 |
 Askia At-Large
Askia Muhammad
Columnist Page
Friday, October 15, 2004; Page 28
Dr. Calvin W. Rolark: Champion for All Seasons
Though he's been gone for 10 long years, I still often think fondly about Dr. Calvin W. Rolark Sr., founder of The Washington Informer. In fact, there's not a season when something doesn't happen that reminds me of the great leadership and philanthropy he provided.
During wintry February--Black History Month--Dr. Rolark established in 1986 the Annual National Black Invitational Swim Meet, co-sponsored by the D.C. Department of Recreation and by Dr. Rolark's brainchild, the United Black Fund.
The United Black Fund was born out of a need that Dr. Rolark perceived for charitable giving for African American causes three decades ago! Dr. Rolark challenged the Red Feather (predecessor of the United Way) campaign to include Black concerns. The result was the formation of the United Black Fund, and the inclusion of UBF in the metropolitan area's "Combined Federal Campaign." Each year, with Dr. Rolark as co-chair of the campaign, the annual fund drive raised more money than the year before!
The increase in funding each year was a remarkable statistic in light of the scandals which rocked the United Way when its national leader was removed for exorbitant personal spending. It was also a testament to the charisma, the respect and the good works that have sprouted from the seeds planted by Dr. Rolark. Washington UBF has more than 70 member agencies from senior citizens and handicapped, to schools and substance abuse and ex-offender programs.
Each spring when children come to the nation's capital for the National Spelling Bee, it is the genius of Dr. Rolark that I remember. He positioned The Washington Informer as the sponsor of the Washington Spelling Bee after he discovered that the daily newspapers which were eligible to sponsor the D.C. contingent had declined to do so.
Every year we kick off the summer here with the UBF annual awards luncheon. That event is a testament to the value of Blacks financially supporting their own, and once again to the genius of Dr. Rolark. The range of organizations supported by UBF, from Boys & Girls Clubs, to substance abuse facilities, to shelters for battered women is proof positive that UBF has its priorities in order, and that Black charitable giving is a part of the solution to the problems which Black folks inherited and carried over from slavery.
And every year when children go back to school, Dr. Rolark established the custom of UBF giving prizes to the elementary schools in the D.C. Public School system, which has the highest percentage of parents personally taking their children on the first day of school.
"If it is to be, it is up to me," Dr. Rolark reminded us, and it is true. "No one can save us, from us, for us, but us," he would continue, and again, no one could argue.
My dictionary says the first definition of "Champion" is: "...to challenge; defy; contend for; advocate. Originally one who fought in behalf of another; one who defends a person, principle, etc." By every measuring device, by every standard, Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. was that kind of Champion for Black people for more than 30 years.
Dr. Rolark joined the ancestors on a Sunday night in October 1994.
My dictionary also defines "Champion" as, "Acknowledged superior to all competitors; holding the first prize, or claiming first excellence." It is possible to make compelling arguments on behalf of Dr. Rolark fitting that definition as well.
One thing which makes Dr. Rolark a True Champion is that he never stopped fighting for his cause. I read that he worked from his hospital bed (where he died) on funding for one of the agencies which UBF funds. I never saw "quit" anywhere in Doc Rolark.
It was his fighting spirit which gave Calvin Rolark the moxie to always lead and win and serve, from his high school days to his last days. When he was successful, he fought on in behalf of his people who had not yet succeeded.
That's why I not only respected him and admired him greatly, but is also why I was truly fond of that ever-so-loquacious Black man from rural Texas...just like (in his words) Lottie, Dottie and Everybody.
Rest in peace, Doc Rolark. |
|