Faith leaders take action against racial disparities in this Fort Worth neighborhood
Fort Worth faith leaders provided food, health resources and entertainment in the Morningside neighborhood recently through a new initiative to address the community’s disparities
The event was led by Pastor Kyev Tatum, Minister Dr. Mark Cunningham and the Ministers Justice Coalition of Texas at the New Mount Rose Missionary Baptist Church of Fort Worth.
More than 15 churches worked together to give away more than 800 chicken and turkey bags and 500 blankets, mattress covers, cloth masks and hand sanitizer Nov. 19, according to Tatum.
The event also offered basic health screenings for body mass index, blood pressure, and syphilis/HIV testing, as well as free barbecue, popcorn, candy and hot chocolate. A bounce house and mobile video games were available for kids.
The event is a part of the newfound Morningside Promise Zone (MPZ), begun by the Ministers Justice Coalition of Texas following the deaths of four teens in a shooting that police investigated as an attempted robbery involving drugs.
The Morningside Promise Zone is intended to address disparities in the neighborhood, such as health issues, a “failing” education system, and the perceived lack of leadership training. The group hopes to improve the community’s overall health and well-being, along with providing mentoring and the tools to achieve academic success and advancement among students.
“It is the belief of the MPZ project, that this holistic approach to helping the community through health, education and leadership will improve the lives of the residents in the 76104 zip code,” Tatum said in an email.
The Morningside neighborhood is at the southern end of the 76104 ZIP code. The ZIP code is 44% Latino and 33.4% Black, according to the 2020 U.S. Census. More than 34% of the population in the ZIP code is under the poverty line.
The Morningside Promise Zone meets weekly to develop a comprehensive strategy to improve the neighborhood, Tatum said.
