MLK and Fr James Groppi - We Marched in 1965

Father James Groppi

It was the spring of 1965, and the start of a five-day Freedom March began, focused on civil rights and segregation. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and the Freedom Marchers brought awareness to their cause as they flooded the steps of the State Capitol in Montgomery, Alabama. Thousands of voices united as one as their cries for fair treatment and equality were heard around the world. Who else led the Freedom Marchers the day I marched with them? Father James Groppi.

We celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. but we never hear about Father James Groppi from Milwalkee. Why not?

Fr James Groppi, Freedom March

Father James Groppi was one of twelve children born to Italian immigrants in Milwaukee. Ordained in 1959, Groppi served St. Boniface Church, a predominately Black parish in inner city Milwaukee.

He was instrumental in dramatizing segregation in housing and the public schools in that city. He participated in the 1963 March on Washington, the Selma-Montgomery March in 1965, and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference voter registration project.

In his capacity as NAACP advisor, Groppi organized an all-Black male group called the "Milwaukee Commandos" that helped quell violence during local marches and mounted a lengthy demonstration for fair housing in the city.

It was with Fr James Groppi that I, as a very young wife and mother, marched for Freedom. He, along with MLK, led us in peaceful protest during the spring of 1965. If you ask anyone in Milwalkee who Fr James Groppi was (1930-1985), they will be tell you he was-and-is Milwalkee's greatest hero.

My perspective is that I would like to see Fr Groppi be remembered on MLK Day, too. He was a deeply committed activist, as was Martin.

2012 My Perspective, April Lorier