Woman in white wedidng hat and man in white tux .Rev. Otis Moss Jr. and Edwina Moss to celebrate 90th birthdays at Olivet Institutional Baptist Church. The couple, married more than 50 years, were both born in February.
Rev. Otis Moss Jr. and Edwina Moss to celebrate 90th birthdays at Olivet Institutional Baptist Church. The couple, married more than 50 years, were both born in February. Credit: Moss family collection

Both Rev. Dr. Otis Moss Jr. and his wife of 58 years, Edwina, have distinguished backgrounds in civil rights activism. Residents of Cleveland for 50 years, they have used their experience to help improve the quality of life for the people of the city. 

Today, Olivet Institutional Baptist Church will host a 90th birthday commemoration for Reverend Moss and his wife. The ceremony will honor their work through speakers and tributes.  

Moss served as senior pastor of Olivet from 1975 to 2008, marched with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Selma, Alabama, and played an active role in the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Edwina Moss served as a senior executive assistant for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, a civil rights group that led nonviolent protests in the 1950s and ‘60s.

Signal Cleveland had a conversation with the Moss family about their Cleveland roots, the future of the country for young people and the love they have for one another.

Can each of you speak about what brought you to Cleveland?

Otis:  I was born in LaGrange, Georgia. We came to Cleveland in 1975 as a family. Edwina, myself and our three children. I was installed as senior pastor of the Olivet Institutional Baptist Church that same year. Prior to that, I served as the co-pastor with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Sr. at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta.

Edwina: I was born in Georgia as well. Prior to coming to Cleveland, in 1961 I started working with Dr. King [Jr.] on the staff of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference [SCLC]. Cleveland was one of the stops that we made when [Carl] Stokes was running for mayor, which was a very interesting period because that was my first introduction to Cleveland.

Edwina Moss and Rev. Otis Moss, Jr. Credit: Moss family collection

How long have you two been married?

Otis: I met Edwina in the SCLC. That relationship resulted in marriage. We’ve been married now for a little more than 58 years. We will be celebrating 59 years of marriage in July. Dr. King [Jr.] was the officiating co-minister for our wedding.

Edwina: It’s been a wonderful partnership. I wish most people could experience the kind of life I experience with this wonderful human being. We have had some challenges, but we were able to overcome them together. It’s been comforting and fulfilling to be able to bond across so many decades.

Otis and Edwina Moss Engagement Party with Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., Coretta Scott King, Andrew Young, Ralph and Juanita Abernathy other civil rights leaders. Credit: Moss family collection

We are living in very challenging times. We are watching the world change in front of our eyes every day. What are some words of wisdom you would share with young people who are looking to change their communities and the world around them?

Edwina: It’s very difficult at my age to project on what young people should do today. It’s a different time, and the issues are different. I was praying that Black Lives Matter would continue to move forward because they were doing some great work. Each time in history, there have always been different approaches to issues. I am sure that the young people of today will find their way. It may not be our way, but it will be their way. That’s the way it should be.

Otis: I totally agree. We must remember that each age has given birth to continuing leadership that speaks to an act within the context of its own time, with the future in mind, while learning from the past. I participated in sit-ins and campus protests during my time as a college student at Morehouse. Each age group brings their own leadership and learning because it is a generational struggle. Every generation has a responsibility to reduce what it has inherited, and, when necessary, bring forth new organizations and ideas.

Otis Moss Jr. at protest rally in Cincinnati. Credit: Moss family collection

Happy early birthday to both of you. Can you talk about the celebration coming up on Wednesday and some things that you are looking forward to?

Edwina: Prior to us arriving, Rev. Odie M. Hoover was there. He put in place the need to be a part of the community, a part of the state, a part of the country and a part of the world. When we came, the church was already prepared to move to the next step. The congregation was very loving, receptive and caring. I thank God that I had that experience with our family at Olivet. I’m looking forward to celebrating with the community on Wednesday.

Otis: I couldn’t agree more. This journey at Olivet, as a pastor, a team, and now as supporting members has been incredible. Olivet is a transformational church. A church committed to civil rights, human rights and the rights of all people everywhere. We are truly blessed, and we hope to see some new and familiar faces on Wednesday evening.

The Moss 90th Birthday Commemoration
Olivet Institutional Baptist Church, 8712 Quincy Ave.,Cleveland
This event is free and open to the public. 
Doors open at 6 p.m., and the event starts at 7 p.m. The evening will include speakers, music and other tributes.

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Community Reporter (he/him)
I work to gain the trust of Cleveland residents through direct community engagement and storytelling. My goal is to amplify and celebrate the residents and stakeholders who contribute to the success of city neighborhoods. I’m hoping to erase the negative stigma that has been cast on some neighborhoods throughout the years.