MLK Justice Sunday in Fort Worth, Texas.

MLK Justice Sunday in Fort Worth, Texas. Special Message: Lee Alcorn. 




“MLK JUSTICE SUNDAY: A Day in the Life of Justice” will take place on Sunday, January 19, 2025, at 11:00 AM in the Kirk Franklin Chapel at New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church, 2864 Mississippi Avenue, Fort Worth, Texas. Pastor Kyev P. Tatum, Sr., will host this significant gathering, featuring a special guest and civil rights icon, Mr. Lee Alcorn of Grand Prairie, Texas and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women.


Reflecting on the occasion, Pastor Tatum shared, “As Dr. Bernard Tate says, we are excited and delighted to have my mentor, my brother, and my friend join us on this important day in the life of justice. Lee Alcorn is a civil rights giant and a pioneer in American civil rights history. He deserves to be heard and honored.”


A Relationship Rooted in Justice


Over 30 years ago, during the 1990s, Pastor Tatum and Lee Alcorn worked side by side as elected officials within the Texas State Conference of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Alcorn served as the First Vice President, while Tatum held the role of Third Vice President, under the leadership of President Gary Bledsoe. Together, they forged a bond rooted in shared purpose and unrelenting determination to fight against racial injustice.


Lee Alcorn, a man widely regarded as “the greatest Civil Rights leader in Texas,” was unyielding in his pursuit of justice. His fearless advocacy extended from Grand Prairie to state and national arenas, tackling systemic racism and championing equality. Pastor Tatum credits Alcorn’s influence and example as instrumental in shaping his own approach to community service and leadership.


Honoring a Civil Rights Warrior


Born on July 23, 1937, in Ledbetter, Texas, Lee Alcorn’s journey of service began in the U.S. Air Force, where he served as a cryptologist for four years. Following his military service, he graduated from the University of Texas Medical School of Radiology and Technology and went on to lead the Radiology Department at the VA Hospital. In that role, he broke barriers by mentoring Black professionals in radiology, ensuring representation where it was often lacking.


In 1984, Alcorn founded the Grand Prairie NAACP chapter and fearlessly challenged the Confederate flag’s presence in the city. He also spearheaded the fight to implement single-member districts in Grand Prairie, paving the way for greater representation of Black citizens in public office. Despite facing significant threats and opposition, Alcorn’s resolve never wavered.


When asked about his legacy, Alcorn humbly stated, “I wanted everyone to be treated right, and I don’t want anyone to be discriminated against because of their skin color.” His advice to young activists remains powerful: “Stand up for what you know is right, because a lot of Black people will not fight for their own rights.”


A Day to Reflect and Act


As we celebrate MLK Justice Sunday, we honor the legacy of Lee Alcorn and his relentless fight for justice. His work, from desegregating spaces to pushing for systemic change, laid the groundwork for today’s social justice movements. Pastor Tatum, inspired by his mentor’s legacy, invites everyone to come together on this historic day to reflect, learn, and recommit to the ongoing fight for equality.


The media and community are welcome to join us as we honor this civil rights pioneer and recommit ourselves to the work of justice, equity, and inclusion in our communities. Together, we celebrate a day in the life of justice, knowing that the seeds sown by heroes like Lee Alcorn continue to bear fruit for generations to come.


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

NOT GUILTY IN TARRANT COUNTY! Joseph Delancy Stands Victorious with His Grandmother by His Side. Pastor Kyev Tatum, Sr.

Aunt Liz the Angel: A Champion for the Six Triple Eight. By Pastor Kyev Tatum, Texas 6888th Project.

JUST A LITTLE RESPECT WHEN WE GET HOME: President and Mrs. George W. Bush Celebrate the Heroic Legacy of the 6888th.