By Ben Lockridge

blockridge@themeridianstar.com

 

Clark’s Memorial Chapel was packed to full capacity Saturday to honor one of Meridian’s finest — Obie Clark.

To honor the former civil rights worker and past president of the local NAACP, Meridian officials officially renamed 30th Avenue, Obie Clark Drive.

Many spoke about Clark Saturday and the impact he made in the community.

Clark’s daughter, Tracey Clark Washington, said that while this is a great honor for her father, it is not what his goal was.

“We all know this is not an honor that daddy would have sought for himself,” Washington said. “He was simply content with being the problem-solver, fighting against discrimination anywhere and everywhere that he saw it. He was also content with being the husband, the daddy and grandaddy.”

Washington said that the naming of 30th Avenue should be an important reminder of who Obie Clark was.

“His life and his work is not only a part of black history … it’s American history,” Washington said.

Clark, who died in March of 2008, served as the president of the local branch of the NAACP for more than 25 years.

Meridian Chief Administrative Officer Ken Storms talked about his 20 year friendship with Clark.

“Every time Mr. Clark entered my office, or I into his, I knew I was in the company of a great American,” Storms said. “He was tremendous in his counsel to me, he was tremendous in his support of me, and he was tremendous in his great leadership of this community.”

City Councilman Jesse Palmer, Sr. said that sometimes Mr. Clark could help someone at simply the mention of his name.

“Just to give you an example, there was a man that was teaching his grandson to drive, and he asked him to put on the break instead he hit the accelerator,” Palmer recalled. “He took down a utility pole, and the company wanted to charge the grandfather $300 for it. He came to me, and I said I’d call Mr. Clark. Well, the man called the company and asked if he could bring Mr. Clark to discuss the matter … and that ended the matter right there.”

Former NAACP President Shirley Lyttle spoke words that were directed straight to Clark.

“It is appropriate that we honor you with this avenue, for you have opened avenues of freedom, justice, and fairness for the citizens of this city, this state, this county, and this nation,” she said. “We honor you for the wisdom that you showed.”

Lauderdale County Supervisor Joe Norwood, who resides on the street being renamed, boasted about his  new address.

“My name is Joe, last name, Norwood; and I live in the 1400 block of Obie Clark Dr,” he said.

Clark’s sister, Thelma Hickman, said God placed Clark where he could best serve in every position he held.

“We will always remember him as our family spokesperson, historian, and prankster,” Hickman said. “As we pay tribute to our brother and our friend, let us remember the words Jesus spoke about his true kins people … my mother and my brother are these who hear the word of God, and do it.”

After the service, the group was lead outside for the unveiling of the new street sign in Clark’s honor.

Melba Clark, his widow, spoke to the crowd before the unveiling.

“I can’t begin to tell you how much I appreciate you being here,” she said. “As I Iook about and see everyone who has shared  this hour with my family … I thank you.”