SCLC founder Rev. Dr. Harvey remembered

NEW ORLEANS–The Rev. Dr. Simmie Lee Harvey, a founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and longtime veteran of the historic Civil Rights Movement, died September 10 due to complications from a massive stroke.

NEW ORLEANS     The Rev. Dr. Simmie Lee Harvey, a founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and longtime veteran of the historic Civil Rights Movement, died September 10 due to complications from a massive stroke.

He was 90.

Only three months earlier, the Rev. Harvey stood before a crowd of about 400 at the Southern Christian Leadership Conference’s 50th convention in Kenner, La. and passionately pleaded for everyone in the room to re-commit themselves to the Civil Rights Movement.

He spoke of the hardships, trials and tribulations that he had to endure while fighting for justice and equality throughout this country.

This was one of the last public appearances made by the great civil rights pioneer and co-founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

“He was somebody who could captivate you with his stories of the movement. I will always remember Rev. Harvey as one of the most effective civil rights leaders of his time,’’ said Dr. Charles Steele, Jr., SCLC president and CEO.

“The SCLC family will certainly suffer at the loss of his leadership. This organization will miss him deeply.”

Harvey received several awards and recognition throughout this country for his commitment to a better country and world through justice and equality.

Among his many posts and responsibilities, Harvey was co-chairperson of the Martin Luther King Jr. Federal Holiday Commission and also a founding member of the National SCLC with the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The Rev. Dr. Simmie Lee Harvey courageously carried the torch of freedom and justice for over 50 years.

Special to the NNPA from the Louisiana Weekly

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Copyright 2008 NNPA. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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