RCX's Unyielding "Public Servant of the Year":
St. Louis License Collector Michael McMillan

By Terry Artis
President/Publisher

ÔªøIn the ideals of RCX, "Public Servant" is the highest and noblest of titles that can be bestowed on one in an elected or appointed office. "But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your servant: and whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all..." (Drum Major Instincts) - Reverend Dr. Martin Luther, Jr.

King's "Drum Major Instinct" sermon, given on 4 February 1968, was an adaptation of the 1952 homily "Drum-Major Instincts" by J. Wallace Hamilton, a well-known, liberal, white Methodist preacher. King encouraged his congregation to seek greatness, but to do so through service and love.

While Michael McMillan, in our opinion, epitomises the ideal of "public servant" through all of his works, in 2011, there was a particular act that defined him as RCX's "Public Servant of the Year."

McMillan's dedication to service to others won over the Church of God In Christ (C.O.G.I.C.) during their 104th Holy Convocation in St. Louis (2011). The organization has committed to holding its 106th Holy Convocation in St. Louis in 2013. C.O.G.I.C. had previously committed to 3 years (2010 - 2012). By extending their contract, it is estimated that the Holy Convocation will infuse $140 Million dollars into the city's economy.

The significance of this is not just the fact that this will bring much needed tax revenues and tourism dollars into St. Louis and the state of Missouri, but it enforces the idea that St. Louis is a welcoming city for Black people, organizations, businesses, institution, etc., in spite of this city's long history as one of the most racist in America.

McMillan's work in this order is tireless as he serves as an ambassador to this city, a host to many, many civic and community events and "Honorary Drum Major" for Show-Me Sound's SHOWDOWN, which welcomes Historically Black College & University drum lines from around the country to St. Louis.

RCX views St. Louis City License Collector Michael McMillan as an excellent representative of the ideal, "The Drum Major Instinct."

A staff, scholarship dedication, World Series Championship Victory Gifts & Spirit of St. Louis Hospitality Guides were commissioned and presented by St. Louis License Collector Michael McMillan to welcome presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake and the Church of God in Christ (C.O.G.I.C.) 104th International Holy Convocation to St. Louis, MO.

According to Presiding Bishop Charles E. Blake, "I don't know when a city has ever welcomed any convention of the Church of God in Christ the way these civic leaders have welcomed us."

(C.O.G.I.C.) has extended its contract to return to St. Louis in 2013.