John Marshall Lee provided these remarks Monday night to the City Council to honor Rev. Stanley Lord who passed away last week.
A wake will take place Dec. 13, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Faith Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church in Stamford. A funeral at 2 p.m. will be conducted the following day.
Good evening, City Council members. Thank you for formally listening to those of us who attend the two monthly gatherings ten months of the year. Genuine public problems, issues, and concerns are brought here in hope that understanding and care on your part can lead to better results for all citizens
Tonight, I wish to inform you that a Bridgeport neighbor, a man of faith, and one who has listened for years intently to many in the City has passed away. Reverend D. Stanley Lord, a member of Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, President of the regional Greater Bridgeport NAACP, and resident of the West End, was called home by his Maker after a struggle with cancer. I had the opportunity to work with Stanley, in a volunteer position as Communications Committee Chair for several years. We met regional leaders in police, public education, fire safety and other fields on a formal as well as “presence required” basis. He sought opportunities for creating youth opportunities that will become his legacy as time goes on. He sought equality, respect, and civil rights for all.
He met with responsible members of the media. At times you may not have agreed with him perhaps, but hopefully you listened to his fact gathering and reasoning initially, so that a respectful conversation was possible, and you departed with genuine learning. He increased the numbers of NAACP members and protected their identity because there are still white supremacists who wish to prey on other Americans trying to live their lives equally. His most recent major project was to acknowledge the unsung ‘sheroes’ and heroes who live with us as neighbors, quietly practicing their responsibilities caring for others, but who remain unrecognized for the most part. A gathering to honor the 50 folks thus recognized has been postponed until a date in February 2023.
His life of faith and duty to all ended Saturday suddenly, a cause for sorrow and disbelief. But the disease, which had been his enemy, gave him time to put many things in order as a community legacy. I call this to your attention as the year 2022 has fewer than four weeks remaining, a time for many to sit down, reflect upon their personal plans, and resolve full purpose in 2023.
At a time when the former President is facing multiple legal consequences for his actions and many careless and misleading statements, including his Anti-Constitution statements this week, consider how Reverend Lord’s behavior and accomplishments in our regional community should be recognized, celebrated, and serve as role models for all of us who wish the arc of history to continue an upswing. Your own personal role as Council persons is up for renewal in less than one year from now. Take time to reflect, consider and resolve on our opportunities for change for all. Time will tell.
John Marshall Lee
It is sad to learn of Rev. Lord’s passing. It will not be easy finding his equal to fill his shoes. John lee’s eloquent tribute is certainly fitting and well deserved. RIP, Rev. Lord, and sincere condolences to all of those that were close to him.
It is very sad to hear of Rev. D Stanley Lord’s passing, such a good man. My deepest and sincerest condolences to his family and friends.
A great man and a strong leader for the Greater Bridgeport NAACP.