Bishop Jakes Captures Historic Mother-to-Mother Moment: Sybrina Fulton Honors Allison Jean at International Gathering
A brief word from SMG founder, Fred Willis: Last night when I saw this, I couldn’t hold back my emotions. To hear from this mother, still in the throes of grief, flanked by Bishop, Lady Jakes and Sybrina Fulton was a lot to grasp. Bishop Jakes serves as Pastor to Dallas County DA, Faith Johnson who is charged with the pursuit of justice for Botham Jean’s unjust killing. DA Johnson has quite a task on her hands because successfully prosecuting and ultimately convicting police officers in America is not yet the norm.
In his wisdom, I’m certain that Bishop Jakes is praying for DA Johnson and the Jean family who are both seeking justice in this matter. For Johnson, the conviction of Amber Guyger could come at the cost of her professional career if some officers and unions have their way. In this moment, I celebrate Bishop Jakes, Lady Serita Jakes and God’s Leading Ladies for bestowing this honor and placing the weight of their support and prayers behind this family who has endured an international tragedy. -Fred
Trayvon Martin‘s mother, Sybrina Fulton, presented the Lady of Grace award to Allison Jean, mother of Botham Jean, last night during the God’s Leading Ladies gala at Bishop T.D. Jakes’ Woman, Thou Art Loosed!Master Class conference. The award recognizes Jean’s grace, courageous faith, strength and resilience as she rose up to advocate not only for her son, but for others who have unjustly lost their lives.
The historic moment captured the two women who are inextricably linked by the tragic and unexpected loss of their sons through racially motivated violence: one to an overzealous neighbor and the other to an off-duty police officer. Fulton has become an advocate and consoler to other families who have lost loved ones due to violence.
Jakes, senior pastor of The Potter’s House, has worked to keep public attention on the issue of racially unjust violence:
“This is a 200-year-old problem that we are still facing within contemporary society. Today too many families have become victims to senseless tragedies. Now is the time to unite and not divide. We need leaders of all colors to come together and recognize we have a problem across America. My hope and prayer is that together as a community we can work together to educate society and change this disturbing pattern. Regardless of race and background, every mother should feel that her children are safe.”
The 2018 Woman, Thou Art Loosed! Master Class runs until Oct. 20 at The Potter’s House in Dallas. For more than 25 years, Woman, Thou Art Loosed! has been training, teaching and inspiring more than half a million women. This year’s new Master Class format will feature breakout panels on topics such as the challenges female leaders face in male-dominated work environments, how to achieve work-life balance, how to succeed in corporate America and tips to maintain healthy relationships.
Visit WTAL.org for more information on confirmed speakers, talent, the full schedule and special event updates. Stay connected on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram by following @MyWTALConf.
