The Rev. Percy “Happy” Watkins, an influential civil rights advocate and orator, died in late October at the age of 82.
“Beloved Community,” Spokane City Council President Betsy Wilkerson wrote Oct. 25 on Facebook. “It is with a heavy heart that we learn about the passing of Reverend Happy Watkins. Born in the Bronx, but a Spokanite in heart and soul since 1961, he has served our community with a heart of gold and helped us remember the words of Dr. King as he recited the ‘I Have a Dream’ speech every year like clockwork and at events throughout the year.”
Watkins delivered Martin Luther King Jr.’s speech hundreds of times spanning three decades to thousands of youth at elementary schools across the city.
“As pastor of New Hope Baptist Church, he touched many lives and was part of the founding board of The Fig Tree among many other things,” Wilkerson wrote. “My heartfelt condolences and prayers to his family and to his church on such a tragic loss for our community.”
Watkins retired from New Hope in 2018. He held the title of pastor emeritus.
“He will be greatly missed,” Mary Stamp, the co-founder and publisher of The Fig Tree, wrote on Facebook. “He gave us so much!”
A Rogers High School student was the first recipient of a scholarship in Watkins’ name earlier this year.
“Sending love, hugs and prayers (heart emoji) to the family and church family of New Hope Baptist Church,” wrote motivational speaker and Black Lens contributor Stephy Nobles-Beans on Facebook.
Watkins is survived by wife, Etta, and four sons, one of whom – James Uriah Watkins – leads the New Hope Baptist Church.
A homegoing celebration has been scheduled for 1 p.m. Nov. 15 at the Life Center Church, 1202 N. Government Way in Spokane.