As we prepare for the transition of our long-time Executive Director, Jacob Flowers, from the organization we are pleased to announce that Brad Watkins will be stepping into the role. Brad has served our community through this organization for seven-years as our Organizing Director. He will officially assume his new position on June 1. Please join me in welcoming Brad into his new role. Please also consider giving a donation to the Ten for Ten Fund that we have established to honor our outgoing Executive Director’s ten-years of service to the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center.
Friends,
Under Jacob’s stewardship, the MSPJC has grown and evolved, producing an incredible body of work rooted in our most deeply-held principles. His work has connected global oppression to local injustice, asking us to focus not only on those that suffer overseas, but also those that suffer right next door. Beyond this, Jacob’s leadership allowed us to build a “people’s organization” with an amazing and diverse staff aided by one of the strongest board of directors this organization has ever had.
Over the past six years it has been my pleasure and honor to serve alongside Jacob as Organizing Director and with your help, we have made great strides towards a more equitable community. Local issues like environmental justice, homelessness, and public transit have become cornerstones of the MSPJC, as evidenced by grassroots movements like GrowMemphis, H.O.P.E., and the Memphis Bus Riders Union. The Gandhi-King conference has developed into a major event and our training department has provided resources and mentoring to foster leadership and build our base of local activists winning real victories for their communities.
We stand on the shoulders of giants and we all have a deep commitment to protect hard-won victories. Change can be scary, but it can also provide a space to envision new directions. Moving forward, we will continue to push on issues like criminal justice reform, housing justice, and tenant advocacy. I personally feel that it is past time that our community begins to have the deep conversations necessary for real solidarity and understanding between African American and Latino communities. In this time of transition, we will need your continued support and guidance to thrive and continue our most important work of building communities of liberation.
Executive Director is a temporary job in a permanent struggle. My goal is to constantly build a movement bigger than myself, my time, or any individual or era. Please feel welcome to approach me or my staff at any time. As Executive Director, I will need your counsel and ideas. This is your organization and that’s one thing that will never change.
In Solidarity,
Brad Watkins
brad@midsouthpeace.org
901.725.4990
Please join us in welcoming and supporting Brad as he manages this important transition for our organization. In the next few days, we will be announcing a farewell Roast and Toast event to honor Jacob and his work. In the meantime please consider showing your support with a donation to the Ten for Ten Fund, A donation of any amount to this fund will get you into the Raost and Toast event free of charge. You can give securely online through this link or by mailing contributions to our office at 3573 Southern Ave. Memphis, TN 38111.
Help us honor Jacob’s ten years of service to our community here at the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center. Make a donation today!
Thank you all for your ongoing support of the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions, ideas for action or for assistance in fighting the injustices in your community.