Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., although extraordinaire and a visionary, was One man who through his life commitment seeded a movement that still feels his influence.

In homage of Dr. King’s life commitment to erode social injustices against black people,  I celebrate Dr. King’s legacy with a call to action. TAG In!  I celebrate Dr. King’s successful grassroots collaborations, organizing and empowering of local leaders/change-makers.

I have high regard and find encouragement from Dr. King’s sacrifices.  I know and respect Dr. King’s life work because it  draws close to home of the contributions my grandfather James Pal Troupe (Pal) made throughout his lifetime. Pal, one of Missouri’s pioneering change makers joined Dr. King early in the civil rights movement.

Although Pal’s formal education ended in elementary school, at a young age Pal acted on eroding racism he and his community experienced in their daily lives.  As a young teenager, Pal worked as an organizer and community leader.  Pal’s commitment and leadership ability was recognized and he went on to be one of the first Black Business Representatives of the United Steelworkers Union breaking down barriers for Blacks in union trades.  Pal was Commissioner of the STL Housing Authority advocating to improve subpar subsidized housing for POC. Pal evolved in politics from Ward Alderman to becoming the first African American member of the Missouri House since Reconstruction. Pal fueled and made huge contributions to the civil rights movement. Pal wrote and presented legislation  that centered around protecting and valuing Black and marginalized families.  Pal’s conscientious legislation included ending mandated separation (forcing husbands and fathers to abandon their home) of black families who received government subsidy.

Like Dr. King, Pal committed his life’s work fighting for civil rights.  Pal’s legacy lives on through the many he fought for and those he instilled new value for humanity.

Affirming that the positive Influence of One benefits many. You’ve been TAGged!