Mrs. Hollowell, members of the family of Donald Hollowell, distinguished guests and ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon.
“…The STRONG MEN keep a-comin on
The STRONG MEN git STRONGER…”
We gather this afternoon to pay tribute to the life and legacy of Donald Hollowell, a strong man in the tradition of Strong black men, captured in Sterling Brown’s poem written in the 1930’s.
"I am humbled by the invitation to offer remarks in remembrance of
this strong, gentle man who lived and worked on our behalf
and in our midst for the betterment of our community and nation."
It is an honor to represent so many who have benefited directly and the millions who have and will benefit from the work of Donald Hollowell. Through his efforts American history was rewritten.
As mayor of Atlanta my personal bond is undeniable. For it was the strategic thinking and determination of this brilliant attorney that led to my election as the fourth black mayor of a major southern city. Of course, there were others who made great contributions as well but Donald Hollowell stands as a giant among those who recast this city, state, ultimately nation and the world by opening the doors of education, public accommodations, civil rights and fair treatment for millions of black Georgians. Hollowell made a mark so decisive and indelible it’s impact on contemporary times is as strong now as ever.
It is the foundation laid by Donald Hollowell that makes it possible for Atlanta to achieve greatness and the distinction of top rank as an American city for African-Americans today and as the epicenter for business, education and culture in the region.
To shake up the status quo, Hollowell championed opened doors for people of color to serve in positions of power and influence in every industry and sector of the nation from advisors to the presidents to world-renowned journalists. The list of those Donald Hollowell touched personally would fill hours of commentary. So imagine with me how far his net was cast. Imagine Atlanta, Georgia without Donald Hollowell’s successful legal challenges to segregation and discrimination.
Where would we be as African-Americans?
Would Atlanta hold a global reputation for human rights?
Would we have known the leadership of King, Carter, Jackson and Young?
What would be our chances for representation in the Georgia legislature or as Secretary of State, Labor Commissioner or Attorney General?
Without Hollowell as a champion for human and civil rights would our state have been locked in the traditions of the confederacy and its residents been locked out of the benefits of the global economy?
The impact of Hollowell’s fight for equal opportunity and justice reverberates today – in business, higher education, criminal justice, law, politics and the social justice movement.
The influence of his commitment to social justice extends throughout Georgia and from Georgia across the nation. Yes, for African-Americans, but let’s not forget all Georgians, men, women, black, white, Latino, Asian and immigrants benefit from his pioneering career on behalf of the African-American community. Once the doors of opportunity opened for African-Americans, those doors stayed open for others.
Against tremendous odds Donald Hollowell changed the face of America for the better. His life’s work expanded our nation’s democracy to include those left out by the founding fathers for many generations.
Thank you Mrs. Hollowell for sharing your husband with the world.
“The STRONG MEN keep a-comin
The STRONG MEN git STRONGER….”
Today they shout prohibition at you
‘thou shalt not this’
‘thou shalt not that’
You laugh.
One thing they cannot prohibit -- THE STRONG MEN coming on
THE STRONG MEN gitting STRONGER.
STRONG MEN ….. STRONGER ….
We thank God for Donald Hollowell.
He has made all the difference as strong black men do.
May our endeavors live up to Donald Hollowell’s example.
Thank you.