It might seem a bit odd to start an “In Politics” column with a candidate’s assertion that he wasn’t going to be political during the moment in question. But the “man” was Dr. Willie W. Herenton, and his comment clearly was tongue-in-cheek.

The former Memphis mayor, now Ninth Congressional District candidate, spoke during the Rainbow PUSH Coalition Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Celebration at Monumental Baptist Church at 704 South Parkway. He wasn’t on the printed program.

Herenton came in after the program started and was escorted to a front-area seat. At one point, moderator Joseph B. Kyles noted changes in the city, such as the reworked face of public housing, and attributed those works to Herenton, who was asked to stand and receive the audience’s collective thanks.

Herenton did and then made his way to the stage and took a seat. Later, he was at the microphone revved up in full non-political-political mode. I don’t need a written speech, he said.

Building upon the Dr. King theme, Herenton said Dr. King was “a man.” And the measure of man, he said, is where that man stands in controversy.

Careful not to paint himself as Dr. King, Herenton did say that he had marched with Dr. King and that he – Dr. Herenton – was no stranger to controversy. All was not right with America, he said.

“When the Justice System selectively prosecutes and persecutes people of color for being a man…something is wrong with that,” said Herenton, whose entanglement with a Justice Department investigation has stretched over several years.

Connecting to another speaker’s reference to political empowerment, Herenton said all empowerment still matters.

Then in typical Herenton directness, he turned to Interim County Mayor Joe Ford, who was seated on stage, and said, “It’s no secret that I didn’t get along with Harold Ford Sr. (former Ninth District Congressman.” Adding that he didn’t get along much with Harold Ford Jr. either, but did love Joe Ford, Herenton then said, “Thank God for Harold Sr.”

Why? “Because we had representation (in District 9) for 32 years,” said Herenton, “We (African Americans) started fighting and somebody eased in there and took what was ours.”

There could not have been a clearer reference to Congressman Steve Cohen, who is seeking reelection and has shown no public fear of Herenton’s challenge.

Some have reflected confusion relative to the Congressional seat, Herenton said. “Dr. King would not want you to be confused. Do you feel me?”

African Americans, he said, constitute the only race that gets confused and gives up power.

“Dr. King would not want you to get confused and give up power.”

The Democratic Primary election is in August 2010.