By: Shataya Celestine
MONTGOMERY, Ala.—Shelley Stewart, known as the best radio personality in Birmingham and one of America’s most prominent African American philanthropists, spoke about the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the recent MLK Reflections Breakfast at Auburn University at Montgomery.
At the morning event, Stewart took the time to sit down with staff and students and share in honor of King, whom he knew personally. Stewart talked about life growing up as a child in Birmingham seeing beautiful parks and places, but remembering the grocery stores and restrooms he wasn’t allowed to use. He said he didn’t know his own name until he was 15 years old when he had to visit the Jefferson County Health Department. Interestingly enough, Stewart said growing up he didn’t have a fear of white folk or Black folk.
In 1960, Stewart started working on radio and would soon become well known as “Shelley the Playboy” radio personality in Birmingham. He would go places where other people were afraid to go, including communities and every barbecue place; even the police knew who he was. In 2008, Stewart was the first African American inducted into the Alabama Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame.
As reported by AUM’s website, Stewart later created 2007 a foundation for Mattie C. Stewart in honor of his late mother as a non-profit organization dedicated to reducing the dropout rate. Stewart was named Alumnus Honors from Samford University one of the university’s highest recognitions for nongraduates, for his role in the civil rights movement and his work in the community.
Stewart told the story of his first meeting with Dr. King. He said that one day King came into one of the morning meetings where he brought up civil rights for the Black community before the people even knew what “Black community” meant. He said at the time the term civil rights had never been heard. Because of King, civil rights in Alabama became a movement for freedom, equality, liberty and justice for all. He believed that is what Dr. King Jr. stood for.
During the event, Shelley read a quote from King who said, “Being a Negro in America is not a common existence. It means being a part of the company of the bruised, the battered, the scarred, and the defeated. Being a Negro in America means fighting.” Stewart said King said those things in the past and now this is 2024 listening to the radio and hearing the same things. Dr. King Jr. said, “Love is the key and understanding is key.”
As the reflection breakfast ended, an announcement was made about the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Reflections Scholarship established by the Alpha Fraternity incorporated in the Department of Diversity Equity and Inclusion to award scholastic endeavors. The scholarship is awarded annually and presented during the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Reflections Breakfast, a cherished celebration at Auburn University at Montgomery and the surrounding communities.