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Iconic Civil Rights Leader H.K. Matthews Passes Away At 97
August 20, 2025
Iconic local civil rights leader Rev. H.K. Matthews, has passed away at age 97.
Matthews marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the 1960s, was gassed and beaten on “Bloody Sunday” in 1965, and led sit-in lunch counter protests. In the 1970s, he led protests that led to the removal of the “Rebel” mascot from Escambia High School in Pensacola, and he led numerous protests that eventually led to his arrest and serving 63 days of a five year prison sentence. He was later pardoned.
After moving to Brewton, Alabama, he continued as a civil rights leader in South Alabama and Northwest Florida. The City of Pensacola renamed a park in his honor in 2006, and a street in Brewton was named after him in 2016.
In 2008, he worked to help Century keep the F-rated Carver/Century K-8 School and solve other local issues.
“There are a lot of things that are lacking as far as living in Century goes,” Matthews said during a 2008 meeting at Century Town Hall. “We are trying to find some answers to the problems that exist.” The school closed permanently a few months later.
Pictured: Rev. H.K. Matthews leads a meeting in 2008 at the Century Town Hall. NorthEscambia.com file photo.
Comments
3 Responses to “Iconic Civil Rights Leader H.K. Matthews Passes Away At 97”
It was an honor to have known you. The numerous times that we talked you always treated me as an equal while I considered you an icon. The unity that defined our community during the civil rights era has been replaced by such bitterness and greed and every time I saw you I was reminded of what our elders stood in the void and fought for. Rest well noble warrior.
A good man.
Our hearts were sadden to hear of the passing of our long time friend the Rev. Dr. HK Matthews. As I pause to remember the wonderful days of the pass and many trips up and down the highways we are blessed and grateful for God’s grace and mercy. May God bless and comfort his family and those that knew him best.