The Wake County Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference honored Rev. Charles E. McCollum Sr. at its first meeting Sunday at St. Matthews African Methodist Episcopal Church in Raleigh.  

The Wake County Chapter was established through its affiliation with the Roanoke Valley Chapter of the SCLC co-founded by McCollum.  

Rev. Phyllis T. Royal, vice-chair of the Wake County Chapter, made a special presentation to McCollum for his extensive efforts in helping the clergy in Wake County establish the chapter.  She noted that “through your vision and efforts we have over 80 members who are members of the SCLC and will be working to improve the conditions of all citizens in the region. You have been stalwart in helping us establish this chapter and doing so at your own expense.  We thank you and salute you for your service to the SCLC and humankind.”

McCollum said, “The service that we render to our communities is not for vainglory. We have the urgency of now with many issues facing our counties, cities, and our nation in particular. The recent government shutdown that continues to affect so many citizens tells us now is the time to make a difference in the lives of all people.”  

He thanked the Wake County Chapter for their recognition and reminded the audience in attendance that the urgency of now should be paramount in all of the things “that we focus on now and in the future.”