Viewing page 99 of 356

This transcription has been completed. Contact us with corrections.

Steven N. Lockett Invested in Knights of Malta

[[image]]
[[caption]] Steven N. Lockett, Cliffside Park, at his investiture as Knight of Malta. [[/caption]]

[[image]]
[[caption]] Steven N. Lockett being invested by Prince Robert as the first black Knight of Malta in a special ceremony in New York's Seagram Building. Mr. Lockett, known for his community involvement, is E.E.O. director for Jos. E. Seagram, Inc. [[/caption]]

Remember When... 

There are moments in a man's life that are etched with precise clarity on his mind no matter how long he shall live. 

They are moments he can summon at will and recall each detail vividly.

I am certain that tonight is one of those times for me. I am at one and the same time chastened and exhilarated, humbled and proud, joyous and saddened ... saddened because the moment is fleeting. 

The Knights of Malta is ecumenical. It includes members of indigenous populations in its priorities. Its worldwide membership is something in excess of 8,000, and the number in the U.S. Grand Priory is only a small fraction of that. If I am proud that there is now a black man in the United States Grand Priory and that I am he, I nonetheless hope it is a distinction I will soon share.

In the bosom of my family, my friends, and my business associates, I accept with utmost gravity and gratefulness the honor I did not think I would have the great fortune to enjoy. I will do my best to uphold the standards of Knighthood of this great and good organization. 

97