The Black Mystery Month Series

Zan, a former Texas State Representative, could keep his feet firmly in the center of the political aisle. He has the MLK touch, and it is genuine. Love and temperance ooze from every word and deed. His panoramic view of life and humanity allows him to see and comprehend everyone's place and point.

“Zan Holmes was the model of what a preacher should be,” according to community activist and leader John Fullinwider.

Zan Holmes was always an ally, an alibi, ending every encounter in a conciliatory tone and manner. After a police protest went way off the charted path in the 1990’s Dr. Holmes quieted the fires on both sides.

"We are not against our police department; we want a better police department, ” he firmly stated.

His sentiments were simple but accurate. No group of citizens needed the police more than the Black community, and no other community was abused more by the police.

In-person, he humbly drops his strong square jaws, slightly tilts his head and peers into every face-to-face encounter. He is an active listener who gives you your moment.

There is an old church hymn titled, "Let others see Jesus in you.”

peace-promulgator

After years of a rigorous daily running regimen, his doctors prescribed its cessation. It was too hard on the knees. The slight limp doesn't slow him, though.

He had that natural "pimp walk," before Barack Obama could spell Air Force One!

Zan was the second African American to claim Dallas’ coveted Linz Award. Juanita Craft was first and former First Lady Matrice and an objective overseer. He used his position as a clergyman and his powers of racial reconciliation to assuage and heal wounds. Zan knows how and when to say the right thing to the right people. At one point, almost half of Dallas's Black leaders and politicians were members or claimed association with his congregation.

Zan Wesley Holmes, now Pastor Emeritus at Dallas' St. Luke “Community” United Methodist Church, was the beginning of a socio-ecclesiastical diaspora for lots of us.

Dr. Holmes' final benediction as the angel of the house at Saint Luke was followed by an abundance of groans and sad goodbyes.

There were no natural substitutes for Zan the Man, Sweet Jesus, or whatever name you may know him by. No one.

The Reverend Zan Holmes, always the mediator and unbiased voice, has a knack for

Dr. Zan Holmes is the walking manifestation of the song and a standard bearer for the Christian faith.

Zan lives in his purpose. He points to the Bible while he comforts the afflicted and afflicts the comfortable.

I love Dallas’ Black History, and I love me some Zan!