TAKE UP SPACE!

    I was reading a post last night that mentioned the upcoming nationwide silent protests.  I have also seen various media outlets where the hosts discussed next strategic steps for Black people.  Then I was reminded of what many Black women decided after the election. We are resting!  For centuries, Black women have had to figure out how to “make a way out of no way”.  We had to find ways to not only survive through the cruelties of life, but to thrive so that future generations could be guided by our light.

    In the last few days, I have spoken with Black women who are just trying to make sense of the current political climate. We KNEW what saying yes to this current administration would cost us and this country, yet so many people chose not to listen.  The religious right got so caught up on the issue of abortion rights, which we know was a foil to distract us from the real issue…human rights for people of color.  I listened and watched in horror as Black preachers endorsed this administration solely on the basis of abortion and the discussion of whether or not it was moral.  They cheered as legislation was overturned that gave women a choice to handle their own bodies. They quoted the 10 commandments “thou shall not kill”, trying to determine when a fetus was considered a human, but easily overlook the grown ass men and women who have been gunned down in the streets or are currently sitting on death row waiting to be killed.  Y’all were duped and now we’re here!!!  The last time I checked, God gave us free will and Jesus never isolated anyone because of their choices.  Jesus loved them through their individual choices and then went to die in our place.  Jesus sacrificed himself; he didn’t sacrifice others so he could gain power or get glory. So “what would Jesus do?”....not this!

But I didn’t come here to argue the various political points or comb through scripture, I came to encourage you to TAKE UP SPACE. 

I admit that I have not been watching the cable and TV outlets that I used to watch because I am deliberately protecting my peace.  I do, however, listen to Urbanview on Sirius XM, catch highlights of The View, Roland Martin, and the Scholarship College Mama just to stay slightly aware of what’s going on in the world. I refuse to be swallowed up in the minutiae of idiocy from this administration.  Yet, I am keenly aware that so many, especially government workers, must stay on top of the news because their livelihood is at stake.  But just like I told a dear sister two days ago, turn that damn laptop off at 5pm.  There is no need to continue working until 7 or 8 o’clock at night, missing dinner and time with your family, just to respond to one more email. That email will be there at 8 am and you probably won’t have all of the information to answer the questions that need to be addressed anyway, so log off now.  I am glad to report that yesterday, she clocked out and decided to TAKE UP SPACE by the fireplace with her husband by 5:30pm.  One tiny step towards protecting her peace. (Girl, you made Mama proud!) 

So, I was lying awake in the bed in the middle of the night, after letting our new puppy outside for a potty break and I decided to find an audiobook that would uplift and enlighten me.  I ran across the book “The Abolitionists” with Kellie Carter Jackson. The book opens by highlighting the various roles of abolitionists.  They were not all the same!  Yes, we know the familiar names like Harriett and Douglas, but there were so many other individuals who lent their voice, expertise, and their particular slant towards freedom.  Abolitionists were working before Africans were even brought to the Americas.  Any act of #resistance was the work of an abolitionist!  This got me thinking back to what I heard Tamika Mallory mention on the Karen Hunter show the other day.  When she was forced into the spotlight, due to tragedy,  Rev. Al Sharpton cheered her on and encouraged her to do HER work, while he continued with his own work.  He encouraged her to act on behalf of the people according to her slant and perspective.  In both of these instances, I was reminded that I, too, have a perspective that is specifically mine to share.  I too am an abolitionist, lending my ear towards resistance and freedom.  When I choose JOY, I have decided to TAKE UP SPACE in the world to be a light to someone overcome by darkness. Whether I decide to boycott or participate in silent protests, this Black woman has decided to share my Joy. I used to always say, “don’t play small”, but today my spirit wants to encourage you to TAKE UP SPACE in your individual communities.

    Taking up space is a form of abolition work and resistance because it catapults you into action. Taking up space does not allow you to wallow in the fear of the uncontrollable, but rather forces you to handle that which is under your control…your actions and emotions.

Let me break it down for you.

If you like to write, TAKE UP SPACE and write a blog or an article to educate readers.

If you like to write, TAKE UP SPACE  and write a grant that will help fund projects in your community.

If you like to write, TAKE UP SPACE  and contribute to the local newspaper in the opinion column.

If you like to cook, TAKE UP SPACE and cook a meal for your family and take a leftover container to the unhoused person that you pass on the corner everyday. 

If you like to bake, TAKE UP SPACE and bake little treats for the Seniors in your apartment complex or neighborhood.

If you like to talk, TAKE UP SPACE and encourage someone by preaching or teaching, not just how to get to heaven but how to live & love abundantly while here on Earth.

If you like to talk, TAKE UP SPACE by calling someone to give them a word of encouragement.

If you like to talk, TAKE UP SPACE and record informative shorts or reels on social media.

If you like to sing, TAKE UP SPACE and learn the Black National Anthem, along with songs of freedom and sing them to your children or grandchildren.

If you like to read, TAKE UP SPACE and read to students at the local school or church.

If you like to read, TAKE UP SPACE so you can educate and advocate.

If you like to dance, TAKE UP SPACE and choreograph a song to abolitionists’ words.

If you like to dance, TAKE UP SPACE by turning the music up loud and dancing in your living room.

If you like accounting, TAKE UP SPACE  and offer a budgeting course at your local church or organization.

If you like to plan, TAKE UP SPACE and plan an event centered around Black joy.

If you like to solve things, TAKE UP SPACE and volunteer your services to a school, church or organization who might need assistance. (No more complaining about them, it’s time to help.)

If you like to take pictures, TAKE UP SPACE and photograph things that bring you joy, then share it with a friend to make them smile.

    We each have a gift to be shared with the world, so TAKE UP SPACE  and claim your spot in the field of abolitionists.   We are not monolithic, so each of us has a voice to lend towards freedom. It’s time to break free from the negative thoughts that have kept us bound.  It’s time to break free from the self-limiting mantras that prevent us from advancing. It’s time to break free from generational curses of lack. It’s time to TAKE UP SPACE and share your joy!

Now walk it out...

Four Degrees, One Family: Celebrating Our Unique Graduation Journey

     When we walked across that stage, we did not walk alone; the angels and our ancestors

were right there with us. This school year has been nothing short of remarkable. My husband

and I are both educators, serving in academia and the community. My husband, Rev. Dr. A.

Byron Coleman III has been a senior pastor in Oklahoma City for 26 years. Every Sunday, he

uses the pulpit to preach the gospel and inspire the congregation to dream bigger. I am a

trained podiatrist who transitioned to education, becoming an adjunct professor at the

University of Oklahoma in 2006 and recently secured a full-time lecturer position. Our two

sons have benefited from witnessing their parents' dedication to lifelong learning, leading

them to choose college after graduating high school.

Educating youth and resting on our laurels has never been enough for us. The more we learned about helping our community through education, the more we realized the need to continue our own learning journey. When I accepted my call to ministry, it became essential to expand my mind further, so I decided to go back to school. I chose Phillips Theological Seminary in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to gain the knowledge to accompany my passion. While it was a departure from fixing soles, it aligned perfectly with healing souls. This foot doctor went back to school to pursue a higher calling.

Similarly, my husband preaches a socially relevant gospel every week, so when the opportunity to pursue a Doctorate of Ministry in Social Justice arose, he seized it. He openly admitted that he was uncertain about his academic writing abilities, as it was a significant departure from weekly sermon preparation. Nevertheless, he persevered.

Chandler, our oldest, graduated high school in 2018 and began his college journey at the University of Central Oklahoma. Then, in 2020, the pandemic hit, forcing him to switch entirely to online learning, which was particularly challenging for an extrovert. He admitted he wanted to quit because it was so difficult, but he persisted. During Courtland’s junior year of high school, he studied online from our living room, graduating in 2022 as the world was reemerging. To help him transition smoothly to college life while maintaining close family support, he decided that Oklahoma City Community College was the best choice.

None of us gave up! Throughout the 2023-24 school year, each of us continued reading books, writing papers, and studying. As we met with our advisors, we realized that we would all be graduating around the same time. On December 16, 2023, Chandler graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Professional Media/Communications from the University of Central Oklahoma. Three months later, Byron defended his dissertation, “The Influence of the Black Church in Establishing Initiatives and Collaborations Aimed at Enhancing the Scholastic Achievement of Black Students.” On May 18, 2024, the remaining three Colemans graduated on the same day in three different cities. Byron graduated from New York Theological Seminary in New York City with a Doctorate of Ministry in Social Justice. Courtland earned an Associate of Arts in Diversified Studies from Oklahoma City Community College and will continue his education at Morehouse College in August. I graduated from Phillips Theological Seminary with a Master of Theological Studies. Because we were in three different cities, we couldn't attend each other’s graduation ceremonies, except for Chandler, who accompanied Byron and even hooded him during his ceremony. 

June 2, 2024, back in Oklahoma City,  at 5th Street Baptist Church, we dedicated the day to honoring graduates at every level: from Pre-K to college. It was an incredible honor to share this special day as a family. Dressed in our academic regalia, we recognized the uniqueness of our narrative. Our church members, family, and friends had the chance to witness firsthand God’s bountiful blessings and, hopefully, we serve as an inspiration to continue evolving, as you enjoy the journey. 

One Family, Four Degrees, Three Graduations, Same Day: Celebrating the Coleman Family’s remarkable graduation story.  To God be the Glory!

Exercising Discipline & Relying on Connection in 2024

 Happy New Year!

I am reminded of the sermon I preached just one-week ago during Watchnight Service at the church.  I exercised discipline yesterday, by not buying another pair of shoes and realized that I needed to share this to continually remind and encourage myself that I am on the right track.  Perhaps this will bless you as well as you aim to transform your life this year.

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Have you ever found yourself stuck by limiting beliefs?

1. You do things the way that your Mama did things because of a limiting belief that her way is the only way for things to be done. 

2. You don’t apply for certain jobs or positions due to a limiting belief that someone like you can’t have it all. 

3. You never reach beyond your circle because of a limiting belief that you must act a particular way or just accept certain things.

4. You stop showing up for yourself because of one failure and now you're stuck in the limiting belief that you will never be any better or do bigger things.

5. You keep doing the same things, yet you’re perplexed that you keep getting the same results, because of a limiting belief that “this is how I’ve always done it…this is just me”

All limiting beliefs.

But imagine for a moment and ask yourself.... WHAT IF?

WHAT IF…you tried something new?

WHAT IF…you stepped out on faith?

WHAT IF…you started believing God for the impossible?

WHAT IF…you started believing in your own capabilities?

WHAT IF…you let go of the way things were and embraced the possibilities of how things could be?

WHAT IF… your unique skills and talents are exactly what the world needs to solve its pressing challenges?

WHAT IF… the setbacks you've faced are just stepping stones to a remarkable success story that inspires others?

WHAT IF…your potential is limitless, and the only thing holding you back is the belief that there are limits?

WHAT IF… every failure or mistake was an opportunity to learn and grow, bringing you closer to your true potential?

WHAT IF…

It was early in the morning and I was still lying in bed thinking and talking to the Lord. The word that grabbed me and wouldn’t let go was DISCIPLINE. Why this word? It didn't make sense that this word would arrest me as I lay there rubbing my tongue across my fresh braces. I'd only had braces for 2-3 weeks after wearing Invisalign for about 18 months. Invisalign had been recommended by the boys' orthodontist after I noticed a ridge on one of my teeth, indicating that I had been grinding my teeth in my sleep. Week after week, I would insert a different clear tray that would hold my teeth firmly and settle in by the next week when it was time to change to another tray.

Week after week this pattern continued, but no one really noticed that my smile had been slowly changing, because my teeth were quietly shifting. Slowly, with each new Invisalign tray, my childhood smile was changing. 

That smile from my 8th-grade graduation pictures in my off-white lacy dress and cat heel shoes was changing.

That smile from my high school graduation pics where I wore that yellow taffeta dress and had an asymmetrical hairstyle was changing.

That smile from my graduation from Spelman College with my Anita Baker haircut was changing.

That smile that beamed on my wedding day when I married my husband wearing microbraids was changing.

That smile that beamed in the yearly recreated picture of my boys kissing my cheeks was changing. Different hairstyles, same smile.

I finally recognized the shift when I took headshots, rocking a newly shaved head, my smile had really begun to change after months of wearing Invisalign.

I was pleased because I had wanted braces since I was a little girl, but my parents could not afford them. When I became an adult, I had this limiting belief that I was too old to change my teeth. (Honestly, the ONLY reason that I really pursued braces was that the ridge on one tooth reminded me of my mother who, by the time she died 10 years ago, had ground her teeth almost to the gum line. I did not want this to be my fate, so I decided to step out and make a change.)

After almost 2 years and several boxes of trays, the orthodontist suggested that we speed the process along because two of my teeth just wouldn’t budge.  I’d been doing the same thing and been in the process for months, but these two teeth just kept hiding and playing peek-a-boo behind the front teeth. With all the shifting, rotating, and correcting of the cross-bite, two of these teeth needed something more.

Lying in bed I was reminded of the scripture in Matthew 17:19-21 when the disciples were with Jesus ministering in the crowd and a man brought his son to Jesus. He said I brought my son before your disciples but they couldn’t heal him.  Jesus went  on to heal the young boy and when the family had gone on about their business, the disciples turned and asked Jesus “ Yo, why couldn’t we cast him out?”

20 So Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief [LIMITING BELIEF]; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. 21 [f]However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting [DISCIPLINE]

And that’s what the Lord showed me early that morning, laying in bed, rubbing my tongue over the back of my teeth, realizing that one of the teeth that had been hiding for years was actually shifting. The teeth that had been playing peek-a-boo were getting bolder and coming to the forefront. Just as Jesus told his disciples that some things require DISCIPLINE to change, the Lord was showing me that it was the guidance of the metal wire, attached to the brackets that were providing the DISCIPLINE for my teeth to come out of hiding.

You see with the Invisalign, I made all the decisions. I took them out when I ate. I was able to remove them when I got tired of them and needed a break. Sometimes, I would remove them for a little while, but other times I would keep them out for hours, only putting them back on at night.

But something happened quickly when the orthodontist put those metal brackets in, along with the guide wire,…the shift was no longer determined by my will, but it was determined by that to which I was connected.

And that’s what God wants me to share with you as you enter 2024.  You’ve been hanging out long enough playing peek-a-boo and hide-n-seek with your gift, waiting for something to happen and God says with a little DISCIPLINE you will see your change come.

~Coming to church in the building and online, week after week…you are in the right place but not seeing any lasting effects. God says try a little DISCIPLINE in 2024 and stay connected to me.

~Giving an offering every week, yet not seeing any real changes or benefits. God says try a little DISCIPLINE in 2024 and stay connected to me...give me a full tithe, just 10% of what you make, and watch that loan officer come back with a different story next time, allowing you to purchase your home or that car.

~Studying in school, but the GPA is not where it needs to be. God says try a little DISCIPLINE in 2024 and stay connected to me talk to your professors and attend the study sessions.

~Desiring a promotion on the job God says try a little DISCIPLINE in 2024 and stay connected to me get there early, leave late, and make it so that the job can’t be done without you, then go in and negotiate your pay raise,

~You say Lord I know that you have more in store for me but I’m not quite sure what I should do God says try a little DISCIPLINE in 2024 and stay connected to me.

 Jesus said in John 15:5, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. It's all about staying connected as the branches are connected to the vine. Your sustenance comes from the power in the vine. The vine is your lifeline for growth and strength. You only grow because you are connected. So stay connected!

Stay connected to the one who loves you.

Stay connected to the one who saved you.

Stay connected to the one who delivered you and watch the shift begin to happen. 

Stay connected to the one who transformed you and watch the shift begin to happen. 

Stay connected to the one who redeemed you and watch the shift begin to happen. 

Stay connected to the one who gives new life and watch the shift begin to happen. 

In 2024 as you approach your new beginning, try a little DISCIPLINE and stay connected.

Btw, the orthodontist projects that I will only need to wear these braces for about 3 months. Another sign that as soon you take all of the decisions out of your hands and begin to rely on help from a stronger source, your time can be expedited.

Lord, please expedite our blessings in 2024 as we exercise discipline and stay connected to you.

Now walk it out....

Prelude to REST...I chose a pillow over a champagne toast

It is January 3, 2023, and I am extremely grateful to God for allowing me to see another year.  

New Year's Eve has always been an event in my family. As a little girl, I entered the New Year praising God, we called it Watchnight Service.  Growing up in a Black Pentecostal church, I thought it was just a religious service where we ended the year thanking God and began the new year thanking God.  Every choir would sing, the praise dancers did their number, people gave testimonies and we'd have our revivalist close out the night preaching and prophesying. Then we'd go to someone's house afterward to eat and continue the celebration.  Little did I know that my future husband spent much of his youth doing something similar in his Black Baptist context. After every new year, I quickly realized that none of my friends, from other cultures, brought in the new year quite the same way. They only partied! It wasn't until years later that I learned the historical significance of this "Watchnight" service.

History lesson time (Come on, you know me):

When Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation (September 1862) it was not enacted until Jan.1, 1863, New Year's day.   The night before,  enslaved Africans in Confederate states, stayed up all night in their homes or places of worship and 'watched the night' until dawn which marked their freedom. This night has also been called "Freedom's Eve". (Note: The Emancipation Proclamation was intended to free only enslaved Africans in the Confederate states. It was not originally intended for those states who remained loyal to the Union. In 1865, the 13th amendment to the Constitution was signed by Lincoln in January and ratified by the states in December.) We'll continue the history lesson later.

Fast forward...

Since my husband is a Pastor,  we brought this tradition to our church.  We would begin Watchnight service with praise & worship, listen to member testimonies, Byron would preach and we would close out at midnight "praying in" the new year.  Then we would all enjoy food, in the fellowship hall, as a church family. This is all that our sons ever knew, until the pandemic.  We strategically moved everything online to stay connected to our folk.  The pandemic, however,  has taught us that people move differently when it comes to church, which is totally fine. Our love for Jesus has not changed, but we have found other ways to stay connected and fellowship with friends and loved ones.  This year, rather than do the same thing for tradition's sake, we created a church Zoom, where folks could jump on and give their testimony.  #connection  We held the Zoom call at 7pm to allow people to be with their church family before hitting the streets to go party or hitting the bed to sleep.

I chose to sleep!

But there is a back story to my sleep choice and it's called REST.

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A couple of months ago, I began listening to an audiobook entitled, "Rest is Resistance".  Each night as I prepared for bed, I would listen to at least 20 minutes until I dozed off.  One of the things that kept coming up for me was the idea that African American women have been conditioned to be busy.  Michelle Obama, in her book, "The Light We Carry" (I just finished the hardcopy.) mentioned the same thing....the pressure to be at the top of your game because "all eyes are on you".  Black folks are put under a microscope.  Many times when walking in a room, people actually think, "I wonder how she got here...who does she know or what does she do?"  Let's be honest, It can be a room full of white people, sprinkled with a few persons of color, and many of us will think, "hmmm, I've got to know who that person is...it's like having a mythical unicorn in a room".  (Deny it if you want to, but I know you've thought that at least ONE time in your life. It's okay, I'm not judging you, because I have fallen into the same trap and oftentimes I am considered the unicorn. Ha!) Moving on...

So this idea of rest had been percolating in my mind for the past couple of months.  Only in my mind, because physically I was not resting.  Working the ministry with my husband meant that when the pandemic hit, we did not chill like many others, but we (our sons included) created a platform where our church family and people across the country could stay connected with us and be encouraged during times of uncertainty. (For 2 years, our home was a production studio!) Both of us have this crazy work ethic and hearts to serve, so it was instinctive for us to push harder, many times to the point of exhaustion. 

Any time someone would ask what I did for a living, I would simply reply EVERYTHING.

On Monday, I was at one location. Tuesday and Thursday I was at another location. Wednesday was a totally different location. Friday was supposed to be my day of rest, but I was still corresponding with students, and organizations from the other days.  I did all of this daily work, while still reading, studying, and writing as a Seminary student. (What the what, and why?) The weekend was not a reprieve for me because church work usually happened on the weekend, as we would prepare for the Sunday morning worship experience.  Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the chaos. (or at least, I had grown accustomed to it)  I was able to compartmentalize everything. "If it isn't your day, you don't get any play" or "I'm off the clock" is how I navigated the various spaces.  Oftentimes, when I arrived home, if everyone was home I felt like I had to keep moving. Only if I was home alone, I allowed myself couch time but jumped up when I heard the garage opening.  I didn't want them to see Mommy or Wifey as lazy.....it's that doggone Black woman societal conditioning again. Ugh!

Back to the percolating...

These two books began to rearrange my thoughts and overall body chemistry. There was a slow and steady shifting of priorities that was taking place. I was becoming a bit more reflective and began to make decisions that made me feel better.  I was still moving hurriedly from day to day, but I could feel something brewing inside of me.  A prelude to REST! The week before the Thanksgiving holiday, one of my "days" asked me to commit to another day of the week. (#ScheduleChange) I went home, thought about it, prayed about it, and decided that NO! is a complete sentence.  I tendered my resignation the following week.   I didn't have things figured out yet, but as soon as I chose ME, I began to feel more grounded. Rather than continuously floating from day to day, job to job, I had begun the process of anchoring myself to REST and stability.

Even as the Christmas holiday approached, I told my husband that I did not want to travel, I simply wanted to be in my home to REST. I was content in being in the same place and space for a couple of weeks to give my mind/body a chance to recover from the chaos and busyness to which I had grown accustomed. I probably should have been a bit more specific! I was forced to REST because I  ended one year and began a new one at home, sick with COVID. Ha! God has jokes! (this is why the pillow was the best option for me)

So this year, my word is REST!  By the way, REST does not equate to sleep!

I am currently listening to an audiobook, "Sacred Rest" by Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith (Come on Sis...an African American female internal medicine physician. She speaks my language!) She writes about seven components of REST.....mental, spiritual, emotional, social, sensory, creative, and physical.  Finding this book, after the other two, was a Godsend!  This is the perfect way for me to begin the year.  I had already told my family that I was going to take FB and IG off my phone for January.  #SocialMediaSabbath so that I was not inundated with other folks' stuff before I could even form my own thoughts. (I will be intentional as to when I engage on social media platforms and not look at every notification.)

I declare REST in my mind....think higher thoughts of myself and others. I am worthy!

I declare REST in my body...actually listen to what my body is telling me. Know when to get up and exercise, but know when to take a seat.

I declare REST in my daily work activities...I begin this new year with one job where I show up Monday-Friday, in a sunlit office, still helping students, but differently. (Okay... I'm still an adjunct professor, so 1.5 jobs. Ha!)

I declare REST and restoration in my finances...make more mindful, budget-friendly purchases.

Oh and by the way, in the middle of my REST revelation, I was invited to speak at a women's conference in May... "Embracing the Sabbath as Sacred: Leaning into Rest, Restoration, and Rejuvenation".  The conference will be in Cancun, Mexico. Now that's some REST right there. (Look at God!!! Ladies, as soon as I get the registration information, I'll share it with you.)

My REST revolution had been brewing for months and I wasn't even aware of it.  God was orchestrating things behind the scenes because I have always tried to remain open to the possibility that God was going to blow my mind.  In this instance, God was shifting things strategically, working behind the scenes, and causing unrest in my spirit so I could be open to the idea of REST. 

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So, what God has God been showing you? What has your gut been telling you to do? That uneasiness that you feel could be the Holy Spirit telling you that there is something more. I say trust your gut, trust your instincts, trust the Holy Spirit.....even when those around you do not understand your reasoning for switching things up. This is your narrative...your testimony...your blessing!  

I choose REST, what do you choose?

Now walk it out...

Spectrum of Allies - Education is a Social Justice Issue

I am currently a student in Seminary working on a Master of Theological Studies. One of my courses this semester is "Theology and Social Justice." Each of us had the opportunity to determine which social justice issue mattered most to us. My social justice topic of choice is education. (If you know me, you ALREADY knew this.) Throughout the semester, we discussed social strategies, including Saul Alinksy's Rules for Radicals, The Six Steps for Nonviolent Social Change based on Dr. King's nonviolent campaigns and teachings, and Mutual Aid. We furthered the conversation by identifying the tools that best address our social justice concern. 

Two strategies discussed were Pillars of Support and Spectrum of Allies.

The Pillar of support is a tool to assess the power structure and the organizations that support them. The Spectrum of Allies is a strategy tool that examines the range of social groups and forces from active supporters to most vigorous opponents. I chose the Spectrum of Allies because, with the correct information, we can convince local churches that every Black and Brown child is our mission. Before we try to get kids to live right, I want to ensure that every child can read, write, and have a positive self-image.

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Equity and access to a good education are social justice issues. During the pandemic, we realized the importance that local agencies, churches, and community centers could play in ensuring that no child went without access to Wi-Fi and learning capabilities. During the Fall 2020 school year, I served as a site coordinator of one of the Community Hope Centers, where local churches partnered w/ Urban League OKC. We ensured that students received daily affirmations and support before starting their studies. Posted around the facility were quotes of promise, determination, pride, and power meant to encourage and strengthen every person who entered the facility. We recognized that Social Emotional Learning was imperative for each young scholar's success. Research shows that when a student feels supported emotionally, it directly affects how the child learns.

Since my husband pastors a local church in Oklahoma City, I have access to knowledge regarding how the church functioned during the pandemic and how it reemerges post-pandemic. From 2020 to early parts of 2021, most of the local churches closed to their congregations, except for Sunday morning worship. Many of the local churches owned a dormant fellowship hall or community room for much of this time. Our church partnered with the local Urban League through the Cares Act funds, called Community Hope Centers, served families and proved the value of churches partnering to meet the community's needs.

I can love the church and criticize the church at the same time. Too many local churches are more concerned about church membership, viewership, and getting people to "get right" to enter heaven. We miss the importance of meeting the needs of families and children now. Many of our Black and brown students in OKC attend schools with low reading and math scores, and we expect them to grow up and compete with kids with access to more resources. What could this mean to students when this becomes important to ALL of us in the community?

During and after slavery, Black folks were not allowed to read. They understood the importance of education, so they formed their schools.' Religious institutions established schools or provided general education in Sabbath schools, which often supplied the only educational opportunity for African Americans. It was here that students learned the academic fundamentals. Yet, it was also where they received emotional support and an expectation for excellence.

I contend that local Black churches need to be concerned with the educational success of our Black and Brown students. Most recently, OKC passed one of the most significant school bonds designed to take care of the building and grounds. Most local schools that educate Black and Brown students received refurbished gyms or walking paths. We can agree that newer facilities are valuable to the student's physical abilities. Still, the community needs to invest in students' academic success.

This is where the Black church comes goes into action!

What would it look like for EVERY local Black church surrounding the nearest school with support? What if we opened our fellowship hall doors twice weekly to ensure children had snacks, free Wi-Fi, and a place to complete their homework? How could weekly tutoring help our students? We could enlist retired or senior members to work in the reading room, where they read a book for 20 minutes. High school and college students could serve as tutors or mentors while gaining community service hours. I can imagine looking around the room and seeing positive statements to keep our young scholars engaged and motivated.

An African Proverb says, "It takes a village to raise a child." The goal of community partnerships is for everyone to participate in the process of building a stronger, more productive community. Whether it be churches, synagogues, mosques, or community centers, I believe every child would benefit by having the community invested in their education. We are all stakeholders in the education of our youth. 

So, where do you stand? What is keeping you or your church from partnering with the local school? Come a little closer to the action and help join this education revolution.

Education is a social justice issue!

Now, walk it out.