Memphis, TN: The TWK Black Methodists for Church Renewal recently announced the return of the annual Autura Eason-Williams Day of Lament and Action Event (AEWDLA). The AEWDLA provides time for lament and discussion on gun violence impact, reduction, and repair.

On July 18, 2022, Rev. Dr. Autura Eason-Williams was killed by gun violence when three teens stole 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.

“Our message has always been that we deserve better, that we deserve more, and that we have the opportunities to change it,” says Ayanna Hampton James, the daughter of Eason-Williams.

The event will include impact testimony and informative interaction with:
• Dr. Reginald S. Boyce, Director of Community Affairs for the City of Memphis and Special Assistant to the Honorable Paul A. Young
• Rev. Dr. Renee Dillard, LCSW, DMin, Methodist LeBonheur Healthcare Director EAP, and Community Behavioral Health
• Mr. Ian Randolph, Shelby County Voter Alliance
• Art Project Unveiling at Centenary United Methodist Church

The AEWDLA will be held on Sunday, June 30, 2024, at 4:00 pm at Centenary United Methodist Church, 584 E. McLemore Ave, Memphis, TN 38106. For more information on the AEWDLA, visit https://www.twkbmcr.org/aewdla.

About The TWK Black Methodists for Church Renewal: Our mission is to raise up prophetic and spiritual leaders who will be advocates for the unique needs of Black people in The United Methodist Church. We call ourselves and the entire United Methodist Church to repentance, to rebuild God’s Church as a community of faith, to declare the traditions and stories of the Bible and Black culture, to reclaim the black community, and to liberate all people from racism and injustice everywhere.