Pastor & Civil Rights Activist Harry Blake Has Died From Coronavirus

Dr. Harry Blake, Pastor Emeritus of Mt. Canaan Baptist Church in Shreveport, Louisiana and Interim Pastor of St. Rest Baptist Church, also in Shreveport, passed Wednesday night after contracting coronavirus. He was 85.

Blake’s family recently revealed that he had been diagnosed with coronavirus. They issued a nationwide call for prayers Wednesday afternoon.

Reverend Blake served the Mt. Canaan Baptist Church for more 52 years. Pastor Blake was a recognized icon in the Civil Rights movement that led to justice and equality for many. The family is appreciative of the outpouring of support that has come for the local community and from across the nation. During this critical time, The Blake family requests private time as they, together, mourn the passing of their father, brother, grandfather, and uncle a press release stated.

 “I think I’d like to be remembered as a man who really cared about people, and did all he could to make life better for people. And that’s the story of my life,” Blake said in a 2018 interview.

My prayers are with the Blake family in their time of bereavement.

Funeral arrangements are pending.