Christian Community Development Association
Inspire. Train. Connect.
This week I will be in Washington DC to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s inspirational “I Have a Dream” speech. Fifty years ago this month, Dr. King not only powerfully articulated a Kingdom dream of reconciliation for our nation but was willing to sacrifice his life for this dream. Even …
Continue Reading about Shameless Persistence: 50 Year Anniversary of ‘I Have a Dream’ Speech →
Earlier this week, I sent out a response to the Zimmerman verdict that caused me to reflect deeply about the calling of our CCDA movement. The question that has been burning in my heart as I have prayed for our CCDA leadership, practitioners, and for the under-resourced neighborhoods where many of …
As a Mexican-American leader, I offer my deepest condolences to the Martin family for the tragic loss of their son. As a father of two mixed race sons (Latino and White, like George Zimmerman), my heart is broken for everyone involved. I am most saddened by the prospects of greater racial unrest and …
Continue Reading about Moving from the Status Quo to Sacrificial Engagement →
These past few days have been filled with frustration. I was one of the ones who followed the Zimmerman trial closely and patiently awaited a verdict. It was more so about getting justice for Trayvon Martin, his family, and the African American community than seeing George Zimmerman burn. Yet, when …
Continue Reading about A Hispanic Response to the Trayvon Martin Verdict →
The U.S. is populated with over 1.4 million gang members. Over 33,000 gangs are responsible for 80% of crimes committed and 40% of violent crimes. Every city in the U.S. with at least 250,000 people has gang activity. (Federal Bureau of Investigation statistics) Gangs operate by using violence to …
Stage II creates new opportunities for CCDA artists and musicians to share their artistry with the association by means of an art gallery and a new performance stage. If you are interested in submitting artwork for the gallery or performing on the stage, download the Stage II Guidelines and …
Memphis Teacher Residency (MTR) believes reform starts with the teacher. A teacher is the key to a child’s future for they can have the most positive impact on a child’s life, other than a parent. They also believe teachers are professionals that should be trained as such. A commitment to …
Continue Reading about Now is the Time for Urban Education Reform →
This past week I received word from one of our longtime board members, Jimmy Dorrell, that his 32-year-old son, Seth, had died of a heart attack while on a missions trip in Mexico City. Seth had a difficult bout with cancer over the last few years, but that did not keep him or his wife Sarah and …
