SPIRIT MEMPHIS
MEMPHIS SANITATION “I AM A MAN”
STRIKE WORKERS PRESENTED WITH THE
PRESTIGIOUS NAACP VANGUARD AWARD IN
CONJUNCTION WITH THE 49TH NAACP
IMAGE AWARDS
LOS ANGELES, CA (January 15, 2018) – The
surviving 1968 sanitation worker strikers – some
of them are still on the job – were presented with
40
the prestigious NAACP Vanguard Award in
conjunction with the 49th NAACP Image
Awards at the historic Lorraine Motel in
Memphis, TN, now the site of the National
Civil Rights Museum.
This honor is presented in recognition of the
groundbreaking work that has increased
understanding and awareness of racial and
social issues. Previous honorees include Clive
Davis, Wyclef Jean, Tyler Perry, Russell
Simmons, Aretha Franklin, Stanley Kramer,
Steven Spielberg, and George Lucas.
“It is a rare privilege for the NAACP to present
our Vanguard Award to outstanding trailblazing
individuals who gave voice and projected
attention to the struggle for racial and economic
justice,” stated Leon W. Russell, Chairman of
the NAACP National Board of Directors.
50 years after the 1968 Memphis Sanitation
Workers Strike, the NAACP continues the fight
to ensure living wages, health care benefits, and
job safety. I am personally inspired by their
individual and collective activism. The NAACP
is proud to honor all surviving Strikers.”
On April 3, 1968, Dr. King stood
in the pulpit of Mason Temple
in Memphis and delivered the
prophetic “Mountaintop Speech.”
He addressed a sanctuary overflowing
with community members and African
American sanitation workers – members of
AFSCME Local 1733 – whose strike for dignity
and respect grew into a pivotal moment in the
Civil Rights Movement. Less than 24 hours
later, he was tragically assassinated. April 2018
marks the 50th anniversary of The Mountaintop
Speech, Dr. King’s death, and the Memphis
sanitation workers’ strike.
“Despite threats to their lives and livelihoods,
the sanitation workers made the brave decision
to strike, armed with the simple, powerful
slogan, ‘I Am a Man’,” said Derrick Johnson,
NAACP president and CEO. “They knew the
urgency of their demand for dignity and justice,
but little did they know how relevant their
peaceful protest would remain come 2018. It
is now up to us to confront modern-day
challenges to civil rights with the same courage
and determination. The NAACP is honored to
present the Vanguard Award to the surviving
sanitation workers for their fight for racial and
economic justice. We are inspired by their
individual and collective activism.”
Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake was on
stage as the award was presented to William Bill
Lucy.
SPIRIT MEMPHIS
New Sardis Baptist Church Passing of the Torch
35
New Sardis Baptist Church’ Reverend L. LaSimba
and First lady Mary Gray’s “Passing of the Torch”
to Reverend Darell Harrington was held January
2, 2018 in Memphis, Tennessee. A plethora of
pastors, dignitaries, politicians, church members,
families and friends were in attendance for this
grand occasion.
“If when you give the best of your service”, “If I
can help somebody as I pass along, then my living
shall not be in vain.” “You are either a part of the
solution or the problem.” These profound words
of wisdom have indeed been the Christ led focus
of Pastor L. LaSimba Gray’s life, resolve, and
years of ministry at New Sardis. The past twen-
the pinnacle of his career in Kingdom building.
remain my family and friends. We walked together
noteworthy integrity as we have
as one with challenging issues. You have
encountered many as
given me your strong and exceptional support You
worked in priestly and prophetic ministry. we preaching only) to our pulpit. You
never tied me (me in civic, political, and
followed and supported the last, least and
International issues that affected abundantly blessed to be the
the lost. I have been 1992, stated
chosen servant of New Sardis since Pastor Gray.
Gray thanksgiving,
continued, ”I can attest with great never had a bad day at New
to the fact, we Sardis. Through it all, I kept my eyes on our
mission, and considered it all joy. When the dust
settled, in every battle we stood tall in Christian
integrity. We did what many thought was the
“impossible”. Because of your unwavering unity
and unbreakable support, we are victorious.”
During New Sardis’ transitional period, the
members of New Sardis truly revealed who they
are and that they are mode. Never in Pastor’s
Gray’s 43 years of pastor ministry had he
witnessed such cooperation and support. During
the process of preparing for the next leadership,
Pastor Gray’s beloved son in ministry, Rev. Darell
Harrington was elected by 96.5% of members
voting on December 16, 2017. When Attorney
Edward Dixon heard the report, he commented,
“Rev. Harrington has a mandate to serve as Senior
Pastor”. Rev. Wade Bryant, Pastor of Monumental
Baptist Church, upon receiving the report of
96.5% margin of victory, proclaimed,
“God has spoken.”
REV. DARELL
HARRINGTON
REV. L. LASIMBA GRAY
/www.spiritmemphis.com