Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

Mayor Leslie Thompson of Jonesboro LA, paid special tribute to and declared August 6, 2020 to be Deacon for Defense founder and leader Rev. Frederick Douglas Kirkpatrick and granddaughter Funyanna Kirkpatrick Saulsberry Day, stating "WHEREAS, it is well documented that goals of the civil rights movement were achieved through Dr. Martin Luther King's non-violent advocation and the Deacons for Defense armed resistance participation, we pay special tribute to the Kirkpatrick family's late wife, Annie Pearl Kirkpatrick and children, the late Freddie Kirkpatrick, Camille Kirkpatrick Washington, Alfreida Kirkpatrick Turner, and Brunella Kirkpatrick, and to grandchildren, some of whom never had the opportunity to meet their granddad, experiencing immeasurable suffering and sacrifice which befalls all great leaders especially Funyanna Kirkpatrick Saulsberry for commemorating and perpetuating the great and incomparable Kirkpatrick Legacy." Funyanna, a local business owner and human rights advocate, teacher and singer received several other tributes; a letter from Jackson Parish Branch NAACP President Windy Calahan praising Deacon Kirkpatrick involvement, a letter and bouquet of appreciation from Bonnie Jones Swafford Class of 1968, the youngest of (13) and one of five that went to jail while demonstrating at the Jackson Parish library where Deacon Kirkpatrick and other Deacons rescued them from police with viscous dogs barking at their legs. And where at the Jackson High School protest they dared the police to turn the water hose on them; on behalf of Jackson High School Class of 1965 sponsors Prince Luther Ray Calahan, Glen Johnson, Cornell Prim and Earlean Knox presented Funyanna with a Torch Bearer trophy and other forms of tribute. Mayor Thompson acknowledged the presence of Monroe School Board member and husband to Funyanna, Rick Saulsberry and U.S Congressional candidate Phillip Snowden. Funyanna presented Mayor Thompson with a photograph of Deacon Kirkpatrick and Dr. Martin Luther King. Stay strong and keep walking in the light Funyanna.

Among those making presentations included Mayor Leslie Thompson, Earline Knox and Wendy Calahan to Fuyanna Kirkpatrick Saulsberry.

Photo Jonesboro Deacon for Defense 3-

Rev. Frederick Douglas Kirkpatrick ran for president of US in 1976