Celebrating Rev. Richard Boone Day 2020

On Tuesday, July 7, 2020, Montgomery celebrated Rev. Richard Boone Day. Rev. Richard Boone was a civil rights advocate and a champion of those suffering in poverty and need. “The Food Stamp Man,” Rev. Richard Boone brought food stamp benefits to the citizens of Alabama, fought for racial justice and equality, and left a legacy caring for the poor and oppressed. 

Rev. Boone’s wife, Mary Boone, is a treasured board member of Mercy House, and Mercy House was proud to sponsor 2020’s Rev. Richard Boone Day celebration. Proclaimed a city holiday this year by Mayor Steven Reed, this was the fourth annual celebration of Rev. Boone and the fourth year Mercy House has sponsored. Much like the work in the Washington Park community progresses more and more each year, so does this event. The celebration was set up on Rev. Richard Boone Boulevard where our community partners were there to distribute groceries and resources to members of the community.

We are grateful to the City of Montgomery, the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department, the Montgomery Police Department, the Montgomery Fire and Rescue Department, the Montgomery City Council, the Montgomery County Commission, the Montgomery Area Food Bank, and countless others for their dedication and sacrifice. This day was a powerful reminder of the collaboration, the partnership, and the shoulder-to-shoulder service our region values.

At Mercy House, it was a reminder that there is still a need. As the cars wrapped around the expanse of an empty field, I couldn’t help but consider for every car that was in line there was a person at home or walking the streets to Mercy House, unable to acquire transportation to make it to this event. The visible need was large; the unseen need is staggering. Rev. Richard Boone spent a lifetime dedicated to caring for his brothers and sisters in Christ, speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves, and ensuring justice to those in suffering and poverty.

We continue that legacy, not only in feeding and clothing our neighbors every day but also in identifying the obstacles our neighbors face and working to eliminate them. Rev. Richard Boone worked as a bridge between the system put in place and the people it serves, and we take up that charge every day. It is a responsibility and an honor we do not take lightly.

On this special day each year, we set aside time to recognize the life and legacy of Rev. Richard Boone, but it is every day that we honor his legacy and it is every day that we honor God in caring for His people, in caring for our neighbors.

 God Bless,
Pastor Ken Austin