by S. Rotan Hale & Shawn Nowlin
As many across the nation honor the legacy of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. through the federal holiday designated on the 3rd Monday in January, the Roanoke Chapter Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) continues its tradition to actively participate. “The Struggle Continues for Justice,” was the theme for the 20th annual banquet held Friday, Jan. 16 at Valley View Holiday Inn which was the first of the organization’s two annual observances. The affair typically draws a sizable crowd (approx 250) and this year was no exception.
The Roanoke Chapter was founded in August of 1995 by Perneller Chubb-Wilson who served as chapter president for twelve years before retiring due to health issues.
Dr. Judy Love Bowman and Rev. Carroll Carter filled in as the guest speaker was unable to attend.
Mayor David Bowers and City Councilman Sherman Lea seated at the head table, were among the dignitaries in attendance.
“It’s always been an honor to serve as your mayor …it’s a real blessing in my life but it has always been a great honor for me to receive several years ago the Drum Major For Justice Award which will be presented to others tonight,” said Mayor Bowers. “I always considered that to be one of the nicest honors I’ve ever received in my life because I felt that I too was a kindred spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King’s legacy.”
Those receiving the Drum Major for Justice Award were: William Calloway, Gayle Graves, Jeffery Mays, Flossie Lo Max, Yzavia Haney, Michael Hamlar, Delegate Sam Rasoul, Gloria Manns and Atty. Keven Wilson.
Martin Luther King Jr. Community Service Award recipients were: Priscilla Casey, Cecelia McCoy, Joseph H. Moses, Roanoke City Police Capt. Rick Morrison, New Horizons Healthcare and Northwest Child Development Center. Shawn Hunter, who works for Total Action for Progress (TAP), was honored as recipient of the Dr. Perneller Chubb-Wilson Award.
Maintaining tradition the event ended with the traditional singing of “We Shall Overcome.”
The national chapter of the SCLC was established in 1957 under the leadership of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. After 20 years the local branch shows no signs of slowing down. Presently there are 58 SCLC Charter Members and 19 lifetime members.
Some 300 supporters gathered Monday, Jan 19 at the MLK bridge in Downtown Roanoke for the march that is part of the organization’s annual observances honoring Dr. King.
“As our banner says ‘the struggle for justice continues,’ its everybody’s struggle but we as Black people are in it more, because its more our struggle,” said Bishop Edward Mitchell former local chapter president.
Bishop Mitchell stood at the foot of the bronze statue of Martin Luther King, Jr. at the bridge named in honor of the slain civil rights leader.
The William Fleming HS Marching Band stepped high and led the cadence as the sizable crowd marched proudly with the mission in mind singing the civil rights anthem “We Shall Overcome.”
A joint choir comprised of members from both William Fleming and Patrick Henry high schools joined this year’s observance and later performed several selections during the program held at the end of the march.
This year’s demonstration took a different route up First Street then headed west on Gilmer Ave. several blocks to Saint Paul United Methodist Church where the official program got under way. “Our church hasn’t seen this many visitors in a while,” said Richard Chubb a longtime member of the historic church who stood at the door as one of several who greeted the many who entered.
Members of the local Chapter Omega Psi Phi conducted the service with. George ‘Kila’ Miller presiding. Chapter president Darnell Glover delivered an inspiring address that tastefully incorporated several of Martin Luther King’s speeches.
Following the service a group gathered in the basement of the church for a Q&A with Roanoke City Police Chief Chris Perkins. Because of his incredible accessibility and his diplomatic style, Perkins has become quite an asset to the City through his exemplary relationship with the public. His compassionate approach to the affair served as an appropriate close to this well-rounded observance.
