The longtime leader of the Martin Luther King Center in Erie passed away unexpectedly late last week. His family members are grieving, yet celebrating the life Sherrod lived and the legacy he leaves behind.
James Sherrod, the longtime executive director of the Martin Luther King Center in Erie, passed away unexpectedly late last week after returning home from a brief hospitalization.
Sherrod will be remembered for his character and the example he set, leading the King Center for almost 18 years. He was committed to supporting young people, keeping them on a good path, and supporting families to meet their needs.
His son Elisha Sherrod and his nephew Lonnie Sherrod wanted to come to our studio the share the lessons they learned from James.
Lonnie said, “I think it’s just to keep involved in the community, to stay active in the community, help your fellow neighbors, to take care of each other—he was always big on caring for everybody, he was always the big, big, bridge of our family.”
But Sherrod made the entire community his family, working to make Erie a better place for all—working for progress in racial understanding, and opportunity without stirring up strife. “He never wanted to stir anything up, his son Elisha Sherrod said, “Because how can you move forward from something if you’re not…that’s addressing the problem — but to really fix a problem you’ve got to do something that brings everyone together to a level ground of understanding.”
Both young men looked up to Sherrod, and say they are proof of his legacy. “Honestly you’re looking at the products of it right here between the two of us and then my siblings, his siblings,” Lonnie said adding, “He is a big part of why I do what I do around the city, because I’ve always looked up to him, like, he’s one of my personal heroes.”
Observers, including Sherrod’s nephew and his son say he never rested, and now they believe he is at rest. “He’s getting some rest now, he’s worked his whole life,” Elisha said.
Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1595 West 38th Street at Greengarden Blvd. is handling funeral arrangements. Friends are invited to call on Friday from 1 – 3pm and 5-7 pm. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center or the charity of one’s choice.