In Memory of Herb Stevens

Inscription on the Plaque

The inscription on the plaque reads:

In Memory
of
Herb Stevens
Community United Church of Christ

In honor of his outstanding contributions in human and civil rights to the people of the Champaign-Urbana Community and Vicinity.

In a world of haves and have nots, a man does what he must -- in spite of personal consequences, in spite of obstacles, dangers and pressures -- because that is the basis of all human morality.

Presented by

Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Advocacy for Justice Committee
Reverend Dr. Claude E. Shelby Sr., President
Champaign, Illinois
January 18, 2004

Curt Wilson's acceptance speech

I appreciate being able to represent Community United Church of Christ in this recognition of Herb Stevens. As our church historian I have noted that in 1854 the brand new Congregational Church proclaimed that the institution of American slavery was contrary to the character and the Word of God. In the 1950's Rev. Ted Frank helped open up the campus barbershops. In the 1960's Rev. Harry Applewhite joined the march to Selma. In 1985 Rev. Lionel Miles opened our church to the first community Martin Luther King Jr. celebration. Rev. Jack Good continued our support as a member of the MLK Scholarship Committee. Herb Stevens served a vital role as a bee in our bonnets, reminding us that as we worship God, we should use our money to promote programs such as these scholarships and to support justice in our local community. This plaque will remind us of those who have gone before and energize us to follow in their steps. The plaque will be mounted at an appropriate place in our church.

Now I'd like to bring Herb back from the grave. If he were here, he would say "You and you and you (pointing) have money in your pocketbooks. Open them up when it comes time to take the Offering. There is no better place for you to invest your dollars than to support these scholarships that aid the young people in front of you to gain an education."

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