Francis X. Donnelly

Detroit News reporter

I planned a trip to Detroit after returning from Birmingham and before going to Houston- where my mother was being honored by The Honey Brown Hope Foundation. I called Frank, explained to him about our journey and how I would be in Detroit July 27, 2015. My purpose was to interview him for my mother's second book "Pride Restored" Civil Rights Activist Mamie King-Chalmers Memoirs. He stated that he would be honored to be in the book, and he would be really honored to have me interview him. 

Mr. Donnelly stated that throughout his career as a Journalist he has never been Interviewed. I found that to be wonderful. His first interview and it would be done by me, Excellent I thought. Frank stated that once I was finish interviewing him he would interview me for the article he was writing about my mother and I. We set the date for Friday July 31, 2015 at Detroit News Office @1pm

Friday July 31, 2015:

Kandi: What was your childhood like and where did you grow up?

Frank: Woodbridge New Jersey a suburb of New York , 20 miles from the city.

Kandi: What inspired you to become a Journalist? 

Frank: I have always loved sports. In high school, I made the decision to become a Journalist. When I went to college I became interested in politics

.

Kandi: What are some of the major stories you have written about?

Frank: Your Mother Mamie was my biggest story, actually the most important one also. She played a important role in the Children Crusade for the Civil Rights Movement in Birmingham Alabama 1963. She was ignored and lied about which was sad. Your mother was definitely one of my biggest stories. I Thank you for that Kandi.

Kandi: Your Welcome Thank you for writing the story. Which one of the many stories you have written was the most touching? and why?

Frank: Your Mother, because of what happened to her and for history purposes she played a major part in the Children Crusade. 

Kandi: When you first received my letter what we're your thoughts? 

Frank: Your letter touched me, for some reason your letter ranged true for so many  reasons. It seem truthful, you indicated so many things, that were true and known to be true. I have been a reporter for over 30 years, so you can tell when a person is telling the truth. With that being said, If what was stated in your letter is true. This is a very important story, for History and for the Civil Rights Movement. Once I started checking it out, calling people in Birmingham. All the facts started lining up as you stated in your letter. It was Mamie King who was in the front lines of the Children Crusade with evidence and pictures (lots of pictures) to back it up.

Kandi: Before you contacted me, I know you had started doing your investigation. (I knew that because I am a reporter a talk show host, so we must have our facts together) Were there any doubts in your mind about my mother's story?

Frank: I felt this were true and you had significant facts in your letter. For some reason your letter ranged true immediately after I started reading it. It caught my attention immediately. 

Kandi: What made you decide you would take my mothers Crusade on and write her story?

Frank: It started with your letter, without you writing me I would not have known. History needed to be corrected. Your mother lives in Detroit, this story was about a Detroiter. The Detroit News and I felt the connection and this was a chance to correct history. To right a wrong that was done to your mother.

Kandi: After initially speaking with me what we're your thoughts about our conversation?

Frank: Because in your letter you had laid out the facts. I was struck by your dedication to help your mother. Also your emotion I heard in your voice, you spoke very intelligently. Your intuitive thoughts, about your mother life and story captivated me. I said to myself here is a daughter that is sincerely dedicated to helping her mother, and getting her story out.

Kandi: Yes I am, Thank you

Kandi: When you met and interviewed my mother what we're your thoughts?

Frank: She is Civil Rights Activist Mamie King-Chalmers so I came with ALL THE BELLS AND WHISTLES. I brought cameramen, we did the interview and a video. I also returned for a second day, so we at The Detroit News made it a 2 day event. When I first met her she had such charm and grace about herself with a humble spirit. For a person who was of such Great Importance in the Children Crusade for the Civil Rights Movement. Who has had their entire Life, Images, Identity, Accomplishments, Experiences and most All Their Pride STOLEN, REMOVED, and IGNORED for nearly 30 years. She was not Bitter she was quite elated to see me and my team. Her Courage, Bravery and Humbleness surprised me. She was so nice and a very gentle and intelligent person who knew everything about the Civil Rights Movement and the people who were involved. She spoke very gracefully.

Kandi: After hearing the entire story about how my mother's identity was stolen and hidden for years what we're your thoughts? 

Frank: It was disgusting that the impostor says she made a mistake after 25 plus years of claiming Mamie's Life. To go around all those years claiming and deceiving the world and history off of Mamie's true life experiences and accomplishments were very disturbing. 

Kandi: Were there any road blocks during your investigation? If so, what were they?'

Kandi: The impostor caused road blocks, she really wouldn't talk to me, besides the phone call. I really wish I could have interviewed the Photographer Charles Moore who took all of your mother's photos during the Demonstrations. It seems as if he followed her with the camera. So many photos were taken of her.

Kandi: Were you or the Detroit News ever successful in contacting Oprah Winfrey and her Producers?

Frank: No, Never, We have reached out to the show and Oprah countless of times. We have never received a response back. We also sent out for old show tapes and transcripts and never received them.

Kandi: Are you a Democrat or Republican? Who is your candidate for President? and Why?

Frank: I am a Independent as a reporter we have to be careful, on our voting we don't want to show favoritism. My pick would be Hillary Clinton she will break the wall and become the first woman President. 

Kandi: What is your favorite food 

Frank : Italian, Lasagna 

Kandi: Have you accomplished your goals in life?

Frank: One of My goals is to write a book, maybe you Kandi, can help me with that, being that you have started your own publishing company Kandi Kane Ent. How would people contact you with their manuscripts?

Kandi: I would be honored to help you, for you helped My mother, for that we are totally grateful. People can contact me or send manuscripts to lasuria83@gmail.com and also call me 909-264-0878 & 947-282-0053.

Kandi: Are you married with children? 

Frank: I am Divorced, I have a daughter Olivia who lives in Florida 

Kandi: Is there anything that you have learned being a reporter about the world we live in today?

Frank: Well I believe that President Obama has done a great job. He has left the next coming President sitting good.

Kandi: What are your views on police brutality?

Frank: It's funny that you ask me that. Our boss wants us to tweet about, The College Police officer in Ohio. People nowadays do not have faith in police officers because of some of the problems that they are dealing with The murders of unarmed black men. I believe faith can be restored in each and every neighborhood if everyone works together.

Kandi: Yes, that is one of my mottoes "Together We Can Make A Difference." I would like to take this time to Thank you and The Detroit News for investigating and  writing my mother story and Introducing her to the world for that we are truly grateful. You gave my mother and our family Our Legacy Back, I 

Thank you, and we thank you Sir.

Frank: You’re welcome and thank you too. Kandi you are a wonderful daughter, you are a great investigator, reporter, writer and talk show host. Welcome to the world of Journalism. You will be very great as a Journalist. Also you may use myself and The Detroit News on your resumes. Much success young lady,

Kandi: Awwwwwwwww Thank you for this opportunity.

Kandi Kane Entertainment.

For booking or Interviews contact me at
909-264-0878 and lasuria83@gmail.com
Twitter:Lasuria83
Facebook:Author Lasuria Allman

Grab a copy of the first American history book to feature the biography of Mrs. Mamie-King Chalmers. Beads on a String-America's Racially Intertwined Biographical History written by Ey Wade.

 AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE:

Kindle, Smashwords , Sony or Kobo, Scribed

Nook and iTunes

I am thrilled beyond thought at meeting an icon from history.  August 6-9th, Mamie King Chalmers will be in Houston  attending events sponsored by the Honey Brown Hope Foundation.

 Mamie King-Chalmers is the young lady pictures in this famous photography. An image and place in history that was stolen from her for many years.

 Lucky me, will have the honor of meeting and interviewing Mrs. Chalmers and her daughter LaSuria Kandi Allman while they are here

Click pic to buy

LaSuria is the author of biopics, Her Stolen Pride and Pride Restored both novels depicting the life of her mother as Civil Rights activist and a victim of stolen identity.

Honey Brown Hope Foundation Facebook     Website

LaSuria Kandi Allman Facebook

As mentioned in another post, Mrs.Chalmers has been entered into the pages of Beads on a String-America's Racially Intertwined Biographical History.

Mamie Ruth King was born June 19, 1941 in Birmingham, Alabama to a modest, working class family which consisted of five sisters and five brothers. Her father was Berry King Sr., a coal miner for Tennessee Coal and Iron Hampton Slopes Mines in the subdivision of Pratt City, died in 1965 of Black Lung Disease after years of working in inhumane conditions. Her mother, Mattie Marlowe-King, worked untiringly at Marshall Durbin Chicken Factory in order to provide necessities for the family. Mamie’s Great Grandfather Abe King was a slave at John King plantation in Morango County, working but never fulfilling a debt because the money was taken from him. The conditions of his life and the mistreatment of others living under the threat of Jim Crow Laws, she was inspired to work for a change.

In 1960's one of the most racial and volatile times in American history, Birmingham was also known as "Bombingham". In 1963 Dr. Martin Luther King arrived in Birmingham at the request of Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth. A mass meeting at 16th St. Baptist Church campaigning, against segregation, injustices in public places and the Jim Crow Laws that binded them. When Dr King finished his speech, she knew this was her calling unafraid Mamie joined the Alabama Christian Movement for Human Rights and became an active demonstrator, Member, Participant and Organizer, and Demonstrator in the Civil Rights Movement. 

Mamie was always in the forefront leading the way.  Her father Berry Sr. prepared lunches and transportation to and from the Protest sites for Demonstrators.  While demonstrating, she suffered attacks of police brutality, police dogs. 

Mamie was always targeted by The Public Safety Chief Eugene "Bull" Connors who was a self proclaimed racist. She was jailed on several occasions one time she spent five days in jail under horrible conditions. On Friday May 3, 1963, Bull Connors spotted Mamie and sent the dogs after her. She ran across the street to a doctors office seeking shelter from the vicious dogs, she was cornered. Bull Connors order the Fire Department "to turn the hoses on the niggers so they won't have to take a bath." So they began to hose Mamie, while she was pinned to the wall and alone. Several children made attempts to help her but they weren't successful. Two unidentified young men reached Mamie and used their bodies as shields to absorb some of the water pressure. Many children used their bodies as targets and distractions to help Mamie and the young men. The water pressure was so hard it was like bricks were being hurled at their heads and bodies. Due to the pressure of the water from the hoses, Mamie is now deaf in her right ear. 

  
These events were captured by Black Star Photographer, Charles Moore who later sold the images to Time magazine. Their feature in Time gained national attention - which sparked the Civil Rights Movement and support for Civil Rights changes in 1964. During this era, Mr. Moore followed Mamie throughout the protests, capturing many images of her leading the way.  Mamie continued her activism for freedom by attending the March on Washington with Dr. King and others. She bared witnessed to Dr King’s "I Have A Dream"speech. 

In 1997 Mamie found out her identity, experiences, accomplishments, and most of all her pride had been claimed by prominent Alabamian Reverend Carolyn Maull Mckinstry author of While the World Watched.

For almost twenty years, Mamie lived in the shadows, ignored and unable to set the records straight. With the aid of her daughter LaSuria (Kandi) Allman,and her successful letter writing campaign, LaSuria wrote letters diligently to anyone she thought would listen to her. LaSuria contacted the Detroit News Frances X. Donnelly he published his article May 2, 2013.  Birmingham News Senior reporter Greg Garrison published his article May 3, 2013 50 years to the date of the actual hosing.

 
In an article published August 23, 2013 by Greg Garrison“Civil rights activist Carolyn McKinstry drops claim she was in famous firehose photo in 1963,”  Mckinstry also issued a statement on her website, Words Do Matter, defending her actions by stating she made a mistake in the error of self identification of her image in the Time Life Photo  and that it didn't matter who was in the photo. In the book, While the World Watched,she said "But to those of us who marched, the pictures are symbolic of all of us," she wrote. "The images are reflections of courage.
December 10, 2013 Birmingham Alabama Mayor William Bell and City Council presented Mamie with the Key to the City, Her Proclamation and Resolution. In honor of her mothers crusade for justice, LaSuria Allman has written a book "Her Stolen Pride" which is available on Amazon.com and mydiamondpublishing.com/mamie-king-chalmers.html.  Mamie has continued her calling by helping others throughout her life and will continue to do so.
Mamie has 9 children, 22 Grandchildren, 3 Great Grandchildren. 
-Information via-Pride Restored Intro: Crusade For Justice