Monument to Brotherhood

The Reverend R.A. Calles, pastor, educator, native eastsider, and recipient of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Distinguished Achievement Award.  He was a catalyst in the 1970s movement to have the late Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. recognized when he lobbied the State of Texas to adopt a Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday. He petitioned to rename Nebraska Street to Martin Luther King Drive, advocated to rename the James W. Riley Middle School to the Martin Luther King Academy, promoted the beautification of this plaza, founded the Youth Leadership Conference for Community Progress, and was instrumental in the building of the Martin Luther King Freedom Bridge. Reverend Callies' dedicated service to the East Side and the City of San Antonio has made him one of its influential leaders.