By Warren H Stewart Sr.
God is faithful.
I honor the late, trailblazing, radio and TV anchorman, Frank Camacho, who died this Labor Day weekend at age 75.
Thank you, Sister Tommie Taylor, for sharing with me the op-ed by Greg Moore in the 8/31/2025 Arizona Republic newspaper on a God-prompted conversation Frank and I had “off the record” in November 1990 about Arizona’s embattled Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Fight. I did not know Frank had shared our conversation as I have.
After six defeats of trying to win a King Holiday in Arizona from Spring 1986 to Fall 1990–in the legislature, by recission and referendum, and at the ballot twice–Frank called me at my home after the humiliating defeat of two different versions of the King Holiday were defeated in the Arizona 1990 November General Election. The state was in a deep funk after that internationally publicized failure.
Frank said to me, “Pastor Stewart, we need to hear from you.” I replied, “No, Frank. Arizona voters have clearly voted that they don’t want a King Holiday. Let’s move on.” He responded, “No, Pastor Stewart. People know that you have been fighting for the King Holiday for the right reasons . . . not for a Super Bowl game.” Finally, I told Frank, “Okay, let me pray about your request and speak to a couple of trusted advisors.” Then, Frank thanked me.
Within two or three days, the Lord inspired me to form the Victory Together Coalition to try one more time to win a King Holiday in Arizona. On November 3, 1992, Arizona made history by voting overwhelmingly for its Martin Luther King, Jr/Civil Rights Day!
Much obliged, Brother Frank Camacho! Rest well. You made a difference for millions of Arizonans . . . and me.