Founder of the San Antonio Martin Luther King, Jr. March Passes

Eastside native and originator of the San Antonio Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK) March, Reverend R.A. Callies, passed away early this morning. Reverend Callies was a pastor at First Gethsemane Baptist Church.

In the late 1970s, Callies, his family, and church members began an effort to honor Dr. King by beginning a fund drive to erect a statue at the corner of North New Braunfels and East Houston streets. After the statue was built, Callies continued advocating for the recognition and commemoration of Dr. King.

In 1978 Reverend Callies and about 50 community members joined together and began the MLK March in San Antonio, which has since become the largest MLK March in the United States. The March has become a vehicle to continue the legacy of the King movement by honoring him through addressing the current problems of the day, which include discrimination, poverty, unemployment, war, and other social issues. The City of San Antonio honored Reverend Callies in 1986 by making him the first recipient of the MLK Jr. Distinguished Achievement Award.

Along with a small delegation of individuals, Reverend Callies was a catalyst in the effort to have the late Dr. King recognized when he lobbied the Texas Legislature to adopt the Martin Luther King Holiday in 1991.
 
Other accomplishments include successfully advocating for the renaming of Nebraska Street to Martin Luther King Boulevard and the renaming of James W. Riley Middle School to the Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School. Callies also promoted the beautification of Martin Luther King Plaza. Callies founded the Youth Leadership Conference for Community Progress and was instrumental in the building of the Martin Luther King Freedom bridge.

Reverend Callies was dedicated to celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. King and encouraged others to continue in Dr. King's spirit of service. Reverend Callies is survived by his wife Eunice and children Aaron Jr., Doris, Arlington, Yvette, and Phyliss.
 
In 2012, the City of San Antonio and its Martin Luther King Jr. Commission, led by Art Hall, will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the San Antonio MLK March.