common connections foundation
Oil painting by Je Hlobik via Etsy
C O M M O N L E G A C Y
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Common Legacy provides "keys to the future" through small gifts and grant awards that we work to match through community fundraising, paying it forward to underserved youth, individuals and communities. Our two funds are in honor of the Harry and Rachel Williams Family and civil rights leader and historian, Rev. Dr. Calvin Morris. Our current focus is "Health & Wellness" and "Literacy, Culture & Faith". |
Providing Keys to the Future
Harry and Rachel Williams Family Fund
Mississippi Magnolia
Health and Wellness
(Family Focused Community Initiatives) |
The Harry and Rachel Williams' Fund was created in honor of the late and loving grandparents of Common Connections Foundation's founder Alison Jenkins. Drew, Mississippi was home to Harry and Rachel and their children before joining the migration north and settling in Chicago's South Shore community.
The Great Migration to northern urban life was the key to freedom and a better quality of life for African Africans. Solid employment access, well -rounded educational opportunities and class advancement not afforded to Black families in the racist and Jim Crow South. Yet, with this urban settlement and transition came repackaged subjection and exposures. Adaption to a different environment and way of living that today requires a wholistic health approach to longevity, which is more apparent and encouraged in present times than past. Creating ways to improve health and wellness within BIPOC families and communities is a connection that strengthens and unites us. Make progress with us. |
Rev. Dr. Calvin Morris Fund
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Rev. Dr. Calvin S. Morris’ life is full and rich with history, especially Black History! Born and raised in the “City of Brotherly Love”, Rev. Morris worked with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rev. Jesse Jackson serving as Associate Director for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference’s Operation Bread Basket (now Operation PUSH) here in Chicago from 1967 to 1971.
Operation Bread Basket drew in prominent civil rights leaders, celebrities and athletes like Fannie Lou Hamer, Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays, Harry Belefonte, Marvin Gay, Henry Aaron and many others. He was also Executive Director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, working directly with Coretta Scott King from 1973 to 1976. In 1974, Rev. Morris was a guest pastor at Atlanta’s Ebenezer Baptist Church, when Alberta Willams King (Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King's mother), whom he affectionately calls “Mama King” was assassinated by a gun man. |
From 1976 to 1998, Rev. Morris served as a professor at Howard University and theological dean at Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta. Rev. Dr. Calvin Morris is the former Executive Director of Community Renewal Society, a 138-year-old faith, social justice and human rights advocacy organization here in Chicago, Illinois.
A framed art print of artist Romare Beardon was gifted to Common Connections Foundation in the summer of 2019 by Rev. Dr. Calvin Morris. Along with this memorable piece of art, a collection of African American literature was donated to share with youth and young adults. Rev. Morris' love for books - African American literature especially - history, culture and faith is deeply admirable and inspirational. Common Connections Foundation's future "Mousey Fund" is in honor of Rev. Dr. Calvin Morris and what he cherishes: freedom through faith and knowledge.
Favorite Scripture: Then you will know the truth, and the T R U T H shall set you F R E E - John 8:32
A framed art print of artist Romare Beardon was gifted to Common Connections Foundation in the summer of 2019 by Rev. Dr. Calvin Morris. Along with this memorable piece of art, a collection of African American literature was donated to share with youth and young adults. Rev. Morris' love for books - African American literature especially - history, culture and faith is deeply admirable and inspirational. Common Connections Foundation's future "Mousey Fund" is in honor of Rev. Dr. Calvin Morris and what he cherishes: freedom through faith and knowledge.
Favorite Scripture: Then you will know the truth, and the T R U T H shall set you F R E E - John 8:32
Recommended Reads
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April Irony, Maybe?
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on this day - April 4, 1968 - 55 years ago and today, America’s former president and patriarchal figure of white supremacy is being arraigned (and indicted).
As I begin to reflect, near to date five years ago, with the blessing of my church Pastor (at the time), I joined members of the NIC UMC on a 10-hour bus trip to Washington, DC’s National Mall. We gathered with ecumenical groups in prayer and reflection of this sad, dark and violent day in history that occurred 50 years ago in America. This MLK 50 rally challenged and inspired us, as believers and followers of Jesus Christ to A.C.T. (Awaken. Confront. Transform.) to end racism. |
On that very day, my “A.C.T.” became visiting the newly built National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) - which was located right behind me - with a Garrett Theological Seminary student.
Also, around this time last year God blessed me with a deeply sacred, emotional and inspiring experience while visiting the Legacy Museum and National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama with my mom. This month, faith-based guided trauma healing and training begins for me.
Irony or not, God certainly moves in wonderous and mysterious ways.
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People of faith, hope and love: racism and too many social injustices persist, and I invite you to gain deeper perspective of what it means to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God. As a believer and servant in Christ, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote this spiritually profound, insightful, and relevant book of sermons entitled, "Strength to Love" during the Civil Rights era. The title itself is explanatory of what we need to possess and persistently ask of God to help us overcome hate, racism and various traumas to achieve a beloved community (Deuteronomy 6:4). I pray a beloved community is truly our desire, and that the Word of God and this book of sermons will impact and empower you to make it a reality.
Also, around this time last year God blessed me with a deeply sacred, emotional and inspiring experience while visiting the Legacy Museum and National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama with my mom. This month, faith-based guided trauma healing and training begins for me.
Irony or not, God certainly moves in wonderous and mysterious ways.
* * * * * * * *
People of faith, hope and love: racism and too many social injustices persist, and I invite you to gain deeper perspective of what it means to do justice, love mercy and walk humbly with God. As a believer and servant in Christ, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote this spiritually profound, insightful, and relevant book of sermons entitled, "Strength to Love" during the Civil Rights era. The title itself is explanatory of what we need to possess and persistently ask of God to help us overcome hate, racism and various traumas to achieve a beloved community (Deuteronomy 6:4). I pray a beloved community is truly our desire, and that the Word of God and this book of sermons will impact and empower you to make it a reality.
Alison Jenkins - April 2023
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"The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story" by Nikole Hannah-Jones, The New York Times Magazine
Source: https://1619books.com/#books "Bridges of Memory: Chicago's First Wave of Black Migration" by Timuel D. Black Jr. "Bound for the Promised Land" by Ethan Michaeli Source: The Atlantic "The Negro Church" by W.E.B. Du Bois Provided in PDF from UMass Amherst Libraries Special Collections & Archives "World War II: The Holocaust" by Alan Taylor Source: The Atlantic "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank "Black Indians: A Hidden Heritage" by William Loren Katz "The Case for Reparations" by Ta Nehisi Coates Source: The Atlantic "White Racism" by Joe R. Feagin, Hernan Vera, Pinar Batur "Jesus and the Disinherited" by Howard Thurman More to Share Coming Soon... |
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