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 city and nation have closely followed the case involving the death of Jean, who was shot while in his own home by former Dallas Police Officer Amber Guyger. Several protests were held outside of the Dallas police station demanding Dallas Police Chief Renee Hall by a frustrated public.
NDG columnist Ed Gray provided an overview of the community’s frustration in a recent column following the firing of Guyger. The former cop was arrested and charged with manslaughter, however, Dallas County District Attorney Faith Johnson, who is facing an election on Nov. 6, and her team is in the process of preparing to present the case to the grand jury. At that point, a final ruling will be issued on if Guyger will face manslaughter or murder charges at trial.
This case has impacted the upcoming election and led Johnson to carefully answer questions, because it is an on-going investigation, on the campaign trail. Last week she attended a luncheon in Irving and spoke with voters as we reported here. Earlier in September when Johnson participated in a political forum with her opponent, former Judge John Creuzot, it was one of the hot topics in a spirited discussion.
Last night’s 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.
“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,” Jakes, the senior pastor of The Potter’s House stated. “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, it 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 online by following @MyWTALConf.
