African Americans have come a long way since the days of whites-only water fountains, seating at the back of the bus, and organizing sit-ins to sit at whites-only lunch counters. Nationally people know of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Andrew Young, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rev. Al Sharpton, and others who shed blood, sweat, and tears for the equal rights of all. But who all knows of those who were on the civil rights front for the benefit of individuals in Houston. Those of whom worked for us like Dr. Earl Allen. In Houston, Allen was a pastor at MiracleLand Church that ironically sits on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard where he preached the Gospel and empowered God’s people to better themselves. The congregants of his folk were able to do so because of the work Allen did for civil rights. Today we mourn the loss of this legendary trailblazer who died at the age of 86. Learn more about this man that added to the rich history of what Houston is today.

Allen was one of the local organizers of a weeklong boycott of Houston downtown stores and a march in Third Ward in 1968 following the death of Dr. King. On Easter Sunday, Allen, who was president of a nonprofit group battling poverty according to the Houston Chronicle, organized a march with ministers and others of the community to protest down the streets between the University of Houston leading to Emancipation Park. Allen also was the man behind the first lunch counter sit-in by TSU students at Weingarten’s Supermarket in the city that is commemorated by a plaque located at a post office on Almeda.

Later in life Allen became a member of Windsor Village Methodist Church where Kirbyjon Caldwell is senior pastor. Caldwell said, "You cannot think about or talk about civil rights in Houston without mentioning the names of Rev. Dr. William A. Lawson and Dr. Earl E. Allen."

While some knew him as a marcher for freedom others knew him as an amazing mentor. People like Houston radio personality Ralph Cooper and boxer George Foreman remember Allen fondly for his mentorship towards them.

All Houstonians should be grateful for the sacrifices made by Allen.

According to a press release, Dr. Allen was known for his nonviolence and embraced the label “responsible militant.” During 1967’s “long hot summer” of riots across America, Dr. Allen was asked to appear before a United States Senate hearing on civil rights where he described civil rights activities in Houston.

Dr. Allen was a writer, teacher, inspirational speaker and ordained minister for 61 years. He was the founder of MiracleLand Church. He authored and published several books, tapes, and educational products for the Christian education market. His latest work is a soon-to-be released book entitled, “HOPE Then and Now: The Holy Spirit’s Presence in Civil Rights.” Until recently, he was a consultant for Windsor Village United Methodist Church.

Dr. Allen passed on February 16, 2020. He leaves behind his wife Jeanette; sons and daughter, several grandchildren and a host of loving relatives and friends.

A Celebration of Life Worship Service for Rev. Dr. Earl Allen Sr. will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, February 22, 2020, at Windsor Village United Methodist Church, 6000 Heatherbrook Dr., Houston, Texas 77085.

Houston Style Magazine extends sympathy to the family of Dr. Earl Allen.