RELIGION

Pastor Corey Brooks Calls Men in the H.O.O.D. To A Mission

By Naimah Latif

Pastor Corey Brooks of New Beginnings Church at 6620 S. King Drive in Chicago, sprang into action in response to the devastating poverty that leads to urban crime and violence by calling a meeting of 500 men to create a safe environment in the streets of Chicago.

Pastor Brooks, Founder of Project H.O.O.D., demonstrates how the Faith community can actively create solutions to the problems of crime and violence in the inner city, and can replace poverty and hopelessness with innovative entrepreneurship. Supplying the unemployed with viable skills creates enthusiasm and motivation in young men who had previously turned to drugs and crime.

Project H.O.O.D. (Helping Others Obtain Destiny) was born out of a deep commitment to transform lives and uplift communities in the heart of Chicago. Our journey began with the unwavering vision of our founder, Pastor Corey Brooks, who believed in the power of education, mentorship, and community development to break the cycle of poverty and create a brighter future.

In 2012, Pastor Corey Brooks took the first step toward realizing this vision by establishing Project H.O.O.D. in one of Chicago's most underserved neighborhoods. Fueled by a passion for social justice and a determination to make a lasting impact, Pastor Corey Brooks started with a small group of dedicated individuals who shared the same dream.

Over the years, Project H.O.O.D. has evolved and grown, reaching more lives and expanding its programs to meet the ever-changing needs of the community.

Pastor Brooks stated, “We've been on a remarkable journey, and it's a journey marked by resilience, dedication, and countless stories of transformation.”

Through the support of the community, generous donors, and tireless volunteers, Project H.O.O.D. has been able to:

Provide educational resources and tutoring to thousands of students, helping them achieve academic success.
Offer mentorship programs that guide individuals of all ages toward their goals and aspirations.
Engage in community development initiatives, including affordable housing projects and job training programs, to create sustainable change.
Forge partnerships with like-minded organizations, amplifying our impact and fostering a stronger, more vibrant community.

Pastor Corey Brooks gathered with 500+ men on Sunday July 7, 2024, in the midst of a weekend of gun violence, and challenged them to take action by creating positive programs that trained and prepared youth. Photo by Naimah Latif

The violence that exploded across the country during the July 4th weekend was indicative of the frustration experienced by those who are feeling the effects of poverty and neglect. Project H.O.O.D. helps young people envision their dreams and work toward creating a new reality.

A number of community activists, organization leaders , business owners and even law enforcement officers joined Pastor Brooks in reassuring youth that they had a broad, united base of support among a diverse group of men, who would provide encouragement and guidance.

Political Consultant Wallace Gator Bradley, host of the TV talk show The Bradley Report and head of the organization United In Peace, admonished the young men to reach out for help rather than engage in behaviors that cause hurt and distress.

“Today, as we reflect on our history, we remain steadfast in our commitment to helping others obtain their destinies,” Pastor Brooks said.

”Our story is a testament to the belief that, together, we can create positive change, break down barriers, and build a brighter future for Chicago's underserved communities.Join us on this incredible journey of hope, empowerment, and transformation. Together, we can shape a destiny filled with promise and opportunity.”

FAITH LEADERS CHALLENGE RACISM AND SEXISM IN THE CHURCH

King Day Speakers Say Jesus Was a Revolutionary Who Challenged Authorities

Congressman Jonathan Jackson (D-2) highlighted the Dr. King Birthday Commemoration held at the National Headquarters o the Rainbow PUSH Coalition Saturday January 18, 2025, with remarks describing how Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. faced hostility as he built a movement to challenge the injustice of his time. Faith leaders who, during a panel discussion, spoke on the impact of the church on the struggle for justice and equality, pointed out that Jesus was that same type of spiritual leader who challenged the oppressors of the time and was a rebel against the religious hierarchy of his day.

"White Christian Nationalist Agenda"

Clergy must be truthful about the agenda of the "White Christian Nationalists" who seek to control women's bodies and protect "whiteness" stated Rev. Dr. Maisha Hardy during a panel discussion at the Rainbow PUSH Saturday Morning Forum broadcast live on Saturday January 18th from teh PUSH National Headquarters. Racisjm, classism and sexism are issues that exist in the church and must be challenged in order to be eradicated, she said.

"Start Day With Prayer, Not TV News"

Rev. Jim Wallis advised that peope study the words and advice of Jesus first thing in the morning rather than starting the day with the the morning news. He noted that Jesus' advice often involved treating ones neighbor right, even when the neighbor is from another neighborhood. He pointed out that in the Bible, in Galations 3:28 the verse speaks against eonomic class, race and gender bias; but the slaveholders removed that verse out of their Bibles.

"Translating God's Word into Practical Principles that Shape Policy"

The Gospel is a message that can liberate ppeoople and keep them from being oppressors themselves, stated Rev. Dr. Charlie Dates. He said, "We have people here today that are policy makers. The reason the policy is broken is because the policy makers are broken. The reason policy is messed up is because the people who make it are messed up. But if we as a church would proclaim a bold Gospel that liberates the soul." Quoting Dr. Warnock, he said, ".The Gospel liberates us from the slavery of sin but also from the sin of slavery."

Rev: Beth Brown: "Jesus Was Not About Christian Supremacy"

Rev. Beth Brown advised that faith leaders not be afraid to look at reality as it is. "Once we are able to acknowledge reality as it is, we have got to speak truth to power. Part of what that means for me as a White faith leader, is I am 100% committed to using the terms White Supremacy and Christian Supremacy in all of my speaking of truth." Faith leaders must seek to be like Jesus, she said.

"Jesus was not about Christian Supremacy. Jesus was about living a life of justice and love together."

"Dogs Don't Chase Parked Cars"

You'll never be enough for somebody, no matter how hard you work, stated Rev. Reginald Sharpe, Jr. Whether a Faith Leader believes in "Evolution" that is gradual change from working inside the system, or Revolution, or rapid change from working outside the system, he said there must be some kind of motion in order to affect change. There is a price one pays to affect change. Whenever there is movement there is friction, he noted.

"Dogs don't chase parked cars," he quipped. "If nobody is bothered by what you're doing, the car of your ministry is probably in park."