Civil Rights Leader, Humanitarian, and Trailblazer Prison Chaplain, Rev. Helen Sinclair Dies at 103
Civil Rights Leader, Humanitarian, and Trailblazer Prison Chaplain, Rev. Helen Sinclair Dies at 103 (Chicago, IL) — Reverend Helen Sinclair, affectionately known as “Queen Mother,” passed away at the age of 103, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering dedication to civil rights, humanitarianism, and prison ministry. Her remarkable life was a testament to her faith and her tireless commitment to serving others, especially the marginalized and incarcerated.
Born on July 14, 1920, in Arkansas, Rev. Sinclair inherited a legacy of service from her mother, Rev. Jessie W. “Ma” Houston, who set a gold standard for uplifting those in prison. Rev. Sinclair and her mother marched alongside civil rights leaders Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Ambassador Andrew Young, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Robert Culp, Dick Gregory, etc., earning her status in the movement.
As a global ambassador, Rev. Sinclair traveled internationally, serving in the Peace Corps in Malawi and Central Africa. Her dedication to service extended to her local community in Chicago, where she spent over six decades ministering to the incarcerated, earning her the role of the first and only female chaplain in an adult male maximum-security institution by the Illinois Department of Corrections.
Her impact on the lives of those behind bars was profound. She provided spiritual guidance, advocacy, and a sense of dignity to over 48,000 inmates throughout her lifetime. Her innovative approaches, such as organizing art shows for inmates and bringing dignitaries to speak to prisoners, brought hope and inspiration to countless individuals.
This work made her even more resolved to follow in her mother’s footsteps, to become a minister with prisoners being her focal point. She was a lifetime member of St. Paul Christian Episcopal Church (C.M.E.). The family history in C.M.E. started with Helen’s grandfather, “Doc” Woods. He was part of a group of 40 former slaves that founded the Colored Methodist Church that later became the Christian Methodist Church. With this history in her spirit and her new role in ministry, she eventually logged thousands of miles yearly visiting Illinois’ prisoners. She prayed, she counseled, she advocated, and she listened.
Throughout the years, dignitaries frequently supported her Black History Month and Christmas programs at the penal institutions, including notable figures such as Mayor Harold Washington, Congressman Danny Davis, Rev. Al Sharpton, Chicago Bulls’ Reggie Theus, Investor John Rogers, and Mr. T.
In addition to her prison ministry, Rev. Sinclair was actively involved in organizations, including the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Black on Black Love, and Probation Challenge. Her dedication earned her numerous awards and accolades.
Reverend Sinclair’s commitment to service never wavered, even in her final years after turning 100. Her impact on the world will be remembered and cherished for years to come.
About Rev. Helen Sinclair’s mother, Rev. Jessie “Ma” Houston
“Ma” Houston was the first woman allowed to comfort prisoners in the final moments before they made the walk to the electric chair. She was accorded the rare honor of walking the last mile with them. For that reason, she was lovingly called the “Angel of Death Row.” In that same vein, she also comforted Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during his marches in Chicago. He often said that he felt “safer” around “Ma” because he drew strength from her.
In her honor, the “Ma” Houston Community Correctional Center was named and dedicated in September 1980. At that time, it was the only building dedicated to an African-American in downtown Chicago.
There is also a star on the Bronzeville Walk of Fame in her honor; naming “Ma” a pioneer of the city of Chicago. In the Kenwood Community of Chicago, near President Obama’s home, is a large park officially dedicated in “Ma” Houston’s honor. It is a sanctuary that Helen often gained strength from visiting.
Civil Rights Leader, Humanitarian, and Trailblazer Prison Chaplain, Rev. Helen Sinclair Dies at 103
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