Photos
Photos from the campaign trail.
September 1st Fellowship
The first Sunday of September was uplifting on Clinton Blvd in West Jackson! Started the morning with well dressed and ebullient Unity Fellowship family honoring Orlando D. (with a period!) Franklin and First Lady Courtney Franklin on their 9th anniversary leading Unity. Pastor Kenneth Stroman of Houston, Texas gave us all a sermon for the ages, and Sister Leah Curry-Williams and Brother Bibbs touched me deeply with their words.
Next, I was able to spend some time visiting the Parkview Church of Christ under the leadership of Dr. Richard Wiggins who preached about a sacrificial faith from Hebrews 11:4 -5. It’s always good to see the many Tougaloo alums at Parkview - a member pulled out a 1978 Tougaloo yearbook with photo of my pops!
August 25th Fellowship
August 25th Fellowship started at Greater Antioch MB Church - and what an amazing experience! The message of Joy and Pain resonated with everyone in attendance, as did the music. Yes, my Lord has bass! Look forward to visiting again soon with Pastor Tate’s congregation.
Next I went “home” to St. Peter MB Church on West Ridgeway under the leadership of Rev. James A. Washington, Jr. Seeing Rev. James, Jr. and Sister Shuntae brought back wonderful memories of their parents, in particular Mrs. Washington the long-time postmistress in Tougaloo who took good care of me for a long time. The congregation included clients, neighbors, colleagues, former City of Jackson co-workers and one of my “moms”, Judge Tomie Green. In the choir stand from the old Rosa Scott school was my seventh grade teacher Mr. Jones - thank you for your kind words and not embarrassing me. Yes St. Peter, I was your guest but it felt like home!
The 14th Annual Dog Gone Dition Festival
Shout out to the 14th Annual Dog Gone Dition Festival where everything was for the children, the community and for free! Special thanks to the Wildman and the effervescent Janice a/k/a Mrs. Wildman for being the gracious hosts. JFD y’all were representing the best of Jackson strong. It was good to be back in the Dition where my mother worked for over a decade with Central Mississippi Health Services - Dr. Fraser and CMHS were onsite providing education and screenings.
Parkview Church of Christ Run/Walk & Health Fair
On Saturday, July 27, Pastor Richard Wiggins and the Parkview Church of Christ family held a Run/Walk & Health Fair with a dozen booths. Having previously attended Sunday service, the Saturday event was an opportunity to visit with citizens in the Queens/Flag Chapel area in a casual atmosphere. A special shout out to those who let me walk - and even run - some laps!
Greater Mount Bethel Men’s Fellowship
Pastor Tony of Greater Mount Bethel extended an invitation to visit with the Monday Men’s Fellowship on July 29. The food and fellowship were flowing, with the group watching the Olympics while discussing how to best grow our boys into responsible men. We were also blessed with words of wisdom and a challenge from Bishop Glake Hill. I look forward to spending more time with the Greater Mount Bethel family!
July 28th Fellowship at New Horizon and Apostolic Restoration Ministry (ARMS)
The last Sunday in July welcomed 8 a.m. fellowship with Bishop Crudup and the always warm New Horizon Church congregation where Congressman Thompson, Hinds County Chancellor Hodges and City Councilwoman Virgie Lindsey were also in attendance. It is always uplifting to spend time with other public servants guided by the Spirit who want to better the City of Jackson and Hinds County!
Following early morning fellowship, I experienced an absolutely amazing service at Apostolic Restoration Ministry (ARMS) Church under the dynamic leadership of Bishop Langord Eugene Porter. In a word: wow! Anyone visiting ARMS will find a congregation enthusiastic for the goodness of the Lord. Bishop Porter orates the Word with passion and conviction. I look forward to visiting ARMS again!
July 21st Fellowship
July 21st fellowship began with Unity Baptist Fellowship Church under the dynamic leadership of Pastor Orlando D. Franklin. Sister Courtney R.Franklin and the Unity family dress to impress, and the SPIRIT of Unity Fellowship filled the sanctuary several times over. I look forward to joining you for Pastor Franklin’s upcoming anniversary!
Morning Star Baptist Church Friends and Family Day was the next place of worship and fellowship. After moving musical uplift from the youth choir, Rev. Johnson delivered an impassioned message on the importance of families living together as one. Psalm 133:1. Thank you Rev. Johnson for remembering our children as students at New Hope Christian School, and thank you Deacon McNair for inviting me to fellowship after the service. The food was wonderful, and it was so good to visit friends from earlier common good.
July 14 Fellowship
Fellowship on this second Sunday of July started at Parkview Church of Christ with Pastor Richard Wiggins who spoke on The Awesome Concept of Redemption. Ephesians 1:6-7. Thank you for the warm embrace, and I look forward to visiting again. Special appreciation to the Tougaloo alumni who remembered me as a youngster around campus!
Next was the awesomely uplifting Progressive M.B. Church Women’s Day! Thank you Rev. Arthur A. Sutton for the warm words, and thank you Dr. (Sister and Soror!) Brown for bringing down the house with “Victory in the Midst of a Storm.” Isaiah 43:2. The Women, under First Lady Vonnie G. Sutton truly staked their claims as enthusiastic God-fearing servants!
Our third fellowship of the day occurred at the Liberal Trinity Church of God in Christ Friends & Family Day. Thank you Pastor Brown for extending the invitation to participate in the energetic “We are Stronger Together” praise. Psalms 133:1/Romans 8:28. To the members who greeted me warmly, remembering me from previous engagements over the years, your uplift was truly touching.
Last but not least, Fellowship concluded at Praise Tabernacle Ministries Church under the inspired leadership of Pastor J W Spies! Bishop Ronnie Crudup was special guest and proclaimed Praise Tabernacle as growing church poised to have members chasing them as they move into the new sanctuary. Special thanks to the love from my homegirl Lynn and long time supporter Frank Dixon. While this was my first time at Praise Tabernacle, it will not be my last!
July 6th Fellowship
Judge Tee started Sunday Fellowship at Pearl Street A.M.E., the last church of his late mother. Pastor Boyd graciously acknowledged the Judge’s mother, and the Judge was warmly welcomed by members who knew him “back when.” The feeling of home best describes the beautiful people of Pearl Street.
Greater Mt. Sinai was next to invite Judge Tee to fellowship where he and the congregation witnessed three young people committing to the Lord. Not only was he Baptizing, along with the some of the most lively Sunday music anywhere, Pastor Gibson was rousing every Christian on Bailey Avenue!
Sunday fellowship was capped by Judge Tee’s wife, Lisa, meeting him at Cade Chapel where they enjoyed the oratory skills of Pastor Buckley. Thank you to many Tougaloo alumni who spoke with us after the service. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
