Modeled after the Samuel DeWitt Proctor Conference (SDPC), MLK New Jerusalem was birthed with the "hope and faith that the organization would focus on what was proclaimed in the fourth chapter of Luke, to set captives free and to give liberty to those who are oppressed." We, too, "seek to change the socio-political landscape for those in need as we continue our fervent quest and biblical directive to do justice."
With this calling, MLK New Jerusalem boldly enters into the public square with an engaged prophetic imagination to work with clergy, organizational leaders of all socio-political stripes and "everyday ordinary blues people" to bring about constructive change on behalf of vulnerable and marginalized populations in our community. To date, we have focused on sexual and domestic violence issues; issues associated with mass incarceration and the "returning citizen" to community; and the ongoing challenges associated with poverty and its intersections with race and class.
COVID has either slowed or paused some of our work. But normally, features of our programming at the Freedom Center include Intentional Faith Development (IFD) opportunities for those interested in "fleshing out" their faith. These include a myriad of opportunities that cannot necessarily all be captured here, but the IFD opportunities are inclusive of the following:
- monthly offerings of LeChristopher's Southern Cuisine (and also now the ever popular LeChristopher's Cafe, which is in development phase);
- Tyson-Hurst Food Pantry and Food Distribution work with various partners, including the Northeast Iowa Food Bank;
- Catalyst for community-wide book reads as well as Movie Viewing and Group Discussions on a host of issues, including International Human and Civil Rights Subjects;
- Undoing Racism Workshops (TBA) in partnership with Kaye Englin and Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa;
- Recruitment and financial assistance for Higher Education opportunities with Rust College, an HBCU in northern Mississippi;
- and the annual MLK Freedom Bus Tour (Memphis, Birmingham, Montgomery, Selma) with attendant educational discussions, personal reflections and curriculum (For more information about the Tour, please see "Links" tab on this website, then click on MLK Freedom Bus Tour, or Human Rights Commission MLK Freedom Bus Tour).
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We champion, support and/or co-sponsor the following event(s):
MLK Freedom Bus TourSM
Presenting Sponsor(s)
ALLEN COLLEGE - MLK New Jerusalem
2023 November 13-17, Monday- Friday
Memphis, Birmingham, Montgomery and Selma
Cost $450/person
Checks/Money Orders made out to MLK New Jerusalem with MLK Freedom Bus Tour in the memo line
For more information and registration for the trip,
please contact Nancy Culpepper or Abraham L Funchess, Jr., at
319-291-4441
You can also pay by Venmo
FMI, See "Links" tab on this website, then click MLK Freedom Bus Tour or Human Rights Commission MLK Freedom Bus Tour.
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LeChristopher's Southern Cuisine
Second Sundays of the Month (12:00 PM, Starting September 10, 2023 - $20)
Contagious Hospitality
Restaurant-Style Ambiance
Jazz Background Music
FMI, call 319-504-0081(Funchess) or 319-234-5307(Jubilee)
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MLK55: Fifty Five Years Since King: Chaos or Community?
More to come! Stay tuned.
For more information, you may call 319-504-0081 (or 319-291-4441, Director Funchess)
