A number of TACOM LCMC teammates gathered in the Detroit Arsenal auditorium to hear Barbara E. Talley, Original Founder of the Southfield Martin Luther King Jr. Taskforce, Inc. Peace Walk, who was the guest speaker at the 2014 annual celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday held January 21. The theme for this year's program was "Remember! Celebrate! Act! A Day On, Not a Day Off!"
Mistress of Ceremonies Barbara Stallworth welcomed everyone and introduced participants: Cornelius Strong, Program Executive Office Ground Combat Systems - national anthem; TACOM LCMC Command Chaplain, Lt. Col. Stephen P. DeMien, invocation; and TACOM LCMC Deputy Chief of Staff for Human Capital, Tim Tarczynski, speaker introduction
In her discussion of the civil rights movement, Talley spoke briefly about three important pieces of legislation, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the Fair Housing Act of 1968. She also highlighted several aspects of King's life and work, including his views on the civil rights movement, his objection to the Vietnam War, and his opposition to the culture of violence in America.
"We do have to be responsible and accountable," Talley said, ?"for what rights we acquire." Toward the end of her speech, she said, "Nonviolence requires optimism and good will that will triumph over evil."
TACOM LCMC Commander Maj. Gen. Michael J. Terry presented a two-star note to Talley at the conclusion of her speech and expressed his appreciation to her for coming and sharing her message with the TACOM LCMC teammates.
Talley is an original founder of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force, Inc., (MLK Task Force) Southfield, which was founded in 1986 and had its first Peace Walk in Michigan. The mission of the organization is to commemorate and celebrate King?'s legacy and honor and sustain his teachings and works. The MLK Task Force recognizes the significance of this part of history because King had a global view of peace that ties all people together in friendship and brotherhood.
In addition to the information listed below, Talley mentioned that her first full-time job after high school was as a typist at the Detroit Arsenal. She said that she and her husband were discriminated against when they went to buy a home in California in 1968. As a result, they were the first to test the Fair Housing Act of 1968 and won their case. Also, she was the first African-American to be elected to the Southfield City Council and served two terms.
Talley earned a Business Science Degree (BS) from Wayne State University and a Masters in Public Administration (MPA) from Central Michigan University. She received numerous community service awards: 2013 National Sojourner Truth Award from the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women?'s Clubs, Inc.; 2012 Drum Major for Justice Award for the Beloved Community from the United Methodist Church; and the 2010 Distinguished Warrior from Urban League of Detroit & Southeastern Michigan.
Talley retired as the Oakland County Senior Financial Analyst; she is a native Detroiter, is married with two adult children, and is fondly called ?"Mother of Southfield" in the Southfield political arena.
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