio
Youth Service Award ............................................................................................................... Sherita Watson
2nd Vice President
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force, Inc.
Adult Service Award .......................................................................................................... Dorothy Dean, Esq
Introduction of Keynote Speaker ................................................................................................... Faira Glenn
1st Vice President
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force, Inc.
Adult Service Award
Keynote Speaker ..............................................................................................Rev. B. Kevin Smalls, D. Min.
Hope United Methodist Church
Musical Selection .......................................................................................................................... Randy Scott
John Lewis Tribute
Closing Remarks ...............................................................................................................Tracey Payne-Tellis
President
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force, Inc.
Adult Service Award
Benediction ....................................................................................................................... Rev. Rodney Kemp
New Hope Missionary Baptist Church
We Shall Overcome .......................................................................................... Jay Reid, Youth Peace Maker
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force, Inc.
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POSTHUMOUS
SALUTE!!
TO
U.S. REPRESENTATIVE JOHN ROBERT LEWIS
The Late U.S. Representative John Robert Lewis (D-GA) was elected to
office in 1986 and served until his death on July 17, 2020. He was
known as One of the "Big Six" leaders of the civil rights movement in
the 1960s.
He grew up the son of a sharecropper in an era of racial segregation.
John Lewis often spoke of how Dr. King inspired his activism. He was
angered by the unfairness of the Jim Crow South, and launched what
he called "good trouble" with organized protests and sit-ins. In the
early 1960s, he was a Freedom Rider, challenging segregation at
interstate bus terminals across the South and in the nation's capital.
In 1963, from the same steps of the Lincoln Memorial, where Dr. King
delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech, a 23-year-old, John Lewis, the
youngest speaker of the day, warned: “If we do not get meaningful
legislation out of this Congress, the time will come when we will not
confine our marching to Washington.... We must say, ‘Wake up,
America, wake up!’ For we cannot stop, and we will not be patient.”
After the March on Washington, in 1964, the Civil Rights Act became law. Unfortunately, this did not make
it easier for African Americans to vote in the South. To bring attention to this struggle, John Lewis and
Hosea Williams led a march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, on March 7, 1965. After crossing the
Edmund Pettus Bridge, the marchers were attacked by state troopers. John Lewis was severely beaten and
suffered a fractured skull.
The attack was recorded and shared throughout the country. These images proved too powerful to ignore.
"Bloody Sunday," as the day has become known, sped up the passage of 1965's Voting Rights Act.
This day, January 18, 2021, we SALUTE the late U.S. Congressman John Robert Lewis because as so
elegantly stated by President Barack Obama, "He loved this country so much that he risked his life and his
blood so that it might live up to its promise. And through the decades, he not only gave all of himself to the
cause of freedom and justice, but inspired generations that followed to try to live up to his example,"
“When I was growing up, my mother and father and family members said, 'Don't get in trouble. Don't get in
the way.' I got in trouble. I got in the way. It was necessary trouble.”
—John Lewis
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City of Southfield
City of Southfield
MICHAEL “ARI” MANDELBAUM
Council President Pro Tem
DANIEL BRIGHTWELL
Councilman
26000 Evergreen Road
P.O. Box 2055
Southfield, MI 48037-2055
(248) 796-5150
FAX (248) 796-5155
Cell: (248) 905-1095
www.cityofsouthfield.com
mmandelbaum@cityofsouthfield.com
26000 Evergreen Road
P.O. Box 2055
Southfield, MI 48037-2055
(248) 796-5150
FAX (248) 796-5155
www.cityofsouthfield.com
dbrightwell@cityofsouthfield.com
City of Southfield
City of Southfield
TAWNYA MORRIS
Councilwoman
MICHAEL A. MANION
Community Relations Director
26000 Evergreen Road
P.O. Box 2055
Southfield, MI 48037-2055
(248) 796-5150
FAX (248) 796-5155
www.cityofsouthfield.com
tmorris@cityofsouthfield.com
26000 Evergreen Road
P.O. Box 2055
Southfield, MI 48037-2055
(248) 796-5132
Cell: (248) 915-0865
mmanion@cityofsouthfield.com
City Cable 15
City of Southfield
26000 Evergreen Rd.
P.O. 2055
Southfield, MI 48037-2055
EUNI ROSE
Host, ‘The Southfield Roundtable’
(248) 996-9078
eunirose@eunirose.com
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2021
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“J N”
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1986
Barbara Talley
Founder
“Whatever affects
one directly affects
all indirectly.”
Dr. MLK, Jr.
36th ANNIVERSARY
1 ST
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR
NATIONAL HOLIDAY
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
PEACE WALK & PROGRAM
SOUTHFIELD MI
January 20, 1986
Keeping the Dream Alive!!
to Charter Members
Past Presidents
& Many Volunteers
BARBARA E. TALLEY
Founder
Dr. MLK Jr. Task Force
Former Southfield City Councilwoman
&
ALFRED E. TALLEY, MEMBER
1986
Rev. Dr.
Mark P. Jenson
Co-Chair of Walk
“We must walk on in
the days ahead with
an audacious faith in
the future.”
Dr. MLK, Jr.
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Devastating Divas
Bid Whist Club
Celebrating the Legacy of
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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