AUBREY R. TAYLOR REPORTS©
Most of us paused to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr., yesterday. Cities all across America framed the “NATIONAL MLK HOLIDAY” as a day of service. Fiery speeches, parades, and giving back to the
less fortunate, are fine and dandy. And remembering Dr. Martin Luther, Jr., for his “I
HAVE A DREAM SPEECH” is great. However, if you look back on yesterday,
almost everyone glossed right over Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s, “I’VE BEEN TO
THE MOUNTAIN TOP” speech which he delivered back on April 3, 1968, the day before he
was assassinated.
Remember, the “I HAVE A DREAM SPEECH” was delivered back
on Wednesday, August 28, 1963, at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC. But Dr.
King’s “I’VE BEEN TO THE MOUNTAIN TOP” speech which was delivered on the very
day before he was gunned down at the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee, wasn’t
delivered until Thursday, April 4, 1968 – nearly 5 years later.
In many regards, the “FEDERAL MLK HOLIDAY” is not being remembered correctly. Instead of simply celebrating, and having parades, we should be using the “NATIONAL MLK HOLIDAY” as a day to develop action plans and strategies to empower, mobilize, and encourage all Americans to become active players in unifying our nation. We should also be spreading the word about the action plan (road map) that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. provided us with the day he was killed.
If you really dig into why Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was assassinated, what you’re going to discover is that the day before he was killed, he wasn’t talking about ‘HIS DREAM’ in his “I’VE BEEN TO THE MOUNTAIN TOP” speech. What Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., left us with in the final speech of his life was a call to action. And if you ask me, that’s why he was slain on that faithful day in 1968, at the Lorraine Motel, in Memphis, Tennessee.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. talked about things like: “The masses of people are rising up.”
He also began to talk about how it was time for
men to put up, or shut up, when he stated, “Survival demands that we grapple
with them. Men, for years now, have been talking about war and peace. But now,
no longer can they just talk about it. It is no longer a choice between
violence and nonviolence in this world; it's nonviolence or nonexistence.”
A sense of urgency was being placed on America the day Dr. King was
assassinated. But don’t take my word for it, read for yourself. Dr. King was
transitioning to some sort of human rights revolution of sorts, “That is where
we are today. And also in the human rights revolution, if something isn't done,
and in a hurry, to bring the colored peoples of the world out of their long
years of poverty, their long years of hurt and neglect, the whole world is
doomed.”
Dr. King was clearly stating that it was time to stop playing games when he said, “I can remember, I can remember when Negroes were just going around as Ralph has said, so often, scratching where they didn't itch, and laughing when they were not tickled. But that day is all over. We mean business now, and we are determined to gain our rightful place in God's world.”
CALL TO ACTION
If you carefully read the following paragraphs, Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr., was actually issuing a “CALL TO ACTION” in his “I’VE BEEN TO
THE MOUNTAIN TOP” speech. In my opinion, that’s why he had to be stopped. Check
out his words for yourself:
“Now the other thing we'll have to do is this: Always anchor
our external direct action with the power of economic withdrawal. Now, we are
poor people, individually, we are poor when you compare us with white society
in America. We are poor. Never stop and forget that collectively, that means
all of us together, collectively we are richer than all the nations in the
world, with the exception of nine. Did you ever think about that? After you
leave the United States, Soviet Russia, Great Britain, West Germany, France,
and I could name others, the Negro collectively is richer than most nations
of the world. We have an annual income of more than thirty billion dollars a
year, which is more than all of the exports of the United States, and more than
the national budget of Canada. Did you know that? That's power right there if
we know how to pool it.
We don't have to argue with anybody. We don't have to curse
and go around acting bad with our words. We don't need any bricks and bottles,
we don't need any Molotov cocktails, we just need to go around to these stores,
and to these massive industries in our country, and say, "God sent us by
here, to say to you that you're not treating his children right. And we've come
by here to ask you to make the first item on your agenda fair treatment, where
God's children are concerned. Now, if you are not prepared to do that, we do
have an agenda that we must follow. And our agenda calls for withdrawing
economic support from you."
And so, as a result of this, we are asking you tonight, to
go out and tell your neighbors not to buy Coca-Cola in Memphis. Go by and tell
them not to buy Sealtest milk. Tell them not to buy—what is the other bread? — Wonder
Bread. And what is the other bread company, Jesse? Tell them not to buy Hart's
bread. As Jesse Jackson has said, up to now, only the garbage men have been
feeling pain; now we must kind of redistribute the pain. We are choosing these
companies because they haven't been fair in their hiring policies, and we are
choosing them because they can begin the process of saying, they are going to
support the needs and the rights of these men who are on strike. And then they
can move on downtown and tell Mayor Loeb to do what is right.
But not only that, we've got to strengthen black
institutions. I call upon you to take your money out of the banks downtown and
deposit your money in Tri-State Bank—we want a "bank-in" movement in
Memphis. So go by the savings and loan association. I'm not asking you
something we don't do ourselves at SCLC. Judge Hooks and others will tell you
that we have an account here in the savings and loan association from the
Southern Christian Leadership Conference. We're just telling you to follow what
we're doing. Put your money there. You have six or seven black insurance
companies in Memphis. Take out your insurance there. We want to have an
"insurance-in."
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"Now these are some practical things we can do. We begin the
process of building a greater economic base. And at the same time, we are
putting pressure where it really hurts. I ask you to follow through here."
Now, let me say as I move to my conclusion that we've got to
give ourselves to this struggle until the end. Nothing would be more tragic
than to stop at this point, in Memphis. We've got to see it through. And when
we have our march, you need to be there. Be concerned about your brother. You
may not be on strike. But either we go up together, or we go down together.
Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some
difficult days ahead. But it doesn't matter with me now. Because I've been to
the mountaintop. And I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long
life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just
want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've
looked over. And I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But
I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised
land. And I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing
any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.”
ANNALS OF HISTORY
Now, with all of our shortcomings, there are areas where we’ve
far exceeded Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., vision for us as a nation.
Back during the 2008 Presidential Election, our nation came
together to elect a Black man (Barack Obama) as our 44th President
of the United States. And right now today, an African American woman (Kamala
Harris), is serving as vice president of the United States of America. No
matter what anyone thinks about what occurred with the 2020 Presidential
Election, the annals of American history reflect that at this moment in time, Kamala
Harris served as vice president.
Now, don’t forget that for all of our shortcomings, right
here in Harris County, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream of electing judges to
the bench in southern states, has been achieved in many regards.
MARCH ON BALLOT BOXES
Don’t forget, back on Mother's Day in 1966, Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr. delivered a rousing speech to more than 5,000 people imploring
them to exercise their right to vote as a way to achieve social and economic
justice in America.
An excerpt from his speech says, “Let us march on ballot boxes until somehow we will be able to develop that day when men will have food and material necessities for their bodies, freedom, and dignity for their spirits, education, and culture for their minds.”
That being said, during “BLACK
HISTORY MONTH” which will be celebrated from Wednesday, February 1, 2023, through
Wednesday, March 1, 2023, Aubrey R. Taylor Communications, the publisher of the
Houston Business Connections Newspaper, will recognize and pay tribute to “FORTY-ONE LOCAL BLACK JUDGES” in a special “KEEPSAKE EDITION” to capture this unique moment in
the history of the Lone Star State.
Judge Latosha Lewis Payne is the presiding judge for the 55th Civil District Court in Harris County, Texas. Judge Latosha Lewis Payne will be up for reelection in the 2026 Midterm Election, she was just duly-reelected in the Tuesday, November 8, 2022, Midterm Election, for Harris County, Texas.
Judge Fredericka Phillips is the presiding judge for the 61st Civil District Court in Harris County, Texas. Judge Fredericka Phillips will be up for reelection in the 2024 Presidential Election but will have to earn the nomination to serve as the Democratic nominee, on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in the Democratic Party Primary, for Harris County, Texas.
- 2024 PRESIDENTIAL CYCLE -
Judge Jeralynn Manor is the presiding judge for the 80th Civil District Court in Harris County, Texas. Judge Jeralynn Manor will be up for reelection in the 2024 Presidential Election but will have to earn the nomination to serve as the Democratic nominee, on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in the Democratic Party Primary, for Harris County, Texas.
Judge Cheryl Elliott Thornton is the presiding judge for the 164th Civil District Court in Harris County, Texas. Judge Cheryl Elliott Thornton will be up for reelection in the 2024 Presidential Election but will have to earn the nomination to serve as the Democratic nominee, on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in the Democratic Party Primary, for Harris County, Texas.
Judge Ursula A. Hall is the presiding judge for the 165th Civil District Court in Harris County, Texas. Judge Cheryl Elliott Thornton will be up for reelection in the 2024 Presidential Election but will have to earn the nomination to serve as the Democratic nominee, on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in the Democratic Party Primary, for Harris County, Texas.
Judge Hazel B. Jones is the presiding judge for the 174th Criminal District Court in Harris County, Texas. Judge Hazel Jones will be up for reelection in the 2024 Presidential Election but will have to earn the nomination to serve as the Democratic nominee, on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in the Democratic Party Primary, for Harris County, Texas.
Judge Nikita V. Harmon is the presiding judge for the 176th Criminal District Court in Harris County, Texas. Judge Nikita V. Harmon will be up for reelection in the 2024 Presidential Election. Still, she will have to earn the nomination to serve as the Democratic nominee, on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in the Democratic Party Primary, for Harris County, Texas.
Judge Robert Johnson is the presiding judge for the 177th Criminal District Court in Harris County, Texas. Judge Robert Johnson will be up for reelection in the 2024 Presidential Election. Still, he will have to earn the nomination to serve as the Democratic nominee, on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in the Democratic Party Primary, for Harris County, Texas.
Judge Katherine N. Thomas is the presiding judge for the 184th Civil District Court in Harris County, Texas. Judge Katherine N. Thomas will be up for reelection in the 2026 Midterm Election, she was just duly elected in the Tuesday, November 8, 2022, Midterm Election, for Harris County, Texas.
Judge Tamika “Tami” Craft is the presiding judge for the 189th Criminal District Court in Harris County, Texas. Judge Tamika “Tami” Craft will be up for reelection in the 2026 Midterm Election, she was just duly elected in the Tuesday, November 8, 2022, Midterm Election, for Harris County, Texas.
Judge Beverly D. Armstrong is the presiding judge for the 208th Criminal District Court in Harris County, Texas. Judge Beverly D. Armstrong will be up for reelection in the 2026 Midterm Election, she was just duly elected in the Tuesday, November 8, 2022, Midterm Election, for Harris County, Texas.
Judge Elaine H. Palmer is the presiding judge for the 215th Civil District Court in Harris County, Texas. Judge Elaine H. Palmer will be up for reelection in the 2024 Presidential Election. Still, she will have to earn the nomination to serve as the Democratic nominee, on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in the Democratic Party Primary, for Harris County, Texas.
Judge Angela M. Lancelin is the presiding judge for the 245th Family District Court in Harris County, Texas. Judge Angela M. Lancelin will be up for reelection in the 2026 Midterm Election, she was just duly elected in the Tuesday, November 8, 2022, Midterm Election, for Harris County, Texas.
Judge Angela Graves Harrington is the presiding judge for the 246th Family District Court in Harris County, Texas. Judge Angela Graves Harrington will be up for reelection in the 2026 Midterm Election, she was just duly-reelected in the Tuesday, November 8, 2022, Midterm Election, for Harris County, Texas.
Judge Sandra J. Peake is the presiding judge for the 257th Family District Court in Harris County, Texas. Judge Sandra J. Peake will be up for reelection in the 2026 Midterm Election, she was just duly reelected in the Tuesday, November 8, 2022, Midterm Election, for Harris County, Texas.
Judge Lori Chambers Gray is the presiding judge for the 262nd Criminal District Court in Harris County, Texas. Judge Lori Chambers Gray will be up for reelection in the 2026 Midterm Election, she was just duly elected in the Tuesday, November 8, 2022, Midterm Election, for Harris County, Texas.
Judge Melissa M. Morris is the presiding judge for the 263rd Criminal District Court in Harris County, Texas. Judge Melissa M. Morris will be up for reelection in the 2026 Midterm Election, she was just duly elected in the Tuesday, November 8, 2022, Midterm Election, for Harris County, Texas.
Judge Dedra Davis is the presiding judge for the 270th Civil District Court in Harris County, Texas. Judge Dedra Davis will be up for reelection in the 2026 Midterm Election, she was just duly elected in the Tuesday, November 8, 2022, Midterm Election, for Harris County, Texas.
Judge Damiane “Dianne” Curvey is the presiding judge for the 280th Family District Court in Harris County, Texas. Judge “Damiane “Dianne” Curvey will be up for reelection in the 2026 Midterm Election, she was just duly elected in the Tuesday, November 8, 2022, Midterm Election, for Harris County, Texas.
Judge Germaine Tanner is the presiding judge for the 311th Family District Court in Harris County, Texas. Judge Germaine Tanner will be up for reelection in the 2026 Midterm Election, she was just duly elected in the Tuesday, November 8, 2022, Midterm Election, for Harris County, Texas.
Judge Michelle Moore is the presiding judge for the 314th Juvenile District Court in Harris County, Texas. Judge Michelle Moore will be up for reelection in the 2026 Midterm Election, she was just duly-reelected in the Tuesday, November 8, 2022, Midterm Election, for Harris County, Texas.
Judge Brittanye Morris is the presiding judge for the 333rd Civil District Court in Harris County, Texas. Judge Brittanye Morris will be up for reelection in the 2024 Presidential Election but will have to earn the nomination to serve as the Democratic nominee, on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in the Democratic Party Primary, for Harris County, Texas.
Judge Dawn Rogers is the presiding judge for the 334th Civil District Court in Harris County, Texas. Judge Dawn Rogers will be up for reelection in the 2024 Presidential Election but will have to earn the nomination to serve as the Democratic nominee, on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in the Democratic Party Primary, for Harris County, Texas.
Judge Ramona Franklin is the presiding judge for the 338th Criminal District Court in Harris County, Texas. Judge Ramona Franklin will be up for reelection in the 2024 Presidential Election but will have to earn the nomination to serve as the Democratic nominee, on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in the Democratic Party Primary, for Harris County, Texas.
Judge Veronica M. Nelson is the presiding judge for the 482nd Criminal District Court in Harris County, Texas. Veronica M. Nelson will be up for reelection in the 2026 Midterm Election, she was just duly elected in the Tuesday, November 8, 2022, Midterm Election, for Harris County, Texas.
Judge Shannon Baldwin is the presiding judge for County Criminal Court at Law No. 4 in Harris County, Texas. Judge Shannon Baldwin will be up for reelection in the 2026 Midterm Election, she was just duly-reelected in the Tuesday, November 8, 2022, Midterm Election, for Harris County, Texas.
Judge Toria J. Finch is the presiding judge for County Criminal Court at Law No. 9 in Harris County, Texas. Judge Toria J. Finch will be up for reelection in the 2026 Midterm Election, she was just duly elected in the Tuesday, November 8, 2022, Midterm Election, for Harris County, Texas.
Judge Juanita Jackson is the presiding judge for County Criminal Court at Law No. 10 in Harris County, Texas. Judge Juanita Jackson will be up for reelection in the 2026 Midterm Election, she was just duly elected in the Tuesday, November 8, 2022, Midterm Election, for Harris County, Texas.
Judge Sedrick T. Walker II is the presiding judge for County Criminal Court at Law No. 11 in Harris County, Texas. Judge Sedrick T. Walker II will be up for reelection in the 2026 Midterm Election, he was just duly reelected in the Tuesday, November 8, 2022, Midterm Election, for Harris County, Texas.
Judge Genesis Draper is the presiding judge for County Criminal Court at Law No. 12 in Harris County, Texas. Judge Genesis Draper will be up for reelection in the 2026 Midterm Election, she was just duly elected in the Tuesday, November 8, 2022, Midterm Election, for Harris County, Texas.
Judge Tonya Jones is the presiding judge for County Criminal Court at Law No. 15 in Harris County, Texas. Judge Tonya Jones will be up for reelection in the 2026 Midterm Election, she was just duly elected in the Tuesday, November 8, 2022, Midterm Election, for Harris County, Texas.
Judge Darrell Jordan is the presiding judge for County Criminal Court at Law No. 16 in Harris County, Texas. Judge Darrell Jordan will be up for reelection in the 2024 Presidential Election but will have to earn the nomination to serve as the Democratic nominee, on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, in the Democratic Party Primary, for Harris County, Texas.
