Marion C. Bascom facts for kids

Marion Curtis Bascom (March 14, 1925 – May 17, 2012) was an important American leader. He was a Reverend (a religious leader) at Douglas Memorial Community Church in Baltimore, Maryland, for 45 years. Reverend Bascom was also a key figure in the civil rights movement. He worked hard to make life better for everyone in his community.

Early Life and Community Work

Marion Bascom was born in Pensacola, Florida. His parents were Mary Anderson and Bruce Bascom. He helped raise his four younger brothers and sisters. One of his sisters, Bernadette Bascom, became a famous R&B singer.

He went to school in Pensacola, Florida. Later, he studied at Howard University in Washington, D.C. He also attended Wesley Seminary to become a Reverend. He started his ministry in St. Augustine, Florida. There, he saw many problems faced by Black people.

In 1949, he moved to Baltimore. He joined the Douglas Memorial Community Church. This church is the oldest in Bolton Hill. It became independent in 1925.

Reverend Bascom did a lot for his community. He helped start "Associated Black Charities." He was also Baltimore's first Black fire commissioner. He created a Meals on Wheels program to deliver food to people. He also built Douglas Village, an apartment complex with 49 units. This housing helped people who needed a safe place to live. He also started a summer camp for children from less fortunate families.

Civil Rights Leadership

Reverend Bascom was a strong leader in the Civil Rights Movement. This movement worked to end unfair treatment and segregation. Segregation meant keeping Black and white people separate.

He marched with Martin Luther King Jr. in Alabama. He also led marches in Annapolis, Maryland. Bascom helped end segregation in many parks and restaurants in Baltimore. He also protested at the all-white Northwood Theatre.

On July 4, 1963, he took part in a peaceful protest. This protest was at the segregated Gwynn Oak Amusement Park. He was one of 283 people arrested that day. The park became open to everyone the next month.

Death and Legacy

Reverend Bascom died from a heart attack on May 17, 2012. He was 87 years old.

Many people remembered his great work. Baltimore mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake said he was "One of Baltimore's great civil rights leaders." She added that he "helped shape the religious and political infrastructure we all benefit from today." She also said his faith "inspired a commitment to the fight for equality and human rights for all Americans."

Former Baltimore mayor Kurt Schmoke called him "A giant." He said Reverend Bascom "affected thousands of lives in our community." A firehouse in Baltimore was named in his honor.