These 9 activists sowed the seeds of change. Now they're nurturing growth in young leaders
Roots are life.
To the untrained eye, roots appear to have no clear purpose. But just as they nourish plants, spurring vibrancy and growth, strong roots anchor humanity.
We invite you to take a moment to read about a group of men and women who have fostered such roots -- stories detailing courage, determination, resolve, consciousness, patience and persistence.
You will find seasoned champions of the underserved, the violated, the marginalized, as well as those who have, throughout the years, executed strategies that have blazed new trails.
The subjects have varied vocations, from attorneys and clergy to educators, entertainers and political servants. They have used their roles to become that initial beacon of light unto the path of equity and inclusion - long before those terms became buzzwords on the present social media landscape.
Those who serve as the focal points are entrenched in a variety of states ranging from Alabama and New York to Indiana and North Carolina. While their goals and missions vary, the commonality lies in the unquenchable thirst to enhance quality of life.
The subjects in these stories are templates. Buoyed by hope, advocacy, strategic implementation and a willingness to provide solutions to all manner of societal ills, these men and women have selflessly, diligently and graciously served as roots, yet stand as tall as Redwoods. Their vast contributions to advancing the cause of righting wrongs while bridging generations have proven peerless and have left indelible marks upon our psyche.
You're encouraged to immerse yourself in a sliver of living history.
For we all know at the foundation of all history lies the root.
Douglas Clark, Staff Writer, Amarillo (TX) Globe-News
THE DIFFERENCE MAKER
Katie Snuggs, Asheboro, North Carolina
After personally experiencing discrimination and segregation, Katie Snuggs spoke out and protested more than 50 years ago. While hoping for today’s protests to be more peaceful, she keeps her focus on what she can affect: her city.
THE PUBLIC SERVANT
Rev. Adrian Brooks, Evansville, Indiana
Rev. Adrian Brooks has taken action to improve his community, one project at a time. He's worked with his congregation and city leaders to develop a number of initiatives aimed at redevelopment and improving people's lives.
THE BRIDGE BUILDER
Wayne Riley, Corbin, Kentucky
For 66 of his 67 years, Wayne Riley has heard about the nearby riot that drove Blacks out and made them feel unwelcome. Now, he hopes to not only change that perspective, but show others in Appalachia the similarities in struggles they face.
THE LIFE SAVER
AJ McCleod, Lubbock, Texas
AJ McCleod is walking to end gun violence. He hopes to promote peace and mentor youth by building relationships to show them opportunities they may not be aware of -- and deter them from an enticing but dangerous path of the streets.
THE COURTROOM WARRIOR
Fred Gray, Montgomery, Alabama
In the legal realm between the mid-1950s and today, if it had to do with segregation or civil rights in Alabama, Fred Gray likely had a hand in it, including such clients as Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. -- often while facing threats of his own.
THE GIVING ADVOCATE
Tammy Jackson-Moore, Belle , Florida
Tammy Jackson-Moore gives as much as she can. She makes sure the voices of the impoverished communities are heard on the legislative end, and their needs are met. Recently, that translated to a food distribution / COVID-19 testing site.
THE STRENGTH BUILDER
Evonia Pollard, Savannah, Georgia
Evonia Pollard knows the toll gender transition can have on families, communities and individuals. She’s there, to protect and guide on of the most marginalized groups in her community: Black transgender people.
THE TEACHER
Patrick Johnson, Utica, New York
Patrick Johnson has taught hundreds at his racism awareness seminars. He also hopes to open the eyes of those involved in gun violence and serves as a liaison between the community and police, among other community contributions he has made.
THE PEACEFUL STRATEGIST
Bertha Todd, Wilmington, North Carolina
Lifelong advocate Bertha Todd has met face to face to talk with Ku Klux Klan leaders during their rallies. She has also helped a story, which many people did not want told, become an important part of public discourse: her community's dark past from 100 years ago.
Read Part 1 of Justice In My Town
JUSTICE IN MY TOWN - Old Guard
These 9 activists sowed the seeds of change. Now they're nurturing growth in young leaders
Asheboro, North Carolina - She put herself on the line during the Civil Rights era. Now in her 80s, she's pushing for peace.
Evansville, Indiana - From advocacy to action: How one pastor is fostering change in Evansville
Louisville, Kentucky - In former 'sundown' town shadowed by racist past, advocates seek allies for racial justice
Lubbock, Texas - In Lubbock, young people are dying due to gun violence. Here's how one advocate is reaching out
Montgomery, Alabama - Fred Gray kept his personal promise, took the protests to the courtroom and won again and again
Palm Beach, Florida - 'We don't deserve any less': This activist is amplifying Palm Beach County's voices in need
Savannah, Georgia - Meet the burlesque group teaming up with a local activist to support Black transgender lives
Utica, New York - For Utica teacher, raising awareness about racial inequality is a never-ending goal
Wilmington, North Carolina - How one advocate became the conscience of Wilmington by bridging communities
The team behind Justice in My Town - Old Guard
REPORTING: Douglas Clark Amarillo, Texas, Ray Criscoe Asheboro, NC, Hannah Winston Belle Glade, Fla., Chris Kenning Corbin, Ky., Mark Wilson Evansville, Ind., Gabriel Monte Lubbock, Texas, Safiya Charles Montgomery, Ala., Asha Gilbert Savannah, Ga., H. Rose Schneider Utica, N.Y., Scott Nunn Wilmington, N.C.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND VIDEOGRAPHY: Scott Pelkey Asheboro, N.C., Allen Eyestone Belle Glade, Fla., Joseph Forzano Belle Glade, FL, Sam Upshaw Corbin, Ky., Mike Lawrence Evansville, Ind., Mickey Welsh Montgomery, Ala., Steve Bisson Savannah, Ga., Adriana Iris Boatwright Savannah, Ga., Asha Gilbert Savannah, Ga., Alex Cooper Utica, N.Y., Matt Born Wilmington, N.C.
EDITORS: Rana L. Cash, Jill Nevels-Haun, Kristina Wood
DIGITAL PRODUCTION AND DEVELOPMENT: Spencer Holladay, Diane Pantaleo, Elizabeth Milano, Cole Johnson
SOCIAL MEDIA, ENGAGEMENT AND PROMOTION: Sarah Robinson, Ana Hurler, Melanie Balakit, Courtney Sebasta
This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: These 9 activists made history. Now they're inspiring young leaders
