Black History
King Holiday Message: There Is Still Work to Do
From the city where Rev. Dr. Martin Luther, Jr. was born 91 years ago to towns and cities across the nation, Americans today celebrated the courageous history of the slain Civil Rights leader honored with a federal holiday the third Monday of every January which many observe by performing acts of service.
At the King Center in Atlanta, hundreds packed a service attended dignitaries, clergy, King’s daughter, Dr. Bernice King who tweeted, “Let us be dissatisfied” and paid tribute to her mother, Coretta Scott King, for her role in the Civil Rights Movement.
Atlanta City Council President Felicia Moore eschewed the notion of the King holiday as merely a day off work, suggesting that the acronym NOW, not off work, more accurately reflects King’s spirit.
“As long as our cities are filled with people without homes, we are not off work,” Moore stated. “Until every child is guaranteed a quality education regardless of their zip code, we are not off work. We are not off work until all women receive equal pay for equal work…human trafficking is eradicated…HIV and AIDS is eradicated…and the declining population of middle class is halted.”
Remembering in Pine Bluff
Chilly temperatures greeted parade goers in Pine Bluff, Arkansas where dozens turned out for the city’s celebration. Members of Gamma Psi Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity spent the day working with their young mentees who sold hot chocolate along the parade route.
“Our mentoring group is called the Sigma Beta Club, and they are ages eight to 18,” said Justin Harmon. “We emphasize scholarship, brotherhood, and service.”
Harmon echoed what’s become a familiar refrain on the King Holiday.
He stated, “Because Dr. King was a big advocate of service, we have our guys out here. It’s a Day On, and not a day off. You’re working even though you’re not at school. You’re still involved.”
Natonn Harris, a working mother, and her daughter were bundled in hats and jackets to watch the parade.
“It was a top priority for my child [to see the parade] so she can know her history,” Harris explained.
And, from her car, Krystal Allen kept an eye on her two sons as they excitedly talked with friends and moved about to stay warm. Both expressed pride when asked about Dr. King’s legacy, saying “he was great” and “helped with integration.”
The message that emanated from the King Center moved across the streets of America today in various iterations, but they shared a common theme.
“I understand you may have been fighting for a long, long time, or, you may have just started your social justice journey,” Moore said. “Wherever you fall on that spectrum, I encourage you to believe that victory is obtainable, and we have to stay in the fight. So, until we see the manifestation of the Beloved Community, we are not off work. Together, we can solve the issues facing us today and establish a path forward and upward for the next generation. Let’s do it now, right now…because we are not off work.”
In Arkansas a formerly all-Black school, Ouachita County Training School, has launched a national fundraising effort to restore the campus following its designation as a site on the National Register of Historic Places. One of the first corporate donations to OCTS, located in Bearden, Arkansas, came from the Katherine Anthony Foundation.
Anthony’s nephew, Steve, and CEO of Anthony Timberlands, presented a $10,000 check to the historic committee.
“We are happy to support the work of the Greater Bradley District Association and the Ouachita County Training School committee in their efforts to maintain the infrastructure and grounds of the training school, which is such an important part of the Bearden community,” Anthony said.
The National Park Service listed OCTS on the prestigious register in 2023.
“Since we received the news, we have been excited and motivated to raise the fund necessary to preserve this part of our history!” Virginia Ashley, committee president said. “We recognize the pivotal role OCTS played in educating several generations of young people who started right here and went on to contribute greatly to the Black middle class and the world.”
The gift of education
For education advocates, December holds a special place in American history. During the Christmas Season in 1952, the Supreme Court first heard arguments to eliminate segregation in the nation’s public schools. But, it took two more years before the Court issued its landmark decision in Brown v. Board of Education, declaring segregation unconstitutional.
During the 1950s, OCTS educated Black students in the small southern town south of Little Rock, which became known internationally for The Little Rock Nine and their efforts to integrate Central High School. In Bearden, several Rosenwald Schools had consolidated to create the larger OCTS campus that educated students from the first through the 12th grades.
“I have such wonderful memories of my days as a student at OCTS,” recalled Pearlie Newton, a retired educator and executive director of the OCTS historic committee. “My dad helped pour concrete at the campus, my husband and I met there and it was in one of the classrooms that my goal to become an educator took shape.”
Despite the Supreme Court’s 1954 decision eliminating “separate but equal” schools, OCTS remained segregated until 1971 when it merged with the white school district in the area. An association of Black Baptist churches known as the Greater Bradley District Association purchased the campus for use as its headquarters.
Pastor and Association Moderator, Verna Thompson, said, “We are excited about the renovation and look forward to holding our church services and meetings in a modernized facility that holds so much historic significance.”
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