Pay Haters No Mind And Keep Doing You

Known nationwide for his dynamic preaching style, Reverend C. L. Franklin knew his position behind the pulpit was political AND spiritual. 

When MLK called Franklin asking for help raising money for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Franklin got to work. 

Unfortunately, some Black activist organizations couldn’t see past Franklin’s flashy suits and slicked-back hair. They called him the “Jitterbug Preacher.” 

Marking Franklin as a rival, they excluded him from their organizing efforts and told Franklin to quit. Franklin’s response? 

Franklin kept the faith and co-organized the Walk To Freedom on June 23, 1963. 

In addition to raising funds for King, the marchers stood against employment and housing discrimination against Detroit’s Black residents. The march was held 20 years after one of the city’s most brutal race riots. 

On the day of the march, there were at least 125,000 participants. Even some of Franklin’s original haters attended. 

At the time, the march was the largest civil rights demonstration in the country. Its success gave the green light for MLK’s upcoming March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom two months later.

The most powerful way we can exercise our faith is by believing in our path – being who God made us to be even when others doubt us.