On September 3, spiritual leaders, veterans and former Negro League players will gather at Rickwood Field to celebrate the 100th birthday of the Rev. William Greason.
Bham Now will be on hand to broadcast this memorable event on Facebook Live starting at approximately 5:15pm.
Special moment at Rickwood Field
One of the most striking moments during this summer’s MLB Tribute to the Negro Leagues game at Rickwood Field was the outpouring of gratitude and love shown to Birmingham’s own Reverend William Greason before the game.
The birthday celebration will focus on Rev. Greason’s life of service, faith and patriotism.
A hEro in our midst
For readers unfamiliar with Rev. Greason, below is a brief list of details about a hero who lives among us.
- Classmate of Martin Luther King, Jr. in his childhood Sunday school.
- One of the first black men to serve in the US Marine Corps
- Fought in the Battle of Iwo Jima
- Star pitcher of the Birmingham Black Barons and oldest living player in the Negro Leagues
- Mentor and lifelong friend of Willie Mays
- Member of the 16th Street Baptist Church when it was bombed by the Ku Klux Klan in 1964
- 53 years as pastor of Bethel Baptist Church Berney Points in Birmingham
The event is a private event with only a limited number of guests.
The Bham Now Facebook Live broadcast allows the community to follow the festivities and celebrations.
The event is hosted by the Heart and Armor Foundation for Veterans Health, a national organization dedicated to advancing veterans’ health and leadership through advocacy.
In the meantime, circle the date and time –September 3, 5:15 p.m.– to experience this very special event.
Do you have fond memories of Rev. Greason? Please share them with us on social media by tagging @.Subscribe
Pat Byington
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