National News

Community pays moving tribute to civil rights icon: Rev. Dr. Willie Taplin Barrow

By Starla Muhammad -Assistant Editor- | Last updated: Mar 24, 2015 - 3:32:37 PM

What's your opinion on this article?

rev_willie_barrow_memorial_03-31-2015.jpg

CHICAGO - The memorial tribute and community-wide service for activist and humanitarian the Reverend Dr. Willie Taplin Barrow held at the international headquarters of Rainbow PUSH, brought together a host of her contemporaries, friends, family and countless others who were influenced and impacted by the four foot, 11 inch tall powerhouse known as, “The Little Warrior.”

The wide-range of those who paid homage and respect to Dr. Barrow at the March 19 ceremony reflected the diverse aspects of the lives she touched. Dr. Barrow, 90 who co-founded Operation Breadbasket, was on the front lines of the civil rights struggle for Blacks, women and others, died at her home March 12 (See Final Call Vol. 25 No. 24).

rev_willie_barrow_memorial_03-31-2015b.jpg
The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan of the Nation of Islam, Judge Greg Mathis, the Reverends Jesse L. Jackson Sr. and Al Sharpton, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Democratic National Committee chairwoman Donna Brazile and Father Michael Pfleger were among a host of leaders, politicians, activists and clergy who spoke on the important legacy of Dr. Barrow during a four hour celebration of her life.

“I am so honored to be in this assembly to give praise to God for sending a bit of himself in a female,” said Min. Farrakhan who shared with the crowd he was introduced to Dr. Barrow by Rev. Jackson who was campaigning to become the first Black U.S. president in the 1980s. She touched my life, the Muslim leader said.

“Willie Taplin Barrow used every conscious moment of her life fighting for justice. Justice is one of the principles of life itself as my dear brother Rev. Jackson said,” the Minister continued. Dr. Barrow is gone but she left those that are still here to continue that work said Min. Farrakhan, calling her a great soldier for Christ who did not just talk Christ but lived Christ. 

rev_willie_barrow_memorial_03-31-2015c.jpg
Photos: Haroon Rajaee
“Let’s continue to do the work in remembrance of her who gave us such an example,” the Minister added.

Tributes and acknowledgments from President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama, former President Bill Clinton, Rev. Dr. Otis Moss Jr., and Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Wright were read throughout the evening as other speakers reflected and shared stories on Dr. Barrow’s feistiness, sense of humor, no nonsense attitude and love of humanity. Gospel selections sung by the Rainbow PUSH Coalition Mass Choir, scriptural readings and a running photographic montage of Dr. Barrow working and organizing through the years ran on a large screen. The women of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority of which Dr. Barrow was a member also performed a tribute. Delegations from several Chicago-area houses of worship and groups were present as standing ovations, tears, thunderous applause, laughter, smiles and cheers were a constant audience response as reflections on Dr. Barrow’s life were shared.  

Calling her “Chicago’s Rosa Parks,” Father Pfleger of St. Sabina Catholic Church said Dr. Barrow’s foundation was rooted in faith. She understood faith without works was dead, said the activist priest who heads a predominately-Black congregation on Chicago’s South Side.

rev_willie_barrow_memorial_03-31-2015d.jpg
“Rev. Barrow had the unique gift to live and speak her truth with the amazing balance of humor and challenge that would have you laughing as she pricked your conscious and confronted your comfortableness,” continued Father Pfleger. With humor he described how the elderly woman would jokingly refer to him as her “husband” and he would call Rev. Barrow his “wife.”

“I loved The Little Warrior. She always made me grounded. She challenged me and she encouraged me.”

Donna Brazile, political analyst and author shared condolences on behalf of the Democratic National Committee and spoke to the impact Dr. Barrow had on that organization. She was the second longest serving member of the DNC and served as chaplain for a number of years, said Ms. Brazile. Dr. Barrow’s impact on her and other Black women in the area of politics and policy was powerful.

“She made us stand up when we were afraid to stand up. She made a seat at the table and she told us if they didn’t have a seat, bring them a folding chair. She dared anybody to tell us to leave the room. She told us to stand. She was a mighty warrior,” said Ms. Brazile. 

Rev. Jackson called his long-time friend and helper a woman of courage, faith and substance and thanked Mayor Emanuel for ordering flags at city facilities lowered to half-mast in her honor. The long-time civil rights leader thanked Dr. Barrow for her help in building Operation Breadbasket into what is now Rainbow PUSH. 

“Fifty years of service, overcoming odds, defying traditions and making things happen. We’re better off because she came this way.” said Rev. Jackson.