In preparation for participation in a community prayer meeting and public forum at Baker Chapel AME Church I have been revisiting Dr. King’s book “Where Do We Go from Here, Chaos or Community?” These words of Dr. King’s are as true today as they were when he wrote them in 1967:

“A true revolution of value will soon cause us to question the fairness and justice of many of our past and present policies. We are called to play the Good Samaritan on life’s roadside; but that will only be an initial act. One day the whole Jericho Road must be transformed so that men and women will not be beaten and robbed as they make their journey through life. True compassion is more than flinging a coin to a beggar; it understands that an edifice which produces beggars needs restructuring.”

I remain in prayer for the family of Atatiana Jefferson and the entire City of Fort Worth. Yet I know thoughts and prayers are not enough. We must not only pray for, but also actively seek a deep change within ourselves, our community, and our society at-large. A major shift in both personal consciousness and also public policy is necessary.

The Baker Chapel meeting has been organized to this constructive end. The meeting will take place at 6pm Thursday. Several elected officials and local community leaders have agreed to take part. Dialogue will be encouraged. Courageous conversation will take place. This is how we go forward together from here.

In advance of the meeting, I encourage all to read the report from the Fort Worth Task Force on Race and Culture found at the link below. It is a blueprint for transforming the Jericho Road and truly making Fort Worth a safe and just city for all.


The Race and Culture Task Force report:
https://img1.wsimg.com/blobby/go/5c58fc05-915b-4f0c-80c7-b5e764e5eac7/downloads/1ct8qi85p_463130.pdf