Former Speaker of the House K. Leroy Irvis and broadcast journalist and host Anderson Little, two men who courageously used their positions and their voices to fight for equality, and give a voice to those who might not otherwise have one, were honored at the 2015 Spirit of King Award Ceremony held Jan. 15 at the Kingsley Association. The Port Authority of Allegheny County in collaboration with the Kingsley Association, the Pittsburgh Pirates and the New Pittsburgh Courier sponsored the celebration which posthumously honors individuals who, like Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., were diligent in peacefully fighting for the betterment of people.
“It was Martin Luther King Jr. who said, ‘Not everybody can be famous, but everybody can be great; because greatness is determined by service.’ For almost 30 years now we’ve come together as a community to honor lives dedicated to the service of others. Lives that advance the cause of equality in our city, in our region and in our state,” Port Authority of Allegheny County CEO Ellen McLean said. “I’m proud to join with the Kingsley Association, the New Pittsburgh Courier and the Pittsburgh Pirates to recognize the greatness of two outstanding civic leaders. Both from the Hill District, both making a difference in our lives and in our community.”
The morning’s program included an invocation by Rev. Dr. Steven Jackson of Bethel AME Church; a two-selection performance from the 7th and 8th grade chorus of the Pittsburgh School for the Creative and Performing Arts, led by director Gerald Savage; proclamation presentations by Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, the office of Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, state Rep. Ed Gainey and Allegheny County Councilmember Bill Robinson; and a benediction by Rev. Darryl Canady of Rodman Street Missionary Baptist Church.
Prior to the presentation of awards to the honorees’ families, a special, surprise recognition was given to Katie Everette Johnson for her years of service on the Spirit of King planning committee. Johnson, a Port Authority retiree, has been a member of the committee since the program commenced in 1986.
“Thank you for caring. It’s been a joy all these years; since (Elmer) McClung called me at Port Authority and asked can we plant a tree on our property in East Liberty. I couldn’t imagine that I’d be a part of it for all these years. Thank you for coming, thank you for supporting us and thank you,” Johnson said.
During the recognition of Irvis and Little, Sala Udin, former president and CEO of CORO Pittsburgh, gave a few words about each of the them. He spoke of their work, their accomplishments and he briefly recounted personal memories of each. Little’s honor was accepted by his niece, Karen Little.
His sister, Barbara West, also attended the ceremony. When asked about the honor, she said, “It feels very good.” West also added, that she hopes her brother is remembered for “working in the community and not turning his back on his people. And that they (people) see, you can be what you want to be.”
Irvis’ widow, Cathryn Irvis, accepted the award on behalf of her family. While she spoke little about his professional achievements, she did speak about the love Irvis, as she calls him, had for his family and friends, and his hobbies, such as gardening, building and flying model airplanes, and carving sculptures.
Cathryn said, “I am pleased (by the honor). Irvis had a saying. He said that ‘out of sight, out of mind.’ And he would always say to me, ‘you just watch, when I’m gone nobody’s gonna give a damn, they’re gonna think nothing about it.’ I am delighted people have revered him since he’s been gone. People are talking about things he’s said, people talk about his accomplishments. His spirit lives on and I’m eternally grateful.”
When asked what she hopes others learn from Irvis’ legacy, Cathryn said, “I would hope that the main thing is to learn communication. Irvis said, ‘talk with people, learn to listen and be passionate about what it is that you want to do in life, how you want to inspire and what it is you want to accomplish. And once you’re passionate about that, work at it and it will work.’”
Following the award acceptances, a special video was presented that included special reflections of the honorees along with photos.
Malik Bankston, executive director of the Kingsley Association, said one of the reasons the program was established was because of the Martin Luther King East Busway, which spans a portion of the eastern section of Allegheny County and serves as an important piece of the Port Authority’s transportation system. He said it connects a number of diverse neighborhoods and people, like the work of King.
Little and Irvis are the 42nd and 43rd recipients of the Spirit of King Award.
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