Greenville Church Celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King’s 1965 Visit
Not much is known about many of the churches that played pivotal roles in the Civil Rights Movement. Many churches in the Black Belt helped move civil rights forward, some are well known, while others still look to share little known facts about their contribution to help shift treatment for Black Americans. Like Harrison Baptist Church in Greenville, Alabama who welcomed Dr. Martin Luther King in to speak during the height of the Civil Rights Movement.
During that time many churches were being bombed or burned for simply standing up to anyone who wanted to push back the rights of Black Americans. “Everybody else feared that their church was gonna be burned or bombed so Harrison Street was brave enough to let him speak here,” says Pastor Frank Splunge. That bravery helped welcome change into the area.
In commemoration of Doctor King’s visit to Greenville The Harrison Street Baptist Church, along with other churches in the area and community members have started a freedom walk. This is the second year for the Freedom walk which will be held February 10th at 11 a.m. in Greenville. A special celebration will follow the walk at Harrison Street Baptist Church.
