Christian Community Development Association
Inspire. Train. Connect.
Like many of you, I’ve labored for years in urban environs to encourage and empower children. My immersion as an individual CCD practitioner began with mentoring at an inner city neighborhood kids club. After marrying and while raising our daughter, my next season was in vibrant communities within …
Continue Reading about Signs of hope for the future of urban public schools →
In 1999, the 38126 zip code of the Clearborne/Foote neighborhood of South Memphis was named the 3rd poorest urban zip code in the United States. That same year, Steve Nash started Advance Memphis, seeking to bring economic revitalization to the community through job opportunities and resources in …
St. Andrew AME Church is part of the 199-year-old African Methodist Episcopal (AME) tradition, a church tradition historically involved in civil rights. This year marks the 149th anniversary of this Tennessee flagship church. When Dr. Kenneth and Marilynn Robinson were appointed pastors of the …
The large, flat package was sitting in the front entryway when I returned home after three days away at an evangelical social justice conference. The return address listed "S. Gay" as the sender. It was a minute or two before I remembered placing the order. It was a print by a local artist, Shanequa …
Continue Reading about For Women of Color Who Have Considered Quitting when the Isolation Is Enuf →
An attorney by profession, with years of experience working with youth, Bridgette Bowman became the director of Mediation and Restitution Reconciliation Services (MARRS) 6 years ago, anxious to be an advocate in the broken system of juvenile justice. This 23 year-old organization is perhaps the best …
Sub-standard education is pre-determined for many children based solely on their zip code. In response to the problem of equal education for kids in urban areas, what is now Memphis Teacher Residency started with a question: “What if we found an alternative way of recruiting and training teachers?” …
Continue Reading about Memphis Teacher Residency, changing the narrative of equal education →
As we head into the summer months, the familiar question, “Are we there yet?” will be a frequent refrain. This question will be repeatedly asked on car trips with family, heading to camp with students and by anyone with a long, unfamiliar road ahead of them. Doing justice in our communities can …
Ken Steorts, founder of Visible Music College in Memphis, TN, started out by leading worship at his church, with a background in music production and pop music. Soon he was touring as a young professional in the Christian music industry. While working in Christian music, Ken saw a lot of young bands …
Continue Reading about A Visibly Unique Educational Story, through music & discipleship →
