Let's Talk Justice: Recent Episodes
Front Porch Conversation
Join us on Front Porch Conversation on Justice as we have a discussion with Charlie Self, the Director of City Expansion for the Made To Flourish Network, about how they empower pastors and churches.
"One area where many struggle to make a connection — and where pastors often don’t know how to equip their congregations — is integrating the Christian faith with work and economic wisdom.
Most of our lives are spent working (whether paid or unpaid), but rarely do churches consistently address this topic head on. By failing to do so, churches miss the opportunity to minister to their congregations right where they live. In addition, we may be ignoring an area where many people seal off their faith from their lives." (Made To Flourish)
Join me for live disccussion on Front Porch Conversation for Justice with mothers who lost their sons and daughters to violence on the streets of Hampton and Newport News in Virginia. In June 2018 Anita Gonzalez started a group called "Peninsula Families United Together".
Since the brutal slaying of her son she decided to reach out to others who have suffered similar trauma. Anita wanted to bring together mothers/families to work through their trauma, forgiveness, accountability and restrorative justice. Also, to become a voice to the young people in the communities to break the chain of violence and revenge.
Join us as we "Circle Up" with mothers of murdered children.
Join us live on Front Porch Conversation on Justice as we have a discussion with Charlie Self, the Director of City Expansion for the Made To Flourish Network, about how they empower pastors and churches.
"One area where many struggle to make a connection — and where pastors often don’t know how to equip their congregations — is integrating the Christian faith with work and economic wisdom.
Most of our lives are spent working (whether paid or unpaid), but rarely do churches consistently address this topic head on. By failing to do so, churches miss the opportunity to minister to their congregations right where they live. In addition, we may be ignoring an area where many people seal off their faith from their lives." (Made To Flourish)
Join us as we have a indept discussion with Cheryl Miller of Quantum Circles located in Victoria, Texas as we discuss the Language of Shalom, Reconciliation Circles and effecting Transformative Community Dialogue.
Also, we will have further dialogue with Summer Shine, proprietor of Luna Juice Bar in Waco, Texas. Hear Summer's story from a life on the streets and addiction to becoming a social enterprise entrepreneur.
Join this repeat show as the project draws closer to completion, Let's talk about foster parenting and community engagement.
"I'm hoping more and more white churches become uncomfortable places for prejudice and deep seated racism. It should be an inhospitable environment for these things." (April McCullohs)
Join me on Front Porch Conversation on Justice as we have a conversation with April McCullohs about the environment in churches that perpetuate racism and prejudice. We listen on Sunday mornings and other times to the messenger (preacher) talking about what heaven will be like but which heaven are they speaking about?
There is a hymn that contain the words "when we all get to heaven"....hmmmmmm!!!
Join me, Charles Cheek,, your host as we examine these and other related topics on Front Porch Conversation On Justice.
Is there a Color Blind Worship Experience?
We will have as our special guest Chris House, an extraordinary talented worship leader, music writer, musician, vocal advocate for the lost and the disenfranchised, and, a man who loves God with every ounce of breath...and, with his heart...and, with his soul. Some of our discussion with center around "Race and the Christian Worship Experience In a Multi-Cultural Church".
"The oppressed and mistreated compromise, yet are still met with opposition, hate and misunderstanding....."(Chris House). We will have other guest join us as we, also, delve deep into this profound statement.
Join me, Charles Cheek (your host) as we talk "Justice",
Our upcoming show on "Front Porch Conversation on Justice" examines the process of taking a relic skating rink in a community and returning it to the community as a "Community Center With A Skating Rink". We will have a conversation with Keith Foster who decided to step in and "Hyper Revitalize" the building into a "Community Center With A Skating Rink". We will discuss how his vision and dream is becoming a reality, with various community agencies and groups coming on board to insert needed and wanted programs and activities that will benefit the entire age span of the neighborhood, communities and cities served.
We will also have a discussion with one of the agencies that is coming on board to support the effort and to provide a needed service and outlet for Foster Children and Foster Parents. We will also welcome Desiree Sterling of Becoming Families to be part of the conversation.
Join me, Charles Cheek, your host as we continue our look at the winners and losers in developing community.
An excerpt from the "White Ladies Chat"..."You see, once you're taught something is wrong, human reaction typically elicits a corresponding learned situational response...For me, this second half of life now revolves around unlearning much of what was learned in my formative years. It's about constantly challenging and reassessing my dual thinking in what I see as right and wrong." ...Diane Miller.
Join me on Front Porch Conversation on Justice as I have a conversation with Diane Miller (Chicago) as we discuss Deconstructing The Story of "White".
Join the conversation as we dig deep into social and biblical justice as it relates to the mindset and worldview of America. We will examine and answer the question "Which Monument Will Stand In America and Why?" We will be joined by two very prominent individuals who have extensive knowledge, experience and activism in the realm of civil rights, social and biblical justice: Noel Castellanos is the President of the nationally known Christian Community Development Association based in Chicago, Illinois and Don Coleman a Pastor of a multi-ethnic church in Richmond, Va.. Both of these gentlemen are sought after speakers on the subject of justice and the church and speak nationally and internationally on these and other subjects.
Join me, Charles Cheek, your host...if you have a question or a comment during the show don't forget to press #1 on your phone to be recognized.
Join me as I host another episode of "Little People Having Their Opinions Heard". Join my guests Tamia and Madison as we delve into what a new school year has in store. The 2018-19 school year ...New Teachers, New Classmates, New Learning System and Learning New Things and Subjects.
We will also talk about a fun fact: What does it mean our school has moved to more electronic devices...One Less Paper, Better Learning, More Options For Homework.
Join me as I have a conversation, on the next episode of "Front Porch Conversation on Justice", with Synetheia Newby the Executive Director of the City of Hampton's Citizens Unity Commission.
"The Citizens Unity Commission is a department within the City of Hampton (Virginia)...its mission is to ensure that Hampton will be a city that is welcoming, supportive, and inclusive of all citizens, regardless of race, color, class, religion, age, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity."
What programs and methods are utilized to insure that the mission of the Citizens Unity Commission is incorporating the diverse citizenry of Hampton? Why is a Citizens Unity Commission needed during these times? Who is ultimately responsible for the City being "welcoming"?
Planting a Diverse Church in a Divided World???...Join our first time guest host, noted author Chuck Harrison, as he has a conversation with John Ware who is planting a new church which will be intentional about ethnic diversity from the start. From the leadership team on down, this church will reflect the ethnicity of his community. This unconventional church will meet in a "movie theater".
In a recent Facebook post, John wrote, “racism is still alive in the USA and should be called out, challenged, and lovingly but firmly eradicated everywhere, but especially in the church, where Jesus and His teachings and values should be taught and lived.”
Come hang out on the porch and hear John reflect on what it is like starting a new work of bringing people together in a time when there is so much division in our world. His message that “throwing stones doesn’t change people, grace and love does” is a message we need to hear.
Join me and my guests Tamia and Maddie as we explore the world according to the little people.
We will have a conversation with several dynamic "village (community) leaders" who are redefining today's village networks. Join Sherron Hedgepeth-Sanders, William Shackleford and Derrick Perkins as we look at the historically systemic injustices that have been levied upon and supported in our communities my a myriad of players - some internal and some external. We will examine how they are breaking the chains that have bound and crippled our neighborhoods and communities.
Join me, Charles Cheek, in another exciting and informative episode of Front Porch Conversation on Justice.
Join us as we have a discussion with Andrew Millard, Minister at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of the Peninsula in Newport News, Virginia as we address issues surrounding Social Justice.
Racial Justice - Every person has value as a member of the human family. The suffering caused by racism must be ended if we want to create fair and loving communities. We work to end racial discrimination and injustice, starting within ourselves and moving out into the world around us. We support multiracial, multiethnic congregations and advocate for stopping racist policies like mass imprisonment and attacks on voting rights. Our multicultural ministries will continue until there is peace, liberty, and justice for all.
Immigrant Justice - Just as love knows no borders, our dedication to justice reaches across boundaries and walls. We stand on the side of love with all families, regardless of citizenship status, and strive to create welcoming communities and congregations. We organize and advocate for immigration reform, for an end to detentions and deportations, and for a world where hands are extended in peace and care across borders and no one feels forced to leave home or risk death in pursuit of a decent life for their family.
Economic Justice - We see a thousand injustices, from climate change to homelessness, from mass incarceration to low-income as such we know that the escalation of economic inequality undergirds wage worker exploitation. Economic inequality also disproportionately impacts people of color. A better world is possible, and we strive to be part of the solution We work for justice, equity, and compassion in our relationships and systemic change in our society.
"My dad lives about 100 feet from this Boys and Girls Club. He knows I'm here every day at the same time," said 18-year-old DeSean Williams. "He knows what I'm doing, but he doesn't make the effort to come see me. I don't get a 'hello,' a text message. It's nothing."
"I'm only 26 years old and I'm the closest thing these boys have to a father figure. That frustrated me," said Bertrand. "It's a program that makes kids understand that getting older doesn't make you a man. It's taking accountability of your actions and being a person people can depend on."
Bertrand and his friend Jackson know that becoming a man doesn't come without bumps in the road. He knows the violence in their community. These two mentors were robbed and shot leaving a homecoming game in November.
“It’s not fair to expect young men to know how to act in society without positive role models to instill morals and values at an early age,” said Area Director Cameron Bertrand.
Passport to Manhood is preparing today’s young males to be tomorrow’s driven gentlemen.
Join our conversation as we have a discussion with Cameron Bertrand (program organizer and one of the Passport to Manhood participants "Desean"... let's talk JustUS (Justice)...
Unemployment is a global problem that requires a local solution. At Jobs For Life (JFL), we believe the solution is found within the local church. Shay Bethea, Director of Training and Leadership Development at Jobs For Life National Office will help us explore this concept of restoration
Join the conversation on Thursday, July 6th at 1:00pm (eastern time zone) with CCDA staff members Ava Steffens (Interim CEO) and Michelle Warren (Advocacy and Strategic Engagement Director) as we examine the following: "The desperate conditions that face the poor call for a revolution in the church's approach to the problem." We will examinethis statement by looking at the history of CCDA, it's evolution through issues it is addressing at this time that effect "poor and marginalized communities" and we will talk about how you as an individual, church or organization may become involved. https://ccda.Org
Talk about relationship building, Social and Blblical Justice issuesCCDA principles and Christianity from their recent mission trip to the Navajo Reservation in Arizona, Utah and New Mexico.
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"The Navajo Experience - Biblical and Social Justice" - Live from the Navajo Reservation at Cove Christian Church in Cove, Arizona with Pastor Becky Holland of Pure Water Ministry and Pastor Evelyn Yazzie of Cove Christian Church and others who have lived their lives on the Navajo Reservation.
A historical and present day look at the Implicit and Explicit biases of the church as it relates to race and racism. We will have an enlightened converation with Daniel Willson, Pastor of Williamsburg Baptist Church in Williamsburg, Virginia who has done extenisve research and study in this area as part of the dominant culture. As usual, we welcome your opinions by calling into the show ith comments or questions.
Does the neighborhood/community have the assets amongst the people who live there to make a significant difference?
Let's Talk Justice with Pastor Phillip Harris from Ferguson, Missouri who is here for the Mid-Atlantic Justice Conference LITE. We will discuss the state of affairs in Ferguson today and how lives and circumstances have changed. We will look at the social justice issues that still evolve around Ferguson and how we can shape those conversations in today's environment in our neighborhoods and communities.
We will discuss the intersect of biblical and social justice in today's world as it relates to evangelical christians
We will talk with Synethia White, City of Hampton (Va) Youth Violence Prevention Coordinator about Social Justice issues relating to the prevention of and addressing Violence amongst Young Black Males. Also, about her presentation at the upcoming Mid-Atlantic Regional Justice Conference and reflections on the Urgency of Now Conference that just took place that her office spearheaded along with Cities United.
The upcoming Mid-Atlantic Regional Justice Conference will empower and explore the ways individuals and communities can come together to address social justice issues.