“I was born in Montgomery. My family was filled with community leaders, activists and advocates for human rights and political issues.  They owned business during the bus boycott, including a funeral home and a taxi service that helped transport people during the protest. Mother always had us involved in church and serving the community. We looked after the elderly and worked for candidates during campaigns.  Mother moved the family to Atlanta in 1968 for better exposure and more opportunities. Montgomery was Jim Crow, segregation and pain and she wanted better for her eight children. 

She also wanted her five girls to sing. When the King Center first started having celebrations, they were small events and my sister and I used to sing for them. We were the Howard Sisters because my mother wanted us to be the African American Lennon sisters. My sister and I were the only two that stuck with singing. I loved that season of singing in the 60s. ‘If I Had a Hammer,’ ‘Where Have All of the Flowers Gone’ and ‘Blowin’ in the Wind’ were some of my favorite songs to sing.  

I was a flight attendant for TWA for three years and then I met a man. I went through a journey of depression and tried to commit suicide twice during that marriage. I lost myself and couldn’t find the me I wanted to be. God showed me a vision of a crystal vase that had been shattered. I was looking at the shattered pieces, but God said, ‘I know where every piece goes and I am putting you back together.’  During that journey, there were times of homelessness and waiting in line for food. Maybe I went through all of that for such a time as this. Maybe I can help people put into perspective what our humanity is about. 

I had been out of work for five months before I got this job leading tours at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church almost five years ago. It has been the most life-changing, amazing, affirming life experience. It broke down my walls and feelings about white people. Fear left me and I now appreciate who I am and who you are. I tell people on every tour to keep doing the work God has called you to do. Keep being the best person  you can be. Make a difference every day by loving and serving people. Be kind and forgiving. Hug someone or put a dollar in their hand. Some people just need a smile. 

People come to this church from other countries and I was worried about the language barriers, but God explained it doesn’t matter what language people speak or what culture they are from, just share the love. We hug everyone who comes in here. We want you to feel like family because that is what we all are. Dr. King’s legacy is of love, service, forgiveness and kindness. This is ministry work, it is not a tour.”