No one knew that on Oct. 14, 1944, a person who became so duly dedicated to his African American community would be born.
Elmer McClung was born on that day, in Shadyside, and by the time his life would end, Pittsburghers forever will remember him as a man who cherished his community.
McClung was a steelworker; a programs director for the Kingsley Center; one of the founders of the Spirit of King Award, a program presented by Port Authority of Allegheny County, the Kingsley Association and the New Pittsburgh Courier; and helped put together the first anti-drug program in the county with the Allegheny County Health Department.
McClung also was a two-time Pittsburgh City Council candidate and served as an aide to Allegheny County Commissioner Larry Dunn.
McClung died on Feb. 3, 2020 at age 75.
Family and friends of Elmer A. McClung with planning committee members—Front row, from left: Caroline (Renee) McClung, Gladys McClung, Shirley McClung and Evelyn Newsome. Second row, from left: Amanda Hawkins Green, Rev. Arthur Young, Brandon McClung and Ashley Johnson. Third row, from left: Dexter Hairston, Andre McClung and Eric Wells.
On Jan. 14, Port Authority, along with the Kingsley Association and New Pittsburgh Courier, virtually celebrated the life and legacy of the late McClung at its annual Spirit of King Awards. The honor posthumously recognizes members of the community who have pursued human rights and equality with a spirit like that of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Late last year, McClung’s name was added to the Spirit of King Awards memorial plaque, which is located at the Port Authority Parklet, across from Target, in East Liberty.
The Spirit of King planning committee members are Gwendolyn Allen, retired from Port Authority; Dexter Hairston, Kingsley Association; Ashley Johnson, New Pittsburgh Courier; and Eric Wells and Evelyn Newsome, both of Port Authority.
McClung Family—From left: Andre McClung, Caroline (Renee)McClung, Gladys McClung, Shirley McClung and Brandon McClung.
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