On July 16, 2021 I had the privilege of attending the unveiling of the Ida B. Wells statue in the new Ida B. Wells Plaza located in downtown Memphis. Being a participant at the event was life enhancing as we honored a woman who was born in 1862 and fought for racial injustices such as lynching until she died in 1931. Ms. Wells taught in two Memphis schools before becoming a full-time journalist. In 1892, three black men, who were friends with Ms. Wells, were lynched. She wrote articles about the lynching, placing her life in danger. Her historic Beale Street office was destroyed and her life was threatened for her reporting on the lynching. The threats eventually forced Ms. Wells to leave Memphis and move to Chicago where she married and raised her family while continuing to raise awareness of injustices. This is not meant to be a history lesson, but rather background, as I desire to share my experience on that very warm day in July. I was thrilled to see the City of Memphis, its leaders, public officials and citizens gathered to honor Ms. Wells.

Three days later, on July 19, Families Matter began its 30^th class session educating, mentoring and enhancing the lives of parents, mostly men, one family at a time through our Nurturing Parenting program. The 10-week sessions are created to bring enjoyment to children and family members as parents are encouraged to support their families. The time quickly passes when one realizes that all people make mistakes and that acknowledgment of the mistakes is necessary in order to build and maintain healthy relationships.

Be sure to watch the video below, “A Father’s Transformation,” to hear a brief statement from one of our most recent graduates who wanted to share his experience in the Nurturing Parenting class.

-Carol Jackson