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 [...]Read More
Remembering Dr. M.L. King Jr.
Two members of our CCDA familia reflect on the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Take a moment to be both inspired and challenged by the personal reflections of Zakiya Jackson and Dominique Giliard. [...]Read More
Mediation and Restitution Reconciliation Services, redeeming the label of ‘juvenile offender’
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 [...]Read More
Memphis Teacher Residency, changing the narrative of equal education
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?” [...]Read More
Are We There Yet?
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 [...]Read More
A Visibly Unique Educational Story, through music & discipleship
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 [...]Read More
One Woman’s Story Sparks Empowerment Program for Refugees
Ruth Lomo arrived in the United States in 2001 as a Sudanese refugee responsible for 10 children, fleeing civil war in Sudan. Settling in Memphis, Ruth’s children attended a small Christian school, and unlike other isolated refugees, developed necessary social and language skills. Ruth was burdened [...]Read More
Living out Where the Cross Meets the Street – Book Review
“I am convinced that we can no longer maintain old paradigms of ministry that compartmentalize and truncate the work of the kingdom and still make an impact in our world, which is in need of love and restoration.” Some of us spend a lot of time in the streets. In our neighborhoods, in our [...]Read More