(Picture from Frederick News -Post 1-6-13)
A Belated Tribute to a Great Man!
I had the occasion to meet this great man at least on one occasion before he died. I heard a story or two from him personally. Was amazed to here of the brushes he had with the Ku Klux Klan! I was born in North Carolina, but reared in New York State. For sure we heard about such things occurring here and there, but especially so further south.
We had our issues with racism, in New York State, but it was nothing compared to what my late husband Richard Reddix Sr. revealed to me about Montgomery County Maryland's racism and the things he lived through. He died in December 2009 just before reaching his 70th birthday; but not before gracing my life with his sweetness. And I pray that I was able to add some sweetness to his. But now I hear again of how another man in Maryland had to live through some horrendous circumstances in his life too!
And much more so for Mr. Nickens, because he took on the fight for everybody! I am sure by now you have read or can guess from what I have said about my late husband that he had a great big heart! And he to me was such a protector. Now I have to say that about Lord Dunmore Nickens who was born in 1913 and was 99 years old at his death on January 4, 2013. This man's heart was big enough for all of Frederick, Maryland to fit in!!!!! I can say I did meet him, but I like you learned of what a great legacy this man leaves behind after his death.
The Frederick Post outlines this great man's life, and of how at a young age he had a disgust for racism and ill treatment of others after being kicked out of a White's-Only restroom on a train. Was present at Martin Luther King's, "I Have A Dream" speech in Washington, DC. Organized a boycott against Gov. Wallace of Alabama because he sent the police after the Civil Rights marchers. And was a freedom fighter for Frederick from the organizing of the Community Action Agency to being the President of the NAACP Chapter in Frederick for 22 years! Continued his work even through the death threats that were placed upon his life for it. His work earned him much love and affection in Frederick and the title of the "Martin Luther King of Frederick County!"
A reminder of this great man's contributions of a lifetime is the street named after him, Lord Nickens St. in Frederick. But I am sure there is no way to measure the impact that this life had on all of the ones touched by his - friend or foe! He will live on in many hearts and his legacy will be known for generations to come.
There is no curtain call when someone dies, and as such, I pray for peace and comfort for his family and the community through his legacy and the many contributions to so many for so long.
To God Be the Glory for the great things that this man has accomplished in his life. For sure we can say - he let his light shine!
Lord Dunmore Nickens - August 6, 1913 to January 4, 2013
Louise Malbon-Reddix
Author of: Stand In
Your Anointment - This Too Shall Pass!
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thank you for sharing this tribute Louise
ReplyDeleteJon Magee, I had to share it. What a life! So selfless, a great man. I only hope to help as he did!
DeleteLouise