This past week has been very rewarding, as we celebrated the life of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (January 15, 1929 – April 4, 1968) who was an American Baptist minister, activist, humanitarian, and leader in the African-American Civil Rights Movement. He is best known for his role in the advancement of civil rights using nonviolent civil disobedience based on his Christian beliefs.
King became a civil rights activist early in his career. He led the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott and helped found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in 1957, serving as its first president. With the SCLC, King led an unsuccessful 1962 struggle against segregation in Albany, Georgia (the Albany Movement), and helped organize the 1963 nonviolent protests in Birmingham, Alabama. King also helped to organize the 1963 March on Washington.
Well Indianapolis has an individual who has carried the torch for civil rights in our community and on Friday, January 15th Community Leader and Activist Reginald L. Jones Sr. received the “Lucious Community Legacy” Award. Reginald Jones Sr. is a father, leader, master teacher, social activist and champion of the community. Mr. Jones is a rare and wonderful servant leader who had dedicated his life to equality. He has spent a lifetime on the front lines unabashed, unafraid and at 75 years of age continues to work for civil rights.
Lucious Newsom was a resident of Indianapolis and a man who was also caring and believed in everyone being treated fairly. Lucious Newsom made it his mission to help the needy of Indianapolis, he was a servant leader. Nicknamed the Lord’s beggar, Lucious Newsom had a way of convincing people to help the city’s poor.
“He was a man of integrity. People trusted him, so they gave. Lucious Newson died in 2008 and the City of Indianapolis created “Lucious Community Legacy Award” in 2010, naming it after the Indianapolis resident to commemorate Newsom’s life. The award honors individuals who promote outstanding dedication and selflessness in community service.
At the event on Friday, January 15th in the City-County Building’s Beurt SerVaas Public Assembly Room, Newly Elected Mayor Joseph Hogsett recognized Jones for his continued commitment to serving his community. Jones continues to positively impact the community with his efforts to right society ills through education, and organizing. Mr. Reginald Jones was the first black Director of the Skills Center, a National Program that trained people who seemed deemed incapable of being trained and unemployable. Mr. Jones’ innovative teaching methods secured 75% job placements to persons 16-65 years of age. Mr. Jones has a long list of accomplishments which include; serving under four Administrations, members of the Governor’s Youth Council, President of the Swing Masters Dust Bowl Tournament for 16 years, First African American Director of the Skill Center in the Midwest, Board of Directors for the Fall Creek YMCA, the Urban League, NAACP Education Committee and original member of the Indiana Black Expo.
The Lucious Newsom Community Award is given each year to an individual who serves his community and Mr. Reginald L. Jones Sr. rightfully deserved the honor.
About Annette
Annette M. Johnson holds a Bachelor Degree in Elementary Education from Martin University and Master Degrees in Adult Community Education and Executive Development for Public Service from Ball State University. She is President of Pike Township’s Democrat Club and Secretary of Indiana Democrat Club as well as an Elected Official in Pike Township. She has memberships in various organizations and enjoys facilitating for various youth organizations along with doing research projects in history. She can be reached via email at j.annette92@yahoo.com
