Black History Leaders

CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY VIEW

Dr. Reverend Eddie Bolden

Rev. Bolden was born in Mississippi on June 11, 1924 to the union of his parents John and Ada Lee Holden. He married Mary Ann Clark in 1941. Heserved in the United States Army and was deployed to Japan during World War II January 25, 1943 to 1946. He was honorably discharged. He moved to Modesto in 1953 with his family. Rev. Bolden was one of the pioneering pastors in Modesto purchasing By Jeremiah Williams their first Church building in 1964 at St.Paul Missionary Baptist Church at 930 6th St., Modesto, CA and paid it off 12 years later. Pastor Bolden attended Conroe Normal and Industrial College of Stockton and other higher institutions of learning. His role in the early 80s landed him a position at Modesto high School working with the first AfricanAmerican head coach Bobby Cole. Pastor Bolden¹s roll was that of a Peacemaker, mentor and liaison for the African-American students at that time a predominantly white school. In 1983 he received a Distinguished Service in Public Education Award, awarded by Stanislaus County Superintendent of schools and the Crystal Clear Award for Outstanding Community Service presented by Staff of Life 2011. He was known for his generosity and love for mankind of all colors. Two days a week even up into his senior years would be found giving loaves of bread away to those in need. Pastor Bolden would even take food to people he found out needed it and would drive it to them with no strings attached.

The world didn¹t know him, but ³he was the world² to so many people that knew him. Dr. Rev.Eddie Bolden pastored his church for 57 years until he retired in 2021.

Jesse Stovall

By Jeremiah Williams Jesse Stovall, 86 of Modesto, California entered into the presence of the Lord on Thursday, January 13, 2022. He was born on July 24, 1935 in Rome, New York to James and Gussie Stovall. He served honorably as a Captain in the US Air Force. In 1965, he moved to Modesto, CA with his beautiful wife and family where he then opened the first African-American privately-owned medical practice in 1966. He served the city of Modesto for 32 years. He then founded Modesto Christian Center in 1977. Before purchasing and building the current church on 1644 Dewitt Street in 2001, they owned and resided on Needham and sold the building to the historic Great Valley Center founded by the late Carol Whiteside. Dr. Stovall pastored for 44 glorious years. He was one of the first families to be able to break the barrier of housing discrimination. He moved his family to the north area of Modesto in Sherwood Forest in 1967. He was highly respected in the medical community which helped minorities to acquire better jobs in our community. His legacy of community involvement

and equitable treatment to all people will continue to live on through his progeny

MLK Commemorations

The 28th Annual Martin Luther

King, Jr. Commemoration returns

this year as a YouTube, live virtual event on Saturday, February 12, 2022, at 7:00 p.m.

In the spirit of Dr. King, some exciting young people will offer their thoughts on important issues like voting rights and democracy. MC, Judge Rubén Villalobos, will help us look back on some of the inspirational speakers that Modesto has had the privilege to hear. The Martin Luther King, Jr. Legacy Award, honoring individuals who have a long history of community service will be given posthumously to teacher, activist and community volunteer, Shelly Scribner, and will be accepted by her daughter, Juniper Scribner. A second award will be given to the Rev. Dean Dodd of the Cleansing Hope Shower Shuttle for his service to Modesto’s homeless.

For more information and a link to the YouTube presentation, go to https://www. mjc.edu/instruction/ahc/mlkcommemoration.php