The Autura Eason-Williams Day of Lament and Action (AEWDLA) is an annual day established by the Black Methodists for Church Renewal of the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Annual Conference of the UMC.
Mrs. Glenese Scales, President
On July 18, 2022, Rev. Dr. Autura Eason-Williams, was killed by gun violence when three teens jacked her car in the driveway of her Memphis home. An African American United Methodist minister, she was the creator of Signposts: Anti-Racism and Beloved Community, and an advocate for Black youth. This day honors her and provides opportunity for lamentation, discussion for gun violence awareness, reduction, and repair in communities.
Join us on Sunday, July 30, 2023 at 4:00pm either in Memphis or in Nashville.
- Centenary UMC, Rev. Keith Caldwell, Pastor
584 E. McLemore Ave, Memphis, TN, 38106
- Clark Memorial UMC, Rev. Toi King, Pastor
1014—14th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208
Impact testimony and informative interaction with:
- Rev. Tara and Mr. Chan Williams of New Covenant Christian Church (DoC);
- Rev. Davie Tucker, Director of Nashville/Metro Human Relations Commission, President of Interdenominational Ministerial; Fellowship (IMF), Pastor at Beech Creek Missionary Baptist Church;
- Rev. Neelley Hicks, Associate at Glencliff UMC, Trainer for Triumph Over Trauma;
- Organizing for art project at Dixon Memorial UMC 1111 Buchanan Street;
- Music, Video, Artwork, and More!
Impact testimony and informative interaction with:
- Mr. Ian Randolph, Political Affairs Chair of the Memphis NAACP;
- Rev. Roz Nichols, President of Memphis Interfaith Coalition for Action and Hope (MICAH);
- Mr. Terrance Ryans, Director of Mission and Shelter, St. Matthews UMC, Trainer for Triumph Over Trauma;
- Organizing for art project at Centenary UMC.
The AEWDLA was conceived by the Late Rev. Roger Hopson and the Rev. Marilyn E. Thornton.
Contact: Rev. Thornton: Marilyn.e.thornton@gmail.com & Rev. Tondala Hayward: tondala.hayward@twkumc.org
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