The Greatest Honor of My Life
The greatest honor of my life was serving Mother Coretta Scott King while she lived.
I remember the day Bernice found me. The New Birth Steppers had been given a special assignment, and I was called at the last minute to fill in. Bolden knew he could count on me. My children were busy, so I was in no hesitation, no questions. When purpose calls, you answer.
We arrived at the church hosting the event forgive me, I’ve forgotten the name (ask Bernice). As we waited to perform, something extraordinary happened. Bernice King walked into the room and came directly to the steppers. I was overwhelmed. At that time, the reason for her presence wasn’t public knowledge. It was quiet, sacred, and powerful all at once.
I believe she embraced me the way she did because I didn’t crowd her or invade her space. Being raised around high-profile figures teaches you composure how to stay calm, grounded, and respectful. After all, my daily life included leaders like Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton, and public servants such as Bobby Rush. Proximity to prominence doesn’t make you loud; it makes you mindful.
At New Birth, I wore many hats. I served as the Executive Sous Chef, managing kitchen services, events, and operations. Any and every plate Bishop, his family, guests, and dignitaries ate from I personally washed. And to go a step further, I prepared most of the Bishop’s dishes myself. Service, to me, has always meant excellence behind the scenes.
Those roles afforded me an honor I hold close to my heart: I demanded and was entrusted to be the only person to serve Mother King. It wasn’t about status. It was about reverence. Care. Protection of a legacy through the smallest, most human acts.
I am confident there are photographs throughout New Birth footage, even of me on the altar, praying, just three days before 9/11. 🙏🤲🕍 Moments frozen in time, reminding me how close history can feel before it changes the world.
So I ask, not in challenge but in reflection:
What do you know about me?
Because behind the titles, behind the proximity to history, behind the quiet acts of service, there is a story of devotion, discipline, and duty lived humbly, faithfully, and in plain sight.
