Rev. Harold Middlebrook Spoke at an Oak Ridge Fundraiser for a Monument to the Scarboro 85
Rev. Dr. Harold Middlebrook speaks at Concord United Methodist Church
Watch Rev. Dr. Harold Middlebrook, Civil Rights activist and friend of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., speak at Concord United Methodist Church on March 12, 2025.
At a recent gala event in Oak Ridge, Rev. Harold A. Middlebrook took the stage to inspire and educate attendees about the ongoing struggles faced by African Americans. His words echoed the resilience and fighting spirit of those who have come before us, stating, “People of color, we’ve had to fight and work every step of the way to get where we are now. Nobody gave us anything. But 2025 finds us in serious trouble.”
Middlebrook’s keynote speech was part of the Denim, Diamonds, and Pearls Gala, held on September 6, organized in honor of the Scarboro 85 Monument Foundation. This event marked the 70th anniversary of the heroic actions of 85 Black students who bravely desegregated the first two public schools in the Southeast—Oak Ridge High School and Robertsville Junior High—back in 1955.
Concerned about the direction of education and law enforcement, Middlebrook pointed out, “I’m disturbed that history books have been taken out of our schools that really tell the story of who we are.” He also expressed alarm over statements involving deploying troops to cities experiencing high crime rates, drawing attention to how disproportionately these actions affect communities of color.
With a nuanced take, he argued, “Crime does not know a political party or a color. And I want to suggest that a whole lot more crimes are being committed by those who don’t look like me than they are by those who do.” Middlebrook’s willingness to challenge perceptions creates an important dialogue around race and justice in America today.
Throughout his speech, he nostalgically described denim as the “uniform of the struggle” during the civil rights movement, emphasizing that it represented solidarity with the working class. This notion was particularly poignant during the gala, where attendees donned denim—an homage to the fashion of the past that encapsulated a deeper story of unity and perseverance.
The evening also featured a dinner and vibrant jazz performances by Brian Clay, creating an atmosphere of celebration alongside reflection. However, it was not without a call to action—John Spratling, chair of the Scarboro 85 Monument Foundation, highlighted the urgency of fundraising, noting the group remains $500,000 short of their $4.2 million goal for the project. He encouraged attendees, a mixed-race audience, to contribute generously to the cause, underscoring the pivotal role community support plays in achieving social justice.
Middlebrook’s concluding remarks centered on the need for consistent action towards integration, noting the difference between desegregation and true integration. “Desegregation says that we do it because the law says we must do it. Integration says we do it because our heart says we should do it,” he explained. His insight cut to the core of the civil rights movement, urging collective responsibility to foster love and understanding among all individuals.
The event didn’t just commemorate the past but energized the community to continue the fight for equality and understanding. In an era where progress often feels stagnant, gatherings like these remind us of the resilience and strength of those who dare to challenge societal norms. The legacy of the Scarboro 85 and their fight for desegregation serves as a compelling reminder that the journey towards true equity is ongoing and essential to the fabric of America.