Principal Murphy Armelin
Teacher, veteran, family man, martial artist and community leader a man determined to bring change. Our Living Legend discusses his early life, becoming a Karate Black Belt while stationed in South Korea and his career in education.
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Count Time Podcast Living Legend Murphy Armelin
Selected quotes and notes from Count Time Podcast with LD Azobra Interview with Principal Murphy Armelin
Good evening. Good evening. Good evening it’s 4:00 PM. Stand up it’s count time, time for every man and woman to stand up and be counted. Welcome to another edition of Count Time podcast. I am brother LD Azobra. Thank you for joining us today.
This week we made a special trip to my hometown to visit and to sit and share and hear the stories and stories of the great things, the high, the lows, the good, the bad, the good, bad and ugly things that happen in my hometown of Franklin. I got one of our community leaders and legends here today. Most of the people who are from that area, they’re going to know when they hear your name. Mr. Murphy L. Armelin. Welcome to Count Time.
MLA
Happy to be here.
LD
Not as happy as I am, not as happy as I am. I don’t even know where to start at Mr Armelin, because you have been a blessing to me, to my family and to the community of Franklin, Louisiana for many, many years. When you stepped up on the scene, it was time. It was time because you came at a time when things weren’t looking too pretty, things weren’t too bright. The future was looking down for the community of Franklin. But you came here and made a huge, huge impact on so many young men and young women who singlehandedly. I have to give the credit for what you’ve done, what you did and how you kept us focused as a people, as a community because of what you stood for and what you want to see come out of these young men and women at a young age. So we all owe a lot to you and your lovely wife Miss Earline for being so supportive of our community.
October 30, 2022 @ 3:02 pm
Mr Armelin was the greatest principal I have ever worked under. I have taught for 33 years and 12 of them was under this man. He taught me so much as a beginning teacher. Our schools today need more people like Murphy and then we wouldn’t see some of the problems we are seeing in school system.
October 28, 2022 @ 6:47 pm
I really enjoy the interview . Mr Armelin was my inspiration for getting involved in Karate and joining the Marine Corps. Thank you Sir .
October 26, 2022 @ 2:18 pm
I thoroughly enjoyed this interview with Mr. Armelin. It’s like a telling of my own history, with all these familiar names. As a white student, I knew Mr. Armelin as a fair authority in my life; not as a black assistant principle. He was a man that exuded discipline and respect, and he required the same in return. Once, he and Mr. Lancon had me and Jeff Casselman box in the gym to settle our differences. Mr. Armelin was in my corner. They don’t let kids settle differences in this way, these days. I learned a lot from that experience.
Some of this was extremely difficult to hear. The first week of integration, having to walk through antagonistic white neighborhoods just to get to school broke my heart. To have people demean another because of their race is never acceptable, then or now. During the first year of integration, we may have chosen our own color for our softball team, but by year two, we were much, much wiser. I can see Mr. Armelin’s leadership was the primary instrument for that transformation. Much respect. Much love.
I’m sure that Mr. Armelin will remember me as a challenge. I was not an easy student to keep in line. However, I did respect him and listen to his advice, above most others. I wish I was a better help to him at that time, because I was a leader of my peers. If we are lucky to live long enough, we can mature enough to pass on some of the lessens our teachers have taught us. Mr. Armelin taught me much and I’m still learning from him. I’m happy to tell his story now. Thank you for sharing.❤️
October 26, 2022 @ 3:47 am
Thanks so very much for sharing your experiences with us! I have really enjoyed hearing about your contributions to the community during a very different and difficult time in history! You are an awesome and wonderful leader in our community! I have had nothing but admiration and the utmost respect for you and your entire family since I was a little girl! You truly gave to our community even when it wasn’t easy to do so! I am truly and profoundly grateful for you! I have always admired and respected you and your entire family for all you all have done for us! God bless you Mr Armelin!
October 26, 2022 @ 2:20 pm
I’m still waiting for Albert White to pass the basketball to on the fast break. HOG! 😂❤️
May 17, 2023 @ 9:47 pm
Thank you so much for your kind words about my Dad! Blessings to you always. I’ll be sure to have him read your post next time I am home. Peace and Love
October 26, 2022 @ 3:04 am
Mr Murphy was my principal @ Lagrange School in 1982 and he was also my oldest son’s karate teacher . Mr Armelin was very liked by many of us students . He always looked out for the students he guide us in much discipline for us . He showed how much we ment to him. Smiling every morning to all his student. He was honest. He was a hero to us. Never did he judge who you are he also looked at the best in his students . He cared for all no matter your skin color. He didn’t like violence. Mr Armelin we need more ppl like you in our schools today. Bullying was not in your vocabulary and you never tolerated it, you was the one to stop it , to make life better for us. Thank you for being in our lives. Mr Armelin you will be remember in our hearts❤️
October 26, 2022 @ 12:22 am
I had the honor of Mr armland being one of my teachers and I took karate too and I tell everyone when they ask me who was your favorite teacher at school will it was Mr armilen he touched me in a way no other teacher did thank u for all u gave loveu
October 25, 2022 @ 11:29 pm
Many Great Memories! Principal Murphy Armelin – I just want to know if you still have that wood paddle with the holes in it?!
October 21, 2022 @ 9:04 pm
What a blessing to be in the presence of one of our hometown trailblazers!! I listened to every single word!! His story is amazing, Wow!! Mr. Armelin NEVER forgot to reach back to help pull his people up!! He’s a beautiful soul, and I’m blessed to know him!! I love your down to earth atmosphere you’ve created. Your guest feel free to open themselves on such a personal level!! I learned so much about Mr. Armelin. I’m in total Awe!! Thanks for sharing!!
May 17, 2023 @ 9:49 pm
Lol He still does!!!
October 21, 2022 @ 8:44 pm
What a blessing to be in the presence of one of our hometown trailblazers!! I listened to every single word!! His story is amazing, Wow!! Mr. Armelin NEVER forgot to reach back to help pull his people up!! He’s a beautiful soul, and I’m blessed to know him!! I love your down to earth atmosphere you’ve created. Your guest feel free to open themselves on such a personal level!! I learned so much about Mr. Armelin. I’m in total Awe!! Thanks for sharing!!
October 21, 2022 @ 3:38 am
I enjoyed this podcast. I thought I knew all there was to know about my big brother but I learned more about his life experiences. Murphy J., I’m so proud to call you my big brother. Lyman, thanks for a job well done.
October 26, 2022 @ 1:26 pm
Mr Armelin is consider my family,a very special man he loved everyone. If he see you he will take that moment and talk to you. A very special person.