Pastor Quintin Woods said he remembered his father every Martin Luther King Jr. Day. He shared that both men inspired him to pursue his ministry. 

Working with Civil Rights Icon

In a report with Spectrum News, Woods explained that, just like King Jr., his father inspired him to serve God. According to the pastor, his father was the late Bishop Calvin Woods Sr. 

He remembered when the late pastor first met King. His father became a member of the civil rights icon's staff. 

Woods remembered that during the early days of the civil rights movement, his father and his uncle Abraham met King. 

Constant Threat

His father shared that the Ku Klux Klan was a constant threat for many African Americans at the time. Woods explained that the late pastor received threats for his life. 

He recalled the times when his father would fetch King from the airport. The rest of King's staff feared for their lives, but Bishop Calvin was undeterred. 

Woods said that his father would fetch King from the airport and drive him to different meetings. 

There was a time when police beat up and arrested Bishop Calvin for taking part in a 1963 protest. The pastor was one of those who spoke out against the city's segregated bus system. 

Bishop Calvin took part in the March on Washington later that year. 

Grateful for Sacrifices

According to Woods, his father continued to fight for what King stood for. He said that Bishop Calvin worked hard to continue King's legacy. 

Woods credits his thirty years as a pastor to both men. He admired their commitment, dedication, and fervor to fight for a cause they believed in. 

The pastor of Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church said that if it were not for the efforts of both men, he would not be where he is today. 

He said he is forever thankful for their sacrifice. 

Making Touchdowns for God 

Woods told the news outlet that God called him one day and gave him a mission. He pointed out that it was during that time that he gave up the gridiron for the pulpit. 

Before becoming a pastor, Woods was a college football standout in Alabama. He said that his parents raised him to serve the church at a young age. 

He shared that God spoke to him one day, urging him to become a pastor. According to Woods, God said that he would now be running touchdowns for Him. 

Defaced Marker

Woods said that an Alabama state marker honored his father's work. It is reportedly on display in a park in downtown Birmingham. 

He said that someone then defaced the marker in August 2021. So far, no one has been charged with the crime. The city is also doing the necessary repairs for the monument. 

Woods told the news outlet that he is attending a ceremony in Birmingham that celebrates his father's legacy. The event will take place on Saturday, Feb. 26. 

When is MLK Day?

In a report with Fortune, Martin Luther King Jr. Day was declared a federal holiday in 1983. It falls on the third Monday of January. 

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