DENVER (KDVR) — A longtime civil rights leader and personal friend of Martin Luther King Jr., Rev. James D. Peters, Jr., died on Saturday.
The news was announced by Dr. Sylvia Morgan-Smith. Peters, 92, was born in Connecticut and was a founding member of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in the 1950s and '60s, alongside Rev. King, according to Colorado State Rep. Rhonda Fields.
FOX31 Newsletters: Sign up to get breaking news sent to your inbox DENVER,CO--DECEMBER 17TH 2006- Left: the Rev. Richard Battles, Martin Luther King Jr., Gayle Stockham (in glasses) and James D. Peters, in a 1964 photo. THE DENVER POST/ ANDY CROSS (Photo By Andy Cross/The Denver Post via Getty Images)DENVER, COLORADO (04-22-04) Reverend James D. Peters Jr. was photographed in front of a stained glass window in New Hope Baptist Church depicting Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. The two men were friends. The church is located at 37th and Colorado Boulevard. Denver Post Photo by Karl Gehring. (Photo By Karl Gehring/The Denver Post via Getty Images)(EL)CD11MACEDONIA-Macedonia Baptist Church located at 3240 Adams Street in Denver, celebrated its 90th year with a Legacy Service on Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007. Pastor Willard C. Johnson, left, and guest speaker Rev. Dr. James Peters, Jr., greeted people as they walked up the aisle at the end of the service. Lyn Alweis/The Denver Post (Photo By Lyn Alweis/The Denver Post via Getty Images)DENVER, CO - JANUARY 10: Governor Jared Polis, right, shakes hands with the Reverend Dr. James D Peters Jr., inside the rotunda before the start of inauguration day on January 10, 2023 In Denver, Colorado. The 2023 inauguration ceremony included the administering the oaths of office to second term Colorado Governor Jared Polis, Lieutenant Governor Dianne Primavera, Secretary of State Jena Griswold, State Treasurer Dave Young and Attorney General Phil Weiser. Events included Music by Tarell Martin and the C2 Mass Choir, the Denver Gay Mens Chorus and the Out Loud Colorado Springs Mens Chorus, welcoming remarks by Senate President Stephen Fenberg and newly elected House Speaker Julie McCluskie, presentation of the colors by the Colorado National Guard Honor Guard, the invocation by Reverend Dr. James D Peters Jr., a Native American blessing by Ute Mountain Ute Tribal member Terry Knight Sr., performances by the 101st Army Band, a 38-round cannon salute, a poetry reading by the Governor's mother Susan Polis Schutz and the benediction by Rabbi Dr. Tirzah Firestone of Congregation Nevei Kodesh. (Photo by Helen H. Richardson/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)DENVER, CO - JANUARY 8: Reverend Dr. James D. Peters Jr., of New Hope Baptist Church gives the invocation during the Inauguration of Governor Jared Polis at the Colorado Capitol January 8, 2019, in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Joe Amon/The Denver Post via Getty Images)January 03, 2006/ Denver / (Sammy Dallal / Daily Camera)January 03, 2006/ Denver / Pastor Paul Burleson, left, speaks to the media during a press conference to highlight concerns about racial problems at the University of Colorado, at the New Hope Baptist Church in Denver January 3, 2006. Also in attendance was State Senator Peter Groff, right, Reverend Dr. Patrick L Demmer, center, and Reverend Dr. James D. Peters. Burleson is one of the members of the CU's Blue Ribbon Commission that is looking into issues related to racial diversity at the University of Colorado. (Sammy Dallal / Daily Camera)(Photo by Sammy Dallal/Digital First Media/Boulder Daily Camera via Getty Images)Peters served as the pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in Denver for 28 years before he retired in 2007. He was also a longstanding member of the Colorado Civil Rights Commission.
Peters was born on Jan. 16, 1933, and dedicated his life to faith, community and civil rights. Morgan-Smith said that a viewing will be held at New Hope Baptist Church on Friday, May 16, at 6 p.m.
A funeral service to celebrate his life is planned for Saturday at 11 a.m. at New Hope Baptist Church. Friends and family are invited to honor his legacy and his impact on all who knew him.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated as more information is gathered.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Renowned Black reverend and friend of MLK Jr., Rev. James D. Peters, Jr., dies )
Also on site :