Rev. Joseph Lowery Archives - After the Altar Call

Hello World,

The Joseph and Evelyn Lowery Institute for Justice & Human Rights announced this sad news recently.

Our beloved, Rev. Dr. Joseph Echols Lowery, made his transition peacefully at home at 10 p.m., Friday, March 27, at the age of 98. He was surrounded by his daughters.

Hailed as the “Dean of the Civil Rights Movement” upon his receipt of the NAACP’s Lifetime Achievement Award, Dr. Lowery had assumed and executed a broad and diverse series of roles over the span of his nine decades: leader, pastor, servant, father, husband, freedom fighter and advocate.

Born in Huntsville, Ala., on October 6, 1921, his legacy of service and struggle was long and rich. His genesis as a civil rights advocate dates to the early 1950s, when he headed the Alabama Civic Affairs Association, which led the movement to desegregate buses and public accommodations. In 1957, with friend and colleague Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., he was a co-founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC).

He served as Vice President (1957-1967), Chairman of the Board (1967-1977), and as President and Chief Executive Officer (1977-1998). To continue his legacy and promote non-violent advocacy among future generations, The Joseph E. Lowery Institute for Justice & Human Rights was founded in 2002 at Clark Atlanta University. The Institute was later renamed to include and honor Dr. Evelyn Lowery, his beloved partner in marriage and the movement for 67 years.

Calling on his over 40 years as ‘pastor’ and in his inimitable style, Dr. Lowery delivered the benediction on the occasion of President Barack Obama’s inauguration as the 44^th President of the United States in 2009. Later that year, President Obama awarded him the nation’s highest civilian honor, The Presidential Medal of Freedom, in recognition of his lifelong commitment to the nonviolent struggle for the causes of justice, human rights, economic equality, voting rights, peace and human dignity.

Our entire family is humbled and blessed by the overwhelming outpouring of love and support that has come from around the globe. We thank you for loving our father, Dr. Joseph E. Lowery, and for your continuous prayers during this time. However, the family will not be conducting interviews during this grieving period.

In lieu of flowers, cards or food, donations may be made to The Joseph & Evelyn Lowery Institute for Justice & Human Rights. Dr. Lowery’s life was driven by a sense of obligation to our global community and desire to champion love over hate; inclusion over exclusion. The Lowery Institute was founded in 2002 to further Dr. Lowery’s legacy of promoting non-violent advocacy among future generations.

Donations can be sent to The Joseph & Evelyn Lowery Institute, P.O. Box 92801, Atlanta, GA 30314, or made on-line by clicking here.

Aligning with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines on COVID-19 prevention and social distancing, plans are underway for a private family service. A public memorial will be held in late summer or early fall.

Thank you,

The Lowery Family

Any thoughts?

From left to right: Tichina Arnold, Rev. Al Sharpton, Tyreee Gibson & Estelle

From left to right: Tichina Arnold, Rev. Al Sharpton, Tyrese Gibson & Estelle

Hello World,

TV One today will air its inaugural television broadcast of The 2015 Triumph Awards presented by Reverend Al Sharpton and National Action Network tomorrow at 8 p.m. EST. Filmed in Atlanta, GA and hosted by Tichina Arnold, this esteemed ceremony recognizes the triumphant impact this year’s honorees have made on our society.

Journalist Soledad O’Brien

Recording artist and philanthropist Tyrese Gibson was presented the Entertainer of the Year honor by Martin Luther King III and received a special message from friend and fellow entertainer Ludacris. With a body of work as a civil rights leader, activist and minister spanning over eight decades, Rev. Dr. Joseph Echols Lowery received the Chairman’s Award for Historic & Transformative Service from NAN’s Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson and Rev. Al Sharpton. Emmy® winning comedienne, actress and producer Wanda Sykes received the Activism in the Arts honor for her years of service to youth homelessness and engagement. Chief Diversity Officer and Global Director of Education and External Relations for Intel, Rosalind Hudnell was presented the honor of Corporate Executive of the Year in support of her distinguished leadership within the corporate sector. The night’s final honor, the President’s Award for Service and Humanitarian Efforts, was presented to John Legend for his work as a vocal champion for social justice who gave the audience a special treat during his acceptance speech by singing “Wake Up Everybody” before turning it over to Tichina Arnold to close the show.

Actress Terri J. Vaughn

This star-studded event included appearances by presenters Afemo Omilami, Carl Payne, Danielle Nicolet, Darrin Henson, Donnie Simpson, Nicole Beharie, Soledad O’Brien, Syleena Johnson, Richard Lawson, Patrik-Ian Polk and Terri J. Vaughn. Legendary hip-hop artist Chubb Rock served as announcer during the show.

Singer Syleena Johnson

Musical performances throughout the show presented a positive, uplifting score for an evening of excellence.

Award winning hip-hop artist T.I. delivered an original spoken word piece titled “United We Stand,” urging youth to not use the spirit of activism as an opportunity to elevate their social media presence.

In a soul stirring performance, gospel recording artist, Tasha Cobbs brought the crowd to their feet with a medley including the television debut of “Put A Praise On It” and Grammy® Award winning single “Break Every Chain.”

Martin Luther King III

The Youth Ensemble of Atlanta, the South’s leading African-American theatre company for young adults, unveiled “Put Your Guns Up,” a moving performance art tribute recounting the victims of unfortunate deaths as a result of gun violence.

Youth Ensemble of Atlanta

Led by the program’s Musical Director Robert Glasper, house band The Robert Glasper Experiment performed a touching rendition of “I’m Dying of Thirst.”

Grammy® Award winner Estelle performed her anthem of perseverance “Conqueror” in honor of the inspirational work that honoree Rev. Dr. Joseph E. Lowery has done for the civil rights movement.

Estelle

Rev. Al Sharpton & Rev. Joseph E. Lowery

Singer, songwriter Chanté Moore was joined by R&B artist Stokley Williams for an enchanting performance of “Someday We’ll All Be Free.”

Ledisi, a leading jazz recording artist and actress with credits including the Academy Award nominated film Selma, performed her hit single “Gonna Be Alright” championing Rev. Al Sharpton, whose 61st birthday coincides with the broadcast premier.

Ledisi

Multi-hyphenate entertainer and distinguished honoree Tyrese took to the stage for a rousing performance of his chart-topping hit single “Shame.”

Paying tribute to Nina Simone’s legacy of activism through the music medium, Grammy® nominated singer Jazmine Sullivan performed “Baltimore,” a song from Simone’s 1978 album that is once again reflective of the times.

Jazmine Sullivan

Tichina Arnold channeled the Godfather of Soul, James Brown for a show-stopping cover of “I Got The Feelin,” went on to reunite with her “Martin” co-star Carl Payne – who also served as a writer for the program – for a must-see comedic enactment of “Cause I Love You.”