Former Raiders player keynotes Antioch’s annual Martin Luther King Day program

Akili Calhoun speaks at Antioch's annual Martin Luther King Day event on Monday. Highlights of his college and NFL career were on display.

Akili Calhoun speaks at Antioch’s annual Martin Luther King Day event on Monday. Highlights of his college and NFL career were on display.

By Allen Payton

Antioch residents joined together to celebrate the life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the annual program in his honor, on Monday.

Held at Antioch High School’s Beede Auditorium, the event was started by the late Antioch Councilman Reggie Moore and this year featured a first-ever awarding of a scholarship in his honor and memory. Moore was the first African-American elected to the Antioch City Council. This year’s recipient was Claryssa Wilson.

Claryssa Williams smiles after winning the Reginald L. Moore Scholarship.

Claryssa Williams smiles after winning the Reginald L. Moore Scholarship.

The program, led by Master and Mistress of Ceremonies Caleb Harper and Claryssa Wilson, Antioch High Principal Louie Rocha welcomed all in attendance, followed by the invocation by Pastor Chris Williams of the new Church at Antioch. Velma Wilson then led in the singing of Lift Every Voice and Sing, also known as the Negro National Anthem followed by the presentation of colors by Antioch Boy Scouts Troop 153 and the singing of the National Anthem by Deer Valley High’s Divine Voices.

Mayor Wade Harper introduced the elected officials in the audience, who then shared their thoughts for the day.

The program continued with some musical and dance entertainment from Pray for the Children Chrous, Stepper Girlz and Antioch High’s Delta Rhythm Boys.

The young men from G.R.I.O.T. – Greatness Rediscovered In Our Time – then took the stage and recited their affirmation in unison.

Mayor Harper then introduced the keynote speaker for the day, former Oakland Raider Akili Calhoun, followed by a brief video about him.

Calhoun, who wore numbers 90 and 95, was a defensive tackle from 1992 to 1996, shared mostly about his life after football.

I wanted to leave a legacy for my son. I was always focused on sports. I said ‘You know what, God, I need to take another route.’”

That route took him toward higher education. Calhoun earned a doctorate in psychology.

He then went on to mentored men in prison. But it made him depressed and he knew he had to get into a college setting.

Calhoun then became a college professor.

He said “I thought, Wow, I’m a professor!”

But his wife told him “You gotta give back.”

Akili Calhoun presented the young men he's been mentoring, during his talk at Antioch's Martin Luther King Day event on Monday.

Akili Calhoun presented the young men he’s been mentoring, during his talk at Antioch’s Martin Luther King Day event on Monday.

So, together, they started The Lettermen Project which mentors young men and helps them get into college.

Calhoun shared about one interaction with late Al Davis, the former owner of the Raiders.

Al Davis told me “You gotta practice, but you gotta do it when no one is looking.”

That’s what he shares with those he mentors.

Calhoun then invited those who were in the audience to join him on stage. He had each one introduce himself and share where they were attending school.

He referred to the young men as his generals helping build God’s Kingdom.

Calhoun finished with a reference to Dr. King.

I’m trying to do what King would want me to do, reach them all and build a nation of educated people.”

His talk was followed by the announcement and presentation of scholarships to four students who won the MLK Day Essay Contest, as well as the Reginald L. Moore Scholarship presented to Claryssa Wilson.

The program concluded with Velma Wilson singing “We Are the World.”

MLK Essay Contest winners.

MLK Essay Contest winners.


the attachments to this post:


Claryssa Williams


MLK Essay Contest Winners


Akili Calhoun


Calhoun and students


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