Charlie Stallworth holds forth on Mary McBride-Lee snub

The Civil Rights Era was a major movement in the development of America as we know it today. Hard work, daily sacrifices, and the giving of one's life are all stones that are placed along the journey of the Civil Rights Movement. Though I was born during the latter years of the Civil Rights movement, I can clearly recall the stories told to me by my father of the many challenges facing the African American community. They were overcome by their faith in God, love for one another, and a showing of support from those not of African descent, but knew what was the right thing to do. My father was a stalwart in the movement and I honor him.

The signing of the Voting Rights Act during the Civil Rights Movement was historic in that it changed the nature of America. The signing of the Voting Rights Act corrected the course of America's journey away from death, destruction, and repression to the "land of the free and the home of the brave." There is still much work to be done in the light of recent acts of injustice and racism. However, the struggle is not weakened. Rather, the struggle is made stronger by the celebration of the Voting Rights Act and by those who continue to seek justice for all.

Two key elements of the signing of the Voting Rights Act were black churches, and persons committed to believing, "I ain't gonna let nobody turn me around. And before I'll be a slave, I will be buried in my grave and go home to my Lord and be free." Therefore, I was sadden and righteously indignant when I heard of the news that Mayor Finch and his office had strong-armed Denise Merrill, Secretary of State, to withdraw her presence and cancel the celebration and rightful recognition of Pastor Mary McBride-Lee, who participated in the Movement. I am grateful that persons remained committed to this celebration and recognized Mayor Finch's actions as being of the same spirit of defiance that was borne by many who opposed the signing of the Voting Rights Act. I spoke directly with Secretary Merrill, and we agreed that one of the celebrations should take place in a local black church, and that one of the participants to be honored was Pastor McBride-Lee, who courageously participated in the March on Selma across the Edmund Pettis Bridge. Denise and I further agreed that NO political speeches and/or endorsements would be part of this celebration. The two main elements would be the role of the black churches and to celebrate Pastor Lee in the context of the anniversary of the signing of the Voting Rights Act.

Mayor Finch and his office are blatantly wrong and intentionally insensitive in their efforts to dismiss the role of the black church and the sacrifice of great giants, such as, Pastor Mary Lee McBride, in their misplaced fear of selfish gain. Mayor Finch, we are smart enough as people to plan a program that celebrates the goodness of God and the work of the people through the local black church. Mayor Finch's presence at the event after trying to cancel the event is hypocritical at best. I am grateful for Pastor McBride-Lee's leadership as Vice-President, Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, and to others who refused to cancel the celebration in the black church. (The actions of the Mayor Finch's office are documented in FOI requests.)

I am calling upon Mayor Finch to offer a public apology for his involvement trying to cancel a historical and contextual celebration of the signing of the Voting Rights Act in its rightful place, the church, and an apology for the insensitive and insulting spirit demonstrated toward one of our own, Pastor Mary McBride Lee, and all of those who participated during the Civil Rights Movement.

I am personally insulted by Mayor Finch's actions! We are better than this! We are an intelligent people! We know where to draw the line with politics! We demand respect! We don't need masters!