Congressman Cohen to Receive "Candle on the Bluff Award" for Public Service Tonight

The “Candle on the Bluff Awards” honor of Dr. King and award recipients are chosen for their contributions to Memphis society in the areas of religion, business, and service. Other 2009 honorees include Art Gilliam, the first African-American to own a Memphis radio station (WLOK), and Rev. Keith Norman, Pastor of First Baptist Church-Broad and Chairman of the Shelby County Democratic Party.

“I am honored to accept the ‘Candle on the Bluff Award,’” said Congressman Cohen. “Dr. King’s spirit is omnipresent in the 9th District, and I’m thankful for the tireless efforts of the Whalum family, New Olivet Baptist Church, and the Memphis chapter of Morehouse Alumni for their diligence and support to bring this honor here to Memphis, thus keeping Dr. King’s legacy alive where his life was taken on April 4th, 1968. In my legislative career, I’ve always tried to let Dr. King’s message of equality guide my words and deeds, and I’m grateful for this recognition.”

Dr. Kenneth Whalum, Jr., pastor at New Olivet Baptist Church and a Morehouse College alumnus, helped to organize the celebration. ‘”Candle on the Bluff’ points out people who have been rays of light in the Bluff City,” said Dr. Whalum. “We started it to try to stop people from being so down on themselves and Memphis.”

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