death of a hero

Yesterday we received the news that Steve Jobs, long standing CEO and engine of perpetual genius at Apple, had died. I learned of his death on my iPad and received texts about it on my iPhone--things he had made possible. Perhaps this is a fine testimony to his creative genius and fearless leadership. He was a hero for many. I am thankful for Steve Jobs, and his wonderful creations. He will be missed.

But he was not the only hero that we lost yesterday.

On Wednesday, October 5, 2011, Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth died.

You probably do not know that name. But you should. We all should. We owe a great deal to him and his courageous leadership and tenacity. You see, Shuttlesworth was one of the three influential leaders of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1957. Here he is pictured (center) beside the other two leaders: Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Rev. Ralph D. Abernathy.

Shuttlesworth was one of the most influential leaders during the civil rights movement. By most recollections and accounts, Shuttlesworth was the blunt-speaking, righteously angered activism that served as a wonderful compliment to Dr. King's passionate peaceful cooperation. Shuttlesworth stood directly in the line of fire and challenged Eugene "Bull" Connor, the racist police chief of Birmingham, AL. While his confrontational approach led not only to his being bombed, beaten, and jailed more than 35 times, it also created tension between himself and Dr. King; however, it is not an overstatement to say that without Shuttlesworth, the civil rights movement would not have been as effective as it was. He was the last surviving member of the big three who founded the SCLC.

We mourn the loss of a true American and Christian hero.

Rev. Shuttlesworth, May God receive you and welcome you home to the fullness of his kingdom, which we can see more tangibly because you lived. Thank you.

For more information on his passing and legacy, see this link from the LA Times.