A CELEBRATION OF LIFE

 A gifted speaker, poet, and published author, union organizer, and civil and human rights activist, Marion Ernest McMillan, Jr., affectionately known as “Ernest,” was born on October 6, 1944, in Dallas, Texas, to Eva Catherine Partee McMillan and Rev. Marion Ernest McMillan, Sr. Raised on a strong foundation of faith, resilience, and purpose, he carried these values throughout his life, creating a lasting legacy of service and impact.

Ernest was a devoted son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and lifelong human rights activist committed to justice, equity, and community empowerment. His parents provided an environment enriched in local and national political debates, religious and spiritual philosophies, and conversations that broadened his scope toward community issues and service. While attending Booker T. Washington Technical High School, he demonstrated early leadership, discipline, and a commitment to excellence. He was an active member of the ROTC/National Defense Cadet Corps (NDCC), a proud leader on the Drill Team, and served with distinction as both President of the National Honor Society and Senior Class President. 

He graduated in 1963, leaving behind a legacy of leadership among his peers. During these formative years, he became actively involved with the NAACP Youth Council under the leadership of renowned activist Juanita Craft, where he participated in strategic efforts that helped challenge and dismantle segregated policies. Even as a young man, he stood firmly on the side of justice, helping to pave the way for change that would impact generations to come.

While attending Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, Ernest was deeply inspired by leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Congressman John Lewis, Julian Bond, and Mukasa Dada (Willie Ricks, “The Reverend”). He joined the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and courageously worked throughout Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia during the 1960s, organizing and advocating for voting rights and racial justice. Ernest became actively involved in the Civil Rights Movement during one of the most pivotal periods in American history.

From 1967 to 1969, he served as Chairman of the Dallas SNCC, leading grassroots efforts that empowered Black communities and challenged systemic injustice. During this time, he was also deeply engaged in local organizing and student activism in Dallas. While attending Arlington State College (University of Texas at Arlington), he participated in student-led protests advocating for civil rights and social change. He later joined Students for a Democratic Society at Southern Methodist University (SMU), where he helped organize and lead anti-war draft protests, standing firmly against injustice both at home and abroad.

He continued to organize relentlessly at the grassroots level, from efforts in opposing the draft to reforming welfare rights. His community involvement was steeped in the fight for self-determination. After organizing a boycott against a chain of stores (OK Supermarkets), he was charged with the destruction of private property. In June of 1969, while out on bond, he was informed that his travel to speak at the World Council of Churches in Greenwich, Connecticut was unauthorized. As a result, he, and his comrade, Kwesi Williams, lived in exile for two and a half years in Canada and throughout West Africa.

Arrested in the fall of 1971, he became a political prisoner for three years, serving both federal and state charges – a testament of his unwavering commitment to the struggle for justice.

In the 1970s, Ernest continued his work for change as a Legislative Aide to the late State Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson, contributing to policies that supported underserved communities and prison reform. He later expanded his impact in Houston, Texas. In 1984, Ernest founded the Fifth Ward Enrichment Program (FWEP) a nonprofit, community-based youth development initiative, and served as its Chief Executive Officer for 23 years. The organization continues to operate in Houston as an effective support and intervention program for young Black and Latino males. Demonstrating a deep passion for mentorship, Ernest remained committed to guiding and supporting male students, helping to shape the lives of young men through leadership, discipline, and encouragement. His activism continued into the 1980s through organizations such as the National Black United Front and the United League of Mississippi, advancing the cause of Black liberation and community self-determination.

In 2007, Ernest returned to Dallas, where he remained deeply engaged in community service and advocacy. He worked at Cara Mía Theatre Company and volunteered with numerous organizations, including the Dallas Peace Center, Youth Believing in Change, Owenwood Farm & Neighbor Space.

Globally, Ernest chaired the Local Cuban Solidarity Committee and organized with the Interreligious Foundation for Community Organization (IFCO)/Pastors for Peace, participating as a “caravanista” to bring humanitarian aid and gifts to the Cuban people. He also served as a Witness for Peace Human Rights delegate to Honduras.

In 2021, Ernest moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico. He began creating a national youth development network, collaborated with organizations such as Working Classroom and Amy Biehl High School, and joined the First Congregational United Church of Christ.  On March 2, 2026, he moved back to Dallas, Texas.

Ernest dedicated his life to educating others about the Civil Rights Movement and the importance of standing for truth. His contributions were recognized by The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, where he participated in programs and oral history projects preserving this vital legacy.

He was a man of deep love and devotion to his family and community. He carried forward the strength and the legacy of his parents, honoring their influence through a life of integrity, service, and unwavering conviction.  His commitment to organizing and activism never wavered, and he remained a respected voice for justice, education, and community empowerment.

Ernest was preceded in death by his loving parents, and since deceased by his beloved sister, Karen McMillan.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving children: Angela Fikes of Los Angeles, California; Ohene McMillan of Dallas, Texas; and Dafina Toussainté McMillan of Albuquerque, New Mexico; his cherished grandchildren: Arthur “Tank” McClendon, Jr. of Los Angeles, California; Camryn Gouché of Long Beach, California; and Dakar McMillan of Dallas, Texas; his beloved sisters: Jacqueline McMillan Hill of Plano, Texas, and Katherine McMillan (Edward Smith) of Addison, Texas; along with loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, and all who were touched by his remarkable life.

Ernest’s legacy will continue on through the lives he touched, the change he helped create, and the enduring example of a life defined by courage, rooted in love – and lived with purpose.