As we experience this new year of and new decade in our lives, I continue with my thoughts on a clear and concise vision. Being clear and concise is not always a smooth experience because it demands being courageous and honorable. Sometimes a paradigm shift in our lives is necessary. Our thinking and focus must change. We need a different perspective. The changes we make can re-enforce our foundation. They make us stronger, wiser, more caring and sensitive, more intentional with our thoughts and our words. Foundations matter. When a foundation is weak, danger looms and catastrophe could happen. Whether…
Author: Rev. Howard Jones Jr.
It was on this past Wednesday, April 4, that we recognized the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. We recall with great sadness this hideous crime that happened in our state, though if it had happened anywhere in the world, it would still mark a tremendous destruction of a great human being. He was indeed the world’s greatest Peacemaker, as some call him, killed by a sniper’s bullet on April 4, 1968, at the Lorraine Motel, now the National Civil Rights Museum. He was in Memphis to support the sanitation workers, and was shot with a…
Veteran’s Day is all about honoring the men and women who have served our great country, and this weekend we have plenty of opportunities to do just that. These brave men and women have fought for our freedoms and the preservation of our unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit happiness. There are parades, ceremonial events at Veterans cemeteries, family, faith-based, and government activities to show respect for these American citizens. It is our responsibility to honor these individuals and demonstrate our continued support of and for them as they relive their memories of service-some good, and some not so…
During these last several months, I have had the opportunity to have some productive and heartfelt experiences with the citizens of this city. From business owners, to elected officials, to youth and seniors and many others, I have listened and learned from all of these exchanges. For this week’s message, I am focusing on our Seniors and ancestors. It is my constant prayer that our Senior’s golden years be fruitful, enjoyable, pleasant and safe. They have meaningful concerns about their health, economic status, living conditions and family involvement. Recently I was involved in an activity to benefit the research for…
Last week I announced my willingness to serve as a candidate for the 19th State Senatorial District. As many of you know, I like others have heard the rumblings and conversations that Senator Thelma Harper may retire and not run for re-election. Born and reared in Nashville, I have watched for more than 30 years how she became one of our most successful senators after monumental accomplishments as a metro councilwoman. Senator Harper always did more than what was required as a public servant. It was about helping and caring for others, while ensuring economic development within the 19th District. Hearing she…
Part II of a II Part Series Last week I wrote about “Why We Should Vote,” and gave a historical perspective. Now I am stating “We MUST Vote,” no matter what. Voting in the 2008 presidential election resulted in the election of the first African-American President of the United States. Comedian Dick Gregory posed the question, some years back, would white folks vote for a Black man for president? They did and he won. Furthermore, African Americans were emotionally charged and voted overwhelmingly for Barack Obama and he was re-elected and served two full terms. The results reveal, we must…
As we begin the observance of Black History Month, it is important to remember the gains that have been made, and yet, there is so much more that must be done, to prevent an erosion of those gains and continue to move forward, despite the obvious. One way to reach that goal is to focus on why voting is imperative. Who voted, who did not vote. How can one win the popular vote and lose in the electoral college vote. Why vote? Regardless of all these issues, it is significant to point out that voting is still the opportunity for…
As we begin another year, we are thankful for the many triumphs we experienced during 2016 and years past. We are thankful to have seen yet another year, 2017. Kingdom Café & Grill, an outreach ministry of Fairfield M. B. Church opened with great fanfare and is a significant ministry to the public. In 2016, we faced many challenges. There were countless, needless murders of African American children, and we must work diligently to strive to fashion a way to end senseless violence in all of our communities nationwide. Additionally, we lost many stalwarts in our community from natural and…