Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Mother African Church
MLK Jr. Day was the impetus for an Action Forum to raise awareness and inspire action to effect social change around issues of racial disparity and race relations. This year's focus was on the disproportionate mass incarceration of African Americans and how that exacerbates a caste system that influences society's beliefs and attitudes about the ability of black males to make positive contributions to family and community.
The forum featured Marsha Banks (pictured), founder of Amiracle4sure and was followed by a panel discussion with community leaders that are vested in growing local reentry programs and initiatives. Participants were encouraged to examine their own beliefs about the potential of human beings to make a fresh start and held lively conversation about obstacles and opportunities for change.
Marsha Banks' ministry focuses on renewing, refreshing, and restoring life with women whose lives have been impacted by negative experiences. Trapped in an abusive marriage for 10 years, she turned to drugs and ended in prison where she served three years. After discovering how to transform her life, it has become her mission to share her experience and knowledge with women with similar life experiences.
