Christian Coalition celebrates MLK Day

Christian Coalition celebrates MLK Day

Ministerial Alliance, community join in commemoration of civil rights leader’s legacy

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Eleven local congregations came together under the banner of the Crittenden County Christian Coalition along with the West Memphis and Marion Ministerial Fellowship to Commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the holiday set aside marking the civil rights leader’s birthday. A diverse group of 65 people gathered at New Hope Baptist Mission in the Lakeshore Estates mobile home community and heard two sermons and a personal story connected to Dr. King’s death and the presentation of a special award.

Dr. C.W. Campbell with the CCCC presided and introduced Pastor Gary Hair of Calvary Baptist Church In West Memphis as the first preacher.

“Our purpose is to honor the memory of Dr. King but is more so to glorify God Himself for redeeming and bringing people together,” said Campbell.

Hair addressed unity among believers using a survey of Paul’s letters especially Colossians.

“This message is specifically addressed to Christians,” said Hair. “No matter what color we are, no matter what country we are from, we Christians should be living in unity, in kindness and love. We need to grow up.”

Otis Davis of Earle Missionary Baptist Church followed up with the exposition from the introduction to the Ten Commandments. He hammered a phrase from the passage calling the believers to remember the bondage of sin they had been delivered from.

“Look where the Lord has brought us from,” said Davis. “Jesus has been good to us. Look at where you are now from where you came.” Davis saw the significance of the fifth annual gathering. “I happy to be here just to be a part of the history making,” said Davis.

The coalition then presented the Rosa Parks Lifetime Achievement Award to mother Berry Brown of West Memphis. First Lady Lillie Davis of Word on the Move Ministries in West Memphis introduced Brown.

“When I first met her she was developing a fund to buy a memorial stone at Dr. King Park on the service road,” said Davis. “She has been a faithful worker in the community for several years. In 1960 Blacks were not allowed to buy houses in West Memphis. She was instrumental in helping bringing about changes that allowed Blacks to buy houses. In the ‘70’s she was instrumental in helping open up the L.R. Jackson Girls Club on 25th. She organized the annual MLK march in 1988 going from Shady Grove church to the girls club. She marched with West Memphis sanitation and utility workers for them to receive raises.”

The 93 year old Berry Brown shared recollections from the civil rights movement in general and the Montgomery bus boycott in particular. Receiving an award named for Rosa Parks held special significance for Berry.

“When Dr. King marched from Selma to Montgomery, I knew he was sent by God because he had so many people traveling with him,” said Berry. “Rosa Parks had been in jail trying to get transportation by the bus. People kept on walking. After eight months of the bus boycott they closed the bus service down because they weren’t making any money. Rosa Parks opened the way for us. We can get hotel rooms anywhere. We can eat anywhere, we used to have to stand outside and eat. We can travel anywhere. Rosa Parks opened the way for us.”

Berry was personally involved in the civil rights movement and was not only inspired by Parks but also followed Dr. King.

“I was not afraid to march,” said Berry. “I went on eight or ten marches. But now I am too old, I’ll be 94 next month. “I am thankful our young people are marching for Dr. King today. I hope they continue to do so every year.”

By John Rech