WHEREAS, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) New Orleans Chapter is the oldest affiliate of the SCLC in the United States; and
WHEREAS, the SCLC was formally organized in Louisiana on February 14, 1957, exactly 64 years ago with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as its first President; and
WHEREAS, that same year, Dr. King and the members of SCLC lead the way for the signing of the Civil Rights Act; and
WHEREAS, renowned early memberts of the SCLC from Louisiana included: Rev. Abraham L. Davis (Bayou Goula); Rev. Theodore J. Jemison (Baton Rouge); Atty. Israel M. Augustine; Dr. Cuthbert O. Simpkins, Sr. (Shreveport); Clarence Henry; Rev. Henry Blake (Shreveport); Hon. Rev. Avery C. Alexander; Andrew J. Young, Jr.; W.E. Martin (Amite); Rev. Dr. Simmie L. Harvey (St. Joseph); Rev. Dr. Samson Alexander; Mahalia Jackson; and Kathlean E. Wickham; and
WHEREAS, the SCLC is the only national organization founded by African Americans in Louisiana with international prominence; and
WHEREAS, the SCLC New Orleans Chapter was selected as the "2019 National Chapter of the Year;" and
WHEREAS, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the New Orleans chapter members helped to distribute nearly 3,000 pairs of protective face mask, soap and hand sanitizer; and
WHEREAS, social and civic action programs over the years include: direct action to remove local Confederate symbols; community gun buy-back drives; state-wide voter registrstion; education initiatives and active participation in the Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day programs; and was most recently was approved by the State of Louisiana to erect a Historic Marker in honor of Coretta Scott King.
NOW THEREFORE, I JOHN BEL EDWARDS, do hereby give special commendation and recognition to the members of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) New Orleans Chapter for their continued dedication and commitment to educate youth and adults in the community ensuring economic justice and civil rights and to help eradicate racism wherever it exist.
February 14, 2021
John Bel Edwards
Governor