Exclusive: Watch Rev. William Greason’s 100th birthday celebration at Rickwood Field

On September 3rd, spiritual leaders, veterans and former Negro League players will gather at Rickwood Field to celebrate Rev. William Greason’s 100th birthday.

Bham Now will be on hand to broadcast this memorable event on Facebook Live beginning approximately at 5:15PM.

Special moment at Rickwood Field

One of the most powerful moments during this Summer’s MLB at Rickwood Field Tribute to the Negro Leagues game was the outpouring of gratitude and love shown before the game toward Birmingham’s own Rev. William Greason.

The birthday celebration will showcase Rev. Greason’s life of service, faith, and patriotism.

A hero in our midst

For readers unfamiliar with Rev. Greason, below is a short list of details about a hero who lives among us.

• Childhood Sunday school classmate of Martin Luther King, Jr.
• One of the first Black men to serve in the US Marine Corps
• Fought at the Battle of Iwo Jima
• Star pitcher for Birmingham Black Barons and the oldest living player from Negro Leagues
• Mentor and lifelong friend to Willie Mays
• Member of the 16th Street Baptist Church when it was bombed by the KKK in 1964
• 53-year tenure as pastor at Bethel Baptist Church Berney Points in Birmingham

The event is private with only a limited number of guests attending. 

The Bham Now Facebook Live broadcast allows the community to watch the festivities and celebrations.

The event is being hosted by Heart and Armor Foundation for Veterans Health, a national organization committed to supporting veteran health and promoting veteran leadership through service.

In the meantime, circle the date and time—September 3, 5:15PM—to watch this very special event.

Do you have fond memories of Rev. Greason? Please share them with us on social media by tagging at @bhamnow