The Diocese of Austin will host its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St. Thomas More Parish in Austin. Honoring MLK Jr.'s legacy, this event promotes social justice, civil rights, diversity, and freedom. The commemoration also promotes the goal of building peaceful communities with non-violence as a means to defeat injustice.
This year, the diocese is highlighting a 'Beloved Community,' based on MLK's sermon 'Birth of a New Nation'. Join us for a day of prayer and a light reception."The aftermath of nonviolence is the creation of the beloved community. The aftermath of nonviolence is redemption. The aftermath of nonviolence is reconciliation. The aftermath of violence are emptiness and bitterness. This is the thing I'm concerned about. Let us fight passionately and unrelentingly for the goals of justice and peace."
Dr. Christopher Pichon,
Supreme Knight and CEO of the Knights of Peter Claver, Inc.
Dr. Christopher Pichon Sr. serves as the 18th Supreme Knight and CEO of the Knights of Peter Claver, Inc. He is a 24-year member of KPC, and 12-year member of the Meritorious 4th Degree Knights. He served as Director General of Jr. Knights, Texas State Director, mentored State/District Directors, and chaired various committees at the local, state, and national level. Dr. Pichon has received several awards for outstanding contributions to the organization.
In his profession, Dr. Chris Pichon serves as the Assistant Superintendent of Operations and Leadership for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Catholic School System, as well as an Adjunct Professor at Texas Southern University in the College of Education Graduate Program. He is also the 14th President of the Texas Alliance of Black School Educators, a statewide education organization designed to promote equity, financial stewardship, and advanced outcomes by establishing strong positive cultures and high performing teams.
Dr. Pichon is married to his wife Sonya Pichon of 35 years, and the father of four children and four grandchildren. He is also co-founder and CEO of the Christopher Pichon II Foundation which honors his late son. The foundation's event has received several proclamations from Houston City Council members, Texas State Representatives, and U.S. Congressional members.
"If you want to say that I was a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice, say that I was a drum major for peace: I was a drum major for righteousness."